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

Latrese, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

Devyne Business, LLC was birth out of the need for a second income without giving away my time from home. I was a single mother of 1 with a 2 year old and a limited income. I couldn’t afford to take on a second job, my time with my daughter was far more important than another limited source of income. I have always had a love for helping others and creating and building businesses. I worked with a friend consulting and when the time came, Devyne Business consulting was birthed. It allowed me to feed my need to help others and be home to spend time with my child.

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.

When I started Devyne Business Consulting back in 2018, it wasn’t because I woke up one morning and said, “Let me go be a consultant.” It came from watching so many people, brilliant, hardworking people, lose their businesses before they even had a chance to shine. I’d see entrepreneurs with great ideas but no clear systems, no strategy, and no support, and I knew that story all too well. I’d been there myself. I understood the grind, the setbacks, and the frustration of not knowing what you don’t know.

That’s when I realized my 20+ years of sales and business experience, paired with my MBA and now doctoral journey, weren’t just for me. They were tools I could use to help others avoid the mistakes, missteps, and costly lessons that shut down too many dreams. So, Devyne Business Consulting was born as more than a company; it was my way of making sure entrepreneurs had someone in their corner who truly understood both the struggle and the strategy.

In the beginning, I was helping folks with whatever they needed; business plans, marketing, sales training, pitch decks. But as I grew, so did the vision. Today, Devyne Business offers structured programs like the Lightbulb Program, designed to help businesses “Start, Grow, and Know their businesses.” We fix broken operations, streamline sales and HR processes, and build systems that actually work. I also created the Black Business Expo to give entrepreneurs visibility and connection, because success doesn’t happen in isolation, it happens in ecosystems.

What sets us apart is simple: I don’t just talk at people, I walk with them. I get in the trenches, correct processes, and show them how to create sustainable growth. My clients don’t just get advice, they get transformation.

What I’m most proud of? Watching a client go from barely hanging on to celebrating their first six-figure year; or finally paying themselves what they’re worth. That’s when I know Devyne Business is doing exactly what it was born to do: keep businesses alive and thriving.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about me and my brand, it’s this: I built this business to prove that dreams don’t have to die in the dark. With the right strategy, structure, and support, every entrepreneur has the power to build something lasting.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

Oh, this one’s a story I love to tell; it’s the kind of “started from the kitchen table and turned into a boardroom” moment that makes every late night worth it.

Devyne (yes, my daughter and namesake of the business) started working with me when she was just 14. Most teenagers are figuring out high school, and here she was, helping me figure out branding and business strategy. I always joke that she didn’t just grow up; she grew up in business.

At first, she was my unofficial assistant; designing flyers, running social media, and keeping me on my toes about what’s “actually trending.” But over time, she became my partner in the truest sense. She saw me building Devyne Business from the ground up, and instead of just watching, she asked, “How can I help it grow?” That question turned into countless brainstorming sessions, business trips, and late-night “strategy-and-snack” marathons.

Working with her has been like watching two generations of creativity and hustle collide; my experience meets her innovation. She challenges my old-school logic with fresh ideas, and she balances my big visions with structure and systems. Together, we’ve built not just a business, but a legacy; a mother-daughter powerhouse that blends business acumen with authenticity.

And the best part? She’s not just my co-founder; she’s my daily reminder that legacy starts at home.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

My Advice for Managing a Team and Maintaining High Morale

First things first; lead like a human, not a title.
People don’t follow job descriptions; they follow energy. When your team feels seen, valued, and safe, they’ll run through walls for you. Take time to know who they are; their strengths, stressors, and even that one song that gets them hyped before work. It’s not fluff; it’s culture.

Second, create clarity, not confusion.
Most morale issues don’t come from overwork; they come from uncertainty. Make sure everyone knows the goal, the “why” behind it, and how their role moves the needle. Clarity builds confidence, and confidence builds momentum.

Third, celebrate the small wins like they’re big ones.
Everyone wants to feel like their contribution matters. Whether it’s a shoutout in a meeting, a $5 coffee card, or a handwritten note; recognition multiplies motivation. (And let’s face it, sometimes adults need gold stars too.)

Fourth, model the vibe you want to see.
If you’re panicking, they’ll panic. If you’re solution-focused, they’ll be too. Your tone becomes the team’s temperature. Protect it fiercely.

And lastly, never forget that morale is built through moments.
The quick check-ins. The honest “how are you really doing?” conversations. The trust you build when you own your mistakes as a leader. That’s the glue that keeps people together long after the tough days.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://devynebusinessconsulting.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/devynebusinessconsulting
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/latrese-jefferson-m-b-a-773172123/