We were lucky to catch up with Winslyn Parrish recently and have shared our conversation below.

Winslyn, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

When I arrived at Florida A&M University in 2018, I made a promise to myself: I would stand out and make a meaningful impact. My second semester, I felt it was time to act on that promise. With guidance from my mentor, I decided to run for sophomore class vice president. I campaigned, connected with my peers, and won. That victory gave me a taste of the impact I could have and the potential that came with these leadership roles.

After a successful term, I decided to run for Miss Junior Attendant the following year. Again, I won, and the opportunities to maximize my platform were endless. After serving, I began helping my friends run for leadership positions as their campaign manager. For two years, I worked tirelessly behind the scenes, and I built a winning streak I could be proud of.

One day, a friend asked me a simple but powerful question: “Why haven’t you turned this into a business?” That question sparked an idea that shifted everything for me. I grabbed a yellow, lined notepad and started brainstorming. I wrote down everything—services I could offer, potential business names, pricing strategies, promotional ideas, and more. For an entire month, that notepad was with me everywhere I went. During any free moment, I was refining and structuring what would soon become The Winning Experience.

On February 23, 2023, I officially launched my business. What started as a personal goal to stand out and be impactful has transformed into a platform to empower others. Today, The Winning Experience helps people achieve their own victories, and I am proud to say it’s just the beginning of an even bigger journey.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I got into this business by starting with myself. I tested the waters, found a deep passion for what I was doing, and dedicated myself to perfecting my craft. What began as helping myself and a few friends win campaigns quickly turned into a calling. The joy I found in strategizing, organizing, and bringing visions to life was unmatched.

Today, The Winning Experience offers consulting, coaching, and managing services specifically for HBCU pageants and campaigns. We’re not just about winning titles; we’re about equipping student leaders with the tools and confidence they need to make real change on their campuses.

What sets my business apart is the heart behind it. Every person on my team, myself included, shares a genuine desire to see meaningful impact on HBCU campuses. We believe that change starts with student leaders—leaders who are willing to fight for progress and advocate for their peers. This business isn’t just about campaigns; it’s about cultivating the next generation of changemakers.

Some may see The Winning Experience as just a small business, but to me, it’s so much deeper than that. It’s a movement to empower leaders and ensure that their platforms leave a lasting legacy on HBCU campuses.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One thing people don’t often know about me is that I faced a lot of rejection while navigating through college. Whether it was not getting selected for opportunities or feeling like I didn’t fit certain molds, those moments of rejection could have easily been reasons to stop trying and retreat into my comfort zone.

Instead, I used them as fuel. Each “no” became a challenge to refine my focus and push myself to align with the woman I wanted to become, rather than doing things simply to check a box. Those experiences taught me that failure isn’t the end—it’s a stepping stone. They gave me the passion and drive to find my place, and more importantly, to stay committed to my purpose even when the road wasn’t easy.

This journey of rejection and reflection built the resilience I have today. I’ve learned that every setback holds a lesson, and every challenge has the potential to push you closer to your goals. A quote I live by is, “You must fail in order to succeed.” Those words remind me that failure isn’t final; it’s part of the process, and it’s what makes the victories that much sweeter.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

At The Winning Experience, maintaining strong relationships with our clients is a top priority. One way we keep in touch is by offering mentoring to clients even after their contracts with us are completed. This ensures they continue to feel supported as they grow in their leadership journey.

We’ve also created a community that connects our clients with other leaders across the nation who have worked with us. This network creates collaboration, inspiration, and shared experiences, reminding them that they’re part of something bigger.

Additionally, we love to celebrate our clients by highlighting them on our social media platforms. We aim to make sure they know they are valued and loved. These touch points not only strengthen our bond with clients but also create a lasting sense of loyalty to The Winning Experience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thewinningexp.co
• Instagram: thewinningexp