Conversations with the Inspiring C. Reneé Mangum

Today we’d like to introduce you to C. Reneé Mangum.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve always had a hustle mentality. Growing up in Detroit, the ability to be a go-getter was a necessity. I’ve always been driven to work for myself, but life doesn’t always go as planned, right? I had my son at 18 years old and got married at 19 years old. I had to grow up fast. I moved to Arizona when my son was two years old and took on various jobs in corporate America. When my son was about four years old, I decided to step away from corporate America and became a stay at home wife and homeschool mom, which I did for a little over five years. Because of my desire to work for myself, I still got involved in numerous direct sales and MLM companies while I was home with my son.

When my son went off to a traditional school setting, I decided I wanted to get back into corporate America. However, corporate America decided it didn’t have need of me. No one would hire me, because they felt my skills were outdated because of my gap in employment. It’s almost as if I was being penalized for investing time into my family. So, I decided to give myself a shot and employed myself.

I began as a web developer, building websites and doing graphic design for local entrepreneurs. In building their web platforms, I found so many holes in the development of their businesses, areas that I knew I could help with. My business quickly transitioned from building websites to strategizing and consulting with new entrepreneurs in the areas of branding, marketing, and social media.

In developing my business as a strategist and consultant, the women I came in contact with seemed very fascinated with two things – my wardrobe and my ability to balance being an entrepreneur, a mom, and a wife. So, I started blogging about fashion and life in general. Over the last year, I have organically built a brand as a digital influencer and brand ambassador, using my social media and blog presence to represent bigger brands and share impactful information with the women in my realm of influence.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The journey was everything BUT easy. I was fortunate to have certain skills and natural abilities, but not everyone was a believer in me. I felt like I was in a constant state of proving myself. But honestly, that was me being hard on myself, because I was comparing myself to entrepreneurs in my field who had been in the business much longer than me. I had to realize that everyone had to start somewhere and just started running my own race.

After I stopped comparing myself to everyone else, I had the issue of balance. Everyone thought I had it all figured out. But in reality, I was drowning in my new responsibilities and trying to maintain the family responsibilities I already had. It was a struggle to find balance at first. I even wrote a very transparent blog about how I almost lost my marriage in the pursuit of success in my business.

My advice would be to always remember what your priorities are, and get extremely organized. Use time blocking strategies and be 100% present in each block. If you give yourself two hours to work on your business, don’t do anything else in that two hours except work on your business. Don’t go over or under that two hours. Once that two hours is up, move on to your next time block and be 100% present in it.

Also, don’t expect your family to be understanding of something they are in the dark about. Communicate your goals, your desires and your requirements with your family. Allow them to share in this space with you, so they don’t become resentful of it.

And lastly, have strategies in place for your business. Invest the time and money into building a solid foundation and getting the tools you need for success so that you’re not spinning your wheels and going in meaningless circles. Be clear in your goals. Talk to the experts. Take the courses. And apply the knowledge you receive.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
As a strategist, I create digital products, host events and conduct strategy sessions that help entrepreneurs discover, develop and monetize their brands. As a digital influencer, I represent various fashion and lifestyle brands to bring awareness to my audience about amazing products that I know they’ll love.

I am also a bestselling co-author of a book called The Bestie Code, which is a funny but “real talk” narrative of how my two besties and I have cracked the code on building and maintaining healthy female friendships in our adult lives.

I am most proud of the fact that I’ve been able to help amazing people go from aspiring entrepreneurs to successful business owners. I love seeing my clients make their dreams a reality, using the strategies that we develop for their branding and marketing.

What sets me apart is the fact that I am not a cookie cutter consultant. I don’t employ the same strategy for every client, because every client is different. Their success is near and dear to me, so I develop strategies based on what they want to see happen in their business. I am also a firm believer in being YOU in your business. This applies to me as well. I am simply myself in everything I do. I am a transparent, vibrant, fun and caring person who loves to laugh. I bring that exact energy into my business.

For good reason, society often focuses more on the problems rather than the opportunities that exist, because the problems need to be solved. However, we’d probably also benefit from looking for and recognizing the opportunities that women are better positioned to capitalize on. Have you discovered such opportunities?
I feel like women are natural engineers, problem solvers, creative thinkers, business owners, and innovators. We can do ANYTHING and we come across so many needs that should be addressed in our homes, communities, etc. We are brilliant and fierce nurturers, who see a need, find witty ways to make solutions appear and will stop at nothing to make sure all is well.

With that being said, I feel that women simply need to take the limits off of themselves and stop trying to fit into roles that others feel they should be in. Be who YOU want to be. Walk in your YOU-ness. That is what will impact the world. The ideas and inventions inside of the everyday woman, wife, mom, student, career woman, etc. are things that you can’t google yet because that woman has yet to realize what’s within her. But once she does, the world will be better because of it.

We can and will be critical parts of building the future.

Pricing:

• My digital products and courses typically range from $17-$97.
• My book, The Bestie Code, is $14.99 and available on Amazon.
• My strategy sessions are typical $47-$197, but these time slots are very limited and require appointments.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.theecrenee.com
• Email: info@theecrenee.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/theecrenee
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/theecrenee
• Other: www.thebestiecode.com

Image Credit:
Nicole Edelen, Star Campbell, Destiny LeFlore

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