Meet Maxine Henderson | Business and Grant Consultant

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

Hi Maxine, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Honestly, I started a business just trying to make some extra money because I was pregnant with my daughter and I was too sick to work a full time job. I did not do any research about starting a business. I just started with no money. I created a business name, social media page, and a cash app with my business name attached then I started promoting. I thought that was all I needed. I figured it couldn’t be that hard but boy was I wrong.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My name is Maxine Henderson, the proud owner of the Lavish Business Experience, formerly known as CMLC, is an experienced Business and Grant Consultant with over 3 years of experience in grant writing, securing funding for nonprofits, educational institutions, and research projects.

I started my journey as an entrepreneur in 2016 with no experience at all. I researched everything on my own. Created my own website, email, and social media accounts. Boy was I wrong. Lol. I didn’t fully structure my business properly until 2018. In 2021, I developed a passion for helping other entrepreneurs with grow their businesses so I began my mentorship program. I mentored over 20 women and helped them improve in areas of struggle in entrepreneurship. I was successfully able to transition into a full time entrepreneur that same year.
My business didn’t begin to grow until I invested in a coaching program (JChic Lifestyle) and began to take my business seriously. I was the underdog. I had plenty of knowledge but no one was interested. It wasn’t easy for me to keep going but I did with the support my family, close friends, and LOTS of prayer. I really started to see an increase in revenue and visibility during that time. Entrepreneurship will never be easy. Its easier when you learn how to important outsourcing and time management is to your business life.

The best thing I could have ever done for my business to overcome the MANY challenges of entrepreneurship was give my God full control of my business.

What sets me apart my passion and dedication to help entrepreneurs understand the importance of an operating system in business development. There are so many entrepreneurs that only know the “hustle mentality” that when it’s time to receive funding like grants or build business credit they get denied because of poor business foundation. I want to educate entrepreneurs on grants first before trying to selling them a dream. Yes, grants are technically free money but there are things that they need in order to be successful in the Grant writing process. I take a different approach to Grant writing. I educate, Prepare, and then write. There are so many entrepreneurs that feel like “Grants are a scam” but I am here to change the narrative of that story by first providing education and professional guidance to ensure grant writing success.

I have learned that until you really invest into your business by hiring that coach, pay for/enroll in those classes, pray, plan, and execute that your business will not be able to grow to its full potential.. Your greatest reward as an entrepreneur is to see your return on your investment. I have learned that time management and organization are two of the best friends. Mastering those two things will save you so much stress and anxiety as an entrepreneur. Get off of social media and attend some of these networking events that are available. The world will never get to experience how great you are until they get to see how great you are in person.

I want the world to know that The Lavish Business Experience is here to support small business owners that value their brands enough to fund and operate their businesses the right way. I am committed to educating, encouraging, and mentoring my community of black owned businesses. I am committed to be a resource that will help grow businesses all over the world. I want to encourage my community by ensuring them that they can apply and win grants themselves if hiring a grant writer like myself is not in their budget.

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.
I am a home body lol BUT I would definitely take them to a few brunch spots, a nice hibachi and seafood restaurants, a nice tour through Shelby farms, and downtown on the river. The most interesting places to go are the ones that are hidden gems people don’t really know about. The places that people really don’t know about are the most fun and interesting to me.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
This an easy one. First, GOD! I want to thank my GOD for trusting me with this gift he has blessed me with. I am the first generation entrepreneur so I had no guidance. I believe that everything I’ve learned the first year as an entrepreneur, God guided me through it. Secondly, My husband and children. Thirdly, My Best Bestie Lakesha Porter of Gifted Hands Financial Memphis. She has helped me through my darkest times as an entrepreneur. Those times I wanted to give up and quit my business she was right there to encourage me to keep going. Last but Not least, my Brand Consultant Jenni Graham of JChic Lifestyle Brand, She gave me the resources and tools to elevate my business in the last 3 years and I have seen a great increase in my visibility and revenue.

Website: https://www.thelavishbusinessexp.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lavishbusinessexp/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxinehenderson7

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crownmelavishboutique/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLavishBusinessExperience

Image Credits
Photography- Taylors House Media Group
Flyers- Mahiya Designs