We recently connected with Princess Jennings and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Princess , thanks for joining us today. Do you take vacations? Why or why not?

Absolutely, there is something so refreshing and freeing about waking up, sipping a strong cup of coffee and journaling in a new space. Although traveling with others is a great experience and time to make memories, there is something about solo travel. I feel like after some time to reflect and have some moments of gratitude, I can then discover the new city or country that I’m in at my own pace. Lasty, if you are entrepreneur who feel like you can’t step away from your business for a short vacation—just remember you can’t pour from an empty cup. Your business deserves the best you!

Princess , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I grew up on the 300 block in Meridian, MS. It made me who I am today. My community provided me with the hustle mentality that I have now. My mother was incarcerated when I was five years old and my biological father wasn’t active in my life, from then my sister and I was raised by my grandmother and the village that surrounded us. What we lacked in material things, we made up for that with love and formed so many memories. My grandmother, Lena Mae was adamant about us getting an education. She knew that it would open so many more opportunities for us, and it did just that. Unfortunately, as I entered my senior year of high school, my grandmother unexpectedly passed away. She was my rock, and together we’d dreamt of the day I received my diploma and her being there. I went on to graduate from Meridian High School in 2003. After graduating, I went on to obtain my associated degree in from Meridian Community College all the while working full time as a Correction Officer. I knew there was more for me out there! I applied to The University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2006 and that fall my journey continued in Birmingham and has been home to me for over 17 years.

I obtained my Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and shortly after starting to work in corporate security for Regions bank. I did this for a year and started to feel that something was still missing. A full circle moment came when UAB called me for a position in research that required field work which was perfect for me at the time because being glued to one office space was becoming mundane. I learned so much in the two years with my blazer family, but an opportunity came that I could not refuse.

My mentor who was also the project manager at the time asked me if I wanted to advance in my career. I said yes. He encouraged me to commit to being a subcontractor which would allow me to work remotely from home this way you can work from home and cut out other expenses. He acknowledged my excellence and the demand for my services. He suggested that I start my own business and agreed that he would hire me for any future projects that came my way. I resigned and from there started my company, Community Tracking Services. What sets us apart from our competitors is that we are mobile and have had the opportunity to build a solid rapport with our clients which has allowed us the opportunity to have relationships with our local community. We are relentless!

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I’ve pivoted a few times within my business. The biggest move was when I started hiring a team! It was scary because I now had to trust others with my Baby. I’m a true Capricorn, so learning when and what to delegate took some time but also now they were also my responsibility. It’s hard because you want others to believe in your brand and see your vision. I can now proudly say that because of some growing pains. I now have a team of seven and growing! They are rockstars and I appreciate them immensely.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Undervaluing myself and being confident in my worth. Starting out as a small business owner, there were so many times I low balled myself to get a contract and found myself in the red. I found that if I did not speak up for myself, then no one else would. I’ll never forget years ago a previous contractor told one of my mentors, Dr.Dantzler after a deal was signed, “Princess is under bidding herself, but we accepted the offer.” Tell her to go up on her prices in the future. I cried for days. I was thankful that at the time I was still a one woman show and didn’t have a team that was relying on me. The biggest lesson being, believe in yourself first because how will you show others that they can buy into or support your dreams and vision if you don’t.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.communitytrackingservices.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/communitytrackingservices/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/communitytrackingservices/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/princess-jennings-aaa5b588/

Image Credits
Daz Goodman