Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Valerie Anderson Stallworth. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Valerie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s jump into the story of starting your own firm – what should we know?
The Stallworth’s Brand was established in 2012 after my retirement from the American Cancer Society, Florida Division. I have always provided services and worked in the NonProfit arena, and I was a little too young to pull from my retirement accounts without tax penalty’s. I opened a Stallworth’s Precious Gifts, a small cultural boutique with clothing, jewelry, gift, and designer made gift baskets and Stallworth’s NonProfit Management Consulting, with the intent to help small agencies search for and obtain grant funding, to provide programs and services to those in under resources and under represented communities. I worked with groups providing services to the homeless, domestic violence survivors and their families, at risk youth, and children with mental health challenges. In 2015 I was offered a position with a local county NonProfit agency, and I accepted, while still maintaining the Stallworth’s business entities. When COVID-19 hit, and the county shut down, I returned to working for myself. There were so many organizations and agencies needing funding to provide support services to folks needing help in my community. It just felt right to redirect my attention to those groups and provide initial assistance with applying for COVID CARES Act and Federal PPP funding options. It worked, and Stallworth’s took off again. I felt as if God had been preparing me for such a time as this, my whole life. I have written grants for over 40 years, successfully, and have acquired experience in other areas of the NonProfit world. It’s been a great fit, and I continue today to offer services from Grant Writing, Program Development, Volunteer Recruitment, Business Planning and Development, Staff Recruitment, Training, and Recruitment. Along the way i took every advantage that was placed in my path and obtained a myriad of certifications to add to my portfolio. My cup is always half full, and I have been truly blessed.
Valerie, 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?
I was born into a Military family and have enjoyed traveling and being educated all around the world. Literally. I attended elementary school in Tachicawa and Misawa, Japan; middle school at Woodbridge, England, and high school at Kaiserslautern, Germany. Living all over the world as a military BRAT has been an experience I would not exchange for anything in this world. I am married to a loving husband who is retired from the Navy. We have to awesomely beautiful adult children, and 5 grandchildren. Recently losing my parents has elevated me to matriarch status in my family. My mom has some huge shoes to fill, but it has enabled me to truly invest in learning about my history and family culture. After retiring from the American Cancer Society if felt a move to continue working towards my purpose in life. Having working in the NonProfit field since college graduation in the early 80’s, my heart has always felt a tug to help those who are less fortunate. I wrote my first grant in 1982. The organization was awarded 1.5 million dollars to build a park, gym, and recreational facility for under privileged kids in Colorado Springs, Colorado. After being relocated to Florida by the military, as a spouse, I was encouraged to continue working to help others. After retiring in 2012 I began to build Stallworth’s NonProfit Management along with Stallworth’s Precious Gifts. I am most proud of being able to provide some services to some agencies who really are strapped financially, but have awesome projects or programs that are worthy of financial support and assistance. I provide grant writing and business development assistance to all, but really enjoy working with those humble folks who share my vision and values, and focus their works on services that help those less fortunate. i believe in providing folks a hand up and not a hand out. I’m a teach them to fish kind of person, and not one to just feed them the fish. Life is difficult enough for some, and it hasn’t always been easy for me, but I feel that God has established my foundation, and has always provided for me and my family. it is only fair in life that I share some of what I have been blessed with, and that means my skills in researching and applying for grants and other financial resources that could could make the difference between success and failure for some NonProfit agency’s.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I truly believe in CRM (Constituent Relationship Management). In my field, building relationships can make or break your business. Building on the concept that the customer is always right, is a start, but helping that customer understand their worth and yours, will most always win you a fan. I believe in networking with others and collaborating when the opportunity exists. Resources for both of us will go just that much further, if we work together for the greater good. I am never too busy for a quick phone connect, and with today’s technology, there is no excuse to loose touch with someone. My reputation is built on honesty and mutual respect. I am known for keeping my word. If there is something I am not sure of, I will let you know that, then help you find the answer. I do not leave folks hanging, and I respect your time as I’d expect you to respect mine. I think the general theme in my business in Mutual Respect. I don’t have to know you to respect you. I begin with an even playing field and work to maintain that aspect of my relationships. Yes, it’s really simple. Treat others as you would have them treat you.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
I am a networker. I believe in getting out and meeting new people. The best source of new clients for me has been the networking groups and events that I belong to. My business cards are kept in my cell phone case and always accessible. Chamber events, Women’s Clubs, Cultural Events, and even Church Conference are great sources for new clients. I also enjoy talking about what it is that I do. I have a few T-shirts that say, “Ask me what I do”? I get great questions and meet a lot of people that way. Word of mouth is also great. If you are good at what you do and are consistent, your work will speak for itself.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063038360442
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/?msgControlName=reply_to_sender&msgConversationId=2-NmQ4MTc0OWEtYTVmMS00OGRhLTk0MDYtZmVjZmNhOWZmYTE1XzAxMA%3D%3D&msgOverlay=true&trk=false
Image Credits
All images are my own.