Tell Us About Yourself & Your Business.
My name is Tracee Neal. I grew up on the west side of Chicago. I was blessed to be the daughter and middle child of two exceptional parents who never made a difference in their children. They taught me the true definition of hard work and dedication. My foundation is steeped in my love and faith in the Lord, that which has carried me through some of the most challenging moments of my life. I’m a mother of two daughters who have brightened my world from the very beginning. My quest to leave a legacy begins with Honoring my parents and ends with suppling my daughters with their birthright of wealth and prestige.
I’ve spent most of my life being of service to people in one facet or another. I have worked with the developmentally disabled population for 20 years as of 2025 I started my career as a Direct Support Person, which is commonly referred to as DSP. Working with this population has taught me empathy resilience, and determination not because of the care I provide, but because of watching the individuals who face challenges that many of us can’t fathom in their lives. I currently hold the position of CNA/DSP Manager.
Believing from a very early age that I am capable of many things I always saw myself as a mogul in the making. The only question was how and when? I have a strong relationship with God and having faith in him and trusting his plan for my life I knew I would get my chance to experience this part of Tracee. In fact, I believe so much that in 2015 I came up with the name of my parent company PrettyPlusBoss. Since growing the brand and truly recognizing its capabilities it has aptly been named PrettyPlusBoss Enterprises LLC. I was raised by two parents who loved me unconditionally and showed me every day. Growing up in a loving environment like that amongst two siblings afforded me the opportunity to grow my self confidence in such an unshakable way.
In 2021 I opened my very first business Tracee Neighborhood Notary and Loan Signing. I started off as a notary only; after being in business only 3 months I quickly added services such a loan signing mortgage inspection as well as more ways to offer services. As of June 2025, Tracee Neighborhood Notary and Loan Signing opened an office here in Aurora.
Experiencing all the success from Tracee Neighborhood Notary and Loan Signing felt great, but something still was missing. My first love was calling which is service for my fellow man. In 2024 I found it TraceeCares Nonprofit. The mission of TraceeCares Nonprofit is to service the communities of the world with great vigor and resounding empathy for those in their season of need. I feel we’ve done that on a very grand scale with in a short time. Through the various community service initiatives we’ve sponsored I feel we are fulfilling our purpose, which is “Leaving The World Better Than I Found It!”
My next business entity consisted of PrettyPlusBoss Vending. “ The Snacks You Love To Eat”. We had a modest beginning, but in true Tracee style I always seek to elevate. Starting October 25 we will begin selling household and personal items and our vending machines located here in Aurora Illinois. So now it’s “The Snacks You Love To Eat And So Much More”.
I’m a mogul in the making so I understand the importance of creating lanes and spaces for myself and my people when I don’t see one or perhaps don’t have the same access as everyone else. I along with my friend Tiffany Noelle started a podcast called Cuz Let’s Talk About It With TNT. We have a YouTube channel where the show is streamed. We do two full shows a month which lasts typically about 30 minutes and we also release two shorts a month featuring a segment of the show. This show is about two strong, black queens, having necessary conversations that affect our community. It also gives us the ability to run our own commercials through the streaming platform. When I say our own, I mean my people, other small black business owners who want to offer their services and goods at an affordable rate.
The next business opportunity that was presented to me was Royalty Place Events of which I’m part owner. We had our grand opening In June 2025, we’ve since hosted two events. One being the very successful Boss Babe Brunch. This was a networking event for women held this past August. Whether you were already an established business owner, or you were just at the stage of dreaming of what you wanted to do this was the place to be so much positivity encouragement filled the room. In the spirit of what the afternoon was about, I took it as a moment to realize yet another dream of mine, and that is motivational speaking. I gave my very first motivational speech during the Boss Babe Brunch. Royalty Place Events is up and coming.
The latest entity from the PretyPlusBoss Enterprises Brand is PrettyPlus She Speaks. PrettyPlus She Speaks is a dynamic speaking and performance brand dedicated to inspiring, healing, and empowering audiences through storytelling and authentic connection. We Specialize in transformative speaking experiences that meet people right where they are in life – whether they are seeking motivation, navigating grief, or are simply in need of encouragement and hope I’m a mogul in the making stay tuned.
VIBE CHECK SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW ft. TRACEE JANELLE
1). What’s the one moment in your career that made you rethink everything? I’ve had two pivotal moments that changed my career forever: the birth of my two daughters Aja and Mia and the passing of my parents. One gave me the desire to build a legacy and the gave me the urgency to make it happen.
2.Who’s had the biggest impact on you and why? One of the biggest impact on my life and career has been Katika Neal- my Cuddy. She used her vast business resources to place me in room I hadn’t yet believed I belonged in. I took several of her training classes, and one of them led me to start what is still my biggest moneymaker today: Tracee Neighborhood Notary and Loan Signing. She is more than a mentor – she’s a prayer partner and true friend.
3. What’s the hardest decision you’ve made that changed your path? The hardest decision that changed my path was accepting that if I didn’t do it, it wouldn’t get done. That mindset came with pressure, responsibility, and sacrifice- but it also shaped me into someone determined to win by any means necessary.
4. Can you describe a day that flipped your perspective completely? The day that completely shifted my perspective was the day I realized I had started listening to the noise of the world more the voice of God. That noise slowly shaped my daily decisions and planted a culture of fear in me, fear to fully pursue my dreams. And fear has never fit who I am! Then God whispered “YES”. From that moment on my mindset changed. I remembered that the only one who the final say over my life is God.
5. What’s a risk that scared you but paid off big? Event and party promotion was a huge risk for me because it was so left field. I co-own a company called Royalty Place Xperience ENT focuses on event and concert promotion. In December we hosted the biggest Sagittarius Birthday Bash celebrations, and it was a night to remember. It was terrifying but I’ve learned in business to continue to explore the unknown and uncomfortable challenges because that’s where real growth happens.
6. One failure that taught you the lesson you needed most? One of the biggest lessons failures taught me is that it’s often just proof that there’s a better way to do something. Every misstep eliminates a wrong path and brings you closer to the right one.
7. Who do you lean on for real, honest advice? I am a woman of faith, so I’m trained to seek God first. I pray over pending business deals, relationships, both romantic and friendships. I leave God out of nothing so he will include me in everything. He hasn’t broken a promise to me yet, so yeah, he’s an unwavering support system that I can always count on and call on.
8. What challenge are you facing right now and how are you tackling it? Right now, my biggest challenge is learning to balance growth with structure. As my vision gets bigger, I’m being stretched to move differently- to build systems, trust other, and not carry everything on my own. I’m being more intentional with my time, learning to lean on my team, and staying grounded in my purpose.
9. Which project are you most proud of and why? I’m most proud of my nonprofit. TraceeCares Nonprofit organization “Soul Purpose” is to service the communities of the world with great vigor and resounding empathy for those in their season of need. I feel we’ve left this world better than it was found through our various community service initiatives like our signature Mobile Clothing Drives, Earth Day Recycled Masterpiece Art Contest and a host of others. It’s been a year of impact and positive change.
10. Share a story from your past that shaped who you are today. I started PrettyPlusBoss Enterprises back in 2015 and for years it felt like a quiet vision. In 2025 things finally began to align and the recognition followed. That experience taught me that purpose doesn’t expire-you can’t quit before it your time.
VIBE CHECK INTERVIEW PT. 2 With Tracee Janelle
1. What’s something most people would never guess about you? Because I’m so loving and encouraging, people wouldn’t guess just how competitive I am. I played sports growing up, I was a cheerleader, and I love a good debate. Once people get to know me, it becomes clear – I’m here to win.
2. Ever had a plan go completely wrong but worked out better than expected? Yes, I went for a promotion at work and I was passed up even though I had seniority and the credentials. Sometimes things don’t go according to plan, but that can actually lead to better results. One unexpected twist can open doors or create opportunities you never imagined. Because I didn’t get the promotion it left me more time to focus on my next chapter and now look at me I’m a successful entrepreneur and business owner.
3. Which belief did you once hold that you’ve completely changed? I used to wait for applause when I did something well, but as I’ve grown and built confidence, I’ve realized I don’t need anyone else’s validation. I know when I’ve done a good job and I know when I’m proud of my work. Now I no longer wait for the applause- I give it to myself in advance.
4.Weirdest lesson your career has taught you? The weirdest lesson I’ve learned from my career is failure isn’t the opposite of success- it’s a necessary part of the journey. Every setback teaches you something, sharpens your strategy, and brings you closer to your goals.
5. Ever take a leap that felt terrifying but necessary? I emptied half of my saving account to start my first business and I’m so glad I took that leap of faith. That decision opened doors to countless opportunities and taught me the power of trusting myself and my decision-making ability.
6. Any unusual habits that actually help you win? I have a set of daily affirmations that I read every day. They help me focus, remind me of my talents and abilities and keep me grounded in my own greatness.
7.Which failure taught you more than any success? One of the hardest failures I’ve faced was my relationship with my daughters’ father despite my efforts, our incompatible partnership made it impossible to continue together. Even so I reared my daughters to be good people, educated women, and God-fearing and I’m proud of the values and strength they carry today.
8.One decision you made that shocked everyone around you? People were surprised when I left college before graduating. I’ve always been known for my intelligence, so many assumed I’d follow the traditional path and earn multiple degrees. But I trusted God’s plan for my life, and stepping off that expected path led me to opportunities I wouldn’t have imagined.
9. If you could redo one choice in life, what would it be? I would’ve strengthened my relationship with God sooner. His contribution to remains unmatched in my life and I just wish I would’ve had the fortitude to seek him sooner.
10. Most surprising feedback you’ve ever gotten? The most surprising feedback came from K-Ezzy Grease! This man is a ChiTown Legend. The fact that he even noticed anything I’m doing is a big flex to me. He uses his talent, energy, and presence to put the city of Chicago on his back and he represents us in the best light. Thank you for acknowledging me and my gifts and abilities it meant the world to me.
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