Hidden Gems: Meet Tierra Norwood of Ajon’s Professional Solutions

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tierra Norwood.

Hi Tierra, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a native of Rocky Mount, NC. I come from a very close family; you know they say it takes a village! I was my mom’s high school graduation present and at the age of 1 I lost my dad, so my grandmothers and my grandad played a major part in my upbringing.

When I turned 18, all I knew was that I wanted out! I was accepted into 12 colleges and ironically enough accepted the invitation to the college furthest away (but still in-state) who awarded me the lowest amount of scholarship funds. I found myself in Charlotte for my first time away from home.

I attended UNC Charlotte for Mass Communications and left to attend the Carolina School of Broadcasting. I graduated with a certificate in Radio & TV Broadcast Communications. I worked for the Bob and Sheri Morning Show at WLNK 107.9 FM and Charlotte Magazine. I received my first marketing job at the Mack Trucks Corporate Office in Charlotte. A few months after graduation I was casted on “Utopia” a reality show on Fox. I signed the contract and was ready to go. I ended up breaking my contract and moving back home after finding out I was with a child.

Moving back home took me out of the Broadcasting and Marketing field. I ended up working for a local middle school. I saw a vacancy at the City of Rocky Mount and knew with no experience in Business or Economic Development I was not qualified, but if I was going to be living in Rocky Mount, I wanted to make a difference here. I was chosen for the position of Downtown Development Coordinator. I worked in that role for two years. I then became the Site Coordinator for Peacemakers, and then Program Associate for Downtown Strong at the NC Department of Commerce.

My last role was Director of the Small Business Center for Nash Community College, where I was named “Rookie of the Year” for the State of North Carolina Community College Systems. After helping over 300 clients in less than 2 years and giving birth to my second child. I made the tough decision to choose myself.

I left my job at the Small Business Center and went full-time in business for myself.

I now work for myself offering Business Development and Marketing services. I love introducing entrepreneurs to ways to monetize their business virtually and how to prepare for the Metaverse.

I was recently named the Community Organizer for Global Entrepreneur Week for Rocky Mount and look forward to organizing a week of activities for entrepreneurs. I have also started a new venture. I am the Operating Partner for Rec Room, which is a new co-working space located in Downtown Rocky Mount.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Nothing about my journey has been smooth. I have experienced a lot of changes over the years. From bad judgment with choosing friends/significant others to encountering financial hardships. I had not planned to have children before I reached my goals, but it happened. Having children can sometimes be seen as a derailment of plans, but I look at it as a redirection.

I am no longer living my life just to make myself happy. I must be very strategic with how the decisions I make now will affect my children’s futures.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Ajon’s Professional Solutions?
Ajon’s Professional Solutions offers Business Development services that include Small Business training and consulting. We offer custom packages for businesses who need our help starting or scaling their business. With our Marketing services, we offer traditional and digital marketing services, website, mobile app, and flyer design. We also handle social media management and content creation assistance.

We are the only Marketing agency in Eastern North Carolina that offers both NFC Marketing products as well as Virtual Reality Business Development services, introducing entrepreneurs to ways to monetize the Metaverse. As the Metaverse approaches, VR has begun seeing a lot of opportunities for entrepreneurs and I just want to increase awareness regarding the opportunities available.

I work with anyone who wants to start or grow their business; however, I have a passion for working with first-generation minority entrepreneurs.

My company supports the growth of entrepreneurs through our services as well as through contracting services to grow our team and help creatives build their portfolios and experience. We do not have any employees, but we contract with other entrepreneurs to fulfill service requests. I just want to do my part to help others succeed and create generational wealth and legacies for their families.

Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory was when I was in 1st grade and entered a writing contest for 5th graders and WON! I loved being able to recite poems and speeches on stage for my peers and do the morning announcements during my elementary years. I have always enjoyed public speaking and acting. Growing up I spent my summers at “The Playhouse” in my hometown where we learned and performed theatre.  I appreciate growing up in an environment where I was taught how to communicate and interact with a diverse group of people. It has helped me so much throughout my professional career.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ajonsprofessionalsolutions.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajonsprosolutions/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ajonsprofessionalsolutions
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ajons-professional-solutions-rocky-mount?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)

Image Credits
Tierra Norwood, Elijah Ray, and Summer Rose