- Chyna Clayton worked with the Obamas for seven years in and out of the White House.
- Clayton says Michelle Obama mentored her and encouraged her to start her own business.
- Investing in a lawyer and accountant is one of Clayton's best tips for new entrepreneurs.
This told essay is based on a conversation with Chyna Clayton, a 35-year-old entrepreneur from suburban Liberty, Florida, about her experiences working with Michelle Obama and starting her own business. . Edited for length and clarity.
By the time I graduated from high school outside Liberty City, Florida, I knew I wanted to one day own my own business. I don't know in what field or how it was done, but I remember thinking: i am an entrepreneur.
When I was attending the University of Florida, there was a moment when I considered dropping out of college (probably a few hours' worth of Greyhound bus rides home), but I didn't. Instead, I decided to change my major from business to event management.
I decided to bet on myself. I secured an internship at the White House during his senior year of college in 2010 during the historic Obama administration. Ultimately, after a decade of helping high-profile celebrities and executives make their lives easier, my boss at the time, Michelle Obama, gave me the seeds to start my own business. I planted it.
Being a White House Advance Associate has given me the opportunity to utilize both degrees at the same time.
I was assigned to work in the President's Scheduling and Advances Office for my internship. But after earning a degree with a double major in event management and political science and a minor in business, he returned to the White House as his predecessor.
When you see a president or first lady on television giving a speech, talking to children, visiting a disaster site, meeting with a foreign head of state, or going on a family bike ride, the details are Explained and intricately planned by those in charge. An advance team working with intelligence and military agencies.
Advance provided me with the opportunity to utilize both degrees at the same time.
I became former First Lady Michelle Obama's body person
My hard work during my predecessor role did not go unnoticed. I was encouraged to apply and took a management position in Disney's government communications office, supporting executives in the nation's capital, before returning to the White House and becoming former first lady Michelle Obama's “body person” for her second term. .
A body person is an assistant who literally acts as a politician's right-hand man and follows and accompanies the politician 24 hours a day. wherever. They predict the principal's every move. In this capacity, I helped Mrs. Obama connect with communities around the world. I ensured that every detail of her personal and public events was executed to perfection and led the team that coordinated her national and international engagements.
After President Barack Obama's term ended in January 2017, I remained in the private office of Barack and Michelle Obama as Director of Travel and Event Operations. I helped manage the family's personal obligations while overseeing the coordination of Mrs. Obama's engagement through 2022.
Michelle Obama gave me the final vote of confidence to start a business
Mrs. Obama was the person who planted the seed for me to start my business. What she said stuck with me. “Everyone in my friend group reaches out to you when they're looking for an assistant… so Chyna, 'There's… there's someone!'”
This was the ultimate vote of confidence from someone I respected as a mentor. With the help of a few friends who know how to start a business, some strategic planning, a bit of soul-searching, and a notebook full of ideas, I'm ready to help him in 2022. We launched Matriarch Made Development.
My company focuses on business development, talent development, and personal development. Basically, I help executives, celebrities, government officials, heads of human resources, and business owners find assistants. Additionally, I assist with ongoing training and development of assistants and event consulting.
Here are 6 tips for anyone ready to become an entrepreneur
Here are some simple tips that I would like to share with those who are ready to make their entrepreneurial dreams come true.
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baby steps. Acquiring and retaining customers takes time and effort.
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Give yourself grace and be patient with yourself.
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Before diving headlong into entrepreneurship, try to maintain a side job that reliably provides a steady paycheck.
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Invest in a contract attorney and accountant. That's the best thing you can do for yourself and your company.
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Set aside 30-35% of your income for taxes. Don't play with Uncle Sam.
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It's okay to fail. Not every business is a million dollar business. Sometimes boldness makes a difference.
My business celebrates four generations of motherhood women
I named my business Matriarch Made Development in honor of the four generations of maternal women who paved the way for me to become the person I am today: my mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-aunt. I decided to name it. I am forever grateful for the lessons they taught me, and I apply them every day as an entrepreneur.
I am truly grateful to my late aunt, Linder Williams, for introducing me to entrepreneurship and event planning. She was very creative, resourceful, and our family's event planner.
My aunt used to take me to wholesale stores when I was a kid, and on holidays like Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, and Father's Day, I would scour the clearance racks for products that I would later beautifully package and sell on street corners in Miami. He let me help him. And Easter.
If my late aunt could add one tip to my list for aspiring and current entrepreneurs, it would be to shop the day after the holidays to find the best deals for next year. would say it would.
