We had the good fortune of connecting with Whitney Allen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Whitney, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I believe that true success requires a constant willingness to take risks! Often playing it safe is really just a result of fear, whether it’s the fear of rejection, looking silly, losing money, losing followers or “failing.” However, my career has 100% been characterized by being brave enough to take risks and walk by bold faith!

As a Christian entrepreneur, moving by faith appears risky much of the time, because it doesn’t always “make sense” or follow the norm. I remember back in October 2017 when I was living in NY and held my first ReAwaken event in Los Angeles, CA. I knew the Lord led me to host that workshop there at that time, although logically speaking it made NO SENSE. I barely had enough money to pay for the space I was renting and I only knew a FEW people who lived in California. I recall starting to feel doubtful and fearful of whether anyone would even show up, but one of my good friends told me something I will never forget. She said that even if no one showed up, I wouldn’t have failed because I would have learned a lot of lessons from that experience. And she was absolutely right! Even though there were only 5 of us total who attended, had I never took the risk and started with that workshop, I would not have just hosted the 3rd annual ReAwaken Conference here in North Carolina on October 14th, which was LIFE-CHANGING for many women!

The willingness to take risks is also what led me to starting my company, Awakenings Unlimited LLC and booking my first Brand Photography client back in 2020 –at the top of a pandemic — with NO PROFESSIONAL CAMERA! Yes, that’s right, I had a whole 4 hour photoshoot with 5 models using a Google Pixel XL phone! To this day, we still work together and this client still uses those photos on her website (which I also designed) as well as her marketing materials.

So when I say I know it pays to take risks and move by faith, I meant that wholeheartedly!

 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think I’ve always been a creative person! I’ve always loved to write, dance, and take photos! I was often the child and young adult taking photos of everyone and posing for pictures! Although I did some plus size modeling back in NY, I didn’t realize how deep my love for capturing people, content and moments until moving to NC. That very first Brand Photoshoot on my phone truly changed my life! I realized that not only did I have a gift in photography, but that I was really able to help change lives through the power of great branding, marketing and coaching.

As far as writing goes, I grew up journaling as well. It was the way I felt I could best express myself! So when I started writing poetry and eventually authored 2 books (Awakenings & ALIVE), these books helped me not only grow in love and confidence in myself, but opened doors for me as a speaker that absolutely changed my life! Had it not been for these books, I would have never moved to NC, met my husband, started this business or hand my sweet almost 2-year old son! While of course there were MANY obstacles along the way, my faith ALWAYS brought me through. It may sound cliche to some, but prayer really changes things! Praying and leaning on the word of God has built in me a strength, tenacity and drive that is hard to explain. I’ve learned that all things work together and even through the challenging times, I’ve seen how enduring these challenges has helped me to equip and empower others through their challenges as well!

 

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If it was a week long trip, I probably would travel to a few different places in NC! I would take them to the Southpoint Mall area in Durham to shop. I’d stop at one of the Food Truck locations for the Haitian Food Truck Bon Fritay, and order the griot rice plate with pickliz. I’d also take them to Oak Island as a little getaway because I liked how low-key and chill it was over there and I am a beach girl! We’d also visit Charlotte of course and try some of the black-owned restaurants out there. Lastly, I’d be sure to bring them to my church, Ignited Blue Apostolic Church International for a worship service!

 

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are a few people who I want to dedicate my Shoutout to. First, my mother, Juliette McNulty! She has been a huge supporter of my business ventures and has always instilled in me that I could do anything I put my mind to because with Christ, all things are possible! I’d also like to shoutout my husband, Jaylen Allen who is unwavering in his support for me, who encourages me when I feel like quitting, who covers me in prayer daily and who pushes me to be the BEST version of myself. He is an amazing husband and dad and is happy to watch me shine! Someone else who deserves recognition for where I am today is my coach, Marva Goss! She spoke to my future, saw my potential and helped me develop an actual strategy for my business while assisting me in getting crystal clear on my offerings AND how to increase sales. She is incredibly knowledgeable, compassionate, experienced and Holy Spirit led! Without her, I don’t know if I would have had the confidence or clarity I really needed. In addition, working with her challenged me in my mindset and really showed me the importance of investing financially in myself/my business. Last but certainly not least, I need to shoutout Jesus! Without him, NONE of this would be possible so I truly give God all of the glory and praise!

 

Website: www.awakeningsunlimited.com COMING SOON: www.thewhitneyallen.com

Instagram: @thewhitneyallen

Facebook: Awakenings Unlimited, LLC

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thewhitneyallen

Image Credits
Jachele Cohen Photography In God’s Image Photography All Things Sherrie

Nominate Someone: undefined is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.