Conversations with the Inspiring Chanel Martin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chanel Martin.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In 2012, I helped to cofound Techturized Inc. along with four other dynamic women from Georgia Tech. Our company was centered around helping women gain a better understanding of how to care for their hair and to select the best products using science and technology.

As a result, our company was the face of black women in technology in Atlanta – as we were the recipient of many awards including the 2013 TAG (Technology Association of Georgia) Business Launch Competition winners. We also had the opportunity to participate in many nationally known high growth business accelerator and incubator programs including Flashpoint, Dream it Ventures, Indie VC and many more.

Having raised a substantial amount of money to fund our startup and using the information I learned from attending startup business accelerator programs – I developed a strategy and systematic approach to launching, branding, and funding small businesses and PnthrClaw Consulting was born.

To date, I have helped close to over 1000 small business owners through online training, books, ebooks, and workshops centered around branding, launching, and funding their businesses.

Has it been a smooth road?
Like most small business owners, it has been a quite a bit of a journey! When we first founded Techturized Inc. – we struggled initially to convince the “gatekeepers” that we had a viable business model serving women of color. There was so much educating that had to take place when seeking funding and a seat at “the table.” We had to prove that we “deserved” to be there.

During the initial phase of building Techturized, I became pregnant with my first child Cydney (I now have 3 – ages 4, almost 2, and a newborn). I wasn’t sure how pregnancy, raising a newborn, breastfeeding, and all around motherhood fit into the startup culture. When we would go to conferences or meetings, I often had to carry around a breast pump and cooler to preserve my milk production for my daughter. I had to worry about if I could get my milk through TSA and had to request refrigerator access when staying in hotels. It was stressful and frustrating. Not to mention trying to pay for daycare while building a startup!

When I became pregnant with my son, Cue, my husband and I had to rethink how I was doing business. I made the hard decision to step down as COO of Techturized Inc. to focus on my family and my pregnancy. Leaving something I helped to build from the ground up was a very tough choice. In that timeframe, I was able to help my inlaws launch a hair company and raise over 15K for their launch in 30 days. People began to recognize my numerous successes in raising money, branding, and launching and started to reach out for help.

Growing tired of the frequent calls from people asking to “pick my brain,” he decided that we should launch PnthrClaw Consulting in 2016.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into PnthrClaw Consulting story. Tell us more about the business.
In addition to taking care of my three small children, I have consistently worked with small business owners nationwide. I host (almost) weekly free webinars on a variety of topics including how to pitch, fundraise, create email lists, self-publish books, brand exposure strategies, and more. It’s gratifying to see the testimonials that come in from those who have taken my classes and experienced success in meeting their business goals.

I also host strategy sessions and premium in person and online courses that delve deeper into strategy and business development. My desire above all else is to see everyone win! As a devout Christian, I often intermingle Biblical strategy and insight into all of my classes and strategy sessions. I am committed to not only helping people meet their business goals but also maintain a sense of spirituality and peace while doing it.

Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
I often get answered the question and to be honest I have never really had a mentor per se. In Techturized, while participating in startup accelerator programs, we would be assigned “mentors” that would help us over the course of the cohort – but that’s pretty much it.

As far as networking – go where your people are or the people you’d like to connect to are. This could be at a coworking space, event or conference. You will also need to have a solid elevator pitch when sharing info about your self or your company. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.

Contact Info:

• Website: chanelemartin.com
• Phone: 404-955-1653
• Email: chanelmartin11@gmail.com
• Instagram: chanelebone
• Facebook: facebook.com/chanelebone
• Twitter: chanelebone

Image Credit:
Christopher J. Martin

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