Michelle Derrick-Small Business Spotlight

Tell me about yourself… My name is Michelle Derrick and I am the CEO of MD Accounting and Financial Services.  My initial business started as many things (mostly some of my passions) but I found that I had a natural talent and love for numbers.  I decided to obtain my MBA and move forward in my professional career as an accountant.  There are many accounting firms out there but which ones will specifically cater to a small business?  

What motivates you to keep going? My family and my hunger for success. I want to be a successful entrepreneur and I want to be able to help people.  There is nothing like hearing someone refer you because "you are amazing" or "you were the fix it girl".

Do you feel your life is balanced between your personal and professional life? Absolutely because I MAKE TIME!!  Lets face it, there aren't enough hours in the day to do EVERYTHING.  So planning your work and working your plan truly works.  You have to discipline yourself and keep yourself on track every day, every hour, every second.  If you don't, something is going to fall off.

What advice would you give to an aspiring entrepreneur? Be YOU!!  Don't just get into business for yourself because you want to make money.  Do it because it's something you enjoy and have a passion for.  Why would anyone CHOOSE work?  Why not CHOOSE to live and enjoy life doing something you love?  Also, we all wear many hats but try to find the one that fits you best.  It is tough to market yourself to a client when you don't dwindle down what it is you're actually good at.  If you do want to be an entrepreneur in multiple industries, then create separate marketing campaigns for each industry.  For example, marketing that you are a hair and makeup artist should not be on the same card as being a tax preparer.  Showing all of your talent and skills on one form of marketing could be overwhelming to potential clients.  

What’s your favorite social media platform? Facebook works for me simply because I am a writer at heart.  I love writing daily tips and quotes that will help people succeed or make them hungry for knowledge.  I think Twitter is amazing too!!

What book are you currently reading or would recommend to fellow entrepreneurs? Well, I do a lot of research online when it comes to my business and how to maximize my opportunities.  However, I'm currently reading "Everybody's Got Something" by Robin Roberts.  My mother gave it to me and said that I should read it.  She was absolutely right!  It very positive and enlightening to read about a successful black woman overcoming her struggles throughout life. 

What’s your favorite app? My favorite app is definitely my banking app.  I love the fact that, at the swipe of a finger, I can see my bank accounts in real time, transfer funds, and do some budgeting.  I would absolutely recommend that everyone download their banking institution's app on their phone.  It's a time as well as a money saver!

What's your favorite Podcast account name? You know I don't really listen to Podcast. I usually like to listen to soft jazz or R&B when I'm working or researching.  Any recommendations?

What’s your favorite Entrepreneur website/blog to visit? When I first knew that I wanted to become an entrepreneur, I was fascinated by all things fashion.  So much so that I became a stylist and blogger (I still do but on the side.  I no longer market those services).  I fell in love with Fashion Bomb Daily and Claire Sumner's take on urban fashion.  You can literally see her climb to the top on this blog.  Now she is a notable fashion blogger, editor, and writer. 

What’s your favorite quote? "Paying attention to what's beneath you while climbing the ladder to success can case you to lose focus and quickly fall to the bottom.  Keep looking UP and your footsteps will be guided" - Michelle Derrick (this is a quote of my own) 

Support and stay connected with Michelle on her Facebook page and Website

Karice Martin-Small Business Spotlight

Tell me about yourself…My name is Karice Martin. I am the owner of Love Kari Dae Clothing, an online boutique that sells trendy clothing for women and juniors. I am from Toledo, Ohio, but I now reside in Atlanta, GA where I run my business. You can find my store at www.LoveKariDae.com.

What motivates you to keep going? I have a very strong support system at home. My family is always very encouraging and uplifting. My boyfriend actually helps me out with a lot of things, like photo shoots, finding the models for the shoots, designing the site and how to market the clothing. Having this kind of help and support keeps me in the game.

Do you feel your life is balanced between your personal and professional life?

It is hard, but I do my best. I actually hold a full time job during the day and have to take care of the family at home, which includes 2 children and a cat  :)  I have found that discipline is a major necessity in this business and without it, you can easily fall off track.

What advice would you give to an aspiring entrepreneur? Do not give up on your dream! It gets hard. There is no doubt about it. A lot of things will happen that will have you feeling discouraged. Just be realistic with your goals and take small steps towards getting there. Do not overwhelm yourself and don't forget to live and laugh at yourself from time to time. We all have flaws and we all make mistakes. Just keep pushing and follow your gut.

What’s your favorite social media platform? Right now, I actually get most of my customers from my posts on Instagram. But Facebook is slowly getting me more customers as well. I find the Instagram followers to be more interactive and engaging.

What book are you currently reading or would recommend to fellow entrepreneurs?

Unfortunately, I have not had time to read anything. But when I do get time, I want to check out "The Chic Entrepreneur" by Leanna Adams.

What’s your favorite app?

I have 3 that I use often. Picsart is one. I use that to create the photos that I use to advertise on my social media accounts. Cam Scanner comes in handy when I need to scan and email delivery receipts to my customers. And of course, I love Instagram since that is where I am able to interact more with my customers.

What's your favorite Podcast account name? I am not subscribed to any at the moment.

What’s your favorite Entrepreneur website/blog to visit? The Powerful Women In Business facebook group is number one, of course  :) But I also love Entrepreneur.comand NAWBOatlanta.org, which is the National Association of Women Business Owners - Atlanta.

What’s your favorite quote?

"If plan "A" didn't work, the alphabet has 25 more letters. Stay cool."

Stay connected with Karice with the social media links below:

Instagram: iLoveKariDae

Facebook: www.facebook.com/iLoveKariDae

Twitter: iLoveKariDae

Elyshia Brooks- Small Business Spotlight

Tell me about yourself… Elyshia Brooks, MBA, DBA (ABD) is Founder, President/CEO of Elyshia Brooks International, Inc., specializing in Authentic Personal Branding Lifestyle™ Management for entrepreneurs, business owners, ministries, non-profit organizations and small to mid-size companies. Elyshia is a passionate entrepreneur, coach, consultant, trainer and speaker based on first book, “Branding The Authentic You” and provided through her courses at her Authentic Branding Institute™- both nationally and internationally. Her mastery lies in motivating and empowering others, increasing brand awareness and business success; additionally, encouraging personal life transformations. Elyshia’s purpose and passion is also Empowering Women to believe in their GODthentic™ Self and to go after their dreams and allow God to lead and direct them through their journey of transformation into the women they were called to be

What motivates you to keep going? What motivates me to keep going is...I would die if I would not be able to do what is that I am called to do. 

 Do you feel your life is balanced between your personal and professional life? My life is in balance most of the time, but there are times when I am not totally present because life presents itself and it takes me off my kilter but, It is important for me to get back in the place of peace and harmony with both because it is essential to what I do for others. 

What advice would you give to an aspiring entrepreneur? My advice to an aspiring entrepreneur would be, "It takes hard work but you must understand that you have to have the dedication, tenacity and the fortitude to stay focused even when it looks challenged. You must keep your "WHY?" in front of you and do what you need to do to get and stay motivated. 

What’s your favorite social media platform? My favorite social media for me is is Twitter and Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook at the time. I am able to do A/B tests and see what works best for me when I have promotions going. They all have different functions but the thing is getting the information out to my divine clients and not just random people because my niche is essential to me and how I choose to show up and be daily. 

What book are you currently reading or would recommend to fellow entrepreneurs? The books I am reading now are The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho and The Wealth Choice by Dr. Dennis Kimbro to give you the grounding principles. 

 What’s your favorite app? My favorite app to narrow down to one would be hard because I use so many daily. Pages (writing), Evernote (Saving and Documenting) and AudioNote (Meetings for Writing and Recording) 

 What's your favorite Podcast account name? I listen to a lot of podcasts and audiobooks so, there are many, which anyone speaking about entrepreneurs, wealth, abundance and staying centered are my main playlists. It is actually what I feed myself, I will keep listening to because I refuse to listen to anything disrespectful or unloving in my spirit. 

What’s your favorite Entrepreneur website/blog to visit? My favorite website would be my own. ElyshiaBrooks.com because it is evolving and I am totally authentic and I how I choose to serve the divine clients that I am attracting to myself. 

What’s your favorite quote? My favorite quote is..."If you fail to plan, you plan to fail."  

Learn more abour Elyshia (Bio) here and (Media Info) here 

Nikola Ahaiwe-Small Business Spotlight

Tell me about yourself…My name is Nikola Ahaiwe and I am a business coach/marketing strategist/motivational speaker and founder of Mogul in the Making (www.nikolaahaiwe.com).  I work with creative female entrepreneurs, providing them with the resources, tools, and strategies needed to grow their “side-hustle” into a full-time business.

What motivates you to keep going? My soon-to-be 7 year old twin daughters keep me going.  They are my WHY, and the reasons behind everything I do and every decision that I make.  I have always wanted to set a good example for them and be their number one role model.

Do you feel your life is balanced between your personal and professional life?

I’m always asking myself what is work/life balance…does it even exist?! Lol.  There are times when my personal life takes priority over business, and on the flip side, there are times when my business needs my full attention and personal things have to be pushed to the side.  But overall, I think I’m getting better at trying to balance everything to the best of my ability.  I’ve been working to set up certain systems and create more structure in my business and daily life.  It’s all about prioritizing and learning to work smarter, not harder so that you’re able to enjoy life while building your business. 

What advice would you give to an aspiring entrepreneur? My top advice would be to start where you are with what you have. So many people are waiting for things to be prefect, for the right time, until they have more money, etc.  The truth is, if you continue waiting before you take action, you may be waiting forever.  Perfection is a myth, and imperfect action will always be better than perfect inaction.

What’s your favorite social media platform? (I.e. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)

I’ve always placed a lot of my focus on Facebook, but with the constant changes in algorithm making it hard for small business owners, I am going to start spending a lot more time on Twitter and Instagram.

What book are you currently reading or would recommend to fellow entrepreneurs?

I would highly recommend Think and Grow Rich.  I truly believe in the power of manifestation and designing your life, and the book had a huge influence on me.  I was able to make adjustments to my mindset and saw great shifts in my life and business after reading it. 

What’s your favorite app?

I would be lost without my Google Calendar app! 

What's your favorite Podcast account name?

I really like the Become a Blogger podcast by Leslie Samuels. He is very thorough and shares some really great business tips.

What’s your favorite Entrepreneur website/blog to visit?
Entrepreneur Magazine – www.entrepreneur.com (to keep up with the latest business trends)
Marie Forleo – www.marieforleo.com (her videos are hilarious AND informative)
Paul C. Brunson – www.paulcbrunson.com (he’s a relationship expert, but shares great business tips and insights on how to grow your brand)

What’s your favorite quote?

“Every morning you have two choices: continue to sleep with your dreams or wake up and chase them.” - Unknown

Support & Stay connected with Nikola with the link below:
www.nikolaahaiwe.com

Juetta Wallace-Small Business Spotlight

Tell me about yourself…My name is Juetta Wallace married to a wonderful man who is my college sweetheart. Mother of three terrific girls 32, 19, and 15. I am a nurse and the proud business owner of Marlon by Mishoe a wig boutique. I am a workpenuer. 

What motivates you to keep going? My God encourages me and continues to let me continue his purpose for my life.

Do you feel your life is balanced between your personal and professional life? Yes better now at balancing it then 3 years ago. Making sure I take time to rest.

What advice would you give to an aspiring entrepreneur? Find something you love doing and ask God for his guidance and you will be surprised.

What’s your favorite social media platform? Facebook 

What book are you currently reading or would recommend to fellow entrepreneurs? I currently watch Oprah on Super Soul Sunday and that inspires me. The Bible is the best book. Ground yourself in Gods Word.

What’s your favorite app? Currently the split pic and Pinterest.

What's your favorite Podcast account name? Not much into podcast I listen to the Bridge FM in the car when I go from one patients house to the other and that is wonderful listening to Gods word. Listen to mostly Christian music. Mindful of what I listen to and what consumes my time. Occasional Spanish CDs......

What’s your favorite Entrepreneur website/blog to visit? Marie Forleo is good

What’s your favorite quote? God hasThree answers if we want something

Yes

Not now

Not now I have something better for you

Not sure how good this is but this is me.

Please stay connected with Juetta Wallace at www.marlonbymishoe.com

Micca Vanvield-Small Business Spotlight

​

Tell me about yourself…I am a mother of 3 beautiful boys and
the wife to an amazing man. I am an adventure loving entrepreneur who
has fallen in love with travel...... literally. I have traveled the
globe for the last 17 years and 3 years ago I decided to make it a
career. I have now made the decision to run two business in the travel
industry 1. Travecore, where I focus on destination weddings and
romance travel and 2. I coach individuals that would like to have
their own travel business.

What motivates you to keep going? My family (especially my 3
boys) are why I am constantly doing what I do

Do you feel your life is balanced between your personal and
professional life? Currently my professional life is my a huge part of
my personal life.  I travel a lot and I always find a way to make any
trip a business trip because I am always learning about the beautiful
places to see in this wonderful world.

What advice would you give to an aspiring entrepreneur? Get
started and never give up. Take "Fear" and "Can't" out of your
vocabulary and replace them with "Do" and "Now"

What’s your favorite social media platform? Currently I am very active on Instagram and
Facebook

What book are you currently reading or would recommend to
fellow entrepreneurs? I just finished reading Secrets of the
Millionaire Mind, I would also recommend Think and Grow Rich, The
Secret and the Alchemist

What’s your favorite app? Audible,  I don't have the time to
sit and listen to books so I love to listen in my car

What's your favorite Podcast account name? I must say I don't
really have one that I follow

What’s your favorite Entrepreneur website/blog to visit?
Right now I am loving www.byblacks.com

What’s your favorite quote?
 "whatever you do, live your best life" - Colin Cowie

Support & stay connected with Micca with the links below: 

Website: www.miccavanvield.com (currently under construction)
Facebook: Micca Vanvield
Instagram/Twitter : @miccavanvield

Sharea Farmer, LSW-Small Business Spotlight

Tell me about yourself…

As a child of God, Small Business consultant and developer, therapist, life coach and teacher.  I have been able to translate most of my own life lessons, educational experience and spiritual growth into personal development which I hope to share with others.  I graduated from college with a B.A. in Sociology in order to learn, support, and educate the community on social problems.  That quickly turned into the urgency to complete my Masters in Social Work, leading to an array of experience in clinical and administrative work.  In other words I have been everything from a therapist to program developer.  I am currently an adjunct professor in a graduate program at Rutgers University for social workers as well as I maintain my therapist cap…  With all my professional caps; my real love is service to help through human services and therapy; which honestly after all these years still aligns with both, my professional and personal beliefs of serving my community one person, group or organization at a time…

What motivates you to keep going?

I am truly motivated by my love for God and family.  I live by the belief that we are here on earth to love and service others. We are connected and I believe my passion to help others improve their quality of life through personal and professional development only strengthen the world we all live in.  

Do you feel your life is balanced between your personal and professional life?

Away from my business, I enjoy spending time with my husband, family and friends, plus staying active in Zumba and Bokwa classes. Additionally, travelling is one of my favorite pastimes and sports holds a special place in my heart along with soul music, film and theater. The passions in my life are balanced and fueled by my beliefs and a lifelong quest for understanding and peace; they reaffirm my faith and commitment to servicing the community.

What advice would you give to an aspiring entrepreneur?

I have five things I would say to aspiring entrepreneurs.  Trust God, take a risk, plan well, trust your experience and don't be afraid to ask for help.  

What’s your favorite social media platform? 

Honestly, I like most social media platforms because it allows me to connect to my clients and their worlds.  If I have to pick a favorite it would be Facebook; only because it's easy to navigate and promote your work.   

What book are you currently reading or would recommend to fellow entrepreneurs?

Because my background is non-profit and social service development; I'll share one of my favorites in that area.  For any non-profit struggling to grow or restructure; Strategic Planning for Public and Nonprofit Organizations: A Guide to Strengthening and Sustaining Organizational Achievement by John Bryson

What’s your favorite app?

I really like Hootsuite it makes managing social media a lot easier. 

What's your favorite Podcast account name?

My favorite podcast is ESPN; it's one of the few things I get to listen and escape into.  

What’s your favorite Entrepreneur website/blog to visit?

Callan Rush - Wealth Through Workshops http://www.callanrush.com/

What’s your favorite quote?

"There is no better than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time." El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz

Stay connected with Sharea with the links below: 

Development Page: www.rsdevelopment.org

 Blog: www.radiantsunshine.org