Meet Traci Brown | Business Owner & Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Traci Brown and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Traci, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Interesting enough, I didn’t always see myself as a business owner. Owning my own business is something that I grew into. I started my Non-profit organization with one goal in mind, and that was to be of help and service to people in need. I have worked for and volunteered with nonprofit organizations for years. United To Bless, Inc. was birthed from having a desire to help others my own way.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I love telling this part of my story, because it’s a constant reminder of how far I have come. I started working with families at a very young age. I can remember being referred to as Ms. Brown by my peers, who at the time had no idea I was the same age as them. I guess that’s when I realized I had something special and was set apart. I spent the first 10 years of my professional working career, learning and growing at St. Martin DePorres Family Center, Catholic Charities. From there, all that I learned, and was responsible for, I still carry with me today. I was 18 years old at the time, and now I am 42. I was afforded the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of the city of Cleveland, and Cuyahoga County, going into neighborhoods, visiting with families, who’s children where at risk of developmental delays. I had to experience building relationships, and trust with families, as well as learned to develop a very keen listening ear. I am extremely proud of those years because they are the foundation of who I am today. My professional journey had it’s ups and downs. From being concerned for my safety almost daily, to wrestling with the desire to start my own business, and being afraid that it wouldn’t work. They say when you do what you love, it doesn’t feel like work, and at times that’s very true, but even with that, there are many challenges along the way. The challenges came with lessons to learn. The most important lesson I have learned, is to press through the challenges, ask for help, give yourself time to adjust to change, reflect on your accomplishments, and continue to build.

I would like the world to know that United To Bless, Inc. is the result of everything that I have experienced and learned during those formative years. A 501c3 Nonprofit organization, that is dedicated to supporting people within our communities, providing for the basic needs in life, through a spirit of Love, Compassion, and Peace. In 2021 I stepped away from my 9 to 5 and pursued strengthening United To Bless, Inc. and also completed my first project “Fear Lost Faith Won”, which is an interactive journal to help people move from fear, to a more faith focused way of living (Available on Amazon). I have no regrets! It is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life. My brand and story is pure and genuine, unique and resilient. We simply want the best for people, and this is our way of helping to bring support and positive change to lives that need it the most.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We would have a blast for sure! We love good entertainment, food, nature and would have to include time at the spa. The first night we would check out a comedy show at the Cleveland Improv (Because we love to laugh)
The second day we would catch up over lunch in Chagrin Falls and get pampered at the spa (One of our favorite ones is located at Legacy Village)
The third day we would hang out and do a little shopping – we would go to a number of places, too many to name
Day four we’d meet for dinner in Beachwood, Crocker Park, or Downtown Cleveland, depending on what we both have a taste for.
Day 5 would be a toss up between resting and recovering from being on the go so much, or catching a Cavs game.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First, I want to give God a huge Shoutout! I believe that with God anything is possible, and that has proven to be true for me in my life and success. Next, I want to shoutout my family, they mean the world to me and are some of the most supportive people in my life. They encourage my crazy decisions and ideas constantly, and never fail to ask how they can help. Having a support system like that is something that I will never take for granted. I have also been fortunate to have a circle of business owners in my corner; Leomax Marketing, Center stage performing arts, Winning Paradigm, PicMe Ent. And Ladneir Healthcare Services, have all rallied behind United To Bless, Inc., supporting, partnering, and providing much need resources and insight into the business world. A large portion of the success of “U2B” is due to their support and influence. Last but certainly not least, I’d like to shoutout the supporters of “U2B”! Those who give generously without hesitation.

Other: https://linktr.ee/TRACI.BROWN Email: [email protected]