Some people drift into entrepreneurship slowly. Others get a push. For Chyvonne Shackelford-Bacon, it was a little of both. After 16 years in the pharmaceutical industry – working in both supply chain and operations – she had all the hallmarks of corporate success: a well-paying job, a steady routine, and a career she had envisioned since her college days. But something felt off.
She couldn’t quite name it at first. But when the layoffs started and she found herself on the receiving end of one, she realized she’d known for a while: she was ready for something more fulfilling – something she could build herself. Today, Chyvonne owns a Pest Hunters / Mosquito Hunters franchise, and she’s thriving in a role that brings challenge, ownership, and deep satisfaction.
What was your NOPE moment – the moment you knew corporate life wasn’t for you?
I spent 16 years in pharma, working in supply chain and operations. On paper, it was a dream – great salary, stability, a clear path. That’s what I wanted coming out of college. But after about eight years in, I started feeling like something was missing. I even used to get a headache just pulling into the parking lot; my body knew something was wrong before my mind could fully admit it!
My real NOPE moment came when our company started reorganizing, which meant layoffs. That’s when I realized the “stability” of corporate life wasn’t so stable after all. Eventually, I was laid off too, but honestly, it was the push I needed. I had been comfortable in my corporate life, but I wasn’t happy.
How did you take the leap into entrepreneurship?
Through the company’s outplacement offerings, I was connected with a career services group. They offered three tracks: return to corporate, retirement, or entrepreneurship. Most outplacement services don’t even highlight entrepreneurship as an option, but this one did, and that caught my eye – because I had already dabbled in the entrepreneurial space before the layoff and really enjoyed it.
I joined a few workshops with a franchise consultant, which was something I’d always been curious about. I took a personality assessment as part of the process, and it helped clarify what really lights me up and where I excel. The consultant was surprised when I said I was considering pest control – until I explained that I’m a problem solver. I like things that can be fixed. Plus, I’ve always joked that as an adult, I’m still afraid of monsters (aka mice), so I get why our customers call us!
What started with mosquito control eventually expanded. I decided to grow into general pest control last year (and the entire franchise followed suit!), and that has really taken our growth to the next level.
What’s the most rewarding part of being an entrepreneur – and what keeps you going?
The flexibility – hands down. Being able to set my own schedule has been life-changing. In a corporate 9-to-5 role, it’s hard to squeeze in the everyday things: doctor’s appointments, errands, even just being home when your family needs you. Now, I can build my day in a way that actually fits my life.
But it’s not just about time. I love being the one who gets to make the calls, solve the problems, and create the direction for my business. When you get it right – when you see your decisions paying off and know it’s because you made it happen – that’s the most incredible feeling. And it fuels you to keep going.
If you could give one game-changing piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be?
Here’s what I wish someone had told me early on: this path doesn’t just require being “a little brave” – it requires being fearless.
When I started out in this business, I had moments of doubt. Pest control is a male-dominated industry, and as a woman, I sometimes felt hesitant with my decisions. But I quickly realized I had the grit and leadership abilities to thrive in this space – I just needed to trust myself and lead with confidence. That doesn’t mean I have all the answers every day, but I take bold steps because that’s what this space requires to grow and thrive. And when you start seeing what you’re capable of? That’s the most empowering part of all.
Chyvonne’s journey shows that uncertainty is often part of the process, but choosing to be fearless is where fulfillment and growth truly begin. More stories of fearless entrepreneurs coming your way!