Dr. Valerie S. Walston Guiding Women to Their Next Chapter
ITWM: Thank you for agreeing to participate in "I'm Tellin' Who's Melanin." Let’s begin by introducing you to our readers. What is your name, and where are you from?
Dr. Valerie S. Walston: I’m Dr. Valerie S. Walston. I'm originally from Cleveland, Ohio, but I currently live in Toledo, Ohio.
ITWM: Can you share the name of your business and the type of work you do?
Dr. Valerie S. Walston: My business is Next Chapter Enterprises (NCE). I specialize in motivational speaking, training, and authorship, focusing on inspiring and empowering women to embrace and plan for the next chapter of their lives.
ITWM: How long have you been in business?
Dr. Valerie S. Walston: Although my business is newly established, I have been speaking professionally for over 20 years.
ITWM: What services does Next Chapter Enterprises provide?
Dr. Valerie S. Walston: I offer workshops, corporate training, and motivational speaking engagements. Additionally, I am available as an emcee for hire and as a change agent who encourages women to plan their next chapter with confidence and purpose.
ITWM: Who is your target audience?
Dr. Valerie S. Walston: I serve individuals who need motivation to transition into the next phase of their lives. While I work with a broad audience, my specialty is empowering women, church groups, women's conferences, and Bible study groups.
ITWM: What inspired you to start your business?
Dr. Valerie S. Walston: I realized that people need a listening ear and a safe space to express themselves. Women, in particular, have had their voices silenced for years. Many individuals lack the courage to take a leap of faith into their next phase of life. As a "Change Agent" and "Doctor of Inspiration," I provide a platform for women to confidently dream, network, and plan their next chapter.
ITWM: What was your biggest challenge in starting your business, and how did you overcome it? Looking back, would you do anything differently?
Dr. Valerie S. Walston: Branding was a significant challenge for me. Eventually, I hired a branding strategist, but in hindsight, I realize I should have hired a marketing agency from the very beginning to build a solid foundation for my brand.
ITWM: What has been your biggest challenge as a business owner, and how have you overcome it?
Dr. Valerie S. Walston: My biggest challenges have been marketing, balancing my full-time job, and launching my own business. Overcoming these obstacles has required strong time management skills, strategic delegation, and leaning on the support of experts in different fields.
ITWM: How do you define success in your business?
Dr. Valerie S. Walston: Success is measured by how many people benefit from my services. It’s about creating balance—serving my clients while making time for self-care. I passionately believe that success is not solely about revenue. If you genuinely love what you do, the financial rewards will follow naturally.
ITWM: What advice would you give to someone looking to enter your industry or start their own business?
Dr. Valerie S. Walston: Find a great mentor, keep God first, and surround yourself with at least three to five trusted advisors who can provide guidance and support.
ITWM: Where do you see Next Chapter Enterprises in the next few years?
Dr. Valerie S. Walston: It’s hard to predict, but I plan to continue expanding my reach and helping more people transform their lives.
ITWM: What is the best way for people to contact you for your services? Do you have an online presence?
Dr. Valerie S. Walston: I can be reached via email at Motivationalspeaker4u@yahoo.com. My website is currently under construction, but I look forward to launching it soon!
ITWM: Thank you, Dr. Walston, for sharing your inspiring journey with us. We appreciate your time and look forward to seeing the impact of your work.
Dr. Valerie S. Walston: Thank you for having me! I appreciate this opportunity to share my story.
Services:
CorporateTraining
Motivational Speaking Engagements
Emcee
Change Agent for Women
Contact Information:
Email: Motivationalspeaker4u@yahoo.com
