29 minute read
LIFE IN BALANCE
reached out to me to let me know how much it meant to her that I featured her restaurant that had been struggling deeply during the pandemic. Ever since that feature, I can say that my inspiration truly comes from the people behind these small businesses. Their hard work and dedication is what fuels my passion to help share it with others.
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#9 What are your top three priorities for being a success?
Being a success isn’t my priority. My priority is advocating for and “hyping up” local small businesses and the everyday entrepreneurs. If I gain success along the way, I’d just say that’s a bonus.
How do you attract new readers?
Every time I feature a new business or entrepreneur, I gain a new reader. I also share my travels with my audience, including where I’m staying, eating, drinking and exploring, which always attracts new readers as well.
What would you do to improve our current content?
The Rochester Women Online content is very similar to what I push out – we are both looking to inspire, inform, empower, and build our community. The only piece of advice I would give to other businesses is to utilize social media, especially Instagram, the best you can. It’s amazing the people, places, and businesses you can reach and learn more about on social media platforms.
#What makes you and your content stand out?
I’d like to believe it’s because of the
authenticity and relatability of my content. I’m not featuring businesses that sell products and services that are unobtainable to my audience. I’m also featuring people they might even know, which helps promote support, encouragement and engagement.
What do you find is the best form of promotion for your business?
Instagram is my largest platform and the best form of promotion for my business. Although, in 2021 my Husband surprised me by designing a t-shirt with a local small business I had featured, Flying Eye Press, for my year anniversary and the amount of people who wanted to buy and wear my brand was mind-blowing to me. Since then, I’ve sold over 100 shirts, sweatshirts and hats with my brand on it that my hype crew is representing all over the country.
What is the best advice for blogging?
Stay true to yourself, all feedback is constructive feedback, and take the time respond and engage with your audience. Afterall, they are one of the main reasons why your platform could be so successful.
What is something you wish more people knew about you?
I’m navigating this whole blogging thing as I do it! I’m no expert in blogging, marketing, or running a small business, but I’m learning it as I go and hope to eventually take what I’ve learned to help others with their own business endeavors in the long run.
What are your plans both personally and professionally over the next year?
My goal is to expand the reach of my platform and work more closely with businesses and entrepreneurs on the ways I can help promote, engage, and support them. I’d also like to get more involved with community events and do more traveling. As I heard on one of my favorite TV shows Ted Lasso, “There is no greater education than travel”, and I couldn’t agree more.
idea to blog about?
Last Spring I started a series called Family-Owned Farms. Here in NY our farms are everything. From farmers markets, to apple picking season, to Cidery’s and craft beer – farms are the reason we have all of these wonderful things we love to enjoy! In this series, I feature a variety of farms that produce some of our favorite things – apples, pumpkins, veggies, milk, cider donuts, herbs, fruits, you name it! Some of these farms have even evolved into being a place we all love and enjoy spending time at. This series gives my audience the opportunity to learn first-hand from the family themselves on how their farm was established, the peaks and pits, the future of the farm, and various other facts you never knew.
www.michellahand.com https://www.instagram.com/ michellahand/
MICHELLA HAND
COACHING WITH KRISTIN
ROBIN CORTESE
Tell us a bit about yourself. Who is Robin Cortese?
Proud of my ancestry, I’ll lead with being Native American, Mohawk. Much of what I have learned concerning building my own personal and professional network, I credit to the teachings of my Grandparents. After all, this inherently is where building on a tribe came from. I am a Collector of people, a connector. I’m a promoter of stories being told by others. I feel that’s the true essence of a person’s core. In turn, I’ll share. We will then support one another in the future and champion each other, and grow. I’ll take the underdog every time, referred to as a minimalist, and I like that. Saying no to me or that something can’t be done ignites my fire, and now there is a challenge. Surrounded by the best of minds and spirits is where I call home. If given the choice of location by the water or in a forest is where you will find me for some downtime and self-reflection. Hardest on myself because I know exactly what I am capable of. Event Planner of big fun with a surprise factor because who doesn’t like a surprise? Jazz enthusiast due to the gift of my Father, Last but certainly not least, I’m the dog’s pet.
What Makes you “hustle”?
Competition all that life has to offer. Let’s start with that. I want to push the envelope and move toward new adventures—building on a legacy, showing people that anything is within their grasp. I’m surrounded by examples of people that have stretched themselves and have become so incredibly successful that they don’t see it because they’re still working. I am on the pay it forward plan, like many other like-minded people I hold close. The team spurs on the hustle like a well-oiled machine. Show me your grit, and I’ll show you mine. The question is, are you ready to go?
What is your background? What made you decide to open an AT&T franchise?
Sales is my Love, and I found my
space initially within Mobilecomm, which was a paging company before Mobile phones. My manager was recruited out of our business, and one day unexpectedly, I received a call simply saying these words “I accepted a new position as General Manager at a new company named CellularOne Ithaca Telephone Company, today you’re going to give your notice and join my team.” Frankly, when a call like that comes in from a person that you highly revere, there are no questions; you go and do. That was the beginning of what I liken to a Cinderella story. I’ll say this, there is no more great story for all of us that have taken this Mobility journey. Most will tell you, the years at CellularOne were the absolute best of times and work experience. It created a core belief system for all involved where the adage of “Treat people the way that you want to be treated” was the case. My career started there in 1992, and then fast track to 2005, a familiar entrepreneur, David Mueller, extended an invite to meet with himself and his partner Mark Peters. Both were well respected within the Indirect channel space, and we were all aware of the work one another did. The offer came from Dave to join them and build on something unique together, to build a legacy.
This is where it’s important to emphasize that growth often happens this way and when work ethic is seen. That there are people who are watching you work and respect how you operate; that is, the possibility of other alignment is just around the corner. Understand this; if you have the drive and skillset, all there needs to be is an opportunity. That is my background, and I seized the opportunity while people took a chance on me, and so I say that I am an Intrapreneur turned Entrepreneurial.
What is your why? Why do you do what you do?
“She believed she could, So she did” that’s the quote right there! It’s self-talk, with the reality of people relying on
my support daily. I am one of many that can make a difference. How exciting is that to know that every day you can inspire the change in anything you want to see! That’s my why in everything I do.
According to you, what skills are necessary for becoming a successful and inspiring woman?
Give back in every way, support the community you serve, Listen, and hear what isn’t being said. Have grit, help those that want to learn and grow and be there to catch them when they need an assist. Keep a watchful eye on those living your dream; these are your mentors. Reach out to them and tell them how they have impressed you. Invite people out for a smoothie. Hey, it’s a 2022 thing! Learn from those living the life that piques your interest or has created something that you think is awesome that you must know more about. Network and have deeper conversations that tap into the depths of others’ thoughts. Read, choose your words continually, and if you think something you are about to say might be hurtful, hold back.
Pay compliments to people and be grateful that they are helping you and others daily. We know things change, so be thankful for their time with you. Take things less personally and know in work, people make decisions for many reasons, some of which have absolutely nothing to do with you. Lead with a smile, have fun doing what you do, or get out. Strengthen your Tribe, and be open to allowing those that may need to have their exit because not always should we be together at that time. We do the best we can, which will always be good enough.
What do you feel are some of your professional and personal greatest strengths?
If it matters to you, it matters to me; I sincerely want to help, so I actively listen for how I can. I will be your biggest champion if you need me. This is the support factor, both personally and professionally. Additionally, I try to keep things light and fun, as work should not be so hardcore. Lastly, connecting people that is my absolute favorite thing to do.
Who are some people who inspire you, and why?
I could undoubtedly name many local people, from Musicians to Owners of Businesses; however, I will say this, every day, I am inspired by several people. These people are typically ones that I have met with for the first time via a virtual meeting. Here I learn more about them, and I understand their reasons. Why they are looking for work, who they are looking to support, and what their background was that now has propelled them into this search. There are countless heroes and great champions who again help regain my faith in humanity. Here’s the best part, maybe they will continue to inspire all of us now by joining Premier Technologies and the AT&T Family.
Okay, I’ll drop some CNY folks on my radar; here we go; Dr. Zulma Spinoza. If you don’t know who she is, search her out and understand she saves lives every day as a pediatric brain surgeon. Stephanie Crockett is the definition of GRIT, working her way up the ladder to now Mower Presidential spot. Laura Serway is a pure force in all the good ways. She should be wearing a cape! Gwen Webber Mcleod for radiating positivity and empowering women. Jacqueline Colello for sharing her story via her art and following her path while helping others gain strength because they see her doing it. Just a few, but know that my list is long, and it also includes some dynamic Men.
If you had to start over from scratch, knowing what you know now, would you do anything differently?
There are no do-overs for me. I have learned from each misstep and won. I would not do over one single thing!
Name one memorable moment in your life that has stood out to you and why.
On September 12, 2019, I read “12 Thoughts on life,” which was on a daily email I subscribe to called Inspire Me Today.
I took in all of what was in front of me and shared it promptly with a group of my friends. Following the share, I sent a message to the Author, Dr. Shellie Hipsky. Minutes after my sent message came a reply. Then a LinkedIn connection arrived and a request to speak via the phone. Days later, a two-hour heartfelt call, complete with tears and bonding, reflecting on how we had both experienced tremendous
loss in 2018 and the belief that our angels may be at work connecting us. That day Dr. Shellie invited me to meet her that weekend at the Baccarat Hotel in Manhattan with a group of women. She was being honored with a Mayor’s Proclamation for the work that she had been doing. Yes!
Was my immediate answer with no hesitation; however, then there was the concern of attire because the invitation stated formal festive India Attire in celebration of Diwali. There was not only so much to do but some much to learn, and I could not wait for the adventure. It was like going to school and meeting all my new friends. I had no idea what to expect, but I was going and opened to this tremendous opportunity. That same day I was invited to my neighbor Anne Messenger’s home after work. While telling her about the plan, she stopped me and said, “hold on, I have exactly what you need.” She walked out with a garment bag filled with a custom outfit she had purchased while visiting India. This was my attire for that day. Realizing that all things happen for a reason, I continued with my excitement, and finally, the day came to arrive at the hotel. Walking into the lobby, standing in front of the Elevator door, was the ever so lovely Rachi Parikh. She looked at me and smiled while holding open the elevator, nodded, and said, “We must be going to the same party. Come join me”. So we walked in together, and it was that day within a group of 8 fabulous human beings my great other adventures began. This High Tea was hosted by the Corporate Diwali owned by Manisha Mundhra Beriwala, honoring Dr. Shellie Hipsky. I was greeted by everyone with no pretense and zero judgment and welcomed with open arms.
I just had to type that as it’s not the norm and is the reason for a move to change. These women, that time, their stories, their passion, and energy, along with a shared lust for life, are how we all know together we can evoke change. This remains to be my most enlightened of moments. So much more has happened since that day and continues to come from that initial meeting. We have jointly created spin-off events from that initial time together. Another one will be taking place this September with Manisha here in CNY. So the saying goes, if it’s meant to be, it will happen. There is no question about when you are meant to connect with specific individuals, and there is no denying fate and what can happen. People are brought together to create time and space for others to enjoy, and I believe throughout all, this was the reason my fellow Indian Sister Manisha was brought into my life. Now I am a Corporate Diwali Ambassador.
How have you built confidence and resiliency throughout your career?
That’s easy to answer, and I put myself into positions that challenge me. I volunteer to do things that I have never done before, I stretch myself by saying yes often, and that gives me the confidence based on my commitment that I can make things happen. Experience has also taught me that sometimes you have to say no to get it right truly.
What has been your best form of promotion for you, and why?
Being asked by David Mueller to join his Company as a Partner. That inspired tremendous growth for me professionally in a profound way. One of the very first things he did to ensure we were all on the same page was sign us up for Entrepreneurial Bootcamp at Syracuse University. Doing this together gave Dave, Mark, and I the foundation and confirmation we needed to move forward and know we were a team. The actual roles we would assume remained to be seen with the understanding the business would continue to evolve, and so would we. There are always things to learn and risks to be taken, but without both, the reward and ultimate growth will be minimal at best. Together we strive to be the Best there is with no limitations.
How do you balance your career, personal life, and passions?
If anyone can answer that question without cringing, have them call me. I wish there were a clear-cut answer other than making solid plans and choices, putting them on a calendar, and sticking to them.
All of my close friends have big careers. They are responsible for many people and have built beautiful businesses. I’m single, so it’s me and my dog she loves me, understands if mom doesn’t work there is no food and she isn’t
incredibly needy, she deals with late work nights. I like that about her! Seriously, I schedule the things that are truly important to me with family and friends as I do appointments. You carve out the time for the people you love and that is it, we have but one life.
What are the ways you stay grounded and take care of yourself?
Every morning I have a daily meditation practice, it includes daily inspiration and I make a call a day or send an email to a friend or two+. I journal, I also love to draw and paint. Additionally, I have found so much inspiration and care for myself in planning events with Manisha. We are currently working on two now, one in September in Skaneateles and another in November in India. This past week I took a long weekend away to Sea Island, GA with a group of girlfriends it was just what was needed. So much fun and a quick recharge.
What sets you apart from your competition?
The people in Premier Technologies separate us from all others. They truly embrace client care first, it’s the value system we pride ourselves on. We are a service based business, and here to support customer’s needs first and foremost. Additionally, just how important it is to grow to know who we are speaking with. In order for us to effectively help any one Individual, Family or Business we must first know as much as we can about their needs, their interests, what their future plans are etc. We represent AT&T and they expect nothing but the best in first
impressions and beyond, we strive to exceed their expectations as well.
How do you keep your team motivated despite conflicts and obstacles?
There is a tremendous amount of passion in this business, people that truly love what they do and enjoy who they work with and how driven we all are. We are also hyper competitive internally as well, which makes work fun. So for those that are of like mind this business checks the box for that sales personality. I believe staying stimulated by being the person in the know with new technology and having people see you as the expert to connect with when in need is what keeps our teams driven. They sincerely want to help and be they’re own form of connectors. We are fortunate to have longevity in our Business, some dynamic colleagues who have made this business their very own. We are family, that is where being privately owned and operated truly shows value, when the ownership knows you by name and is grateful that you showed up and that we are.
What do you have planned over the next year?
GROWTH! Internally for people who have the desire to build on their careers we will promote into leadership roles. Hiring, as with those promotions will come the need to find new partners to join our team. New locations, we look forward to further expansion from our current 34 locations to a hopeful 50 within the next years to come.
EXQUISITE SELF CARE
Tell us about yourself and what made you decide to start your own business, Exquisite Self Care.
My name is Hope Brookshire and I am a mother of five I also have 7 Grands. I have always had a business mind set but seemed to only help others with their business. I am also a writer which is my first love. I have four unfinished books with a goal to complete at least of them within the next 12 months.
Unfortunately, life has always gotten in my way. Rather it was something with my kids that needed my immediate attention or my health. I have been at a point in my life where I need to fully accomplish something that I can leave to my children and my grands one day. More importantly something that I can be proud of for myself, something that I can smile about. Not to mention enjoy and reap the benefits of for years to come.
I started this business because I hate being ashy (lol) I have bought so many lotions over the years that I haven’t been happy with. So, I wanted to create a product with healthy more lasting results. I mixed some stuff together one day to make my own lotion however it took a few years for me to pursue it further.
One day I looked over to one of my shelves and noticed all the candles I had purchased and jokingly said I need to start making my own candles. A week later I started researching how to make candles and body butter. Four months after that I started ordering supplies & ingredients to make them both. Sixteen months later here I am.
What is the mission behind your business?
My mission is to promote healthy skin for men & women. Self-care doesn’t stop at taking a bath or shower nor does it start or stop with getting your hair and nails done or going to the barbershop. My slogan is “Take Time To Take Care Of You” Skin being the largest organ we have it has a lot of responsibilities. It creates a barrier between the vital organs and the outside world. So many people are unaware of just how important the skin is as whole. As well as to our mental health.
I have always had a thing about never going to bed ashy (lol) I always felt that extra 5-10 minutes of lotioning up really good was medicine for the body as well as helping you have a good night’s sleep. However, I have been that person who was too tired and just wanted to shower and go to bed skipping that part of my nightly ritual. I want people to take that extra time to take care of their skin. Our bodies need that extra TLC. Our body need to be scrubbed down 2-3 times a week, getting rid of those dead skin cells that we don’t realize are there. Followed by massaging some good ole Exquisite Self Care Body Butter that melts right into your skin, leaving you soft and super moisturize.
What makes you hustle?
Having a strong desire to want something, to own something. Have you ever wanted something so bad you can taste it? That’s how I feel about success, growth & accomplishing something I can be proud of. Rather it’s my skin care line, being an Arthor or both. Success isn’t just about the riches, it’s also our mental. Being able to have that peace of mind that your
bills will be paid no matter what, not having to calculate meals to last until your next paycheck. Not having to decide which medications you can get this month or this pay and which ones can wait until the next time. Trying to decide which two or three kids out of five needs a new pair of shoes the most and which kids can wait until next paycheck. I have always hustled in life trying to stay above water. I’ve had good and bad moments in life. The one thing I have been using to remind myself of every chance I get to push myself to be great is a conversation I had with my oldest a few years ago. We were talking about life past and at that time current stuff. She Said, “Ma I can remember when we stayed at such and such you cooked dinner for us but you didn’t eat that night after we ate, we all went to bed” My mouth dropped she was probably ten at the time and I had no idea that she paid attention to that. It broke my heart that she knew that her mother went to sleep without out eating dinner. Having to experience these types of struggles at some point of my life alone, should make a person hungry for more and hustle for more out of life.
If you could pick just one product that would be your “must have”, what would it be and why?
Wow, it’s hard to pick just one, because I love all of them. They are all homemade with love and with consideration of my customers need. My candles are full of fragrance that will radiate throughout your home. My butters and scrubs will have you trying to figure out what smells so good until you realize it’s you. I can’t leave out that they are full of vitamins and nutrients that does wonders for your skin.
Where did you get your entrepreneurial spirit?
I honestly don’t know. I have always had a business mindset and would help people in one area or another with their stuff. Learning how things worked along the way. Trying to figure out how I properly fit into the business world on my own. Throughout the years I would get different ideas of business I would have liked to invest in or pursue. Years later here I am the CEO, Marketing, the cook, secretary, production, cleanup crew, shipping the list goes on and I’m here for it all.
What is your background and how did it lead you to where you are today?
My background starts at 12 years in the factory world with a bad back and carpal tunnel. I then shifted to office work for 16-18 years ie office clerk, receptionist, collections, Customer service. Retired and now making Candles, butters scrubs & lotion from scratch. There is nothing like having a job you actually enjoying doing from day to day. It makes you work harder and smarter.
Who is your ideal customer?
Everyone! It doesn’t matter your age, gender, or race everyone needs and deserves healthy skin. At the moment I do not have as many masculine fragrances as I do women’s however, I am making it a priority to add more. The Momma Hopes Body butter is safe for kids and people with eczema or sensitive skin. it doesn’t have and fragrance oils or color pigment.
What product that you have created do you feel is the one that best resinates with your customers and why?
As of right now, I would say my Body Butters. It was my first product to be popular, loved and requested. I didn’t start out promoting it in regard to what some of the components was designed to do. I just asked everyone to be consistent with using it. Before I knew it, I started getting phone calls and text messages saying “hey this butter is lightening up my scars and stretch marks”. I know they didn’t expect that benefit at all.
What have you found to be the most successful avenue in marketing your business?
The good ole fashion way, word of mouth is always good because if a person mentions your product, they usually follow up with good things to say about it. Now new age technology or social media if you will, has been the best avenue. With social media you can advertise and reach an audience of people you don’t know and will never have the opportunity meet. This avenue will allow you to expand to a higher customer base, that will multiply with each platform that you have.
What challenges have you faced over the past year and how have you overcome them?
My biggest challenge has been finances. I was complaining to a good friend of mine saying “I can’t wait to see my money grow. Soon as I make it, I have to reinvest it or use it for something.” We then had the conversation about it taking up to three years to see a profit. He then said you know what your biggest problem is Hope? You’re using your own money when you supposed to be using the banks money. I couldn’t do nothing but smile and say your absolutely correct. Far as overcoming that, hopefully that turns around for me this year.
What are your secrets to your success, especially with self care, and beauty products?
For me being confident in my work, doing my research not just throwing stuff together. Knowing for myself first why its important to take care of your skin along with being able to relay that to my customers and potential customers. Being able to explain why people should use my products. Striving to be a little different with my line. Some folks may look at Exquisite Self Care and think “oh somebody else making body butter or candles” There are a lot of different ingredients that can go into body butters and scrubs and the important factor is what combination of ingredients I chose to use to set my brand apart. To have several people reach back out to me and say “hey this butter is lighting up my scars or stretch marks” is a blessing to me. If I continue to be detailed with my ingredients I can’t lose. My products have over 7 ingredients I only list so many of them, because if I tell all my secrets I lower my success rate. I try to be different with my candle scents and I try to make the scent a little louder than most candles.
What would you say truly excites you about what you do?
I actually have fun making these products. Seeing the outcome of me starting from scratch putting together the ingredients for each product and watching them create something healthy for our skin and know someone has enjoyed the way it makes them feel and or smell is very exciting and rewarding. Mixing together fragrances to come up with a signature smell and someone telling me how good it smells just lights my face up. I love it!
How do you handle work-life balance? It’s not always easy. Some days I have to push myself a little harderthan others. One will say starting a new business you really can’t afford to rest
or out something before your business. You have to stay on your grind. But, I feel slightly different about that. I always say, “you have to have a balance in life or you will tilt over.” Having something else to focus on outside of working your butt off or starting a business brings balance to your mental state. You have to be able to unwind from time to time, and that’s what brings you balance.
What would you say are the key skills needed to be a successful female entrepreneur in 2022?
1)Discipline 2) Commitment 3) Determination 4) Communication 5) A Vision 6) Confidence 7) Leadership 8) Great Work Ethic 9) intelligence 10) Flexibility
What do you want to achieve next?
I have been jokingly saying since day one that I want to become the next Madam CJ Walker but of skin care. Lol Once I have reached her level and surpassed it, I will be satisfied. That’s my dream, but my passion is in writing and becoming an established author. Once Exquisite Self Care Grows enough to hire some people, I can fall back just enough to finish one of my books so stay tuned.
