Meet Britt Warner, Twenty-something child of the Eighties – a Singer/Songwriter

Tell us about how you chose your career/business and what your responsibilities include?

I spent the majority of my childhood and teen years competing as a junior equestrian and training intensely. While I treasured the bond I shared with horses, artistic expression was something I sought out constantly, whether it was drawing, writing stories and poems, or singing. I wrote my first song when I was five, coming up with the lyrics and melody and singing it over and over again to my pony as I cantered around. Horses were my main audience for many years, as I was too shy to sing in front of anyone else. By 19, I’d developed a whole slew of back problems and had to quit riding to preserve my physical well-being. Shortly thereafter, I was befriended by a music producer, Joel Simmons, and after learning of my writing abilities, he coaxed me far enough out of my shell to get me to start singing and recording. I’ve written close to one thousand songs since then, constructing melodies based on the emotion of the lyrics and how I feel about the subject matter. I didn’t really choose music as a career; music chose me. If I don’t write or sing or play for even a day, I feel restless and incomplete.

Tell us about the company you work for or own?

As an artist, I am my own business. Ironically, as an artist, being my own business does not come naturally. I want to hole up and create all day everyday and leave the number-crunching to the Suits. It is crucial for artists to know their business, however, so that they do not get taken advantage of. The music business is a fallen empire, which is bad news for the giants and good news for the little guys. As artists and bands, we can cut out the middle man and access distributors and venues and fans directly and maintain more creative and business control. It’s a lot of research and work and communication on top of creating the art itself, but new, innovative opportunities are rising from the ashes of the industry constantly, and it’s my job to stay informed.

What are some of the most fulfilling projects you have been involved with so far?

I recently released my first full-length record, entitled Return To Me. I worked with Daniel Dempsey and Dominic Massaro, two incredible multi-instrumentalists who co-produced the album. I set out to tell a story in hopes that it would have an emotional impact on listeners, that people would relate to or identify with some of the lyrics or simply vibe with the melodies and instrumentation. That album started as a mere idea, so to look back at the process as a whole now that it’s finished and released is surreal and gratifying.

Beyond making music, I volunteer at a battered women’s shelter and would ultimately like to do benefit concerts where the proceeds go towards helping victims of rape or domestic abuse.

Are there any people in your field you would like to meet and/or work with and have not yet had the opportunity?

I would love to work with Thom Yorke of Radiohead in some capacity. I admire that he continues to grow and innovate instead of sticking with the first sound or feel that initially garnered fans, as so many bands and artists tend to do. He seems like he challenges himself and pushes his own boundaries. Beth Gibbons of Portishead is another person I’d love to meet and/or work with. The emotion she brings to her singing is so palpable and intimate.

What are some of your favorite ways to network?

Again, being an artist, business and networking are so counterintuitive to my personality, and blatant self-promotion can be off-putting. Merely getting out of the house and meeting people while supporting a friend’s show or event always leads to exchanges of information in a more natural, enjoyable context. Amidst the lightning-speed rate at which the technological takeover continues to evolve, I still believe that nothing beats the lasting impression of face-to-face interaction.

Do you have a mentor – if so how did you choose one another? If not, is this something you think would benefit your career and is there anyone you would like to have as a mentor?

Ian Webber, a musician friend, referred me to Daniel Dempsey for recording and producing, and Dominic Massaro joined the production team via Daniel. They’re not technically mentors, but I have learned a great deal from them as musicians and admire both of them as people. Dominic always tells me what I need to hear at the exact moment I need to hear it. As an artist himself, he creates according to his own whims, never paying heed or bending to what’s “in” at any given moment. He and Daniel have both encouraged me from Day One, simultaneously nurturing my creative process while also pushing me to keep striving for my own personal best.

What have you learned from your mentor? What do you hope to learn?

I’ve learned that it’s important to trust my own instincts, that everyone has an opinion and it’s impossible to please everybody. I hope to learn how to apply this knowledge on a consistent basis!

What’s been the most surprising thing that has happened to you so far in your career?

The most surprising thing is that I feel successful just by virtue of the fact that I am doing what I set out to do: make music, and by any means necessary. It’s what I’ve wanted to do since I was a little girl, and in a world where so many people get thrown off course or do not have the freedom to pursue their dreams to the fullest extent, I feel surprised every day that I am fortunate enough to be doing what I love.

What do you do for fun/relaxation?

For fun/relaxation I write, play music, get together with close friends and family for food and laughs…I’m pretty mellow.

Any parting advice for someone who would like to follow in your footsteps?

Only be an artist/writer/musician if there is literally nothing else in the world that you can picture yourself happily doing. There is no guarantee that you will ever make a living on this path; however, if this is what you want to do for the rest of your life, with or without the promise of financial pay-off, devote yourself to it whole-heartedly. Create and then create some more. Play and then play some more. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, and unless you have aspirations to be a manufactured pop-star, don’t be in a hurry. Take your time, take baby-steps towards the larger goal. Build a grass roots following of people who can’t get enough of your music, who love and appreciate your own unique way of expressing yourself. Do what you love, maintain artistic integrity, and maybe, the money will follow. If not, at least your soul will feel rich.

What’s the best way for our readers to connect with you?

Facebook

BandCamp

iTunes

Website

Britt was kind enough to share one of her songs with our readers for FREE. You can download Hello Old Friend here: http://brittwarner.bandcamp.com/track/hello-old-friend. Be sure to check out her album while you are there!

Jenee, tell us about your business.

My Focus Book is a Bucket List Daily Planner. It is designed so you can manage your time, focus, and keep everything all in one place (Life Purpose, Goals, Bucket List, Project Management, Ideas, Calendar, Daily Accountability, I am grateful for… Journal, etc). Have Fun & Get It Done is our motto!

Our target market is Entrepreneurs and Sales Professionals interested in personal and professional development. We are also launching a new product line geared towards students.

Please tell us what being a business owner means to you and why you became an entrepreneur in the first place?

Being a business owner means that I get to write and design my own future. I love to create and I feel like I am creating something with significance and that is fulfilling to me. I also wanted to be an entrepreneur because of the flexibility it offers. When I start a family, I want to be able to spend time and enjoy life with my husband and kids.

What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why?

My mom has been my greatest influence in business. I learned how to have a strong work ethic by watching her raise me, go to school and work full time as a teacher. When I told her I wanted to start the business she not only supported me emotionally but financially as well and invested in the company. My goal is to retire her from teaching in 2 years.

What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?

My greatest professional accomplishment was starting the company and writing a book, ‘Have Fun & Get It Done: Graduate From a Top University in 3 Years or Less Without Being a Genius!’ within 17 months. I am launching the book in June 2011. The next book in the series, ‘Have Fun & Get It Done: Brilliant and Simple Strategies From Amazingly Successful Peeps‘, will launch in October 2011.

What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?

Larry Broughton shared with me: You need to understand what your strengths are and only focus on your strengths. Having to work on your weaknesses is an ugly myth. Once you understand and know what your strengths are (KOLBE A Index / StrengthFinders 2.0), you can then create a team that has strengths in the areas that you are lacking. The results: You are not having to deal with the painful, annoying, procrastinated tasks anymore, and others on your team also have an opportunity to shine in what they are good at. This increases productivity and reduces stress in the work place.

What has been the most effective marketing initiatives or programs you have used to promote your business?

The most effective marketing initiatives I have made are finding and building relationships with strategic alliance partners or joint ventures. Our businesses compliment each other, so we naturally refer business to one another. It makes my job so much easier. I love it. Plus I get to build relationships with great people.

What one thing have you learned as a small business owner that has served you well over the years?

Have Fun & Get It Done. That is what I have learned over the years. If it is not fun and you are not passionate about it, don’t do it. Life is too short to be stressed and pissed all the time. Not to mention GREAT things come from passion. When you are excited and passionate about your work, you never work another day in your life. I definitely prefer fun over work.

Are there any resources or tools you’d like to share with other small business owners that have helped you run your business?

1. These 3 resources all assess your strengths

a. KOLBE A Index

b. StrengthFinders 2.0

c. Octogram test

2. These resources help you delegate tasks at an affordable cost. This saves you time, money and headaches. You can get bids from all over the world, see the potential hire’s portfolio, and their rating from past clients.

a. Elance.com

b. Guru.com

c. Fiverr.com

3. Inland Empire Woman’s Business Center gives free or affordable workshops and free business consulting.

4. SBDC also gives affordable workshops and free business consulting

5. Hire a business coach and join a Mastermind. Research shows this grows your business 2.5 times faster. Shop around and find the right fit for you.

a. Larry Broughton is a Team/Leadership Expert.

b. Lisa Marie Platske is a Leadership Expert

c. Craig Duswalt is a Rockstar Marketing Expert

d. Ursula Mentjes is a Sales Expert

6. If you are thinking about righting a book to build credibility in your industry, consider joining a Book Mastermind with a Book Coach. Masterminding has helped me come up with a solid brand and strategic plan for launching my books.

Amanda Johnson with True to Intention

What do you do for fun/relaxation?

For fun I love to go to Zumba or Hot Hula class. I also love to just spend time with the people I love most (Mom, Adam, family and friends). My boyfriend and I have annual passes to Disneyland. Disneyland makes you feel like a kid again and brings forth creativity. I love to shop for shoes. To relax I either take a shower, take a bath, snuggle with Adam on the couch and watch Netflix, or get a massage.

What is Number One Business Goal you plan to accomplish over the next year?

#1 Best Selling Author on Amazon.com (WooHOO!!!)

I am writing a book on ‘Have Fun & Get It Done: Graduate From a Top University in 3 Years or Less Without Being a Genius!‘ This books helps students determine whether or not the 3 year plan is right for them. It also gives students great time management and study tips so they can study less and retain more.

I also am writing a book on ‘Have Fun & Get It Done: Brilliant and Simple Strategies From Amazingly Successful Peeps‘. In this book I interview amazingly successful entrepreneurs, actors, executives, athletes and sales professionals to see how they manage to have fun and get all “that” done. One of the featured successes in my book is Richard Hatch (Actor, Director, Producer, and Speaker) from Battlestar Galactica.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

I would love to hear your thoughts on this article/interview. I just appreciate feedback.

What’s the best way for our readers to connect with you?

www.MyFocusBook.com

http://www.facebook.com/jenee.dana

Last week a smart and interesting young woman contacted me asking if WE accept unsolicited submissions for WE Magazine for Women. I said that my team and I would be happy to review her work and let her know if it was something our readers might be interested in.

This essay, entitled WE Girls touched me as it made me remember what it felt like to be 21, in school and with the whole world before me. Most days I still feel that way (maybe not 21, but I am always in “school” and I still feel as if the whole world is before me).  Get ready for a little inspiration…

Heidi

WE Girls By Jen Kellogg

Yes, we girls are fair and witty. We take most everything seriously, including our vocabulary words and our workout and diet regimens, our relationships with our parents and our friends, and for the fortunate many it seems, our relationships with our boyfriends. We prioritize our studies over our social lives; except of course on Thursday nights, when we straighten our well-conditioned and highlighted locks, apply our eye shadow and lip gloss with an expert and subtle hand, and dress ourselves for the men and women in our lives, all the while appearing comfortable and confident in our own skin. Most of us were raised in households where every opportunity, every desire, and every whim was afforded to us. I, too, took the mandated piano and art lessons, played soccer and ran track, spoke three languages before graduating from high school, and volunteered weekly at the local homeless shelter. It was never doubted or debated whether or not I would attend a four-year college, or a private one at that, though of course, any institution where I believed I would flourish most was both encouraged and already paid for. We came from families, from mothers in particular, who wanted us to have everything they did not. We were bred to eventually become the women who have it all.

And yet, as I look around my less-than-spacious room, decorated to feel more like a cozy and sunny reading room than the attic in the student house it really is, I agonize over how at twenty-one, I am predicted to know how to choose the path that links my privileged upbringing with the charmed adult life that is expected of me. It is common knowledge, at least amongst us girls, that the decisions we make in our twenties will impact us for the rest of our lives. The first job we hope will become our career, the city we decide to relocate to, the man we meet in the used bookstore who just might become our husband—these are the things we young twenty-somethings fantasize about. We straddle that white-picket fence between adolescence and adulthood, fantasy and reality, while simultaneously striving to heed our mentors’ suggestion to celebrate who we are in this exciting chapter of our lives. And while this is certainly sage advice, the girls we know ourselves to be are oftentimes a far cry from the women we envision ourselves becoming.

I am not sure if across generations young women have always felt this way. Surely, when our grandmothers became mothers at the very age I am now, or our mothers received engagement rings and college diplomas on the same day, they must have felt pressured to be far more mature than they actually believed themselves to be. So it is not this societal or inherent pressure I question has always been present, it is the plethora of options available to us that is enormously overwhelming.

Because our mothers and all the women who came before us worked so hard to ensure these manifold choices existed, it is not at all with an ungrateful heart that I bemoan the expectations of young women in today’s society. And convincingly, while our manicured and polished angst-ridden teenage years were anything but easy, they prepared us for the stresses we now face. According to a New York Times article in 2006, women now make up 58% of those enrolled in two-and four-year colleges and are, over all, the majority in graduate and professional schools, as well. Furthermore, women are excelling at higher rates than their male counterparts with the vast majority of honors degrees being awarded to them. And while I do not at all pretend to be a sociologist or an expert in educational trends, for surely there are innumerable factors which have led to the dramatic increase in women receiving college degrees, I think so much of our success has to do with our capacity to multi-task without compromising our focus and precision.

In high school, we girls were expected to excel in the classroom, on the athletic field, and on the stage while still maintaining our youth and our lightheartedness. This is not to say, of course, that our male peers were not equally pressured to thrive in all of these arenas; the difference, I believe, is the paramount role our mothers played in our upbringing. The role of women, what is expected of them, what is discouraged of them, their so many opportunities and so little limitations, has drastically changed in the last half century. No longer are women relegated to the home (noting of course that there is absolutely nothing wrong with women who choose this role for themselves), but we are expected to compete with men in the classroom and in the workforce while ensuring our partners and children have home-cooked meals to look forward to. So it is this example, I think, the example our multi-hat wearing mothers set for us, that predetermined our desire and our need to multi-task in order to keep up with our growing number of responsibilities in our ever-changing world.

And while women’s roles have so significantly altered, men’s roles have, by and large, remained the same. Men have always and probably will continue to see and value their primary role in society as the breadwinners. And again, there is nothing wrong with this chosen path, as indeed, it has been one traveled down by most throughout history. The problem, and truth be told, I’m not even sure it is a problem, is when a woman yearns to obtain this same primary role. What happens, then, when both men and women are competing for identical positions within society? What happens when men see no other ways in which to improve, no other ways in which to support themselves and their families, than by doing that which they’ve always done? And women, who because of the examples of strong women set before us, and the guilt we would otherwise feel should we not take advantage of everything society now has to offer, are simultaneously basking in our newfound freedom and floundering amidst our many, many roles.

I am not sure when exactly the notion of “having it all” became vogue or even feasible, but alas, it is an idea we girls continually grapple with as we best determine how to make it a reality. Forgive me too, to those men who might be reading this, for perhaps in my narrow-minded, ever-so-focused female mind, I have overlooked the possibility that you all struggle with this concept as well. Nevertheless, I believe this is a primarily female-driven belief—the confidence we can graduate from the same universities as men (with oftentimes better grades), be hired from the same desirable employers as men (although women still only make $0.77 to the man’s dollar, young women between ages twenty-two and thirty are earning more than their male counterparts by 8% on average), marry the man of our dreams (presumably the one we met at the used bookstore), move to a house in the suburbs which, under our care, would be beautiful enough to grace the cover of Home and Garden, and bear and raise perfect children—daughters who would strive to emulate their “have it all” mother, and sons who would appreciate and strive to marry such a woman. It is no wonder our society has become a pressure-cooker for women!

I don’t know which question is more fascinating: one, why on earth do all women assumedly desire all of these things or two, why oh why do we believe all of this is achievable? The answer to the first question has plagued many women and me for a long time, and still the best answer I can proffer is because our modern-day society scoffs at the notion that women should desire anything else. Which woman does not want to have a wildly successful career, a stunning home and a loving family? I would imagine there are very few of us. As for the second question, well obviously, because we all know at least one woman who ostensibly does have it all. Needn’t matter if behind closed doors she is a nervous-wreck and habitually wants to pull her hair our, so long as she maintains her equanimity and picture-perfect life to all those eager women desperate to learn her secret, she will forever embody the every-woman and perpetuate this confidence that everything we should have, we can have.

And so, here I am at the humble age of twenty-one, with one more semester to go before I graduate from my first-choice university, in all likelihood with honors, toying with the indistinct line between girl and womanhood. I’m not sure how much good it does me or any other young woman to dwell on such thoughts as mine; but alas, I’m just here, in my student’s room adorned with mock-antiques, trying to find my way amongst a generation of accomplished women.

Jen Kellogg, Villanova University Class of 2011

Works Cited:

Lewin, Tamar. “At Colleges, Women Are Leaving Men in the Dust.” Www.nytimes.com. 9 July 2006. Web. 28 Nov. 2010.

McDermott, Alice. “Our Girls.” The Hopkins Review: 363-75. Print.

“USATODAY.com – College Gender Gap Widens: 57% Are Women.” News, Travel, Weather, Entertainment, Sports, Technology, U.S. & World – USATODAY.com. 19 Oct. 2005. Web. 28 Nov. 2010.

“Young Women Outearn Men By A Mile For Awhile – 24/7 Wall St.” 24/7 Wall St. – Insightful Analysis and Commentary for U.S. and Global Equity Investors. Web. 28 Nov. 2010.

Australian born National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Drag Racing Twins, Kate and Diana Harker know that it takes more than good looks and a fast hot rod to win on and off the race track. This dynamic duo spends their time overseeing and running the day-to-day operations of their drag racing team. They consume countless hours working with their parents to ensure every details is taken care of so they can blast their way down the quarter-mile in speeds over 270MPH.

This family plays together and stays together. Kate and Diana’s mother, Jenelle is the back-bone of the family, keeping her husband and daughter’s in-line and on-track. Jenelle is an integral part of the operations and mechanics on the race vehicles, the head chef, the mentor, the guidance counselor, and the behind the scene’s negotiator.

Kate and Diana travel with their parents Steve and Jenelle to some eighteen NHRA race events per season spanning the United States. Jenelle is always there when the twin’s race, she is the first one to hug them with their father after a pass down the race track and keeps the encouragement spirits high. Jenelle has been married to Steve for thirty-three years and has never missed a race event. Mrs. Harker gets her hands dirty working on the race vehicles and so do the twins as this was a stipulation that they had to know and understand the mechanical aspects of the race vehicles if the twins were to drive these powerful machines.

“We are very lucky to have mom” comments Kate “Not too many mothers get involved in the racing like our mother does, which is a great encouragement for our careers. Our mom works on the race vehicles and knows as much of the mechanical operations as dad. Mom is a great role model for us simply because if mom can do it so can we. ”

“Mom is always our pillar of support and strength” said Diana “Mom works alongside us to promote our racing careers and never stops, just keeps going and shows us that we can achieve our goals by working hard. Our mom is hands-on not just a cheerleader for our careers and we are grateful to have her.”

“The twins have accomplished a lot in their racing careers and continue to grow everyday learning new business or marketing concepts” tells Jenelle “I am glad to be there for them and will support them as much as they need and in whatever decisions they make. Kate and Diana have a unique opportunity because they compliment each other so well in their personality and abilities it is wonderful to watch and encourage them to grow in their careers and in life.”

Kate, Diana and Jenelle will continue to work together in their coming NHRA 2010 racing season. Jenelle will be at the fore-front of every event the twin’s race, ready to work alongside her husband and daughter’s to help them succeed. And the twin’s will have their mother’s dedication, support, love and encouragement with them when they speed on down the race track.

For more information about Kate and Diana Harker please visit: www.harkertwins.com

Or contact Kate Harker at kate@harkermotorsport.com

Meet Scarlett Rosier (Under 30), Account Director/New Business Developer/Partner with Rhyme Meet Scarlett Rosier, Account Director/New Business Developer/Partner with Rhyme & Reason Design

(l to r) Karen Pearson Mckenzie, Scarlett Rosier, Erin Morris

Tell us about your business.

Rhyme & Reason Design is a boutique advertising and design firm specializing in developing dynamic communication online and off. From logo development to website designs and everything in between, R&R offers clients customized solutions for their marketing needs.

Our target audience is Female business owners and decision makers. As a woman-owned business, we have first-hand understanding of the business world from a female perspective. Our design aesthetic leans heavily to bright, clean and modern layouts that appeal greatly to women and are interactive enough to keep any viewer man or woman engaged.

As we have been lucky enough to start our own business, one of our core missions with the business is to provide custom designed work for the For-Profit world in order that we can provide the same to the Non-Profit world. Since opening our virtual doors, we’ve aided in the design and development of websites, Facebook Fan Pages and marketing materials for 5 non-profits at no cost to the organizations.

Please tell us what being a business owner means to you and why you became an entrepreneur in the first place?

Being a business owner means that I don’t have to choose between having a career and having a life. With R&R, I am able to define both as they relate to my personal goals. I wasn’t planning on becoming a business owner in my twenties, I figured I would be wise beyond my years before I stepped out on my own. But, as they say, “Never say Never.” I became an entrepreneur because the opportunity arose and I couldn’t say no. I worked with one of my business partners at a small advertising firm in Atlanta, GA and then together we said good-bye to our cubicles, packed our bags and headed to China for a month of introspection. Now by no means am I promoting quitting your job and traveling to foreign lands to decide what you want to do in life, but I am suggesting that you not be afraid of the unknown. Because when I returned from my trip abroad, I had no job and was scrambling to come up with a plan. However, both my business partners are tremendously intelligent and talented women and I knew that together we had what it took to bloom in the business world.

What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why?

The encouragement and support that I receive from friends, family and strangers is what influences my business behavior and decisions on a daily basis. Knowing that people other than the three of us believe in what we do makes the long hours, the struggles and even the tears completely worth it.

What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?

There have been so many accomplishments that go into the biggest one of all, which is growing a business from the ground up. Through the experience, I’ve worked to find our first client, launch our first website and typed our first blog. From there, we’ve signed several national accounts, watched as our blog was featured on Word Press’ Freshly Pressed and each of us receiving accolades for jobs well-done from clients, peers and industry executives.

What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?

Love what you do. If you don’t, get out now.

What has been the most effective marketing initiatives or programs you have used to promote your business?

Social media. Over the past two years, we have received about 30 percent of our new business from our social media efforts. As a design firm, we do have a leg up on most companies in the fact that we are able to customize everything from our Facebook Fan Page to our Twitter account.

With the help of customization, we are able to better distinguish ourselves in a very content heavy world. We are also careful to not over-promote ourselves and instead focus on providing content that is useful to our clients and our prospects.

What one thing have you learned as a small business owner that has served you well over the years?

You’re going to make mistakes. There I said it. It’s true, it will happen and when it does, don’t beat yourself up, just figure out how to fix it, move on and don’t make the same one again.

Are there any resources or tools you’d like to share with other small business owners that have helped you run your business?

Smartbrief emails: SmartBrief.com ~ These emails are incredible. I receive several a day depending on the industry or information I sign up for. Each email includes the top articles of the day found for say, social media or entrepreneurship. The emails include excerpts and links to each article and it provides an easy way to stay up on the news without wasting time searching for articles.

The E Myth by Michael Gerber ~ The first business book I ever read and one that I plan to read over and over again. So many times, as human beings, nonetheless business owners, we get caught up in the minutia of it all and forget to take a look at the big picture and how to make the big picture run smoothly. In the E-Myth, you realize that being an entrepreneur is not easy and you can’t just focus on one area to be successful, you have to focus on creating a business that can run seamlessly with or without you at the helm.

Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi ~ Never Eat Alone offers very simple, almost elementary advice on how important it is to build relationships. Most of it you probably already know, but when put in the business perspective, you realize how utterly important it is to cultivate relationships with everyone.

Small Business Development Centers ~ The Small Business Development Center in my community is amazing, At the Center, they offer paid and free courses to help grow your business from the ground up. Plus, there are advisors who are available for one-on-one advice, counseling and support. Not to mention, the Centers are the first to promote their own entrepreneurs and often allow them to speak and make presentations at seminars and classes.

What do you do for fun/relaxation?

I grew up riding horses and I don’t plan to ever give that up. Although I don’t get to enjoy the thrill of jumping or the steady stride of my horse as much as I used to, it is still my most treasured pastime. If you don’t find me on the back of a horse, you’ll most likely find me in sweating it out in the gym. Other than those two places, you may find my nose shoved in a Harry Potter book or laughing over dinner with a few close friends.

What is Number One Business Goal you plan to accomplish over the next year?

Sign at least two more national accounts to our client roster and sorry, I know you only asked for one, but we’d love to open a brick-and-mortar shop. The virtual world is amazing and doing business via, cell phone, email, skype, text, social media and carrier pigeon works incredibly well and is ultimately the way of the future. However, nothing can replace the atmosphere of a creative studio with your shingle on the door.

You want to write a book on … oh gosh, I have so many books that I want to write, but for business, I’d like to write a book about business ownership as a twenty-something female. It would be targeted towards tweens and young adult women who don’t realize the opportunities that are available for them. It will discuss the difficulties of being discriminated against for age and looks, as well as the importance of believing in yourself and following your dreams, even if they go against the grain.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

If you want to take the entrepreneurial leap, know that it isn’t the easy route, but it is the most rewarding. There are going to be days where with tears in your eyes you ask yourself, “What am I doing?” but, there are also going to be days where you are floating on air saying, “I couldn’t imagine doing anything else”. Also, find a support system and even someone or a group of peers who are in the same place as you. I have a very close friend who is also in her second year of business and it’s always nice to have another ear to bend, who is experiencing the entrepreneurial path as well.

In addition to your website, how else can our readers connect with you online?

http://www.facebook.com/rrdesign

http://www.twitter.com/RhymeAndReason3

http://www.RhymeAndReasonDesign.wordpress.com

In today’s world, women have made many wonderful advances as leaders in their countries, businesses, and communities. However, despite the fact that women currently dominate the field of higher education, the overwhelming majority of powerful leadership positions are still held by men. Moreover, women that have broken this barrier often feel that helping other women will undermine their own successes. Women leaders clearly face unique challenges in their battle upwards; The Woodhull Institute for Ethical Leadership exists to respond to these challenges.

The Woodhull Institute is a non-profit educational organization that provides ethical leadership training and professional development for women. Woodhull seeks to provide women with the tools, resources, and confidence that are necessary to becoming ethical leaders, and they have developed a community of successful women who support each other in their professional pursuits. Woodhull encourages women to lead with honesty, respect, courage and compassion; to uphold their personal values when confronted with difficult decisions; to strive for the common ground in decision-making; and to use their leadership skills in order to positively impact their communities.

With this vision in mind, The Woodhull Institute hosts weekend-long Leadership Retreats at a beautiful facility in upstate New York, where women can escape from the stress of everyday life in order to nurture their dreams and goals, face their personal challenges, and build upon their inner power. Woodhull’s retreats teach professional development skills such as Public Speaking, Negotiation, Financial Literacy, Advocacy, and much more. Woodhull alumnae leave retreats with a greater sense of self-confidence, a network of over 2,700 female professionals, and a deeper understanding of ethics and leadership.

The Woodhull Institute hosts Leadership Retreats for Young Women aged 21-35, College-Aged Women, and Women of Jewish Non-Profits, as well as Writing Retreats and a Democracy 911 Retreat focused on civil engagement.

Women cannot afford to sit back and watch others affect the world in their place. Women leaders are everywhere; The Woodhull Institute’s mission is simply to supply them with a tool kit that will allow them to fly higher, with the support of an empowering community under their wings. If you are ready to become an effective woman leader, then The Woodhull Institute is the place for you.

Woodhull’s Upcoming Retreats:

Master Class Writers’ Retreat – August 27-29th 2010

Intensive Non-Fiction Writing Retreat – October 8-10th 2010

Young Women’s Ethical Leadership Retreat – October 22-24th 2010

For more information, please visit http://www.woodhull.org

Tell us about your business. Beauties on the Go is a community developed by women for women that lead busy lives. Beauties on the Go provides women with the most inspirational and supportive resources, network, and events available.

Our mission is to simplify women’s lives and bring out their inner and outer beauty by inspiring and supporting them by providing resources that help in every aspect of living.The Beauties on the Go target audience is entrepreneurial women with a social interest in programs such as The Boys & Girls Club, Breast Cancer and our very own Teen L.U.V.E program for at-risk teens.

Please tell us what being a business owner means to you and why you became an entrepreneur in the first place? To me being a business owner means I am able to be the servant that God wants me to be. I have always been naturally loving, supportive, and open to encouraging others. Because I have been blessed with these characteristics I was given the wisdom of having the freedom to turn what I love to do naturally into a business.

I became an entrepreneur because I remember working my first job at 14 and thinking “I am not working for someone the rest of my life.” I’m more open to being in charge and in control of my life. In my journey to not want to work for someone else, I was blessed to discover ways I could turn my talents into a business. A bigger bonus was that I was able to see that I could utilize my business as a tool to have a for profit organization help fund my not for profit program for at-risk teens.

What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why? My greatest influence in business has been my teens in my Teen L.U.V.E program. Anyone who knows me or sees me with them knows the joy that they bring me. They inspire me to want to just continue to build and keep loving.

What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date? I would say my greatest professional accomplishment to date is building my Teen L.U.V.E program. It has been a goal of mine since the age of 13 so to turn it into a reality brings me a lot of joy and love in my heart.

What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?

It is beautiful to be a woman and with that comes our wonderful emotions. I would say advice that I have received as well as personal experiences have led me to believe that it is great to be open to balancing out our emotions with logic. Sometimes we can be too open and make decisions based on emotion then defend them with logic. This decision making process can sometimes get us in emotional situations that we may prefer not to be in. I would say that things work out best when we take our time to make decisions based off emotion and logic. Then any decision we make we will be fully comfortable with and hopefully have a great outcome. This advice has worked well for me in business and my personal life.

What has been the most effective marketing initiatives or programs you have used to promote your business? Forming strategic alliances, cross promotions, loyalty programs.

What one thing have you learned as a small business owner that has served you well over the years? As a small business owner, I have learned to be optimistic, flexible, calm, patient, and open to change.

Are there any resources or tools you’d like to share with other small business owners that have helped you run your business? Because I have an online business, I work closely with my amazing, patient and professional web designer www.aniadesign.com. Ania Design has not only helped with my professional online web presence, but I honestly can say that I would not have gotten half as far with Beauties on the Go if it wasn’t for her. I truly recommend her work as well as her dedication to getting the job done.

Another valuable person and resource is my publicist, Kristin Marquet of http://www.marquet-communications.com. I did not know much about PR, but working with Kristin has not only been patient with guiding me and creating a great press kit for me, she has also inspired me to take Beauties on the Go to the next level. I would love to create a new word that is above being professional as that is how I would explain the valuable resources and time that Kristin has given Beauties on the Go.

Any small business owner would feel truly more than blessed bringing these two wonderful business owners on their team.

What do you do for fun/relaxation? Pilates, Yoga, Read, Go to the Beach, Dance, attend spoken word gatherings and concerts, Love & Cuddle my loved ones.

What is Number One Business Goal you plan to accomplish over the next year? Sell 400 VIP Business Memberships.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers? I would love to share the wonderful resources that will help small businesses become the number one choice to consumers in the marketplace.

Beauties on the Go offers a three tier membership. The benefits that these membership programs offer are top notch for any female business owner. Beauties on the Go ensures that all members are supported and remain inspired through the entire program.

Moreover, members receive the support of Beauties on the Go and resources that help toward the advancement of women entrepreneurs such as the access to targeted business demographics, live/interactive customer relationships, valuable savings on exclusive event invites online, phone conferences, workshops, as well as chances to enter VIP drawings/contests. Women can grow their business while giving back to their community. A portion of each paid membership will be donated to a charity of the member’s choice on the “BOTG Supports” List.

How can our readers connect with you online? www.beautiesonthego.com

DeAnna Troupe (32), President of DeAnna Troupe, Video Marketing Coach

Tell us about yourself, your business. For five years I worked as a virtual assistant.  I helped entrepreneurs with a wide range of administrative tasks.  Invariably they would all wind up asking me for advice on their social media and video campaigns since that was usually the way they found me.  I realized that I had more fun coaching and consulting than I did doing the administrative work so I decided to make coaching my focus instead of doing the virtual assistant work.

Since I’m in start up mode, my responsibilities include everything from marketing to doing the basic day to day business stuff.  I plan to outsource a lot of my administrative work allowing me to focus on coaching and marketing.

Tell us about the company you work for or own? I focus on coaching women in the areas of social media and video marketing.  I offer a two pronged approach.  First I make an assessment of where a female entrepreneur is in her social media marketing and then I teach her the ins and outs of video markeitng.

What are some of the most fulfilling projects you have been involved with so far ? I had the pleasure of helping Heidi with one of her video presentations one day.  I also am using a portion of my proceeds to raise money for two charities: WaterAidAmerica and the William J Clinton Foundation (to help with the efforts in Haiti).  I sell ebooks and other infoproducts to help with my fundraising efforts.

Are there any people in your field you would like to meet and/or work with and have not yet had the opportunity? I would love to meet Leesa Barnes and Wendyy Bailey in person one day.  They are phenomenal coaches that I really look up to.  I just keep missing opportunities to meet them.

What are some of your favorite ways to network? My favorite way to network is through twitter.  I do use Facebook, but I like twitter the best because they keep the interface simple and there’s not as much on twitter to distract me.

Do you have a mentor – if so how did you choose one another? If not, is this something you think would benefit your career and is there anyone you would like to have as a mentor?

I don’t have a mentor right now.  I do think my career would benefit from having a mentor.  I haven’t really thought much about who I’d like to have as a mentor.

What have you learned from your mentor? What do you hope to learn? I would like to learn how to stay positive during tough times.  Sometimes I don’t take my own advice and it would be nice to have someone around to remind me that things will improve when I have tough times.

What’s been the most surprising thing that has happened to you so far in your career? The most surprising thing so far has been the reaction that I got from helping Heidi with her video.

What do you do for fun/relaxation? I like to crochet, read, listen to music, watch football and basketball, and take walks.

Any parting advice for someone who would like to follow in your footsteps? Just do it! Don’t wait for circumstances to be perfect before you start your business.  You may have to work a day job for a few years while you build your business.  That is perfectly okay.  You should save up some money while you’re working so that when you do decide to go at it full time you’ll have enough money for living expenses.  I’d say you should save up enough for at least six months to a year before you totally quit your day job.  Also before quitting your day job altogether consider working part time or temp while you build up your client base.

How can our readers connect with you?

WEBSITE URL http://www.deannatroupe.com
Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/deannatroupe
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/deannatroupe
Facebook Fan Page – http://www.facebook.com/deannatroupecoach
LinkedIn – http://www.linkedin.com/in/deannatroupe

 
Tell us about how you chose your career/business and what your responsibilities include?
About 7 years ago I was going through a very rough time. I was separated from my first husband and headed into divorce. A few months after the divorce was final I started dating. The man I was dating for some reason out of the blue said to me. “You should be an Aesthetician.” “I said a what? I don’t know what that is”. So then he explained it to me and it made sense. He lived about 3 hours from me on the other side of Florida. So when I got back from my visit with him after the weekend. I began looking up schools that specialized in skincare programs. I then found the perfect school for me. It is called Florida College of Natural Health in Doral Florida. I fell in love with the school and I knew this was the direction I needed to follow. About 6 months later. I graduated while working nights and attending school during the day. It was a great experience and it taught me a lot of discipline.  As I began school I was already a student of Kabbalah at the Kabbalah Center in Miami. So I knew that the skin was a very important part of our physical being and also our spiritual being. Given the knowledge of how the mind, body and soul were connected I developed a skincare treatment which tied all those elements together and created my company Tree of Life facials, more than just a facial.  My responsibility is to facilitate the process of healing on the skin by educating my clients on proper skincare, nutrition, and spiritual growth. I perform the actually treatment on the client using Organic Mineral Skincare Products as well as certain tools that Kabbalah offers.
 
Tell us about your company? 
This treatment is intended to go to the root cause of the skin condition. Most skin conditions  come from some emotional blockages. The treatments are designed to give a holistic approach to skincare treatments thereby dealing with more than just the physical face. It is a treatment that goes into healing the mind, body, and soul which helps to eliminate future issues on the skin. This treatment is for those that really want to take their skin and overall wellbeing to the next level.  Many people think that great skin is achieved by a monthly facial. Or getting some medicated products from their dermatologist, but unfortunately that is not how it works. The skin condition will remain unless the client treats the cure of the problem which starts in the mind. Furthermore, the client is who determines their results through their own personal growth on a soul level and how they use the physical tools that I coach them on, such as proper skincare, and nutrition.  
 
What are some of the most fulfilling projects you have been involved with so far?
Since I have come to the Kabbalah Center I realized how much more I can do and give of myself to better this world. I have been a part of an awesome program for 3 years now; it is called Success for Kids (www.sfk.org) the mission of Success For Kids is to build life skills that promote social and emotional development in every child. They teach children to be more responsible by making decisions that reflect a consciousness of others and the world in which they are a part.  They teach children the tools to empower them to meet life’s challenges, thereby helping them reach their full potential. This project was and is a major influence in my own personal development and is still helping me today in my personal relationships with those around me. I certainly recommend for others to check it out.
 
Are there any people in your field you would like to meet and/or work with and have not yet had the opportunity?
I would love to meet a Holistic Dermatologist. I would love to have an opportunity to work with them hand in hand. I believe that combining alternative treatments with western treatments is the best way to help clients with various skin conditions. After all, the skin is such an important part of our being that if it’s not well, neither are we.
 
What are some of your favorite ways to network?
I love to go to networking events where I can just meet people and just make friends. I believe people want to do business with those they know care about them. I know that I only do business with who I feel care about my best interest. I believe in win, win situations.  
 
Do you have a mentor – if so how did you choose one another? If not, is this something you think would benefit your career and is there anyone you would like to have as a mentor?
 For now I don’t have a professional mentor. I do have a Kabbalah Coach/Teacher and he has helped me a lot to focus and get clear on a personal level mostly. I do rely on my husband a lot for business advise because he is really great with that. He is also a student of Kabbalah so he really understands how everything is connected. Personal or business it’s all about your own growth.  He really helps me in many ways. I am looking for a professional mentor who I could learn from in regards to skin, nutrition and overall wellness. Like I mentioned before, I would love to work for a Holistic Dermatologist who would take me under his wing and really teach me more about this fascinating field.
 
What have you learned from your mentor?
Well from my Kabbalah Coach/Teacher I have learned how everything in life is connected. We must be busy doing good deeds every day. It’s important to just be a person of service, meaning be busy with others and g-d will be busy with you. What do you hope to learn? I want to really excel in the fields of skin, nutrition & overall health and wellbeing. 
 
What’s been the most surprising thing that has happened to you so far in your career?
A couple of months ago, I gave my mom a facial for the first time. She couldn’t lie down on the facial table due to a back injury she has had for many years. We had to do the treatment setting on a chair. She was very upset with herself because she couldn’t lie down. She felt she was making it difficult for me to do my job. I started to calm and relax her as if she was an actual client. I realized at that moment that I automatically disconnected myself from being her daughter, short tempered and frustrated as most times I am with her, and instead became compassionate and loving. I was able to really help her deal with some emotional blockages that she was carrying for many years.  She expressed to me that she really loved the treatment and she enjoyed our bonding time. She also tells me how much these treatments really help people and I should continue sharing them with the world.
 
What do you do for fun/relaxation?
I love to read. My reading time is precious to me. I love to spend time at the ocean.  I enjoy going to the movies with my husband, friends, and family.  I love to spend time with my husband just hanging out. He makes me laugh a lot so I love to spend time with him. Finally, I love to learn about different spiritual subjects: Kabbalah, Astrology, Chakras and how they work in the body, color therapy, etc…
10. Any parting advice for someone who would like to follow in your footsteps? My advice:
1. Be a person of service.
2. Do your best to lead by example in everything you do.
3. Trust your intuition, your soul knows everything. Don’t over seek information, if something feels right, just do it as long as it doesn’t hurt another human being.

How can our readers connect with you?
I can be reached via email- esther10levels@yahoo.com
website: www.treeoflifefacials.com
Facebook page: Esther Levy