I first met Carnela Renee Hill when sitting in the Capital Ford conference room for onboarding of the 2019-20 board of directors for the Greater Raleigh chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners. I was immediately struck by how Carnela sees things that others often miss. Over the years, I’ve seen more and more evidence of that, whether it’s how various communities or demographics feel in certain situations or how people will feel with varying event set-ups or how to make a space more visually appealing. Carnela has an eye for what is beautiful, which is a skill I was not born possessing. I’ve always been able to focus on function over form whereas Carnela is skilled at integrating beautiful form within that functionality, making people’s surroundings gorgeous. Yet, it’s her emphasis on helping those around her to belong that makes her a skilled leader, host and chaplain. When pastoring to those in need, Carnela speaks in such a calming tone, conveying the peace and support that come from her relationship with God. It’s an honor to see her at work. Enjoy this peek inside the mind and heart of this absolute rock star!

First Friday Female Founder Feature:

Carnela Renee Hill

How would you describe your company and the products / services you offer?

C3 Impact Strategies provides coaching, chaplain and consultant services for executives, leaders, businesses, individuals and groups. We facilitate and negotiate group sessions when the conversations are difficult and reaching consensus has been challenging. As a natural problem solver and disruptor of habit, I lead clients to strategically identify win-win solutions. We specialize in relationship building, connecting people, transferring life skills, goal setting and understanding how both purpose as well as passion are related. We help organizations understand that “belonging” and “inclusion” are not new words, empowering organizations to be mindful of the two words. Employees and leaders alike benefit from this intentionality.

North Carolina’s Secretary of State, Elaine Marshall, with Carnela and the 2019-2020 NAWBO-GR BOD

Why did you start your company?

I officially started C3 Impact Strategies after years of providing coaching, chaplain, and consultant services to people seeking answers. As I watched business owners, community leaders, executives, and everyday people struggle with drawing the line with their faith in the workplace, I felt there was more for me to do in this area. I begin to see people’s pain because I have been down this same road of eyes rolling as I mentioned my faith or religion in a business or organizational meeting. The world has deemed conversations about religion/spirituality inappropriate. People want a listening ear with whomever they choose (pastor, counselor, therapist, or chaplain) without fear of man’s judgment. The need for corporations and organizations to look at DEI&B, from the perspective of "Inclusivity and Belonging" is growing more than organizations are willing to admit. One should not feel less than equal, experience discrimination, or be excluded because their belief is different. A person's belief is just as important as the person with a favorite sports team that is different than the next person. People want to feel included, respected, heard, and appreciated. After all, it is the uniqueness of each person that makes a team successful. Everyone has something to contribute. “C3 Impact Strategies” was birthed from my experiences and my client’s pain.

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey in founding this company?

When I work with a client and freely share how my faith has helped me in my business and leadership positions, then I see the client relax as she/he tells their story, in an authentic way, without pausing when the mention of their faith comes up in the story or when the client states they have been freely allowing space for their faith to show-up in meetings, I am grateful.

Carnela with her sorority sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha

About what are you most proud?

I am not a fan of the word “proud”. I am grateful for many things, including serving, ministry work, changing lives through advocacy, decorating at the White House for Christmas in 2015 with special interviews on HGTV, and coaching start-ups. I am excited about my non-profit that will help the youth and the unemployed.

Carnela amidst friends following being ordained by Bishop David Aaron Richey

Are you naturally organized, was it a skill you learned or is it something with which you regularly struggle, and what tips or tools do you use to stay your most organized?

I am organized in certain areas. I naturally help other people get organized. I can admit that I have areas where I need help.

Who’s the one person who changed your life and why?

My grandmother/BigMa changed my life. She was the matriarch of the family. She was stern, but the wisdom she poured into a person was well respected. My friends and people that met my BigMa for the first time, gravitated to her. She encouraged me to go and try new things. She taught me how to cook and keep the house. She did not allow me to hang out after school until I had completed certain chores. My BigMa saw your gifts and talents and pushed you into your purpose.

Carnela winning the 2022 Susan Hager Legacy Award from the Greater Raleigh chapter of NAWBO

What words of wisdom would you have for someone who is overwhelmed with staying organized and / or productive?

Take it one day at a time. Rome was not built in a day. So why are you trying to complete everything in a day? It is necessary to rest and recalibrate. It is in the REST, where we find creativity and answers to questions. Rearrange a room/space when you are overwhelmed, and you will learn a lot about yourself. Lastly, “someday” is not on the calendar. Utilize wisdom to prioritize your day, and do not neglect the people you love.

Do you use technology to help stay productive or organized? If so, what’s your favorite program, app or tech tool?

Yes, I just discovered "Planner Note" for my tasks. I love “Planner Note” because I can color-coordinate projects and check things off. I work best when I can check things off. I have been wrestling with a paper calendar or electronic calendar so I decided to create a personal paper calendar.

Carnela along with all her fellow past presidents of NAWBO-GR

How do you feel about work / life efficiency or integration in your life, including any tips or challenges for managing the personal and professional commitments in your life?

Go find your peace! Look for what makes you happy and brings you peace. There are times in life when we must close a door. The instructions came via a nudge or feeling to close the door, but you struggled. It was the fear of the unknown and leaving the place of comfort, that kept you from closing the door. Trust the process and close the door because the thing that no longer serves you and bring you peace cannot go with you in the new place. Remember, you will be the one to lose when you try to keep a door opened!

About what causes are you most passionate?

I have a heart for advocacy and philanthropic opportunities. Helping our younger generation, start-ups, the underserved and the marginalized is my passion.

What have you found to be the most effective way to relax after a long day or super long week?

reading a good book, massage and rest

What is your favorite author / book?

The Richest Man Who Ever Lived: King Solomon’s Secrets to Success, Wealth and Happiness is a story about WISDOM.

What is your favorite inspirational quote?

“Be passionate about your purpose and purposeful in your passion. Seek godly wisdom!”

What is your go-to accessory?

Pearls or silver and gold mixed

Carnela along with sisters from the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority

What are the fundamentals of your beauty routine?

Soap and water and my clay mask in a jar that I purchased while visiting Israel

What is your favorite food?

Seafood

Of the locally-owned and -operated establishments in the place you currently live, which are your favorites?

Nantucket Grill and Cape Fear Seafood Company

Holly Van Apeldoorn, Emily Parks, Olalah Njenga and Carnela Renee Hill at the 2023 NAWBO-GR gala

What is your favorite place that you have visited?

Italy and Israel… I cannot pick just one!

What movie could you watch on endless loop?

Air, which is the Michael Jordan story

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

To sing… I have always wanted to sing beautiful melodies.

What advice would you give your 21-year-old self?

LIVE and be free, fly and stay open to learning.

If you could have lunch with anyone (living or deceased), who would it be and why?

I would love to have lunch with Former President Obama. He is wise and strategic. I would want to know what is constantly on his mind.

Carnela is an incredible advocate for all women business owners, particularly serving in NAWBO leadership

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