SWS Interview with Shout Out Youngstown

Shout LaTasha

C.O.O/Founder of Signature Workforce Solutions 1. What made you want to start your own business? I decided to start my own business after answering the call that was burning inside of me all along. I am a much better Operator than I was Employee, (not that I was a bad employee), I just had so many ideas that was hard to hold in, but it really started because of the field I was in. I used to be a Training Specialist for a Non-Profit organization that dealt with workforce development. Part of my job was to get participants in the program job ready and that involved resume writing. A lot of the resumes I wrote for those clients landed them interviews and eventually jobs. Word got out about my writing skills to people outside the program and one guy with a pretty extensive background offered to pay me to help him get an executive position. I wrote his resume and needless to say he got the job, but I had no idea this could be a lucrative business.

2. When did you start your business? The idea to start my business came about in February of 2013, but I didn't get serious until my job lost funding for my position and I was laid off in 2015.

3. Where do you see your business in 3-5 yrs? In 3-5 years I hope Signature Workforce will be recognized as the leading expert in career development and job search solutions, as well as the leading provider of career collateral services both locally and nationally.

4. How much are your services and what all do you do? My services range from $5 to $300 dollars. The main services I provide are: Resumes, Cover Letters, Interview Prep, LinkedIn Profiles, Career Consultations, Thank You Letters, 30 Day Job Placement Challenges, Reference Sheets, Webinars and Workshops. I am in the process of adding Signature Apparel (white button down dress shirts and laptop tote bags), I am writing a job search book called: A Signature Career Guide and Workbook, I hope to add to my products: Bio's & Profiles and also A Daily Job Search Devotional Calendar/Journal.

5. How do you feel your business helps the community? I believe my business is my ministry. My business helps the community by helping individuals achieve their employment goals and it helps businesses find the right employee; it is a win, win for everyone. My services provide benefits that are long lasting. When clients obtain interviews, which eventually lead to employment, it boosts their confidence, it boosts the economy, it allows families to send their children to college, go on vacations, purchase homes, the list goes on. My services go way beyond the interview and job offer.