Today we’d like to introduce you to Chanel Williams.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My business began when I saw a need in the community. When I’m volunteering, I have the opportunity to speak to several community members and inquire about their challenges. Throughout conversations, I noticed a common theme in their response: the need of social service assistance (food, financial aid, programming, jobs, etc.). Because I am connected to a lot of local nonprofits and have a career in local government, I am privy to the abundant of resources that are available to help serve the community. I realized that a lot of these resources are not being promoted well enough, which is why community residents aren’t aware of such support. That’s when I had my aha moment! It then became my mission to create a platform to help raise awareness of available social service resources to bridge the gap of those seeking assistance and social service providers that can help. After extensive research and trial and error, H.E.R.E Dallas (Helping Expose Resources Everywhere) was developed. The goal is to connect people with the support they need to thrive and build a stronger, more connected community in the process. Today, it has helped individuals not only find assistance but volunteer opportunities and community events where they can network, get involved, and connected.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Between imposter syndrome and learning all the ins and outs of launching a business, it has not been a smooth road. In launching HERE Dallas, I became a business owner, social media manager, accountant, research analyst, web developer, marketing specialist, graphic designer, and more. It has been exhausting trying to teach myself new skills while still trying to balance my full-time job, social life, and existing commitments. However, my passion, mission, and faith have been a driving force to keep me encouraged. I now recognize that running a business is not easy, and there will be some more challenges ahead, but I know it’s all a part of the process, and in the end, it will hopefully make an impact in the community.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
HERE Dallas is a free digital information-based platform that connects people in Dallas to social service resources, community events, and volunteer opportunities. I specialize in connecting people that’s in need of assistance to people or organizations that can provide. So, whether you’re seeking assistance such as finding programming or financial assistance, or you want to grow your network with some amazing change agents in Dallas to make an impact in your community, HERE Dallas is the platform to help you on your journey.
I am a strong believer of collaboration over competition, so unlike Drake said, if you’re reading this, you’re not too late. If you want to help empower others in the community, let’s connect. There is power in numbers, and if we can all do our part to help, the greater our impact will be.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
DISCIPLINE!!! I had to practice this daily in order to accomplish my goal of launching my business. Being discipline meant turning down invitations to events, working despite my mood of being exhausted or unmotivated, and remembering my why. Why am I doing this? Why do I want to help people? This has and still is helping me stay focus and stay the course.
Contact Info:
- Website: heredallas.org
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/here_dallas?igshid=MmIzYWVlNDQ5Yg==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/623289673169741/?ref=share_group_link
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/here-dallas-llc/
- Other: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/heredallas
Image Credits
Angela Webb Photography
