Meet Mareesha Phillips | Paralegal- Business Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mareesha Phillips and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mareesha, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I wanted to be a woman business owner. I wanted to fill a void all the while helping my four daughters by setting an example.

What should our readers know about your business?
My road to success was not always an easy one. I graduated from Boston University as a Certificated Paralegal in 2011. I shelved it until 2014 and birthed what is now Ms Paralegal. I didn’t have a clue what to expect or who my target client would be. I started with Family Law and EEOC answers and filings. I am now officially registered with the EEOC as a Representative for my clients. I began to research my abilities and scope within Florida state laws for paralegals and that is where I began using my background in real estate, along with my legal knowledge and started to grow my niche. I began helping the micro entrepreneur create their brand including Realtors. I became a one-stop hub for all things business. My clients got to see their dreams become a reality from that first filing of their business entity, to implementing use of their DUNS number to build business credit and I don’t know who is more excited me or them! I then began dealing with intellectual property such as copyrights and trademarks to help creatives and musicians. During the pandemic I decided to teach myself how to code so I could offer this service to my clients. One less service they would have to search for.

I’ve learned accountability is key. Making a few mistakes can be catastrophic to a small business without it. Time management is also very important especially when you’re juggling multiple clients. Most important lesson is never sell yourself short. Take on what you can and if you can not do it all, learn to delegate and relinquish some duties onto others. I have always kept family first and never let negativity get in the way of my business. I just want to do exceptional work for my clients.

Beginning January 1st, 2022, Ms Paralegal will be able to serve more clients in a more time effective and in more complex areas such as bankruptcies and absolute divorces. I’ve made my mark, now it’s time to boss up and I will have a team to propel us to the next level with the same enthusiasm as when I first started.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My favorite places to go around in Fort Lauderdale are the beach at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. It’s small and intimate. I love watching the games and fights at Bru’s Room in Pompano Beach or Deerfield Beach both locations are great. Food is good and location mixed with great energy, it’s a win win. I love to interact with all types of people so Riverwalk in Fort Lauderdale is perfect. You have all genres of music, all age groups over 18 and demographics just out to have a good night! You can choose to dance in the streets or stick your head in and grab a drink. For late night eats I recommend Dandee Donuts. It is open 24 hours serving fresh handmade donuts and is also a 24 hour diner serving great food and the best coffee. When you go ask for the sour cream donut. You will not be disappointed! I also love the beaches of Sunny Isles if I plan a trip to South Beach. for a girl spa day, Turnberry Isles is awesome! Kitchen 305 inside Newport Beachside Resort always has specials go on Lobster night, it is sure to please. South Beach offers more than night clubs. Their shopping district is a good way to see South Beach and get a feel of the vibes. For my creative side I like to go visit Wynwood Arts district to see my fellow creatives and the art scene. It is so much to do and see you just have to book a flight and start somewhere!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I couldn’t be as successful as I am today without my children Martika, Makyla Myana (Bonita) and Maraina. To know I have them watching, failure is not an option. My best friend is my silent partner but she is a big part of Ms Paralegal, Lachanda Spencer is a partner professionally and my sanity coach as my best friend. This also rings true about my clients. I have gotten to work with some awesome people and watching their entrepreneurial journey still amazes me.

I’ve gotten the chance to work behind the scenes on some amazing ground-breaking cases over the course of my eight years in business but the two that shaped me was meeting Rodney Reed’s family on the U.S. Supreme Court steps and marching in Minnesota in the wake of George Floyd’s death. This shout out goes to all the freedom fighters across the globe, including Grass Roots Law. We must remember, “if we don’t stand for something, we will fall for anything.”

I want to be a face and a story all little girls especially our black and brown girls, can look up to and be reminded they can do it too! Own your own destiny without boundaries!

Instagram: @Pretty_Paralegal

Facebook: Ms Paralegal