To round out Women’s History Month we had a second to catch up with the always on the move, Founder & CEO of Lovelace & Associates Services LLC, Saleema Lovelace.
If you don’t already know, Saleema Lovelace is an ordinary Philly native doing extraordinary things for her community.
While most folks are content passively complaining about their neighborhoods, their businesses, their youth. Saleema is a woman of action and a connector, helping things get done that would normally be slow-moving.
Oh and did we mention…she knows everybody! Saleema is a sought after notary, youth mentor, business and political consultant. She loves seeing her community thrive and helping people from all backgrounds. From PR for celebrities to helping graduating high school seniors with scholarships. Saleema is a shining example of female leadership with a humble and warm spirit.
A proud mother as well, let’s hear how this woman…phenomenally, got her start and continues to stay inspired.
Saleema Lovelace, Founder & CEO of Lovelace & Associates Services LLC.
What does Women's History Month mean for you, personally?
It shows strength in women that have worked extremely hard to where we are today. We’re mothers, aunts, grandmothers, leaders in the community. To have a month focused on hardworking women – especially women that are entrepreneurs or trying to become entrepreneurs – it feels really good to have the month, to celebrate them.
Are there any women in your life that have been the most inspirational for you?
Yes! I would say my grandmother, mother, and aunts. My grandmother had 11 children and worked hard to maintain a nice lifestyle for her children. She worked, she raised all 11 of her children, 6 daughters (!!)
I watched my aunts get up everyday and work and take care of their children and show us children structure. Also how to be independent, nurturing, and do what you have to do to raise your family.
What drew you to being a business owner? Is that something you always knew you wanted to be?
Really just watching other women get up and handle their business!
I had a cousin who went to college and when I was young I didn’t know too much about college or anything like that, but watching my cousin go to Temple University, graduate, get her Master’s degree, and start her own business. It encouraged me to walk in her footsteps.
My uncle as well. My uncle, he owned a Subway. He was in the army, a Corporal in the army, opened up his own business and his first business was renting houses. He bought his first home when he graduated high school and then went on to own a Subway.
So again, people like that who get up and don’t have to depend on a 9 to 5, where you’re working somewhere for 20 years and they replace you…after you’ve worked so hard. This encouraged me to be a business owner, an entrepreneur. I wanted to have young women, men, my children, to look up to me and hopefully do the same thing. And show young ladies to work hard in order to be successful. It’s not easy but you just have to take baby steps. Crawl before you walk.
What about your business brings you the most joy?
I would say, I know this is so cliche, but I really mean it..helping people! Being able to have someone come to you that may have had their gas cut off or electric cut off and you’re able to make a call to your resources and save that person's house. Have that person's gas turned back on, or electricity turned back. That in itself is a blessing. To have resources to help.
What does the future hold for Lovelace & Associates Services LLC?
I see us continuing to grow! I would love to bring in more young interns and help them, shape them, and inform them. Helping them to get started in their own business.
I see the business growing more and more. More clientele, and maintaining our great services.
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