We had the good fortune of connecting with Atiba Johnson, Cpba and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Atiba, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
At an early age, I didn’t want someone telling me how much money I could make. Take for instance, you make $20/hr & you can only work 40 hours a week. Why? So I felt like I wanted to be at the top of the totem pole making as much as I want to make.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I currently own 6 different businesses and a non profit while working full time as a Certified Professional Business Advisor for Channel powered by Live Oak Bank. I know it’s a mouthful and a lot, but so rewarding. I have a grocery store (Front Street Market & Produce), a bartending school (Yellow Diamond Bartending Academy), Regal Events DJ, S&J Concierge Services, Johnson’s Kennels, a Uhaul business, and The OOPS Foundation.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Wilmington has the best restaurants! We would hit all the hot spots in the City, of course hit the beach, and take a tour with one of my homeboys who owns a local black historic tour shuttle!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My kids! Amir & Atiya Johnson. They soak up so much of what I’ve tried to show them & their entrepreneurs in their own right. I also give them credit for saving me. When I go too hard, they slow me down, & when I don’t go hard enough, they let me know!

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