CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – After years of management experience in the fast-food industry, Monique Weilacker opened her own business: Dynamo’s Wings.
Weilacker, 34, raised in Clarksville, graduated from Northwest High School in 2005 and studied at Austin Peay University. She had a challenging start after facing adversities as a wife and mom, but none of that held her back from achieving her dreams.
CNow: When did your dream to become a restaurant owner begin?
“I have always dreamed about owning my own business from a very young age. I never knew exactly what I wanted to do, but I did know that I love people and I enjoy making them smile.”
CNow: What was your motivation and process to reach your goal?
“My motivation has been and will always be my children. And wanting to have financial stability for them. Allowing them a chance to own a family business.
“I was pregnant with my first child at 17 and was married at 18. My husband went to prison when I was 20, and I was left pregnant with one child. I was always the one that wanted to do the right thing no matter what, but my perfect love story was flipped around to a single mom of two at 21.
“After four years working at Wendy’s, I needed more. I wanted more for my children and I attempted to work in different fields just to see what else I was good at. I was an account manager at a rental store, a sales manager at a furniture store, an assistant manager at a loan office and a trainer at a call center. But I wasn’t happy. I always migrated back to the food industry. That’s what made me happy.
“I’ve been in the restaurant industry for over 15 years. I was a district manager for the last five years. I’ve always felt if I can run multiple productive restaurants for someone else, I could definitely run my own.
“I am not going to say everything is perfect. My restaurant is a work in progress. But I love what I do. Some days are harder than others. And certainly, it’s not as easy as I thought it would be. These last eight months have taken a lot of consistency, lack of sleep, and hard work, but I wouldn’t change a thing. I am blessed to have so much support in my area, and that’s what makes everything worthwhile.”
Dynamo’s Wings grand opening was May 23, 2020.
“My business name generated from my name ‘Mo’ in Monique and just specializing in ‘hot’ dynamite sauces.”
CNow: What do you like about your profession?
“I enjoy making my customers smile. My regulars make everything worth it. The support as a black woman owner has been amazing. It’s not very often that women can step out and make their dream happen. We always are the ones that have to take care of everyone else. Being a mom, a spouse, a homemaker – it’s never the right time for us.
” I am a single mom, of two teenagers and a 5-year-old. I wake up every morning, make sure everyone is ready for school. Go shopping for supplies and make sure I am at the restaurant by 9:45 to prep for the day. I currently still work at the restaurant. So my days are very long. And I still come home and check homework and cook on most days.”
CNow: What advice would you give others who have a dream to accomplish?
“My advice to anyone with a dream, but especially my ladies: ‘Girl, you got this! Success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally. It comes from what you do consistently. You have been assigned this mountain to show others it can be moved. You are amazing, you are strong, follow your dream no matter what it is. Start with a plan, set a goal, and be confident.'”
Celebrating Black “HerStory” is a Black History Month series celebrating women who are living their dream and making a difference as professionals and entrepreneurs.