Choncé Maddox is a Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI), finance expert and money coach, freelance writer, and virtual assistant. She is the founder of MyDebtEpiphany.com, a platform that inspires people to make the best financial decisions in their personal and professional lives. Choncé’s unique finance and small business content has been featured on sites like Credit Sesame, The Penny Hoarder, Huffington Post, Business Insider, and Due.
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
My business started as a blog when I was eager to become accountable for meeting my goal of paying off $30k of debt. I wanted to share my journey along with other personal finance tips with people online.
Tell us about your business.
Now, I run a content-based business. My blog is the foundation and acts as a personal finance hub to help equip people with the tools, resources, and inspirational stories they need to pay down their debt, better manage their money, and meet all their financial goals. I also do some one-on-one coaching with people who need specific help with their finances.
After writing well on my blog, I also added a freelance writing service where I write articles for other websites and corporate clients. Finally, I do pick up some light virtual assistant work so I can help other bloggers and business owners meet their professional goals.
The core goal of my business is to help people improve their relationship with money and how they manage it so they can enjoy more of what they love whether that’s starting an online business and traveling the world, retiring early, or spending more time with their kids.
Are you currently running any promos/contests/giveaways that you would like our readers to know about?
I’m currently running a 15% off promotion for my freelance article writing and copy writing services. This includes unique blog posts, engaging website copy, and persuasive email newsletters. Prospects can contact me for more information and to discuss their needs.
List awards/certifications/accomplishments.
- Finalist for the ‘Best Personal Finance Contributor/Freelancer’ award at the 7th Annual Plutus Awards (2016) http://www.plutusawards.com/finalists/
- Certified Financial Education Instructor
Where is your business based?
I serve clients across the nation as well as internationally.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
My first step was actually starting a blog and telling my story. I love to write and possess a journalism background so while my blog helped people with personal finance, it also served as a portfolio for me to launch my freelance writing service.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
Joining online communities and networking. I initially got a coach to help me break into freelance writing and I’ve also taken a few blogging courses to increase the value of my content and my site. I’ve found that attending conferences, joining Facebook groups, and just reaching out to other entrepreneurs has helped me build strong relationships, grow my business and get referrals.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
Being a mom and running my own online business has been so rewarding, but sometimes it’s challenging to find a happy balance between the two. I feel that everyone runs into trouble managing time and I don’t want to neglect my son or my business.
How did you overcome these challenges?
I’ve definitely started living more intentionally, working around my son’s school schedule, and accepting all the roles I have. I’m a mom, a wife, a sister, a daughter, a business owner, and a creative person. I’m a lot to many different people and that’s okay. It’s also okay to have more than one priority. I write about small business in addition to finance so one thing I’ve done is starting that open dialogue about what it means to be a mom and entrepreneur and how working moms shouldn’t feel guilty in the slightest. My son thinks I rock and that means everything to me.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
I know that deep down, I’m truly happy with the work I’m doing and I love seeing the impact I make. I may not be motivated every second of every day, but I’m grateful to have found my purpose in life early on and that motivates and humbles me.
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
I’m a straight shooter and I don’t make empty promises. I’m just as passionate about my clients’ and coaching students’ success as I am about my own business and success. As a writer, experience and creativity also set me apart. There’s so much content on the web and as a producer of content, you need to be able to interpret what people want and use the tone that’s best for their audience. Finding the right writer can be nerve-wracking experience if you can’t find but I help make the process much easier.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
The biggest risk is not taking any risk.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Say yes to yourself more often than you say no. Entrepreneurs are a unique breed. We’re daring and have all these cool ideas in our head. Sometimes people may not understand or support them though. However, it’s important to trust yourself and say yes to your gut more than you say no. I believe you’ll start to see real success and truly surprise yourself after you make that mindset shift.
What are your favorite business tools/resources and why?
I love using Asana for scheduling tasks and remaining organized.
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
I’m currently reading ‘Year of Yes’ by Shonda Rhimes which basically describes the year I’m having right now. I would recommend this book for anyone who wants to overcome the fear that’s holding them back.
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
I’m learning that it’s okay not to try to do everything alone. I’m a perfectionist, but even solopreneurs need help and I’ve found relief in expanding my team while being able to maintain high standards for my work.
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
I’d like to boost my clientele by developing more unique content for other blogs and businesses. I’m also looking to launch a new sector of my one-on-one financial coaching program for individuals.
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Instagram @mydebtepiphany
Twitter @mydebtepiphany
Facebook www.facebook.com/mydebtepiphany
Website www.mydebtepiphany.com
Email chonce@mydebtepiphany.com
Hashtags #debtmindset #mycreativebiz #freelancewriter #womeninbiz #financeblogger