Meet Lesley Henderson of Seven21 Designs in Conyers

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lesley Henderson.

Lesley, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I always wanted to be free, but I never knew freedom would feel this good. Born and raised in Cincinnati, went to college in Alabama and that’s when my real journey started. Although I majored in Exercise Science Pre-Physical therapy my soul was never in it, I struggled as a student at Alabama State and Auburn University- Montgomery, but I enjoyed the college experience. I couldn’t just go to school and leave I needed more so I became a Leasing Consultant my sophomore year in college. I loved it, it came so easy for to me. I ended up working in property management for ten years.

I moved from Montgomery, Alabama, to Birmingham, Alabama then to Atlanta. I trained people, increased net operating income, re-positioned some challenging properties, planned successful events, interviewed, renovated and even published a book while I was a property manager but I wanted and needed something more challenging something that allowed me to be more creative. After years of properties being sold, change of management and change of staff, new rules, budgets, long talks with my partner and my energy mom on the phone complaining and venting it was time to part ways with property management after juggling my own business and working a job that you are on call 24/7.

I was first approached by one of my contractors that I worked with and respected for a few years, he was the person that helped me evolve my brand. I worked with “APP” for months before I got another client but during the waiting period, I put in the work by myself working on my business cards, my website and contract. I got another client five months later, I was able to do more administratively initially for her and help her meet all her goals that we laid out over a nine-month period in less than four months, two months later another client came, 30 days later another appeared, 30 more days and another one. With every client, I get excited as if it was my first. I receive a significant amount of joy being able to help someone grow their business.

I got to the point I am at today by making the right connections early. I always kept business cards, I continuously networked with my vendors in the apartment industry, I always try and make some type of connection when I meet people. I always like to know who I was surrounded by and what we could offer one another. As I grew, I took people on the journey with me until it was time to part ways. I try my absolute best to treat people right and I never burned bridges unless it was 1000% necessary.

My journey has been challenging, rewarding, but most importantly its been worth every tear I had to cry on jobs that stressed me and challenged me to the max, every property owner that pushed me to give them more and make things happen when others before me couldn’t and every party I had for my team because they were so amazing in helping me to achieve goals we set.

I always try and forget what hurt me, but remember the lesson it taught me!

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?
The hardest thing was being in a place I knew I had to be for the sake of a paycheck. Working with, or for companies that cared nothing about me and solely about the bottom line. I had random times in my career where I had to fight for what I felt was right, looking back I am happy I stood up for myself but the energy and time put into that I could have been used towards my business. Late nights, working during lunches, making sure I capture everything, the juggling act. Challenges coming from a structured environment it takes time to lose the corporate mindset and just be a free thinker and be more open to your creative side.

Seven21 Designs – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Seven21 Designs is a one-stop shop for all your business needs. We offer: Virtual Assistance, Business Consultant, Property Management Assistance, Client Retention Services, Interior Design, and help Increasing Net Operating Income. We assist people that want to start a business by connecting them with people in our network dedicated and passionate about helping a business get established in the proper manner. In addition, we assist business owners that need guidance/re-positioning. We are here to provide the needed touch, and we cater every business package differently.

Seven21 Designs specializes in Business Assistance. We can help you create an outline of business goals while providing you support to achieve them. We are known for being the industry leader in Virtual Assistance. I am most proud of my creative growth and the growth I have seen in the businesses I support. What sets Seven21 Designs apart from the rest is the network of people that we work with, when you are apart Seven21 Designs you are connected with several resources/people that are here to help you walk on your journey without leaving your side.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
When I moved to Georgia, I managed a 300+ unit property that had about 120 vacant apartments and they rented units for $425 with over $50,000 in delinquency when i started. Upon my departure the property was occupied at 93% pre-leased at 95% delinquency under $2500 and I personally completed an extensive renovation process onsite and did all the interior design for the leasing office and show unit. Many came before me and couldn’t get the job done, I stayed the course till the end. No matter how stressful things got I was broken but I wasn’t dead. I knew then my skin was stronger than I ever imagined.

On April 17, 2019, I will celebrate one full year of being a Full-Time business owner. Looking back at all the tears that I cried while at work, now knowing they were not in vain and now I am on the other side of my reality that use to be my dream.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.seven21design.com
• Phone: 678.509.5540
• Email: seven21designs17@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seven21_designs17/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Seven21design
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/seven21-designs-conyers
• Other: https://www.google.com/search?source=hp&ei=MbyBXIaYNYWs_QbckYfIDA&q=seven21+design+reviews&oq=seven21&gs_l=psy-ab.1.1.35i39l2j0l2j38.1585.5495..7386…0.0..1.167.598.7j1……0….1..gws-wiz…..0..0i131j0i10.wlcX74KgBDo#lrd=0x88f5b59c32df9437:0xb69bf3c20141eeed,1,,,

Image Credit:
https://www.facebook.com/Dreamma-Photography-233262973361527/

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