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Motherhood is one of the most rewarding and stressful balancing acts. It requires pouring your heart out to a little human being while waking up every morning to make sure they have everything they need.
In this series, we highlight a few of those women who are in the middle of their greatest balancing act; pouring their hearts into their children while pouring their heart into creating a legacy for their families.
Candice White
Brandie PyburnSmith
Cicely
Dixon - Abron
Yolonda Andrade
Timmeka belcher
Kaija Pack
Akilah Roberts
Michelle Archable
Nicole Nunez
Sharon Terry
Monique Duell
Michelle D. Jackson
Latara Hardnett
Joahna Tupas
LaToya Wilson
Candice is a certified law of attraction life coach and a best-selling author In 2020 she became the 22nd affiliate of Renew You Body Butter owned by Kayshaun Brooks Candice didn't know the first thing about being an affiliate and Kayshaun thoroughly explained the process and answered every question without becoming annoyed or impatient Candice joined Renew You Body Butter in the beginning phase and since then Kayshaun has accomplished numerous things with her brand
After having several conversations with Kayshaun she learned they had similar life experiences but most importantly both women love God and are trusting him to guide their footsteps with their businesses If you ever have an opportunity to become an affiliate of Renew You Body Butter I promise you have found a family and mentor in Kayshaun for life
Candice White is a native of Baltimore Maryland with an infectious personality and sassy attitude On July 18th, 2018 she decided to walk by faith and not by sight which lead her to start Candi Coated Secrets Talk Show on Facebook Eager to inspire others to go out and create the life they want she decided to become the change in the world that she wants to see
My start to entrepreneurship began 5 years ago and I have been going nonstop ever since In 2015 my career after 9 1/2 years had suddenly come to an end After this happened I vowed to never put myself in a position for someone else to determine my future I created Candi Coated Secrets Facebook Group for people to know that they are not alone and to feel safe I changed how I saw working for someone else I started looking at employment as a resource that God has provided to assist me along the way My main goal is to work for myself full-time and be the change in the world that I want to see
What has been your biggest challenge/failure as an entrepreneur? And how do you deal with it?
My biggest challenge as an entrepreneur has been gaining exposure and building 3 platforms at the same time I'm self-taught and I'm the product for my business Building a talk show can be challenging sometimes Especially because I'm my toughest critic Out of my friends, I'm the only one that chose to pursue a talk show career They don't know much about it so I have to make sure I learn everything I can on my own When I need direction I meditate and ask God to guide my footsteps Which lead me to become an affiliate of Renew You Body Butters When you ' re just starting a business, not many people will support you and you have to do a lot of things on your own
When I met Kayshaun Brooks the owner of Renew You Body Butters, we spoke and I discovered we had so much in common I told her I was just star build my platform and without any he chance on me This opportunity has hel everyone isn ’ t caught up in wanting yo amount of followers or customers be you That is why I love being a part of She comes up with new ideas and diff keep the affiliates encourage
I deal with the challenges by not focu only focusing on where I am going attention to the numbers and started will align me with the people I need overall mission
How do you balance entrepreneurship and Motherhood without experiencing burnout while pursuing your passion?
I balance being an entrepreneur and a mother by meditating, giving myself a break, and lots of selfcare Meditating keeps me super balanced and focused because I am recharged Before I start each day I set my intentions of what I want to accomplish specifically for the day My daughter is an entrepreneur as well I believe that helps as well because she understands the process We also include one another in our process
What advice do you have for moms looking to get started In entrepreneurship?
The advice I have for mothers would be to do what makes your heart sing If you aren't able to see yourself doing it long term then don't even start It takes dedication and some days will be harder than others but keep going it will get better Make a schedule for the time you will spend working on your business and time with your family and friends Remember everything has to have a balance
What does being a Pretty Woman Who Hustles mean to you?
To me being a pretty woman who hustles means being confident, secure, and intentional To walk with my head high and wear my crown at all times
What books do you recommend for moms navigating entrepreneurship?
I recommend mom ' s to read :
A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson
The Four Agreements by Don Miquel Ruiz
You Are the Placebo by Dr Joe Dispenza
The Mastery of Self by Don Miguel Ruiz
Social Media Handles:
Instagram candicoatedsecrets
Facebook Candi Coated Secrets
YouTube Candi Coated Secrets
Twitter Candi Coated
Website: Talk Show - Candi Coated Secrets (https://candicoatedsecretscom/)
Yolonda Andrade is a Dallas, Texas native who is married with 5 boys Her heart is huge for others and filled with passion for her family, friends, and clients It only came natural for Yolonda to want to be in a field where she could be a positive impact on people It was in 2018, when Yolonda decided to find her calling by becoming a licensed massage therapist 2 years after graduating from massage school, Yolonda decided to take a leap of faith and open her business at Yolonda’s Swedish Touch where she specializes in Swedish massage At Yolonda’s Swedish Touch, it is Yolonda’s goal to make sure that each client has their own unique and customized experience during their session by using holistic techniques to relieve any muscle aches, discomfort, or any signs of stress
In January 2022, Yolonda became a part of Candace Holyfield’s Spa Boss Tribe While attending Sunday classes, Candace referred her members to Kayshaun Brooks to become an Affiliate Member of Renew You Body Butters Kayshauns brand immediately caught her eye because she had just started to explore the idea of adding products to bring expansion to her business and found Kayshaun’s organic skincare products to be exactly what she was looking for In March of 2022, Yolonda decided to purchase the products to try them out for herself before deciding to sell them to her clients
She loved the products Not only were the ingredients natural, simple, and effective, but left the skin feeling moisturized and so soft This was definitely a product that she could not wait to get in front of her family, friends, and clients Especially those that suffered from sensitive, dry skin or battled with certain skin conditions
Yolonda Andrade has enjoyed her partnership with Kayshaun Brooks because Kayshaun has been such a wonderful person to collaborate with for her massage therapy business She has gone out of her way to answer every question that Yolonda had during her beginning process of being one of her affiliates and stays very consistent with her support, ambition, and motivation to everyone that has the honor of being a part of this amazing brand Renew You Body Butters is a hidden gem of with organic skincare products and authentic affiliates ready to share their amazing results
Social Media Handles: linktree/yolondasswedishtouch
Instagramcom/yolondaswedishtouch
What inspired your start in entrepreneurship?
Honestly, my children were my inspiration to venture out and start my own business in massage therapy I spent a huge majority of time being a stay at home mom because I did not want to miss out on my children's early stages of life; their school events, their accomplishments, etc I always knew that I wanted to be present for every thing my boys did and I knew that working a 9 to 5 could not give me that flexibility I also wanted to be a great role model for my boys to look up to by showing them you can turn your dreams into a reality, no matter what that may be I want to make sure that when I am gone, that I will be able to leave something for all 5 of my boys to pass down for the next generation
What has been your biggest challenge/failure as an entrepreneur? And how do you deal with it?
My biggest challenge as an entrepreneur has definitely been trying to balance running a business, being a parent, a wife, keeping up with the chores, running errands, and doing it all fulltime I think that my biggest failure as an entrepreneur has been neglecting my own wellbeing at times When you are as busy as I am, it can be very difficult to prioritize self-care I do practice self care, but know that I definitely could use more of it The way that I deal with my challenges is simply through prayers and meditation Really As long as I keep a positive mindset no matter the circumstances, I am able to get through anything
How do you balance entrepreneurship and Motherhood without experiencing burnout while pursuing your passion?
Again, prayer and meditation I also find that waking up an hour early before everyone else really helps me to take some time to myself to just be in peace and quiet and sit in my positive thoughts to set my intentions and tone for the entire day Sometimes taking a personal day really helps me to avoid burnout as well
What advice do you have for moms looking to get started In entrepreneurship?
Do it As moms, we already are equipped to multitask and so it is only natural to us to be able to take on such a challenging, yet rewarding responsibility; very similar to motherhood
What does being a Pretty Woman Who Hustles mean to you?
I think that a pretty woman who hustles is an intelligent, ambitious, strong woman who is willing to work hard to reach her goals No matter the circumstances, her mindset stays laser focused, positive, and inspired by a healthy environment that surrounds her with a strong support system and values This is a woman who is not afraid to take on a challenge knowing that she is going to run into some obstacles, but does not let it stop her from her true calling and her passion
What books do you recommend for moms navigating entrepreneurship?
I recommend “Traction” by Dave Sullivan I was introduced to reading this book last year by Candace Holyfield when I joined her Facebook group and became a part of her Spa Boss Tribe I was truly motivated and inspired by reading this book and I think that this is a wonderful start for ladies that are just stepping into their journey of becoming an entrepreneur
It was actually through Candace Holyfield’s Facebook group that I learned about Renew You Body Butter Candace mentioned the brand several times and stood by Kayshaun’s organic skincare products The fact that it was all natural ingredients stood out to me and piqued my interest to further my research into Renew You Body Butters After reading about Kayshaun’s journey and checking out her website, I ordered her products to see if they were as effective as we were being told in the group They absolutely were My son suffered from eczema just like Kayshaun’s son so I loved the similarity with her story I also loved how my skin felt after using her daily routine regimen It was a no-brainer for me to join her Affiliate Program I knew this product was something that I wanted to share with others who were going through some of the same skin conditions I couldn’t wait to put the products in my office suite and tell my clients all about it In March of 2022, I became the 49th Affiliate of Renew You Body Butters and haven’t looked back since The products are now a part of me and my family’s daily/nightly routine I love the simplicity of the products and how the natural ingredients are blended in with just the right amount of healing for our skin I am truly thankful and honored to be a part of Kayshaun Brooks’s brand
Social Media Handles: linktree/yolondasswedishtouch
Instagramcom/yolondaswedishtouch
Author Brandie Pyburn-Smith graduated Cum Laude in 2021 from Independence University with a bachelor’s of science in Business Management with Emphasis in Human Resources She entered the master ’ s program at Capella University in General Psychology in 2022 She has since then began pursuing her studies at Liberty University to complete her masters degree in Ministry of Divinity with Pastoral Care
Author Brandie Pyburn-Smith has been recognized as an affiliate of Renew You Body Butter with CEO/ Founder Kayshaun Brooks {Holistic Pain & Trauma Warrior} since 2021 These courageous women are changing the cultural norms and leading others to stand boldly in their walk with God
Author Brandie Pyburn-Smith is truly an Inspiration and her Authenticity is making a remarkable contribution all over the world A true pillar of strength and inspiration in doing Kingdom works Globally and Internationally
Author Brandie Pyburn-Smith is the CEO/Founder & Executive Director of Sisterhood Through God’s Plan, Incorporated also known as STGP Inc which is a Christian Nonprofit Organization , International Motivational Speaker, Spiritual Life Coach, & Mentor based in the Dallas Fort Worth,TX area
She was recognized as Best Selling Author and Publisher of 2020 for “The Mess That Gifted The Messenger”, she’s been Featured in Shoutout DFW since 2020 She has also been featured in several other Global magazines, headlining Global articles and known for her International platform of Ministry through social media
Author Brandie Pyburn-Smith has earned and maintained active membership into numerous organizations including:
The International Society of Female Professionals
National Honor Society
Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology
The National Society of Collegiate Scholars
Professional Women in Business
Honsier Club (Honorary Member)
Theta Phi Sigma Christian Sorority
What inspired your start in entrepreneurship?
Having a passion to become an Independent Boss and a desire to collaborate with other Independent Bosses and become Affiliates Understanding the uniqueness of my Strengths, Talents and Gifts furthermore having a heart to want to help others survive and succeed
What has been your biggest challenge/failure as an entrepreneur?
The biggest challenge has been recovering from Covid and the Pandemic How do you deal with it? Searching for resources and affiliate opportunities that will benefit our purposes and causes Being involved in growing our community and helping others who are struggling with the same challenges in their businesses
How do you balance entrepreneurship and Motherhood without experiencing burnout while pursuing your passion?
Becoming an affiliate of Renew You Body Butter helps maintain Motherhood as well as balance entrepreneurship I have the opportunity to promote outside business opportunities while parenting and working my own business The affiliation has perks to help stretch areas I normally might be stressed out in The products are helping me relax , maintain, and enjoy life
What advice do you have for moms looking to get started In entrepreneurship?
Pray for your success but also research internally what you love and begin writing the vision Manifesting your dreams into reality is the ultimate goal! Remember the “Why” you started and allow that to keep you on full to keep going
What does being a Pretty Woman Who Hustles mean to you?
Being a Hustler is not always going to be pretty However being a BOSS who hustles as a woman makes you Pretty Intelligent, Pretty Authentic, and Pretty Unique! Hustling Women make being Pretty look easy!
What books do you recommend for moms navigating entrepreneurship? Books that help you navigate through life such as the Bible, Self Healing Books, and any book that will give you insight pertaining to your journey Researching what you need to start and maintain a successful business are the most helpful books you can read
ConnectOnline:
https//wwwbrandiepyburnsmithcom/?mibextid=Zxz2cZ
https//wwwstgpincorg/?mibextid=Zxz2cZ
https//openspotifycom/show/1YJMQG0iZaCSnCZpaCeB8u
IG:christianmotivationaspeaker
IG Author thegiftedmessengerbps
TwitterThegiftedmesse2
Twitter ThroughInc
IG SisterhoodThroughGodsPlan
YouTube AuthorBrandiePyburn-Smith 3
Cicely Dixon-Abron is a native of Phenix City, Alabama She has been a faithful and devoted educator for 20 years She is dedicated and committed to the vision of supporting all students Ms Abron is also the CEO and founder of E3 Enrichment Services This enrichment program started in 2013 and has served over 500 students in the bi-City area The program also has added these additional services for the community: 1) E3 Mentoring, 2) The Empowerment Magazine, 3) The Shedrick Dixon Educational Foundation, 4) The PEARLS Leadership Academy, 5) E3
Professional and Career Services and 6) E3 Consulting, Inc
She is a 1999 graduate of Alabama A&M University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Computer Science and a Master of Science in Computer Science
She continued her education at Alabama State University with a Master of Science in Mathematics Education and in July 2015, she completed a Masters of Education in Instructional Leadership and Educational Administration at Troy University
Among her other honors and affiliations are:
South Girard Teacher of the Year
MEA Gold Apple Award
Troy University Academic Merit Award
Scholarship Recipient
LaGayle/Betty Educational Foundation
Teacher Advocate Award
Educational Achievement for Alpha Kappa
Alpha Sorority (Rho Rho Omega Chapter)
Eco Latino Magazine Community Service Award
Honoree
Entrepreneur Award for Diamond Diva Magazine
Columbus Georgia Magazine Top 40 Under 40
LaGayle/Betty Community Member of the Year
Mary Jane Riley Educator Award
Top 5 under 40 for the Columbus/Valley Magazine
“She Matters” Award
Tuskegee University Builders Academy STEM teacher advocate
Columbus Times Newspaper Black Business Award Nominee
CGMBNA Community Service Award
Columbus Ledger-Enquirer Readers Choice Award Nominee
Discipleship Community Award
Black History Entrepreneur Award
Ms Abron is a servant leader that continues to make an impact in our community She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc and a board member of Girls Scouts of Georgia She is also a dedicated member at Gaines Chapel AME Church and is the proud mother of three kids: Mkiyah, Ciniyah, and Trent
What inspired your start in entrepreneurship?
In 2013, I wanted to make an impact on the lives of children in our community Being an educator, for 20 years, I was able to see the challenges of our children and the focus to help them become successful It has never been about money but merely being a servant leader to help make a positive impact in the community
What has been your biggest challenge/failure as an entrepreneur? And how do you deal with it?
The biggest challenge that I have encountered is not having enough volunteers to encompass my vision I dream big and have big expectations as it relates to allowing more opportunities for our youth
How do you balance entrepreneurship and Motherhood without experiencing burnout while pursuing your passion?
In the beginning, I was very burned out because I was not balanced with having three active kids in school activities, sports, church and so much more Honestly, the pandemic slowed me down It allowed me to create a balanced schedule by creating a calendar and learning to say “NO” to some projects I have 5 organizations and give each one a day or week Basically, I use strategic planning to help my business become successful and put in mommy time daily
What advice do you have for moms looking to get started In entrepreneurship?
Create a balance in the beginning and prioritize your goals Family is always first and learn to say “NO” if it ’ s going to interfere with your kids I’ve learned that you can ’ t get that time back so make many memories now If your job is 8 to 4, then your kids deserve the rest of your day
What does being a Pretty Woman Who Hustles mean to you?
A woman who works hard and is committed to the goal of taking her business, kids, community, family, etc A woman who makes sure she is inspiring, encouraging, and has a walk of integrity Pretty to me is what’s on the inside! It’s important to be that Proverbs 31 Virtuous Woman, “she openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised Give her the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates ”
Nicole Nunez is a licensed Financial Consultant, also known as The Working Professional’s Finance Specialist” She helps Women who have found a second chance in life but now need a second chance with their finances to grow their income & solidify their retirement This will help them enjoy their newfound lifestyle on their own terms, without having to ask for permission!
She recently added the title of Podcast Creator/Host, Momager and Author to her resume Her new Children's book titled: Travel Adventures With Kai: My First Plane Ride, follows the adventures of her 17 month old son (Kai) Kai has been traveling internationally since he was an infant and is an amazing little travel buddy Nicole loves to spend her free time with her son and husband, creating new adventures
What inspired your start in entrepreneurship?
I have been an entrepreneur since 3rd grade I had a general store called the N&N store, where we sold cards and candy I was a partner lol
What has been your biggest challenge/failure as an entrepreneur? And how do you deal with it?
The biggest challenge for me has been comparison to others and their business and not seeing enough value in my intellectual property as well as services In layman's terms "Overthinking" I've started to trust God, myself, and the process As long as I have pure intentions and do the work, everything will fall into place
How do you balance entrepreneurship and Motherhood without experiencing burnout while pursuing your passion?
I believe since age five, I have been doing it so long, that I just built the baby into the business, lol I don't really think about burnout but I also am learning to focus a lot more on self-care and balance It also helps that one of my main businesses is built around and for the baby
What advice do have for moms looking to get started In entrepreneurship? Make and plan and then go for it DO NOT LISTEN TO SOCIAL MEDIA and DO NOT QUIT YOUR 9-5(initially or at all if you don't need You cannot fully work in your craft while worrying about where or how you ' re going to pay your bills Before I was laid off, my 9-5 was what I used to fund my businesses and I loved it It was extra, so why not
I am now realizing that it was hindering me in a form of complacency but that literally just happened You have to move and plan based on your personal situation, not anyone else's It is very rare to get rich overnight Things will not always be pretty but it will always be worth it Also, do not try to "free" your way to everything You need to invest in your self-development and business if you want someone to spend money with you The universe reciprocates activity You can't charge me top dollar (or any dollar) if you have not invested to make your business legitimate (whatever that looks like)
What does being a Pretty Woman Who Hustles mean to you?
A PWWH to me, means that you are not losing yourself while you ' re hustling and getting your business together You know what you have to do and you remain "pretty" while doing it no matter how "ugly" the situation is
What books do you recommend for moms navigating entrepreneurship? The 12 Week Year by Brian Moran, How to Win Friends and Influence People, It's Me Again Lord
Learn more about her new business at wwwtravellikekaicom
Social media:
IG: @travellikekai
TikTok: @travellikekai
Facebook: @travellikekai
website: www travellikekai com
K R E S H A Y
K Reshay is a self-published author, poet, and playwright She was a featured author and moderator at the 2022 NATIONAL Book Club Conference in Atlanta, GA
In 2017, her debut book series “Appearances,” provoked readers to examine the people amongst their circles
As the President and Founder of the Me Time Book Club, she has participated in several book and community service events throughout the years The goal of her book club is to promote literacy within the community
Her latest standalone novel “All Things Work Out Well,” depicts the heartbreaking story of tragedy and triumph between two friends In addition, she has released two stage plays and a children’s book coauthored with her two sons
Currently, she is finishing up her new novel, “Committed ” She is also working on her personal travel memoir “African American Girl Lost ” This memoir outlines her personal journey of selfdiscovery during her first visit to West Africa She is also working on another children's book and a new novel
She resides in Alabama with her husband and two sons
Accomplishments:
-Oral Diktion Academy Author of the Year
March 6, 2021
-Featured Author at The National Book Club Conference in Atlanta 2022
-Me Time Book Club President & Founder established in 2011
-Host of Behind the Ink, a premiere book signing event featuring New York Times best-selling and local authors
If you had to describe yourself in five words, what would they be and why?
Crazy, Sexy, Cool, Hustler, Savvy, Organized These words describe my personality and business model
When did you discover your passion for writing and sharing stories?
I began writing short stories at the age of eight
Can you reflect back on your childhood, can you remember the first person that introduced you to the world of writing?
When I was in the 4th grade, I was introduced to a creative program called VIVA This program was designed to enhance gifted kids in a creative way The teachers always encouraged me to go beyond the norm and think outside of the box
Tell us about your debut book series "Appearances", and how did this project come about?
Appearances is a drama-filled suspense series about the lengths people will go to hide their true selves I was inspired by the poem, “We Wear the Mask,” by Paul Laurence Dunbar. This was a modern take on it I wrote a few pages years prior and finally started writing it in 2016
You also have several other novels "All things work out well" and "Committed, what message remains true within the pages of all of your work? I like to write characters that are relatable and I like to take my readers on an emotional roller coaster I’ve noticed that writing gets easier with each project
Tell us about your organization, The Me Time Book Club, how can new readers become a part of this community?
I founded this book club in the Summer of 2011 It originally was a small club but eventually expanded and became more organized and community-based New readers are welcome to join us on our social media channels
Being able to author a book with your children is a dream for most authors, what was this experience like for you all?
This experience has been amazing! My boys attended several book events and then eventually wanted to write their own This journey has allowed them to understand what it means to actually create a lucrative business and helps them understand what it means to be successful So far, we ’ ve written four books together for our, “Growing Up Dregs,” book series
Tell us about your upcoming Travel Memoir, what can your supporters expect from this book?
“African American Girl Lost,” with a forward written by Author Curtis Bunn depicts my experience traveling to Ghana for the first time My supporters can expect a very raw and emotional account of my experience It’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever written this far
You have experienced many accomplishments in your career, what has been the highlight of them all? My biggest accomplishment had to be being a featured author at The National Book Club Conference Being able to stand in the room with some of the greats was an experience I’ll never forget
I’d like to see my work on the big screen As a playwright, several of my plays have been performed and it’s an amazing experience to see the characters I create come to life
What advice do you have for the next generation of authors?
Always remain focused and true to yourself Don’t be too eager and don’t be afraid to ask questions
What is your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles?
A pretty woman who hustles is very sure of herself and her goals She doesn’t allow anything to stand in her way to achieve her dreams She has the drive, determination, and courage to succeed
Connect With K Reshay
Social Media Handles:
Instagram: K.Reshay
Facebook: Author K Reshay
Website: https://kreshay weebly com/
She is the proud owner of Pretty Legendary, a mobile skincare experience that brings beauty straight to your doorstep and the founder of Beauty is only STEM Deep, a non-profit that exposes young minds to the awesome STEM principles found in the beauty industry
As she enters her 20th year in the beauty industry, she’s working to leave her mark by combining her beauty, business, and education
What inspired your start in entrepreneurship?
Needing to have control of my schedule I didn’t like having to worry about my job being in jeopardy if I had to leave and get my sick kid at school
What has been your biggest challenge/failure as an entrepreneur? And how do you deal with it?
Timmeka is an esthetician, makeup artist, and educator As a dedicated educator, she loves imparting knowledge and skills to the next generation of beauty professionals Her profession as an esthetician allows her to help others feel more confident in their own skin As a mother, she enjoys watching her kids grow and flourish into amazing individuals And as a makeup artist, she loves bringing out the natural beauty of each person she works with
Biggest challenge was being afraid to start and being afraid to fail I had to remember to lead by example I can ’ t tell my kids to try before they quit and I do the exact opposite My biggest failure has been not believing in my ability to succeed I deal by knowing faith and fear can ’ t coexist Also by making decisions off of facts and my values keeps me from having regrets!
How do you balance entrepreneurship and Motherhood without experiencing burnout while pursuing your passion?
At one point it felt like I was living 2 lives as a mom and another as a business owner I was overwhelmed burned out a feeling guilty I decided to use my business as a tool to teach my children I have found that it helped them understand the work that I have to put in to providing for our family My kids know we are a team and I couldn’t do it without them!
What advice do have for moms looking to get started In entrepreneurship?
Start where you are What is a problem you face and found a solution to it? Can the solution be a or service a product? If so do it, market it and make it happen!!
What does being a Pretty Woman Who Hustles mean to you?
A Pretty Woman that Hustles is one that stays true to their values while taking on the world!
What books do you recommend for moms navigating entrepreneurship?
Everything is Figureaboutable by Marie Forleo, Slay the Day by Sandi Grant, Fit Fine and Fabulous by Dr Laureen Wishom and books by Terri Savell Foy
Social Media Handles
@iamprettylegendary
@beautyisonlystemdeep
Website
iamprettylegendary com
Beautyisonlystemdeep com
Based in the US, Champagne aka Sharon Terry was born and raised in Rochester, NY A renaissance woman of sorts: author, screenwriter, actress, motivational speaker, executive producer, entrepreneur, and model Her recent acting credits include the role of 'Vanessa' in a comedy by Unc Trent, "I'll Drink To That", "Living the Dream"(film), and a web series "in Between recently "The Goddess Part 1" "Blissful Lust Part 2" and Jobs" penned an urban fiction release "Dark Memories" Crossover" anthologies Champagne, the author of The Goddess of Lust, Love & Infatuation
Her credits include prominent radio66 shows: Gatsby Show, The Beautiful Butterfly Radio on the following the program, Vibration Radio, Good Deeds interviews
The "DJ Radio, On the Rise Radio, Highly Unique Radio, Face the Reality Radio, The Authors Show, African Online Broadcasting, Big Body Broadcasting, The Situation WXIR 1009, HOT914 & TPN Live, along with media personalities Seleah Simone & Nikki Rich"
Champagne has been nominated twice as "Author of The Year" in the "Rocawards" "Top Female Author of 2019" &the "Author Academy Awards" This talented lady is also a published print &runway model through Hass Entertainment She has graced the stages of several high-profile fashion shows Elegance &"The Summit" in New York City, during world-renowned Fashion Week Last but not least, she is a sought-after motivational speaker Sheer talent & hard work live here, through the visions of this that include
"The Night of Room, amazing woman All of these accomplishments have allowed Champagne to open her own publishing company known as Champagne Books LLC Stay tuned for more developments
What inspired your start in entrepreneurship?
There were a few events that encouraged me to become an entrepreneur, but the one that stood out the most was turning my pain into purpose What I mean by that, I lost everything that mattered to me at that time I needed time off to handle my personal business, but I would have to be pre-approved for vacation time My employer was not empathetic at all Also, my father had a terrible motor vehicle accident, and he was forced to retire a few years early After working for one company for 38 consecutive years, they did not want to honor his retirement We had to fight them for his money At that point, I knew I wanted to be in charge of my own destiny
What has been your biggest challenge/failure as an entrepreneur? And how do you deal with it? Thus far marketing has been my greatest challenge Learning to promote and brand yourself can be difficult if you don't know where to start I have failed to attempt to do things that were not familiar to me I had to learn to have grace and patience for myself, all while doing the work and researching
How do you balance entrepreneurship and Motherhood without experiencing burnout while pursuing your passion? The only reason I didn't burn out was because I actually took time for myself The metaphor " Hard work pays off" actually meant working smarter for me I would work 6-7 hours per day Monday through Friday, giving myself the weekend off to actually spend quality time with my children I squeezed those hours whenever I could, as long as I stuck to my 6-7 hours
What advice do you have for moms looking to get started In entrepreneurship? My advice for any mother wanting to be an entrepreneur is this, " Work diligently with your business but give yourself patience and grace Success comes with time and experience
What does being a Pretty Woman Who Hustles mean to you? A pretty woman who hustles means to me; someone who is fierce inside and outside She knows whom and who she is, as well as what she wants She makes BOSS moves, building her own success story or legacy
What books do you recommend for moms navigating entrepreneurship? Wow, this could be tough because I have read a lot of books There were two that affected me and helped me change the way I perceived certain things The two were RICH DAD\POOR DAD and THE MAGIC OF THINKING BIG
social media handlesAuthoress Champagne- Twitter, Instagram Sharon Champagne
Terry- Tiktok, Facebook, Linkedin, Alignability
Kaija is a widow and a mother of six (LaNeay, Raynard, Richaud, Kaija, Kendall, and Roland)
What inspired your start in entrepreneurship?
My inspiration comes from the desire to be innovative The determination to create a thriving business, gainful employment, and a legacy for the generations of Packs to come
What has been your biggest challenge/failure as an entrepreneur?
My biggest challenge was expecting people to believe in my dream Then accept the fact that my dream is no one elses responsibility My biggest failure was not believing in myself and being afraid to fail
And how do you deal with it?
I understand failure is not final I realize that challenges create champions I operate by working smart I believe in myself because I have earned my respect and I no longer need to be validated
Kaija Pack has more than two decades of experience serving children and individuals in need of love and support As a devoted mother, mentor, and foster care professional, she saw the transformative power of alternative therapies for people of all ages and wanted to find a fun and unique way to share these benefits with others In 2021, Kaija made her dream a reality and founded Break Life, an award-winning facility that has been voted the #1 Rage Room In Houston for two years and counting!
What does being a Pretty Woman Who Hustles mean to you?
I had the awesome pleasure of answering this question before and I stand firmly on my words: someone gets up after a loss and figures out how to win She has the heart of a lion, the soul of a Champion, the resilience of the Tardigrades, and the Spirit of an Angel A woman, inside, and out A woman who loves herself and others, who believes in herself and others, who is willing to help herself and others A pretty woman has more than a beautiful body or a pretty face, A pretty woman who hustles has a solid foundation and a "killa" mentality I AM A PRETTY WOMAN WHO HUSTLES
What books do you recommend for moms navigating entrepreneurship?
The Mountain Is You (Brianna Weist)
The Most Powerful Woman in the Room is You (Lydia Fenet)
Finding Me (Viola Davis)
FB and IG Breaklifehouston
wwwbreaklifehoustoncon
Akilah Roberts is a Rochester Native and owns her own Business titled Phenomenal Expressions After 15 years of being in the workforce, she is finally allowing her childhood dream to flourish by becoming an Author From Educator to Writer, her experiences over the years have given her the keys to becoming a great Entrepreneur As a self publishing Author, she provides literacy for all ages Her books are to inspire and motivate but can also be used for entertainment purposes
Akilah helps other writers with book coaching, anthology opportunities and book editing services She provides copy editing, structural editing and proofreading at a flat rate Akilah also contributes to an online magazine as well; writing monthly columns for entrepreneurs of all kinds on the rise and looking for promotion services Phenomenal Expressions is a business and brand that provides a message to find a purpose The motto is to be expressive in your beliefs, goals and motives
Understanding that having and sharing your beliefs creates a foundation The art of writing and reading is very fundamental to the way the body processes thoughts and motivates you to do the work Writing can also be used as a therapeutic method to allow a release of stress from self Phenomenal Expressions promotes healthy workshops and creates anthologies to allow this process to happen “Speak it, Write it, Do it!!”
Her titles include; Olivia's School Choice
A Friend's Keepsake
The Curves of her Smile
The Miseducation of Becoming an Adult Anthology Series
All books are available via Amazon Her anthology series is a continuum and produces a book of different topics every year Outside of her business she is a mother of two, who loves working with the youth in her community
What inspired your start in entrepreneurship?
Most jobs simply don’t fit my creativity Becoming an Author was the best thing to do for myself Not only was it a childhood dream of mine, but I had learned all the different ways I could generate income from doing so
What has been your biggest challenge/failure as an entrepreneur? And how do you deal with it?
Speed The notion that money just suppose to fall into my lap because what I have built is beneficial to everyone I had realized my second year as an
official business owner, it takes time The journey is what makes it rewarding I had to change my mind Now my foundation is built on the art of what I do and not on the profit alone Soon my belief is everyone will start to see the beauty in what I believe, and money won ’ t be a problem
How do you balance entrepreneurship and Motherhood without experiencing burnout while pursuing your passion?
Having daily conversations with God to allow me the time to do what I love and still be a good mother Keeping my kids busy with all the things they love to do has been a life saver But yes, it does get exhausting some days Kids demanding my attention, but my focus is on creating and writing I set some time aside to do arts and crafts, TikTok videos and outside activities
What advice do have for moms looking to get started in entrepreneurship?
My advice would be to do what works for the family as a whole If that doesnt work, do what’s best for you and the family will adjust Create a schedule and plan accordingly
What does being a Pretty Woman Who Hustles mean to you?
Being Pretty is a way you speak, walk and think When you are a solid individual, being able to create multiple forms of income should come naturally A hustler to me is a person who doesn’t give up and creates their own lane in life
What books do you recommend for moms navigating entrepreneurship?
As an Author and Editor, I believe that best book is a book that you create yourself Everyone has a unique story that should be shared and could help other moms thrive Instead of looking for a superwoman Become superwoman Sharing testimonies through words of wisdom If you are not ready, Sarah Jakes Roberts and Michelle Obama are two women that every woman could learn from, and both come from two different backgrounds
She can be located on her facebook page; Phenomenal Expressions and Instagram page as @quietstormauthorThe confidence coach speaks about her parents and how they planted seeds of confidence in her In return she's doing that for her clients "speak, Inspire and Educate" are top priorities for her on her mission to reach people and help them build confidence
In alignment with Michelle's mission she is an author of a children's book called 'Captain Confidence Saves the Day' Her work doesn't stop there, she is known to be found volunteering; speaking to women in homeless shelters for l on 1 confidence coaching with hopes of helping them get back into the world by their own accord Speaking to the youth is one of her biggest passions as well
The maven of confidence is even an award winner and rightfully so Recently she received and award for helping and empowering the community: an award that was well deserved Not that Michelle needs it but maybe it gave her an extra boost of confidence
(Written
By: Kenya WellsMcClain)What inspired your start in entrepreneurship?
When speaking to Michelle the author is self-assured and demonstrates poise You would never guess she once lacked confidence It's almost hard to believe considering she is now a public speaker author and confidence coach Did I mention all while managing her "I Am a Brand" business?
Inquiring minds want to know: how did you do it? Archable explains she was insecure growing up A teenage plight most people can relate to including Michelle Archable's own daughter which was a motivating point for her
What inspired me to start entrepreneurship is my father who was an entrepreneur My father, Jerry Archable was a real estate broker and had his own real estate called Archable Real Estate
What has been your biggest challenge/failure as an entrepreneur? And how do you deal with it?
My biggest challenge has been focusing I am a very creative person, and my mind is always creating I had to realize that you have to implement your idea or have a team that helps to implement and execute
How do you balance entrepreneurship and Motherhood without experiencing burnout while pursuing your passion?
I balance motherhood because I allocate time for my children I have a 2-year-old and a 20-year-old I also have help from my wife, LaMorra Davis-Archable who gives me the time to be an entrepreneur However, motherhood is a priority for me
What advice do you have for moms looking to get started In entrepreneurship?
The advice I have for moms is to know your “WHY” Why do you want to be an entrepreneur? Are you an entrepreneur for your children? Also, outline a time management system that incorporates selfcare, mommy time and business time As a confidence coach, I tell my clients to use their phone and set up an alarm for yourself, your children, and your business
What does being a Pretty Woman Who Hustles mean to you?
I AM a Pretty Woman that Hustle The meaning to me is I am Pretty, but no one knows the experience I have been through in life Visually I didnt let things tear me4 down physically that could have resulted in my appearance Secondly, I am an innovative, confident, and consistent woman who hustles I hustle for the legacy that I want to leave to my family
What books do you recommend for moms navigating entrepreneurship?
The book that I recommend for moms navigating entrepreneurship is my two books,
5 ways to Boost your Self-Confidence Now! and Growing your Self-Confidence Easy
Both books focus on the individual person and how experience and life can impact your self-confidence, but it provides 5 easy steps to boost your self-confidence It is very important that moms have Self-Confidence because it will be important in being a mom If a mom is not happy with herself, they will not be able to pour in the love that the child needs The two books can be purchased at https://confidenceiseverythingsellfystore
Instagram: michellecaptainconfidence
Instagram: authentic motivators
Website: https://confidenceiseverythingsellfystore
A thought leader and advocate of experiential learning and character education, Joahna is a wife and a mother to her 11-year-old son, whom she has been raising through intentional parenting and ownschooling She is a recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023 and the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022, and has been named one of the Whos Who Top Educators in 2022 and one of the Who’s Who Top Professional Women in 2023
Joahna’s achievements stem from her raw beginnings, from being a Psychology student to graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Multimedia Arts Having a heart for the arts, she formed a MultiMedia Arts company prior to graduating college, which garnered notable local and international clients within a decade She further gained professional expertise in the field of entrepreneurship, taking consulting, executive, marketing, editorial, and social media management, for companies in the Philippines, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, and in several states in the USA She also curated art exhibits for Filipino artists as well as for a collective of international architects, whose sustainable designs were displayed at MIT for a notable climate change project
In 2010, she accepted a teaching job as a MultiMedia Arts professor for her alma mater, De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde, and also taught a Communication & Collaboration class for middle schoolers in a community school for homeschoolers She contributed to the field of education by creating curriculums and designing instruction for an international school in the Philippines as well as for the Philippine Department of Education between 2010 and 2017
In 2017, Joahna earned a position as a Special Education Teacher at a Native American school district in Arizona From her desire to meet the constant developments in the field, she studied Special Education and has taken up a master ’ s degree in Educational Management Through her profession in education, she contributed to her district and community by creating community immersion programs and designing instruction for the Positive Behavior and Support (PBIS) program and also served as a Curriculum Director for Parent Led Academy, a member of the Arizona Education Department (AZED) Data Review Committee, and a member of the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program ’ s Parent Advisory Council between 2017 and 2022
Her passionate pursuits for the love of lifelong learning led her to be a speaker in the Leadership Experience Tour (2023), Project World School Summit (2023), Traveling Teachers Summit (2022), Kennedy Center Office of VSA and Accessibility (2022), National Arts Educators Association Conference (2021), Neuroscience in the Classroom Conference (2021), and Whiteriver Unified School District’s 2020 summer professional development and SY 2020-2021 preservice She has also authored in the bestselling book WORLD SCHOOLERS: Innovative Parents Turning Countries into Classrooms as well as in LET presents Stories of the Worlds Greatest Speakers Volume 1
Ms Tupas excels as the Founder and Chief Advocate of School in a Backpack since 2015, through which she created School by the Shore and encouraged learners to partake in the environment as part of their educational experience As a mentor and consultant, she also conducts workshops for parents and educators through her programs Wunderparents, refraME, and Ownschooling
101 Joahna owns TropicalSwells, a brand under travel agencies holding company Inteletravel, wherein she facilitates experiential learning-based travel opportunities in the Philippines, US, UK, and around the globe for worldschoolers and travel enthusiasts Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA)
With regard to her philanthropic activities, Joahna has been serving as an officer of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) since the mid-2000s Through nonprofit My Shelter Foundation, she participated as a Co-Director of an international design competition for sustainable schools in the Philippines in 2006 and as a Media Director for Design Against the Elements (DAtE) in 2010, which both celebrated its success with respective events in the Philippine Malacanang Palace Since 2001, she has been volunteering to serve community-based programs for local governments and nonprofits, as well as faith-based ministries in churches and nonprofits both in the Philippines and the USA
She has been serving as a Vice President for the International Women Artists (IWA) in New York since 2022
While Joahna’s accomplishments seem full, it is nevertheless far from stagnation, as she continues to be a speaker, author, and coach focused on raising up a generation of courageous leaders, sparking the inspirational social campaign Courage Project available through schoolinabackpackcom
Above all these, Joahna is first and foremost a purposeful parent to her only child, Samuel Her real mission in life is to raise him as a confident, courageous, and compassionate individual This motivates her to promote joyful learning, traveling, exploring, and yes, creating
What inspired your start in entrepreneurship?
My parents are both entrepreneurs My dad, most especially, has ingrained an entrepreneurial mindset in me, while my mom emphasized the importance of people in the process of business They were both very supportive in the pursuit of their children's interests, dreams, and ambitions They have also provided several opportunities for us to practice business sense while still young I officially launched my multimedia arts business in 2003 even before graduating college Now in the US, after 5 years of teaching as a certified teacher, I officially launched my business within the education industry in October 2022
What has been your biggest challenge/failure as an entrepreneur? And how do you deal with it?
After a year of doing business on my own, my company catering to multimedia arts freelancers has grown and transitioned into a corporation After another 3 years, the corporation experienced a split at board level The split caused a division in clientele as well I decided to dissolve the partnerships and form affiliates instead with those that were interested to continue with the company This innovation in structure proved fruitful as the company grew in both client numbers AND in affiliate partners in the industry for another 5 years
How do you balance entrepreneurship and Motherhood without experiencing burnout while pursuing your passion?
Having priorities is important, and my family is my priority I officially closed my multimedia arts company when I started a family While raising my son, I worked as a full time consultant for various clients local and abroad in the fields of multimedia, social media, tech, and creative writing As my clients grew, I hired staff to delegate tasks and eventually birthed a grass-roots business catering to virtual assistants in 2012 Aside from having priorities, time management is also important - learning my family's rhythm and creating a routine around it was helpful in making sure that all needs of both family and business were met As my top priority merged with management when I decided to take ownership of my son ' s education This merger brought about the perfect balance between entrepreneurship and motherhood, as well as with the pursuit of my passions to travel, teach, and write -- School in a Backpack, which officially launched in 2015, is all about experiential learning and character education, allowing students to remain curious, keep exploring, and encouraging experiencing life to the fullest by having Courage 1st
What advice do have for moms looking to get started In entrepreneurship?
Be clear with your intention: what is the "why" behind your pursuit? Be purposeful with your planning and your actions: how do they contribute to you, to your family, to society, and to the next generation? Momtrepreneurs are passionate, so do not lose sight of that virtue in you
What does being a Pretty Woman Who Hustles mean to you?
A Pretty Woman Who Hustles is someone who is radiating confidence inside and out She is brave & beautiful, compassionate & courageous, daring, effective, fierce, and a goddess in her own right
What books do you recommend for moms navigating entrepreneurship?
Strengths Finder by Tom Rath, 7 Habits of Effective People by Stephen Covey, Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren, Start with Why by Simon Sinek, and Grit by Angela Duckworth Also check out Stories of the World's Greatest Speakers under Shawn Fair LET and World Schoolers: Innovative Parents Turning Countries into Classrooms, both books I am a co-author for respectively
Social media handles:
Website: schoolinabackpackcom
Email: hello@schoolinabackpackcom
facebookcom/joahnatupas instagramcom/joahnatupas youtubecom/janaetupas
Monique Duell is the mother of 2 sons, advocate, international speaker, preacher of the gospel, author, and Host of the Having a Moment With Moni Podcast and Radio Show Monique is the Founder of This Ability LLC, an organization that provides advocacy, education, support, and resources for special needs families in Prince Georges County MD Monique is an advocate She participated in the Arc of Maryland Partners in Policymaking Advocacy Program, which prepares individuals to be effective advocates at the local, state, and federal levels
Monique was featured on the PIC TV Network’s firstever virtual book fair, which streams on Roku TV In addition to TV, Monique has been interviewed and featured on several platforms internationally and locally, including Testimony Tuesday with Prophetess Venesia Williams and Inspiring Women for Aspiring Women with Stella K both in the UK, 1 Billion Brave Show With Domo Jones, Bust a Move With Pam Reece, Wandas Warriors Live with Wanda Briscoe, Kingdom Talk Broadcast with Dr Nicckay Natson and Broken But Not Bruised with Prophetess Monica Floyd, just to name a few Monique’s poem, Mother, Mother was featured in Stellar Woman Magazine’s first Christmas Edition in December 2022 Monique was also featured in Faith Heart Magazines Women Who Are Changing the Face of Ministry” in November 2021 and Legacy in the Making Magazine as a, “Brilliant Author” in 2014 She has been a contributing writer and content creator for Many Kind Regards, Complex Child Magazine, Parenting Special Needs Magazine and Special Shades of Color Monique received rave reviews for her in-depth presentation, ‘Caregiver CPR’ at the Faith and Mental Health Summit 2022, about recognizing and preventing caregiver burnout
Monique served as the Associate Pastor of Gods End Time Deliverance Ministries in Baltimore, Maryland under the leadership of Apostles Philip and Verna Williams Monique is a multi-award recipient Black Girlz Rock is presented Monique with the ‘Shero’ award in March 2023 In November 2022, The President and CEO of The PIC TV Network, Dr David Evans, presented her with the Community Heroes Award in November 2022
Monique also received the SISTERS Award for Encouragement that same month In 2016, Monique received the Grace Girl Award in the ‘She Overcomes’ category by Lady Trina Jenkins during FBCG’s He Loves Me Women’s Conference for her perseverance in overcoming extreme hardships Her riveting show, Having a Moment with Moni gives us a raw, transparent, and intimate look into her life as she navigates life as a special needs parent and caregiver for her youngest son Jeremiah, an adult living with cerebral palsy Her radio show airs every Friday at 10 EST on Hod Radio Network from Benin, Nigeria The podcast streams weekly on all major platforms, including Apple Podcasts, iHeart, and Spotify
What inspired your start in entrepreneurship? What inspired me to entrepreneurship was recognizing that God placed too much on the inside of me to just settle for a 9-5 profession for the rest of my life I was built for more and it was evident from the moment I wrote my first book
What has been your biggest challenge/failure as an entrepreneur? And how do you deal with it? My biggest challenge is fear of the unknown There’s always the what can I do better question in the back of my mind to prevent failure I deal with it by remembering who God says I am, believing what God says I can do and by executing the vision God has given me
How do you balance entrepreneurship and Motherhood without experiencing burnout while pursuing your passion?
As a mother who has survived caregiver burnout, I’ve learned to balance entrepreneurship and motherhood by setting boundaries and saying NO Choosing yourself is not selfish You cannot pour into others when you ’ re empty and depleted God, your family, friends and business deserve the best of you, not what’s left of you!
What advice do you have for moms looking to get started In entrepreneurship?
Just do it! Youve taken chances your whole life, some against your better judgment Dont allow fear to rob you of your blessing and your legacy
You got this! You are the answer to someone else’s deliverance
What does being a Pretty Woman Who Hustles mean to you?
Being a pretty woman who hustles means that my gift, when I’m fully persuaded that I have it by faith, attractively makes room for me and brings me before great men when I execute it diligently
What books do you recommend for moms navigating entrepreneurship?
I would recommend Things Black People Arent
Taught by Raymond K Boseman, You Owe You by Eric Thomas, PhD and Developing the Leader in You 20 by John C Maxwell
Follow Monique on these social media platforms:
Facebook: Monique Duell/This Ability
Linked In: Monique Duell
IG: @msdeereign
Youtube: Monique Duell
Wisdom App: Monique Duell
Clubhouse: Monique Duell
For more info about This Ability, check out their website: linktree/moniqueduell
LR Wilson is the Owner and Founder of LR Wilson Consulting LLC which specializes in personal and professional development She is an International Motivational Speaker and prides herself on assisting clients with becoming their best selves in every arena they show up
As a Keynote Speaker, she brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and confidence to every stage that will ignite a fire of confidence in all who are present
What inspired your start in entrepreneurship? What inspired me to start in entrepreneurship were the many women I encountered who had the same story I did and didn't think they had a voice as it relates to empowering themselves
What has been your biggest challenge/failure as an entrepreneur? And how do you deal with it?
My biggest challenge has been doing everything myself Marketing content connections applying for grants etc I deal with it one day at a time and I understand the vision was given to me not them I'm very particular about what goes out with my name on it because I'm my brand
How do you balance entrepreneurship and Motherhood without experiencing burnout while pursuing your passion?
Oh if I'm being totally transparent, which I always will be, burnout does happen Any mother/entrepreneur that says differently is intriguing to me because I need to know the secret Anything you ' re passionate about you tend to go harder for each day There are late nights and early mornings when I work on my business Juggling the responsibilities of parenting is a lot but also necessary A balance is essential so you don't have " as much" burnout and you know when you ' re tired so stop for that moment You have to listen to your body or best believe your body will speak louder and shut down to replenish I've experienced it and it's not fun
What advice do you have for moms looking to get started In entrepreneurship?
The advice I would give is GO FOR IT! If you don't, you'll regret it There is no "right" time but there is a "perfect" time and things will flow effortlessly as you get started That's not to say there won't be bumps along the way, because there will be The beauty in going for it is the feeling of ownership of your craft and passion
What does being a Pretty Woman Who Hustles mean to you?
A Pretty Woman Who Hustles means to me someone who is Confident, Fearless, Resourceful, and a Go Getter!
What books do you recommend for moms navigating entrepreneurship?
Walking in My Purpose is a book that I'm a contributing author to and sell on my website If you want something that inspires, is transparent, and takes you on a journey to this entrepreneur life this is the one! I'm not just saying this because I'm part of the collaboration either I'm not that type of person and go with what's real The second one I would recommend is The Perfect Day to Boss Up by Rick Ross This one will keep you humble and successful!
Social Media Handles: Website: wwwlrwilsonnet
https://wwwfacebookcom/LR-WilsonEmpowerment-Coach-104876641204588/
https://wwwlinkedincom/in/latoya-wilson12a78b1b3https://wwwlinkedincom/in/latoyawilson-12a78b1b3
https://wwwinstagramcom/lrwilson
Jackson’s passion for entrepreneurship ignited during the 10 years she spent managing shopping malls in Alabama and Georgia This was followed by her sixyear stint working for the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED) While at DBED, she led the policy development effort to create the InvestMaryland program, a first-of-its-kind legislative initiative that raised $84 million for seed and early-stage companies In addition, Jackson led the Agency’s first division focused on innovation and entrepreneurship and created the InvestMaryland Challenge, the state ’ s first international business competition From 2012 to 2015, Jackson helped the state award close to $2 million in cash and in-kind prizes to high-tech start-up companies from across the US and abroad
Michelle D Jackson is the CEO/President of PR Solutions LLC, an award-winning strategic marketing and public relations firm She is the founder of two subsidiaries Direct2Authorcom, an online selfpublished book marketplace, and the i Invest National Youth Business Competition In addition, she is the Executive Director of LifeSkills Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) organization based in New Orleans, LA dedicated to youth and youth entrepreneurship, a 3x published author and the founder of the Black Writers Workspace, an online community of over 15,000 black writers and avid readers
She published her first book, The Heart of a Man, a Christian fiction novel, in 2010 In 2014, the book was awarded a top prize in The Author's Zone Annual Writer's Competition, General Fiction Category She was also the recipient of the Princeton Literary Review Gold Standard Her second novel, From Darkness to Night: Book One - Family Secrets, was released in 2020 It was selected as an AwardWinning Finalist in the American Book Fest's Fiction: African-American category of the 2020 Best Book Awards In 2022, she released her third book, Poppi Makes Cajun Popcorn Magic: The 10-Step Guide to Building a Successful Food Startup, a graphic novel based in New Orleans crafted to teach young entrepreneurs how to launch a business
Jackson was a contributing writer for The Mount Christian Lifestyle Magazine in Pittsburgh and has
had articles published in Essence Magazine, Biz Magazine New Orleans, Nia Magazine, CityBusiness New Orleans, and many other print and online publications She was selected as a Martha's Vineyard Institute of Creative Writing Fellow
In 2016, Jackson created i Invest, a sixmonth web-based competition and mentoring program designed to showcase the innovative ideas of aspiring entrepreneurs, 13-19 years old Since its inception, i Invest has trained over 25 teams from across the country and awarded $50K in prizes Participants have raised over $250K in pre-seed funding, hired staff, enrolled in the best business schools in the nation, and received ongoing media coverage for their ventures In 2020, Jackson, working on behalf of the LifeSkills Foundation, launched the Tech2Talent Career Expo to help youth and young adults in Louisiana learn about tech training and job opportunities
Jackson is the wife of a retired military officer and has one son She has a Bachelors degree in communications from The University of Alabama and Master's of Public Administration from Central Michigan University
What inspired your start in entrepreneurship?
I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur I remember visiting the only Black-owned grocery store in my hometown of Fairfield, AL as a little girl almost every day and wondering how I too could own my own business
I started my company, PR Solutions, in college It began as a freelance public relations service and I worked as a copywriter for a Black-owned newspaper in Tuscaloosa, AL It was the start of my mission to be my own boss and help others build successful business ventures
What has been your biggest challenge/failure as an entrepreneur? And how do you deal with it?
Learning to know my worth was my biggest challenge One of the toughest jobs a new business owner has to do is to determine the cost of their time, expertise, and intellectual property When you are hired to do a job, your collective business knowledge is what the client wants to tap into If you don’t know your worth you will undervalue yourself and your service and the client will know In other words, it ’ s important to price your time and service correctly This took years for me to master I, like many other small business owners, offered discounted rates to satisfy the client We must learn to value ourselves correctly and to move on if the client doesnt understand or appreciate what we bring to the table
How do you balance entrepreneurship and Motherhood without experiencing burnout while pursuing your passion?
I don’t pursue Work-Life Balance Men are never asked about this but women are expected to have an acceptable formula for making everyone happy Instead, I focus on providing my family with an honest assessment of how I will need to use my time to be successful and then I ask for their support
Too often, projects will require late nights and travel So I taught my teenage son how to cook and wash his clothes and my husband and I communicate about everything Hes my protector and he gives me the space to go after my dreams
What advice do have for moms looking to get started In entrepreneurship?
Just do it More women of color are starting businesses now than ever before This is your time, go for it Don’t second-guess yourself Do your research, take the necessary classes, network then get it done
What does being a Pretty Woman Who Hustles mean to you?
My hustle is to live my life with integrity and pride I believe all women are beautiful, the challenge is making sure we all exemplify beauty in how we live, work, and play This opportunity to be in your magazine is a reflection of my desire to stay connected to other women working hard to experience the fullness of life
What books do you recommend for moms navigating entrepreneurship?
No specific book but I recommend finding resources that will help with building confidence and organizational skills
Facebook: https://wwwfacebookcom/AuthorMichelleDJ ackson/
IG: https://wwwfacebookcom/AuthorMichelleDJ ackson/
Website: wwwauthormichelledjacksoncom WwwPRSllcorg
Latara Hardnett has spent the last 24 years in the educational field She has received degrees in several areas from Nova Southeastern and Troy University; including Behavior Specialist and Early Childhood Education
She has one amazing daughter currently enjoying her freshman year at LSU Geaux Tigers!
Latara Hardnett is the proud owner of Eula Mae's Boutique, she will be celebrating the first anniversary of their amazing storefront in downtown Opelika Clothing is food for the soul
" You can never be over dressed or over educated" -OW
After realizing that, Latara pursued her realestate career You can now find her at Three Sixty Real Estate
Rather you are looking for your forever home, wanting to sell or invest, she is your girl She prides herself in excellent service while serving all price points
What inspired your start in entrepreneurship? Being a single mother and having a daughter I fell in love with clothing Dressing nice and making sure my daughter was well dressed is important You never get a chance for a first impression Clothing is definitely an addiction I was spending so much money on clothing One day out shopping i visited a boutique with my daughter and the owner was so nonchalant and workers were rude That moment I began preparing and learning about boutique ownership I decided to start my own I will make sure women feel beautiful and valued
I did just that I opened Eula Mae’s
What has been your biggest challenge/failure as an entrepreneur? And how do you deal with it?
owning a boutique in itself is difficult I thought I would make a lot of money That was the biggest myth Starting a new brand takes time and is not overnight A lot of sweat, blood and tears I thought my family would support Definitely a myth It takes time and perseverance so the namesake Eula Mae’s after my mother is my guiding force to be persistent and be consistent Many things happen in entrepreneurship and if you are in it for the money and thinking overnight success then you are doing it for the wrong reason Your why definitely must be bigger than who and what
How do you balance entrepreneurship and Motherhood without experiencing burnout while pursuing your passion?
Sometimes I DONT There are times when I literally CAN’T work with NO option BUT take care of the issues at hand My daughter is my biggest cheerleader witnessing me working several jobs she has watched me work with children, raise her, start a boutique, RUN A Boutique and get my realtor license all while being a single mother She learned perseverance and never settling I have told her that she is my reckoning force to never give up because one day my hard work will pay off It is paying off Watching my daughter graduate from high school and complete her freshman year in college at LSU We focus on purpose not pain It’s not always where you come from its what's in you and how bad you want it
What advice do have for moms looking to get started In entrepreneurship?
My advice to any mom is to NEVER settle Change your perspective positive outlook , pray and ask for guidance Change your environment if it is not conducive to your destination Failure is motivation not an EXCUSE Living your purpose is bigger than you because you have someone watching you Use pain as your strength and God as your guide
What does being a Pretty Woman Who Hustles mean to you?
A pretty woman that hustles is a CEO, chase every opportunity Success cant be all about achievements or level of career success The real flex is when you can still operate with integrity and kindness, not becoming hardened and bitter by the process It’s when you need no validation and you can just BE Its when you need no hypeman or introduction because life is not a show, but an experience It’s when you dont have to compete, because in your heart and soul you know the only battle is the fight to achieve your higher self Every day I choose happiness, freedom, redemption, humility and gratitude I choose faith over fear, and GOD over ALL
What books do you recommend for moms navigating entrepreneurship?
-The BIBLE
-The most powerful woman in the room is you
By Lydia Fenet-What I know for sure Oprah Winfrey
Social Media Handles:
https://concepttoclosingcom/portfolio/latara-hardnett/
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