We were lucky to catch up with Shirelle Brown recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Shirelle, thanks for joining us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

I retired from government service at the young age of 40, after two decades of dedicated work. As a single mother of two, I took a leap of faith and launched a consulting business, leveraging the skills I’d honed during my time in government. Initially, I focused on government relations and policy, but the business soon expanded to include government grant and proposal writing, as well as business and workforce development.

I started with minimal resources, less than $100 to be exact. I knew that emails were free, my voice was free, and setting appointments required only a phone and an active plan. I applied the same advice I give to my clients: “What do you already have?” I identified my existing skills and resources and began to build on them.

As my business grew, I acquired additional credentials, such as a life producer license, which allowed me to venture into writing contract proposals for employee benefits. This was a personal passion, born from my own experience of retiring early and facing financial insecurity. I had lost a significant portion of my retirement savings due to poor financial advice and a lack of life insurance. I was determined to help others avoid the same mistakes.

Fast forward nearly six years, and I’m still going strong, by the grace of God.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Through my business, SB Consulting and Investing Services, I specialize in helping individuals and organizations navigate the complex world of government grants and contracts. I provide a range of services, including grant writing, proposal development, and strategic consulting.

What sets me apart is my deep understanding of the government landscape, coupled with my passion for helping others achieve their goals. I’m committed to providing personalized service and delivering results. I believe that everyone deserves access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.

As a serial entrepreneur, I understand the challenges of juggling multiple ventures. My business, SB Consulting and Investing Services, focuses on comprehensive writing and planning services, including government grants, policies, proposals, contracts, retirement and life planning, and employee benefits. I also offer consulting services for business and workforce development.

I consider myself a vision midwife, helping others bring their dreams to life through step-by-step guidance. I’ve personally experienced the challenges of balancing multiple passions and projects, and I’m committed to helping others avoid burnout.

In addition to my consulting work, I’m involved in real estate wholesaling and community investment. Drawing on my experience as a retired licensed cosmetologist, I also provide consulting services for natural hair care. I’m passionate about giving back and investing to the community and have founded a nonprofit organization dedicated to stabilizing single-parent households.

By combining my diverse skills and experiences, I strive to empower individuals and organizations to achieve their full potential.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I realized that the traditional path of college, a 9-5 job, and societal expectations wasn’t for me. I yearned for something more, a life aligned with my God-given desires. To achieve this, I had to unlearn the limiting beliefs imposed upon me.

As I deepened my relationship with God, I began to discover my true identity in Christ. This newfound identity empowered me to embrace my authenticity and step out of my comfort zone. I understood that healing, though painful, was necessary for growth. It often required isolation and solitude, but it ultimately led to a more fulfilling life.

I learned that faith was my currency, enabling me to take risks and pursue my dreams. By trusting in God’s plan, I was able to overcome obstacles and achieve the extraordinary. I left my job after hearing a revelation from God who’d invited me to leave everything familiar behind like He told father Abraham, and I got out of the boat like Peter to walk on water. I’ve been walking on water every since.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The most consistent source of clients for me has been word of mouth. The referrals from satisfied clients have been instrumental in spreading the word about my services, leading to new opportunities.

Additionally, networking has played a significant role. Attending industry conferences, joining professional organizations, offering free sessions, and connecting with other entrepreneurs has helped me build valuable relationships and identify potential clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/cbwt84Z/sbcis
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirellebrown-sbcis/

Image Credits

SBCIS