The Life of a Queenpreneur with Talisha White

I am so excited! Today, I launch my 2nd interview series entitled “The Life of a Queenpreneur.” This interview series showcases young women who balance the role of a queen and the role of an entrepreneur. A queenpreneur is unique because she possesses a graceful style mixed with a hustler’s ambition. This first interview will feature Talisha White, Founder of Pageant Girl University and the Talisha White fashion brand.

Tell us about yourself.

I am a 24 year old serial entrepreneur from Atlanta, Georgia. I am also the currently reigning Miss Southeast Earth United States 2018 and will be traveling to our nation’s capital to compete for the national title in July. In my spare time, I enjoy dancing, baton twirling, writing, watching sci-fi movies, and learning new skills. In 2015, noticing the demands in technology, I taught myself to code and was accepted into both the Georgia Tech University coding program and the Google Scholars Coding Program. I code my own websites for my many adventures, and I am always learning new skills as technology evolves.

What made you want to become an entrepreneur?

I got my first job at McDonalds at the age of 16. While it was great having extra cash in my pocket, what wasn’t great was the idea that I was building someone else’s dreams instead of my own. I always believed anything you can imagine can be created. Therefore I vowed to turn my dreams into reality by starting my own business. My first true business was selling cupcakes. I called it “Cupcake Nerds” and people would buy them and were able to resell them if I ran out because they were so good!

What are some of your business endeavors?

Currently, I am the founder of Pageant Girl University, pageantry’s first national conference and an online resource for pageant girls. I also run a self-named social occasion fashion brand, and I have had my work featured in international online publications as well as have showcased them in New York Fashion Week for 4 seasons.

Did competing in pageants prepare you for running a business? If so, how?

They both prepared me for each other. From running my own business, I learned how goal setting and making plans could lead you to success in which I applied to my own business. I also learned how to market my products and services which in turn helped prepare me for marketing myself for pageants. After competing in pageants, I learned how to better manage my time and the true value of networking. Often in business it’s all about who you know, and the same thing can ring true in pageantry.

What are some of your entrepreneurial goals?

My biggest goal is to raise my businesses to the point where it is self- sufficient in comparison to raising a child. By continuing to grow the brand and creating bigger brand recognition through marketing and social media, I eventually believe that I will be able to take a less active role in the business and hire others to assist with the daily operations.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

‘”Tell God what you’re going to do and he’ll laugh.” I am a firm believer in that statement so the only place I ever want to see myself in the future is alive. Although I plan for my businesses, they are always short term goals which can be accomplished at the greatest in a month. The goal isn’t to finish the race; it’s to keep moving forward. If you are constantly accomplishing this goal you will without a doubt finish the race.

Please provide your contact information so that others can reach
out to you.

You can reach out to me via email: hello@talishawhite.com and be sure to check out pageantgirluniversity.com and follow us on all social media. Also, be sure to follow @shoptalishawhite on Instagram if you want to see my latest fashions!