Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonaee Coffey.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I always knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I remember my high school counselor asking me during senior year about my ideal career path. I boldly told her I wanted to be the CEO of my own company.
Life took me through an unconventional journey. While I thought I would earn my MBA and be hired as a top management executive for a major Fortune 500 company, life threw me a curveball. Yes, I worked for several major corporations, but in entry-level positions like call center and accounts receivables.
I was so unfulfilled as a person. I was in my early 20’s, married with children, an ordained minister, and still feeling like something was missing.
In 2015, my friends started asking me if I would help them with various administrative tasks for their businesses. I gladly obliged! Before I knew it, I was actually running my own virtual administrative company as a side hustle. People then started asking me about business formation and how to complete the paperwork for their nonprofits and LLC’s. Back in 2010, I learned those skills when I worked at LegalZoom and I was able to assist others.
Before I could realize it, I had found my niche! I reenrolled in college to take some business and accounting classes. I began educating myself about the tax implications for business and would literally call the IRS, franchise tax board and Secretary of State to ask questions.
Coffey and Biz was birthed in 2015 as a consulting firm that offered virtual administrative and business formation services! In April of 2019, I resigned from my 9 to 5 job and became a full-time entrepreneur, serving as the owner and CEO of my own LLC.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I’ve had many struggles along the way. Today I can say that those obstacles were in place for me to tap into a supernatural strength that would force me to push past my own insecurities and conquer my greatest fears.
I’ve overcome a lot. When you’re trying to fulfill your dreams, one of the greatest roadblocks can be self. I had to shift my mindset because it was causing me to not see beyond my situation. I was married by the age of 22, and I had three children by the age of 25. I filed for divorce by the age of 29 and was living with my mother, all while co-parenting, Youth pastoring, working a full-time job and trying to build a business. I was broke! I was tired. I was discouraged. But I knew my hard work would pay off so I kept going.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Coffey and Biz LLC – what should we know?
Coffey and Biz LLC is a business firm that offers consulting, business formation services, virtual assistance for small businesses and corporate training. I have been fortunate to position myself and my company as the go-to for all things Biz! What sets us apart is the reassurance that we provide to our clients that they are not just a number. We hold the client’s hand throughout the entire process of starting a business because we know that the journey can be scary, exciting, and a bit overwhelming, all at the same time. Our personal touch has earned the trust of our customers, who in-turn refer us to their friends, colleagues and family members. We are most proud of the ability to help others build legacies and long-lasting businesses that are sustainable, compliant and revenue generating!
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Wow! I’ve had so many mentors and supporters.
I first want to mention my dad, Joe Coffey. He truly understands my entrepreneurial brain because he has had multiple businesses himself. He always understood why I wanted to forfeit a “good job” for entrepreneurial freedom. My dad always encouraged me to take risks and fulfill my purpose.
My mom, Sharon Coffey has also been one of my greatest supporters. She didn’t always understand the why, but she knew what made me happy, and she supported that. My mom has always been in my corner. She has been one of my greatest teachers in terms of motherhood, life skills and womanhood. I wouldn’t be here without her help.
My sister, Dr. Alisha Coffey has always listened to my crazy ideas and lofty dreams. She’s always been in my corner as a supporter and offered advice when needed. She keeps me grounded and brings me back down to earth! Every visionary needs someone who can bring you back to a more realistic space.
I’ve also been blessed with an amazing village. I have friends who are now like family, who have literally spoken life even when my hopes and dreams seemed dead. These friends are also business owners and experts in their own right. My village also consists of my pastors who have always prayed for me and offered spiritual guidance when life seemed cloudy.
I have some direct and indirect mentors that have truly been a blessing to my life and business. Trailblazing women like Patrice Washington, Lisa Nichols, and Sarah Jakes Roberts, just to name a few.
Oh, and my children. I am a proud mommy of four! They have been with me every step of the way. I love their resilience. They have been my number one supporters and cheerleaders.
Pricing:
- Business formation starts at $250
- Virtual assistance starts at $125
- Corporate training starts at $500
- Consulting starts at $60
- Compliance checks start at $150
- Document prep starts at $150
Contact Info:
- Website: www.coffeyandbiz.com
- Phone: 323-836-4507
- Email: info@coffeyandbiz.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/coffey_and_biz
- Facebook: Facebook.com/coffeyandbiz
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