TheCEOMamma Blog » Featured Women

2011 Success Driven Women in Business – Kiexiza Rodriquez

CEOMamma — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 14:00:51 +0000

Full Name: Kiexiza Rodriquez

Company: DiamondStar Entertainment

Position: Dir. Advertising & Promotions

Website: www.diamondstarentertainment.weebly.com

Year Founded: 2007

Tell us about yourself and your business: DiamondStar Ent was founded and thrives today as a help in promotions for authors, musicians and entrepreneurs looking for ways to Brand their name. We assist these persons and businesses, with the use of social media, radio interviews, web site ads and street promotions. Our saying is “If no one knows who you are, what you’re selling or how to reach you, how can they support you?” DSE looks to assist in bridging the gap between the Artist and the consumer.

What inspired you to start a business? My three children, with special educational needs, ADD, ADHD and ODD, and a very resourceful, independent 4^th child were my biggest reason. I’ve had many, many jobs that I’ve either had to quit or lessen hours to the point it cost me more to get to work than the check I made. It became essential to have a career that I could work when I needed to, take a break when necessary and attend meetings, doctor’s appointments for my children as necessary without it jeopardizing my income. Being creative myself and having a heart to help and assist others, I put the two together and pray they continue to bless me as I help others.

Share one business goal: This year, in conjunction with Pure Jade Publishing, DSE will publish my debut novel “Beautiful” as well as a poetry novel by “TonyWade” and my 1^st sequel to my debut novel, “Beautiful Seduction”.

What would you say contributes to your success? Many, many years of trying, of allowing others to hinder my goals and tell me I’m not good enough or it can’t be done, finally came to an end. Though there are still a few echoes of those who doubt my dreams, for the most part I am more driven than I’ve ever been in my life. I keep pushing and when I feel my drive depleting, I reeve myself back up again and press on.

What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur? Mainly I’d suggest being sure you can be your own cheerleader, more than likely many around you and many you feel should have your back won’t and will try to cut you down for going outside the box. You have to know this is what you want to do and develop a thick skin of sorts to go when all around you says it can’t be done.

Anything else you want to mention about your business? My novel Beautiful will be released July 20^th 2011 and until the end of June is avail at a $8 savings. Check the author page on the DSE website. DSE is always running promotions specials, so frequent our site. We look forward to working with you!

CEOMamma

Tamyka Washington is a wife, mother to six, Founder/CEO of TheCEOMamma Network, marketing strategist, coach and mentor. Tamyka empowers new and seasoned women entrepreneurs to business breakthrough by blending powerful attraction marketing methods with effective social media strategies to establish a CREDIBLE brand and profitable freedom based business online. Visit here website below, to learn more:

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2011 Success Driven Women in Business – Rochelle Carter

CEOMamma — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 14:15:21 +0000

Name: Rochelle Carter, SPHR

Company: Ellechor Publishing House, LLC

Position: President/CEO

Website: www.ellechorpublishing.com

Year Founded: 2009

Tell us about yourself and your business: I am 27 years old, a wife, a new mom, a Senior Professional in Human Resources and a Project Manager. I love reading, surfing the internet and meeting new people, but most of all I love spending time with my family.

My business, Ellechor Publishing House produces both Christian fiction and non-fiction literature. We provide our readers with top quality publications by focusing not only on the product, but on the providers as well. Beyond just book publishing, we ensure that our writers have the support they need to develop, so they can provide quality manuscripts.

What inspired you to start a business? An avid reader from the fifth grade, I have always had a passion for books and secretly dreamed of a job where all I had to do was read books all day. In 2009, after seeing a continuous lack of quality Christian fiction material and faced with a growing desire for change, I decided to follow my childhood dreams and start this company. While it’s still a far cry from “just reading books all day”, I love being able to create great products with a purpose and a team of inspiring people.

Share one business goal: My long-term goal is to have a successful, self-sustaining business to pass on to my family. For me this means sticking with this investment, no matter what, so we can have something to build on in the future.

What would you say contributes to your success? God first of course, for putting people in my path who see and believe in our vision just when we need them. I do a lot of online networking as well as in person, and it’s uncanny how I can always find the right resource at the right time who is willing to work for the right amount. Following up on those leads, and making sure the relationships are always mutually beneficial also helps!

What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur? Do something you love, not just a “get rich quick” plan, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Loving your business will help you to put aside your pride when you need to, and there are so many people in the world willing to work with you and support your vision if you just ask.

Anything else you want to mention about your business? Our latest publications are available now on our site and Amazon.com for our devotionals “The Boaz Factor: When You’re Ready for the Right One”, and “Get Up and Walk!”, and our fiction Adventure novel “After the Cross”. We also have pre-sales going on Amazon for “Hope Stands: Ten Reasons Why You Must Not Give Up”, which is a devotional geared towards suicide awareness and prevention. It releases in September 2011, which is Suicide Awareness Month.

CEOMamma

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Launching Soon – WAHMs WIN™ Jump on Board!

CEOMamma — Wed, 25 May 2011 15:44:04 +0000

This is Huge…An Event You Surely Do Not Want to Miss!

I’m so excited to announce the official launch of a new organization - WAHMs WIN™ that will take place on June 1st, 2011…and YOU are invited to the celebration!

The heart-filled, passionate and huge supporter of mompreneurs, Donna Johnson and I, have partnered and Co-Founded WAHMs WIN™. As the inspiration behind the organization, Donna recognized a need and had the vision to see it through.

Our mission is to give the advantage to disadvantaged women entrepreneurs by providing expert training and mentoring.

We have a goal to bridge the digital divide in our communities by bringing together our collective expertise for outreach as trainers and mentors to work-at-home moms who are in our local communities, but may lack the access and necessary skills and/or resources to successfully build a sustainable business.

We aim to EMPOWER them to CREATE their OWN business success!

We are introducing our launch with a series of free teleseminars and have hand selected a phenomenal line up of powerful women in business to share with you their success stories, during our series!

WAHMs WIN™ fills the need for those women who need support and guidance as well as providing opportunity to women who are making a difference and have a desire to give back and pay it forward!

Interested in Attending?

To participate in this free event, show your support and learn more about WAHMs WIN™, Click Here Now to register!

CEOMamma

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Women Entrepreneurs Empowered Through Community

CEOMamma — Mon, 23 May 2011 14:00:41 +0000

Creating community to connect with your target market was the topic I discussed recently, along with Dani Nir-McGrath – The Mompreneur, on the first Allied Women conference call.

Kri Day and Stephanie Page, are the Co-Founders of this united community of passionate and exceptional women and mom entrepreneurs.

Allied Women is a place for women of all ages and backgrounds to come together to help each other thrive online.

The goal for these women is to feature, promote, and bring women together to ally together to thrive online!

The mission of Allied Women is to give women online a place to connect with others like them and be heard.

Whether you are a women entrepreneur, blogger or just want your message to be heard Allied Women wants to feature you!

This is one of my TOP favorite Facebook communities so I was honored when I was invited to share my experience on the call!

A few of the questions Dani and I answered were:

What are some of the benefits for women being a part of a community
How creating a community can help women in their business
What does it take to start your own community

If you weren’t able to join us on the call, you can go here to listen to the replay!

CEOMamma

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2011 Success Driven Women in Business – LaTersa Blakely

CEOMamma — Sun, 01 May 2011 13:00:52 +0000

Full Name: LaTersa Blakely

Company: Baby Diaper Cakes and Beyond by LaTersa

Position: Creative Designer / Owner

Website: www.diapercakesbylatersa.com

Year Founded: 2010

Tell us about yourself and your business: I am a proud wife and mother of two beautiful children. I have always had a passion for crafts, making gift baskets, and putting smiles on other people faces. As a little girl, I use to make baby doll clothes with my late grandma and design quilts. As years went by, I found myself always wanting to make a wedding gift, birthday gift, and anything to make someone smile. My business offers baby shower diaper cakes, baby shower favors, bridal shower towel cakes, and gift baskets. I also offer consultation for women who are planning a memorable baby shower. My ultimate goal is to deliver the best diaper cakes and other baby shower gifts on the market.

What inspired you to start a business? My passion for designing gift baskets, and my desire to be home with my children was one of my biggest inspirations. Also, with the expenses of childcare, I really had to step out on faith and leave the corporate world and do what I truly love to do.

Share one business goal: One of my goals is to publish my first e-book and to deliver the best information about the latest news in the baby industry to my customers and potential customers.

What would you say contributes to your success? My faith and my family play an important part of my success. My husband is my biggest fan and he always encourages me when I’m down and out. Also, just being able to watch my children grow up and be able to be involved in their school activities is my greatest joy!!!!

What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur? I would say to always follow your heart. Listen to that inner voice and peace that you have when you are doing what you love to do. Don’t listen to the Nay Sayers with all that negativity; let it go in one ear and out the other. Don’t be afraid to believe in your dreams and that they will come to past. “All things are possible when you have God as your partner and when you believe.”

Anything else you want to mention about your business? I would love for you to stop by my website and browse through all of my creative and unique designs. I look forward to networking with you.

Blog: http://www.diapercakesbylatersa.blogspot.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/latersababycake

Face book: http://www.facebook.com/diapercakesbylatersa

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/latersablakely

CEOMamma

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2011 Success Driven Women in Business – Jagi Egnell

CEOMamma — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 13:00:44 +0000

Name: Jagi Egnell

Company: Innervisions Hypnotherapy Clinic

Position: Hypnotherapist

Website: www.hypnosisabbotsford.com

Year Founded: 2009

Tell us about yourself and your business: I have 4 children ranging between the ages of 19-7 years. In October 2009 I became a certified clinical hypnotherapist and opened my clinic in the same month. Previous to this I was an employment counsellor for people with mental/physical/emotional disabilities. I really enjoy working with people of all ages and to see the amazing change take place in their life is just amazing. My articles have been published in Ezine Articles as well as SelfGrowth.com.

What inspired you to start a business? As an employment counsellor I was seeing change in clients, but it was taking so long for it to happen, as I was seeing clients week after week for many months before any change was noticeable. I wanted to do something which could create change faster and hypnotherapy is gentle yet creates change within the first session and by the third session clients become a totally transformed person.

Share one business goal: My goal is to be able to help lift people up to newer vibrations and experience the joy I experience when I help them transform.

What would you say contributes to your success? What contributes to my success is the support I get from my family for venturing into an unknown yet stigmatized field of work.

What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur? Never give up, because when you do that’s when the magic stops happening in your life.

Anything else you want to mention about your business? My business is challenging yet very rewarding.

CEOMamma

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2011 Success Driven Women in Business – ShaChena Gibbs

CEOMamma — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 11:00:48 +0000

Name: ShaChena Gibbs

Company: Real Sisters Rising, LLC

Position: Chief Executive Officer

Website: www.realsistersrising.com

Year Founded: 2003

Tell us about yourself and your business: Real Sisters Rising is a membership based organization that’s built from membership participation. Our Purpose as a group of women young and old, we will be working together to provide resources, education, networking opportunities along with advocacy and promoting self-awareness within our communities. We believe when women improve the quality of their lives, through personal and professional development they also improve the lives of their families, their community and the world in which we all live. We assist the members with personal and professional growth through various forms of education. Some of our activities consist of live events, conference calls, coaching, and virtual events.

What inspired you to start a business? I had a passion to help women with starting a business. This passion came from the struggles I had to face when I first got started. And I also want to build an empire to leave to my children and their children. Building generational wealth is key these days.

Share one business goal: This year one of my goals is to assist as many women as possible to earn a six figure income via entrepreneurship.

What would you say contributes to your success? My passion for being a servant helps to contribute to my success. When I fall, I am able to get up and start it all again because I am self motivated and driven by my passion to serve.

What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur? Just be consistence and do what you love to do. Starting a business just because, won’t cut it. You have to believe in you and you will Rise!

Anything else you want to mention about your business? Real Sisters Rising is a National Networking Org. for Women Entrepreneurs. We started in 2003 as a Yahoo Group and grown to be a national organization. Our motto is “Helping women find the Diamond in their Destiny”. This motto was thought of because like I said previously I want to leave an empire to my children. My 2 daughter’s names are Destiny and Diamond. We are celebrating our 8 year anniversary in NYC this coming May. Visit our website for your ticket www.realsistersrising.com. You can also find us on Facebook www.thequeenpreneur.info

Twitter http://www.twitter.com/shagibbs

CEOMamma

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2011 Success Driven Women in Business – Gazelle Simmons

CEOMamma — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 15:00:03 +0000

Full Name: Gazelle Simmons

Company: Admin Services

Position: Virtual Assistant

Website: www.admnsrvcs.com

Year Founded: 1998

Tell us about yourself and your business: Since 1998, I have been a Virtual Assistant specializing in social media navigation, data entry, presentations, word processing, database management, editing and proofreading services, mass mailings, thesis and manuscript processing as well as other clerical services. I love working with women business owners particularly solopreneurs. My clients have been and continue to be solopreneurs, small business owners, independent contractors, website owners, financial advisors, photographers, realtors, writers as well as individuals looking for administrative assistance.

What inspired you to start a business? I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit and when the time came to step out, I jumped.

Share one business goal: To keep growing my business by helping other women business owners.

What would you say contributes to your success? God, determination, persistence and providing excellent customer service.

What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur? Do what you have a passion for. Not what will make the most money because when you are tired, you have to love what you are doing in order to keep doing it year after year.

Anything else you want to mention about your business? You can call me at 912-225-3068 Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm, EST, email me at help@admnsrvcs.com or view my website at www.admnsrvcs.com for more information. My tagline says it all. Let me help you grow your business today!

CEOMamma

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2011 Success Driven Women in Business – Andrea Fields

CEOMamma — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 14:00:05 +0000

Full Name: Andrea Fields

Company: NeedleArtist and Crafters

Position: Director

Website: www.needleartistandcrafters.ning.com

Year Founded: 2010

Tell us about yourself and your business: I am a veteran NeedleArtist, proficient in: Sewing, Quilting, Soft Cloth Artistry, Crochet, Cross Stitch, Embroidery and NeedlePoint. I am experienced in other forms of NeedleArts and Crafts; but the fore mentioned are those I’m most proficient in. My business is a social community I created for the purposes of promoting Tactile artist and their art. Also, to hopefully help tactile artistry become more recognized as a viable and recognizable art form all over the world (as opposed to them being thought of as mere crafts).

What inspired you to start a business? I became an empty nester and wanted to create something that I love with my time and talents that will be meaningful and helpful for a wide array of people. I spent several weeks on line trying to find a social community for NeedleaArtist to no avail. At some point, it occurred to me that creating such a community was a need I could fill. Ironically, a few weeks after I was up and running, I began to stumble upon other social communities for NeedleArtist; but most were medium specific.

Share one business goal: My most practical business goal is to earn 100k during the 2011 calendar year. My most lofty business goal is to be instrumental in finally making needleartistry recognized as a premium art form in the hearts, minds, and pockets of people all over the world.

What would you say contributes to your success? Persistence, I’m not moved by how things appear to any of my senses; rather, I’m motivated to accomplish my goals – period.

What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur? Study, study, study, then study some more. You can not know too much about your chosen endeavors. In all actuality, the more you know about those things that pertain to success for you, the more you can grow. It will then simply be a matter of doing what you know to do i.e. working, making and returning phone calls, seeing clients and keeping your on-line information current.

The very best advice I have to offer however is to count your pennies, dollars – whatever capital you’re working with. Become very conscientious about what you’re spending money on and why. Keep a daily journal of all of your earnings and expenditures. Believe it or not, watching your money is one of the surest ways you will have to determine what is truly working for you. Let’s face it, even non-profit organizations need capital to thrive. Even if you’re in business simply as a hobby - make it pay for itself.

Anything else you want to mention about your business? Yes, absolutely, and thank you for asking. www.needleartistandcrafters.ning.com is still in her infancy. This being the case, I am very grateful for all of the support I can get to make her grow. For that reason, if you are a tactile artist of any medium or a supporter of tactile artistry (NeedleArt, paper crafting, model building, sculpting, pottery or ceramics, lanyard braiding – any hand crafting techniques). Please join our growing community and interact with artisans of the same and differing mediums. I believe that as we become acquainted with more art forms – our own artistry will be enhanced and become more valuable. Also, if you see a post from NeedleArtist and Crafters on twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace, Yahoo, GoogleBuzz or anywhere else, please share that information with your list of contacts in those forums.

The last and most important thing is that I want to encourage everyone reading this message to just get crafty. Creating something with your own senses is one of the most relaxing and fulfilling things a person can do. (Once you get past the learning angst that is.) Pick a form of artistry that interests you and just dabble in it. When you have empty blocks of time – work on it. When you’re in need of a unique gift – focus on it. When you’re feeling anxious, upset or squeamish, count to ten and daydream about it. I believe there is a creator in everyone. I believe that when we are creating, we are operating closer to the core of our being than at any other time. Personally, I enjoy a feeling that I like to call perfect peace – every time I’m operating within that core. Try it for yourself.

Thank you very much for this opportunity Tamyka.

P.S. Remember, if you’re not a member already, go to www.needleartistandcrafters.ning.com right now and join. Encourage all of your creative friends and family members to do the same.

CEOMamma

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2011 Success Driven Women in Business – Dequiana Brooks

CEOMamma — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 14:00:54 +0000

Full Name: Dequiana Brooks

Name of your Company: Inspired Marketing, Inc. & Inspired Graphics Media

Position: Founder & CEO

Website Address: www.inspiredmarketinginc.com & www.inspiredmedia.net

Year Founded: Inspired Marketing, Inc. (2010) Inspired Graphics Media (2003)

Tell us about yourself and your business: I’m a passionate entrepreneur who makes it her mission to take the fear out of small business marketing. My coaching clients are driven entrepreneurs who have placed marketing on the back-burner because it was deemed “too hard” or “too expensive.” I show them how implementing my exclusive SPARK Marketing System™ will shatter negative mindsets, empower them to take control of their marketing and help make more money. For those who already have their strategy down, I offer branding services, such as web design and content writing, through Inspired Graphics Media. I’m also a single mom to two beautiful daughters.

What inspired you to start a business? I’ve always had a passion for two things: entrepreneurship and helping others succeed. Both of my businesses were built around helping entrepreneurs solve a problem. Inspired Graphics Media was developed after I noticed that many entrepreneurs I met did not have web sites, or the web sites they used to promote their businesses were lacking the key tools that would convert their site visitors into buyers. However, I was slow to make a profit because I did not understand the proper way to market my services. It took me 6 months to land my first web design client! Rather than rest on my laurels, I decided to go to business school and learn the right way to market. I graduated from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business in 2007 with an MBA in Marketing Strategy, Entrepreneurship and Organizational Behavior. Directly after school, I worked in brand management for a top consumer packaged goods company. I learned the strategies used to make billion dollar brands successful, and now I’m bringing that marketing knowledge back to the small business community. In September 2010, Inspired Marketing, Inc. was born. Through coaching, home study products and live events, I help entrepreneurs make more money in their businesses through better marketing. I’m so excited to be able to help small business owners succeed.

Share one business goal: In 2010, I started writing Get the SPARK™. It’s an eBook series based on my SPARK Marketing System™. In 2011, my goal is to complete and publish the entire eBook series so that I can teach it as a group coaching program in 2012.

What would you say contributes to your success? There are three main things that contribute to my success:

My faith. 2010 was a transformative year for me, and I know firsthand that anything is possible with God.
A strong family support system. My grandparents are my biggest supporters. As a single mom, it’s important to have people in my corner that can help with the kids when I have a business meeting, client call or networking event.
Pushing through the fear. I’m a planner by nature, so what I want to do for my business is already written out. The scary part was actually doing what was in the plan – moving back home, starting a new business, and securing new clients. I’m still scared, but I move forward anyway.

What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur? I would tell an aspiring entrepreneur that she can succeed in business if she does these four things:

Start believing that you can have a successful business. Victory starts in the mind, and if we don’t believe we can do it, why should our potential customers? God gave you the vision. Trust Him, and it will come to pass at the appointed time.
Have solid financial support. This can be a savings account you’ve built up over time, a spouse or family member, or even a friend because the bills don’t stop coming just because a steady paycheck did. I’m very blessed to have my family.
Surround yourself with other positive women business owners. You need people who will greet you with, “What did you do for yourself and your business today?” not, “Girl, when are you getting a real job?” I take that support one step further by enlisting the help of an accountability partner, Marcie Hill of The Write Design Company. We email each other our goals, celebrate each others’ successes and motivate each other when times get rough.
Create a sound marketing plan. You can have the best products and services in the world, but if no one knows about them, you will quickly go out of business. Commit to developing a plan that spans at least the next three months. I’m here if you need help.

Anything else you want to mention about your business? I’m always looking to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs. You never know how you can add to someone else’s business through purchasing products/services, offering advice or co-hosting an event. Contact me if you want to connect: dcbrooks@inspiredmedia.net.

CEOMamma

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