Ghail Media Group Client Highlight

 

Gael Sylvia Pullen, the founder of Girls Fly! and Ghail Media Group, that provide educational financial literacy programs for school districts. Her journey from owning the largest minority and female commercial brokerage firm to managing McDonald's restaurants eventually led her to create Girls Fly as a non-profit organization and Ghail Media Group, driven by her passion for financial literacy and empowering individuals with essential money knowledge.

Challenges

Gael encountered significant challenges when venturing outside the McDonald's system, stating, "I was at a loss for where to go or what to do because my prior banking relationships were all very easily tied within the McDonald's system." She also highlighted a broader issue, saying, "I'm not gonna limit it to just the African American or Latino population, but I think that there is a significant reason why our business progress may not be at the rate it could be because of lack of knowledge and lack of exposure to valuable money information."

Solutions

Gael's introduction to the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and her collaboration with Sean were transformative. She expressed her appreciation, saying, "Oh my gosh, Sean is a gift from the heavens. He deserves to have his own Greek title as a guy." Sean provided critical guidance and support regarding business planning and funding. Gael recalled, "He's like, no, talk to me, and he listened. And then he said, okay, I get your vision. I understand what direction you're going in. This makes a lot of sense." With Sean's assistance, Gael found a path to navigate the complexities of funding and business development.

Results

The collaboration between Gael and Sean yielded significant results. Gael noted, "And I found that one of the big differences between the SBA kind of government business approach, private sector entrepreneurs is like, 'Tell me what you need,' and I was like, 'Okay, I can do that. Let's do it.'" Sean's guidance and unwavering belief in her vision allowed Gael to secure the necessary funding of $100,000 for her business from CDC Small Business Finance. Gael's confidence in Sean and SBDC's services has grown substantially, leading her to refer to other entrepreneurs and witness their successes as well.

Conclusion

Gael Sylvia Pullen's testimonial emphasizes the exceptional support and guidance provided by Sean and the SBDC. She expressed her gratitude, saying, "I just really thank you guys." Gael's journey from a successful corporate background to an entrepreneurial endeavor has been greatly empowered by Sean's expertise and SBDC's resources. Her story is a testament to the importance of financial literacy and mentorship in achieving entrepreneurial dreams. Gael's heartfelt appreciation serves as a reminder that dedicated professionals can make a profound impact on individuals and their businesses.

Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.