Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Winfrey.
Courtney, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
In 2013, I developed my brand and business; The Courtney Winfrey (CW) Project, to house positive content and messaging with the intentions of impacting the world by using my personal story as a tool to connect. I started writing to overcome some feelings I had which resembled a quarter-life crisis. I developed my craft by being a gossip writer for an online publication and hosting hip-hop showcases downtown Chicago.
I was working full-time in an accounting firm specializing in workplace diversity and talent acquisition but I found that there was something was significantly unfulfilling and minimized the impact I could really make. When I created my platform it was an outlet for me to take all the frustrations of my real life and channel them into a place where likeminded individuals could relate.
I always knew I would desire to go into business for myself. Being inside a box was never a place for me. I found opportunities to use my career to propel my brand by networking and finding speaking engagements that set me up for new opportunities.
Now, as a content writer, I use my social media platform to influence my audience to reach deep into themselves and their personal faiths to change their immediate outcomes.
My brand has big aspirations. We desire to release weekly web series and thought-provoking blogs that will engage and interact with audiences on varies social media platforms. My newest desires are to tour the world storytelling and sharing my message of creative and inspirational content that will influence your immediate environment.
In July 2017, I was featured as the cover story for the Lifestyle section of the Chicago-based news publication, The Chicago Tribune. In an article written by journalist, Alison Bowen, titled; “Millennial women aren’t doing as well as women before them. Why?” I provided sincere comments regarding my journey of seeking fulfilling employment in Corporate America after graduating college post-recession. Shortly after the article was printed, The Chicago Tribune featured me again in an article praising the women’s empowerment movement in the mid-term elections.
In April of this year, I lost my professional job due to layoffs. What was supposed to be the lowest moment of my life has now been the catalyst for some much. I currently tap my YouTube content once a week, provide a weekly affirmation via our social media platform and speak at high schools and community events around the Chicagoland area. I have also had the opportunity to mentor young men and women in the areas of character building and setting life goals. Lastly, I have recently applied to grad school to study Mental Health Counseling full-time to better serve my audience and mentees in areas of mental awareness and strategies for a more abundant life.
I pride myself on creating an influential brand that shares real and relatable stories based on the truth of my own personal testimony. My brand is an evolution of my true and authentic self and I hope to maximize my impact in many ways in the future.
Has it been a smooth road?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. I am in the incubation stages of maintaining a business that doesn’t provide a product but a service. I struggle sometimes with just learning the basics. Being an influencing brand, I find myself struggling with not inspiring to be trendy or following the next fad.
When initially finding my voice, not as the next gossip blogger, not as the next binge watcher blogger, or not as the next activist blogger. I really let myself and my story shine through.
With YouTube, my struggles were facing myself in front of a camera that would pick up my flaws before I even notice them myself. Then I realized, that my flaws are what make me unique.
No, the road hasn’t been smooth but I’m grateful for the lessons that are coming from this journey.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with The CW Project – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
What do I do? I use affirmations and positive thinking to influence my audience to find truth and light to their situations.
What do I specialize in? Literally all forms of speaking! Verbal and Non-verbal. I use the written word, motivational speaking, and imaging to create an experience that will lift your mood.
What am I known for? I am most known for my skillful knowledge and the use of affirmations.
What are my most proud moments with my company? Having an opportunity to link up with extremely impactful organizations to speak. Being featured in the Chicago Tribune and being featured on varies podcasts. I’m overjoyed that other platforms give me a chance to spread my message of affirming oneself and positive thinking to an audience that I may not reach.
What sets me apart from others? I like to call myself an “experience” brand. I love to curate events where my audience can take our concepts and enjoy themselves in a social setting. I call these events “Affirmation Brunches”. With the brunches, I have seen guests walk away feeling lighter than when they’ve arrived. I’ve seen business deals happen, and I have seen networks group. I think my use of innovation with my brand is what sets me apart.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
What I like best about the city is the skyline. I just love the skyline and the way it makes me feel when I’m arriving in the city. See, I live in Joliet, which is very southwest of the city, so on a clear day driving into the city and seeing the skyline was a treat. From that moment, I feel the buzz of the city fill my spirit.
What I like least about the city is the displacement and under funding of our youth and low-income communities. In areas of the city, I feel that there should be a bigger focus than what has been provided.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thecwproject.com/
- Phone: 2172550887
- Email: courtneywinfreyprj@gmail.com
- Instagram: @thecwproject
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theCWproject/
- Twitter: @thecwproject
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
