Please introduce yourself and business to our readers:
My name is Dr. Chanell Dingle-Sermon and I'm from Columbia, South Carolina. I'm a minister, educator, life coach, and the CEO of my own non-profit organization, Kappa Epsilon Lambda Royal Christian Sorority, Incorporated. I received a Bachelor's of Science degree in art education from South Carolina State University, a Masters of Education degree from Liberty University, and a Doctor of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Capella University. I'm also the first and reigning Miss I AM H.E.R. International, the National Miss Heart of the USA "Queen of Hearts" for 2022, and a recipient of the President's Lifetime Achievement Award.
How are your current efforts helping to propel women forward?
Through sorority ministry, which is my nonprofit organization, and my broadcast ministry on the Kingdom Purpose TV network, "Royal Empowerment", I aim to empower women to embrace their unique identities and discover their God-given purpose in order to positively impact those around them. Through my sorority brand, women have been confidently embracing who they are as queens through uplifting each other, modeling self-love and respect, while giving back to their communities nationwide.
What advice would you share for building a successful business in a saturated market?
Be authentic, diligent in building your brand, take calculated risks, learn from your mistakes, learn from other people's mistakes in your industry of interest, and seek to offer something beautiful in a way that no one else in your industry has done before. Always show up even if no one else does. Revamp and restructure your organizational goals as needed.
How do you stay motivated during uncertain seasons?
For me, when I began my nonprofit organization, I was discouraged and gave up on it for a while because it seemed as if no one was interested. But eventually, I returned to it and found better ways of marketing my organization which attracted quality members that added to the value of my organization. Additionally, keep showing up for those who do appreciate your brand regardless of how slow it may seem. I mean, how can you be trusted with more if you're not showing up for what you have? So remember why you started and why it is important along with being faithful to the few in that moment.
Tell us about your 2023 plans and how to connect with you online:
I plan to involve young girls as a part of my sorority ministry through a royal mentorship program designed to aid in their growth and development socially and emotionally, find new ways of promoting my ministry, and continuing to serve children and my communities. My Facebook page name is Dr. Chanell Sermon, my instagram handle is iamprettydoc, and my host websites concerning additional information about me and my ministries are iamprettydoc.com and kappaqueens.org.