We recently had the chance to connect with Akea Collins and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Akea, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
Would YOU hire YOU? It’s a question every job seeker should ask themselves long before they apply. In today’s competitive market, candidates are often competent, but their professional presentation doesn’t reflect their true value. Many struggle to communicate their accomplishments, quantify their impact, or confidently articulate what sets them apart. A resume that reads like a list of duties instead of measurable results, a neglected LinkedIn profile, or an inability to clearly tell one’s career story can cause even strong candidates to be overlooked. At The Resume Chop Shop, clients are taught that success goes far beyond simply having experience; it’s about knowing how to package it. When job seekers learn to present their strengths clearly, professionally, and with evidence of performance, they position themselves as the kind of candidate any employer would confidently hire. In short, if you wouldn’t hire yourself today, the goal isn’t shame; it’s strategy. Improve the presentation, strengthen the narrative, and you’ll improve the opportunities that follow.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Akea Collins, founder of The Resume Chop Shop, a career branding agency built to help professionals confidently position themselves for better opportunities. What makes my work unique is that I don’t just “write resumes”—I rebuild people’s confidence, teach them how to communicate their value, and equip them with the tools to compete in today’s evolving job market. After years of working in HR, talent development, and career coaching, I saw firsthand that many qualified individuals were being overlooked simply because they didn’t know how to package their experience. That realization became the foundation of my brand. Today, I specialize in high-impact resume writing, LinkedIn optimization, interview prep, and job-readiness programs that empower clients to secure roles they once believed were out of reach. I’m currently expanding The Resume Chop Shop’s digital tools and launching community-centered career initiatives to make professional development more accessible. My mission is simple: help people show up as the strongest version of themselves on paper, online, and in person—because everyone deserves a fair shot at career success.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A pivotal moment that shaped how I see the world came when I retired from the Army and stepped into civilian life. I submitted more than 500 job applications and failed interview after interview, believing that my military experience alone would open doors. Instead, I quickly learned that while being a soldier had prepared me to work hard, lead, and adapt, it had not equipped me to compete in a civilian job market that speaks an entirely different language. That season of rejection was humbling, eye-opening, and ultimately transformative. It taught me that talent isn’t enough—presentation, clarity, and confidence matter just as much. That realization is what ignited my passion for helping others navigate the same challenges, and it remains the driving force behind The Resume Chop Shop today.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
One of the biggest things I changed my mind about after failing hard was the way I approached job searching. Early on, I applied to anything and everything, believing that volume would increase my chances. After hundreds of rejections, I realized that intentional job searching—not random applying—is what truly moves your career forward. I learned to slow down, study job descriptions, understand industry language, and tailor my materials with purpose. That shift taught me that success isn’t about applying everywhere; it’s about aligning yourself with roles that fit your strengths, your story, and your long-term goals. That mindset change is something I now teach every Resume Chop Shop client, because strategy—never desperation—is what leads to the opportunities you deserve.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that two things matter most to me: my clients and my children. They know how deeply invested I am in helping people get hired, build confidence, and change the trajectory of their careers. Every win a client achieves genuinely feels personal to me. At the same time, my friends would tell you how committed I am to raising my children to be amazing human beings in a world that can often feel cold and unforgiving. I pour into them the same way I pour into my clients—with guidance, honesty, love, and a desire to see them thrive. At my core, I’m driven by service, purpose, and the belief that when people are supported, they rise.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I retired tomorrow, my customers would miss me—not just the services I provide, but the way I show up for them. They would miss my energy, my transparency, my tough-love honesty, and the personal investment I put into every client’s success. People come to The Resume Chop Shop for a resume, but they stay because they feel seen, understood, and supported in a way that goes beyond documents. My clients know I celebrate their wins, coach them through their doubts, and push them to aim higher than they thought possible. That level of connection, commitment, and genuine care is what they would miss most, because it’s something you can’t duplicate or outsource—it’s the heart behind the brand.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theresumechopshop.com
- Instagram: theresumechopshop
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akeacollins/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akeacollins
