Today we’d like to introduce you to Octavia Edwards. She and her team share her story with us below:
Mother, wife, education activist, social change advocate, businesswoman, and many other words could be used to describe Octavia Edwards, but none of them would fully capture her passion and drive. The oldest of nine children, Octavia has always been passionate about making the world a better place, and she has always been a leader who took the initiative to be the change she wants to see.
That leadership found purpose when she became passionate about becoming more involved as a parent in the Social Studies standards in the South Carolina education system. Octavia led a Cultural Competency presentation and discussed the importance of educating students to be independent thinkers.
Octavia’s presentation captured the hearts and minds of educators and administrators to become more aware of cultural backgrounds and gain more knowledge of different cultural practices and ways to connect with students across different cultures effectively.
This wasn’t just for her daughters, but for the children of others, to ensure they had the opportunities that come with knowledge. Since that beginning, Octavia has tirelessly worked to empower others and engage in her community through speaking engagements and programs to help drive forward progress for social change in our world.
I wanted to also include more of what I do as an entrepreneur and co-owner along with my husband of Acute Heating & Cooling. Here is our story.
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS:
Meet Thomas and Octavia Edwards! This dynamic husband and wife duo works hard to balance business and family life while raising four bold and beautiful daughters. They truly have a testimony of how hard work and determination can bring success to a business endeavor.
With a humble beginning, Thomas – a licensed HVAC mechanical contractor, started Acute Heating & Cooling as a one-man operation. Because he set his standards of quality and customer service high, while maintaining an upright character, integrity, and technical know-how, he earned the title of “Honest Thomas,” a sterling reputation.
But don’t be mistaken! Octavia may not come and install your air conditioning unit- but her contributions to the company have aided in its success. Octavia, who is also an entrepreneur, keeps things running smoothly behind the scenes. Her excellent business management abilities, combined with his knowledge and skill make for one power couple!
Largely by word-of-mouth referrals, the company quickly grew into a successful business. Because of Thomas and Octavia’s steadfast dedication, Acute Heating & Cooling continues to flourish today!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not always been a smooth road growing up in a single-parent home and dealing with adversity throughout my childhood.
But with faith in God, belief in myself, grit, and the support of family and friends, but most importantly from my childhood sweetheart Thomas Edwards who is my husband and father of my four beautiful and intelligent daughters.
All of what I just mentioned are responsible for the fulfilling life of love and success that I live. (Highlighting this section, especially the support my husband’s support is significant).
We’ve been impressed with Acute Heating & Cooling/Passion Project Initiative, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What should you know about me? I am a dynamic person who is a visionary and driven entrepreneur with grit. I am passionate about empowering others. What do you do, specialize in, or are known for? I specialize in entrepreneurship, leadership development, creativeness, building and developing, and execution.
What are you most proud of brand-wise? I am most proud of what my husband and I have accomplished together. We came from humble beginnings we raised four beautiful intelligent daughters and built a successful business together in a very short period of time not knowing anything in the HVAC industry but with belief, grit, honest and quality service, and building and developing a stellar team we have achieved tremendous success.
In regards to Passion Project Initiative, it was created from who I am from within. I am passionate about social change, education empowerment, especially our youth, and taking the initiative of being the change that I want to see. I along with my organization create platforms that cultivate social change through community engagement and education empowerment.
We were able to create, build and execute a purposeful event Juneteenth Family Fest that attracted over 5000+ attendees to participate in a community event that was impactful and empowering. This purposeful event was hosted by Passion Project Initiative https://www.jffcharleston.com/.
Now we are preparing to launch our Passion Project Initiative Bridge Tutoring Program which is designed to focus on underprivileged children in need of additional academic hands-on instruction that will assist them in the skills needed to succeed in any academic environment.
Acute Heating & Cooling is a husband and wife-owned and operated company. We are committed to maintaining a culture that is built off of trust, honesty, and being a company that families can depend on to keep safe and comfortable. Passion Project Initiative was birth from who I am at my core.
I am by nature a fiery passionate person and I take the initiative to be the change I want to see. I know that nothing is impossible as long as you believe and take the steps necessary to make a positive impact in your own lives and the lives of others.
Other things you can pull from below. Acute Heating & Cooling Co-Owner.
– Oversee all aspects of business development and strategic planning.
– Establish and revise short and long-term goals, plans, and strategies.
– Develop and execute marketing & branding strategies for all phases of the company’s life cycle; monitor
different marketing procedures to ensure that they are profitable.
– Negotiate and approve contracts with vendors and suppliers and other relevant organizations in order for
the company to operate efficiently on a daily basis.
– Oversee market research studies to determine what customers want from the company, and develop and
execute plans to provide services and products based on research findings.
– Initiate and maintain relationships with the community and industry leaders.
Acute Heating & Cooling Story.
Meet Thomas and Octavia Edwards! This dynamic husband and wife duo works hard to balance business and family life while raising four bold and beautiful daughters. They truly have a testimony of how hard work and determination can bring success to a business endeavor.
With a humble beginning, Thomas – a licensed HVAC mechanical contractor, started Acute Heating & Cooling as a one-man operation. Because he set his standards of quality and customer service high, while maintaining an upright character, integrity, and technical know-how, he earned the title of “Honest Thomas,” a sterling reputation. But don’t be mistaken!
Octavia may not come and install your air conditioning unit- but her contributions to the company have aided in its success. Octavia, who is also an entrepreneur, keeps things running smoothly behind the scenes. Her excellent business management abilities, combined with his knowledge and skill make for one power couple!
Largely by word-of-mouth referrals, the company quickly grew into a successful business. Because of Thomas and Octavia’s steadfast dedication, Acute Heating & Cooling continues to flourish today!
Passion Project Initiative Story.
Mother, wife, education activist, social change advocate, businesswoman, and many other words could be used to describe Octavia Edwards, but none of them would fully capture her passion and drive. The oldest of nine children, Octavia has always been passionate about making the world a better place, and she has always been a leader who took the initiative to be the change she wants to see.
That leadership found purpose when she became passionate about becoming more involved as a parent in the Social Studies standards in the South Carolina education system. Octavia led a presentation on Cultural Competency and discuss the importance of educating students to be independent thinkers.
Octavia’s presentation captured the hearts and minds of educators and administrators to become more aware of cultural backgrounds and gain more knowledge of different cultural practices and ways to connect with students across different cultures effectively.
This wasn’t just for her daughters, but for the children of others, to ensure they had the opportunities that come with knowledge. Since that beginning, Octavia has tirelessly worked to empower others and engage in her community through speaking engagements and programs to help drive forward progress for social change in our world.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Vision. Creativity. Leadership. Passion. Belief. Honesty. Moral compass. Determination. Endurance. Grit.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.passionprojectinitiative.org/
- Other: https://www.acutehvac.com/
