44 minute read
SHE HUSTLES TALKS
Damaris Rivera
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{ SHE HUSTLES TALKS } YOU ARE ENOUGH. DAMARIS RIVERA & R REALTY
BY NICOLE HEROUX WILLIAMS I PHOTOS BY NSP STUDIO
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background that led you into the real estate field.
I was born and raised in the City of Rochester where I identified myself as an entrepreneur at a very young age. I started various businesses with the ultimate support of my parents. I joke with them now on how they kept sane during all my stages of business, but they supported my drive and hunger towards success no matter how silly my ideas could be. The idea of expanding and relocating my pet boutique around the age of 20 sparked my passion for real estate. I was able to move from 55 railroad st location in a small indoor market atmosphere to my own brick and mortar before the age of 21. It started with a real estate guru giving me an opportunity. At the time of closing on my first building I was juggling filming of American Idol and working a second job. Hard work is in my dna and it really showed me I could accomplish anything.
When did you decide to go out on your own and open R Realty?
In the fall of 2019, I made the decision to start R Realty Rochester. My main goal was to elevate my personal real estate business without limitations. I wanted to start small and provide a positive environment for agents to grow their businesses as well. I learned from my own experience what agents would benefit from and I made a commitment to teaching them everything I learned throughout my years.
What makes you hustle both personally and in the real estate market?
My hustle comes from within. It’s hard to explain but I will always be working
towards bettering myself. That could be seen as a blessing and a curse. I know I would not have made it this far without the support of my family and friends. I have had many highs and lows throughout my life but it’s how I keep progressing that I’m proud of. In every aspect of life I try to learn something out of the experiences. I don’t stay in any negative thought or experience long and I focus on the positive. In the real estate industry specifically, the hustle is necessary to provide the best service for my clients. I think that is why this role suits me so well.
Who were mentors that encouraged you or inspired you?
I’ve been extremely blessed with many positive influences in my life that have molding me into the woman I am today. My mother Catherine Rivera and father Richard Rivera have instilled great values into my life like faith, hard work, dedication, respect, honor and living a genuine life. Seeing my parents work hard and supporting my sister and I in all our dreams really has driven me to keep aspiring for more.
Where do you see your business in the next three years? five years?
In three years I envision a second office location and in five years a third location. I want to continue to expand in the Rochester area and also explore expanding to cities nearby within New York State.
What kind of person do you feel makes a successful female entrepreneur especially in the real estate market?
The most important part of being a successful entrepreneur is the ability to work hard in silence. The real estate business itself is not for the faint hearted. It takes a driven, hard working, ethical, transparent and highly self motivated individual to be a success in any business.
What is the number one misconception in real estate right now?
That it’s easy and you do it by showing beautiful homes like the tv shows portray. While it’s quite the contrary. We do have the opportunity to showcase some amazing properties but it also requires a lot of hard work. The last statistic I saw was 85% of real estate salespeople quit after the first year.
What sets you and your team apart from other real estate teams?
Our focus is building the community. We provide consulting services to help clients work towards their real estate goals, whether they buy a home in a few months or years. We help build the foundation and educate as we go along. We also open our doors to the community to also promote financial literacy and entrepreneurship.
What is your favorite part of the business?
find such great joy in seeing someone build generational wealth and have pride in owning a home.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
I would choose to stay in the Rochester area because of my foundation, family
and connection to the community. I might be in a bigger home with more land for my dogs to run but I would definitely want to stay here where my roots run very deep.
What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?
My greatest achievement would be completing my first real estate development project that I completed in June 2022. I learned so much throughout the 13 month project and look forward to many more in the future.
A second great achievement in my professional career is being recently awarded 40 under 40 by the Rochester Business Journal. I’m so honored to be awarded alongside many amazing business professionals in Rochester and will be receiving my award in November.
What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?
“Failure to plan, is a plan for failure” my uncle Luis Burgos shared this quote with me at a young age and it has stuck with me. I would also share with the readers to never give up. Sometimes a reset is necessary and also taking a deeper look at your failures but keep going.
What did you do before becoming a real estate agent?
I owned a pet boutique called “Pinky’s Pet Connection”.
How do you stay motivated, especially in such a crazy time in the industry?
I stay motivated by surrounding myself with other like minded people. My team is a great source of inspiration in the day to day activities of the business. We feed off of eachothers energy and
support each others growth. Positive influences are part of the process to keep going. I’m pretty blessed with the team or what we describe as “R family of agents”. ultimately the reason I began real estate sales. At the time it did not seem like as big of a decision but without that experience I’m not sure I would have pursued real estate
Where will we see RRealty next?
R Realty Rochester will continue to serve the community with all their real estate needs.
What’s your favorite thing to do in your free time?
I love to cook, spend time with my dogs and entertain in my free time. I just enjoy hosting my family and friends and catering to them.
How do you find new clients? What has been your biggest success?
I’ve been fortunate enough to build a great sphere of influence. My business has grown by organic referrals and the support of the community. My biggest success has been growing a brand that I’m proud of.
What’s one of the toughest decisions you’ve had to make and how did it impact your life?
further. The sale of my first building was the beginning of my journey in real estate. I’m so glad I made that decision. Also check out our latest project “The Hollywood Suite Rochester”. The first of many to come. The penthouse suite is a great luxury stay with amenities you’d find in a hotel. This unique short term rental space located in the City of Rochester is great for travelers or a small group.
PRECIOUS TAYLOR
Tell us about Precious Taylor. Where are you from? What is your background? What is your profession?
I was born and raised in Rochester, NY. I am 40yrs old with 3 Kings; my youngest, Prynce, is 11yrs old; Jah is my middle baby; he is 18yrs old, and my oldest is Mel, who is 24yrs old and has 3 children, 1 girl Delilah, and 2 boys Mel and Juelz. Yes, I’m a Grammy (their Award). I am the family travel agent, as my family would say. I travel a lot. I am always getting them to go somewhere, especially my sisters.
My kids are my life and my air. They are the reason my heart beats. I braid. I’ve been braiding hair since I was 13. I started braiding my grandmother’s hair. I told her I wanted to learn how, and she let me practice on her. I’m creative; I make custom phone cases and flower mirrors. Etc. My passion is teaching; I am a teacher at ABC Headstart. I also model, and I have been modeling since 2015. Simply Xkluzive is my model and brand name. I have a calendar called Simply Xkluzive; my 2023 Swimwear edition will be the 5th calendar. I have an annual Simply Xkluzive Fashion Show/Pool Party, initially geared toward plus-size women. I started this event because many plus-size women get turned away in fashion. I have experienced being turned down because I was plus-size
PHOTOS BY TIANA GASKINS
and because of my tattoos. This was definitely not a good feeling, but I did not allow that to stop me from doing something I enjoyed. It just encouraged me to set a platform for plus-sized women to be themselves and not be discounted. In the 3rd year, I extended my event to all-size women because we all are beautiful regardless of our size. I am Comedian Yolanda Smilez’s assistant. I am also a part of the RocAwards administrative team, of which Yolanda is the CEO.
In wearing many hats, I can network with many people, which is terrific
What does “Beauty Lies Within” mean to you?
People have different ideas about what beauty is. To me, “Beauty Lies Within” means beauty starts within. With your personality, your attitude, and/or your demeanor. Beauty comes in all forms; no matter what you look like, you are beautiful on the inside. It is not always about what you look like on the outside. Being a beautiful person on the inside trumps being beautiful on the outside. If your energy, vibe, and/or spirit is negative, no one cares about your appearance on the outside.
What makes you hustle?
I hustle because I want the freedom to do what I want and when. I hustle for my 3 kings. They are why I do what I do to make things happen for them. I want them to live better than I did, so I move accordingly so they can.
“What is your ‘why? ‘” Why do you do what you do?
I do what I do for my 3 kings, my sons. I do what I do to show them they can do what they want in life; the sky’s the limit. I grind and hustle, so my kids don’t need anything, and I can do it for them at all times. So we don’t have to look at anyone or ask anyone for anything.
How did you get into fashion and start your clothing line?
After competing in my first Pageant, the 2015 Kurvie Upstate NY Pageant, I entered the fashion world. After I was in the Pageant, it opened doors, and people asked me to walk in their line in fashion shows. My first fashion show was Kurvie in the City Fashion Show. In this show, I walked 3 times. I was excited and scared altogether. I told myself to look over the crowd,
not at them, and to act as if I was in my room alone in my mirror. I have used this strategy since then, and it’s been working all these years. I also tell other models the same thing, and many say, “thank you, that worked.” After I walked, others reached out to me to walk for them, and I have loved it ever since. I had found something I enjoy doing and helping others to do.
I decided to start my own line, “Simply Xkluzive,” because I felt I was a walking billboard for Rochester’s local clothing lines, so why not create my own? I love to support local clothing lines, and I always make sure I represent Rochester when I’m out of town. I always reach out to 1 or 2 people to get attire from them to wear when I go out of town. My favorite local clothing line is BrknLxry, created by Shamell Killings. One day I was talking to my sisters Eliza, Yolanda & Shawntanique. I said, “I’m always supporting and repping other people’s brands; I should start my own.” My sisters are always very supportive; we support each other and will do anything for one another. I figured, why not start my own brand and use it to encourage plus-size females that we all are our kind of Xkluzive in our own ways. Be You, Be Your own Unique self, Be Simply Xkluzive. Then I thought I should include all-size women who are not confident with themselves. I want people to know we don’t have to follow trends to be Xkluzive; you can set your own. A few of my sayings on my clothing are: • “Simply Xkluzive,” “F$%k Following I Set Trends.”
• “Just Do It Be Simply Xkluzive.”
• “It’s the Xkluziveness for me.”
• “I am who I am, not, who you think I am, Not who you want me to be; I am Simply Xkluzive.”
I want people to love themselves, flaws and all. Know you don’t have to do, say, and wear what other people do, and where you can be your unique self and still be an extraordinary person, be Simply Xkluzive.
What made you decide to become a teacher? Where do you currently work?
I decided I was going to be a teacher as a child. I would make my siblings play school before we went outside. I’d do everything I knew how to do for my siblings. Sitting here thinking about it was funny because I’d turn our homework time into school. I’d be the teacher helping them with their homework lol... As a teen, I started babysitting and enjoyed teaching the children different things. While attending Monroe Community College, I had the opportunity to visit the school’s childcare center and volunteer my time. I knew I’d love it. While at MCC, I worked on my Associate’s in Business Administration and Early Childhood. I wanted to open my own childcare center. I had to do field hours for Early Childhood, and the center I did my fieldwork ended up hiring me. They loved me there. I knew I was where I wanted to be, and working with children is my passion. They spoke very highly of me at the center.
At Empire State College, I was working on my Bachelor’s in Early Childhood and Community and Human Services. In contrast, I work in The Rochester City School District as a Paraprofessional. I was able to work with all ages, which was exciting. By the time I graduated from Empire, I was a Director of a Childcare Center; being short-staffed, I was also working in one of the classrooms. This was when I learned I enjoyed working in the classrooms more than being the Director. I decided not to open my own center and began looking for a teaching position. A better opportunity arose, and I have been working at ABC Headstart for 7 years. I enjoy all the babies I have worked with. I just absolutely love working with children. Since at ABC, I have received my Master’s In Inclusive Early Childhood and have become a certified teacher. It’s great when the children love you, and the parents appreciate you.
What is the mission behind creating your own business?
My mission behind creating my own business is to lift others’ spirits to make them see themselves as being Xkluzive and love themselves, flaws and all. So many BBWs have low self-esteem or feel like they can’t do or wear what more petite girls can, and that’s not true. I have had so many people tell me I inspire them, and I
I love that. At the Kurvie Upstate NY Pageant, a female walked up to me and said, “I only came to this Pageant to see you; you have inspired me so much. I was very insecure that I wouldn’t wear shorts, skirts, or shirts without sleeves. I have followed you since I came across your Facebook page one day. I really had to thank you. You helped me become secure and love myself. We both had tears in our eyes. I explained to her I was her I’ve always been confident, just not confident enough to wear skirts & dresses. Seeing other plus-size girls in them, I was like, “oh baby girl, you can wear that.” My mission is to use my platform to inspire and encourage other females, especially plus-size females.
How do you juggle having a fulltime teaching career and creating your own business and family life?
It’s not hard to balance my career, business, and family. My family supports and helps me in any way they can. Whether wielding vinyl as I heat press the vinyl to the clothing, working with me at my table when I am a vendor at events, or coming to my shows to support me. My family even comes to my classroom to help set it up for the year and break it down at the end. They also volunteer time in my classroom. I also have an event of my own they help me out at called “Simply Xkluzive Pool Party/ Fashion Show.” I do this event every year, and they support me fully. Every year, I have a calendar called “Simply Xkluzive BBW Calendar,” my family supports and gives me ideas. My sisters take some of my pictures. It’s all about the connection and bond we have. We work together to make things happen and work for us; that’s the best thing about my family and why I love them so much.
What is your favorite thing to do in your downtime?
My favorite thing to do in my downtime is to travel with and/or without my kids/grandkids. I love to travel and expose myself to new and different places and things. I’m a foodie; I enjoy trying new restaurants while out of town. Chef Gordon Ramsay is one of my favorites to visit. If it’s one in whatever state I’m in, I go without hesitation or thoughts about it. I love spending time with family and creating new memories. I enjoy helping others, especially family.
What do you find is the best form of promotion for your business?
I believe the best form of promotion is myself and word of mouth. I have to wear my own brand. If I don’t wear it myself, why would others want to wear it? I am my brand!
Tell us one thing that most people don’t know about you.
I can’t think of anything that most people don’t know about me.
Is there anything that you feel sets you apart from other women entrepreneurs?
I feel like my personality and my confidence; I place my creative ideas into action and make them my reality. I want to see everyone around me grow, and I try to inspire them; I believe that sets me apart from other entrepreneurs.
What are your plans for the next year? What about three years?
My plan is to keep building my brand and my family up next year.
My plans for the next 3 years are to grow my brand and make my Simply Xkluzive BBW Calendar international. I also want my annual Simply Xkluzive Fashion Show/Pool Party to become a more significant event. I have thought of opening a Plus Size Store, but we will see where that goes. I will be pushing and grinding for my business.
Tell us one thing about being a teacher during the pandemic and after that has changed how you work and how you have to teach.
One thing about being a teacher during the pandemic that really disliked and affected me as a teacher is not having the students physically involved. I hated not being in my classroom with my children. It really made me feel some type of way. Then once we got back to school, the social distance and the children not being able to interact with one another were difficult for them and me. The atmosphere wasn’t the same; the children didn’t want to be there, and honestly, I didn’t either; it was torture. It gave me a new perspective on teaching. I enjoy what I do more and appreciate interacting and communicating with the children.
Name one person who has inspired you through this journey.
Three people have inspired me and still are, even though they have passed away. They are by my side in spirit, encouraging me to hustle/ grind and keep pushing forward. My grandmother Daisy Mae SmithHughes, my uncle Johnnie Lee Wright and my aunt Hattie Conner. They were there for me physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially if needed. They were encouraging and pushing me to better myself, not only for me but for my kids. They instilled so much excellent knowledge in me that has kept me going. I’ve had so many talks with them; one thing about these three is that they always kept it. They never sugar-coated anything. I really miss them.
How good are you at making tough decisions, and what has been one of the toughest you have ever made?
I am good at making tough decisions because I do what I believe is the right move to grow. One of the most challenging things for me is letting go of people who are unsuitable for me, regardless of whether they are family. I want to see the good in people and see them grow, and I will try to do anything I can to help a person. But, I have learned the hard way people have to want better for themselves before they can receive anything anyone has to offer or any help needed.
Do you have any advice for women looking to become lady bosses?
I advise anyone looking to become
a lady boss to master your niche. Surround yourself with other positive women that will inspire you to keep trying. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it; you must believe in yourself and push past negative energy. Never give up; you got this.
What empowers you?
What empowers me is knowing myself and being confident in myself to make the best decisions for myself that help me and others around me. Being able to take control of my life and make decisions based on what I need and/or want.
Do you find the Rochester community supportive of your business, or is it more outside of the area?
I feel the Rochester Community supports my business because I am so supportive of other entrepreneurs. Most people help me because I help them; some support me because of who I am, just because they know me.
Where will we see Precious next?
You will see me on the runway for a couple of fashion shows. I am working on a fall fashion show, pushing to make it happen.
TRAVELING TAVERN
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.
I am married for 26 years with two amazing children! I have always been a person to take on everything and anything to make way for a successful career. I have been in the beauty industry for 32 years in different facets. I have traveled and been a color educator for a few brands and owned my own salon for 20 years. During this time, I raised a family and helped my husband with his construction business.
What made you decide to open the Traveling Tavern? Tell us a little about the business.
I have always loved the idea of event coordinating, but was always caught up with my life with the salon and family. I was diagnosed with a few autoimmune diseases and Lyme diseases and it started to put my health in a very unstable situation. I never knew what I was going to feel like day to day. With hair being my passion and only way of income I needed to start coming up with a plan on ways to fulfill my drive to stay successful but not put me into a flare up every day. In February, 2022 I fell broke my wrist and had surgery to correct it with a plate and 6 screws. That was my breaking point in my life where I decided to move forward with an idea that I saw. The Travel Tavern would be a mobile bar where I could do events like I dreamed of and still be out working and enjoying
PHOTOS BY MURRAY YARAVITZ
socializing with the community. I needed the social aspect of a job being that I have talked to people every day for 32 years in the beauty industry. The Travel Tavern was a perfect idea so I can serve customers, help with planning their events and travel around the community.
What makes you hustle?
Family! I have always been selfemployed as well as my husband,
and we have always been driven to show our children what it takes to be successful. Success doesn’t always come from a college degree; we are both trade school graduates! We needed to always show our children the constant struggle as self-employed people trying to keep a steady income, how to plan out your future with no benefits from an employer and manage a household.
What is your ideal client?
I ideally don’t have a perfect client! I just want to make every client feel at ease , have fun and let me do the worrying and planning for them! I would like clients that need a mobile bar service for all needs. From baby showers to weddings. Private functions and benefits.....etc
Who were mentors that encouraged you or inspired you?
My family and friends. I have the biggest support system. My family is always up for something new and all willing to pitch in and do it together. My friends are always lifting me up when I struggle and push me through. I wouldn’t be able to do anything without the love and support from them all!
Where do you see yourself and your business in three years, five years?
I am hoping to expand with a few different looks to the mobile bar.
This is such a unique concept. How did you come up with the idea? Was it hard to implement?
After another medical setback with my dominant hand and wrist being broken and about 100 hours of research I approached my husband and children on the i and they were all in. Implementing was the easy part for me... I have my husband and son that are capable of making anything! We bought the trailer and
“I have always been self-employed as well as my husband, and we have always been driven to show our children what it takes to be successful.“
they constructed the whole thing! They are very talented and have an eye for details. They knew how to look at the future of this Mobile bar and prepare it for all occasions and size of parties that we will be hosting! They are the masterminds of the Look of The Travel Tavern!
What is your favorite part of what you do?
I love meeting everyone, and being a part of their celebrations. It is always a happy day when I go to work!
How do you balance personal and family life with the challenges and demands of owning your own business, and working FT?
My children are 21 and 24 so they are a huge help, and they do not need my time like they use to. As for working it is always a busy day. I am still doing hair in the evenings and Saturdays and just just on another job doing sales Monday - Friday. The Travel Tavern is my pride and joy and that takes every waking hour.
What’s the best advice you have received that you wish to pass on to someone looking to start their own business?
I just continue to stay focused on the end result. I never listen to the negative things that people want to tell you about being self employed. I have always looked at self employment as being free from being at mundane job. I am the only one that can control my happiness and knows knows the path to get me there. if I fail it is on me no one but myself.
How do you stay motivated, especially when business is slow?
I try to connect with other businesses that might be looking for our unique offerings. There might be a time when I am not physically out there working but mentally it is a full time job just trying to find new ways to keep The Travel Tavern visible.
Name one female leader that has inspired you and why.
I don’t really look at just one woman as an inspiring leader. I like to takes ideas of woman that are community leaders, business owners or just hard working mothers and grow from them. I find that listening to every woman’s story of success is intriguing and inspiring. I Love that many woman have a fierce side to them no matter who or what they do, and that is the side that I tend to gravitate towards because it give me the motivation and helps me see that anything is possible as long as you know that it comes from within yourself. No one can give or make you fierce.
What’s one of the toughest decisions you’ve had to make and how did it impact your life?
The decision to try and and keep myself and my health first. It is easier said than done, but there came a time when you have to make the change not for just the present but long term. You can’t be successful if you are not present. Trying to stay positive and carry on with everyday life without asking the world for pity. Living with autoimmune diseases is a difficult thing because we all look great on the outside and no one wants to give into the pain and agony that it is giving you on the inside. My decision to not let illness get you down has given me the drive to be even more successful and work driven because I won’t sit around and feel bad for myself, and neither should anyone else. I am stronger for this thought process.
Where will we see the traveling tavern next?
The Travel Tavern will be continuously be booking through the winter season for outdoor festivals and parties.
Feel free to contact them for your next party, event, or wedding at www. thetravelingtavern.com
SPECIALIZES IN WILLS/PROBATE AND TRUST WORK, ALONG WITH REAL ESTATE AND NURSING HOME COLLECTIONS
1900 EMPIRE BLVD. #172 I WEBSTER, NY 14580 I (585)217-9390
TERRI-ANN GRAHAM
Tell us about yourself and your background?
I have over 10 years of marketing experience with a special expertise in social media marketing. I graduated from The University of Rochester with a degree in Psychology and strong concentration in Marketing.
I have helped many entrepreneurs, especially within the wellness industry improve their social marketing and branding strategies.
I emphasize educating entrepreneurs on the importance of being mindful about social media and aligning the process with business goals to increase growth.
You can find me practicing yoga, reading wellness books, listening to music, exercising, spending time in nature, eating plant based foods, enjoying solitude, traveling, and spending time with loved ones in my spare time.
What makes you hustle?
My love for freedom, travel, good food, and family.
What made you decide to open TAGsocial Marketing? What type of business is it?
TAGsocial Marketing is a social media marketing and branding agency born out of my need to escape the mundane world of 9 to 5 work. Working hard to build my own legacy feels more liberating.
In 2017, I took the plunge and started my own social media agency.
Social media marketing at the time was still a new field and many entrepreneurs had no idea where to start.
Rather than be a stereotypical agency, I wanted to create a business that reflected my passion for health and wellness while giving entrepreneurs the chance to grow their brands through quality social media services, based on mindful marketing and a return on investment they are able to measure and prove.
What are the main services your business provides?
Social Media Management Social Media Branding Social Media Ads Social Media Consulting Social Media Training Social Media Strategy
Do you find it challenging being a female entrepreneur? What do you do to set yourself apart?
In all honesty I do not find it challenging to be a female entrepreneur. Being an entrepreneur no matter your gender is challenging.
the life I desire. Being a woman entrepreneur feels special because I can tap into my feminine energy. That to me is a power that I’d rather embody.
What would you say is the most rewarding part of owning your own business?
The freedom to create and build
What made you decide to focus specifically on wellness for your social marketing services?
Health and wellness is a part of my journey. I experience depression and anxiety regularly and maintaining a balanced lifestyle including nutrition, spirituality, mental health, and physical fitness is how I am able to step into my purpose daily.
wellness entrepreneurs spread their message of health and wellness through social media. Social media lends the potential to change so many lives.
I found many wellness entrepreneurs don’t know where to start.
What don’t people tell you about being a female entrepreneur?
I always hear how much harder it is to be a successful female entrepreneur.
I never hear anyone tell me that as a woman (especially today) I don’t have to be like a man or thrive to have what a man has. I can just enjoy being a woman entrepreneur and embrace all that makes me a woman to reach success.
Who has inspired you both personally and professionally?
My personal inspiration comes from being an immigrant. I was born in Jamaica and immigrated to the U.S. when I was young.
I had to overcome a lot of obstacles as a first generation immigrant. I couldn’t have made it this far without the support of my mother and close family.
My professional inspiration comes from loving the work that I create that helps so many entrepreneurs like myself thrive.
What are the biggest challenges you have come across?
The motivation will not always be there so I have to stay disciplined. There are days I want to give up but instead I just take a break and try again.
The process can be lonely because not everyone understands my vision.
What would you say to aspiring creatives?
Never Give Up and make sure you understand your why. Why you decided to start your journey because that will be your reason to keep going on days you feel like quitting.
What is your favorite platform to promote on and why?
I LOVE Instagram because it is where many of my ideal audience is located. It is also where many of my ideal audience’s people are located too.
Instagram is a perfect place to show off your business’s brand while engaging with a tight community of like minded individuals.
You can create many different types of content on Instagram. Video, Images, Infographics, Ecommerce, and more. The platform has many features to help you engage on a personal level with your audience as well.
LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Facebook are my next favorites.
What has been your biggest hurdle to try and overcome since opening your business?
My depression and anxiety have been a challenge. I turn down opportunities because of that when I need to or I reschedule meetings in order to recuperate.
Many people don’t understand that the constant stimulation from social media can be draining at the end of the day and if there is no time left for me then I won’t be able to help others efficiently.
So setting those boundaries have been a challenge as well but have also improved a lot.
How Did You Get Into Social Media?
The MySpace era! When MySpace came out I loved coding to create my backgrounds and learning how the platform worked more than anything else. Then I discovered YouTube and fell in love with how easily people can share their content.
Right out of college I landed my first corporate job as a web specialist due to my knowledge of social media! Ever since then I have grown.
What is the one major misconception about social media marketing and how do you work around it?
There are so many misconceptions but the one I run into the most is people thinking that you instantly get 10K followers and thousands of likes and comments when you hire an expert.
FALSE. Social media growth takes time. Especially if you aren’t using any cheat codes to grow organically. In order to convert social media results to business success you need to put
time and effort into showing up and engaging with others on social media as you would if you were in real life!
This takes strategy and patience! An investment must be made.
What has been the best compliment you have ever received?
Terri, you make me feel welcomed!
What skills do you feel you possess that will make clients want to use your services?
Patience, personable, organized, and detail oriented (which means I am focused on results and reputation).
Tell us one thing most people don’t know about you.
I want to start my own farm one day. Mostly produce but have a few animals like a horse, because I also love animals.
What is next for you?
The next step is to continue growing TAGsocial Marketing and building my own skin care line!
JILL RIZZO-BUDD
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.
I’ve been a part of the Beauty industry for over 20 years. I’ve managed high end day spas and owned my own beautiful facility for over 10 of those years. I fell in love with this industry once I found I could merge my passion for marketing & business in such an exciting and fast-paced industry.
When did you decide to open Awaken Wellness Beauty and is there any meaning behind the name?
I opened Awaken Wellness & Beauty more recently after I had a life altering decision to make after the pandemic. When Covid hit, I was forced to close my Salon & Day Spa for 3 months. While I was fortunate to be able to re-open, I ran into issues with our landlords and they made it extremely stressful to continue operations. I was faced with having 30 days to relocate my business or to face this legally with my landlords.
While the fight was in me for several months, eventually it took its toll on my health, my family and my mental state of mind. While it’s never easy to make a life altering decision, I made the hard choice to close my spa, and go back to school for my esthetics degree. In some ways, I took this career path, in a completely different way then most, but to me, I felt like this was exactly the course I was supposed to take.
I know you have spent most of your career in the beauty industry. What made you decide to become a female entrepreneur and open your own spa & wellness center?
I owe a lot of my drive from my family.
My parents raised 4 children with a family owned business, and most of my siblings are either self-employed and own their own businesses as well. While I always knew I could do it, my biggest push was from my brother. Sometimes you just need someone to believe in you, more than you believe in yourself. With his help, I was able to pursue my dreams to the fullest. Now that I am the customer side of the business, I have found a new love of creating relationships and building my perfect clientele.
What would you say is your specialty and why?
I absolutely love hair removal. I was able to start getting laser hair removal in my early 20’s. I am only 25% Italian but oh boy, did I have lots of dark hair! It was such a great and lasting experience for me, that I purchased the top of the line Laser and got certified in Hair Removal in 2016. Once I got an opportunity to start working with clients, I got a small taste of what it was like from this side of the business, as opposed to the Operational part. It took me a little while to realize, I was actually really good at this. More recently, I’ve been able to take over a practice from a Hair Removal Specialist that moved out of state. While it was intimidating meeting an influx of new clients, I was able to quickly show them my passion and elevate their hair removal experience.
What makes you hustle?
I’ve never been in this industry for the money. Ultimately, owning your own business, is always more work and expense than anyone can anticipate. For me, it was always the feeling when I was able to help someone else, create an experience for a client, or learn something new. That is what makes me hustle and
What does the word “Beauty” mean to you?
Beauty is making someone feel confident again. I was told, that “this is the place that changed my confident level.” She was referring to my treatment room. That is life changing.
According to you, what are the skills that are necessary for becoming a successful female entrepreneur esepcially in the beauty industry?
You need to be able to talk to people, relate with them, but to be able to stand up for yourself when necessary. Anyone can learn a trade, but not everyone can excel at the people end of it.
What do you feel are your greatest strengths within your business?
Why do I feel like this is a job interview?! My greatest strengths I would have to say is relating to my clients. Everyone wants a voice and they want to be heard. It’s not about what service I want to do or what I need to sell at the moment, it’s about them. I think as we move forward, so many people are coming to me with the weight of the world on their shoulders. All they want is for someone to listen and find out what they need. If you master this, you can be successful at anything you are trying to achieve.
How do you stay on top of the latest trends and techniques?
I am constantly learning and taking classes. In the beauty industry and
medical spa side, there are always new machines & techniques entering the marketplace. I’ve recently been training on a new facial treatment called OxyGeneo. It’s been compared to a combination of Microdermabrasion & the Hydrafacial. It uses your own skin and oxygen to revive your skin and help with cell-turnover. After getting my first treatment, my skin was literally glowing! Next up, I will be learning Dermal Infusion. This process is done in the form of NanoNeedling & MicroNeedling. These services can help with acne scarring, hyperpigmentation and fine lines & wrinkles. I can’t wait to bring these new services to my MedSpa list of services.
Who are some of the people that empower and inspire you in the industry and why?
It would be unfair to name just one person.
If you had to start over from scratch, knowing what you know now, what would you do differently?
I have very few regrets and I stand by my actions. I wish I had been able to have more open and honest conversations over the years with my staff. After so many people turn on you as an owner or a boss, it’s hard to trust people. It’s difficult to keep your emotions out of your business and the people you work with everyday. I made some emotional decisions that I could have done differently.
“What is your ‘why? ‘” Why do you do what you do?
My why is for my daughter Sienna. I always thought my business and my spiritual health were the most important. Then I had my daughter and it made me realize, I am molding this little girl and I need to be the best version of myself for her.
Name one special moment during your career that has stood out to you and why.
I think it was the day I got keys to my first building at Allora. It was like a dream come true. I was really doing this and opening my own place!
What’s the biggest factor that has helped you be successful, and now expand and open your own business? My family, including my husband. He was there for me when I was working from 9am-9pm when I first opened my spa. He took over cooking dinner for us and he hasn’t stopped since haha!
What do you have planned for the next year? What about five years from now? Oooh now this is where it gets exciting! For me, growth is constant. I JUST got the keys for a building I recently purchased! After the stress of dealing with landlords, I wanted to purchase my own property. I am in the process of opening Luxury Beauty Suites in the Victor-Pittsford area. My suites will have 10 options ranging from single beauty suites, to shared suites and premium spa suites. I hope to start renting the suites by late this year or early 2023. In the next 5 years, my plans include expanding the beauty suites to other areas in Rochester, Buffalo & Syracuse.
What has been your best form of promotion and what platform is your favorite?
I love using Canva for my marketing! I’m a big advocate for using multiple forms of advertising and promotion since I attract a wide variety of clients. Facebook, and Instagram posts and stories are a must. I do monthly emails and I also participate in community events.
What is one thing that motivates you?
Creating my own schedule, being my own boss and having the freedom to make my own choices.
What’s the most important discovery you’ve made about yourself in the past few years during the pandemic?
That I don’t need a big fancy salon and spa to be or feel successful. I’ve accomplished my goals and I’m on my next chapter of discovery!.
What sets you apart from your competitors?
My compassion for my clients and my ability to listen.
Do you have any special training or degrees to provide the services you offer your clients?
Yes I am a licensed Esthetician and I am certified by Candela Medical for Laser Hair Removal
How do you juggle your personal life and being a wife and mother with the demands of owning your own business?
It’s literally a constant struggle. I often have to put away my phone or walk away from my computer to concentrate on her. Owning your own business is a 24/7 job. You don’t often get days off or time away. So I plan vacations every 3-6 months to take that much needed mental break!
