What inspires you to go to work every day?
Having faith that my best day is yet to come. Getting up every day with the ability to make this day better than yesterday is my greatest inspiration. Every day is a new day to tackle another challenge, and grow as an employee and a person and be better than the day before.
How did you determine your career path?
Of course as a young adult your first thought when trying to decide what you want to study in college and/or choose as a career is what “job” is going to make me the most money. I found out quickly that thinking wasn’t the best route for me to take, I found myself in college studying to be a “psychologist” and had the most dreadful semester of my life. I realized I didnt enjoy what I was learning or what I was actually going to be doing if I continued to pursue this career choice, it may be a great paying gig for some but this is not for me. I started to think about the saying do what you love and youll never work another day in your life…. I loved music and entertainment, I love the arts, I loved fashion, I loved to be in the know, and I was good at writing, planning, creative conception and strategy, so I decided if I combined what I loved with the skills I naturally had I couldn’t loose. I interned, volunteered and worked for little to nothing to gain experience in various aspects of the industry, I wanted to get a feel for all the many things there was to offer in the industry. These experiences gave me insight and hands-on experience that I am able to use in my everyday job and I look forward to continuing to add new experiences and lessons as I grow as a young professional.
Describe the skills that will be essential to future business leader and innovators.
Having a thorough understanding of technology and the digital space and how it affects your industry and the role it plays in your job function. Understanding how technology can be a catalyst for your brand, service, or business. Being tech savvy will no longer be a preferred skill but a required skill and those that jump ahead of the curve and educate themselves will stand out from the crowd.
How do you set goals and evaluate your success?
I live every day with a goal of making today better than the day before. But when I look at my professional goals, my go to goal setting method is to create S.M.A.R.T goals, which stands for specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound.
Name a book that changed how you saw life that you would recommend to others?
Fervent: A Woman’s Battle Plan for Serious, Specific, and Strategic Prayer by Priscilla Sirer
As a young Christian woman of faith I believe that prayer changes things. But for a while I felt like my prayers were going unheard, I wasn’t clear on what God was saying to me, and if Im hones many time when I would pray I wasn’t quite sure how to do that, what to pray for , what to say where to start etc. … I received this book as a gift and it was probably the best gift I’ve ever received. This books truly teaches you how to be sincere, serious and strategic about your prayers and identifying what in your life you really need to be praying about. Many times we pray as young people for what we want but neglect to pray for what we need because many time we don’t recognize the true need. I recommend this book for any young woman who may be frustrated in their Faith, or struggling to hear God voice and his plan for you. This will open your eyes to a new way of understanding where you really need God and prayer in your life, and provide a tool to help you understand how to craft those serious, sincere and specific prayers.
Describe why lifelong learning is important to you?
The world around us changes daily, we as humans change daily, every day is a new challenge a new adventure. We must continue to feed our minds and spirits so that we can grow and continue to evolve as people. Learning never stops and as you continue to learn and grow those experiences turn into wisdom that can be shared with future generations.
What are the three most important factors of being a successful woman?
- Confidence
- Leadership
- Humility
If you could change one thing about the world what would it be?
I’d like to see the world be more accepting of others that may be different from them. Showing more kindness and love to others would make our world a more peaceful and productive place to work live and play.
If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?
Cliché as it may seem, but I wouldn’t change anything. Maybe a shot of Botox or two. Everything I have experienced in life good, bad, and ugly has ultimately taught me valuable lessons and has molded me in to the young woman I am today, and I look forward to continue growth through life’s experiences.
Who or what motivates you and why?
My motivation is the younger generations behind me, specifically my siblings and cousins. I see so many youth fall into the negativity of our society so I try to show be an inspiration and show them that you don’t have to be perfect, we all make mistakes, but if you put forth a damn good effort and work hard you can live you dreams no matter how big or small or how long it takes you to get there. .
What are the dos and don’ts for young women in business?
- DO be confident, DON’T be cocky
- DO know your worth DON’T settle
- DO take risks without them there is no reward.
- DO WHAT YOU LOVE DON’T DO WHAT YOU DON’T!
How do you successfully grow from business failure?
Understanding that something is only a failure if you don’t learn or grow from it. Every “failure” is just an opportunity for you to take on a new challenge, learn, grow, regroup and come back even stronger.
Name your three most successful female role models and why.
Karen Civil – As a peer and young woman of color I admire how she has been able to catapult her brand in a positive light and establish herself and brand with such class, as a young mogul on the rise. I admire her servitude and how she continuously gives back and shares her passions and knowledge with her peers.
Michelle Obama – I admire how although married to the most powerful man in the world, she has stood on her own education and skills to establish herself as a strong intelligent woman who is intelligent, hardworking and serves others. I admire her push for education and her dedication to our youth. I admire that she has experienced such criticism and scrutiny and has still stood with such esteem grace and class. She is the epitome of #blackwomanmagic
Oprah – I don’t think Oprah needs and explanation but I admire her tenacity and strength. Her cmmitment to giving back to other people and taking a small opportunity and creating a lifetime of accomplishments and wealth. She is an intelligent woman of many talents and skills and empowers others around her to do the same.
