Eboni Phillips has seen poverty in its rarest forms, from sleeping in the back seat of cars to getting them repossessed, Eboni knows exactly what it’s like to be less than credit worthy. After countless experiences with trial and error, she decided that she would use her experience with bad credit to help serve the community and educate others about being financially integral. Read our interview with the lovely Eboni below…
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
Well I had no idea I would be a credit specialist. I’d had issues with credit for years. I found myself severely depressed sometimes knowing that I couldn’t get an apartment or vehicle without a cosigner. I sat down one day at a dealership with a car salesman and was told “you need to file bankruptcy” I decided then that credit would not be a hindrance any longer. I was my first client. I applied what I learned to my situation and saw results immediately! I then went on to help family and friends and decided that “serving” others in the area of financial empowerment was my lane. As far as walking away from corporate America to pursue my passion full time, I knew that my potential was bigger than the cubicle that I sat in every day. There is a misery that comes along with not utilizing your full potential and I felt that misery daily. The thought of working 35 years just to survive wasn’t too appealing to me, the glass ceiling on my pay scale drove me crazy… I decided that I wanted to leave a legacy that proceeds me and entrepreneurship was how I would create it.
Tell us about your business.
I own and operate Elite Credit Consultants LLC. Our purpose is not only to restore your credit but to give you the tools and essential education necessary to maintain your credit score long after your time as a client with us. I get extreme satisfaction from educating and empowering consumers in the area of credit management. Not only do we focus on disputing inaccuracies but we sit down and have in depth conversations with our clients to figure out where the weak areas are and how we can strengthen them in those areas. Elite Credit is more than a business, it’s a lifestyle!
Are you currently running any promos/contests/giveaways that you would like our readers to know about?
Yes. Currently I am offering 15% off all new client enrollment until May 1st.
List awards/certifications/accomplishments.
- I am a board-certified credit specialist and credit score analyst through the Credit Consultant’s Association.
- I will have my Degree in Economics in May of this year.
Where is your business based?
We are located in Ypsilanti, Michigan.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
- The first thing I did was research the requirements to work in my field legally in the state of Michigan. It is very important to be PCI compliant in my industry.
- Next I researched ways to get certified, even though it is not required in my state I just believe in credentials. I studied hard and passed two exams to become a certified credit specialist and score analyst. I then became my first client.
- I applied for my articles of incorporation and EIN number.
- I created a Success (Business) Plan.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
Social media has been a great help with getting new clients, but honestly referrals are the lifeline of my business, without word of mouth I don’t think ANY credit business will stand for long. I also understand the scripture “Faith WITHOUT works is dead”. Everything that I do in business is a faith move, I put in the work and I allow faith to produce the end result.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
My biggest challenge so far has been owning the fact that I am an influencer to the nations. For so long I thought I didn’t deserve to be blessed, so I guess just coming into the realization that greatness is in my life and that there is nothing or nobody that can change that has been my biggest challenge to date… We sometimes can be our own worst enemy.
How did you overcome these challenges?
Entrepreneurship is not for the weak and sometimes you will get discouraged. I implemented lots of prayer, fasting, and meditation on what the word of God says about me! I also began to speak positive affirmations over my life and business daily.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
I worship in times of difficulty… I know how to pray it through. I have learned the secret to living and that is to be grateful in all situations, to always give thanks, and know that you are your only competition. My daily goal is to be a better version of myself than I was the day before.
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
When you’re a real leader, you know that you have no competition. I don’t mind others taking a seat at my table because I know we are all going to eat. We are all playing for the same team. I am SAVED. I use my entrepreneurship platform as a tool to evangelize and bring people into the knowledge of Christ. If I’m not helping to increase the kingdom, then what I’m doing is for nothing. I stress the importance of what the Bible says about debt and money when I educate… I make it a point to always point people back to God.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
Be CONSISTENT… Sometimes when we aren’t getting the results we think we should be getting, our consistency in our craft dwindles.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
KEEP GOING… GO ALL THE WAY. Believe in yourself and your gifts. See yourself and your service as an asset and not liability. When you make the decision to be an entrepreneur, you decide to accept the process that comes along with it, and nobody said the process would be easy or fun… but it will be worth it. You’ll thank yourself after.
What is your favorite business tool or resource?
My favorite business tool is Facebook live right now for the sake of my financial tip Vlogs I record every Tuesday. I’ve fallen in love with periscope though, so soon I will be taking my talents to that platform.
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Instagram @thecreditqueen__
Facebook www.facebook.com/Elitecreditrecovery
Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/555346381333371
Website www.elitecreditconsultant.com
Email elitecreditconsultants@gmail.com
Hashtags #EBONIINSPIRES #ELITEEFFECT #IFIXCREDIT
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
I am reading the book “Angel Armies” By Time Sheets.
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
I am working on an extension to my business through the avenue of real estate… I will be licensed to practice and assist first time homebuyers by the end of the summer. I’m always looking for mentors to further my education in my field but until I find one with a like mind, I will continue to self-educate and attend trainings.
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
In the next few months I plan to have my Real Estate license, College Degree, and increase my social media following and conversion rate. I have my blinders on, I’ve never been so focused and determined to succeed. I will be consistent in my studies and post fresh relevant content daily on my social media outlets.