Today we’d like to introduce you to Traci Wilkerson Steckel.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’d have to say that throughout my “working” years from when I was 16, there has always been 1 constant. Whether it was a job I had in high school, one to supplement my teacher’s income, or even after my layoff in 2009, was that I had a job in which I helped others. If my primary career was not “service” based, then I filled all of my free time with philanthropy work to ensure that part of my heart was fulfilled.
I might not have always been doing what I went to school for, but I was always doing something that was in the business of caring for others where I would strive to ensure their needs were being met.
For me, this type of work came naturally. After my layoff from teaching in 2009, I fell into the automotive industry in sales then later as a manger which was great, but many automotive dealerships just don’t treat their employees well, I see it every day. I looked back over the years and all the work I’ve done and took all of the best lessons I’d learned, all of the best abilities I had that could be used to help others professionally, and the heart and soul that I’d always had and decided to combine all of these and start my own business.
And remember how I said I liked to fill my free time with philanthropy work? Well, while I was working full-time all of those years, I founded my first 501c3 Traci’s Paws and started a future nonprofit The Random Acts of Kindness Circle (which was actually started first but will hopefully go 501c3 in 2020!).
Has it been a smooth road?
Sadly, I’ve faced quite a few bumps in the road and actually some downright awful experiences. If it is 100% uncontrollable, it’s all about how I decide to handle it. And I think that’s the key for anyone when it comes to any struggle in life. But if it is something that has to do with another person, then I do my best to make each of the “bumpy” moments, “teachable” moments.
Of course, there are people I haven’t been able to reason with, but it is important to try regardless because there are plenty of people who just need someone who is willing to be patient with them and take that time to show them the “whole picture” and that you care enough to.
It’s just like in sales, if you don’t ask, you’ll never get that sale. The worst you can get is a “no” so when you have an issue with someone when it comes to your business or organization, it is important to be professional, and discuss it. You never know, the outcome may end up being the complete opposite after you’ve finished and it usually does.
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
Wilkerson Consulting Agency is my for-profit business, and I work with any business or nonprofit for marketing to help with anything from logos or WIX Web design to Fundraising and Event production. Although I work with all types of businesses, a lot of my clients have been small women-owned, pet-related businesses and nonprofits. I do work with larger companies for ad campaigns and to produce fundraisers, but love to work where I am most needed for sure. I also give a discount to military and nonprofit organizations.
My first nonprofit Traci’s Paws is actually a first of its kind 501c3 founded to assist pet rescue organizations. I’ve been told we’re a rescue for rescues. I knew there was a huge need to help rescue organizations and I didn’t want to be a rescue, so I decided to do what was needed the most. We currently facilitate adoption events, pet food, bedding & supply drives, pet therapy, humane education classes, fundraisers, pet hospitality and host our signature monthly Paws Parties which are pet birthday parties benefiting a rescue with a pet food drive and adoption event and our quarterly Doggies & Donuts event which is San Diego’s 1st meetup/Networking/Pet Adoption Event!
Lastly, is my future nonprofit, the Random Acts of Kindness Circle. I started this in 2008 when my previous student Ellen Erickson was diagnosed with cancer. All I could think of to do was bring her joy.
I started a campaign at our school and reached out to everyone I knew asking for cards, letters & gifts, that Ellen could receive that would help her through this journey… and it worked!
We had people from all over the WORLD send her amazing things that brought her joy and helped take away some of the sadness and fear of her diagnosis, treatments, and many surgeries.
Thankfully, Ellen beat cancer this first time, and throughout the years I met other people who needed the same kindness from strangers to help them through tough times they were experiencing and we had a few more projects along the way.
Sadly in 2017, Ellen was diagnosed with breast cancer and although her spirit was strong, her body was not. We rallied to create a second RAOK project for sweet Ellen, and I am so thankful that she received it before she gained her angel wings.
It was at this time I knew that I had to continue to create these RAOK projects for others in need on a greater level in dear Ellen’s honor. I changed the name to The Random Acts of Kindness Circle and decided to make it a 501c3, because people will participate if they can write off their donations, and this could be so huge. So, although our projects are not as consistent at this time, it has great potential.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Oh most definitely. I feel like all of the work I do is something that anyone could do and that there is always going to be a need for assistance.
Contact Info:
- Website: Traci’s Paws, Inc.
- Phone: 2106434583
- Email: traciwilkersonsteckel@gmail.com
- Instagram: @WilkersonConsultingAgency, @TracisPaws, @RAOKCircle
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WilkersonConsultingAgency/, https://www.facebook.com/TracisPaws/, https://www.facebook.com/RAOKCircle
Image Credit:
Dave Ellrod of Ellrod Images, Dawn Hough Sebaugh of Fine Magazine, Audrey Cox-Ricks of Sunsets Unleashed
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