Pretty and Prosperous Profile: Yvonne McNair

What do you do?

My company, Captivate Marketing Group does event management, talent acquisition and brand marketing.  We specialize in creating event experiences for companies looking to target a specific demographic. 

What steps did you take to get where you are today?

Working for other agencies, I found that they were making so much money and I wasn’t getting the benefits. I started on a part time basis getting my money saved and my marketing plan together to launch my business. I also had some really good mentors to coach me to get my business off the ground.

What was the defining moment when you knew if you didn’t change you would never reach your goal?

The defining time really for me is that I had been traveling a lot going from city to city. I had successfully completed 8 or 9 events and I was not acknowledged for their success. I wasn’t looking for a gold star, but some sort of recognition. Here I am, a good employee working 7 days a week with no life. I just remember sitting there staring out the window thinking I need to do my own thing so I can do it my way. Now I can operate the way I want to operate. I would not treat staff like that.

Did you always know you would get here?

Yes, I did because I always read a lot of motivational books for many years. Believe and act as if it is possible. I’m always writing down new goals, projects that I wanted to work with and that I will continue to be successful and that I will have even greater success.

Did you have a plan?

I did, I took a few months to figure out how I was going to market my business and visualize how I wanted my business to be. I had a really extensive plan on every element of my business that I put in writing.

What kind of distractions did you have to deal with or overcome?

When I initially said I was going to go full force with my business a little over a year ago, out of fear I took on some partners and it didn’t work out. We ended up parting ways. I think I was afraid  to do it on my own. I felt that I needed a management team, but I was doing all the work. It came to a point where I knew this wasn’t the best for me. I really had to pray on it, I had a vision for it. I said I’m going to have to do what’s best for me. It was a tough decision to end those relationships. I was really the distraction and to part ways was the best thing for me and my business.

How much of an impact did others play in your decision making during your building process?

I was very, very fortunate and blessed to meet some really amazing people who were doing what I wanted to do. I asked them questions and those people had a lot to do with my decision making as I started.

Were there times when you wanted to give up?

Yes, absolutely. Being an entrepreneur is hard. If I want to take the day off I can or if I want to stay longer on a trip I can, but I’m working every single day. I have my clients that are retained monthly, but I’m always looking for new business and clients. Fortunately, I’ve looked at people that are successful who I don’t feel have the same work ethic or professionalism. So I know I have to endure the hard times and stick with it. If I stay true to my business and stick through the hard times I will reach my goals.

What made you keep pushing towards your goal?

Just my belief system. I do think that I have been blessed to be in a lot of different experiences and I think that for me I can’t give up. I feel like there’s something more. If I can do the things that I have done so far if I keep going that I’m going to reach the moon.

What advice can you give other women who are striving for their own goals?

Really sit down and listen and write down your goals. Really think it through. Everyday look at those goals to be reminded of them, I had to listen to my inner voice. You really have to listen to yourself and believe that you can do whatever you want to do.

How do you feel about where you are today?

I feel like I had a really good year. People that I met personally and professionally along with really great projects. Right now I feel good, but it’s not enough. I’ve set some aggressive goals for 2011!

For more information on Yvonne McNair and Captivate Marketing Group you can visit them on the web at www.captivatemarketinggroup.com or email info@captivatemarketinggroup.com

Pretty and Prosperous Profile: Beth Collins

What do you do?

I am the co-creator of Elizabeth’s House in Toledo, OH.  Elizabeth’s House is where amazing women gather to reinvent their lives and find the strength and courage they need to make life-changing decisions.   

Did you have a plan?

Nope, initially I just had a dream. I embraced the dream of creating a space where women could get support for moving their lives forward without necessarily needing to be in a crisis to do so.  Because places like Elizabeth’s House don’t exist I didn’t have anything to use as a model.  I really just had to believe in the vision.  Once I was able to articulate the vision with clarity, the plan began to unfold. 

What steps did you take to get where you are today?

In 2006 I began a private coaching practice.  I worked with countless people who were ready to do something different with their lives, they were just unsure what that something was.  I developed what clients still say is an ultra-simple approach to helping people get clear about what they want and then have fun getting it.  Although they were experiencing great progress, the women all seemed to be calling for a gathering place where like-minds could share the process of reinventing their lives.  Inspired by this idea, I used my own simple coaching method to respond.  Specifically; I got very clear about the vision for a gathering place for women in transition; I established a few goals that would move me toward the vision and would be fun to pursue, I told everyone I knew about my idea and what I needed to move it forward.  The resources appeared easily and quickly, and as they did, I took the necessary steps.  Before I knew it, I had leased a wonderful building where I could invite women to co-create a fresh approach to serving the epidemic number of women who claim to be living lives they no longer recognize as their own.  That space is Elizabeth’s House, a gathering place for women who want to renew, rethink, and reinvent their lives.

What was the defining moment when you knew if you didn’t change you would never reach your goal?

A defining moment for me was experiencing what I call my “truck incident.”  In 2004 I was directing programs for a non-profit that serves low-income women.  The organization was going through its own transition and I had been getting “vibes” that it might be time to make a change of my own.  I was being recruited by other organizations which I quickly dismissed.  What I now know for sure is that when you have that feeling there is something else you should be doing, pay attention.  I didn’t, and continued to ignore the clues that change was imminent.  As I was driving to a speaking engagement at BGSU I slowed for construction traffic.  Unfortunately the tractor-trailer behind me didn’t notice and proceeded to rear-end me.  After a helicopter ride and short stay in NICU, I was released from the hospital to recover from my injuries.  Reluctantly I resigned a job I was passionate about to allow my body and spirit the time needed to heal.  And that was just the beginning of the changes my life would make, inviting me to dream bigger.

Did you always know you would get here?

Right now “here” seems like a mid-point. So yes is the short answer, but I’m not where I know I’m going.  Once I decided to live my life as an adventure, the possibilities for growth seem endless.

What kind of distractions did you have to deal with or overcome?

I guess initially there was the physical healing that had to happen before anything else could. And even though I was clear about the dream that I had for Elizabeth's House, articulating it so that others understood it was challenging.  For me, family responsibilities can also be a huge distraction.  When I am in the midst of creating something new I get really immersed in the process.  So when the family still expects things like meals at normal times, or my participation in a variety of activities, the challenge becomes balancing my needs with those of people I love.

How much of an impact did others play in your decision making during your building process?

Other people were everything to bringing me to where I am. They helped inspire and develop the vision. I wasn’t going to do it alone. I listened to women express what they were needing. Once the vision was in place I invited those other people to co-create. I would not be here without the input and support of other people.  

Were there times when you wanted to give up?

There are times, yes. And when that happens I know it’s time for a break.  Once I give myself time for my own renewal, whether it’s a retreat away from “normal” life or a mini-sabbatical from home I can return with the fresh perspective I need to continue.

What made you keep pushing towards your goal?

I have a greater commitment to creating the dream than I do staying in a current reality that doesn’t serve me.  It’s a decision I make and then I don’t look back.  If I’m following my passion I’m having fun and that makes all the difference.

What advice can you give other women who are striving for their own goals?

Let go of the goals initially and get focused on the dream. Then make sure your goals are aligned with that vision.  

How do you feel about where you are today?

Restless. That’s the good news. Because that means there’s more, and I’m ready.  And even though that feels a little scary, I’m excited and hopeful about the endless possibilities.

For more information on Beth Collins and Elizabeth's House please visit http://elizabethshousetoledo.com/

Pretty and Prosperous Profile: Sharonda Glover

What do you do?

I am the director of development for a small nonprofit GlobeMed. What I do is I’m in charge of our fundraising and marketing activity. I make sure we reach our financial goals and I manage the messaging behind our marketing.

What steps did you take to get where you are today?

Praying first. I decided to get my master’s degree in integrated marketing communications. When I moved to Chicago I wanted to be Oprah. I wanted to revolutionize advertising, but I enjoyed my experience in public relations more. I worked at several different public relations agencies and although it was great work, but I knew there was more that I should be doing. I felt I needed to do something with more purpose. Now, I have to be able to manage 50 million projects at the same time without panicking.

What was the defining moment when you knew if you didn’t change you would never reach your goal?

Oh my gosh, I was getting really bad headaches and I was having nightmares because I was having anxiety about going to work. I knew that I needed to find something else. I didn’t care about working the long hours, I wanted something more rewarding. I had to find something else where the long hours wouldn’t make me feel like I was wasting my time.

Did you always know you would get here?

Yes, I did know I would get here. The journey I didn’t know. I was talking with a friend and we were reminiscing about how 10 years ago we were in high school and I had no idea the journey that it would take to get to where I am today. I feel empowered every day.

Did you have a plan?

I did, I thought the plan I had was an effective one. I had a great plan, but it wasn’t God’s plan for me. I thought what I was doing I was called to do, but what I was doing allowed me to get the skills necessary to do what I am doing now. I never knew that I would be in the non-profit sector.

What kind of distractions did you have to deal with or overcome?

Men of course. The biggest distraction for me was men. Being in the city was great because I’m from Philadelphia. My other distraction was really my own fear and my own limitations of thinking, being afraid to try new things. When I was working at my old job there was a situation where my boss at the time didn’t know what she was doing and I knew that I could finish the project from start to finish, but I didn’t say anything because I felt it wasn’t my place. The president where I was working was frustrated with me and told me to never take a step back just because someone has a different title than you. Take initiative and do the work and shine. So I did from that point forward.

How much of an impact did others play in your decision making during your building process?

At first my parents had a huge impact because I wanted their support. But when I decided to make a career change to non-profit they were concerned because there was going to be a pay cut. My boyfriend was a big supporter telling me to do what makes me happy. I really had to keep people out of my head because everyone has an opinion. Life is too short and I want to be happy.

Were there times when you wanted to give up?

Oh my gosh yes! I wanted to move back to Delaware. I thought I’m really not cut out for this while I was in grad school. You know how you’re baking a cake and you keep checking it to see if it’s done, but you have to leave it in the oven so that it bakes all the way through? Well there was something that kept telling me you’re not done baking yet.

What made you keep pushing towards your goal?

A lot of prayer definitely. I really had to think about my future. What am I going to tell my kids one day, that I left school because I couldn’t take the pressure? What legacy am I going to leave? That really pushed me to work harder. I want to make everyone proud. I let them and their support take me to the next level.

What advice can you give other women who are striving for their own goals?

When it comes to goals, be selfish about it. We as women tend to think about everyone else, but to be an effective mother and wife we have to be happy. Take time to really enjoy life. Everybody is in such a rush to do this and do that. Doing what makes me happy has really changed my life. It’s really a mentality thing. Also, do your research and always pursue that passion that makes you feel alive and blessed to wake up every day. Always strive to do your best.

How do you feel about where you are today?

Where I am today, I am happy but I’m not ultimately where I want to be. I want to open a nonprofit organization for teen mothers because my mom was a teen mother. How do we motivate these young women to help their children? To help them produce children that are productive and ending the generational curse of teen mothers producing more teen mothers that many African American and Latino communities have. I really think my experience with all of my jobs is a launching pad for me for my next job or when I open the nonprofit in the next five years.

For more information on Sharonda Glover and GlobeMed:

sharonda@globemed.org

globemed.org 

302-545-9450

Pretty and Prosperous Profile: Katie Hire

What do you do?

I am a financial representative at Savage and Associates.

What steps did you take to get where you are today?

I completed my internship with Savage and Associates my junior year at Ohio University and during my internship I shadowed several agents to learn how each agent built his practice. After graduating in 2006, I decided to accept the position they offered to me and it was then that I became licensed in Life, Health and Securities. When I started this position I began cold calling small to medium size businesses in the Toledo area. After working with and getting to know several business owners I began working with them on a personal basis assisting them in their personal life insurance and personal retirement planning. Today I have and still am working on building my practice and enjoy every minute of it!

What was the defining moment when you knew if you didn’t change you would never reach your goal?

My goal was and always is production. I had and have several goals. An example in my business is making the million dollar round table which I was fortunate enough to qualify for in 2008! In 2008 I also received the new agent of the year award which was also very important to me.

Did you always know you would get here?

Yes! When I really want something I always find a way to make it happen.

Did you have a plan?

My entire practice is built on planning; planning other people’s financial futures. Plans are the steps we need to reach our goals.

What kind of distractions did you have to deal with or overcome?

In 2008, my second year in the business I had set several goals for myself. I knew I had to dedicate all my time to my work to make these goals possible. On February 2, 2008 my amazing Husband proposed to me. SURPRISE! It was a wonderful distraction and as much as I was nervous to add planning a wedding to my list, it became the most positive influence in my business. I knew with a Wedding in August 2008 I had to work that much harder in the months prior to make my goals. When I did it, it was that much more rewarding! 2008 was a fabulous year!

How much of an impact did others play in your decision making during your building process?

I truly believe you can only be so focused. Others such as family and friends play huge roles in supporting you in your building process. Having a husband who was finishing school as I was still in early stages of growing my commission only business added more pressure but good pressure the kind where there was no option not to succeed!

Were there times when you wanted to give up?

Ha! Every other day. In my business you ride something called a roller coaster. You get so busy and it’s so exciting that once you complete all of those cases you start over. They key is once you get busy to continue to keep looking for that next case. That is a very tough task to master and I am still working on that even today.

What made you keep pushing towards your goal?

It’s what I wanted. I love working for myself and having my own business. There are times it’s just so rewarding and as I look at my book of business that I have created I stand proud looking back at where I started!

What advice can you give other women who are striving for their own goals?

You can never set a goal to high!

How do you feel about where you are today?

I am so happy where I am, but never satisfied and in this case that’s a great thing! I keep wanting more and setting higher goals. I love what I do and have passion for what I do. To succeed in life you have to love what you do!

For more information on Katie Hire and Savage and Associates:

Office: 419-475-8665

Direct: 419-725-7392

katie.hire@savageandassociates.com

Pretty and Prosperous Profile: Latisha Williams

What do you do?

I DO a lot, but who I am is...a voice. Whatever title I choose to use today: Mom, Voiceover Actress, Writer, Philanthropist, Frugalicious Diva...it always comes down using what I have on the inside to inform and inspire others.

What steps did you take to get where you are today?

I just kept going. I wrote it down and made it happen. I once read a book called Write it Down Make it Happen. When I ran across that book and started reading, The Law of Attraction was introduced to me at that time. These dreams have always been in my heart, but I was too afraid to go and be something different from the norm, what everyone expected. You know, with more self reflection you get to know who you are as a person and those things in your heart begin to unfold for you. I wrote down my dreams, goals and aspirations. They don’t always come when I think they’re coming, but I am always prepared to write them down.

What was the defining moment when you knew if you didn’t change you would never reach your goal?

Back in 2007, I was at a job that I no longer enjoyed. I'd spoken of moving to Chicago several times, but again...I was afraid. One day an old friend came by to bid on a contract there and she asked about me...stating she knew I wanted to move to Chicago. One of my coworkers told her very sarcastically, “Oh that never happened for her.” That was the moment my fire was lit and I knew I had to get out of here. I did end up in Chicago, but it was very short lived. The fact that I finally jumped at the chance to get up and go, gave me the courage to do what I needed to do from that point forward.

Did you always know you would get here?

Yes, I always knew that there was something bigger. I knew I was always destined to be something greater. I thank God that I've ever evolving and that I am able to use my voice to influence the world.

Did you have a plan?

No, I never have a plan. My plan is Write it Down, Make it Happen. Whatever that tends to entail is always something different. When I started modeling back in 2003, I met a model who was booking jobs constantly. She taught me a very valuable lesson: you have to keep going through your “no's” until you get to your “yes”. I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and I don’t believe in missed  opportunities. Things work out the way they’re supposed to, ALWAYS.  It’s really about your own personal drive; You believe it, you will get there.

What kind of distractions did you have to deal with or overcome?

My own, all of the distractions were my own. Procrastinating and just not believing in myself. You don’t push harder because in the back of your mind you’re scared and staying in that fear is comfortable. People are scared of failure but people are also afraid of success. We have to learn that we have the tools on the inside of us. Whatever it is you're supposed to be doing you can do it. Don’t you know you’re great?

How much of an impact did others play in your decision making during your building process?

People play a very large role in my life and are a great deal of influence in building the person I am today!!  Some negative, but I use that as an elevation tool. I’m fortunate enough to have people that speak life into me and my dreams. They cheer for me. And I cheer for them. I think people make the difference for me. A lot of what I do is based on people. I use my voice to inspire others and those others are important. My creative coach broke some things down for me. She did a diagram: one for head and one for heart. The heart is what God says about you...the truth about you. The head are the other people who are outside influences. The head just wants to be heard; it may or may not be right. Once you recognize what the head says then it connects with the heart. It’s okay that other people have things to say to and about you even if what they say may not be all true. You should always go with what your heart says. You can’t always take what someone says about you as who you are. The heart knows (the God in you) who you truly are.

Were there times when you wanted to give up?

Absolutely. There were times when I was impatient. It was very frustrating when I was working for someone else. I knew I needed to get out of that job. I was working on some things then because I knew I was going to need to transition out of that job quickly; it got to the point where I was crying at night. Then a ray of sunshine came...I was laid off. I was elated!! It gave me time. The job that I hated so much helped me to fund my dream. As I look at it as a whole, I’m grateful for the entire process and all I had to endure.

What made you keep pushing towards your goal?

Because I knew there was a greater place for me. That’s just me. I’m always going to be pushing for the goal and there will always be more goals. At this point it’s easy but necessary because I’m doing it full time. I didn't do it as much before because I had my trusty job to fall back on. Now, my reputation is out there and I want to be a good one out there.

What advice can you give other women who are striving for their own goals?

Write it down, make it happen. It is my goal for life. People have to know that whatever goals they have, they can achieve them. They have what they need to make it happen. Why spend your life being miserable when you don’t have to? Take a chance, put yourself out there and pursue your dreams. I want women to be assured that it’s okay to live your best life!!

How do you feel about where you are today?

I feel really good. Every day is a new adventure. I never know what’s going to come out of my mouth or my pen. It’s a good place, an open place. I’m ready to receive what’s out there for me. I'm confident in the fact that its going be good. Ladies!! Make the decision that this is how it’s going to be. Decide to live well or decide to struggle.  It's very simple.

I am very big on affirmations. I would advise anybody that is writing down and making plans to use these daily. Always have affirmations about family, money, life, whatever and declare that those good things are coming into your life. Put it anywhere you can to be reminded. Keep it close so when you get discouraged you can be reminded that you are bound to be great!!

For more information on Latisha:

Visit Latisha's Blog: http://latishastotalchange.blogspot.com/

Website: http://latishasvoice.webs.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/frugaliciousdva

For Frugalicious Living: FrugaliciousDiva@yahoo.com

For Voiceover Inquiries: LatishasVoice@yahoo.com

Pretty and Prosperous Profile: Renee Rivers

What steps did you take to get where you are today?

Very simple: setting goals and tackling them one day at a time. One of my major accomplishments was completing college and obtaining my bachelors degree. As a single parent working two jobs, it was tough, but I did it. Now I’m working on continuing my education by pursuing a masters’ degree. Last year I took a leap of faith and started my own business. Living a healthy lifestyle is something that I’ve always practiced, so becoming a fitness consultant just made sense. I have a desire to help others become healthy and fit, so this business is aligned with not only my professional goals, but personal goals as well. Becoming an Independent Beachbody Coach has allowed me to realize my true potential in life. Living out my passion was something I would only dream about---now it’s my reality. It has opened up so many doors for me. Right now, I have a lot on my plate, but I love it and wouldn’t change it for anything! With faith in God, persistence, dedication, and determination, it can only get better from here.

Did you always know you would get here?

No, after I graduated from high school I went away to college for civil engineering, which doesn’t even come close to what I’m doing now. During that time, I felt as though becoming an engineer was my dad’s dream and not mine. After changing my major several times, I decided that the communication program would be best. Once I graduated, I continued to work multiple jobs, neither of which were in my field of study. In 2006, I did a lot of soul searching, praying (and crying). I continuously asked myself “What is my purpose? What do I want to do with my life?” At that time, I was miserable and working long hours in an automotive factory with a bachelors’ degree. Something was seriously wrong with that picture and I knew that it was time for a major change. From there, I started setting goals, one of which was to enroll in grad school. That was my first step in living out MY vision…MY dream and not someone else’s.

Did you have a plan?

I didn’t have a concrete plan, up until I realized that I wanted to go to grad school for health promotion and education; and now that I have my own business, planning is a must! I am continuously writing down in a notebook my short-term and long-term goals. Each day, I complete small tasks, which are “bread crumbs” leading up to my bigger goals. I’m starting to realize I need to have a plan to achieve what I want in life in order to be successful. Without a plan, I feel lost.

What kind of distractions did you have to deal with or overcome?

People are so quick to blame others for their failures, but I believe that we are our own worst enemies. The reason why I was “stuck” and not succeeding in life was due to my inability to be proactive and productive. My negative thoughts became my distractions, which resulted in negative outcomes. I had to realize that if I was going to be successful, I had to take risks, do more, be more, lead by example, and live life to its fullest. I have learned to overcome my distractions and now, I couldn’t be happier.

How much of an impact did others play in your decision making?

I tend to value the opinions of those who are close to me, such as my family and friends. Before starting my own business, there were a few individuals who did not believe that it was in my best interest to do so. In the end, I am going to do what is best for me and my family. I would like to have the support of others and I absolutely love constructive criticism. I take it into account whether I deem it to be negative or positive. It motivates me to push harder and work harder. The number one deciding factor in starting my own business was my son. I want to provide a better life for him and I believe that I can do that by setting an example for him by achieving my goals.

Were there times when you wanted to give up?

Yes, there have been plenty of times where I didn’t know if I was cut out for this (owning a business). Once I started writing down my goals, networking, and establishing relationships with other successful people, it has not crossed my mind one bit. I also had to learn not to compare my success to others, but instead concentrate on my actions and gain a better understanding on how to build a better business for myself. I’ve never been known to be a quitter; once I start something I’m going to finish it despite any obstacles that may occur along the way. There are people in my community that need my help. That in itself is enough motivation for me to keep going and not give up!

What made you keep pushing towards your goal?

Again, my son is my number one motivator. As his mother, he looks up to me and I do not want him to see me fail or give up on my dreams. I want to show him how success is not about accumulating millions of dollars, but by sharing our God given talents, skills learned, and knowledge acquired. For me, my success is measured by the number of people who are successful in achieving their goals, whether it is to become physically or financially fit. With the increase of obesity rates in the U.S., changes need to be made now in our society; especially in the urban community. I believe that I am a small solution to a much bigger problem. Knowing that I can make a difference in the lives of others allows me to keep pushing towards my goals each and every day.

What advice can you give other women who are striving for their own goals?

Prayer changes everything! My conversations with God have given me so much strength and faith. I’ve developed a great relationship with Him and can attest that He answers prayers, which is never on our time, but His. I’ve realized that God has His own plan for us and with patience and understanding; He will eventually guide us towards that path.

Renee Rivers

As a health enthusiast, Renee Rivers decided to start her own business as an Independent Beachbody Coach by helping others become healthy and wealthy.  She is well on her way with pursuits of obtaining a personal training certificate and a masters’ degree in health education. Understanding the importance of living a healthy lifestyle, Renee’s goal is to assist others in achieving the same lifestyle for themselves.

For more information on Renee Rivers and her services, please contact her via the following: Website: www.jabkickpunch.com

E-mail: jabkickpunch@gmail.com

Befriend Her: www.facebook.com/jabkickpunch

Follow Her: www.twitter.com/jabkickpunch

Pretty and Prosperous Profile: Erin Baker

 

What do you do?

I am the Program Development Manager for MORE mentoring (Mentoring Offers Rich Experiences). MORE mentoring is a collaborative effort between three Leona Group, LLC charter schools in partnership with the University of Toledo. The school-based program focuses on giving youth in grades four through eight opportunities to form positive relationships with caring adults to build skills, exercise leadership and help their communities. Essentially, my role is to develop, manage and implement program initiatives through strategic event planning and brand management through various new and traditional media outlets (twitter, facebook, website, etc). In addition, I manage and maximize opportunities to grow meaningful relationships with current and potential mentors and community partners in order to further enrich program depth and overall mentee experience.

What steps did you take to get where you are today?

With the help of prayer, family, friends and education, I was able to begin taking steps to get where I am today. While attending graduate school at the University of Notre Dame, I had the opportunity to study under a curriculum that had the mission to educate the heart and mind. As a result, I had a clear understanding that my education was to be a tool that should assist in leaving a mark on the world. Prior to receiving my MBA, I had been an active volunteer in many facets from raising funds by running races to a volunteer marketer for the MORE mentoring program. After graduation, it became obvious to me that my passion for philanthropy didn’t have to be recreational rather it was one that could fuel a career. After lots of prayer and the unconditional support of family and friends, I was able to ultimately take a leap of faith and move from a corporate job into a non-profit career.

What was the defining moment when you knew if you didn’t change you would never reach your goal?

My education immediately afforded me opportunities for career advancement. While I was grateful to have the chance for promotion to climb the corporate ladder, it became apparent to me that I had a different purpose. The defining moment came to me in the form of a greater and deeper calling to give back in order to give others the same and more opportunities that I had been granted.

Did you always know that you would get here?

From a young age, I truly felt that I was destined to do something great. Throughout my childhood my parents instilled this feeling and over the years ive found motivation in that feeling and even repeat it almost as a mantra, “You are bound for greatness”. As a result, I’ve always been diligent in my work, in my education, in my philanthropy actively working towards greatness.

Did you have a plan?

The basis of my plan was identifying non-profit organizations that had values that were in alignment with my personal beliefs and ethics. Having worked fulltime while attending graduate school for two years, I felt strongly that to deviate from this plan would be a great disservice to all my time, work and effort.  As result, I was able to easily identify a clear path towards what I wanted to achieve.

What kind of distractions did you have to deal with or overcome?

The greatest distraction that I needed to overcome was fear.  The stability of my corporate career was very appealing.  Therefore, the decision to leave was one that pushed me completely out of my comfort zone.  Despite having a plan, it truly felt like in order to answer this greater calling it was necessary that I close my eyes to fear and step out on faith.

How much of an impact did others play in your decision making during your building process?

In making my decision, I did a lot of soul searching and praying prior to engaging any outside thought or opinion.  In addition, I sought out resources in order to empower myself with knowledge to make an informed decision.  Primarily, the words of advice and feedback that I received were in the form of affirmation.  Overall, the greatest impact was that of overwhelming love and support of family and friends.

Were there times when you wanted to give up?

While there is great security in corporate America, I feel that there is no greater reward than non-profit work.  Despite the potential for lower wages and longer hours, I enjoy every minute of it and that is priceless.

What made you keep pushing towards your goal?

The idea that I am fulfilling a greater and grander purpose keeps me pushing each and every day. I truly believe I was meant to be of service of others to assist them in achieving their goals, their hopes, dare I say their dreams.  During a recent mentoring session, I had the opportunity to ask over 50 mentees, “what is your dream?”  After hearing everything from the President to a doctor, a mentee asked me, “what is your dream?”  In short, it is to help these young dream believers become dream achievers and that is what keeps me pushing towards my goal every single day.

What advice can you give other women who are striving for their own goals?

Recently, MORE Mentoring implemented the BIG initiative: Build, Improve, Grow.  In short, it is pertinent to surround yourself with peers, mentors, role models who are actively helping you to build in mind, improve in body and grow in spirit.  I have been very fortunate to be surrounded with such positive influences throughout my life within my family and friends.  In the end, I am blessed to say that these are the people who not only support me, but hold me accountable as I strive to achieve my goals.

How do you feel about where you are today?

I am extremely excited about where I am today and look forward to the many great things that lay ahead for MORE Mentoring.  Each day, the program enriches the lives of youth and creates opportunities for them to flourish in all they strive to do.  I am truly thankful to be a part of an organization that does such meaningful and fulfilling work.  Mentoring truly is a powerful opportunity to fill the void in a child’s life and bridge gaps of social inequality; I invite and encourage everyone to become a MORE Mentor today!

For more information on Erin Baker and MORE Mentoring:

Visit MORE Website: http://www.morementoring.webs.com

Friend or Like MORE on Facebook: http://facebook.com/more.mentoring

Follow MORE on Twitter: http://twitter.com/morementoring

Email MORE: more.mentoring@gmail.com

Pretty and Prosperous Profile: Rose Toth Gallardo

What do you do?

I own Rose Custom Interiors; I specialize in residential, small commercial and senior living interior design. I also am a realtor to best serve my clients with all of their home needs, from staging to remodeling, to building, to selling or buying. I can help with as little or as much as the client or project needs. I am inspired by people and their surroundings and look forward to projects small and large.

What steps did you take to get where you are today?

I originally went to college for recreation management. I focused on travel and tourism and marketing which included branding. I was later recruited by The Limited and worked in fashion store management. Realizing my love of sales and wanting to control my schedule, I took a position in telecommunications doing outside sales. After a few years of that I had my aha moment. I loved fashion and sales but I didn’t love what I was selling and that’s when I decided to go back to school for interior design. I believe each of those steps were key components to starting Rose Custom Interiors.

What was the defining moment when you knew if you didn’t change you would never reach your goal?

I was really struggling with anxiety and more and more I didn’t want to work in telecommunications.  I knew I had to make a big change; I didn’t want to continue in this job for another week, so I started looking into interior design programs.

Did you always know you would get here?

I knew that when choosing what I wanted to do I would choose wisely and go in a specific direction. I think with learning new information the goals have changed along the way. For example, I knew I wanted to do residential interior design. Since I started my business, a portion of it is with working with seniors. Now people are downsizing and still want well designed homes with less maintenance. I was able to change the dream and stay true to the passion.

Did you have a plan?

I did. I think the plan changes constantly, but I did sit down and make a plan. I decided to go back to school and get as much experience as I could and I also was able to use the experience I gained when I was in sales. When I started to gain clientele I sat down and made a business plan for Rose Custom Interiors. I’m very proud of my business and what I’ve accomplished. It’s nice once you have the career in place where you feel comfortable and confident. At this stage I do want to have a family and I know I have the balance within to do so.

                                                                                                   

What kind of distractions did you have to deal with or overcome?

Leaving corporate America was a big step.  Starting your own business is not a get rich quick scheme. Really having the ambition and courage to see it through is really important. There were many times where I wished I could punch a clock and get a paycheck. I took second jobs. I worked part time at flooring, paint, and furniture stores. Along the way learning as much as I could about the field, I can’t stress enough how important these experiences are and have contributed to being a well rounded designer.

How much of an impact did others play in your decision making during your building process?

The majority of people thought I was crazy for leaving my job and starting over. Every single one of those people are proud of me to this day.

Were there times when you wanted to give up?

Yes. When people don’t pay timely and you’re doing the dance at the PO Box waiting for money it makes it very difficult. I don’t always get paid on time. A reminder to everyone out there, pay your small business owners! J

What made you keep pushing towards your goal?

I love what I do. I am inspired by people, their surroundings, and personalities. The mission of my business is to design around people and not trends. I will always be on top of the latest products and techniques, but it always comes back to what will be best for my clients.

What advice can you give other women who are striving for their own goals?

Stay true to yourself. Have a real understanding of who you are. All relationships personal and business will be better because of it. Take small baby steps and grow it when you’re comfortable. Too often people want big, faster than they are ready. No one knows themselves better than you, trust your gut.

How do you feel about where you are today?

I’m really happy. I recently got married, that was a huge step. Not many other people have come before my business. I feel like I am at the point where I am achieving the balance that I want. Through good relationships and a passion filled career.

For more information on Rose Toth Gallardo and Rose Custom Interiors please visit http://www.rosecustominteriors.com/

Rose Toth Gallardo

On February 19, 2004 my dream of having an interior design business became a reality with Rose Custom Interiors. I have 20 years of experience in fashion, marketing and sales, which has led me to find my true passion in interior design. RCI is now 7 years old and I still enjoy spending each day designing for my unique clients and their personalities.