We were lucky to catch up with Monica Powell recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Monica, thanks for joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

After experiencing my third layoff in two years, I found myself at a crossroads. The thought of going through the exhausting cycle of sending out resumes again felt unbearable. In that moment of uncertainty, I turned to prayer and sought guidance from family and entrepreneurial friends, hoping for clarity about my next steps.

One day, a friend called me and said, “I got you a job!” Surprised, I asked, “What?” She laughed and said, “I know you didn’t ask me to find you a job, but a sorority sister of mine is stepping out on faith to start a grant-writing business, and she needs help.”

Although hesitant at first, I decided to set up the interview. During that meeting, I received a clear and unmistakable message from God: Provide administrative support to entrepreneurs and small business owners online. I was overwhelmed with excitement but knew I had to keep my composure. The moment I sat down in my car I started shouting, “Thank you, Jesus!” That moment became the foundation of Sow and Reap Services, which I originally launched as a virtual assistant business.

Determined to bring this vision to life, I immersed myself in research and sought the advice of business owners friends. It didn’t take long for me to realize that my 35+ years of management experience and my natural organizational skills positioned me uniquely to do more than provide administrative support. I saw an opportunity to help small businesses streamline their operations and achieve their goals on a deeper level. This realization led to a pivotal shift—Sow and Reap Services evolved from a virtual assistant business into a management consulting firm.

Today, Sow and Reap Services is a reflection of my passion for empowering entrepreneurs. I love helping business owners take their dreams and turn them into reality. It brings me immense purpose and joy to be a part of their journey toward growth and success.

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?

My name is Monica Powell, and I am a wife, mother, and proud grandmother who loves spoiling my grandchildren, cooking, traveling, entertaining loved ones, and directing my church choir. My passion for cooking comes from spending time in the kitchen with my grandmother and mother as a child. I would watch them work their magic, ask questions, and would be so excited when they would let me help. My faith is the foundation of my life—I begin each day with devotion and prayer, trusting God’s guidance in everything I do. I am a straightforward person who values honesty and believes in addressing challenges head-on. Early in my career, I learned to set firm boundaries, a lesson that shaped my commitment to work-life balance and treating others with dignity. Beyond my professional life, I dedicate my time to two nonprofits: one focused on supporting entrepreneurs with resources and training, and the other on bridging the generational gap between seniors and young people through community events and technology workshops.

I am the founder of Sow and Reap Services, a business operations consulting company dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and small business owners transform their visions into sustainable, thriving realities. My journey into this industry was born out of a pivotal moment in my life. After experiencing my third layoff, I stood at a crossroads, searching for clarity and purpose. Through prayer, support from loved ones, and a life-changing opportunity presented by a friend, I received a clear message to focus on supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses.

With over 35 years of experience in operations and management, coupled with certification as an online business manager, I realized my unique ability to help businesses streamline their processes, implement effective systems, and achieve measurable growth. This realization transformed Sow and Reap Services from a virtual assistant business into a management consulting firm.

At Sow and Reap Services, we specialize in helping businesses optimize their operations and scale efficiently. Our core offerings include:
Systems and Operations Audits: We evaluate your current workflows and systems to identify inefficiencies, providing actionable insights to streamline your business operations.

90-Day Strategic Plans: We develop tailored, results-driven plans that focus on your top goals, equipping you with the tools and strategies needed to achieve them.

Consulting Services: Whether as a follow-up to our audits and strategic plans or as a standalone service, we provide hands-on support to implement solutions and ensure long-term success.
We solve critical challenges for our clients, including disorganization, inefficiency, lack of clear direction, and the overwhelm that often comes with running a business.

What sets us apart:
Sow and Reap Services is driven by our core values: Efficiency, Growth, Innovation, Integrity, and Success. We focus on building lasting client relationships through honest, transparent consulting tailored to their unique goals.

Our holistic approach identifies root problems, crafts customized strategies, and ensures sustainable implementation. With deep operational expertise and a passion for empowerment, we deliver transformative solutions that drive measurable success.

What I am most proud of:
I’m most proud of the transformative impact Sow and Reap Services has had on our clients. It’s incredibly rewarding to help businesses streamline their operations, reduce stress, and achieve milestones they once thought were out of reach. I’m equally proud of how this business aligns with my faith and values, enabling me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of entrepreneurs while staying true to my mission.

What potential clients should know about us:
At Sow and Reap Services, we believe you’ve already sown the seeds of your dreams—our mission is to help you reap the rewards. Whether you’re a new entrepreneur navigating the challenges of starting a business or an established owner looking to scale, we provide the systems, strategies, and support you need to succeed.

We understand the complexities of running a business and are dedicated to making the process smoother, more efficient, and more rewarding. With us, you’ll find a partner who genuinely cares about your success and works tirelessly to help you achieve it. Let’s work together to build the business of your dreams.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Last year, some dear friends of my husband and I needed help when their mother, whom we lovingly consider our bonus mom, became seriously ill. I put my business on hold to step in as her caregiver during this challenging time. While caring for her, I began reflecting deeply on the direction of my business, asking myself what services I truly wanted to offer. Through prayer and self-reflection, I identified what I loved doing versus what didn’t align with my passions.

Over the course of about six months, I redefined my services, hired a branding company, and refreshed my website. This period of pivoting not only strengthened my confidence but also ensured I was offering services that align with my passion for helping clients achieve their goals. Today, I feel deeply fulfilled knowing I’m providing value in a way that resonates with my purpose.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I unlearned that you have to grind and work yourself to death to make money. Twenty years ago, I owned a catering business and I found myself consumed by it every single day. I was overwhelmed with information and constantly busy, yet my business wasn’t growing. I didn’t know which way to turn. Eventually, I realized that the idea of constantly grinding for success wasn’t true. Now, I have healthy boundaries for my business, and I stick to them. As a result, I am a happier business owner, and when I’m working with my clients, my happiness is reflected in my work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sowandreapservices.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/sowreap2
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monica-powell