Today we’d like to introduce you to Chanel Grant.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Chanel. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My story really doesn’t have a traditional beginning. I was born in Bridgeport Connecticut and the youngest adopted daughter out of nine kids. My mother had already raised four biological and five foster children by the time she turned 65. Most would say we saved each other’s life when I came. I gave her a reason to live and she gave me something to live for. I was defiant, hard-headed, in-and-out of control as a child. My mother moved myself and eventually my whole family to Jacksonville Florida when I was 12. My behavior worsened I was expelled from multiple schools wrecked numerous cars and got into many fights. I barely even graduated high school. It wasn’t until I met my daughter’s father in 2006 that I started slowing down and thinking about my future. I dropped out of college twice before finding out I was pregnant while attending Florida Memorial in Miami Florida. I had to move back to Jacksonville Florida to support myself. I remember being pregnant and going to see a “Family that Prays Together” by Tyler Perry. I remember leaving the theater in awe, not because of the content, but because of the idea.
In the idea that one man created a world full of characters, substance and even a little drama. A world for his audience to escape to. I felt the drive and passion to create my own world my own movie. I remember my mother always telling me hard work pays off and being determined is a quality. So in 2010, I did some research and applied to the Art Institute of Atlanta. I got married at church on Sunday and moved to Atlanta the same day. I graduated in 2013 in film and video production. While in school I learned more about who and where I wanted to be in this business. I self-taught myself motion graphics, photoshop, and video editing. I volunteered on many projects work with many artists and attempted many failed business plans. Before launching Elite Empire promo. My husband was a successful aspiring artist. So I wanted to dedicate my company at first into helping others in his field. I managed, promoted and handled all digital services for artists, producers and D j’s. I would set up single and album released parties. Promote singles and mixtapes through Itunes and other music streaming services. Set up photo shoots, video shoots, and other media related services. I loved the idea of growing an artist and increasing their audience and demographics.
Has it been a smooth road?
My entire career has been full of up’s and down’s. I have had my share of failed events, angry clients and even clients who refused to pay me. My lowest moment in my career was when my mother passed away in 2016. Continuing and pursuing my own business was one way I made her proud. But when she passed, I became angry and frustrated. Not with God but with her. I was upset that she left me with so many unanswered questions and no more words of comfort. Just like that, she was gone and I had to figure out this world alone. I stopped everything stop doing business. Stopped working with clients and got a full-time job as a graphic designer at a retail store. I became really depressed and anxious. I fell apart mentally while physically still holding it together.
Pretending to smile while my life and marriage was falling apart. It took me two years to build myself back up. I joined a new church and attended service regularly. I prayed more, cried even more and eventually got enough courage to build my brand back up. I wanted to rebrand and start Elite Empire with a fresh look. I wanted to take what I have been through and help other entrepreneurs, artist or even small businesses get more out of life and out of their business. So I quit my job and merged my job-related skills with my new business model and created Elite Empire LLC. Using my creativity and eye for design, I started helping my clients reach their audience by digital marketing and branding.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Elite Empire LLC – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Elite Empire is a digital consulting firm. I refer to myself and my company as “The Design Plug”. A one-stop shop for all marketing, branding and digital services. We specialize in graphic designs that include logos, business cards, flyers, and custom text design. Our print services include custom T-shirts stickers and banners. I’m not just a graphic designer and Elite Empire is more than just a design company. Consulting clients on a new brand idea. Sponsoring and investing in client events and creating and maintaining client social media accounts. Are all some of the tools that Elite Empire uses to keep our clients in business. My job doesn’t stop when the invoices are paid. But when your company can see growth in what we have created.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Moving to Atlanta has been the best decision of my life. We always tend to look back and regret things or wish we have done things differently. For me, Atlanta is the one decision I rejoice in. The bright night sky of the city or the melody that plays in the streets are all reasons to love Atlanta. I love the food the atmosphere and the commodity. Like every city it has its flaws; the potholes in Midtown the horrendous traffic or the human trafficking going down in the strip clubs. Atlanta can be a dream and a nightmare all at once depending on where you are. The people of Atlanta come from all around the world and you can see that. Diversity and acceptance is something I’ve learned to love about this city. Atlanta has become a city of hope. No matter what your dreams are anything can be accomplished here.
Pricing:
- 100 Printed Business Cards for $45.00
- Custom Logos starting at $75.00
- 10 Custom T-shirts for $15.00 each
Contact Info:
- Website: www.eliteempirellc.com
- Phone: 6789749876
- Email: eliteempire77@gmail.com
- Instagram: Elite_promo1
- Facebook: Elite Empire
- Twitter: Elite_Empire1
Image Credit:
Self portraits shoot by KJ
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
