Today we’d like to introduce you to Raphael Baker.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Leadership and an entrepreneurial spirit have always been embedded in my DNA. In high school, I was student government president and founded and operated a successful school store. After attending Penn State, I created The Raphael Baker Agency, which provides insurance and risk management solutions for individuals and businesses. With over a decade of experience in the industry, I earned the moniker, King of Insurance. To further deepen my industry knowledge and leadership skills, I attended the American College of Financial Services and earned my Chartered Leadership Fellow® designation.
I then founded Raphael Baker and Associates, which has a track record of transforming stagnant businesses into profitable money-makers. I have a keen ability to identify the pros and cons and to develop solid strategies. This enables me to empower other entrepreneurs to drop dead weight, become more efficient, and experience success.
I co-founded and was the Editor-in-Chief of the highly successful Rags N Riches Magazine. I then expanded my media empire and became the author of “Above The Fold”, a motivational book which encourages readers to live their lives on their own terms. I then released my second literary gem, “#Raphaelisms: Quotes, Rants & Other Sh!t That Belongs On A T-Shirt”, a bold, unfiltered collection of sayings.
I recently became the owner of Diaz Allen, a prominent lifestyle brand. I have also launched my own home fragrance collection and apparel and accessories line under the House of Raphael brand.
In 2018, I dove into the political arena. During election season, I served as the Campaign Chair for Janice Laws, the Democratic candidate for Insurance Commissioner in Georgia, and was responsible for developing strategy, fundraising and surrogacy. As a surrogate, I masterfully delivered the campaign’s message before large crowds.
Although I have some accomplishments under my belt, my journey is just beginning. Stay tuned.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
In the words of Langston Hughes, “Life ain’t been no crystal stair.” I grew up in Philly, in a single-mother household. Although we struggled financially, my mom instilled in me and my brother the value of education, hard work and being the best at whatever we attempted. She passed away when I was twenty-one, and I was left to find my way in the world.
I left Philly over fifteen years ago with two suitcases and dreams of a better life. I literally started from the bottom. and through much prayer and perseverance, I have been able to accomplish many of my goals.
In February of this year, I lost my best friend and business partner, Diaz Allen, to kidney failure. He was literally my world and was my biggest cheerleader. He is the one who taught me that none of my goals are unreachable. He was my creative force, influencer, and advisor. He showed me that I never had to play small and that it’s alright to let my light shine. and be great.
Please tell us more about your business, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Raphael Baker is a conglomerate of many businesses, including House of Raphael, Raphael Baker and Associates, and Diaz Allen. I am an insurance industry veteran and serial entrepreneur. I offer creative and business consulting. I also offer home decor and gifts, apparel, bath and body products, and books.
I am most proud of being able to be a Jack-of-All-Trades and a master of all. As a company, we are most proud of offering the quality and variety of our products and services. We are also proud that we are able to give back to a community that has given so much to us.
What sets me apart from others is the fact that I am completely authentic, and my brand is a reflection of me. By being who I was designed to be, and by using the gifts and talents I have been blessed with, I am able to accomplish anything I attempt.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Luck has played no part in my life or business. I don’t believe anything happens by chance. With God’s guidance, I work things into existence. I am able to create opportunities. Even when bad things occur, I learn the lessons from the situations and use them to become a better version of myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://TheRaphaelBaker.com
- Email: Raphael@TheRaphaelBaker.com
- Instagram: TheRaphaelBaker
- Facebook: facebook.com/theraphaelbaker
- Twitter: TheRaphaelBaker
Image Credit:
Louise Gill, Diaz Allen
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