Fashion Gxd Magazine - Eleven3seven5 CEO For The Fall Cover
Written By: Samantha Cee
Eleven3seven5 is dedicated to forging a powerful and purposeful connection between business success and social impact. Our mission is to empower organizations, from startups to enterprises, to realize their full potential by integrating social responsibility into their DNA. We believe in creating a world where businesses thrive while uplifting communities and the environment. We aspire to catalyze a paradigm shift, where social impact is viewed not as an obligation, but as a core driver of success, ensuring a sustainable and equitable future for all. We are certified as MWBE within state/city NYNJ Port authority.
FGM: It's an honor to sit down with you. Tell us a little about your brand and how you've come to this vastly successful peek in your career.
Answer: Thank you for the opportunity to share a peek into this chapter of my journey. I was born and raised in Brownsville Brooklyn, I am a mom to a beautiful brown soul and I am the owner of Eleven3seven5.
Our work entails building relationships that foster sustainable businesses and connect communities to resources that they need to create a self-sufficient economy. Our menu of services include Technical Assistance, government contracting compliance, Project Management, Training and Facilitation, Business Development, and Coaching Services. Eleven3seven5 is a certified M/WBE and has a proven track record of securing government contracts.
My entrepreneurial journey came as a result of my last corporate role being eliminated after returning from Maternity leave. I didn't have any real aspirations for creating my own economy however, the desire to have time flexibility began to drive my decision to pursue this path. Initially, I created an event management business working with a few community-based organizations and corporations. I discovered that I did not like certain aspects of event management. As I continued to figure out what I wanted to do, I became active within my community by joining the local community board in Brownsville Brooklyn, I also became a Notary and earned money on commercial and residential closings. During this phase, I renamed the business Eleven3seven5 and began to create services that supported the goals of the business. I attribute my success to consistency and materializing things that I have written down in my journals.
FGM: Who are the clients/what are the projects that you most enjoy working on?
Answer: I appreciate working with Corporations & community-based organizations that are intentional with creating social impact. I really believe that you can make a living and connect it to a greater good. I enjoy coaching individuals to help them unpack their dreams - I also enjoy learning from other like-minded entrepreneurs for my podcast The Real Journey of Entrepreneurship. I learn so much from those who are authentic in sharing their approach to their business.
FGM: How do you feel you make a difference in the world?
Answer: When I am working on my purpose, I feel that I am making a difference.
FGM: Tell us about a time when you showed determination to continue as an entrepreneur.
Answer: I often write in notebooks and journals. In a review of my notes, I saw an event that I wanted to curate for entrepreneurs. I finally had the courage to take what was written in a notebook and bring it into reality. My first sale for the event was exciting and allowed me to have the confidence that I can build from the first year. The event is now in its third year and I am glad that I bet on myself.
FGM: Give me the three best qualities of your brand
Answer: Best Qualities of the Eleven3seven5 Brand, Integrity, Authenticity, and Relationships.
FGM: Give me an example of when you worked irregular hours.
Answer: As a mother, It is my goal to spend quality time with my child. So at times I will work on a schedule such as 3am-6am until the project is completed. Most recently I had to work irregular hours to ensure that the full circle business brunch was an experience that all who attended enjoyed. As a business owner, oftentimes irregular hours are necessary to achieve your business goals.
FGM: Being an entrepreneur is a 24/7 job, how did you get ready for that?
Answer: I believe there are levels to entrepreneurship. There is an ebb and flow of business and I incorporate rest so that I can be my best self. I cannot think properly when I am tired.. I am improving on creating from a restful state versus always on the grind. I have noticed when I am at rest, I create at a higher level.
FGM: How did you acquire the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines as an entrepreneur?
Answer: I am a mother with a small child, and time management is critical to my success. In addition, I used to work in the Financial Services industry and we were required to meet daily deadlines.
FGM: What is your favorite inspirational point, or place, to develop new brand developments?
Answer: My favorite point of inspiration now, understanding that my mind is my biggest asset. What I visualize, I can become..
FGM: Which current public figure, are you inspired by or appreciate the most?
Answer: Currently public figures that I am inspired by, Mellody Hobson, and Carla Harris. My daughter inspires me daily…
How do you handle stress?
Answer: I pray, dance, exercise and craft.
FGM: What are the three qualities you feel an entrepreneur must have?
Answer: 1- Integrity, ( I have grown my business by lived experiences, I have watched a few entrepreneurs make claims of success but they have never experienced it) I am also not afraid to tell a client that I do not know,2-Financial acumen ( good credit, understanding your business cash flow, and how to manage it during low seasons in your business) You will have to learn to manage account receivables during the 30, 60, 90 day phases, 3- adaptability, ( Your starting point is not your final destination) and for a bonus- Vision - you have to see it before you see it.
FGM: Where do you see your business in 10 years? How do you plan to get there?
Answer:I want to grow the business into a multi-million dollar sustainable global enterprise to pass it down to my daughter to manage the day to day. I am currently grooming her to learn the business.
FGM: It was a pleasure speaking with you thank you for joining us
Answer: Thank you for sharing your platform with me.
By Pilar Scratch in Entrepreneur cover for Fashion Gxd Magazine
32 pages, published 11/3/2023
