Katrina M. Mitchell – Successful.Sista.Profiles

Katrina M. Mitchell
Owner of Fundamentals Relaxation Spa and Eden Service Corporation
Fundamentals Spa
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URL: www.fundamentalsspa.com

Katrina M. Mitchell’s Bio:
Katrina M. Mitchell is the Owner of Fundamentals Relaxation Spa and Eden Service Corporation. Katrina M. Mitchell is passionate about creating a healthy and balanced lifestyle for women and men. Katrina holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fashion Merchandising with a minor in Business Administration from Adrian College. Katrina’s career has spanned over 19 years to include administration, sales, marketing, merchandising and management; while working primarily in the spa, retail and automotive industries.
Currently, Katrina is the owner of Fundamentals Relaxation Spa in Ferndale, MI.

Fundamentals Spa is a full service spa that promises its clients inner peace and outer beauty by providing affordable and luxurious spa experience. She is also the owner of Eden Services Corp. Eden Services Corp is the company that will bring many of her talents and skills and under one umbrella. Eden Services Corp. will expand to include Eden Spas – a bed and breakfast and conference center, spa development and coaching services, a cosmetics division, concierge service, personal shopping and image consultant services.

Successful Sista Survey
Success Stories and experiences of Business Women that we all can relate to and learn from.

Did you always want to be a Business Woman?
Ultimately I always knew that I would become an entrepreneur. Although I have held many, many jobs, I knew that I could not be an “employee” forever. My choice to become an entrepreneur has been the most rewarding and challenging decision that I have made. Being an African American woman entrepreneur is very exciting for me! As a woman our ability to succeed and tenacity is often underestimated. Due to this misconception, I have an opportunity to shock the world with my success.

How would you describe your experience as a Black Entrepreneur?

Looking back on your business decisions, is there anything that you would have done differently?
When I reflect on my decision to start my business of course there are things I would do differently. Hindsight is always 20/20 right? Here are three things I would have done differently.
1. Create a financial cushion – Have 3 -6 months worth of business and personal expenses in the bank.
2. Create a marketing plan before I started the business.
3. I would have enlisted the help from a business coach and/or a mentor before I started the business.

Did you have any formal business training? Do you think this is important to be successful?
I hold an associates degree in Business Administration and Management. I do not believe that a formal education is required to be successful, but it does help tremendously. Most of my business training has come from practical experience. I think the most important thing to be successful is a desire to learn from credible teachers.

What funding sources have worked for you?
My initial business funding came from trade lines of credit or business credit cards. I received a small loan from a friend for start up capital. That was a lifesaver! I work daily on the growth of my business. I quickly discovered that I as the owner, I am the only one who can make my business grow. I also have business coaches and mentors who coach me in the area of sales, marketing and leadership.

How has family/friend support financially or otherwise affected your business efforts?

How do you work on making your business grow?

What words of wisdom can you share with other business women?
I would encourage every entrepreneur to get a note book and write your vision of your business in great detail and then use that vision as a guidepost for your business. Don’t be afraid to share your vision with others.

Surround yourself with a healthy support system of people who will not only encourage you but who can help you. Don’t try to be a Superwoman. You cannot be successful on your own. Even Jesus had twelve disciples.

It is possible that you may have a few failures during this process. Every great entrepreneur has had a few memorable failures. Don’t let your fears paralyze you. Let your fears accelerate your vision. Fear is usually based in negative emotion. Make a decision to operate in faith and not in fear. When you do this, the thing you were afraid of becomes the launching pad to take your businesses to next level.

Sheya Chisenga – Successful.Sista.Profiles

Sheya Chisenga
Founder
Nurturing Beauty L.L.C.
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URL: www.naturallynurturingbeauty.com

Sheya Chisenga’s Bio:
It all began when Sheya Chisenga came to California from her home town of Benton Harbor Michigan with the dream of empowering women. In 2004 she found her mission in life, skin care and empowering woman to treat their bodies as a temple with only the finest products in today’s skin care. Sheya started as a Direct Marketing Consultant in 2004, but she knew that there was more for her to achieve. In 2007 Sheya started her own research studying plants, herbs, essential oils and the craft of making natural skin care products. After a year of creating and testing formulas and products Sheya launched her own line of natural products. Since 2008, Nurturing Beauty L.L.C. has created innovative beauty products made from the finest natural and organic ingredients allowing woman to create their own definition of beauty. In 2008 the company also launched a Men’s line providing the same concept.

Successful Sista Survey
Success Stories and experiences of Business Women that we all can relate to and learn from.

Did you always want to be a Business Woman?
Yes, I started out searching out for a career that I will enjoy and not just for the money. I wanted something that I will enjoy doing, working with women by empowering and encourage them to better their lives. I join a direct marketing company that was doing what I enjoy but as time went I didn’t like the direct marketing model so I left and starting developing my own products and building my own business.

How would you describe your experience as a Black Entrepreneur?
It has been rewarding and challenging. African American our not quick to buy from their own because of trust but I began to build a good relationship with my customer which has build my customer base.

Looking back on your business decisions, is there anything that you would have done differently?
Yes, we I started searching out for the right people to help me build my brand; I am came across a few people promising to deliver a service that they couldn’t do. I lost a lot of money. Also in the beginning I was very passive I didn’t speak up if I didn’t like something. I learn very quickly that I had to change that!

Did you have any formal business training? Do you think this is important to be successful?
No not really, beginning apart of the direct marketing did teach me a lot. Do you think this is important to be successful? I do think it is important but it is not the only thing the drive me to continue to be business. My success will be if I could leave my children a legacy they can build upon.

What funding sources have worked for you?

How has family/friend support financially or otherwise affected your business efforts?
My family has been very supportive; also my husband has been very generous and very supportive with helping me build this business.

How do you work on making your business grow?
I build relationship with existing customers. I am learning to market online through social networking, I am building relationship with other business owners to carry my products here there stores and spas.

What words of wisdom can you share with other business women?
Pray to God, be patience, never give up and don’t stop. You may have slow down and re-evaluate the direction you want to go in but don’t stop. Really believe that this is your goal and dream to build your business. THERE IS NO EXCUSE! Not having money, not having the support etc. these are not excuse. Believe in yourself, believe in God!

Althea Francis – Successful.Sista.Profiles

Althea Francis
Certified Life Coach
MITCEY Coaching & Consulting
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MITCEY Coaching & Consulting was started to form alliances and to help educate service professionals (such as coaches, consultants, speakers, and virtual assistants) about the benefits of setting up their practice properly in order to thrive online and achieve a balanced work-life.
URL: www.mitcey.com

Althea Francis’s Bio:
Althea Francis (a.k.a. MITCEY) is a Certified Life Coach and the founder. She also has an online business management background which allows her to work well with her clients to help them unleash their unlimited potential. Althea teaches simple, innovative and powerful strategies to help business owners find and keep their most profitable clients.

Successful Sista Survey
Success Stories and experiences of Business Women that we all can relate to and learn from.

Did you always want to be a Business Woman?
YES! I always wanted to be a successful business woman to inspire and empower others to live authentic and fulfilling lives.

How would you describe your experience as a Black Entrepreneur?
Challenging but rewarding as I seemed to thrive in adversity. I know that black entrepreneurs face more barriers but it has also motivated me to work harder to affect change for black entrepreneurs – - if not in my life-time, then my son’s.

Looking back on your business decisions, is there anything that you would have done differently?
As a coach, I should have invested in a start-up coach when I began to help eliminate the costly mistakes. As a result, I have found my calling as an online business coach/manager to help other coaches, virtual assistants, and consultants to set-up their practice properly before they can effectively handle their clients’ workload and successfully grow their businesses.

I truly believe that true entrepreneurs grow from their experiences rather than quit. At this stage in my development, I refuse to live my life having regrets.

Did you have any formal business training? Do you think this is important to be successful?
Yes, I have been blessed to have had formal business training and thankful because it is important for longevity. I have earned my post-graduate in fundraising & volunteer management – learned how to start and run a successful business (in the non-profit sector), an accounting and payroll diploma – learned to manage the business books. I also have my certification as a payroll compliance practitioner (PCP) and a life coach (CLC).

What funding sources have worked for you?
I have never applied for any loans. When I started in 2001, I used the bartering system to exchange services, cut cost and build credibility in my niche market. In addition, I also worked outside the home until I started earning money and then stepped out in faith.

How has family/friend support financially or otherwise affected your business efforts?
No financial support and very little encouragement from loved ones which did not discourage my business efforts. Looking back, I should be thankful because it forced me to lean more on my heavenly father for support and guidance since He designed the blueprint for my life.

How do you work on making your business grow?
A strong work ethic contributes to high standards in my personal and professional life. I believe in lifelong learning and have also formed alliances with elite performers (who have been there, done that), to help me stay focus on my goal to grow a successful business.

What words of wisdom can you share with other business women?
Without sounding cliché, stay true to yourself! Find your calling in life and make it your mission to bless others in order to receive your blessings. It is especially true in business because you are not truly not successful until you have helped others achieved success.
Equally important is to have a mentor/life coach in each area of your life (such as faith, business, and personal).

Kandice Brooks – Successful.Sista.Profiles

Kandice Brooks
CEO/Principal Consultant
Signature Soirees, LLC
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URL: www.signaturesoirees.com

Kandice Brooks’:
Signature Soirees is a full service event planning specializing in weddings and social events. We offer our clients assistance with venue selection, decorating, budget management, invitations, favors and more. Our goal is to be the ultimate wedding assistant.
Business Field: Event planning, consulting and management

Successful Sista Survey
Success Stories and experiences of Business Women that we all can relate to and learn from.

Did you always want to be a Business Woman?
Yes, I was raised in an entrepreneurial family so it was only natural that I wanted the same for myself.

How would you describe your experience as a Black Entrepreneur?
I find that I have to worker harder and be better than everyone else. Often times, people want to dismiss you immediately due to their own preconceptions.

Looking back on your business decisions, is there anything that you would have done differently?
No, I look at everything as a learning experience. I believe everything happens for a reason and has helped to shape me into the business person I am today.

Did you have any formal business training? Do you think this is important to be successful?
Yes, I went to college and eventually received my MBA. I don’t think that formal business training is neccessary for success. That is just the decision I made. I know lots of people who are successful and never received any type of business training. If you have the drive, determination and know how, you can be successful in anything that you do.

What funding sources have worked for you?

How has family/friend support financially or otherwise affected your business efforts?
My family are my biggest supporters. Without them, I wouldn’t be this far.

How do you work on making your business grow?
I do a lot of marketing locally and networking with vendors in my industry. I also spend time maintaining relationships with past clients. It is important for me to get my name out there so people know what I do and how they can contact me.

What words of wisdom can you share with other business women?
Don’t quit! It may sound corny, but when I’m having a bad day, I just think about other business women that I admire. They also overcame numerous odds to get where they are today. If it was easy, everyone would be successful entrepreneurs.