Tenyse Williams, Founder & CEO of Verified Consulting,
Tenyse Williams is one of the nation’s leading visionaries on the power of brand-building and digital marketing specializing in social media, influencer relations, partner collaborations, and earned media for major companies, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and celebrity personalities. As Founder & CEO of Verified Consulting, a Certified Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise by the City of New York, she leads a team of professionals generating measurable results for clients across all industries creating strategic, meaningful, and memorable awareness-building campaigns that reinforce executive leadership, elevate profiles and drive organization relevancy.
Committed to helping businesses find their target audience, become beloved brands, and establish a commanding presence, some of the successful initiatives and organizations she has worked with include: The Nelson Mandela Foundation, BET Awards, Houston Housing Authority, and Farmacares, a nonprofit founded by Grammy-Nominated Artist Styles P. A nationally recognized expert and an important voice for the next generation, Tenyse Williams also holds the title of Adjunct Instructional Specialist in Digital Marketing teaching at Columbia University, George Washington University, and the University of Central Florida.
Additionally, Tenyse Williams is a regular contributor to FSR Magazine and serves as a consultant to TIME Magazine’s Marketing Division and the NYC Black Restaurant Coalition. In 2024, she was retained by Samsung USA to be the producer and host of two Samsung 837 Events bringing together visionaries for panel discussions and interactive product demos. A graduate of Long Island University, she resides in Brooklyn, NY, and is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
Can you tell us more about your story and how you got to where you are today?
My introduction to digital marketing began when I was a teenager using MySpace. This is where I first discovered digital storytelling by customizing my page using snippets of code to create designs of glittering GIFs mixed with music. It was through this experience that I felt my calling. Quite simply, it was knowing I wanted to help others connect through the power of technology as a way to communicate their message creatively. In college, I majored in journalism and developed a vigor fueled by the potential of the exciting new digital landscape, and my first position was an internship at NY1 News. Soon after, I worked in communication offices for government officials, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs and then launched my own brand-building & digital PR and marketing company, Verified Consulting. We are rooted in the goal of helping businesses grow and flourish in the digital world by designing tailored strategies that elevate online presence and increase awareness through impactful narratives within the digital cosmos.
What advice would you give to an entrepreneur or founder leading a team for the first time?
I encourage new and aspiring entrepreneurs to wholeheartedly go after their dreams! If you believe in yourself and your concept – go after it and if you are scared – power ahead and do it scared! Time and experience will help you navigate the ebbs and flows knowing that you can’t learn from your mistakes unless you are making them! From budgetary tight ropes and shape-shifting technologies to the evolving desires of your customers – success will come once you have learned to ride the waves of business life so you can one day surf the heights masterfully with grace and resilience.
If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting out, what would it be?
Bring passion to your purpose or don’t bother! Your goal can’t be to just “make money.” Yes, money is important, and making it, even lots of it, will happen if you are successful. But if that is the only thing on your mind – you won’t get far. To make it, your business should have the capacity to influence and make a difference by offering a better product or service or by creating something new. Think beyond money and focus on how you can make a lasting and meaningful impact that will improve the lives of your customers and community.
How do you boost your self-esteem in moments of doubt?
Even with the client successes my agency has had, sometimes my stomach still ties up in knots! But I remind myself that business growth can only happen if you are willing to open new doors of creativity that will bring freshness to your approach. So we have a company rule that everyone should share their ideas for us to consider as possible steps forward for our clients. By having an encouraging environment, we have created a culture that includes the transformative power of self-love, inspiring others to be their best selves. At Verified Consulting, we do this by creating an atmosphere of radiant positivity where business dreams can sprout and flourish.
What initiatives or actions do you believe are crucial for fostering a more supportive and inclusive business environment for women?
In addition to my role as CEO of Verified Consulting, since 2020, I have also served as an Adjunct Instructional Specialist teaching Digital Marketing for multiple University programs including Columbia, George Washington, and the University of Central Florida. Additionally, at Verified Consulting we create an inclusive business environment for women by engaging the community through hosting workshops to teach college students, young professionals, and startups, many of which are women-owned, how to use AI, social media, and other digital marketing strategies. Most recently, we were awarded a grant through th One X League to host a workshop with over 50 attendees entitled, “Empowering Voices through AI” in partnership with the NYC Black Women’s Political Club to train women small business owners on how to use free AI platforms available through their social channels to automate their business. As women, it is so important that we continue to find ways to support one another in navigating corporate spaces.
What can you tell our readers about what’s next for yourself and your company?
By leading with optimism and a seriousness of purpose, we will continue to serve our clients by creating campaigns to build awareness for their brands that strategically position them for growth. As technology advances, so will we, and our long-term vision will be centered around harnessing emerging technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). We aim to integrate both of these into impactful experiences and strategic partnerships — uniquely driving exposure and increasing brand prominence. Beyond the commercial space, we aim to establish a non-profit arm dedicated to aiding small businesses and startups in structuring their public relations and digital marketing strategies. Recognizing that smaller businesses, particularly Black-owned enterprises, often face budget constraints, we see the potential of digital marketing and public relations as catalysts for growth and visibility ultimately transforming these businesses into recognized brands.
What are 3 websites or podcasts you can’t imagine your day without? Why those three?
Why: I love how host & founder, Nicalia Matthews-Okome, interviews each of her guests and delves into their journey of entrepreneurship, and the crucial steps it took them to get started, grow, and operate their business. Every time I listen to each episode I always have a new perspective on how to expand my business.
Why: As a native New Yorker, Brian Lehrer gives a local outlook on the latest politics and news that is affecting New Yorkers. What I look forward to the most is when he brings the Mayor or local politicians on the show and they answer questions from community members. This is one of the few shows that serves as a middle ground between politicians and local constituents.
3. The Policy Effect with Dr. Michele Williams
Why: As an educator listening to this podcast keeps me current on what is happening now in NYC’s education system and beyond. Her breakdown of the educational policies keeps me engaged and I always learn something new.
What are your top 3 mobile apps that help you stay organized and on top of your game?
- Gmail because it keeps me abreast of my notifications & Gchat messages from my colleagues.
- Expensify because it keeps my receipts and expenses in order every week
- CapCut because this app allows me to use trendy templates and has an easy interface to create content and as a digital agency owner editing my videos on the go for clients is essential.
How do you use social media in your business?
I utilize social media as a vital platform to consistently engage my followers. I curate and share updates about the newest tools that can enhance their business presence. Through my posts, I am able to take my followers through the highlights of my business journey providing a behind-the-scenes sneak peek into the making of some of my most memorable campaigns.
What book do you think everyone on the team should read?
“Profit First” by Mike Michalowicz and “Profit First for Minority Business Enterprises” by Susanne Mariga are two books that I recommend to small business owners and startups. These books provide a clear understanding of which aspects of your operations you should focus on to scale your business.
What comes next for Tenyse Williams?
More and more and beyond! I look forward to serving my clients and creating new purposeful and inspiring opportunities for business owners and individuals to elevate their brands and turn them into household names.
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