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

Hi Candace, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When creating The Joseph Consulting Firm, I thought about all the dreams and hopes of a new entrepreneur. I thought about questions that most entrepreneurs forget to ask a consultant. I thought about the financial cost associated with starting a business. I thought about reducing the number of companies an entrepreneur will encounter at their start. I thought to myself, why not create a one stop shop for entrepreneurs. All experts at an entrepreneurs’ fingertips to take them from idea to launch and beyond. I wanted to create a safe space without intimidation, without information overload, and without excessive charges. As a fellow entrepreneur, it is important to empower, support, and educate others to reach their greatness.

What should our readers know about your business?
The Joseph Consulting Firm is different because we offer something that no one else in the City of Houston offers: a one-stop shop for all entrepreneurial needs. We pride ourselves on being the everyday person’s consulting firm. Instead of only working with large companies and corporations, we focus on the little guy who does not have the resources and finances that a larger company has access to. We provide the exact same services that our consulting firms provide, but at affordable rates. We truly believe that no one should allow lack of finances to stop them from starting a business. We have someone on our team who does photography, DJ services, fashion and makeup, event planning, goal setting, retail advice, business planning, business formation, strategic planning, and so much more. Our firm eliminates an entrepreneurs’ chase to track down individual companies to accomplish the things they need to do to successfully open and run their business. When you walk through our door as a client, you have access to everything you will need. Another thing that I feel sets us apart is that we remain with our clients from start to finish; we reach out and check on them even after our services are no longer needed. We want to be sure that they are still in a great position to succeed. I am most excited about seeing our clients succeed and helping people. I am all about helping the community where I live, and it gives me great pleasure to see someone succeed, especially after they have faced many challenges along their path. It makes my heart sing when someone we have helped, comes back to thank us for the support and guidance. I got where I am today due to an honest and healthy desire to learn. Growing up, I was always reading about something because I love gaining knowledge, and then sharing that knowledge with others. I started out doing favors (Websites, bookkeeping, business plans, building blueprints, etc.) for family and friends. My Dad, Gregory Joseph, would often call me and ask if I could do something for friend. Even if I did not know how to do something, I would figure it out. At the time I did not know that he was assisting me with learning more skills for my future entrepreneurial endeavors. I was focused on simply helping others with their business. I just wanted my parents proud of me with the work I did for others. I was in a car wreck in 2016 and while I was recuperating, I made a list of the skills I had and did not have, then set about finding information on how to gain the skills and knowledge I did not have. Reflecting on young adult years , I was taught a lot by Mrs. Ruby Laney; she allowed me to shadow her at company, which gave me the first look into the world of business and how it works. It was not, and still is not, easy for me. I had to learn to get out of my own way for my greatness to be able to shine through, and for me to truly be able to help others. I have learned quite a few lessons during this journey to build my company. I have learned that I (and any entrepreneur for that matter) must delegate; I am only one person and I cannot get as much accomplished alone as I can with help. I have learned that there are people who do not want you to succeed simply because of who you are, and on the flipside, there are people who want you to succeed because of who you are. What I want the world to know is that greatness is within you … pull it out!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Aww, I love this question! Houston, Texas is the place for the best in everything. Houston, TX is the place for all things excellent. As a foodie we would start at the far end of the city limits and work our way through the multi-cultural eats and treats. I am an introvert at heart and love places of solitude and reflection. I would end our last day at the Lillie and Hugh Roy Cullen Sculpture Garden. It is my place as restoration and peace. It is my favorite spot in the city. Sometimes I go there to write out my dreams or my company’s strategic plan. Sometimes I go there to play chess. I stare at my favorite piece the Cloud Column, there is so much strength there. I am in awe each time I see it. I simply smile. The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Wow, now that is a loaded question. There are so many people I could name. I must think about my foundation that fueled the success. My parents, Gregory and Debra Joseph, gave me permission to tap into my awkwardness. My siblings, Denesa, Courtney, and Gregory Jr., that tolerated the awkwardness and always showed love. My Godparents, Paula Crawford, Reuben, and Deidre Joseph, that listened to my daydreams. My favorite teachers, David Wizig, Linda Camp, and Valerie Clouser, for nurturing my imagination in the arts. I must give a shout-out to all the lectures, books, YouTube video, seminars, panel discussions, workshops, and all other items that stimulated my growth as a businesswoman and visionary. I give a shout-out to my mentors (too many to name), but I want to recognize Anita Blue, Casual Pitts, and Eric Patrick Thomas. When you surround yourself with great individuals, it rubs off on you. Every person and opportunity that has ever been presented to me has taught me lessons. I learned to be fearless and to simply go for everything I want. Over the years you evolve internally and externally. Each day it is my purpose to create impact in the world around me. We are natural seekers; I am a seeker of the knowledge of everything. I want to know everything that makes our world great and how we can sprinkle a little bit more on top. I believe in the revitalization and continuation of small business. I strive to create a culture of life goal completion. At JCF we want to know your dreams of entrepreneurship and assist in the victory of completion. We are here to make it simple, fun, and affordable while giving you light, love, and knowledge. I would like to shoutout my entire team. It may sound cliched, but I truly would not be where I am today without them. Their unyielding trust, support, and faith in this vision has inspired me to my best regardless of the challenges we face. Everyday I strive to meet and beat their expectations. They push me to higher levels and make me want to achieve more. So, for that, I want to say “thank you and I appreciate each of you so much for what you do” to my entire team: Gregory Joseph, II, Brandi Cambric, Sharita Guillory-Laney, Osheanbell Lawson, Daija Sadler, Omar Wesley, Danielle Ford, Mike Mitchell, Arinicole Ford, Terrie Porter, DeJuana Bowie, Hope Watkins, Dayanara Gonzalez, Jibrell Crump, Armani Royce, Christopher Whaley, Natasha Jackson, Jamie Grogan, Chenica Grant, and Jaunai Walker. In 2020 our team was able to assist over 250 entrepreneurs and non-profit organizations (combined) effected by COVID-19 free of charge. How can we help you?!?! I also want shout out to my family at High Volume Music Radio and the listeners of The Business Knowledge Broker Hour with Candace Joseph. I thank my Buddhist teachings; I am nothing without it. Lastly, I thank the entrepreneurs and organizations that have allowed The Joseph Consulting Firm to go along on their journey to greatness. There are too many to name but they all have our heart. We are with you !!

Website: www.josephconsultingfirm.com

Instagram: @josephconsultingfirm

Linkedin: Joseph Consulting Firm

Twitter: @JosephConsul_

Facebook: @josephconsultingfirm

Youtube: The Business Knowledge Broker

Other: Facebook: @thebkbh Instagram: @thebkbh Instagram: @candacetheking

Image Credits
Candace Joseph Anita Blue Gregory Joseph II Brandi Cambric Jimmy Harvuni

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