Meet Cissy Watkins

We were lucky to catch up with Cissy Watkins recently and have shared our conversation below.

Cissy, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I found my purpose through a journey of faith and listening to the guidance of the *Holy Spirit*. Five years ago, I felt a calling to purchase *Cissy’s Indian Trail Pack ‘N’ Post*, though at the time, I didn’t fully understand why. I followed that inner prompting and, over the years, poured my heart into the business. However, it wasn’t until April 2023 that the true purpose behind it all became clear.

In that moment of realization, I saw how the store had become more than just a place of business—it had become a beacon of hope for the community. People weren’t just coming in for shipping or bill payments; they were coming for connection, for a sense of belonging, and for a little hope. I realized my purpose wasn’t just to run a business, but to create a place where people could feel supported and cared for, where they could find hope in the simplest of ways.

This realization also led me to launch the *Blue Hope Foundation*, extending that sense of care beyond my business and into the broader community. My purpose became clear when I saw how something as simple as helping someone with their mail could touch lives in meaningful ways. Through this journey, I’ve learned to trust that purpose often unfolds when we listen to the small, quiet callings and have faith in the path we’re on.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m the proud owner of *Cissy’s Indian Trail Pack ‘N’ Post*, which I’ve run for five years. Guided by the Holy Spirit, I discovered my purpose in April 2023. Since then, the store has become my happy place and a beacon of hope for the community. People come here not just for services, but because it’s where hope resides.

Our focus is on excellent customer service. We offer packing, shipping, and digital mail services. We partner with *FedEx, DHL, USPS, and UPS* for shipping. Recently, we added *Western Union* for money transfers and bill payments. We aim to be a one-stop shop for all our customers’ needs.

What sets us apart is the personal care we offer each customer. Whether helping with forms or notarizing documents, we go the extra mile. Building relationships and offering reliable, friendly service excites me the most.

I’ve also launched the *Blue Hope Foundation*, a nonprofit now 501(c)(3) designated. It’s my way of giving back to the community and offering help where it’s needed.

We’re growing fast! New services and products are coming in-store and online. We’ve just launched a *digital mail service*, making it easy for customers to handle their mail from anywhere. My goal is to create a place of care, and I’m excited about what the future holds!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, the three most important qualities and skills that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, relationship-building, and adaptability.

Resilience: In business, there will always be challenges, setbacks, and unexpected obstacles. Resilience has helped me push through tough times, learning from each challenge and emerging stronger. My advice to those just starting out is to build a mindset that embraces challenges as opportunities for growth. Keep your vision clear and don’t give up when things get tough trust that your perseverance will pay off.

Relationship-Building: The ability to form genuine connections with customers, employees, and the community has been a cornerstone of my success. People remember how you make them feel, and fostering those relationships can lead to lasting loyalty and support. To develop this skill, focus on listening actively, showing empathy, and always aiming to provide value to others in both personal and professional interactions.

Adaptability: Business is constantly changing, and the ability to adapt to new trends, technologies, and customer needs has been critical. For example, I recently expanded my services to include digital mail and Western Union. My advice is to stay open-minded and be willing to learn continuously. Embrace new tools and strategies as they arise, and don’t be afraid to pivot when necessary.

For those just beginning, focus on developing these skills by seeking opportunities to challenge yourself, build meaningful relationships, and remain flexible in your approach. This will set a strong foundation for long-term success.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

The he most helpful person in my journey has been Jai Staton, PHR, SHRM-CP. She has been my rock for the past 15 years, playing an essential role in all of my business ventures. Jai’s expertise, guidance, and unwavering support have been instrumental in helping me overcome challenges and build the skills necessary for success. Her insight into business, human resources, and strategy has been a constant source of strength and knowledge, enabling me to navigate obstacles with confidence and clarity.

In addition to Jai, my faith in the Holy Spirit has been the foundation of my decision-making and perseverance. Trusting in God’s guidance has provided me with the resilience and wisdom to face difficult moments with hope and determination.

Finally, I must mention Renee Hode, Director of Small Business and Entrepreneurship at South Piedmont Community College. Her mentorship and the resources provided through SPCC have been invaluable in developing my business strategies and expanding my services. Having this support network of strong, knowledgeable individuals has truly been a blessing in my journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.citpacknpost.com
• Instagram: citpacknpost
• Facebook: Cissy’s Indian Trail Pack N Post
• Linkedin: Cissy Watkins