We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful La-Zondra C. Randolph, Esq.. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with La-Zondra C. below.
La-Zondra C. , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
I’ve taken many risks over the course of my life. My first big risk, at the age of 18, was moving from Indiana to Florida to attend Florida A&M University (FAMU). I didn’t know anyone in Tallahassee so I had to adjust without friends and family. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I have made because attending FAMU paved the way for my success. After graduating, I made another move to West Palm Beach, FL where I did not have family or friends. I was able to adjust to my first career as a high school English teacher. Have you tried being a 23-year-old teacher with a classroom full of 16–18-year-olds? That takes a lot of courage. Lol.
After teaching in West Palm Beach for three years, I took another risk and moved to Orlando, FL, without family or friends, to attend Florida A&M University, College of Law. I attended school in the evening while teaching during the day. After I graduated and passed the arduous Florida Bar exam, I applied for attorney positions at different firms but was never given an opportunity. Stepping out on faith and obedience, I started my own firm in November 2012. Although I did not have much practical experience, I leaned on God, put on His armor, and pursued my calling. In the beginning, I didn’t make money and couldn’t pay bills. I was almost evicted from my home. I could’ve given up and went back to teaching or pursued a different path, but I persevered.
After 10 years, LCR Legal has grown to have two employees and several contractors who work with the firm.
I will be commemorating my 10-year anniversary by hosting The Guilty Gala on December 2, 2022. Tickets can be purchased here:
https://lcrlegal_presents_
In addition to starting my firm, I took more risks by starting a nonprofit, The Love, Compassion, and Resolve Project, Inc. in 2013 and co-owning Kalon Karisma Hair and Beauty, Inc. in 2018, neither of which I had extensive experience. The risks that I have taken have been well worth it, and I have plans to take more big risks in the near future. “If you are not willing to risk the unusual, you will have to settle for ordinary.” Jim Rohn
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 background and context?
My late father spoke into my life at the age of 6 or 7 years old that I would become an attorney. When someone would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would say, “I want to be an attorney.” I spoke that over my life for over 24 years until it became a reality. I started out practicing family law and used my gifts to assist families during their most difficult times. I did not know that my father’s death and our blended family dynamic would provide the empathy and personal skills needed to practice family law. What sets me apart is that I relate to my clients and pray for them throughout their case. I’m most proud that if I see an injustice, I zealously advocate, and I do not give up; I aggressively go the extra mile. In addition to family law, my firm handles personal injury, probate, guardianship, estate planning, business, and employment law. I am also a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator and trained arbitrator.
I also started The Love, Compassion, and Resolve Project because I love my community and have a responsibility to give back. We have programs for youth, seniors, and families.
My business partner and I stepped into the beauty industry and started Kalon Karisma Hair and Beauty because there was a need for African American women to have a safe place to go to purchase their beauty products. Kalon Karisma is a full-service beauty supply store offering popular beauty products, hair tools and accessories, braiding hair, human hair extensions, lash extensions, wigs, and more!
Oh yeah…I love music and radio so you can also catch me on “Joy in the Morning” every Friday on WAIG JOY 106.3 FM with Bishop Derek Triplett.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
What has built my reputation within the market is my integrity. I try my best to do what is right even in the eyes of adversity and when no one is looking. I remain humble and grateful that I have the opportunity to wear many hats as a Kingdom serialpreneur. I believe in giving back to the community and helping/mentoring as many people as I can. “To whom much is given, much is required.” Luke 12:48
Any advice for managing a team?
The advice I would give for managing a team and maintaining high morale is to treat everyone with respect and kindness. Acknowledge the contributions everyone has made to the team and take the time to say thank you for even the smallest deeds. Putting others’ needs before your own and giving mental health breaks also go a long way.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lcrlegal.com; kalonkarisma.com; thelcrproject.org
- Instagram: lcrlegal; kalonkarisma; the_lcr_project
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LCRLegal/; https://www.facebook.com/KalonKarisma/; https://www.facebook.com/the.lcr.project/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/la-zondra-randolph-esq-2a51138
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbejNIJrC8-sxqa_rAyh5RA