The Coronavirus has given many us an opportunity to pause and think about life, our purpose, and even the right work life balance. What’s your perspective and has it changed over time?

Alexa Rose Carlin | Speaker, Bestselling Author, Creator, and Founder of Women Empower X

This question is so important and I’m so glad you asked! The most important factor behind the success of my brand is my story and the ability to share it with the world. Your story is what sets you apart and so many people are hiding behind it. There are millions of people online and it is your story, your authenticity, that is your point of differentiation to stand out and rise above the noise.  Read more>>

Tan Uckan | Chef

I am very self disciplined person and trying to do everything right for my business. I always take my time , research and observe when I am making my decisions. Consistency is the key for the success for any type of business even for your life… Read more>>

Dwanna Roberts | Chef/ Caterer

I feel that the most important factor behind my success is being my authentic self. I share my gift based on my vision and principles. I have a certain style in how I present food which provides an experience for my client and the guests that attend the events. I have been presented with many opportunities to step outside of how I have chosen to present my brand and choosing to decline on situations that look great but don’t line up with your business values can seem like a hard decision but I am not swayed easily.  Read more>>

Tonya Cross | Accessory Designer & Business Coach

Being my authentic self! When I first launched my handcrafted women’s fashion accessory brand, I hide behind my logo. It was my oldest daughter that encouraged me to be the face of my brand. The introvert in me finally submitted to my entrepreneurial spirit and I did my first live on my social media platforms. Read more>>

Demia Avery | CEO & Podcast Host

Gratitude. Sometimes we have to stop and remind ourselves just how far we’ve come. Just because we are not where we think that we should be in our careers doesn’t mean we are not where we are supposed to be. Be grateful in it. Learn what we are supposed to learn, soak up everything in that moment… then we can move to the next. Read more>>

Lena Jackson | Recording Artist and Mental Health Advocate

The most important factor behind my success is authenticity. I have a few different sides of who I am, but every side you see is really me! And being all around genuine helps a lot, because I often find myself wearing many hats. I’m an artist that creates music, but I also cater to the needs of school age children, and advocate for mental health of all ages. Read more>>

Ebonie Alston-Jenkins | Serial Entrepreneur-Party Bus Owner

The most important factor to me as far as the success of our business is customer care. Notice I say customer care not customer service. We care about the quality of service each of our customers receive. Many times it’s the first time our guest are booking a party bus and they want details as to what to expect, what can be done, and more. My job is to make this effortlessly and not rush them off. Once I pass them on to their driver for their event I want them to receive the same card and attention that I have personally shown. Our name is stamped on this so it’s vital that we demonstrate care throughout their total experience. Read more>>

Ted Rubin | Speaker / Author / Strategic Advisor… Straight Talk

For me, and my personal brand and making my way through a career, it has been, and is still is, all about being me. It’s that time of year for plenty of posts on how to “transform” yourself for the new year, and setting goals to better yourself is certainly a worthy pursuit no matter when you do it. But I can’t help thinking that sometimes, we get so caught up in trying to live up to other people’s expectations that it’s easy to lose sight of what makes us unique as individuals. Read more>>

Selena Jakovec | Reborn / silicone artist and clothing designer

The most important factor behind the success of my clothing brand is consistency. I am consistent in the quality of my designs. I take the extra time to ensure the items are constructed well and are made in a timely fashion. Communication is key as well. Alot of issues can be resolved easily with good communication with your client before and after the process. Read more>>

Tamieka Smith | Consultant & Talent Acquisition Sourcing Analyst

The most important fact is my willingness to get out there. Showing up regardless of my feelings, outside forces, and even stinking thinking. Even in error, we never learn if we don’t at least try. I can always edit along the way. Read more>>

Natasha Swanson | I am a freelance sports photographer in the Carolina’s and surrounding areas

The most important factor behind my success is trusting God and His plan for me. I know he gave me this talent for reason so ever since I got real serious about taking photos and wanting to make this a career, that was when I had to really put all my trust in God my career. Also, taking risks and getting out of my shell really helped me get the connections that I have had throughout my whole career. Read more>>

Julie and Jon Hamm | French Bulldog Breeder, Toxicologist & Candle Maker

We’d have to say how hard we work along with our customer service. My husband, Jon, and I work extremely hard to make sure our dogs have the best life they can. Since we breed dogs our schedules can be kin of hectic and we do have to skip a lot of events because of how we take care of our dogs. For example, when we have puppies on the ground, the first 2 weeks we have eyes on the puppies 24/7. This means we take two hour shifts of being awake or asleep.  Read more>>