Today we’d like to introduce you to Jiljuana Coleman.
Jiljuana, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am a native Memphian, though I have not always lived here. I have been blessed to live in several states within the United States and countries overseas. No matter where I am, Memphis has always been home. As a young child and Girl Scout, I dreamed of owning my own business. I would imagine seeing myself in a tall building in a corner office and wearing power suits.
Fast forward to adulthood, I started working in the banking industry. I loved my job, but I struggled with seeing the financial disparity of people who looked like me. I also noticed that there were few Black business owners. I transitioned to another corporate job within the consulting industry and saw that I was one of a few Black employees nationwide. I was bothered. At the same time, I struggled with disclosing my medical challenges because I did not want to be treated as a liability.
So in 2017, after much prayer and contemplation, I founded Jamerson Strategic Consulting, LLC. Jamerson is my solution to Black-owned enterprise, belonging, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Starting the company and sustaining it has not been easy. I’ve battled misogyny, race and gender discrimination, and disability discrimination.
I persevered through these challenges and proudly say that Jamerson is now a global company. Today we have strategic partnerships in Ghana, Canada, South Africa, and Nigeria. Our service offerings have grown, and we are known for our expertise in diplomacy, strategy, economic empowerment, and project management.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’m constantly reminded that anything worth having is worth fighting for.
My company is my dream, legacy, and inheritance to my family and community. Therefore, it’s been challenging to balance business ownership and advocacy.
Sometimes, I fear losing or obtaining contracts if I’m too outspoken. On the other hand, I feel that I dishonor my community and the struggles we have overcome by not saying or being enough.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Jamerson Strategic Consulting, LLC is an international consulting and project management firm headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. We provide strategies and training in global entrepreneurship, business and economic development, and capacity building.
Our methodology uses a strategic approach that fosters profitability, compliance, preparedness, resiliency, sustainability, and project performance within scope and budget. Jamerson serves government, public, private, and non-profit/NGO entities.
Our core services are Strategy Consulting, Project Management, Business & Economic Development, Continuity & Crisis Response, and Workforce Development & Training. Jamerson proudly identifies as Woman-owned, Minority-owned, and Disabled-owned, which we call, determined-owned.
Jamerson is inclusive, compassionate, and community-oriented. I am most proud of the determination and resilience that people see from me after learning about my medical challenges.
What do you want our readers to know about your brand, offerings, services, etc? Jamerson is a strong brand that values people and legacy. Recently, we were contracted to serve as a VIP Diplomatic Liaison to His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, during the Memphis in May International Festival’s salute to the Republic of Ghana.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
When others say luck, I choose the words faith and preparation. My strong belief system has taught me to always be prepared before an opportunity presents itself.
When I started Jamerson, my only employee was my dog, Domingo. He was my Chief Security Officer and Jill-Calmer-Downer. This small start did not stop me from reporting to work every day on time and in a suit. I would practice my sales pitch in the mirror and throughout my home.
Before I had one contract, I created a capabilities statement and website and got the company certified at the local, state, and federal levels. I continued to learn additional skills and languages while studying cultures from all over the world. I immersed myself in topics of global affairs, diplomatic relations, and trade agreements.
I prepared myself to work with top professionals and royalty.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jscstrategy.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/jillknowsstrategy/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/JamersonStrategic
