We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Anika Dudley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Anika, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your career and how did you resolve those issues?

When I first started in credit repair, I really did not know what I was getting myself into. I knew that I could talk about credit all day long, but I didn’t understand the technology of it all. I also didn’t have anyone to talk to or guide me through the process of starting my business. Learning about automation, lead generation, and all of the streams of income involve was very overwhelming. I spent money that didn’t need to be spent or products that I didn’t need. When I looked on Facebook there were hundreds of credit “Gurus” who were offering bootcamps and masterclasses. Luckily, I got acquainted with the people who pointed me in the right direction. My business is not where I want it to be structurally. But looking back one year ago, I’ve grown my business so much. I’m very proud to overcome all these obstacles without quitting.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

The risk that I decided to take changed my life in an unexpected way. Around the time I turned 32, I decided to make a plan. A plan to make a better life for myself, and two daughters. I worked in the restaurant industry on and off for 15 years. Once I had my first child it made sense to stay in the restaurant industry because it provided stability. Right before Covid-19 I was asked to start the management program. The general manager saw potential in me, and all my hard work had paid off. My GM also agreed to let me make my own schedule because I was a single mom. And then Covid happened. I continued to work during the pandemic and made a lot of money. More money than I have ever made before. I didn’t want to just blow my pandemic money they was I knew other people were.
I decided to make a plan for that money, so that it would stretch. I wanted that money to work for me years down the line, an investment. During my time as a trainer in the restaurant business I met a lot of young adults who knew nothing about credit. Some of them were in a position where their parents had used their credit and it was already ruined. Once I started talking to these young people, I realized there is a business idea here. I can teach people everything I know about credit and create several streams of income. I decided to start researching disputing and consumer law. I fixed my credit and then started working on other family members.
My late and great boyfriend Kedar Best was the person who really encouraged me to start my business. He really believed in what I was doing, and what I could do. He encouraged me to make business cards and just start, somewhere, anywhere. So, I quit my restaurant job and started grinding. I decided to make a large down payment on a dependable vehicle for my kids and me. I managed to get my very first car payment down to $215.
We moved into a larger house that provided me with the space to have an office. I now had the space to have a printer and everything I needed to start a business. Lastly, I invested $1500 into my business. I was also gifted an additional $500. With that initial $2000 I started Phenomenal Credit Counseling. I was able to file all my paperwork with the state, and I started marketing on Facebook. It took one post for my business to start making waves. “When your car payment is only $215”.
I had no idea where this journey was going to take me. I’ve learned so much about myself while hanging on by the skin of my teeth. The idea of changing lives and helping people become successful is so fulfilling. Just the words from my mouth are so impactful that they change lives. It’s amazing that all of this comes from one concept. Credit. I want to go further than I ever thought I could go. I want to change more lives than I thought was possible. I want my risk to turn into an abundance of blessings.

Can you open up about a time when you had a really close call with the business?

I’ve had to pivot in my business serval times. The major pivot that could have taken me out happened recently. By boyfriend of 4 years died unexpectedly One day he left to go to a party, and he never came back, and I never saw him again. There were so many unanswered questions, and I had to make a lot of decisions quickly. My business fell flat pretty quickly. After burying him I wasn’t even sure if I wanted to come back and piece my business together. But the community around me would not let me give up. People were still calling and messaging me for service. I had to make a plan and get my business up and running. I was able to invest more money into my business and get a mentor. I was also able to upgrade some of the technology I was using. Now I am working on making Phenomenal Credit Counseling better than it was.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

As I mentioned, I’ve been in the restaurant business to some time. I’ve been serving tables for the past 8 or so years. I think the customer service skills I’ve picked up as a server has helped me in building my reputation. Some people are nervous and feel ashamed when it comes to their private financials. I try to come across as non-judgmental as possible. I also started using my own credit score as marketing. After my first few clients, I started to use their results for marketing. When people are seeing the actual results and reviews, they feel better about trusting me with their situations. I also give a lot of advice out for free. I don’t believe in charging for everything, especially information that should be known as an adult. So, when people don’t need my services, I tell them. And I give them the advice they need to help themselves. I believe the genuine want to help people is what separates me from the big corporate companies. I want to see everyone win; I believe the blessings comes from that.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: Phenomenal Credit Counseling
• Other: https://calendly.com/anikadudley/15min Look us up on Google: Phenomenal Credit Counseling

Image Credits
Tasha Puckey Photography