LAKEISHA GILBERT
W
omen are running multi-million dollar businesses, managing children, and households, trying to maintain a spark in our marriages and relationships, serving in our churches and our communities, all while trying not to forget about exercising self-care. Empowering Lives Business Magazine started as a passion project because I love being able to educate, equip and empower other women to succeed, encouraging other women to pursue their goals, launch their businesses, and shine a spotlight on the incredible things that women are doing in our communities. Womanpreneur Lakeisha Gilbert just made a ‘Power Move’. She launched her organization F’yerce Elite Allstars in 2019. Will you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your organization? My name is Lakeisha Gilbert. The name of my business is called F’yerce Elite Allstars. It is based in Polk County Florida, and made up of five teams. The coed team is made up of males and females from ages 4 -17. I am the Executive Owner of the program, but I definitely cannot do this alone. I have an awesome Executive Board member, one Director, one Assistant Director, four dedicated Coaches that specialize in tumbling, stunting, dance, and cheer. I have a host of parents who ensure the team’s success. We compete in six (6)
“SMALL TOWN GIRL WITH BIG CITY DREAMS” That is a lot. So let me ask you Lakeisha, this is a question that I believe is going to bless a lot of women. How do you balance it all with three (3) children, your husband, your dog and still make time for yourself? (Chuckling) Well, I call myself ‘Super Mom’ because it is not easy being a wife and a Mom. I am working a full-time job for the school board and running a business. Especially when all three of my kids are into sports, and I am making sure I am at every game. Now, that is tough! But with the support of my husband, who also runs his own business, and my lovely Mom, who supports me as well, that opens up the time for me and my husband to get a date in and also the opportunity for me to catch up with my girlfriends. So that support system has to be strong. Yes, yes. I absolutely agree. Especially with the part about having the support of your husband. The support of your spouse is critical when you are launching a new business. Well, let me ask you, how did you find the path to your destiny?
major competitions per year, all over the state of Florida. In addition to WOW showcase events, where the students are able to put their talent on display. Meanwhile, after all that dedication with the F’yerce Elite Allstars, I still have to be a wife, a mother of three kids, plus care for a dog at home. Wow! Wow! A wife, three kids and a dog. And a dog. (Laughing) 20 Empowering Lives Business
F’yerce Elite Allstars
I can honestly say that the path to my destiny chose me. I said that because I started coaching youth cheer for Northeast Rattlers Organization in Haines City, Florida for 7 years. I started off with eight girls on my team and it grew to over 30 girls along the years. I take great pride in helping girls of all ages physically, mentally, emotionally and morally during the years. During that time, we have won over 21 competitions, but it was not the winning that lead me to my destiny. It was instilling confidence in those who did not have any when I first met them. It was teaching them to believe that they could soar against all odds. It was instilling discipline and teamwork skills in their lives and most of all, watching them grow, and using those skills in everyday life. That led me to my destiny,
