We had the good fortune of connecting with Calundra Thompson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Calundra, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
As a very cautious and seemingly responsible person, before anything I wanted to make sure that I had the capacity to begin and maintain a business, as I have a 9 to 5 that I work remotely. I recently got married one year ago, and I knew that being a good wife would require a major adjustment to the lifestyle I knew. But, to my benefit, I married a man who has a full time job as well as two businesses of his own. His example truly inspired me. I thought, ‘If he’s able to work his 9 to 5 AND be a successful business owner, then surely I can too.’ After observing this, I also had begin reading a book called “Stop Waiting for Permission” by Stephen Chandler. These were the catalysts to my first steps. Not to mention, my husband had taken it upon himself to create my website, to my surprise!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Social media management is a very broad field, and businesses in this field have their own way to go about delivering their services. Many offer packages, which I do as well. But – I also offer ‘a la carte’ services for business owners who either do not have the budget for a full on social media manager, or who just need a specific one-off service done; such as content creation. Offering this service has become a game changer for many businesses owners that I’ve had the pleasure of working  with. It’s saved them money and lots of time. I really enjoy being able to give people options, because I truly just want to help them translate their vision in a unique, cool and creative way. 

From high school up until my mid 20s, I spent 10 years in customer service settings which allowed me to service people face to face. I attribute my sharp people-skills to this experience. Working in the field is an underrated source of training for human interaction, which is extremely important for having a business. Was it always easy? No! But it allowed me to experience many different types of people, learn their preferences, and to observe their reactions and opinions to certain things and situations. From the sales floor to the checkout counter, nothing I learned has ever gone in vain. I can also tell you that nothing in my life was ever easy; but I’ve always been a roll-with-the-punches kind of person. I’ve overcome any challenge I had by prayer, and always eventually being remindedthat for every time, there is a season. There’s something – or many things – we can learn from all we’ve encountered, and use it to our benefit.

What I’d like the world to know about my brand, Exhale Social Media, and my story is that it’s shaped around my love for community. The concept of community is what fuels my passion. In a community, everyone is different-and as a result, everyone has something unique to offer. We can take it upon ourselves to learn from one another, and acknowledge that where one of us is weak, the other is strong. If we all used our differences to come together, this act could eventually change the world. The name of my brand stems from the name of my husband’s event entertainment business “Exhale Event Productions.” We want to make sure everyone we work with can do just that so that they are able to focus on doing what they do the absolute best. What they are good and strong at should be what they spend their valuable time on.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As a foodie, we would eat our lives away lol. I actually have an Instagram page where I post my experiences at restaurants, local and abroad. But since we’re talking local, here’s the itinerary:

Sunday we would brunch at The Common Table in Frisco because they have a bomb hip hop brunch with a DJ and the best vibes. The food will hit, too. Then we’d head over to Lava Cantina for live music and vibes.
Monday, if they’re up for some outdoor action, we would head out to Lake Carolyn in Las Colinas and walk the lake. Then we’d hit up Cielito Mexican Flavors for lunch!
Tuesday I’d make some breakfast, and we’d hike at Cedar Ridge Nature Preserve for a nice and rewarding view. Later that evening we’d hit up my gym for some Mixxed Fit dance!
Wednesday we would hit up Billie Jo’s Coffee Co for tasty latte, and read or work; whatever they’re into. Then we’d head to my zumba class later that evening- and maybe hit up Bar Louie afterwards!
Thursday we’d have to go to Chicken N Pickle to people watch, and play some of the games before watching the water and lights show. Then we’d grab a bite at one of the restaurants nearby.
Friday we’d have lunch at The Colossal Sandwich Shop in Bedford, and then we’d need to get a mani pedi after, for the night’s festivities of course. That night we’d hit up my friend’s restaurant and bar called Memphis Live Bar & Grill in Arlington TX. They’ve got great food and live neo soul.
Saturday we’d hit up Mesero for brunch on one of their fantastic patios; and I’d have to recommend one of their amazing cocktails to her. We’d probably be full for the rest of the day! If not, we’d have to make our way to The Colony/Grandscape area for some Portillo’s or some other restaurant in the area. We’d also people watch from there.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to Jesus for being the Source of many things to me; my husband, Jonathan; Exhale Event Productions and Anthony Roberson; Shana-Lee Scott for being my very first consultation booking; Justin McLaughlin with Xenia Roastery for being my first paid gig; Cachét for allowing her page to be my canvas and muse; Freedom Church for giving my start on social media management; Crystal Foster with Embodiez Décor for always supporting and sharing my posts; Joshlyn Willis for always recognizing the work I put into my posts; my mom and my mother in law for always hyping my creations up, Mr. Dennie (my Sports Marketing teacher from high school), and anyone who has acknowledged my work.

Again, I’ll say that Stephen Chandler’s book ‘Stop Waiting for Permission’ was a gamechanger.

Website: exhalesocialmedia.com

Instagram: Business page: exhalesocialmedia; Personal page: calundra.community; Foodie page: honegrygirl

Linkedin: Calundra Thompson

Facebook: Calundra Thompson

Other: Tik Tok: Honegrygirl

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