Angelita Parham is an Aries.
The sign’s traits include ambition, honesty, bravery, and creativity — all of which will serve her well in her new role as programming manager at the Women’s Business Center South (WBC South).
“We love to start up anything. We can do anything,” she said of her zodiac sign. “Most of us come with many talents. We have to hone in on which one is a value. Otherwise, we’ll be all over the place.”
Again, being an Aries is evident in her diverse resume.
She worked with the Memphis Education Fund, serving as virtual learning coordinator. She was a fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital/ALSAC. She’s also a real estate agent and founded her own beauty company, Steele Divine.
“I’m retiring and coming aboard WBC,” she said.
The Women’s Business Center South — covering Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, and the Florida Panhandle — opened its office in Crosstown Concourse a year ago. It is a regional partner organization of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). Vonesha Mitchell serves as executive director. The organization provides training, tools, and resources to grow women-owned businesses.
Parham said her expertise is in marketing and bringing about exposure to under-recognized businesses and organizations, thereby driving customer support. Her role at WBC South will center largely around its events.
“We’re going to be developing new events around women-owned businesses. I am doing a lot of the marketing when it comes to all of our events and highlighting our women-owned businesses that are coming in for consulting,” she said. “A lot of that time is doing actual consulting work. I’ve already helped at least 12 new businesses with development, starting those business plans. Three of those 12 are now ready to ask for capital.”
Parham said she suggested 12 other women for the WBC South job before she decided to “retire.” She had noticed that the job was unfilled; she liked the idea of providing opportunities for other women entrepreneurs.
Parham has long been an entrepreneur herself, having opened a flower shop at 18. She recognizes the importance of organizations such as WBC South.
“I know how it feels to run a new startup,” she said. “From the moment I learned about the Women’s Business Center South, I was excited. My excitement stemmed from the mission — providing resources, training, and connections to women-owned businesses. I understand, from an entrepreneur standpoint, the obstacles that we face when trying to start up a business. We need the resources.”
You are invited to join us as we honor the Memphis Business Journal’s 42nd Small Business Awards finalists. Come join us as we celebrate small business and the impact that it makes in our community.
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