Today, The Platinum Mask channel would like to introduce Vanisha Hunter for a conversation.
Hey! Please explain to the audience what you’re promoting.
I am promoting my business Life Cycle Homes LLC. We are a licensed Boarding Home which provides housing for parole’s and individuals who are seeking affordable living.
What was the biggest obstacle in your journey and how did you overcome it?
The biggest obstacle during my journey was not enough residents living inside the home for several months. I was a start-up business from the ground up trying to gain trust from prospective residents. I was able to overcome this by marketing myself more, going to numerous locations such as prisons, halfway houses, bus stations, train stations, etc searching for people whom were in need of affordable housing.
What separates you from similar businesses in the Dallas-Fort Worth area?
What separates me from similar organizations is that I treat my residents as if they are family. I respect them and speak to each and every one of them individually to make sure they are doing good on their own personal day to day lives. I provide them with meals on occasion and offer them birthday gifts so they would look forward to something every year.
Is there anything you wished you would have known earlier in your journey?
Yes, I wished I would have known how to go about filling up the home with residents immediately and how to get assistance on hot meals and grants.
Do you have any favorite spots in the Dallas-Fort Worth area?
Downtown Dallas is one of my favorite places.
Were there any major challenges due to the covid-19 pandemic? How did you overcome them?
Yes, there was a lot of challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic. I was not able to make any income from the residents because their employers either closed down or their hours were cut. That led them to not being able to pay their rent and have money left over for their personal hygiene, food, and activities. It was very hard to overcome to be honest. I was at a point where I was going to have to shut down my business because financially I needed assistance. But with hope and prayer I was able to keep my doors open.
What was your upbringing like and did you discover your passion early on?
I had a really good upbringing. I’m the second oldest of four siblings. I was raised in a two parent household where both my mother and father were present. I discovered my passion for second chance opportunities growing up in Chicago. I witnessed family and friends go into the criminal justice system, being taken away from their children, and not being able to see them or get the opportunity of being accepted back into the “real world”. Those experiences made me want to make a difference.
Do you have a mentor and can you remember any key advice they have given you?
I had a really good upbringing. I’m the second oldest of four siblings. I was raised in a two parent household where both my mother and father were present. I discovered my passion for second chance opportunities growing up in Chicago. I witnessed family and friends go into the criminal justice system, being taken away from their children, and not being able to see them or get the opportunity of being accepted back into the “real world”. Those experiences made me want to make a difference.
Were your friends and family supportive of your mission?
Yes, of course they were all on board. They honestly were scared at first because I’m a woman who will be surrounding myself daily with male convicts who have different criminal backgrounds. They felt that my life was in danger. But as time went by, they seen how much respect the residents had for me and my passion for my business.
