We were lucky to catch up with Rochelle Hemingway recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Rochelle thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
After 30 years of service in the United States Air Force, where I rose to the rank of Command Chief Master Sergeant, I found myself at a crossroads. I had dedicated my life to leadership, discipline, and service, guiding others through challenges and triumphs alike. But as retirement loomed, I realized that my next mission would require a different kind of courage—the courage to reinvent myself.
Retiring in 2021, along with my husband, was both liberating and daunting. We had spent decades in a structured environment, where our identities were defined by rank, uniform, and duty. The transition to civilian life was not just a change of pace; it was a complete redefinition of who I was and who I wanted to become.
I knew I had more to offer, but the question was, in what capacity? The corporate world was a new frontier, and the idea of stepping into it without the familiar structure of the military was intimidating. But I was no stranger to challenges, and I knew that to grow, I had to take a leap of faith.
I took a risk—a calculated one—by diving headfirst into entrepreneurship. I launched “SLAY To Success,” a business built on the principles I had lived by in the Air Force: leadership, authenticity, and resilience. But this time, my mission was different. I wasn’t just leading troops; I was empowering women, especially veterans like myself, to redefine their personal brands and step confidently into their next chapters.
Building a business from the ground up was not easy. There were moments of doubt, days when I wondered if I had made the right choice. But every time I questioned myself, I remembered the women I was serving—those transitioning into new careers, stepping into executive roles, or simply seeking to reclaim their identity in a world that often overlooks their potential. They were my why, and their success was my mission.
The risk I took after retiring from the Air Force wasn’t just about starting a business; it was about stepping into a new identity, one that wasn’t defined by rank or uniform but by my passion for empowering others. Today, I’m proud to say that “SLAY To Success” is more than just a business; it’s a movement. A movement that’s helping women professionals, especially veterans, to slay in every aspect of their lives—personally, professionally, and authentically.
In the end, the biggest risk I took wasn’t leaving the Air Force; it was betting on myself. And that’s a gamble I’d take every time.
Rochelle, 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?
After dedicating 30 years to the United States Air Force, where I served as Command Chief Master Sergeant, my journey took an unexpected turn. Retiring in 2021, I realized that my mission wasn’t over—it was just beginning. Transitioning from a military career to civilian life is no easy feat, especially when your identity has been tied to the uniform for decades. But I knew that my experiences, leadership skills, and unwavering commitment to service could be channeled into something even greater.
That’s when I decided to take a leap of faith and dive into the world of personal branding and professional development. I founded “SLAY To Success” with one goal in mind: to empower women professionals, particularly veterans, to confidently embrace their personal brand and unlock new opportunities in their next chapter. My business is built on the core values I lived by in the military—authenticity, resilience, and leadership—but now, I’m helping others embody those principles in their civilian careers.
What I Offer: Transformative Services for Women Ready to Shine
At “SLAY To Success,” I provide a range of services designed to help women elevate their personal and professional image. From one-on-one image consulting and personal brand development to intensive workshops and keynote speaking engagements, my work is all about guiding women through their career transitions. Whether you’re stepping into an executive leadership role, returning to the workforce, or simply looking to redefine your personal brand, I’m here to help you do it with confidence and authenticity. I also wrote and self-published three books about my military career experiences and personal branding.
The Problems I Solve: Helping Women Veterans Transition and Thrive
The transition from military to civilian life can be overwhelming, especially for women veterans who are often underrepresented in the corporate world. I solve the problem of identity shift by helping my clients embrace their unique strengths and experiences, transforming them into assets that set them apart in the job market. My services are tailored to address the specific challenges women face during career transitions, ensuring they feel seen, valued, and empowered every step of the way.
What Sets Me Apart: A Veteran’s Perspective and a Personal Touch
What sets me apart from others in the industry is my deep understanding of the military mindset and the challenges women veterans face. I’ve walked in your shoes, and I know firsthand the difficulties of redefining yourself after a long career in the armed forces. My approach is holistic, combining strategic branding with a focus on mindset and confidence. I don’t just help you look the part; I help you feel the part, too. My clients appreciate the personal touch I bring to every interaction, making them feel supported and empowered throughout their journey.
What I’m Most Proud Of: The Impact I’ve Made
I’m most proud of the impact I’ve made on the lives of the women I’ve worked with. Seeing my clients step into their new roles with confidence, land their dream jobs, or simply feel like they’ve reclaimed their identity after years of service—that’s what drives me. I’m proud to be a part of their success stories and to know that my work is helping to shape the next generation of women leaders.
What I Want You to Know: My Brand Is Your Partner in Success
“SLAY To Success” isn’t just a business; it’s a movement. I want you to know that when you work with me, you’re not just getting a service—you’re gaining a partner who’s committed to your success. I’m here to help you slay in every aspect of your life, to make sure you’re seen, valued, and heard. My work is about more than just building a personal brand; it’s about building a legacy. And I’m here to help you build yours.
Have you ever had to pivot?
After three decades in the United States Air Force, serving as Command Chief Master Sergeant, I was no stranger to change. But the transition from military life to civilian life was a pivot like no other—a challenge that required me to completely redefine my identity. In 2021, both my husband and I retired, closing the chapter on a career that had been our entire world for so long. As we left the structure, discipline, and familiarity of the military, I found myself at a crossroads.
I had spent years leading, mentoring, and empowering others within the Air Force. But now, I was faced with the question: “What’s next?” I had the skills, the experience, and the drive, but how would they translate into a civilian career? The world beyond the military was vast, and I knew that to thrive, I had to pivot—not just in my career but in my mindset.
Instead of stepping into a traditional corporate role, I decided to take a bold leap into entrepreneurship. I realized that the leadership skills and strategic thinking I honed in the Air Force could be incredibly valuable to women, especially veterans like myself, who were also navigating transitions in their lives. That’s when I founded “SLAY To Success,” a business dedicated to helping women professionals develop their personal brands and step confidently into their next chapter.
This pivot wasn’t easy. The entrepreneurial world was unfamiliar terrain, full of its own set of challenges and uncertainties. But I knew that if I could lead airmen through the toughest missions, I could navigate this new path too. The key was to adapt—to take the strengths I had cultivated in the military and apply them in a new way.
In this new chapter, I found my calling: empowering women to slay in every aspect of their lives. The skills I had honed over 30 years were now being used to help others build their confidence, define their personal brands, and seize new opportunities. The pivot wasn’t just a career change; it was a transformation of purpose. I went from serving my country to serving the women who’ve served—and I couldn’t be prouder of where this journey has taken me.
Through “SLAY To Success,” I’ve turned what could have been a daunting transition into a thriving business that’s making a real impact. This pivot taught me that change, while challenging, is often the gateway to growth. And it’s this lesson that I now pass on to the women I work with, helping them to embrace their pivots with courage and confidence.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
After three decades in the United States Air Force, serving as Command Chief Master Sergeant, I was no stranger to change. But the transition from military life to civilian life was a pivot like no other—a challenge that required me to completely redefine my identity. In 2021, both my husband and I retired, closing the chapter on a career that had been our entire world for so long. As we left the structure, discipline, and familiarity of the military, I found myself at a crossroads.
I had spent years leading, mentoring, and empowering others within the Air Force. But now, I was faced with the question: “What’s next?” I had the skills, the experience, and the drive, but how would they translate into a civilian career? The world beyond the military was vast, and I knew that to thrive, I had to pivot—not just in my career but in my mindset.
Instead of stepping into a traditional corporate role, I decided to take a bold leap into entrepreneurship. I realized that the leadership skills and strategic thinking I honed in the Air Force could be incredibly valuable to women, especially veterans like myself, who were also navigating transitions in their lives. That’s when I founded “SLAY To Success,” a business dedicated to helping women professionals develop their personal brands and step confidently into their next chapter.
This pivot wasn’t easy. The entrepreneurial world was unfamiliar terrain, full of its own set of challenges and uncertainties. But I knew that if I could lead airmen through the toughest missions, I could navigate this new path too. The key was to adapt—to take the strengths I had cultivated in the military and apply them in a new way.
In this new chapter, I found my calling: empowering women to slay in every aspect of their lives. The skills I had honed over 30 years were now being used to help others build their confidence, define their personal brands, and seize new opportunities. The pivot wasn’t just a career change; it was a transformation of purpose. I went from serving my country to serving the women who’ve served—and I couldn’t be prouder of where this journey has taken me.
Through “SLAY To Success,” I’ve turned what could have been a daunting transition into a thriving business that’s making a real impact. This pivot taught me that change, while challenging, is often the gateway to growth. And it’s this lesson that I now pass on to the women I work with, helping them to embrace their own pivots with courage and confidence.
This story highlights your resilience and adaptability, showcasing how a pivotal moment in your life became the catalyst for your current success. Does this reflect your experience?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.slaytosuccess.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theslaybosslady/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rochelle.hemingway.7
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/rochelle-hemingway-1109548a
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rochellehemingway1996
Image Credits
Picture in Graffiti Jacket-The Portrait Salon: Anne Kelley & Chris Marcinek