Meet Raven Raven

We had the good fortune of connecting with Raven Raven and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Raven, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m from Beaumont, TX, specifically the Southend/Charlton Pollard neighborhood, a place where community feels like family. Growing up in a close-knit environment taught me the value of resilience, hard work, and looking out for those around me. My parents emphasized the importance of education, instilling in me the belief that knowledge is the foundation of opportunity. That mindset has shaped my approach to both personal and professional growth, pushing me to continually seek learning opportunities and never settle for mediocrity.

Coming from a military family—my mother a veteran, my siblings and husband active duty—structure, discipline, and accountability were not just expectations but a way of life. Every goal had a plan, and every plan required execution. There was no room for excuses. I carry that same level of discipline into everything I do today, whether it’s managing my career, furthering my education, or running my own business. I set high standards for myself and take immense pride in anything with my name attached to it. That sense of personal responsibility pushes me to always give my best effort, knowing that the work I put in today shapes the opportunities of tomorrow.

Being from Beaumont, I also learned that success isn’t handed to you—it’s earned. The city fosters a certain grit and determination in those who grow up there. It taught me to stay focused in the face of distractions, remain steadfast in the midst of obstacles, and never allow temporary setbacks to derail long-term goals. That mental toughness has carried me through some of life’s most challenging moments. When things don’t go as planned, I don’t see it as failure—I see it as an opportunity to pivot, adjust, and push forward.

Ultimately, my upbringing has given me a strong foundation of discipline, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. It’s the reason I approach life with a relentless drive, knowing that no matter what challenges arise, I have the mindset and work ethic to overcome them.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I began my career as a Department of Defense (DoD) civilian at just 23 years old, and over the past decade, I’ve built a career rooted in resilience, strategy, and an unwavering commitment to growth. Navigating federal service wasn’t easy—especially without mentorship and at times under poor leadership. Early on, I learned the hard way that having your career in someone else’s hands can mean missed opportunities. I was determined not to let that be my story. Instead of waiting for doors to open, I learned the system, took control of my own career, and positioned myself for success.

One of the biggest challenges I faced was being a military spouse. Frequent relocations meant having to start over, rebuild my network, and prove myself again with each move. For many spouses, this can create major career setbacks, but I refused to let it hold me back. I pivoted into a job series that provided a tangible skill set, making me not just employable, but invaluable in every role I stepped into.

What sets me apart is my mindset—I don’t just take a job, I master it. I seek out the strongest person in the room, learn everything I can, and apply a relentless work ethic to make myself an undeniable asset. I don’t take roles just to have a job; every position I accept aligns with my long-term career strategy. I believe in being intentional, in making every move count.

Beyond my personal success, I’m deeply passionate about helping others. The struggles I faced early in my career inspired me to share my experiences on social media, offering guidance on how to navigate federal employment. What started as a way to help a few people quickly grew into a hub of learning and information sharing. I began providing career consulting and professional services, assisting military spouses and government employees in securing opportunities and advancing their careers.

What I want the world to know about my story is that success isn’t about luck—it’s about strategy, resilience, and taking ownership of your path. I built my career by refusing to accept limitations, and now I help others do the same. My brand is built on empowerment, knowledge-sharing, and creating opportunities where none seem to exist. I’m proof that with the right mindset and determination, you don’t just survive challenges—you thrive through them.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Living in Germany for four years was an unforgettable experience! If my best friend came to visit, we’d start in Kaiserslautern, grabbing soul food at Soul Food Daddy before heading to explore historic castles like Burg Eltz. A weekend in Paris would be a must—dining at BMK Paris for West African flavors, visiting the Louvre, and shopping in Le Marais. A quick trip to Amsterdam? Absolutely! We’d check out Black-Owned Amsterdam Tours and unwind at The Black Archives, a cultural gem highlighting Black history in the Netherlands..

For a week in Hampton, I’d curate an all-Black-owned experience! We’d start the mornings at Mango Mangeaux, a Black-owned bistro serving delicious French, Creole, and NeoSoul cuisine. Afternoons would be for exploring the rich Black history at the Hampton University Museum and Fort Monroe, where the first enslaved Africans arrived in 1619. Evenings? Drinks and live music at Partea Wine Bar, then catching a vibe at The Lounge at Six. And of course, a day trip to Norfolk for seafood at Lil Bit Nola before heading to the beach.

Hampton and my time abroad both taught me the importance of embracing culture, history, and Black-owned businesses wherever I go!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Without a doubt, my biggest shoutout goes to my husband, Dr. Jericho Blanchard. We’ve been together since high school, and from the very beginning, he has been my greatest motivator, always encouraging me to chase my goals with focus and determination. When he joined the military after high school, our journey took on new challenges, but through it all, he remained my rock, pushing me to stay committed to my ambitions.

We married young—at just 18 and 20—but that only strengthened our bond. We have been each other’s number-one supporters in every aspect of life, from career moves to educational pursuits to entrepreneurial ventures. As my business partner, he keeps everything in order, ensuring that I have the structure and balance needed to thrive. And as a military family, where his career often takes precedence, he always makes sure that every decision we make is mutually beneficial, reflecting the true partnership we’ve built.

He constantly challenges me, both professionally and personally—almost like a drill sergeant, but in the best way possible! His unwavering belief in me has been a driving force behind my success, and because of our shared commitment to pushing each other toward excellence, we’ve both accomplished so much at a relatively young age.

Beyond our own achievements, our biggest goal is to set an example for our two sons—to show them that with dedication, resilience, and a strong support system, they can accomplish anything they set their minds to, no matter how difficult the path may seem. Everything we do is with the intention of proving that success isn’t just about talent or luck—it’s about discipline, perseverance, and the people who uplift you along the way.

Instagram: raelashae

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravenblanchard

Other: TikTok: raelashae131