Dec 04 2012
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Entrepreneur

A Day in the Life of…Shakirah Karim, Seacret Agent

 

 

People Who Prosper is pleased to announce our new segment, A Day in the Life of… Series.  In addition to featuring successful business persons, we will be featuring work-from-home business owners, chronicling a typical day in their life. This segment is to help those CURIOUS and perhaps INTERESTED in a career change. 

Our first A Day in the Life of… feature entrepreneur is Shakirah Karim. She is a Seacret Agent by day..and by night. Shakirah is a successful distributor with Seacret Direct. Seacret Direct started about two years ago, branching off of their kiosks in malls. Shakirah and her partner Felipe have jumped right in and are steadily moving up the ranks. 007 couldn’t touch her as she rises to the top in this company.  So, watch your back as you read A Day in the Life of…Shakirah Karim, Seacret Agent. 

1. What do you do and how long have you been self employed ?

My background is in public relations/Marketing and I’m currently a partner in a few small businesses. I’ve been self employed as a network marketer for 6 years and for the past 2 years my main focus has been as a SEACRET Agent, an independent partner within the community of Seacret: an established retail brand now converted into a network business model. 

2. How did you find your business and what made you decide to become self-employed?


I was introduced to SEACRET by a few close friends. They had been inspired by products and had come up with a new concept that would redefine the Seacret brand. They developed a system where instead of chasing people at the mall through high pressured kiosk sales, they could WOW them in the comforts of their own home. Today, with still less than 30,000 agents within the entire company (US, Canada, Mexico, South Korea) and more international capabilities there is so much more growth we’re going to experience and those that take action and position themselves  now while we’re doing less than $5 million a month will be reaping the many rewards once we reach $100 million mark! 

3. What are your daily success, productive, personal development and/or family routines? Explain a day in your life: Morning. Afternoon. Evening.


My daily routine consists of waking up, walking my dog, reading a few pages of the Bible. Then I spend 30-45 minutes doing personal development, I just finished reading Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude by Napolean Hill and I’ve just started reading The Leader Within by John C Maxwell. I try to make it to the gym at least 4 times in the week. I make sure I start my day off right and continue to working on myself inside and out. Creating good habits like these help you develop in business and in other areas of your life. The remainder of my day consists of a mixture of sharing the products with new people and helping new agents launch their business and helping them with their WOW parties.  I work Seacret on a full-time basis so I will have 1-2 WOW parties a day. The majority of people that work with us are on a part-time basis, doing maybe 1 WOW party a week. I’m on a leadership hunt, we’re less than 25,000 agents, the top money earners coming out of Seacret haven’t even heard of this opportunity yet. 

4. What are the biggest challenges in your business operations?


The biggest challenge that I face would have to be MINDSET. It’s something that we all struggle with not only in business, in our faith, in our life. What’s interesting, is it’s also the only thing we have control over. I can’t control what others are going to do or not do. But I can control how I feel, how I react and what action I take. I continue to work on keeping a positive forward thinking mindset. For the first time I’ve found a passion and purpose in what I’m doing and I’m confident on where it will take me and my family. Never forgetting where I’ve come from, I’m focused on where I’m going and how many people I can take with me. 

5. What keeps you motivated to work from home or stay self-employed and not get an everyday J.O.B.?

I’m motivated by the future of this company. Seacret was a $800 Million powerhouse and to be a part of that moving over to the relationship marketing space has been amazing. What motivates me is that fact that we have WOW products that shows results, it’s sold in over 40 countries, and has only been open for less than 2 years. The timing of the company has made me want to work even harder. There’s no other industry that can provide me unlimited income potential and time freedom. And with Seacret I’ve been able to help other people realize their goals and dreams as well, because it’s not just what you do in your life but how many other people you can effect as well.

6. What advice would you give to someone looking to be self-employed?


What I love about this business is that it’s meant to be built part-time. You should be working full-time on your job and part-time on your fortune (your business). I think self-employment is the key to freedom. Having a part-time home based business that pays can give the average person choices. If you find the right venture and follow a proven system that part-time business could do anything from cover the bills to pay for that vacation or even completely transform your life financially. Once the income from your part-time business outweighs your full-time income you have reached freedom. Then you are in a position to choose where you want to spend your time. When deciding to start/open a business do your research, find something that will give you exponential return. With respect to network marketing if you want to build true leverage invest in a venture where there’s still an opportunity for growth and not in a company that has an already well established distribution. Mark Twain once said that success was simple: “Find out where everyone is going and then get there first.”

Website: www.seacretdirect.com/deadsea
Email: kirahjoy@hotmail.com

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Nov 07 2012
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Cosmetics, Entrepreneur

PeopleWhoProsper Feature Entrepreneur: Trish Nolen

Introducing Trish Nolen, owner of Becoming products.  In 2009, Trish was laid off and found herself searching for her calling and purpose in life. In doing so, she began to live a healthy and organic life, also wearing her hair naturally (no chemicals or dyes). When using products for her hair she discovered she did not like the results and began creating her own products using ingredients from her kitchen. She began sharing the hair products with friends and family, eventually realizing she had created her own hair product line.  Trish has already began to get orders for her products, offering hair yogurt and conditioner.  Trish shares more about her story, hair care products and what motivates her in her interview. Enjoy! 

1. Tell me your story. What were you doing before you started your own business?

I hail from the tiny town of Hanford, Ca. I am a single mom of two beautiful children, a boy and a girl.
I have struggled to provide for them over the years working jobs here and there, but never really having enough. I have had to collect money from welfare at times, been on unemployment, and so on and so forth. I believe it was in the summer of 2009, after being laid off, that I realized that I needed a major change. I begin to search for God, which led me to seek out my purpose. I realized that I was very interested in natural health, organic living, and things of this nature. It was now the summer of 2010, and I decided to no longer relax my hair and go natural. I dove into the natural communities, loving my sistas who were paving the way. I learned that I could create my own products in my own kitchen that worked better for my hair than a lot of products in the local beauty stores, and the best part was that my products didn’t have harsh chemicals. I was amazed, and I became illuminated. I had found a passion and soon realized that others were searching for natural affordable products as well. This is how my business was birthed.

2. What made you want to start a business and what is your mission?

My mission now is to educate others. First, to embrace our God-given hair, and also to honor our temples with a healthy and whole lifestyle. I love creating a product that is natural, that will enhance hair and skin, without jeopardizing our health with harsh chemicals.

3. What inspires you? What keeps you motivated daily to keep growing your business?

My children have been my inspiration. They depend on me, and I know that I must keep going, even when it gets tough.  I want to make sure that I provide for them a life of prosperity, not a life of poverty. 

4. Do you have a mentor? Who is it and why? Do you believe it’s important to have one?

God placed an amazing man in my life in 2008. He has mentored me. He freely gives me business advice, corrects me, encourages me, and challenges me to be better daily. His name is Antranik, and I am very blessed to have him on my team. I honor him. It is very important to have a mentor. This person has already made the mistakes and if you embrace them, they add much value and insight to your dreams. 

5. What would you tell someone who wants to get involved in your line of business but doesn’t know how to get started?

My advice for anyone who wants to pursue a business in the natural hair product line would be to always put God first, obtain information, study people’s wants and needs, and ask plenty of questions. 

6. What advice would you give to someone with an entrepreneurial spirit?  

Is to first know that your desires are heaven-sent, embrace your passion, and step out on faith and go for it. If you do your best, God always does the rest. Mistakes will be made, but never give up. Create a dream team with talented people, humble yourself, and always honor those who have gone before you and paved the way.

I want to thank Trish for sharing her story and business with us. She is a fine example of  how believing in yourself can help achieve anything. For more info on “Becoming” visit http://www.etsy.com/shop/Intensions. You can also visit Trish’s website at http://www.becomingnatural.weebly.com.  

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Be someone’s motivation and tell us your story! To be featured on PeopleWhoProsper.com email Tamara@garrisonprosperitysolutions.com. Put PEOPLEWHOPROSPER in the subject line and share a little about yourself.

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Oct 23 2012
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Publishing

PeopleWhoProsper Feature Entrepreneur: Shaneisha Dodson

This week’s feature entrepreneur is Shaneisha Dodson. She is the founder of Mahogney Ink Publications L.L.C. and Black Girlz Productions L.L.C. Currently residing in Virginia, Shaneisha holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Grambling State University, a master’s degree in counseling from Dallas Baptist University, and is currently pursuing a doctorate in education. Shaneisha was the first person in her family to graduate from college. In showing  how important education is to her, every year she gives a $500 scholarship to a deserving student. After college, Shaneisha wrote her first novel. It was like so much by friends and family she was encouraged to continue writing. That eventually led to the start of her publishing and production company. Being an accomplished author herself, today Shaneisha publishes 4 authors,  2 poets and has produced one stage play.  Her story is truly one of accomplishment. Find out how Shaneisha started her companies and where her inspiration came from. Enjoy!

1. Tell me your story. What were you doing before you started your own business?

I am a country girl born and raised in Arkansas.  I was raised in a matriarchal household.  I developed a passion for writing at a young age.  I started writing my first book after I graduated from college. Prior to starting my business, my life consisted of school, school, and school. I have been a student my whole life.  I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Grambling State University and a master’s degree in counseling from Dallas Baptist University. Currently, I am pursuing a doctorate degree in education.

2. What made you want to start a business and what is your mission?

I have always had a passion for writing.  After graduating from college, I penned my first novel.  My family and friends loved it so much they encouraged me to continue writing.  Therefore, I decided to take it a step further and started my own publishing company in 2009, Mahogney Ink Publications, LLC. My works have been featured in online magazines, selected as book of the month by numerous organizations, selected as top 25 fiction books of 2009 by Conversations, and earned a spot on an African- American bookstore best sellers list. My first teen book was selected as best book 2011 in literary excellence in the teen self-help category.  In addition, I was nominated for a 2011 African- American literary award.  My publishing company is home to four authors and two poets.  In 2012, I took my love of the writing to the next level and started Black Girlz Productions, LLC.   My company’s motto is “Dream BIG or go Home!”  My first play recently debuted: Cheating on my Mistress “When One Woman is not Enough”.  My mission is to entertain by any means necessary.

3. What inspires you? What keeps you motivated daily to keep growing your business?

Life inspires me. I am passionate about my work. Each day I strive to do better. I believe in taking my time to make sure everything is as close to perfect as possible.  Each year, I can clearly see my companies’ growth. We are moving at a steady pace. I am very satisfied because I believe in quality not quantity.

4. Do you have a mentor? Who is it and why? Do you believe it’s important to have one?

I used to have a mentor, but we went our separate ways.  However, I believe it is important to have a mentor because no one has gotten where they are without the help of someone else.  When you choose a mentor, make sure you choose wisely.  Mentors are people who are doing what you want to do in life. They should be full of wisdom and knowledge.

5. What would you tell someone who wants to get involved in your line of business but doesn’t know how to get started?

Research. Research. Research. If you want to start a business, learn as much as possible about the business. Don’t depend on other people to give you all the answers.  The biggest issue I have with the publishing company is finding a good editor. You will come across a lot of people who will make numerous false promises in this type of business. They will offer you an opportunity to be a part of a national tour, claim to be the best editor in the business, and will guarantee that their marketing campaigns will take you to the number one spot on the best sellers list. Be leery. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is…

6. What advice would you give to someone with an entrepreneurial spirit?

My advice is to follow your dreams. Don’t be scared to succeed. When you hit a hard spot in the road, keep pushing. Believe in yourself and believe in your abilities.

If you are an up-and-coming author looking to be published, visit Shaniesha’s website at Mahogney Ink Publications. For information on her stage play show times and Black Girlz Talk visit Black Girlz Productions. Also follow her on twitter at @blkgirlz I want to thank Shaneisha for sharing her story with us. I hope you have been inspired by her accomplishments.

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Be someone’s motivation and tell us your story! To be featured on PeopleWhoProsper.com email Tamara@garrisonprosperitysolutions.com. Put PEOPLEWHOPROSPER in the subject line and share a little about yourself.

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Oct 17 2012
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Entrepreneur

PeopleWhoProsper Feature Entrepreneur: Brian Howard

It is my exciting pleasure to introduce to you the first ever MALE entrepreneur on PeopleWhoProsper.com. Brian Howard started in the restaurant industry then was introduced to the Network Marketing industry and has been in ever since. Brian shares his journey in business and what it really takes to be successful in the industry. I enjoyed hearing his story and hope you do too!

1. Tell me your story. What were you doing before you started your own business?

My story is really simple I was born and raised in Dayton, Oh. I grew up in a single parent home until I was a teen. It really did not feel like a tragic situation because I have an incredible family that always made sure that we were taken care of. I found my way into playing athletics and got good enough to walk-on the football team at Eastern Michigan University. I strongly recommend that everyone take part in some sort of team sport as you learn more life lessons on the field than in the classroom. I came to learn that playing professionally was probably not in the cards for me so, I started working in the most profitable industry that I knew of that required the least amount of training. The restaurant industry is probably the most misunderstood industry in all professions. I learned how to grow a big business. The only problem was I was always doing it for someone else.  I found out that I would never really have what I wanted working for someone else. 

Because of that realization I believe that the universe sent me a message. I was shown  Amway and the direct sales industry. The men that introduced me to this industry were some of the sharpest people that I had ever met. I wanted to be a part of what they were doing and I wanted their life because they were not only living life but living it with style. So I went to work introducing this company to all my friends and family. All of them thought I was crazy and should pursue something more concrete. I came to the harsh reality that I was not as sharp as I thought. I needed better skills. I started to attend seminars, reading all the books, listening to the tapes and began my journey of personal development. I was still in the restaurant industry having a pretty good life just not what I wanted. I also fell away from the networking industry as I did not understand the nuances of being an entrepreneur.

Years pass and I was re-introduced to the networking industry by a very successful attorney in Las Vegas where I currently reside. The company is a great company that has helped a ton of families become financially free and out of legal and identity theft troubles. But, there was a problem with the field leadership and communication issues, so after a year and a half of menial success I decided to let that company go. I’m glad did because in order to move on to the next you must let go of what’s behind.  I cultivated a strong relationship with a real leader. I was introduced to a brand new company that is organizing the natural products industry the way that Google organized the internet. The opportunity that I have been searching for is here.

2. What made you want to start a business and what is your mission?

The reason I have been wanting to be a part of this industry, “start a business” is because of the challenge. The challenge to become the person I have been sent here to be. My mission is to help as many people that want my help become the person they are meant to be. Whether we are in business together or not I want to help raise the vibration, conscience of people and the planet by being a better person every day. The network marketing industry is perfect because it is a personal development business wrapped up in an incredible compensation plan. The more you give, grow and help others become successful, the more successful and prosperous you become. That is my theme to life. Help more get more.

3. What inspires you? What keeps you motivated daily to keep growing your business?

The things that inspire me are people who overcome physical challenges. That’s another reason I love sports so much. I get motivated by seeing others not give any excuses and never giving up on what they want to accomplish. I like watching the “My Wish” segments on Sports Center. It is where children get to hang out with their favorite sports star for a day and have their dreams come true. Truly brings me to tears almost every time.

4. Do you have a mentor? Who is it and why? Do you believe it’s important to have one?

I have several mentors: Jim Rohn, Les Brown, Tony Robbins, Curtis Jackson, Brian Tracy, Sean Carter, Barack and Michelle Obama, and Oprah Winfrey. Just to name a few. I find myself gravitating toward great people. I love seeing the confidence they exude. It lets me know that no matter how bad life seems to be you can always make a change and get on a new path. Mentors are very important, they are the teachers who come along and show us that there is a way and they say let’s work together until we figure it out. A great teacher will not only let you know that you are in the mud but, they also throw a line to get you out.

5. What would you tell someone who wants to get involved in your line of business but doesn’t know how to get started?

I would tell someone who wants to get in my business to be prepared to be disappointed by people that you think want your help but don’t know how to ask. Adults have a strange way of saying something to appease people they love, instead of being mature and learning to communicate and deal with their problems. Their problems usually belong to someone else, if you know what I mean. I cannot say that I have not done the same, I just wanted to take personal responsibility for the only thing that I can control, me. If you can master your emotions you can make a lot of money and have a lot of friends.  You can get started in this industry by finding someone you trust or you can contact me and I will share how to be on my team. Go to wannafollow.me/brian, watch my partner on YouTube, then you can call me at 702.755.2647 and leave a message. This business is super simple but it will require hard work for the next 2-3 years. But if you follow the system you will never have to work for anyone ever again. We are the best of the best and we want you to join us at the top.

6. What advice would you give to someone with an entrepreneurial spirit?

If you have an entrepreneurial spirit know that you will have moments of great joy and massive disappointments. The secret is to discipline your disappointments and delay your gratifications. You must know that what you are doing is very admirable and should be looked on with pride because the entrepreneurial spirit is what built this country.  If it were not for entrepreneurs we would not have electricity, houses, airplanes, computers, or any other convenience way have today. Entrepreneurs create jobs, solve major problems, invoke a different mindset in the way we view the world and how we can make it better. What a great way to live.

Thank you Brian for taking the challenge and sharing your story. I hope someone has been inspired by Brian’s story and remember if you are interested in working with Brian, contact him for more information.

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Be someone’s motivation and tell us your story! To be featured on PeopleWhoProsper.com email Tamara@garrisonprosperitysolutions.com. Put PEOPLEWHOPROSPER in the subject line and share a little about yourself.

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Oct 08 2012
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Non-profit Organizations

PeopleWhoProsper Feature Entrepreneur: Lindsey Compton

 

As many of us know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As someone who has lost loved ones to this disease, I am happy to introduce an entrepreneur that is looking to bring awareness to this disease, year round.  Lindsey Compton is the CEO and founder of Hair’s A Cure, which is a breast cancer foundation that seeks to celebrate the love of healthy black hair & body while raising awareness and funds for breast cancer treatments. At 22 years of age, I am impressed to witness her tenacity and passion for such an important cause. After having some life challenges, Lindsey quickly realized that God’s plan for her was different than what she planned. While researching statistics of breast cancer for African- American men and women, she came up with, Hair’s A Cure. Here is some of the research she found: Of the estimated 34(%) percent of African- American women diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011, nearly 19(%) percent of them passed away – that’s over 6,000 lives taken due to this disease. 77(%) percent of African- American women who are diagnosed with breast cancer survive compared to 90(%) percent of Caucasian, non-Hispanic women.

Lindsey’s goal is to educate African- American men and women on the importance of healthy living, bring awareness of Breast Cancer and raise money to help diagnosed patients pay for treatments. She shared with me that, “Hair’s A Cure will help increase the survival rate, and teach women about the importance of our health from the soles of our feet to the ends of our hair strands”. I hope you enjoy her story.

1. Tell me your story. What were you doing before you started your own business?

Right before I started my business I was making plans to fly off to New York and attend graduate school. Unfortunately, things came up that made me depressed for a short period of time. I began to realize earlier this summer (2012) that my plans for my life were not the plans God had for my life.

I was so used to strategically planning the next steps in my path that I had lost my understanding for a moment that God directs us where he needs us in life. For me, that was Hair’s A Cure.

As a 22-year-old, I was shocked and disheartened when seeing that African- American women have the highest mortality rate of  breast cancer related deaths compared to any other race (41% higher).  This has a lot to do with lack of funds, lack of early detection, and other preventable actions (please read the article here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/therootdc/post/breast-cancer-mortality-rates-for-african-american-women-disproportionately-high/2012/04/09/gIQAxJoR6S_blog.html?socialreader_check=0&denied=1 )

Although it is taking a lot of work to reach my dream of saving lives, I’m pursuing my path one small step at a time!

2. What made you want to start a business and what is your mission?

I wanted to start Hair’s A Cure because I was appalled by the statistics of African- American women and men who die each year due to factors related to either not being able to afford breast cancer treatments or late tumor detection.

One day I was just thinking about all of these staggering statistics and the thought of “Hair’s A Cure” came to mind. Beyond that, as of eight months ago I have been extremely involved within the community of natural hair and healthier living. This combined with God’s dream gave me the inspiration to start this business.

My mission is to “Promote Hair Just as Healthy as Breasts” and I want to do this by offering affordable cancer treatments to African- American women and men who cannot afford them, while educating our race on the importance of healthy eating. What we eat DOES make a difference in our health and helps to prevent diseases.

3. What inspires you? What keeps you motivated daily to keep growing your business?

My motivation is imagining the day I will be able to drive to the homes of women and men whom I have helped to give funds for affordable cancer treatments. That is my motivation, and that is what helps to keep me going.

4. Do you have a mentor? Who is it and why? Do you believe it’s important to have one?

No, no mentor! I believe it’s important to have one, but I have yet to find one of my own. For now I set my eyes on Christ and pray for the best.

5. What would you tell someone who wants to get involved in your line of business but doesn’t know how to get started?

Realize that this is not about you or making your money. This industry has turned into money hungry people capitalizing off of individuals who are dying from this disease. It’s sick, actually.

If you want to save lives then save lives. There’s nothing wrong with creating a special breast cancer t-shirt or planning fundraising events. But when your ultimate motive is to make yourself money, then that’s a problem. This is (and should be) a sacrificial move to help others because you have been blessed to be alive, healthy and well.

You have to have a passion for this. If you don’t have passion for this field, then find out what your passion is and go from there. You will be 10 times more successful by doing what you were meant to do rather than forcing yourself into a place you don’t fit.

6. What advice would you give to someone with an entrepreneurial spirit?

Simple, never stop dreaming, but don’t keep dreaming to the point where you don’t get up and take action in pursing your dreams. Success does not fall out of the sky. You have to climb the ladder to reach it.

It’s a lonely road to the top, believe me. But it’s a rewarding one in the end.

7. How can anyone get involved and help your foundation?

We are looking for donations of $10 or more to help with startup costs and to help get treatments for patients in need. Here is the donation link: http://www.gofundme.com/hairsacure.

 

I want to thank Lindsey for taking the challenge to share her business with us. She has started a great cause and I hope you will find it in your heart to help her and others in any way. Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month anyway you can.

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Be someone’s motivation and tell us your story! To be featured on PeopleWhoProsper.com email Tamara@garrisonprosperitysolutions.com. Put PEOPLEWHOPROSPER in the subject line and share a little about yourself.

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Sep 26 2012
1 Comment
Fashion

PeopleWhoProsper Feature Entrepreneur: Gwen Frempong Boadu

 

 

PeopleWhoProsper is excited to introduce you to another successful business woman.  Gwen Frempong Boadu is the owner and designer of Gwyneth Shoes. After working for over 20 years in the designer shoe industry and wanting to start a family, Gwen took matters into her own hands and created her own line. Gwyneth Shoes was designed for women of all shapes and sizes, expanding to shoe size 14. Every Fall season, Gwyneth Shoes introduces a wide leg boot and has recently started a bridal line called, Blue by Gwyneth. Gwen’s line is in boutiques around the country and also on Endless.com. I’m excited to share her story of perseverance and success. Enjoy!

1. Tell me your story. What were you doing before you started your own business?

Before Gwyneth was a vision, I worked as a design assistant for Sam & Libby (Sam Edelman), where I was eventually promoted to Sr. Designer before moving on to work with other powerhouse shoe companies like Kenneth Cole and Steve Madden.

2. What made you want to start a business and what is your mission?

After working for nearly 20 years and getting to see the world, my life was only about my career. I have always wanted kids, but it was impossible with my demanding schedule, so mainly out of a need for flexibility to start a family, Gwyneth was born. During my years in the industry, I always noticed especially in foreign countries, the awful shoes that tall women wore and the few choices they had to change it. So part of Gwyneth’s mission was to create beautiful affordable and comfortable footwear for all women, including those that wear size 10 or more!

3. What inspires you? What keeps you motivated daily to keep growing your business? 

My inspiration comes from many sources be it nature, art or life itself. I’m also inspired by the diverse culture and personal style of women from around the world. To keep Gwyneth evolving, I constantly challenge myself on how I can improve or create something new based on voids in my own closet and how they may relate to other women.

4. Do you have a mentor? Who is it and why? Do you believe it’s important to have one?

I learned a lot from my first mentor in the industry Sam Edelman. He is one of the most creative people I’ve ever worked with.  I’m still in contact with him today. I think it’s extremely important to have someone teach you all the ins and outs that you may not normally be exposed to, it’s a great way to expedite your professional growth. Often I approach new collections thinking, what will Sam’s take on this be or asking myself, what would Steve (Steve Madden) do?

5. What would you tell someone who wants to get involved in your line of business but doesn’t know how to get started?

The best place to get started is with the proper education or having a related background. Most companies require a bachelor’s degree in fashion and or business. Of course it’s a plus to have the necessary talent and experience as well.

6. What advice would you give to someone with an entrepreneurial spirit? 

Anyone looking to start their own business must be extremely passionate about their craft. They should also be prepared to make sacrifices……..

 

                                                                  

 

I would like to thank Gwen for sharing her story with us. I hope you have been inspired especially if you are an aspiring fashion designer. You can see the Gwyneth Shoes collection and visit the online store at www.gwynethshoes.com.

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Be someone’s motivation and tell us your story! To be featured on PeopleWhoProsper.com email Tamara@garrisonprosperitysolutions.com. Put PEOPLEWHOPROSPER in the subject line and share a little about yourself.

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Sep 06 2012
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Entrepreneur

PeopleWhoProsper Feature Entrepreneur: Danielle Johns

It is my pleasure to introduce you to Danielle Johns. She is the owner of Snow Daddy’s Shaved Ice in Arkansas and is sharing her tremendous story of victory and success. She has gone from working in a hospital, being in an abusive relationship, dealing with illness, to being a proud, successful owner. She shares her testimony and advice for those of us looking for some motivation in our businesses. Enjoy!

1. Tell me your story. What were you doing before you started your own business?

Before I launched Snow Daddy’s Shaved Ice, I worked 12 hour nights as a Unit Secretary at a local hospital for nearly 4 years. During my first year of employment I was badly bruised by the person I lived with. After removing myself from that environment, I realized that I had lost myself in a world that was not my own. I changed my mentality and set my focus on finding myself and my place in life. Things seemed to be getting better but I still worked nights and slept days. I began to feel that I was missing out on spending needed time with my children. In 2009, I was diagnosed as a Type 1 Diabetic with a blood sugar level of 1102. There aren’t a lot of jobs in the Delta so I felt I had to maintain my employment, not just to support my children but to also be able to afford the lifelong treatment for this disease. I began losing weight and became deeply depressed. I began to think my life was coming to an end. I have had difficulty controlling this disease which has caused me major health problems. God has seen me through my darkest days. I regained enough strength to realize I wanted to live again. Not only did I want to live but I wanted to live happily.

2. What made you want to start a business and what is your mission? 

A friend and I would travel from Arkansas to Mississippi to purchase Shaved Ice. One day while at the stand I decided I was going to open my own Shaved Ice Stand. I started researching companies, products, equipment, supplies, etc. In April of 2011 I purchased a building and had it delivered to my hometown. Just as I was about to complete the construction of my building, I was interrupted by the State Electrical Inspector for not using a licensed electrician. I was also halted by some bad information given to me by the County Health Inspector. I thought my plan was falling apart right before my eyes. I prayed and I prayed hard. I contacted the State Health Department regarding some regulations I had been told I had to follow. I was informed that it did not apply to me and that I could proceed as planned. Now my issue was to complete construction of my building and hire a Licensed Electrician which I had not budgeted for. I was contacted and told that there was a Snow Cone Stand in the neighboring town for sale. I reached out to an old friend and was able to acquire the building and open immediately. Snow Daddy’s offers over 50 flavors and our 2nd specialty Taco-2-Go. We express appreciation to our customers by offering a Reward Card for free. When you purchase 9 snow cones you receive the 10th one free. My Shaved Ice stand is currently a seasonal business. In April, Snow Daddy’s hosts  a Snowball Fest to launch snow cone season where we provide free food, fun, games and prizes and horse rides. Snow Daddy’s also supports the Lil Jacob Learning Center’s Back2School Drive as well as Global Youth Service Day. We are currently mapping out a 2nd location. Lol, who knows, one day there may be a Snow Daddy’s near you.

My absolute passion is anything dealing with crafting, designing and creating. My mission is to one day own a custom furniture design showroom.

3. What inspires you? What keeps you motivated daily to keep growing your business?  

My 16 year old daughter and 4 year old son are my greatest inspiration.

4. Do you have a mentor? Who is it and why? Do you believe it’s important to have one? 

No, I do not have a mentor; however I would love to have one. I have a support group that I turn to when I’m in need of advice or direction. I am a very spiritual person. I believe in God! I believe in the Word. I’ve learned to ultimately turn to the Lord for all my needs.

5. What would you tell someone who wants to get involved in your line of business but doesn’t know how to get started?  

The Shaved Ice business can be a rewarding venture. I personally spent nearly a year researching because I didn’t have a lot of money, but I was going all in and needed to make the least mistakes as possible. A high traffic location is key as well as a good product. There are many options for distributors however, I would recommend a company that’s been in business a while and knows the industry.

6. What advice would you give to someone with an entrepreneurial spirit? 

One of my favorite books is called Dreams Really Do Come True by Dennis Burke. Dreams are the God-given desires of your heart in seed from. Believe in your dream, embrace your dream, run toward your dream, refuse to let go of your dream, and ultimately you will live your dream. Make It Happen!!

Snow Daddy’s Shaved Ice is located in Eudora, AR. You can visit their site and learn more at www.facebook.com/GoSnowDaddys.

I just want to thank Danielle for being bold enough to share her story. I hope it has been motivational to someone to go and pursue their dreams!

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Be someone’s motivation and tell us your story! To be featured on PeopleWhoProsper.com email Tamara@garrisonprosperitysolutions.com. Put PEOPLEWHOPROSPER in the subject line and share a little about yourself.

 

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Jul 16 2012
1 Comment
Coaching

PeopleWhoProsper Feature Entrepreneur: Janét Aizenstros

 

It is my pleasure to introduce to you our PeopleWhoProsper Feature Entrepreneur, Janét Aizenstros. Her story speaks for itself but in a nutshell let me say, WOW. This woman has had some hard times yet has triumphed to become a successful founder, CEO and executive producer of her own radio talk shows. She is the founder of JAOM (Janét Aizenstros Omni Media). Her motto is ”helping women be the change, they want to see.” JAOM offers several programs which include coaching and wealth management services and radio talk shows, among many others.  Being a licensed life coach, Janét explains, “My primary focus is to teach the fundamental principles of mind, health and wealth from a holistic perspective. She shares more in her interview with me about how she has PROSPERED. Enjoy!

1.Tell me your story. What were you doing before you started your own business?

I am the founder and CEO of JAOM (Janét Aizenstros Omni Media), which is dedicated to the empowerment and advancement of women worldwide. As an award-winning entrepreneur, internationally recognized writer and radio host, I enjoy teaching women how to achieve the level of success they aspire to attain. My dedication to changing lives has truly motivated other women to capture their visions and dream beyond their current circumstance.

The vision of JAOM is “helping women be the change, they want to see.” Well, I am definitely a living testament to self-healing and transformation. After, drastically changing my mind, health and wealth in 2010, I have made it my life’s mission to seeing other women achieve the level of success they so aspire to attain.

Through my business savvy and charismatic personality, I’ve taken my extensive  corporate credentials and are lending those same principles to building my online empire. JAOMONLINE.com is an online platform for women who are “the first to acquire the best” and residence to Editorial  M.O.M, Life Masters Now Success Coaching, Masters Now Wealth Management Group, Masters Now Wealth Mastermind, I am…Janét, Women’s Movement Radio Network,  and additional services to further the empowerment of women.  The primary focus of all these program is to instill the importance of three vital components to having a successful business; by creating a solid mindset while achieving great health and secure wealth creation.

I am a licensed practitioner of the Law Of Attraction.  I received my certification under Dr. Joe Vitale (featured in the film The Secret). My primary focus is to  teach the fundamental principles of mind, health and wealth from a holistic perspective.

I’ve  partnered with many leading international companies to offer women the opportunity to learn how to achieve the Positive Feeling Frequency™, which I  describe in detail in my upcoming book Live Free.

“I want women to know how to master their mind, time and finances.  My desire is to see women succeeding in every aspect of their lives, so they will know what it really feels like to live free and on their own terms.”

2. What made you want to start a business and what is your mission?

In September 2010, I had a miscarriage, a close family friend the same age as me died — leaving behind a 9 month old child and my ex-husband’s best-friend, his daughter (age 5) was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia.  All of these events happened on the same day.  I decided I could no longer go on living unhappy.  I didn’t start my business right away but I began working on myself, my spirit.  I remember a few weeks later sitting in my kids playroom by myself asking G-d how does He take a heart of stone and make it a heart of flesh again.”  Later, that year I was introduced to a network marketing business that gave me the start-up capital to start my business. However, I didn’t want to build a network marketing business.  I started reading books and taking courses.

Then I had an Aha moment! In the midst of it all I started a small blog talk radio program called Mommypreneur. I started marketing it to other women network groups overseas because my network marketing business [helped me] capture [an] international audience. I began trying to launch Mommypreneur here in North America but it didn’t capture an audience the way I thought.  While, doing the program, women began inquiring if there was an online outlet they could contact me.  I had a blog but I really didn’t use it consistently.  I started writing business articles and I became bored because it reminded me of when I worked in corporate.  One night, I started going through my emails and noticed all the emails were relationship based from moms around the world.  Now, I couldn’t understand why they would be asking me about relationships because I never spoke about relationships in my program and especially my own. If I did, many would have known I was separated and going through a divorce.  I woke up in the middle of the night and it came to me.  RELATIONSHIPS!!  I spoke to my coach about my apprehension about talking about relationships and she shared that I could relate to women [in] all walks of a relationship.  She showed me how I had been single, married, mother, separated and eventually divorced. I never thought about it that way. I decided I wasn’t just going to create another relationship blog, it would have to be reflective of me.  I am honest about who I am with my audience which is why I feel so many women have contacted me. I use my intellectualism mixed with my love of pop culture to convey my message. JAOM is to be an online lifestyle site.  I talk about everything that is me…life, love and lifestyle.  All I did was blend who I am with my existing businesses.  I ended the Mommypreneur program but I have rebranded it under Moms Movement Radio.  My blog gave me a diversified audience that I am happy to receive fan mail from daily.  Also, I’ve heard claims that it’s followed by certain celebrity moms, whether it’s true or not I embrace it all.  I make my living at being me, there is no greater feeling than that.

3. What inspires you? What keeps you motivated daily to keep growing your business?

No sleep! LOL  Seriously, I have alway had exceptional time management + great organization skills + diligent consistency with lots of meditation. lol  This is my remedy for success.

4. Do you have a mentor? Who is it and why? Do you believe it’s important to have one?

I currently do not have a mentor.  I do have a good support network though.  I am a natural self-motivator but I do need support on the challenging days.

5. What would you tell someone getting started in your line of business but does not know how to get started?

I [would] tell anyone wanting to be in this line of business to know what they believe. What you believe has the ability to hinder your progression or propel you into your destiny. The main reason women contact me at Life Masters Success Coaching is [because]  I am authentically myself.  Anyone who has followed or read my I am…Janet blog knows that.  I intentionally expose myself showing women, that instead of hiding behind walls of masked insecurity…it’s ok to be vulnerable.  I believe in the Taoist quote of Lao Tzu where he states, “I show my weakness to show my strength.”  I believe it takes a strong person to allow themselves to be vulnerable with one’s self and more so in a public format.  Truthfully, many people deny themselves this luxury because they are afraid of being judged.  However, [what] I would like to share is if you look at the most successful people of influence in our culture their lives are living testaments of living intentionally exposed of one’s insecurities.  Truthfully, it’s our older ideologies that keep people bound in their destructive mindsets.  Regret, judgment, emotions of this nature create a counter reaction that systematically institutes people walking around feeling confined in their own lives.   This new year, I plan on teaching a series of how to Live Free.  Free beyond your inhibitions, mental limitations.  Really helping people to understand and stop worrying about judgment.  Teaching them the ability to just live. Live in the moment and be in the moment.

What you should know about me is my movement extends far beyond just helping women…it’s about liberation.  Real liberation.

6. What advice would you give to someone with an entrepreneurial spirit?

Don’t let anyone put limitations on you.  Some people told me that being myself wasn’t going to be good enough or no one would be interested in what I had to say.  Well, I am sitting in a really great place now.  I am living free. Free of my inhibitions, free of my personal insecurities. I wish everyone could live this emotionally free.

I want to thank Janét  for sharing her inspirational story with us. You can connect with her online at www.jaomonline.com/get-in-touch.  Fill out the form leaving a brief message and she will respond to all emails within 48 hours. You can also find Janét at www.jaomonline.com for speaking engagements, business consultation and mentorship.

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Be someone’s motivation and tell us your story! To be featured on PeopleWhoProsper.com email Tamara@garrisonprosperitysolutions.com. Put PEOPLEWHOPROSPER in the subject line and share a little about yourself.

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May 03 2012
3 Comments
Dating Coach

PeopleWhoProsper Feature Entrepreneur: Courtney Crosslin

Introducing our PWP feature of the week, Courtney Crosslin. Courtney is the creative owner of, haveAwonderful. After a tough divorce, Courtney explains how she had a mini breakdown and moved across country to start a new life. She began dating and sharing stories with her colleagues who began asking her tips on how to enjoy being single and begin dating again. Eventually, her advice turned into her business. She is now a successful work from home mom and coach offering outings, mock dates, image consulting, and date planning for divorced men and women looking to get back on the dating scene. It was a pleasure hearing Courtney’s story and inspiration to take her pain and make it her gain.

1. Tell me your story. What were you doing before you started your own business?

Before starting my own business and getting married, I worked in IT sales. After getting married, I was a stay at home wife and mother.

I’ve since divorced, traveled, learned to love life, and I’m happily dating.

2. What made you want to start a business and what is your mission?

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. I remember other kids playing house (changing dolls, grocery shopping with the little plastic carts, cooking, etc.), I never really did that. I would always figure out a way to play corporate woman. I’d shuffle papers, hold meetings and hand out money. I’m not sure where it came from, but my Mother says that I’ve always been bossy — but I know I got it from her, my Grandmother and Great Grandmother.

I run several businesses, but my mission has always been to make a difference. Be it teaching a small business owner how to update their website or a divorcee how to enjoy dating again. I just want people to learn how to haveAwonderful…

3. What inspires you? What keeps you motivated daily to keep growing your business?

Life inspires me! I love to travel and meet new people. My love of travel definitely came from my parents. We (they) were master road-trippers. My Father (who passed away from cancer 13 years ago) was a master storyteller — and I loved that about him — and to this day, I’m a sucker for a great life story.

I’ve always been and have felt blessed. I’ve had a good life. I have an amazing family, a great circle of friends and I’ve never been seriously ill. This is something that I’m grateful for. As I’ve gotten older, I have realized that not everyone can say that. Therefore, I feel like I have a responsibility to do good and work hard. That notion alone, keeps me motivated.

I’m also madly stubborn. My Mom says that as a kid, I would physically shiver when she would say “No” and that I would always follow her “Maybe” responses to my questions with, “Maybe yes or maybe no?”

4. Do you have a mentor? Who is it and why? Do you believe it is important to have one?

I can’t say that I have one mentor, but I do have people in my circle of friends whom I trust and go to for professional advice. I have an accountability partner and friend that I meet with once a week and I value that relationship like the air I breathe. Since we’re both entrepreneurs and work from home, it’s good for us to have someone to check in with to discuss our goals, wins, losses and challenges. We keep each other on track.

So, I would say an accountability partner is very important! I guess a mentor is too as long as they have the time to help you get where you want to be in a manner you want to get there — hopefully ethically.

5. What would you tell someone who wants to get involved in your line of business but doesn’t know how to get started?

Research, find a niche and just do it!

6. What advice would you give to someone with an entrepreneurial spirit?

If you’re already out there pursuing your entrepreneurial dream, keep at it.

If you’re just getting started (or are afraid to start), understand that you will have good days and will have a lot of bad days. You HAVE TO be fearless and tenacious. Oh, and watch the movie “Random Lunacy”.  It’s a great movie about what can be accomplished with very little and the worst thing that can happen is that you hit bottom — but you’re still alive to fight another day.

Courtney’s story is a true testament of how to make the best out of a difficult situation. If you are looking to revive your self-esteem and confidence because of a failed relationship, I would encourage all of you to contact Courtney. You can visit her website at haveAwonderful.com. Follow her on twitter @haveAwonderful and contact her office at 914-816-1129. And in the words of Courtney,

haveAwonderful…

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Be someone’s motivation and tell us your story! To be featured on PeopleWhoProsper.com email Tamara@garrisonprosperitysolutions.com. Put PEOPLEWHOPROSPER in the subject line and share a little about yourself.

 

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Mar 01 2012
1 Comment
Coaching

PeopleWhoProsper Feature Entrepreneur: Tina Hines

 

Introducing our PWP feature of this week: Tina Hines. Tina is an inspiring life coach and president of For My Sister Friends™. For My Sister Friends™ inspires women to seek an understanding of the deeper meaning of their life as they journey towards inner peace, wholeness and balance. Tina has gone from blog writer, book club facilitator, to lifestyle coach in the last few years and has inspired many women with her one-on-one and group sessions. Tina’s passion for the well-being of women exudes in all that she does. One of Tina’s favorite quotes is “When you feel good on the inside it exudes on the outside (no make-up required)”.  I hope you are as inspired by her story as I was. Enjoy!

1. Tell me your story. What were you doing before you started your own business?

Actually, I am a busy woman because in addition to being a lifestyle coach, I manage the executive office of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the nation’s largest philanthropy devoted solely to the public health. My professional career began at the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies where I spent 18 years in various high level administrative roles.  After departing J&J, I was the executive/personal assistant to the chairman and publisher of Black Enterprise Magazine. These positions provided me with an opportunity to enhance my knowledge in various areas, interact with individuals from across the world and provided me with the stepping stone to take a leap of faith and make an investment in my passion. 

2.  What made you want to start a business and what is your mission? 

Although I no longer worked for Johnson & Johnson, I often would reconnect with prior supervisors. It was during a lunch when my first boss from 1986 told me that he could see me running a business that groomed administrative assistants. I tossed around the idea and although I loved my role as an administrative professional,
somehow I knew my calling was a little different, something bigger. 

 In 2008, I launched a blog about my experiences with products, businesses, and activities I sampled and used the creative space to provide words of encouragement for women. A year later, I formed a book club where more times than not, the topic of discussion transitioned from the book of the month to the challenges women face as they wear many hats in their professional and personal lives. 

Fast forward to 2011; the same group of women (with a few additions) came together for a meeting in my home to discuss finding their passion. As each person shared their desire to find or enhance their passion or make changes in their life, I shared with the group my desire to identify my purpose in life. It was a friend who declared that I should become a motivational speaker or coach of some sort because I was always inspiring them. When I allowed the ladies to take a peek at my journal that is exactly what I had written. It was at that moment that For My Sister FriendsTM emerged. This is my bigger calling. 

My mission is to assist women (through one-on-one and group sessions) in reconnecting with their inner self and making a transformation. Women do so much for others and often reach a place there they have become drained and don’t have anything left for themselves. They are forgetting to take a little ‘me time’ and rejuvenate. 

Between M.A.C., Mary Kay and Clinique, women are able to mask a lot on the outside, but inside is something different. There is no make-up to cover-up the emotions they are feeling on the inside. That is why I encourage women to work towards reconnecting with their happy self. One of my favorite quotes, “When you feel good on the inside it exudes on the outside (no make-up required).”  I created the quote after a colleague told me I was glowing and then declared it must be attributed to the man in my life. They were quickly corrected by using the quote and I consistently share it with women during my workshops. 

3. What inspires you? What keeps you motivated daily to keep growing your business? 

I am inspired when I see sister friends uplifting one another. We all are on a journey and though we may have traveled different roads, there is a chance we share some of the same bruises. 

I have a childhood friend who often tells me that my heart is in the right place but I cannot fix everyone; and I know she is correct. However, when I entered this business it was never my mission to fix anyone. My mission was to provide them with a listening ear, a little food for thought and have them fix themselves. When I receive an email, text or phone call from a client and they share what they have implemented to make a transformation in their life; that is what motivates me
to continue growing my business. 

4. Do you have a mentor? Who is it and why? Do you believe it’s important to have one?

I have several mentors from a variety of professions. Each of them provides me with food for thought that challenges me in a various ways. For instance, there was a very brief moment when I challenged myself about my passion of helping other women get to their happy, healthy place. The challenge was that there were so many coaches what did I have to offer? In addition, I didn’t want to coach women to do something for themselves; they needed to be inspired to make a transformation for themselves. My mentor sternly said, “Yes, there are a lot of coaches but there is only one Tina C. Hines inspiring women with her words of wisdom.”

Having a mentor is important and valuable resource. As your ideas may be scribbled notes on a pad, a mentor can assist you in putting them in perspective. They have the wisdom, knowledge, and experience to guide you towards the greatest that is within. Regardless of where I have been in my career, there has always been a mentor on speed dial.

5. What would you tell someone who wants to get involved in your line of business but doesn’t know how to get started?

This is a tough question. For me, being a lifestyle coach was derived from my career of choice, past experiences and the people I surrounded myself with throughout my life. It was a passion that lay dormant; slowly this passion began to reveal itself in many facets of my life and is now my purpose. 

However, I would encourage them to connect with other coaches to obtain a clear understanding of the roles of various coaches and then identify their niche. Participate in coaching sessions as a client to see first-hand the techniques that are used to achieve the results the client is seeking. Finally, read, read, read; and when
you are done reading, read some more.  Knowledge is power and having book knowledge coupled with your University of Life knowledge is important. 

6. What advice would you give to someone with an entrepreneurial spirit? 

If someone has an entrepreneurial spirit, they should be encouraged to do everything in their power to feed that spirit. Feed it with the wisdom of those who have taken this journey; feed it with the knowledge of a good mentor; and feed it with dedication. Most importantly, they should remember this is their journey not their friends
or family members. It is their time so take it, hold on tight and get ready for an interesting ride. 

I want to thank Tina for stepping up to the challenge and taking time to “brag” about herself.  You can visit Tina’s website at www.formysisterfriends.org and contact her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ForMySisterFriends.

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Be someone’s motivation and tell us your story! To be featured on PeopleWhoProsper.com email Tamara@garrisonprosperitysolutions.com. Put PEOPLEWHOPROSPER in the subject line and share a little about yourself.

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