Page 17 - Laker Connection Spring 2015

dream in the present by the professors and instructors at Clayton State’s College of Business, especially Dr. Michael Deis, professor of Management and Chair of Accreditation, who still continues to be Burke’s mentor.
Burke’s company, a distributor of moldmaking, casting, and special FX materials in Georgia and Tennessee, began with only 1,000 square feet of space in 2004 and has now ex- panded to 14,000 square feet. He has found this success through working with his customers to provide them with what Burke’s competition would not or could not do.
Burke began his involvement with SBDC a few years ago, and defines them as partners with him now. He started out in the GrowSmart series of workshops, which helps business owners form a long-term vision and strategies, key business concepts, and provides a network of peers and professional resources. While these benefits helped Burke take on the next step, he says that his “day-to-day interaction with Alisa Kirk and Judiffier Pearson, SBDC business consultant, is the game changer.”
I can call with questions, and I’ll get heartfelt answers. It’s really a partnership, and I’m honored and delighted to give back my time and resources whenever asked.
Nelson’s company, DNP Studios, began in 2005 and is a photography studio which focuses on the creative side of photography, including hair, make up, and wardrobe. DNP Studios has worked in magazine shoots and video produc- tions alike. In 2014, Nelson created a full-service salon. Nelson enjoys the human aspect of the company, whether that is being able to authentically represent a client through photography or bringing her customers together for extra activities to help empower one another on living, loving, and learning.
Nelson began her business without much planning, and with only the desire to pursue her passion. Through SBDC consulting, Nelson was able to discover the right team and the right direction for her company.
It’s very important to build the proper team; someone to understand your vision, and has that passion and dream behind them as well... All in all, it’s about being happy and working with your passion, your purpose. If you focus on your passion, you’ll succeed every time.
- Nelson Burke
Nelson mentions that consulting with Judiffier Pearson
- Drexina Nelson
Burke has embraced his passion by creating his company that follows his personal vision. For another SBDC client, Drexina Nelson, that pursuit is much the same.
Nelson received her MBA from Clark Atlanta University, a program she began when she was only 21. Her higher edu- cation experience helped gain her credibility, interview skills, and understanding how to give a proper presentation. Obtaining her master’s matured Nelson from an artist into a professional artist.
helped lead her to be able to define her vision.
SBDC clients Burke and Nelson agree that happiness is the definition of success, Burke adding: “It’s the satisfaction you feel when you take in how far you’ve gone with
your dream.”
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