We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Carlina Shotwell. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Carlina below.

Alright, Carlina thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

I have always had a job since the age of 15 years old. Working hard isn’t new to me, but feeling undervalued is. I began working in the banking industry years ago and I have always enjoyed it. This is what I always thought my career would be.

But God had other plans! We tend to ignore the signs He gives us as coincidental, or at least that’s what I did!

The bank didn’t see the hard work and value I brought as I continuously worked harder and harder each day. Despite my education, experience and drive I couldn’t seem to gain a promotion for nothing!

But one day, God made it VERY clear banking isn’t what he has for me! So with his sign I said good bye to my 9-5 and walked out on faith!

As I approach year 2 in business, I have been blessed beyond my wildest dreams. Being a boss requires so much work, but God has been preparing me for this for awhile now and I’m going to make him proud!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I grew up in Greenville, NC with a childhood experience less favorable than the average child. I spent the majority of my life within the foster care system moving from home to home. Despite the ups and downs, I always remained hopeful for a brighter future. I was the first of my biological family to receive my high school diploma and later three college degrees to include two Associates from Pitt Community College and a Bachelor’s Degree from North Carolina Central University with Cum Laude status.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Growing up within the foster care system brought about many challenges as I approached adulthood. One such challenge was financial illiteracy. The lack of knowledge regarding how to manage my finances and personal credit, motivated me to educate myself in order to ensure that I make better choices. I later became a personal credit specialist and CEO of Heritage Financial Co.; a credit restoration company that teaches individuals how to increase their approval odds, build a solid credit profile, and gain overall financial well-being for years to come.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

As a young child, it was never a secret that I grew up within the system. I always had the mindset to inform others of this so it would never be used against me or turned into a negative thing.

I am very passionate about helping current and former foster youth. For the past thirteen years, I have volunteered with Pitt County Department of Social Services, as well as a few non profits tailored to youth in care. During my time with DSS I have been involved in some amazing historical improvements within the foster care system such as the 18-21 Year Old Program.

This program provides former youth in care the opportunity to become academically successful by providing financial assistance as well as stable housing. I personally can relate to the struggles of trying to complete my academic requirements while experiencing financial strain and an unstable environment. Assisting with the early stage developments of this monumental program that is now a statewide youth in care program and witnessing how it has made a difference for my fellow youth in care has been a highlight of my life.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.heritagefinancialco.com
• Instagram: @consultwithcarlina
• Facebook: Carlina Shotwell
• Linkedin: @CarlinaShotwell
• Twitter: @consultcarlina
• Yelp: Heritage Financial Co.