For Ms. Shannon Leon the journey to achieve success as an entrepreneur included an equity partnership in both a Hampton Inn and a Marriot Courtyard property in Atlanta; the sole proprietor of a Cold Stone Creamery in Atlanta; co-owner of BreathLes Printing and BreathLes Publishing, both based in Miami; owner of Clover Entertainment, a television and film production investment company; and several commercial buildings. Ms. Leon is a member of the National Association of Black Hotel Owners and Developers and is on the Board of Directors for the Atlanta Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce. She is also an international speaker and soon to be author.

 

As a child, Ms. Shannon Leon grew up in a humble, working class family striving to achieve their dreams of financial independence. As a student at Clark Atlanta University, not only was she a biology major, she also worked several jobs from receptionist to hostess and landed an internship at Arista Records. It was through these experiences, Ms. Leon learned the skill of challenging herself by working long hours, financial planning, and listening to successful entrepreneur mentors including Andy Ingraham, Founder and President of The National Association of Black Hotel Owners Operators and Developers (NABHOOD) and Dr. Farrah Gray, Award Winning Entrepreneur, Speaker and Best-Selling Author .

 

As a young twenty-something single mother pushing her way to the top, Ms. Shannon Leon never wavered in her persistent goal to build a better life. The world was truly her oyster, knowing no boundaries she never doubted reaching that pot of GOLD fulfilling her dreams as an entrepreneur building a mini empire within five years through savvy planning, faith and hard work.

 

Ms. Leon credits much of her entrepreneurial success to careful planning. With the eye of a tiger, she stalks her prey - be it a building or a business - studies it and then makes her plan to capture it and make it her own. A true triumphant story, this dynamic black woman entrepreneur-motivational speaker inspires millions across the country by sharing what she learned along the way.

 

Equally important, Ms. Leon credits several time-proven strategies that she had read about and learned from her mentors. One of those strategies included, as a first time entrepreneur, buying a pre-existing business such as a franchise. This type of proven business plan minimizes risk for first-time entrepreneurs. Ms. Leon raised the capital to purchase a Cold Stone Creamery franchise by going to her family, friends and "angel" investors, no easy task by any means. Persistence and a penchant for positive influence paid off - she purchased the business outright without using a loan from a bank.

 

Ms. Leon is more than a business mind; she is the model mentor for entrepreneurs. Indeed, she is dynamic! Not only does she possess the years of skill and knowledge to put together a business plan and execute it; she also possesses the qualities to convince people to share her journey to success. All aspiring entrepreneurs need to read her innovative new book and listen to her motivational audio presentations.

 

Speaking Topics:

Issues that women face in the work place and as entrepreneurs

Family commitment: Balancing the dynamics of business and family obligations

Inadequate capital: Unconventional ways to raise money for your business

Women's empowerment: Self- confidence and Motivation

Career guidance (mentorship)

Sexual discrimination

 

 

 

Topics:
Entrepreneurism, Women in Society, Motivation, Vision/Purpose, Peak Performance


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