We recently connected with Roslyn Ellerbee and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Roslyn, thanks for joining us today. The first dollar your business earns is always special and we’d love to hear how your brand made its first dollar of revenue.

My venture into entrepreneurship underwent a remarkable transformation, shifting from a conventional job with an $18,000 annual income to the current status of Express Errands & Courier as a multi-million dollar logistics company. In our inaugural year in Atlanta, we generated an impressive revenue of $400,000. The decision to leave my stable job and embark on the entrepreneurial path is a testament to my courage and vision. Establishing Express Errands & Courier, initially conceptualized as a venture focusing solely on errands, showcases my strategic thinking and adaptability to market demands.

The early days were undoubtedly challenging, as reflected in the modest earnings of $20 from the initial task, highlighting the learning curve associated with pricing strategies in the logistics industry. However, my resilience and determination shone through, turning these challenges into valuable lessons that contributed to the business’s growth.
The pivotal moment in my narrative is marked by the expansion of services beyond the initial vision, offering companionship and caregiving to an elderly client. This not only demonstrated my commitment to meeting the diverse needs of clients but also laid the foundation for a more service-oriented approach.

As the business matured, the acquisition of the first recurring client from an LTC facility became a turning point, leading to a lasting contract. This strategic move, coupled with the relocation to Atlanta and the initiation of a new project centered around medical routes, propelled Express Errands & Courier. It wasn’t a transition from $18,000 to $400,000 in annual revenue, but rather, the success of Express Errands & Courier led to me achieving an impressive revenue of $400,000 per annum, marking a substantial leap from my previous job’s fixed income.

My journey, from earning a fixed income in a job to steering my business to such remarkable revenue growth, showcases my ability to translate vision into tangible success. My story becomes a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs, illustrating the transformative power of taking risks, adapting to market dynamics, and relentlessly pursuing one’s entrepreneurial dreams.

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.

Hello, I’m Roslyn Ellerbee, and I’m thrilled to share my entrepreneurial journey with you. In 2012, I embarked on this exciting path with the launch of my first business, setting the stage for what would become a series of successful ventures. My passion for business and innovation led me to establish companies such as Express Errands & Courier, Dream Team Digital Marketing, and Manifesting Greatness with Roslyn V 360° Business Coaching.

Express Errands & Courier, one of my proudest achievements, has become a dominant force in the logistics sector. Through strategic guidance and a profound understanding of supply chain dynamics, I’ve propelled the company to unparalleled success. Our innovative approaches have positioned Express Errands & Courier as a powerhouse in the ever-evolving logistics landscape, solving critical problems for our clients with efficiency and reliability.
Beyond my businesses, I am honored to be recognized for leadership and vision, earning awards for contributions to business and entrepreneurship. Actively engaging with industry associations, such as the Customized Logistics and Delivery Association, I serve as an ambassador on the membership committee, highlighting my commitment to fostering growth within the business community.

My recent graduation from the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)’s Executive Leadership Capstone Program in partnership with IBM underscores my dedication to leadership development and staying at the forefront of industry trends. This commitment to continuous learning is ingrained in my approach, ensuring that I bring the latest insights to the table.

In summary, my businesses have a rich history marked by successful launches and strategic scaling. Express Errands & Courier, in particular, stands out as a testament to my transformative impact on the logistics sector. My leadership, innovative mindset, and commitment to continuous learning position me as a dynamic force in the business world, leaving an enduring mark on the industries I engage with. I invite potential clients, followers, and fans to join me on this journey of innovation, growth, and success.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Securing the initial capital to launch my business became a journey marked by financial prudence and strategic investments. The foundation of this capital was laid through my savings, demonstrating my unwavering commitment and dedication to bringing my entrepreneurial vision to life.

My financial discipline became evident as I diligently set aside funds specifically to kickstart my business. Tapping into these savings provided me with a crucial financial cushion as I embarked on the entrepreneurial journey, ensuring I had the necessary resources to cover initial expenses like business registration, marketing materials, and operational costs.

A significant decision during this capital-raising journey was my choice to invest the last $5,000 in a course offered by a coach. This decision mirrors my strategic mindset and willingness to invest in my knowledge and skills, acknowledging the pivotal role of education and mentorship in the entrepreneurial landscape. Allocating a portion of my capital to enhance my expertise ensured that I was well-equipped to navigate the intricacies of the business world.
The investment in the coaching course not only contributed to my personal and professional development but also served as a transformative moment that shaped my overall approach to business. Armed with newfound insights and knowledge, I became better prepared to make informed decisions and face the challenges that lay ahead.

In essence, my story of funding my business is characterized by a blend of prudent financial management, strategic investments in education, and a determined spirit to leverage my savings for the realization of my entrepreneurial dreams. The decision to invest in myself through the coaching course exemplifies a forward-thinking approach that ultimately played a crucial role in the success and growth of my ventures.

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

As I reflect on the resources that have significantly influenced my management and entrepreneurial thinking, two stand out prominently in my journey:

‘6 Months to 6 Figures’ by Peter Voogd:
Peter Voogd’s book, ‘6 Months to 6 Figures,’ has been a game-changer for me. His practical insights and strategies provided me with a roadmap to accelerate my business growth and achieve financial success within a relatively short timeframe. This book became a blueprint for my entrepreneurial endeavors, influencing how I set goals, manage my time, and approach the challenges of building a successful business. The practical wisdom shared by Voogd resonated with me and contributed to shaping my strategic thinking.

‘Traction: How Any Startup Can Achieve Explosive Customer Growth’ by Gabriel Weinberg and Justin Mares:
‘Traction’ became a go-to resource for me, offering actionable advice on achieving rapid customer growth, a crucial aspect of any startup’s journey. The book provided me with practical steps for marketing, customer acquisition, and scaling – all essential components in my efforts to expand services, secure recurring clients, and attain substantial revenue growth. The emphasis on tangible strategies aligned perfectly with the challenges I faced in building and scaling my businesses.

These resources became more than just books to me; they were guides that shaped my management philosophy and entrepreneurial approach. The lessons learned from ‘6 Months to 6 Figures’ and ‘Traction’ continue to resonate in my decision-making, contributing to the success and growth of my ventures.

Contact Info:

• Website: Express Errands & Courier: expresserrandsandcourier.com Dream Team Digital Marketing: https://www.dreamteam-va.com/ Manifesting Greatness with Roslyn V/ Logistics Latitude 360° – https://courses.coachingwithroslynv.com/
• Instagram: Express Errands & Courier: https://www.instagram.com/expresserrands_courier/ Dream Team Digital Marketing: https://www.instagram.com/dreamteam_digitalmarketing/ Manifesting Greatness with Roslyn V/ Logistics Latitude 360°: https://www.instagram.com/coachroslyn/ Personal Account: https://www.instagram.com/roslynsdream/
• Facebook: Express Errands & Courier: https://www.facebook.com/ExpressErrands/ Dream Team Digital Marketing: https://www.facebook.com/dreamteamdigitalmarketing1/ Manifesting Greatness with Roslyn V/ Logistics Latitude 360°: https://www.facebook.com/roslynellerbe Personal Account: https://www.facebook.com/roslyn.ellerbee
• Linkedin: Express Errands & Courier: https://www.instagram.com/expresserrands_courier/ Dream Team Digital Marketing: https://www.instagram.com/dreamteam_digitalmarketing/ Manifesting Greatness with Roslyn V/ Logistics Latitude 360°: https://www.instagram.com/coachroslyn/ Personal Account: https://www.instagram.com/roslynsdream/
• Twitter: Express Errands & Courier: https://twitter.com/ExpressErrands Dream Team Digital Marketing: https://twitter.com/dreamteam_dm Manifesting Greatness with Roslyn V/ Logistics Latitude 360°: :https://twitter.com/roslynvcoach
• Yelp: Express Errands & Courier: https://www.yelp.com/biz/express-errands-and-courier-jacksonville-3 Dream Team Digital Marketing: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dream-team-digital-marketing-atlanta-2
• Other: Linkedin: Express Errands & Courier: https://www.linkedin.com/company/express-errands-courier Dream Team Digital Marketing: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dream-team-digital-marketing/ Personal Account: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roslyn-ellerbee/