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

Alright, Princess thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

My mother and father individually instilled traits and qualities in me that have carried me throughout life, personally and professionally. My mother, Cherry, who passed away in 2018 instilled me the belief that I can truly accomplish anything. As a child, I was given the space to try anything, even if I wasn’t good at it. The first example was at the age of 7 when I wanted to join a local majorette team; I had no coordination or dancing skills, but my mother signed me up and encouraged me to participate and work hard to improve. My mother’s support of all my endeavors continued through high school; anytime I presented an idea to her, she said go for it. My mother and my entire family always supported my goals and ideas, so when I was presented with the idea of pursuing a law degree, I had no reservations that I wouldn’t be able to accomplish that goal. I decided to apply for law school during my final year of undergrad via an announcement to the class from our business law professor that for those of us undecided about post-grad careers to consider law school. While the professor wasn’t speaking directly to me, I followed his advice. If I had been a child exposed to self-doubt and discouraged from trying different things, I don’t believe I would have had the courage to apply to law school. I always say my greatest talent is tenacity and I owe that to my mother. I’ve accomplished much success and that is because I was taught to believe in myself.

My father, Kenneth, instilled in me ambition, hustle, and work ethic. My father enjoyed a career in law enforcement but was also an entrepreneur and a man of many skills. He retired after 30 years but continues to work and operate a locksmith business and a HVAC business. Witnessing his ambition and work ethic, are why it was natural for me to pursue entrepreneurial aspirations in addition to being an attorney.

Princess, 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?

I am a proud Memphian and first-generation college graduate. I was raised in South Memphis and credit my community and family for shaping who I am today. I am an attorney by profession and currently serve as Managing Partner for the Family Law, Social Security Disability, and Alternative Dispute Resolution divisions for McCullough Law, PLLC, a black owned civil litigation firm in Memphis, Tennessee. I am also the author of Tidbits on Tennesse Family Law, the first client centered and consumer focused book on family law in Tennessee. The book is a primer on all family law topics in Tennessee from divorces and child support to adoptions and grandparent visitation.

As an attorney, I provide legal representation to clients going through life alternating experiences from the dissolution of a marriage to fighting for custody or grandparent visitation after the death of a child. I also get to build families through adoptions and help establish financial security and stability for my Social Security clients through appealing benefit denials. I aspire to always leave my clients in a better position than I found them.

As an attorney, I describe myself as a disruptor. Only 5% of lawyers across the country are African American. I seek to change what is considered the norm and image in my local legal community and the practice of family law; I work daily to showcase black excellence.

In addition to being an Attorney and Author, I own three businesses. I am the owner of an eCommerce women’s clothing boutique catering to plus size women, the Pretti Girl Parlor Curvitique.

I am also the owner of GenWealth Properties, LLC, a start-up real estate company with a philanthropic focus on educating minority property owners and heirs on generational property retention and maintenance.

Lastly, I am the co-owner of the Elevated Design Firm, a lifestyle firm, providing interior, event, and luxury travel design and planning. I manage the travel planning for EDF and curate luxury yet affordable travel arrangements for our clients which include destination selection, arranging lodging and accommodations, locating and hiring service providers (chefs, drivers, etc.), and preparing/scheduling itineraries and activities.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Being intentional, strategic, innovative, and prepared have been my greatest tools in building my reputation as a skilled, knowledgeable, and sought-after attorney.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Doing the work, building a strong reputation, effective marketing, and providing great service will grow your clientele, but it very important to ensure you can sustain the growth. Building a strong infrastructure and team to ensure that the quality of service is not adversely impacted by a growth in clientele is essential.

Evaluate your competition or other successful businesses, implement what works and create a plan to ensure you don’t do what doesn’t work.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.woodardesq.com; www.prettigirlparlor.com; www.elevateddesignfirm.com
• Instagram: @attorneyprincesswoodard; @prettigirlparlorcurvitique; @elevateddesignfirm
• Other: Email: [email protected]

Image Credits
Photographer: Akeara Williams; Memphis, Tennessee