National Black Business Month: Lolita Dash-Pitts

National Black Business Month at The Greenhouse

The Greenhouse joins in the national effort to acknowledge, appreciate, and uplift black business owners in our community. For National Black Business Month, we are excited to highlight black business owners who have participated in Greenhouse programs.

Meet Lolita Dash-Pitts with ATILOL Consulting Solutions LLC:

GH: Tell us a little about yourself and your business

LD-P: Even as a teenager, I took the lead in coordinating discussions on important family matters—be it finances, mental health, or wellness. Today, I’m still the go-to person for information and resources in my family. Everyone knows I’m deeply connected to the community, understand its needs, and actively contribute to its well-being.

ATILOL (pronounced “ah-tee-lol”) is my first name, Lolita, spelled backward. Launched on January 1, 2020, my business offers consulting services in recordkeeping management, including registrations, certifications, and licensing applications. We also provide grant preparation, writing, and management services, along with process management using Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools. Our focus is on supporting minority-owned small businesses, particularly entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, independent contractors, sole proprietors, and self-employed individuals.

GH: What Inspired you to start your business?

LD-P: I officially launched Atilol on January 1, 2020, just before the pandemic hit. At that time, I had no idea of the challenges that lay ahead. With over 20 years in the non-profit and for-profit sectors, I understand the hurdles faced by independent contractors, self-employed individuals, sole proprietors, and solopreneurs.

I often see common issues that small businesses encounter:

Lack of Knowledge: Many don’t realize what they don’t know.

Lack of Understanding: The importance of building a solid foundation through:

- Good recordkeeping.

- Obtaining necessary licenses and certifications.
- Implementing a process management system.

These fundamentals are crucial for leveraging resources and sustaining a business. It all starts with a mindset shift, and Atilol is here to provide the guidance needed to navigate this journey.

GH: Why do you think National Black Business Month is important?

LD-P: I think National Black Business Month is important because it provides the opportunity for minority-black owned businesses, especially black women-owned businesses, to showcase the impact they make in so many communities. So often these business entities are not celebrated, appreciated, and honored for the positive social and economic impacts being made, as well as the testimonies of struggles to success.

GH: What was it like starting your business for the first time?

LD-P: It was challenging, but not daring or difficult. Although I started Atilol Consulting Solutions in 2020, I’ve provided the same services as an independent contractor for over 20 years. This made the transition a little easier than just jumping right into it. However, I enjoy “challenging challenges,” so anything I’ve gone through has been well worth it.

GH: What advice would you give to others who are looking to build their businesses?

LD-P: An easy path to success is being “R.E.A.L.” and I mean that literally – Relatable, Empathic, Assertive, and Logical. Whether you are dealing with customers, clients, friends, family, or the community, being R.E.A.L. works!

GH: What are your future goals/plans for your business?

LD-P: As the owner, my primary goal for Atilol Consulting Solutions is to expand the service territory by connecting with agencies, organizations, and small businesses – even internationally. Small businesses everywhere need assistance and guidance. Although Florida is our home-base state, I will continue to utilize my skills and abilities to serve by assisting small businesses that are serious about taking their business, regardless of how large or small, to the next level.

GH: Please describe your experience as our Nonprofit Connect facilitator. Would you recommend the program to others?

LD-P: I was thrilled when Ronnell Montgomery, Vice President of Economic Inclusion and Business Growth at the St. Pete Chamber, invited me to be the Nonprofit Connect Facilitator in March 2023. With nearly two decades as Executive Director of Front Porch Community Development Association, Inc., I’m eager to share my knowledge with start-up nonprofits and those considering launching one.

Over the years, I’ve seen significant changes, and many tools and resources now available weren’t accessible before. I accepted Ronnell’s invitation to help bridge gaps for small nonprofits, ensuring they have the support needed to thrive and sustain their missions.