“Life changes when you least expect it. One day I was an elementary school teacher and the next a small business owner”.
In 2010, Alia took time off from her position to assist her husband with the operation of his recently established limousine company. However, after he was involved in a life-threatening accident while working in Iraq, Alia was forced to quickly teach herself everything about running the business. As her husband recovered, Alia discovered her entrepreneurial spirit and decided to resign from her stable teaching position and take on the challenge of owning a small business.
Since taking the reins, the business decisions made by Alia have resulted in going from being a one-vehicle operation to a provider of luxury sedan, limousine, and shuttle transportation across the globe.
As a result of obtaining the women’s business enterprise certification, Jaber was connected with the programs of the Women’s Business Center. Great Lakes WBC first recommendations was WOSB certification. Next step was to get a plan in business development activities. Alia prepared herself and her team for the 15th Annual Great Lakes Women’s Business Conference by taking advantage of the trainings conducted by Great Lakes WBC. The trainings paid off well for Alia and Blue Diamond Limousine. Along with all the numerous contacts made at the conference, Alia and her company were showcased on a WDIV Local 4 news broadcast featuring the women’s business conference. “I am very grateful and appreciative of all the support from the Great Lakes WBC organization.”
The impact on the business has been an increase of roughly 20% in revenues, allowing Alia to be smarter with her contacts and opportunities. Besides bottom-line growth, she loves being a small business owner and is grateful that she can run her business while being a mom with four children.
