Today we’d like to introduce you to Zoella Williams.
Zoella, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
It all started with an idea to use my natural gift of people and turn it into a dream. I knew that working for someone’s else wasn’t my calling, In August of 2019, I decided to turn my dream into reality. I was very adamant about making sure that my first event was one that truly helped people. The idea was to work with a local shelter to put on a major event that would serve families from as many aspects from school supplies, toiletries and even grooming. I emailed over twenty shelters and only four responded to me. Out of the four, only three agreed to let me come tour beforehand and really see their shelter. I had recruited a local friend to shoot all of my promo materials asking for tangible donations only. It was amazing to see the response I received and the number of donations as well. I had people meeting me at my job or directly at the shelter to drop off donations. I promoted for four months in the hopes of raising awareness for the event and testing the hearts of the people. It brought me to tears with the love I received because most of the people that promoted, I didn’t even know. Nicholas House was the amazing shelter I had the pleasure to work with and they house families anywhere from ninety to a hundred and eighty days. They specialize in rehabilitating families back into their own places as well as the workforce. The director and I, Mr. Rodriguez, met with me just about anytime I needed and was very pleased with my plan. I hired two stylist and with the help of a local barbershop, Sideline Cutz, and my amazing volunteers, was able to service over forty families with new hairstyles and haircuts, I also fed them breakfast and lunch. It was right before Christmas and the joy in that center was overwhelming. “The Christmas Special” was a hit. I had gone through a lot of tribulations to make that day happen and even the day of was extra stressful. I was driving back from Mississippi from a funeral. I was three hours late to my event and my best friend at the time, kick-started my event just how I wanted it. I had every reason to cancel, but something in my spirit wouldn’t let me. SpeakingWithZo started with the need to encourage people and let them know that “Everyone deserves a cheerleader” and bringing it to life. We live in a world where it isn’t about how you can impact others, but what others can do for you. I aim to change that. My goal is to touch any and everyone that I come into contact with.
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?
It has not been an easy road by far. I had one shelter let me go an entire month promoting on their behalf and didn’t even tell me that they gave my date to someone else. Being the professional I am, I sent their coordinator an email updating her on what I had received and certain sponsorships I had obtained and THAT’S when she decided to tell me about our little dilemma. Thankfully, Nicholas House of Atlanta was able to fit right in, and I was still able to make something. My caterer didn’t show the day of and we had been locked in for over three weeks. She gave me my money back but the principle of it all was what really mattered. I had to figure out a plan b. Special shout out to the Chick fil a on Bill Kennedy Way SE, they gave ma discount on my breakfast order after their knowledge on what happened. That’s the kind of support that goes along way. My barber didn’t show up and so there was a barbershop down the street called Sideline Cutz and the owner Mo and all his guys cut the men’s hair for less than fair pricing just because of what happened. My community had my back just off the strength of what I was trying to do. God had his hands on me that day. I’ve also had to deal with the stress of starting a foundation and really pushing the movement in itself.
Please tell us about SpeakingWithZo & The Dixon Foundation.
Speaking With Zo is the motivational speaking aspect, whereas The Dixon Foundation is an organization I created to do all of my community outreach events through. I wanted to give my granddaddy a legacy and so the family name was just a perfect way to do so. My goal is to make motivational speaking and philanthropy my career. I am most proud of the reach I’ve had with people and how when I come into contact with them, they leave changed. Whether it is casual or in-depth. I’ve spoken into people at the gym, grocery store, events I’ve had. I love that people feel drawn to me enough to listen to me. It’s an amazing gift to be able to reach people positively. I’m honored more than anything. That’s what sets me apart, I was born with this gift and it isn’t pretending. I am this way and when I meet people and they validate my gift by speaking positively over me, it makes it all worth it. I see myself building this empire based solely off of my gift and how far I’m willing to take it. There’s no limit and I intend to make The Dixon Foundation one of the leading non-profits in the nation.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite childhood memory is any with my granddaddy. Any reason I could get to go to Oxford, Mississippi, I was using it. Even once I went to college, I was taking the bus to tupelo and my granddaddy would pick me up or id pay one of my friends heading to Memphis to take me and I’d get picked up from there. My granddaddy had a cow farm and I was put to work at an early age, but I loved being with my “paw-paw.” He’s the reason why I am the woman I am today. He harped on the importance of treating people right and with respect. He loved people and believed in them even if no one else did—quite the man. To quote him, “all people have bad in them, but can you bring the good out?” That’s exactly what I intend to do.
Pricing:
- $150 for two-three hours
- $250 for four or more hours
- $320 for the entire day
Contact Info:
- Phone: 678-977-0311
- Email: speakingwithzo@gmail.com
Image Credit:
The photographer responsible for my promotional materials is @luvinci_ on Instagram.
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