For three decades, Raquel Riley Thomas has led her life with leadership, adaptability, and unwavering determination at the forefront. From the battlefield to the red carpet, the multi-talent has inspired veterans to successfully pivot from military to entrepreneurship. Her enduring passion for innovation is igniting the path for fellow veterans to redefine success beyond the barracks.
As an entrepreneur, she aligned the diverse experiences from her time in service with the media and the beauty industries to establish prominent brands. Her entrepreneurial journey began in 2000 with her photography company and modeling gigs with Elite Model Management and Ford Models in New York City.
Starting the Entrepreneurial Journey
“The pivotal shift occurred in 2011 when I founded An Officer and Gentlewoman, winning over 75 awards and hosting historic pageants,” Thomas shared. AOAGWLLC has a focus on the beauty, fashion, celebrity, lifestyle, and music industries. She later launched Raquel Riley Thomas Beauty Line in 2020, expanding her entrepreneurial footprint to focus on performance-based makeup. Her media presence grew as she secured commentator positions for major television networks and landed placements in notable publications.
“This journey, marked by a profound shift in roles and responsibilities, has taught me that the attributes cultivated on the battlefield can be seamlessly transferred to the world of business. As I reflect on this transformation, I’m reminded of the words of Sun Tzu, ‘In war, the way is to avoid what is strong and to strike at what is weak.’ Today, I share my story, where the wisdom of ancient strategy meets the modern terrain of entrepreneurship, offering insights for fellow veterans seeking a new mission beyond the uniform,” expressed Thomas.
The U.S. Army Captain veteran cites her steadfast commitment, supportive network, strategic planning, and passion as the force behind the meaningful impact she has made throughout her career. Each factor has paved the way to overcome many challenges and created a lifestyle of gratitude for the good that has come from her work.
One of Thomas’s proudest moments came after producing historic pageants at the prestigious Kennedy Center. The media mogul proved her company’s resilience by thriving in the highly competitive entertainment industry.
“The acknowledgment received not only validated our efforts but also affirmed that our approach to media, public relations, and production services was resonating positively,” said Thomas. “This success story fueled my confidence, providing the motivation to continue pushing boundaries and setting high standards for excellence in the media and entertainment realm. It underscored the potential for An Officer and Gentlewoman, to not only thrive but also leave a lasting imprint on the industry.”
The Benefits of the Military For Entrepreneurship
Thomas spent years as a photojournalist and an Ordnance Officer in the military, enhancing her communication, leadership, and adaptability. The skills gained from the dual roles influenced her approach to the media and entertainment journey.
“As a photojournalist, I honed the art of storytelling through visuals, emphasizing the importance of clear and compelling communication. This skill set translates seamlessly into media and entertainment, where effective communication is paramount in conveying messages and engaging audiences,” she shared.
“As an Ordnance Officer, leadership became central to my responsibilities. Managing teams and resources in dynamic military environments fostered leadership acumen and the ability to navigate challenges with strategic thinking.
In the media and entertainment sector, these leadership skills are instrumental in guiding An Officer and Gentlewoman towards success.”
The veteran credits military-cultivated adaptability as a primary factor in her ability to last in the ever-evolving landscape of media and entertainment. Whether embracing new technologies or navigating industry shifts, she believes the trait is the key to staying at the forefront of innovation.
Advice For Veterans In Entrepreneurship
Thomas acknowledged the many challenges veterans might face once they begin transitioning out of the military. From cultural differences to adapting to new structures, the journey can bring many challenges. However, the serial entrepreneur provided this advice to transition from the military to entrepreneurship with ease.
- Leverage the discipline and leadership skills gained in the military. These are invaluable assets in business.
- Seek mentorship and networking opportunities within the entrepreneurial community to navigate the civilian landscape effectively.
- Understanding and adapting to cultural differences is crucial. Recognize that the civilian sector operates differently, and flexibility is key.
- Translate your military experience into tangible skills on your entrepreneurial journey. Highlight how your leadership, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities set you apart.
- Invest in continuous learning. Whether it’s industry-specific knowledge or business acumen, staying informed is vital. Utilize resources available for veterans, such as mentorship programs and veteran-focused business support organizations.
- Lastly, don’t hesitate to share your military background proudly. It adds a unique perspective to your entrepreneurial endeavors. Embrace the challenges, persevere through setbacks, and view each experience as an opportunity to grow. Your military service equips you with a resilient spirit. Channel that into building a successful and fulfilling post-service career.
Thomas commends the commitment to advocacy shared by fellow veterans and champions their success as they transition into a new normal. In a final word of encouragement, she shared, “Remember, even small steps can lead to meaningful change. Whether it is creating awareness, supporting local initiatives, or implementing sustainable practices, businesses have the power to make a positive impact. It’s not just about what you do, it’s about the ripple effect that your actions can have on the world.”
