Meet Tajuanna Franklin | Virtual Executive Assistant

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

Hi Tajuanna, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I wouldn’t consider myself a “risk” taker, more like a faith diver! My whole career/business has been based off of taking risks. I am a recent full-time entrepreneur who started a business a little over 7 months ago and have not looked backed since. Coming from a corporate world, I always had my security placed in the Government agency that I worked for. The pandemic changed all of that in so many ways. It showed me that my security relies in God and not the agency I worked for. And ultimately, God would take way better care of me than they did. And HOW TRUE THAT IS!!!

On, September 2021, I took a leap of faith, a risk if you will, and started my Virtual Administrative business. Within two weeks of starting my business, I was able to submit my resignation letter and pursue my business full-time. RISK WELL TAKEN!!

So how do I think about risks, without risks there’s no reward! You have to take a risk in order to win or win! Losing is never an option, it’s only lessons learned which are always more valuable with each one!

What should our readers know about your business?
Well, I must say that CSM Professional Services was birthed out of a desire to continue to do what I loved after suffering the ultimatums that came with the pandemic. My current employer was requesting our return and I wasn’t comfortable sending my younger children to school, so I was forced to figure out how to still do what I loved and provide my half of the income to my household.

After a conversation with my pastor, I knew exactly what I had to do. And so on Sept. 22, 2022, CSM Professional Services was presented to the world. And within two weeks of launching, I was able to retire from my employer permanently.

What sets CSM apart from others, is simply me! Not to boast, but I am a rare gem. I love what I do, I’m passionate about my work and serving others, So the loyalty behind wanting the company that I am contracted to work for to succeed, keeps me pushing and going above and beyond the ask of my client.

Now, don’t get me wrong, it has not been easy. Being an entrepreneur IS NOT EASY. It is a lonely place where you’re forced to encourage yourself, push yourself, and it takes discipline. LOTS OF DISCIPLINE AND DEDICATION. If you have those characteristics, you will overcome any challenge. My advice is to push, literally and figuratively, Pray Until Something Happens! I truly believe this is what has gotten me to where I am today and will definitely take me further than I could have ever imagined for myself.

I would recommend that others use their challenges as a learning experience and give yourself grace! That’s what I have learned along the way. Grace is needed, required, and necessary. I take every challenge as a new level conquered, another notch on my belt of entrepreneurship wisdom, and expertise! I think this is what makes my brand, my story, and my business so unique. The same grace I extend to myself, the same loyalty I give to my brand/my business and the same energy…I ALSO GIVE TO MY CLIENTS! Their business is my business, literally!!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
OMG! So this question is so HARD to answer because I am a self-proclaimed intro/extrovert! Haha! I love being out, but not really!!!

So, an ideal time for me with a friend who’s coming in from out of town, we would definitely go eat at Cafe Blue located on the East-West Connector in Austell, GA! When I say the BEST hands down good food! And the owner is very friendly, sweet, and raising a king entrepreneur. When you visit on the weekends or most evenings, you’re sure to find her son there helping and taking care of you!

But living in GA, there are truly so many GOOD places to eat. So we will definitely eat the ENTIRE time they are here! Then we will visit one of the many live concerts that are outside. That’s become my favorite thing, take a lawn chair, and a cooler, and enjoy the sounds of celebrities!

We would definitely end the night at Slush Atlanta or the Red Velvet Bistro located in Douglasville. Both places are a great atmosphere on the weekends.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My first shoutout would be to God!!! Next of course my husband, Jarrell Franklin for his amazing support, love, encouragement, and listening ear!!! My two wonderful cousins, Dr. LaCretia Lewis and Tamika Williams-Epps, for the play by play support!!! You two know how I feel and you’ve made this so journey so much fun! My mentor and great friend, Terri Matthews!!! TWIN….YOU ARE THE ABSOLUTE BEST!!! To my babies….Tamani, Tamir, Hamyia, Elijah, and Ava!!! Your energy, love, support, encouragement, and unwavering affection makes me GO HARD!!! It’s the legacy for me!!! My pastor, Larry Colbert of The Chapel! Thank you Pastor for allowing God to use you, being obedient, and always AVAILABLE! Your wisdom, prayers, love, and dropping the seed to start my business means EVERYTHING!! And last but not least, my mommy, Nikita Wallace! My girl!!! Thanks for holding me DOWN!!! I LOVE YOU ALL DOWN, DEEPLY, LONG TIME, AND FOREVER!!!

And an inside shoutout to my daddy, Tony Wallace, in heaven! I know you’re extremely proud of your babygirl and looking out from up above!

Website: www.csmprofessionalservices.com

Instagram: @csm_professional_services

Linkedin: https://www.linkedIn.com/company/csm-professional-services-llc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CSMProfessionalServices