Meet Leonna Johnson of The Guided Growth Group in Jonesboro

Today we’d like to introduce you to Leonna Johnson.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Well, I’d managed a couple of small businesses for work, and helped a few friends through their start-up phases with their businesses in my spare time. “Business” has always been an interest of mine. While I was spending my time helping the people around me reach their dreams and goals, and working a job I couldn’t stand I was lost myself. I was reading every day and scrolling on Pinterest searching for a hobby that could turn a profit. Then one day one of my old friends from school messaged me asking if I could write a proposal for his business. I remember him saying “How much do you charge?” And I’m like “Charge?!?” I told him “Nothing, I will just put ur together for you give me a few days.” Though I didn’t charge him that day, it was in that moment I realized I was searching for ideas and a plan, not realizing I could build a foundation simply by doing what I love.

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?
Certainly not! If I could change my name to struggle, I would’ve at one point. I didn’t come from a rich family, to say the least. I loved my parents dearly, but they didn’t even have a plan for myself or my siblings. I grew up in a small project community in Norfolk, Virginia. By 24, I was a single parent of three, struggling financially, emotionally, and mentally. I’d recently lost both my parents, my job and my relationship, so you can imagine I thought I’d lost it all, but as soon as I started feeling like that, my house and everything in it burned in a fire. I remember one night having to sleep in my car with my kids thinking “This can not be my story, this is not my life!” Once I found another job I said every extra penny I make is going into me starting a business. I refuse to die and my children have to start from ground zero, I refuse to die and my kids can’t grieve in peace because they have to worry about how they’re going to eat after my funeral service. The day I filed my Articles of Incorporation I paid the fee and only had $13.00 left to my name, that’s how determined I was! I tell people that story not to say go spend your last and start a business, but so people know starting a business is more than just an EIN & an idea. It’s literally a mindset, it is a way of life.

The Guided Growth Group – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Guided Growth Growth is a small business development and coaching firm. Literally, we are working every day helping everyday individuals become successful entrepreneurs and professionals. We are not a consulting agency and do not sell advice. We literally get through each process on behalf of our clients. Whether they come to us in the planning phase or already have an established business we have a service to help them because there will always be room for growth. We have clients we’re currently developing business plans, clients getting through licensing and legalization, clients that only need marketing and branding, we even help non-profits access funding.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I’m only 27, I don’t even believe my career has reached its peak, but I’m proud every time another one of my clients has a success story. I’m proud that every day I’m working to help other people grow. To date, the biggest accomplishment, I’d say is the day my children became my clients. It’s one thing to be an entrepreneur, but it’s a totally different feeling to watch my children start their business.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.GuidedGrowthGroup.org
• Phone: 757-367-4067
• Email: Leonna@GuidedGrowthGroup.org
• Instagram: @NamedHerLeonna
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GuidedGrowthGroup/

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