(1) LAEDA: Entrepreneurship is a very challenging path to take with many different possible directions. What made you decide to become an entrepreneur?

It has been my dream to own and run my own business thus, when the opportunity arose, I knew it was my time to take that dream and make it a reality. My passion has always been to create a business for my mother to eventually run so she could then work for me and we could focus on our own empire.

(2) LAEDA: Why did you choose your industry?

My mom worked for a nonprofit organization located in Camden for years.  She was a priest and a lawyer and helped the community for little to no cost.  While working after school for the nonprofit organization, I saw the need in the area for advocacy, sympathy and empathy. People need a voice and help, especially those with a language barrier.  I am a caregiver by nature and in my heart I feel as though it is my duty and obligation to help others in need. 

(3) LAEDA: Tell me about your experience while attending EDTP. What have the major takeaways been from the program? Have you had any “Ah-ha!” moments? How did the program help you?

My experience with LAEDA was amazing.  I feel like I have gained a new family from whom I learned a lot.  My connection with LAEDA was made when I saw the connection they have with their clients.  The ambition and drive they have with each other as a team and with us as students and now Alumni.  LAEDA did a lot for me personally.  While attending LAEDA, I was also the assistant caretaker of my father who was dying from sclerosis of the liver. 

Those who know about EDTP, it is a very strict course with a no lateness and a limited number of absences.  The LAEDA family was there for me every day.  They were supportive, helped me keep my vision alive, and even cried with me when I needed to cry.  We became a family at LAEDA.  LAEDA has helped me enhance my knowledge of the business world and has taught me that EVERYONE is NOT our customer. In addition, LAEDA has helped me to not FEAR my business dreams, but instead attack them head on and let the pieces fall where they may.  I am forever grateful for my LAEDA experience and will always be a part of the LAEDA team. 

(4) LAEDA: Tell me about your journey on the road to business start-up. What have been some of the challenges, successes, failures, etc.?

My journey has been good, it is slow right now because I am a beginner, but my mom and I will continue to strive to make that journey succeed and my dream a reality. 

The challenges have been work and time. Sometimes, it is difficult to work on your own desires when your focus is always the needs of others.  I work a full time job where I manage a department of three employees and I am a mother of two beautiful little girls who need time with their mommy. It has been hard to dedicate my complete attention to my business, but I am working on that and I know I will succeed.

I have no failures because, regardless of the outcome, I see everything I do as a positive learning experience.

I try to stand as a strong woman of color in the minority community with vast knowledge in Business, Finance and Education.  For years, I have worked in the City of Camden as a Paralegal for a non-profit organization helping those in need.  I have seen and had personal experience with what is needed in the community.  At times, I have witnessed and received some great blessings.  However, in those same situations, I have also seen some areas that need improvement or have touched my heart in ways that I feel the NEED to be a part of.  It is obvious that individuals with language barriers need guidance and assistance with simple tasks but are afraid to request it.  I want to be here to help those people. That experience started a dream and that dream has now become a reality. My business is now available to give a Helping hand.  

(5) LAEDA: Could you tell me a little about where your business is today?

As I mentioned above, my business has been slow to start up; but I am a positive and diligent individual and I know I will succeed.  My goal is not to fail, but to be triumphant.  I currently rent space at CoWork Street located at 227 Market St Camden, NJ 08102.  I currently work through scheduled appointments where I meet clients at the office as well as in public places, if needed. I also have a home office where I work daily.

(6) LAEDA: Do you have any advice for future (or existing) entrepreneurs?

My advice would be to never give up.  If you have a vision believe in that vision.  Do not allow others to take away from your vision or distract you.  Sometimes it is best to keep some things private so that your vision lives within YOU.  After all, it is your vision.   I have had this vision since I was a little girl.  I am 35 years old now and my vision is just coming to life.  Never give up!!   If you are anything like me, when you think of a vision, you see the big picture.  For example, if you have a vision of making a chair, all you can see is the completed chair in its most beautiful state.  You usually don't think about all the drilling, measuring, sanding, cutting, etc. it took to make that chair because the beauty was in your vision.  However, it is MORE important to think about every screw you need to make your vision a reality than about the completion of the chair itself.  Ultimately without each screw, that chair holds no weight.  Imagine if you take thirty minutes to one hour every day to focus on just one of those screws, before you know it, you will have exactly what you envisioned to begin with. 

Congratulations to Emmalee Coleman for completing EDTP and recommitting to her journey on the path of entrepreneurship. For more information, contact Emmalee Coleman via telephone at (856) 383-0053, via fax (856) 441-4894, via email at emandemprofessionalservices@gmail.com and via website at
https://www.emandemprofessionalservices.com/.

The Entrepreneurial Development Training Program (EDTP) is a free, nine-week business skills training course offered in Camden, NJ in the Winter Spring and Fall each year. Qualified entrepreneurs receive 72+ hours of training from industry professionals, business planning, and one year of technical assistance. Apply online at www.LAEDA.com.