Today we’d like to introduce you to Valaurie Lee.
Valaurie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I grew up on Atlanta’s south side in the very neighborhood where my businesses now reside. I still remember being that young girl who imagined owning a store of her own and reflecting on where I am now is absolutely astonishing. I launched my first business more than 18 years ago when I left a secure job at a respected company to pursue a brief, 6-week project at an area college. That single opportunity ultimately led to another, and another and before I knew it, my one-woman show eventually became a full-blown IT consultancy that employs IT professionals across the world. Late last year, I was inspired to expand into retail and decided to start by purchasing my first property on College Park’s Main Street. A couple months later, when the building next door became available, I decided to do the same and before I knew it, I had three buildings in the heart of the city where I grew up.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Years ago, I heard a quote that truly defines my journey – it says, “Entrepreneurship is about navigating ambiguity.” While I have certainly experienced success, I have also dealt with several setbacks and had to learn how to quickly regroup and refocus to move things forward. My business has survived The Great Recession, a slow recovery and now–COVID. Working to revamp my consulting business amid the pandemic was and continues to be a challenge in and of itself. Birthing two additional businesses centered on interpersonal contact at the same time has taken things to a whole next level. Not only am I challenged with the basic stressors that come with getting any business off the ground, but I’m also constantly scrutinizing my offering so that it really speaks to the needs (and concerns) of customers. It almost goes without saying but we’re in a pandemic, asking people to go anywhere – let alone somewhere recreational involves risk as a business owner it’s up to me to make it worth their while.
Please tell us about VB Consulting.
My software company specializes in Higher Education. We are known for our expertise in degree audit solutions but we also provide general services consulting in other areas. My other holdings are quite different. For example, PopShopolis, a popup shop and event space, is an incubator for entrepreneurs. The Wellness Spot (coming soon in January 2021) is a full-service spa and fitness studio. My philanthropic arm, BVB Foundation, is all about helping female entrepreneurs of color grow their businesses. I am most proud of my team and their ability to quickly implement innovative solutions that work. It’s truly amazing and it helps all of my businesses come to life.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
When I was a little girl, my favorite game was ‘store’ where I would pretend that I owned and operated my own boutique. I used to beg my grandmother to play with me all the time and she loved it. One day we were out and about and we saw an old cash register and I immediately knew that I had to have it. Grandma did not want to spend the money, but she brought it for me because she saw how much it meant to me.
Pricing:
- This Fall, I’m opening PopShopolis, Atlanta’s premier destination for popup shopping. Creators can use PopShopolis to deliver outstanding brand experiences, discover new customers and try in-person sales without the risk of long-term leasing. The space is available at an hourly, daily and weekly basis with rates as a low as $75. Visit www.popshopolisatl.com
Contact Info:
- Address: 3391 Main St Atlanta, GA 30337
- Website: www.vb-consultinginc.com
- Phone: 5108586562
- Email: valaurie@vbconsultingservices.com
- Instagram: @vbconsultinginc
- Facebook: VB Consulting Inc
- Other: https://brandprenuer.zenfolio.com/valaurieleepreview/eb5615ad3
Image Credit:
https://brandprenuer.zenfolio.com/valaurieleepreview/eb5615ad3
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