Throughout 2023, WBENC is recognizing and celebrating WBEs who have demonstrated remarkable resilience and capacity to reinvent themselves. The 2023 WBE Stars are being honored for perseverance and excellence through reinvention and innovation, despite the unprecedented challenges of recent years.
Meet Arneisha Sadler, Founder and CEO of Emeniss Call Center. Arneisha, a humble and determined individual, embraces challenges with an unwavering “do or die” attitude, showcasing remarkable tenacity. Her perseverance and patient spirit lead her to triumphant outcomes, and driven by genuine eagerness to help, she readily assists others and equips them with the tools to thrive. Her selflessness and commitment to uplifting others exemplify true leadership, with an impact that extends far beyond her own achievements.
Witness Arneisha’s resilience and stay tuned for our 2023 WBENC Stars article series throughout 2023!
Each WBENC WBE Star has been selected by one of 14 Regional Partner Organizations (RPOs), who lead the world-class WBENC Certification of women-owned businesses throughout the country. The 2023 WBE Stars were honored during the 2023 WBENC National Conference, a gathering of more than 3000 entrepreneurs and business leaders taking place March 20-23, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee, and throughout the year. WBENC will be featuring the 2023 WBE Stars in many ways, including this article series and in WE USA Magazine feature articles this summer.
Meet the Ingenious Arneisha Sadler, Founder and CEO of Emeniss Call Center
Emeniss™ Call Center specializes in providing inbound and outbound call center services for businesses, nonprofits organizations, and MUSH markets (Municipal and state governments, Universities, Schools, and Hospitals). Customer service, account management, administration, dispatch, overflow calls, and after-hours services are among our 24-hour services to assist businesses in reducing operating costs, increasing productivity, and focusing on growth and development without sacrificing customer service quality.
Due to COVID-19, some of their clients decided to cancel their services to cut down on business expenses. In response, Arneisha Sadler took proactive measures to avoid furloughs. She decided to lower billable rates and actively participated in pitch competitions to secure funds for payroll. Recognizing the potential in government Request for Proposal (RFP) opportunities, she attended workshops to enhance her knowledge of government contracting and procurement. Despite facing initial setbacks with several unsuccessful shortlist attempts, Arneisha persevered, refining her skills, and restructured the organization. Eventually, her efforts paid off as Emeniss Call Center succeeded in winning a subcontracting bid, holding the promise of a potential 5 to 7-year renewal.
Rising Above It All
Arneisha Sadler found herself homeless due to domestic violence, and after seeking refuge in a shelter, she later moved into a motel. In the midst of her difficult circumstances, she fervently prayed for an opportunity, and it seemed that divine guidance came to her aid. Arneisha felt a strong conviction to start her own business. Despite having only $300 left to her name, she took a leap of faith and used it to establish her LLC.
Unbeknownst to Arneisha, there was a tax credit available for individuals staying in motels for more than 30 days. This unforeseen blessing allowed her to extend her stay, providing her with a bit more stability and breathing room. With determination and resolve, Arneisha set out to build her own business, one that would offer call center services tailored to the needs of small businesses. Through her resilience and entrepreneurial spirit, she began to carve a path towards a brighter future.
Read on to learn more about Arneisha ‘s journey!
Arneisha, what does resiliency mean to you? How do you practice resiliency as a woman leading a business?
Using my last $300 to start my business was a huge leap of faith, not knowing how to run a business or where I was going to sleep the next day. I knew where I had come from and refused to go back. Whatever the future held could not be worse than the past. “Faith without works is dead.” As I push forward despite fear of the unknown, I learn and apply. I surround myself with people who support me and empower me, as well as correct me and hold me accountable.
What is a challenge or opportunity your business faced because of the COVID-19 Pandemic, and how did you face it?
COVID-19 caused some of our clients to cancel service with us to reduce their business expenses. To avoid furlough, I reduced billable rates and entered pitch competitions to use the money for payroll. After learning about the demand for government Request for Proposal (RFP) that could include lucrative contracts, I attended workshops on how to do business with the government and find procurement opportunities. After not making the shortlist several times, I polished my skills and restructured our organization. Finally, we won a subcontracting bid with a possible 5 to 7 years renewal.
Provide an example of how innovation helped you overcome a challenge, pivot, or adapt to a crisis.
When I was homeless, I was heartbroken, depressed, and penniless. Starting a business was undoubtedly absurd and seemed impossible. I was living in a motel with no money, resources, or knowledge of how to start a business. I worked at call centers for almost 20 years, but I didn’t know the infrastructure or had the technical skills to build one. I studied how remote access and VoIP worked, and set it up on my laptop in my motel. The Worksource Solutions office was my “office” for administrative duties, and the study rooms at the nearby college were my “offices” for meetings.
What have you learned about yourself as a leader from mentoring or coaching others?
I’ve never felt qualified to be a leader or owned that title. When faced with a challenge, my “do or die” mindset catapults me to be tenacious. Victory due to endurance is in due time. Oblivious to me, I’m told how my actions encourage others and “leads” the way. This taught me that being a leader is not self-proclaimed, but it’s anointed by God and appointed by people I inspire and leave a positive impact on their lives. I’m always eager to help and equip others with knowledge, skills, and resources to meet where they are.
What do you view as benefits of being part of the WBENC network? How has your company grown and changed since its inception and since becoming certified?
Being part of the #1 women’s organization in the nation is a benefit itself. The certification conveys my business is authentic and serious. I’m in network with a variety of industries and other companies range from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies, locally and nationally. The business education from WBEA cohorts such as “The Inner Circle” and “Edge” has helped me improve my business model. My biggest success from the WOSB certification is being a subtractor call center for the New LBJ Hospital Project for Harris County, TX. This historic opportunity will change lives for generations to come.
What guiding words would you like to share with a newly certified WBE who is looking to get involved in the WBENC community?
If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with someone.
WBENC community is full of women who support and mentor each other all across the nation. When one wins, we all win. When I started my business and attended conferences and networking events, I was very nervous and felt insignificant, inadequate, and intimidated because I had no business knowledge, no educational degrees, or sorority affiliation. I was just a girl from the hood recovering from domestic violence, divorce, and a financial crisis. When I joined the WBEA, I was overwhelmed with genuine love, support and access to resources not just for business but my personal and spiritual growth and development as well. Moreover, I learned that I had valuable knowledge and skills to help the other members. Iron sharpens iron.
What areas of innovation do you foresee for women entrepreneurs over the next few years?
Women entrepreneurs are the game changers in technology. Whether it’s retail products or online services, we are constantly inventing ways to be effective and efficient in productivity. Our creativity and intellect is finally getting the attention, respect, demand, and opportunities in industries where we were once overlooked or unfairly underpaid compared to our male counterparts. Who runs the world? GIRLS!
Emeniss™ Call Center specializes in providing inbound and outbound call center services for businesses, nonprofits organizations, and MUSH markets (Municipal and state governments, Universities, Schools, and Hospitals). Customer service, account management, administration, dispatch, overflow calls, and after-hours services are among our 24-hour services to assist businesses in reducing operating costs, increasing productivity, and focusing on growth and development without sacrificing customer service quality.
