Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiara Parker-Ragland.
Hi Tiara, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey with Almost Anything Inc, began when I moved from Jersey to California to pursue a career in the entertainment industry as an actress. However, I faced the challenge in balancing auditions and a 9-5 job. I wanted the flexibility to pursue my acting career without the constraints of a traditional job, which led me to start the company.
The idea for Almost Anything Inc. came to me one day when I was heading home from work. I was entering a phase in my life where I really wanted to create a regimen and stick to it. I wanted the opportunity to work on taking care of everything on my to-do list and manage my time more effectively. I had fully prepared for my evening, and one of the things on my to-do list was to simply stop at my favorite salad bar for dinner. I had planned to stop by a place to get one on my way home from work, but I forgot and ended up sitting in traffic. Frustrated, knowing there was no way that I could just go back out there to get the salad without getting stuck in traffic again, I thought to myself, “I wish I could just call someone, tell them exactly what I want, and have them handle it.” That moment sparked the idea for Almost Anything, Inc.
Almost Anything Inc. was founded in 2007, even before Postmates and Uber Eats existed. We initially started by offering delivery services, positioning ourselves as a pre-Postmates and pre-Uber Eats company. Our initial goal was to become a full-service personal assistant and elite errand service for anyone who needed help. Food delivery was just a catalyst to get us to where we are today in regards to gaining connections and building relationships in Los Angeles. I wanted people to know that we can literally help them with ‘Almost Anything’.
Today, Almost Anything Inc. helps individuals with their lifestyles, businesses, homes, and so much more. We focus on helping people be productive and accountable for their goals and commitments. As an actress, producer, and CEO, I understand the importance of staying accountable while being able to pursue my career while living in Los Angeles. That’s why Almost Anything is dedicated to assisting others in staying on task and focusing on what matters most to them.
Almost Anything Inc. originated from my desire to have a flexible schedule while helping others be productive. We now provide a diverse range of services to empower individuals in their day-to-day activities, enabling them to concentrate on their passions and aspirations.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definitely not been a smooth road for Almost Anything Inc. We faced various struggles along the way. One significant challenge was the 2007 recession. At that time, there was a fear that starting this service, which was seen as more of a luxury amenity, would be considered unnecessary by individuals looking to cut costs. However, we were able to collaborate with other companies and corporations to stay afloat during that difficult period.
Aside from the economic challenges of starting a company during a recession, being a woman and a minority-owned business had its own set of challenges. One of the major hurdles we encountered was securing investors who were willing to take a chance on us. Bias and stereotypes often play a role in the investment world, which makes it pretty difficult for minority entrepreneurs to access the funding to launch and grow our businesses.
Developing our app was also a significant challenge. We are a technology-driven company, so having a user-friendly and reliable app was very important to our success. We had to overcome having limited resources, finding skilled developers, and ensuring that our app catered to the diverse needs of our clients, which required extra effort and determination. However, these obstacles have allowed us to learn, pivot, and make necessary adjustments for the company’s growth and success.
Another major challenge was the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Despite the challenges, we survived and even thrived during this time because our services were considered essential. This led to a shift in our business model, allowing us to grow and adapt.
We have experienced significant transformations and witnessed remarkable growth from where we originally started. We have now evolved into a membership-based personal assistant and errand service. Overall, the journey has been filled with ups and downs, but these challenges have helped us develop as a business and have given us valuable insights into the direction we have needed to take.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Almost Anything Inc.?
My business is called Almost Anything, and we are a personal assistant and elite errand service. We specialize in creating a space for individuals to be more productive in their lives by taking care of tasks such as project management, task management, scheduling, and errands. Our services cater to a diverse range of clients, including high-level executives, corporations, small businesses, and stay-at-home moms.
What sets us apart from others is our unique structure and approach. Unlike other companies that rely on independent contractors, we work as a cohesive team. When you reach out to us, every member of our team is aware of your tasks, ensuring consistency and efficiency. You won’t have to re-explain everything if you need to add or modify something. It’s like having your own personal assistant or a team of assistants at your disposal.
One aspect of our brand that we are most proud of is our longevity in the industry. We have been in business for over 16 years, and many of our clients have been with us for the same length of time. Our referral rate is exceptionally high, around 98%. This means that most of our business comes from satisfied clients who recommend us to their colleagues and friends.
We take pride in the level of detail and personalized service we provide. Whether it’s a small, tedious task or a significant project, we go above and beyond to ensure that our clients’ needs are met. We thrive on delivering exceptional customer service and helping our clients succeed in achieving their goals.
When it comes to our brand offerings and services, we want readers to know that we are a company that genuinely cares about customer service and does an excellent job. We are here to help and support individuals who may feel overwhelmed or stretched thin. You don’t have to do everything by yourself. We are your dedicated team, an extension of you, ready to assist and make your life easier.
Additionally, we prioritize developing a relationship and rapport with our clients. We take the time to understand their preferences, habits, and lifestyles so that we can tailor our services accordingly. Each client is unique, and we treat them with the utmost care and respect, ensuring that their tasks are handled in a manner that best suits their needs and benefits them.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
When I first started out, I didn’t have many mentors. My partner at the time, who was a college student, and I took the plunge into entrepreneurship. We started by passing out flyers and working long hours from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. We opened our doors in Santa Monica on July 4th. I vividly remember the excitement we felt when we finally received our first phone call around 9 p.m. that day. Although it didn’t result in immediate business, it was a moment of validation and motivation for us.
As time went on, I had the privilege of having mentors who played a crucial role in my success. One of them was Colette Shelton, the owner of COCOCOZY, a black-owned interior design company. She mentored me during the CocoCozyDesign House Project, where we were the project management team that assisted her with her first house renovation. This collaboration resulted in a series produced by my production company, RaglandReign, that was featured on Amazon Prime.
Another mentor I had was Dominique Shelton Leipzig, a longtime client who is a partner in a global law firm called Mayer Brown. Being a black woman in the cybersecurity space, she provided valuable guidance and acted as a mentor throughout our long-standing professional relationship.
They both really helped me succeed in so many ways. I watched how they conducted themselves, and it inspired me to work hard. They both provided me with an abundance of knowledge and guidance as a business owner. They helped me with my personal and professional development by providing support and resources to help me acquire and learn new skills.
Aside from these mentors, my husband, family friends, and colleagues have also been sources of support. They have been cheerleaders on the sidelines, rooting for me and offering encouragement. I have always been transparent with them about the challenges, struggles, and ups and downs of running a business. Their feedback, even the smallest remark, has sparked ideas and provided inspiration to keep moving forward.
One special person in my life that I am so thankful for during this entire journey is my younger sister, Taniyah Parker, who recently started her own business called 6 Paws Training Camp, a dog training business in Tucson, Arizona. Taniyah has always been my biggest supporter, which has always made it very comfortable for me to share with her; she truly is my safe space. We often reach out to each other for advice and feedback on specific ideas or approaches. It’s a valuable relationship where we help each other grow and learn with every conversation.
Lastly, I can’t forget the role my team and employees played in my success. They are the ones living and breathing the business every day. I value their feedback and insights on how we can progress, grow, and make things more efficient. With their support, we have become a well-oiled machine, offering efficient solutions to our clients and creating a strong foundation for the business.
Pricing:
- VIP Annual Membership
- Our VIP membership is priced at $3500 annually, which we believe is very affordable compared to other services. When considering the average cost of a personal assistant at $60–$100k annually, our VIP fee offers a cost advantage. We want our clients to feel like they are getting value for their investment without having to spend excessive amounts of time or money. By choosing our membership, clients will have access to a personal assistant team without the need to hire a full-time or part-time assistant. Our pricing structure is designed to be efficient and cost-effective, ensuring that our clients are offered the same level of support and assistance as having a single personal assistant. Our clients get to enjoy the benefits of our services without incurring the high salary costs associated with hiring a personal assistant. With our pricing model, you only pay for the services when you actually need something done. We don’t charge you for idle hours or being on call. This way, you save money in the long run because you are only paying for the time and tasks that require our assistance. For example, if you have a week where you don’t need any tasks completed, you won’t be charged for that period. Our approach is different from hiring a traditional personal assistant or executive assistant for a set number of hours per week. We ensure that you only pay for the tasks that are actively being worked on. In typical work, there may be periods of downtime or lag time where the assistant is not actively working on your tasks, resulting in wasted time and money. With our service, you can eliminate the payment of unused time. This payment structure allows for greater cost control and efficiency. It also provides transparency and accountability because, as a client, you have a clear understanding of what you are paying for and can track the progress of each task. As a VIP client, you have the flexibility to use our services as and when you need them. Whether it’s a one-time task or a recurring need, you only pay for the time it takes to complete those specific tasks. This means you can save money by not having to commit to a set number of hours per week or month. Additionally, our VIP membership provides you with perks and benefits. By being a yearly member, you gain access to our established relationships with vendors, resources, amenities, and more. Compared to our competitors, we pride ourselves on being efficient and cost-effective. Our goal is to optimize your time and help you save money by providing personalized assistance when you need it most.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.almostanythinginc.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostanythingi/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlmostAnythingi/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/almostanythinginc
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/almostanythingi
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/almost-anything-los-angeles-4
Image Credits
Ragland Reign
