We were lucky to catch up with Yanika Daniels recently and have shared our conversation below.

Yanika, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about how you got your first non-friend, non-family client. Paint the picture for us so we can feel the same excitement you felt on that day.

One of the pivotal moments that gave me the courage to leave my stable 9-5 job in 2016 was securing my first client. As I meticulously planned my business focused on Recruitment and Talent Management, I realized that my existing network would be the best avenue to find that crucial first client.

Determined, I reached out to every contact who was already doing the kind of work I aspired to do. I sent out numerous emails and arranged meetings with individuals who had bravely ventured out and started their own companies. I met with dozens of these trailblazers, asking them the hard questions about how they began, the mistakes they made, and the invaluable lessons they learned. In these conversations, I also shared my expertise and vision and asked if they knew anyone in their network I should connect with.

Through these efforts, I was eventually introduced to a consultant who had an RFP for a project that was outside their expertise but perfectly aligned with mine. They reached out to me, inquiring if I was interested. Without hesitation, I said yes. They facilitated an introduction to the client, where I learned about their needs, timelines, and deliverables.

Thrilled at this opportunity, I immediately started drafting a proposal, meticulously outlining the scope and execution of the work. Then came the daunting task of setting a budget. Despite having 12 years of experience, this was my first solo consulting role under my company’s name. I was anxious, unsure if my pricing was right or if the client would accept it.

After finalizing the proposal, I submitted it with much anticipation. Even though I was full of faith, when they accepted it I was still just amazed.. I had just secured my first revenue under my brand. It was more than just a business win; it was a validation that I could succeed on my own. This moment gave me the reassurance I needed to leave my traditional job and fully embrace my entrepreneurial journey. My pastor said in a sermon that many people dream and never try to fulfill their dreams, this was my chance to try.

Yanika, 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 am Yanika Daniels, a Mississippi native who grew up with parents active in the community, passionate about education, and devoted to the church. As a child, I excelled in math and loved learning. After high school, I pursued further education at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN, initially thinking I would become a doctor. However, my true passion lay in problem-solving, leading me to graduate with a degree in Electrical Engineering.

My career began at Dell Computers, where I spent five years learning the intricacies of processes and technology. Driven by curiosity about logistics, I earned a graduate degree in Logistics and Supply Chain from MIT. With this new qualification, I transitioned to management consulting at IBM, where I enjoyed solving organizational problems. After four years, I felt a strong desire to make an impact on communities like mine and moved into the social sector.

Transitioning to the social impact and education sector was a significant shift. With nine years of experience in tech and private industry, I recognized that effective change required companies to prioritize people. This realization led me to a career in Human Resources, focusing on leadership development, talent recruitment, and solving people-centric problems to drive lasting change.

In 2015, I decided it was time to start my own company, aiming to add value to organizations serving communities like mine. In 2016, that became a reality when I left my full-time role to start Daniels Talent Solutions. We are a women-owned, black-owned organization specializing in recruitment, talent strategy, and leadership development. With over 20 years of industry expertise, the company works with diverse organizations to help them create more equitable practices to recruit, develop, and retain high-achieving talent. In 2024, CEOs and leaders note that finding and keeping qualified employees is their top business challenge.

We offer a customized, hands-on approach to recruitment, HR strategy, and training services, and have a history of success ensuring that our clients benefit from diverse talent pools and high retention rates. Our DEI focus not only enhances our clients’ company culture but also drives better business performance. Our mission is to help organizations create diverse and equitable workplaces that foster personal fulfillment and growth for BIPOC professionals so they can thrive in their careers.

We are most proud that our recruitment placements have higher retention rates and our leadership placements reflect the communities they serve.

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

We have a 90% return rate for repeat clients, demonstrating their appreciation for our hands-on approach and consistent results. Additionally, 90% of our new clients come from referrals, a testament to the quality of our work and the satisfaction of our clients. This word-of-mouth endorsement is the highest compliment we can receive, indicating that organizations are more than pleased with our services.

As a growing business, we initially explored marketing and social media to attract more clients. However, our data and history showed that our current clients were our best source of new business. In recognition of this, we express our gratitude for all referrals and repeat business by providing a small token of appreciation.

Moreover, we are committed to giving back to the nonprofit organizations we support. We participate in national “give days,” small business days, and nonprofit days, investing in their missions. We believe in building partnerships and fostering relational engagements, not just transactional experiences. To us, our clients are more than just revenue; they are valued partners.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

When I first thought about starting my business in 2014, I quickly realized I wasn’t financially prepared. As I began a new full-time role that year, I started contemplating what it would take to launch my own venture. I decided the best approach was to do part-time consulting work until I saved enough to start the business.

I reached out to consultants I knew, asking if they needed support on any of their projects. For months, I received little to no response. Undeterred, I continued to send emails and text messages, reminding them that I was available to help. Then, one day in October 2015, an advisor finally responded. They had a project for a school district in Kentucky that they couldn’t handle due to capacity issues and offered it to me as after-hours work.

This was the break I needed to start funding my business before even stepping out on my own. The project involved assessing the human resources function of the school district, and it could be done in the evenings and on weekends. For five months, I worked a full-time job while dedicating my weekends and evenings to this consulting project, gradually securing the funding necessary to launch my own business. I sacrificed much of my social life during that time, but being able to save enough funds to start my own business was well worth it and one of many sacrifices I would make to achieve my dream.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.danielssolutionsllc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielssolutionsllc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danielssolutionsllc
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yanikadaniels/

Image Credits

Kelley Raye Photography