We had the good fortune of connecting with C Reneé Mangum and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi C Reneé, other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
It was the decision to move to Arizona. I packed a big duffel bag full of clothes, less than $200, grabbed my husband and son, and moved clear across the country without a solid plan. It was the craziest yet best decision I’ve ever made, and it catapulted my success.

What should our readers know about your business?
Thee CRM Group is a business development firm that works with entrepreneurs to build strong and profitable brands that dominate their marketplace. We specialize in branding, marketing, social media management and business strategy development. #JustBeGreat Academy is a resource center for entrepreneurs to take classes taught by business experts, to teach them the skills they need to be self sufficient business owners. Our classes are only $25 for our members, making it affordable for most start up entrepreneurs. I’m excited to be able to help other entrepreneurs live out their wildest dreams of building successful businesses. Between my two companies, we can help them do it themselves or we can do it for them. Either way, they win! I got to where I am by believing in myself even when corporate America told me that I had no viable skills. I was a stay-at-home mom for 8 years before I decided to jump back into the workforce. When I started doing applications and interviews, no one would hire me. They liked my personality but felt that I lacked skills because of my gap in employment. Instead of crumbling under the rejection after rejection, I decided to hire myself. I started my business with $14 and never looked back. I’ve learned that my journey is my journey, and yours is yours. By becoming the best version of myself, I was able to build a strong and authentic brand presence that has since allowed me to thrive and impact so many lives along the way. If you are brave enough to run your own race your way, you will reach the finish line of success.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are so many great places to visit, but I haven’t been to many lately because of COVID. However, I would likely take my friend to some of my favorite local spots such as The Boom Boom Room, SoZo Coffeehouse, Pure Juice N’Joy, Maple & Ash, Eggstasy, Straw&Wool, Mido Sushi, the top of South Mountain to see the city, Scottsdale Fashion Square, Downtown Gilbert, Pinspiration Peoria and tons more.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There have been so many people that have encouraged, supported, mentored and pushed me to be great throughout my journey. It would take me all day to list them all. My mother has been my number one cheerleader in every business endeavor I’ve attempted. She has made me feel like I could do anything, and she wholeheartedly supports my every effort. My Brand Team also deserves great recognition, because they help Thee CRM Group stand out in the valley as a premier branding agency. Most importantly though, if there was one person that has pushed me to thrive in my current businesses, that would be my best friend, team stylist and #JustBeGreat Academy Co-founder Star Campbell. She saw something great in me when I simply wanted to stay behind the scenes. She pushed me out of the shadows and further into my greatness. I’m forever grateful to her for that.

x

Website: www.theecrenee.com / www.jbgacademy.com

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/theecrenee

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/creneemangum

Other: www.Instagram.com/jbgacademy

Image Credits
12.16 Photography & Concepts, Xavion Grantham, Nicole Edelen

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