We recently connected with Ja’Lisa Neal and have shared our conversation below.
Ja’Lisa, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
My work ethic is a testament to the resilience and tenacity of my parents. Growing up, I watched my mother juggle her responsibilities at home, her full-time job, and her entrepreneurial ventures on the side. She personified the hustle, the drive to always strive for more and to make things happen, regardless of the challenges life threw her way. Similarly, my stepfather, despite being visually impaired, defied expectations at every turn. His ability to navigate life’s obstacles and often surpass not just those with similar challenges, but also many without any apparent challenges, served as a stark reminder that we are defined not by our circumstances but by our response to them.
Their determination, particularly in the face of life’s adversities, has been a guiding force for me. As I established the HCC Agency and navigated the intricacies of entrepreneurship, I often drew upon the lessons learned from watching them. The initial hurdles of setting up the agency, the successes, the invaluable feedback from clients, and the stories of businesses we’ve impacted all deepened and refined my work ethic. While my parents laid the foundation, every step in my professional journey, and the feedback from our clients, has further reinforced my unwavering commitment to excellence.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Born and raised in Southern California, I’ve been a proud resident of Atlanta, Georgia, for almost 20 years. My life is full of diverse experiences. I’m a wife, a new mom to a beautiful 3 month old son, and a person who loves traveling and creating lasting memories with family and friends. My greatest fulfillment is an exciting blend of creativity, problem-solving, and resourcefulness. This mix is what drives me in everything I do, from running The HC Creative Agency to being a full time stay at home mom, I thrive on bridging personal passions with professional dedication.
I’m often known as ‘ItPays2KnowJalisa,’ a nickname and Instagram handle of mine that reflects my knack for being resourceful, a skill that comes from a mix of personal life experiences and professional expertise. This unique blend is beneficial for everyone I meet, whether in day-to-day life or in my more business structured settings.
Resourcefulness has always been a key theme in my life. The title “It pays to know me” truly encapsulates this. It’s not just about the financial aspect, but also about the rich resources of knowledge, connections, and experiences I bring to the table. Whether it’s in business, personal development, travel, finances or beyond, my aim is to share these resources to help others succeed. I’ve always believed that knowing the right person or having the right information at the right time can open doors and create opportunities that might otherwise remain hidden.
As the founder and Business & Brand Strategist of HC Creative Agency, my work transcends the conventional bounds of business strategy and branding. I’m passionate about helping others realize their potential, not just in their businesses but in all facets of life. Through consulting, training, and workshops, I not only guide entrepreneurs and business owners, but regular everyday people how to leverage resources to craft strategies that pave the way for success.
It brings me joy helping others turn their vision into reality, or overcome a challenge they thought was impossible. I strive to not only impart knowledge but also inspire action and confidence. Whether it’s offering a piece of advice, developing a strategy, or sharing a resource, each interaction underscores the value of knowing me, it’s about making an impact that goes beyond the usual.
In essence, my life’s journey is about making a positive impact – both in my life and in the lives of others. it’s about building people, nurturing dreams, and creating a memories that goes beyond mere transactions. Every connection, every strategy, and every piece of advice reinforces why it truly ‘pays to know Ja’Lisa.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. Resilience: Every entrepreneur will face hurdles, setbacks, and disappointments. But my journey has taught me that the real test isn’t in the challenges themselves, but how one responds to them. Resilience has been my shield, turning every obstacle into an opportunity.
Advice: Surround yourself with a network or community that uplifts and supports you. The journey might not be easy, but it will surely be worth it. Embrace challenges as they come and remember that every setback can be a setup for a grand comeback.
2. Continuous Learning and Adaptability: While I stay aware of the latest trends and techniques, I place a higher emphasis on keeping up with the latest technologies to stay ahead of the curve. I firmly believe in the mantra “done is better than perfect,” which emphasizes action rather than endless preparation.
Advice: In the age of information overload, it’s crucial to discern what’s truly beneficial. We often hear the saying, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” But what about having too many eggs in that basket? Lightening your load can make a significant difference. This means sometimes, it’s okay to slow down to speed up, to gain clarity. Stay the course, maintain focus, and remember business isn’t a one-size-fits-all. While trends can be captivating, don’t lose your authenticity in the race to keep up. Remember, everyone isn’t meant for everybody. While it’s essential to educate yourself, be mindful of who you’re listening to. Solve problems, but don’t lose yourself in the process. It’s perfectly fine to pause, reevaluate, and ensure you’re not only serving others but also attending to your well-being.
3. Networking, Building Relationships, and Active Listening: The saying goes, “Your network is your net worth.” Throughout my journey, the relationships I’ve nurtured have been invaluable. They’ve provided mentorship, opened doors, and created collaboration opportunities. Active listening within these relationships has enabled me to truly understand, empathize, and cater to the unique needs of every individual and client.
Advice: Prioritize relationship-building. Engage in genuine conversations, attend industry events, and be open to collaboration. Not every connection will lead to immediate gains, but nurturing these relationships can lead to long-term benefits. Moreover, when interacting with others, truly listen. It’s not just about hearing the words but understanding the emotions, intentions, and motivations behind them. This depth of understanding can be your edge in building strong, meaningful connections.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
The book that most recently has profoundly impacted my development is “Who Not How” by Dan Sullivan. This book shifts the paradigm of thinking from the conventional ‘how to do things’ to ‘who can do them.’ Here are some of the invaluable nuggets of wisdom that I’ve gleaned:
1. Shift in Perspective: Instead of getting bogged down with the question, “How can I do this?” Sullivan encourages readers to ask, “Who can help me do this?” This simple shift in perspective is game-changing, as it promotes collaboration and leverages the unique strengths of individuals.
2. Value of Time: Often, we try to do everything ourselves, which not only leads to burnout but also doesn’t always produce the best results. By finding the right ‘who,’ we can save time, and invest our energies in areas where we truly excel.
3. Empowerment Through Delegation: Delegating doesn’t mean relinquishing responsibility; it means empowering others to bring their strengths to the table. This creates a win-win situation, fostering growth for both parties.
The essence of the book taught me that by harnessing the power of teamwork and collaboration, we can achieve goals more efficiently and effectively. It’s not about having all the answers, but about having the right team and connections to get things done.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.TheHccAgency.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/hccagency
