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

Chantea, appreciate you joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Years ago, before self-publishing took off, I always wanted to write a book but had no idea where to start or how to go about it. The research was overwhelming and seemed out of reach for someone like me. It stayed as a goal in the back of my mind, and I kept saying, “One day, I’ll get it done.” Once self-publishing became more popular, the fire reignited in me. As I was trying to figure out how to go about it, I couldn’t get any help from people who had already done it. Not even to answer a simple question. I wanted to know all I was getting into before committing to it. Unfortunately, the only way to get help back then was to pay an invoice when I didn’t understand anything. Thankfully, I figured it out on my own and vowed to help others like me. Relentless Publishing House has been operating for six years, and about 90% of our clients are first-time authors who didn’t think their dream would ever become a reality. We have the privilege of partnering with them to help them self-publish their books. About 90% of our business is from referrals. Either from a client, someone who follows us on social media, or someone we met at an event. We wouldn’t have it any other way! Our mission is to help you get the book out of your head and into your hands!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I started my publishing company seven years ago under Greater Working Women Publishing Company. After a year in business, we rebranded to Relentless Publishing House to appeal to our growing male clients. Before this, I had a catering company. That’s right! I’m a real chef. I graduated from culinary school and everything. However, when I relocated from MS to SC, getting established in a new state was very challenging. I donated food, and people raved over it, but not enough were willing to pay the invoice. They only wanted donations. I had to make the hard decision to pivot. My heart was broken! Baking was my passion and still is today, but it was obvious that I couldn’t make a living from it. I had already published my first book and helped a few others for free because I enjoyed it. At that time, I had no vision of it being a business. When I started in this industry, I was scared and thought it was over-saturated. To see if I could do it successfully, I started advertising a class for $50 to write an ebook. I did not have the class content created, and honestly, I didn’t think anyone would sign up. When I got my first sale, I said to myself, “Oh, crap! Now I have to create this class for real.” The rest is history! From that class, all but one student went on to create the print version of their book. I haven’t looked back since. I’m still like a kid on Christmas day whenever we complete a book.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I became a mom at 15, and it was tough! I had to grow up fast. I didn’t have time to be sad or depressed. I had a daughter to care for and felt I had to prove to people that I didn’t mess up my life. I worked hard in school and on my part-time job. I was determined to go from a statistic to a success! I graduated high school on time. My mom allowed me to go to college and kept my daughter for the first two years before I brought her with me. I’ve been going full speed ahead ever since. Giving up was never an option, even when I wanted to. Today, my daughter is thriving in her career, and I couldn’t be more proud!

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

I funded my business with my day job. I would decide what I needed, and I began investing in those things out of each paycheck. At the time, I had no idea there was any other way. I was just one determined woman who wanted to own her own business and be successful at it. I think I’m doing pretty good, but there is always room for growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.relentlesspublishing.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relentlesspublishing1
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/relentlesspublishing
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@getyourwriteon

Image Credits

Blessed Photography