Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Donita Noel. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Donita , appreciate you joining us today. When you were first starting out, did you join a firm or start your own?

After more than 20 years in social work, I made the decision to retire and transition into entrepreneurship. My husband, sister-in-law, and I opened our own UPS franchise, a journey that began over a year earlier when my father-in-law sparked a conversation about entrepreneurship and the importance of creating generational wealth. At the time, none of us had ever considered owning a franchise, but we realized that pursuing this path would make us the first in our family to do so.

Leaving a career I had dedicated my life to wasn’t easy. I spent over a decade as a Program Manager at a foster care agency, helping young adults navigate the challenges of life, housing, education, and mental health services. My mother instilled a strong work ethic in me, and the thought of leaving behind a profession that allowed me to make a tangible impact on others was daunting. But after deep reflection, I recognized that it was time to explore new opportunities—both for my professional growth and for my family’s future.

Although the transition was difficult, I found peace through prayer and guidance, trusting that the same way I had been called to serve in social work, I was being led into this new chapter. With faith, I took the necessary steps to become a franchise owner, and haven’t looked back since.

This decision has not only changed my career but has also allowed me to build a legacy of generational wealth for my children. Along the way, they’ve witnessed the sacrifices and hard work that go into creating something meaningful, and they’ve been inspired to think about their own futures in new ways. We’ve been fortunate to have the support of our families, particularly my mother, whose values and work ethic continue to shape my journey.

Today, as a franchise owner, I’m proud to be part of a new chapter—one that combines my passion for helping others with the entrepreneurial spirit that drives me. I’ve found myself in spaces, having conversations, and making decisions I once only dreamed of. It’s been a rewarding transition, and I am excited for what lies ahead.

Donita , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Thank you for the opportunity to share my story. I’m Donita Green Noel, and I’ve had the privilege of working in social work for over two decades, dedicating my career to helping individuals, children, and families navigate the challenges of trauma, mental health, and life’s obstacles. My passion has always been about making a difference—whether that was providing direct support to youth in foster care or advocating for families in need.

After more than 20 years of service, I made a significant career shift. I transitioned from social work to entrepreneurship, co-owning a UPS franchise with my husband and sister-in-law. This decision was not one I took lightly, as my work in social services had defined much of my life. But after deep reflection and the encouragement of my father-in-law—who emphasized the importance of creating generational wealth—I realized that opening a franchise was a unique way to build something for my family’s future while still having a meaningful impact on my community.

The UPS franchise offers essential shipping, logistics, and retail services to individuals and small businesses in our community. Our goal is to provide exceptional service, convenience, and solutions to help people and businesses grow and succeed. Whether it’s packaging, shipping, or printing services, we strive to make every customer’s experience seamless and personalized.

What sets us apart from others is not just our commitment to quality service, but the deep sense of purpose that drives us. After years of serving others in a social work capacity, we’ve carried those values of care, empathy, and community into our business. We don’t just want to be a place where people come to drop off packages; we want to build lasting relationships and contribute to the success of those we serve.

What I’m most proud of is the example we’re setting for our children and the legacy we’re building for them. Our kids have been part of this journey from the very beginning, learning about hard work, resilience, and entrepreneurship. They see firsthand how dedication and sacrifice can lead to meaningful rewards, and I’m proud to be able to create opportunities for them that go beyond what I ever imagined for myself. I’m also incredibly grateful for the support of our families—especially my mother, whose work ethic and strength have always inspired me.

As a business owner, I’ve been able to step into rooms and have conversations I never imagined possible. I’ve learned how to take risks, build something from the ground up, and navigate the world of entrepreneurship with confidence. While my professional background is rooted in social work, I’ve brought those same skills—problem-solving, communication, and the ability to adapt—to this new chapter.

What I want potential clients and followers to know is that, whether you’re seeking reliable shipping services or looking to learn more about entrepreneurship, my team and I are here to provide not only expertise but also a sense of trust and commitment to your needs. We are not just building a business; we’re building relationships and a legacy for future generations.

If you’re looking for a service provider who genuinely cares and is passionate about creating value for others, I believe you’ll find that in us.

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

Funding the startup for our UPS franchise was both a practical and emotional journey. The process began with a lot of research, careful planning, and a deep conversation about our goals for the future. As a family, we knew we wanted to create a legacy of generational wealth, but we also understood that entrepreneurship required both financial commitment and careful strategy.

Initially, we explored various options to secure the necessary capital. We had some savings, but we knew it wouldn’t be enough to cover the full investment needed for a franchise. We also considered leveraging personal assets, like property, and applying for small business loans. What made the process a bit more unique for us was the support we received from our families. My father-in-law, who was a strong advocate for financial independence and entrepreneurship, encouraged us to think creatively about how to finance the venture. This included tapping into family resources and looking for alternative funding sources like SBA loans and franchise-specific financing options.

In addition, my husband and I made the conscious decision to contribute a significant portion of our personal savings. This meant making sacrifices in other areas of our lives, but we viewed this as an investment in our future and the future of our children. We also had the benefit of guidance from experienced franchise consultants, who helped us navigate the financial side of the process and identify options we hadn’t initially considered.

Ultimately, our determination, combined with a solid business plan, helped us secure the capital we needed. It wasn’t easy, and it took a lot of time, persistence, and sometimes taking on a little risk. But, because we believed in the vision we were creating and the values that drove our decision, we were able to put together the resources we needed to move forward.

Looking back, the process was a true test of our commitment and belief in our vision. It also reinforced the importance of having a strong support network, both financially and emotionally. I’m proud to say that, through a mix of strategic financing, family support, and hard work, we were able to bring our dream of franchise ownership to life. Now, every day we are reminded that this investment wasn’t just about money—it was about creating opportunities for ourselves and for future generations.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One of the moments that truly tested my resilience was the decision to leave my 20-year career in social work and transition into entrepreneurship. For many years, my work in social services defined me—I was deeply committed to supporting individuals, children, and families, helping them navigate complex challenges related to trauma, mental health, and daily life. But as much as I loved the work, I also felt that it was time to move in a new direction, both personally and professionally.

The idea of stepping away from a career that had shaped my identity for so long was intimidating. I was scared to let go of the security and sense of purpose that social work had given me. There was a lot of uncertainty about what the future would hold. I worried about whether I was making the right choice, whether I’d regret leaving the field I’d devoted so much time and energy to, and whether I could really succeed in a completely different industry.

But what kept me going was my commitment to creating a better future for my family. My father-in-law had been a strong advocate for entrepreneurship, encouraging us to think about creating generational wealth. As a family, we decided to open a UPS franchise. It was a big leap, and it meant stepping out of my comfort zone in a way that felt almost impossible at the time.

There were many sleepless nights of worrying and doubting myself. But I knew that I had to be resilient, not just for myself, but for my children and the legacy we were trying to build. I leaned into my faith during this time—praying for guidance and trusting that if I was being led to take this leap, I would be supported. With a lot of prayer, hard work, and the support of my family, I took the plunge.

One of the defining moments in that journey was the day I officially walked away from my social work position. It was both freeing and terrifying. I had so many questions swirling in my mind: Would I be able to succeed in business? Could I really build something from the ground up? Was this the right path? But my mother always told me that resilience wasn’t just about enduring hardships—it was about embracing change, trusting the process, and learning as I went.

Since then, the challenges haven’t stopped. In fact, the transition to business ownership has had its fair share of obstacles, from securing financing to navigating the logistics of opening a new business. But with each challenge, I’ve grown more confident. I’ve learned to view obstacles not as roadblocks, but as opportunities to adapt and improve. Resilience, for me, is not about avoiding difficulty, but about rising to meet it, again and again.

Looking back, I’m proud of myself for making that leap and for trusting in my ability to succeed, even when the road ahead seemed unclear. My journey as an entrepreneur is still unfolding, but I know that the resilience I developed through those difficult moments is something I carry with me every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: [email protected]
• Instagram: the_upsstoremcdonough7798
• Facebook: The UPS Store 7798
• Youtube: The UPS Store

Image Credits

Chain of Henry County Commerce
Amelia Design 1- Amelia
Nija Smith- MUA