Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Zoleka Sparks. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Zoleka, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Often outsiders look at a successful business and think it became a success overnight. Even media and especially movies love to gloss over nitty, gritty details that went into that middle phase of your business – after you started but before you got to where you are today. In our experience, overnight success is usually the result of years of hard work laying the foundation for success, but unfortunately, it’s exactly this part of the story that most of the media ignores. Can you talk to us about your scaling up story – what are some of the nitty, gritty details folks should know about?

I have always been a leader. In middle and high school I was always holding offices in clubs like FBLA and the SCA. It was in my 20’s, when I realized I could combine my leadership with helping small businesses succeed. Shadowing my father, a community leader, fueled my passion for community and taught me how to integrate the two.

My years in corporate gave me strategic mentality to be able to optimize my vision by being methodical with my ideas and their implementation. I worked a 72 hour week, went to college full time, and built my consulting business with a husband and 2 kids in tow. It was not easy but having the support and a tribe that believes in your vision makes it worthwhile. I was able to achieve an associate in small business, double major Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management/Retail Management and Masters Degree in Public Administration. I have over 13 certifications in various areas including Six Sigma and I recertify every 2 years to stay cutting edge and up to date with the latest information.

I have owned various businesses and had to learn to when to either regroup or close them if the no longer fit my long term vision. For example, I wanted a coffeehouse since my first year of college, I created the business plan and concept and throughout the years I have had major opportunities to have one but something always got in the way of the coffeehouses becoming reality. Instead of feeling defeated, I refocused started a mobile bakery and learned more about the coffee business. I was afforded the opportunity to be Corporate Starbucks trained and run 10 licensed Starbucks within grocery stores in my area which gave me everything I needed to scale up my concept and vision. I retired my mobile bakery after 13 years and concentrated more on Business Consulting of small businesses and nonprofits utilizing my knowledge and assisting other coffeehouses which became much more rewarding.

Now Being my own brand, Boss Sparks Inc, and 30 years of experience, I offer a variety of services from Business Conceptualization, Business Development & Strategy, Nonprofit Governance, Nonprofit Development & Strategy and more. I am on various boards, President of the Civic League in my area and have been tasked with starting a chapter of the Metropolitan Business League in Hampton Roads Virginia. I am also Brand Manager for 5 of my consulting clients and now run my first cafe’ in the minority woman owned bookstore, Paperbacks Ink All Booked Up in Newport News, Virginia.

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 am my own brand, Boss Sparks Inc, with 30 years of experience, I offer a variety of services from Business Conceptualization, Business Development & Strategy, Nonprofit Governance, Nonprofit Development & Strategy and more. I am on various boards, President of the Civic League in my area and have been tasked with starting a chapter of the Metropolitan Business League in Hampton Roads Virginia. I am also Brand Manager for 5 of my consulting clients and now run my first cafe’ in the minority woman owned bookstore, Paperbacks Ink All Booked Up in Newport News, Virginia.

Everything I do is in servitude to assist people especially in business. Having gone through the process of ups and downs in life and business along with my educational background, gives my clients a well rounded, well prepared consultant with experience and expertise to assist them in building and scaling up with the most accurate and reliable information they need.

Being a Philanthropist and contributing on a constant basis, adds to the overall foundation of Boss Sparks Inc.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy from growing my clientele is networking and collaborations. I have built a large network that respects what I do as I do them and we consistently refer clients to each other. Through collaborations, I get to work side by side with organizations with assisting the client as the common goal.

Does your business have multiple or supplementary revenue streams (like a ATM machine at a barbershop, etc)?

Yes my business has multiple revenue streams. I am a Paparazzi Jewelry Director, a wholesaler and investor.

Contact Info:

• Website: Bosssparks.com
• Instagram: Boss Sparks
• Facebook: Zoleka Nicole Sparks
• Linkedin: Zoleka Sparks

Image Credits
Digital Reflections Media LLC – Donte Lassiter