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

RACHEL, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later?

When I decided to leave corporate America and become an entrepreneur, I was at a very pivotal and transformative season of my life. I realized that at some point, I had attached my identity to landing the “big girl job.” At the time, this was my only representation of success—what was revered and respected. It had propelled me ahead of the game as a Black girl from the South Side of Chicago, and I finally felt like I had reached the final stage of this “game” I had been playing since elementary school and won the prize. It felt good… but out of place. It all really hit me at once, and I found myself in one of the darkest seasons of my life, struggling to keep up with the structure of corporate America, which was detrimental to my mental health and spirit. My mental, physical, and emotional well-being felt like they were in shambles. This period taught me a lot about myself and what I wanted for my future.

On a random day, with no plan, no savings, at 24, and living back home with my mom, I quit my corporate job. It truly was the boldest move I ever made. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities, experiences, learning lessons, colleagues, mentors, and evolution that chapter brought me. It was a catalyst for my becoming, and I will cherish those memories, experiences, and connections.
However, neglecting my passions was a direct denial of my authentic self, and I promised not to dull my light, spark, or creative prowess.

I was very patient in leaving corporate America and launching my business, making sure to do so when it felt aligned with my spirit and mindset. No matter when I decided to do so, my conviction is that everything happens at the perfect moment and exactly when it should. It took about 8 months to launch my business. I could’ve done so sooner at many points but decided not to until it felt right. This was a personal decision that took much consideration, so I would encourage people to make sure they find their own balance between waiting patiently but also not delaying action due to limiting beliefs.

I think whether I left my job or launched my business sooner or later, my experience still would’ve been exactly how it needed to be, and I believe there’s no “wrong” choice, just different ones that lead to different outcomes. My entrepreneurial experience would’ve definitely changed in many ways. Had I stayed in corporate longer, I would’ve gained even more valuable experiences and skills from the corporate environment. Had I become an entrepreneur earlier, I would’ve gained more “learn-as-you-go” entrepreneurial experience. It really just depends on the perspective you take, but I stand in faith that my process happened in divine timing and exactly when I was ready at each stage.

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.

Hi, my name is Rachel Williams! I describe myself as a Ball of Energy, Creative Powerhouse, and Multipotentialite, meaning I have many passions and creative endeavors. I embrace nonlinear career paths and love doing things that feed my curiosity and feel good to the soul!

I am the founder of Bold Move Branding & Creative Marketing Solutions LLC and Chief Marketing Officer at Beauty & Brains Organization. My journey into branding and marketing began with a bold decision to leave a promising corporate career at 24 to pursue a path more aligned with my passions and innate talents. This pivot was not just about changing jobs; it was about committing to a life of creativity, purpose, and impact.

At Bold Move, I specialize in empowering purpose-driven organizations and personal brands. My solutions are designed to amplify my clients’ digital presence, create a strong and recognizable brand, and engage their audience through innovative, creative, and strategic marketing. I thrive on making people’s visions tangible and helping them stand out in a crowded digital space. I create and design digital marketing and brand strategy material like websites, integrated marketing campaigns, e-books, digital downloads, email marketing, media kits, and brand guides (plus more).

One thing my clients love about working with me is my ability to execute at every stage of the creative process: strategy, design, launch and execution, and project management and analysis. My corporate and nonprofit experience, combined with my passion for design and storytelling, creates a very seamless and efficient process for my clients. They find it more personalized and valuable having one person able to handle everything instead of many different people. Their vision and messaging stay authentic and clear across all platforms. I always say I am for the visionaries, trailblazers, and explorers, and people ready to make their next bold move toward creating impact, so I am always intentional about providing that safe and empowering space for my clients to explore their creativity.

I am also very passionate about nonprofit work that is meant to better our communities. Beauty & Brains is the Premier Black Women’s Lifestyle & Professional Network, and I’ve had the pleasure of being the CMO since 2019. We are a Chicago-based nonprofit organization and community for Black women of all ages, providing them with the resources, tools, and network to help them become the most authentic version of themselves and walk in their purpose. We focus on providing scholarships, sharing resources, hosting events, and facilitating meaningful connections. We serve as a platform for Black women to use their gifts and collaborate with our team to bring their visions to life. Our initiatives span topics from mental/emotional health to personal/professional development and spiritual growth. As a Black woman intending to live out your God-given purpose, Beauty and Brains is where you come to become.

We host several in-person and virtual flagship programs and events throughout the year to share knowledge & foster community. Some of our signature events/programs include: Beauty ‘N Brunch: Annual Scholarship Ceremony, The Ambassador Program, Purpose & Pajamas Week, Bridging Bonds x BLAZE, Yoga ‘N Mimosas, Billions in Blessings: Vision Board Party, and the Blessed & Balanced App.

I am also the author and designer, along with co-founder Janet Martin, of our Becoming Books. This monthly subscription digital planner and workbook, designed specifically for Black women by Black women, is crafted to help align your daily activities with your spiritual growth. The planner provides you with the tools you need to get closer to God and walk in your purpose. In addition to the planner pages, the Becoming Book serves as a workbook filled with intentional exercises and activities to help you deepen your spiritual journey. It includes journaling prompts, meditation exercises, and other practices designed to help you connect with your higher power and find your purpose. We are excited to continue expanding BB nationwide and grow our community with more events, programs, and opportunities in 2024!

I want people to know that it is possible to find the intersection between your many passions and interests. You are never pigeon-holed into one path or decision. You have the power of choice to create the life and career you want. People should also know that growth means discomfort and to give yourself permission to take leaps of faith and bold moves. This will be hard, but one of the most important things to remember is to be your authentic self and honor your visions and dreams.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

One of the most transformative resources that has shaped my management and entrepreneurial philosophy is The Game of Life and How to Play It by Florence Scovel Shinn. I read this book at a very pivotal point several years before starting my entrepreneurial journey, and it was absolutely mind-blowing and foundational in expanding my consciousness and perspective.

The teachings about the power of positive thought and faith were presented in a way that was completely new to me, and I found them incredibly intriguing and life-changing. This book helped me step into a place of authentic empowerment, teaching me how to align my actions with my beliefs and values. This mindset has been crucial in my management and entrepreneurial style, as well as in how I approach business challenges and opportunities.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone, regardless of their occupation or stage in life. Whether you’re just starting out, looking to pivot in your career, or seeking to deepen your personal growth, this book offers timeless wisdom that can help guide your journey towards self-realization and success. It’s more than a book; it’s a tool for life that empowered me to create my reality with intention and grace.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding part of my work at Bold Move is the opportunity to bring people’s visions to life. I am truly in awe of the incredible ideas my clients bring, and being part of their anointing and calling is an honor. The trust and creative freedom they give me are deeply humbling. I consider myself a true “heartist” because I create art from the heart, and there’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing my clients’ faces light up when they see their ideas realized. Not everyone has a knack for creative marketing and design, so I am grateful to use my skills, talents, and anointing to help others create what they love—creating a beautiful chain of goodness.

Working with Beauty & Brains is also so fulfilling. It’s incredibly rewarding to help Black women connect with both their community and themselves. Through our events and programs, we have nurtured relationships and sisterhood that prove invaluable in today’s social climate. I love witnessing people join our in-person events, engage with our Becoming book, or connect through social media, feeling safe, seen, celebrated, and understood. At Beauty & Brains, we explore our identities, share testimonies, and support one another in a beautiful and empowering environment. We achieve so much more together. The greatest reward is the privilege to serve.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.boldmovebranding.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelwilliams2021/
• Other: Booking Page: https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/[email protected]?anonymous&ep=plink Startpage:https://rachwill.start.page/