We recently connected with Rennell Welch and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Rennell thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear how you think where to draw the line in terms of asking friends and family to support your business – what’s okay and what’s over the line?

Like most people when you finally decide on starting a new business your are excited to share with friends and family. I have so many genuinely supportive loved ones. Even so, I remember the echos of those whose reactions did not mirror the roles they played in my life. That was hurtful. I’ve learned the best lessons from Dr. Maya Angelou. When it comes to things like compliments, kudos and criticism, ” I neither pick them up nor sit them down.”

I had to learn not to rely solely on the support of friends and family. It’s unrealistic to expect their support to sustain the life of your business. They experience burn out too. I think it is more important to lean on those closest to you to keep you grounded. To have a special circle to retreat to when business is having its way with you is priceless.

Rennell, 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 was born and raised on the Eastside of Detroit. I attended private and public schools. I actually attended school all year long during my four years of high school. Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School during the normal school year and Cranbrook Schools during the summer. After high school, I attended Eastern Michigan University. Like most of my peers I entered the the workforce at the age of 16.

I dedicated an immeasurable amount of my life to make other people rich.
One day I decided that I wanted to use the knowledge I acquired to fuel my own wealth of desires.
Since I was a little girl I always wanted to be an entrepreneur. It started with a karaoke machine and Pee Wee’s Lemonade Stand! Fun times… After working a career in retail and human resources for over 17 years and an ongoing bout with anxiety, I decided to become a full time Business Owner. I enjoy creating memorable experiences for other ladies and their special circles! Recognizing a need for events where women could come together and vibrate with one another, I founded The Ultimate Ladies Night. It’s more than a Party, it’s a Movement!

The original idea for The Ultimate Ladies Night started with a special after hours event I curated for women who wanted to learn more about home improvement.

We are a women-owned, women-led organization that promotes positivity and the empowerment of others.

Our events offer a unique experience different than any other ladies night. Our motto is “It’s More than a party, it’s a Movement.” We connect women to resources all while having an amazing time. “The More” we are referring to extends to our commitment to entrepreneurs, personal and professional development and community enrichment.

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

In 2020, I had an opportunity to open my very own craft studio. I had saved up enough funds to cover the security deposit and move in costs. Two days after I received the keys, our governor shut down the state due to rising covid numbers. I was devastated. Lease payments and utility bills did not stop. With no way of earning income, I had to pivot. I had a few friends that were having trouble finding somewhere for their kids to go while they worked. They all had essential jobs most working in the health care field. I was able to open my doors to those kids so they could complete their virtual lessons and learn a variety of crafts.

Although, this helped keep us a float we still needed more. I applied for grant after grant and loan after loan. In total, we were given $1,000 in grant funds.

A couple years passed and a new opportunity presented itself for us to move our business to Detroit. This was very exciting because I have always wanted to return to the neighborhood I grew up in. My family has always owned businesses in Detroit. From residential properties to the neighborhood corner store. I found a lovely renovated retail-live space looking for new tenants. I had several tours, took measurements, signed an intent to lease, purchased sign and furniture and moved out of original location.

Immediately things started to go down-hill with the new space. The company I was working with kept running into delays with the contractors and the city. It started with the water department needing to complete special tests on the water. Another delay was failed inspections on issues “they weren’t aware of.” These delays continued for 8 long months. I received numerous phone calls and emails apologizing for the delays. I was told I was appreciated for being patient and that they were eager to get us moved in. Once we began to lose revenue, I inquired about compensation for the delays. I was offered a check equivalent to two months rent.

After being patient, I received a call that the company has decide not to offer retail any longer only residential. When I inquired about the check, they told me, “We just don’t have the money. We had depleted our accounts. I am sorry.”

When you talk about pivoting I am definitely the one with a lot of experience. Most people don’t talk about the emotional sides of business. Like how a failed plan can feel like heart break. Although I am still searching for our forever home, I know we will find it and our mission will continue.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself: How to Lose Your Mind and Create a New One by Dr. Joe Dispenza. This book has helped me unlearn old habits and create new ones that align with my vision,

Sacred Woman: A Guide to Healing the Feminine Body, Mind and Spirit by Queen Afua.
This book helps me be the best version of myself. I’ve learned new tools for mindfulness, meditation, healthy eating and positive sisterhood.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theultimateladiesnight.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theultimateladiesnightdetroit
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theultimateladiesnightdetroit
• Other: https://www.theultimatecraftstudio.com

Image Credits
Daryl Davis Markeyna Jefferson