Transitioning from education to entrepreneurship, championing work-life balance, and redefining PR for BIPOC audiences, this trailblazer is leaving a powerful mark. From co-founding International Business Bestie Day to earning the nickname “The Systems Doctor,” their journey is a masterclass in turning passion into purpose.
From Teacher to Trailblazer
Transitioning from education to entrepreneurship is a bold move! What’s the first mindset shift educators need to make to embrace entrepreneurship, and how did your own teaching experience prepare you for business success?
Let’s keep it real, making the leap from teaching to running the show in business is no joke. It’s like stepping out of one world and into a whole new one. The first mindset shift? Stop thinking of your job as just a job. When you’re an entrepreneur, you’re not just working for a paycheck—you’re building an empire. It’s about creating freedom, not just security.
My years in the classroom? They were like boot camp for entrepreneurship. Managing 30 middle schoolers at once taught me how to handle chaos like a pro, communicate with all kinds of personalities, and solve problems on the fly. And those lesson plans? They weren’t just about academics; they were a crash course in strategizing, pivoting, and adapting under pressure. Bottom line? Teaching gave me the foundation to lead, inspire, and innovate in the business world.
Work Smarter, Live Better
You’re a champion of work-life balance and smarter strategies for entrepreneurs. Can you share one “aha” moment when you realized working smarter, not harder, was the key to scaling your success?
I had an aha! moment that changed everything. I was burning the candle at both ends—running my business, juggling clients, and still trying to have a life. One day, it hit me like a ton of bricks: I didn’t need to do more; I needed to do less, but better. That realization shifted my entire approach. I leaned into automation, letting tech handle the repetitive stuff, and learned to delegate tasks that didn’t need my personal touch. Once I mastered the art of creating efficient systems, scaling became a breeze. Now, I can build my business and still have time to sip mimosas by the beach. The secret? It’s not about how hard you work; it’s about how smart you move.
Rewriting the PR Playbook
Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of your PR approach. What’s one piece of advice you would give to brands looking to authentically connect with BIPOC audiences while avoiding common missteps?
When it comes to connecting with BIPOC audiences, let’s be clear: authenticity is Queen. My biggest advice to brands? Start with listening. I mean real listening—not just cherry-picking buzzwords or hopping on trends. BIPOC consumers are very savvy; they can spot performative efforts a mile away. To truly connect, you’ve got to invest in hiring diverse teams, collaborating with authentic voices, and building long-term relationships. Quick wins and trendy campaigns won’t cut it anymore. Oh, and here’s a major tip: Stay out of the “tone-deaf zone.” Run your ideas by people who understand the community before launching anything. Get feedback. Be intentional. When done right, PR isn’t just a strategy—it’s a bridge to deeper, meaningful connections.
Celebrating Sisterhood with IBBD
International Business Bestie Day sounds like a game-changer for women entrepreneurs! What inspired you to create this global celebration, and what’s been the most memorable IBBD moment so far?
Creating International Business Bestie Day was straight from the heart. My business partner, Lynnecia Eley, and I wanted women entrepreneurs to know they’re not out here building empires alone. We’re stronger together, and IBBD is all about celebrating that sisterhood. The inspiration? Honestly, it came from Lynn and my friendship and business partnership. It was the realization that we thrive when we uplift each other. The most memorable IBBD moment? Whew, where do I start? Seeing women from across the globe connect, collaborate, and celebrate their wins together? That energy was electric. It’s a reminder that sisterhood knows no borders, and when women come together, we’re unstoppable.
Diagnosing Success with the Systems Doctor
Your nickname, “The Systems Doctor,” says it all! If you could give one “prescription” to entrepreneurs struggling, what would it be?
Here’s your HPC Rx prescription for success: Get your systems in check! Too many entrepreneurs are out here freestyling when they need a playbook. You want to scale? Create repeatable processes for everything. From client onboarding to invoicing and marketing, every aspect of your business should run like a well-oiled machine. Treat your business like a legacy-building operation, not just a hustle. And don’t be afraid to audit what’s not working. If it’s dragging you down, cut it loose. Remember, the goal is progress, not perfection. Trust me, once you’ve got systems in place, you’ll go from struggling to thriving in no time.
With insights that inspire action and a no-nonsense approach to success, this entrepreneur is proof that strategy, sisterhood, and smart systems can transform any dream into a legacy.
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