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November 2022 | Member Highlights


Meet Chief Maven Officer, Brandy Shine


Tell us how you got into entrepreneurship.

I initially started working on projects for a former principal of mine, then a friend. I got paid handsomely for it and I though hmmm, this is something. But I let it fall to the wayside, not taking myself seriously that I could run a business. Doubt is a sneaky little devil. I've always been one to dance to the beat of my own drum. But in the last few years, my drum went silent. I was no longer inspired, motivated nor happy with life. Fast forward, the panny hit, and I fell deeper into "depression". I started working from home, my many thoughts were now occupying my mind at rapid speed and went rabbit hole deep. With negative thoughts, also came positive ideas, hence the fruition of Desk Maven. I wanted more freedom, flexibility and authority over my time, my worth and my life. When you're alone with your thoughts and memories, you start to reflect and that reflection can have you spiral but as you're in the midst of a tornado, you're throwing things and people out that no longer bring you love, peace and loyalty. Desk Maven consistently reveals to me who I am, who I strive to be like the other wonderful, tenacious Black women entrepreneurs that I've always been surrounded by. It was watching them that I've even have accomplished this much thus far.

What’s one of the greatest accomplishments you have achieved in your business and what was key to seeing this success?

That I've been able to secure VA business strictly by referral. I have yet had to market my virtual assistance services to get clients. I would like to keep it that way. I've also been blessed to be particular about who I want to work with, that's a rarity as a rookie business owner. I'm proud of that.


Where do you see yourself in the next 3-5 years?

Desk Maven will no longer be. The ultimate goal is to own an Airbnb apartment complex on somebody's Caribbean island, where I'll live part-time when I'm not galivanting across God's green earth.


What do you love most about being a CEO Chick?

I'm not sure yet, I just joined a week or two ago and haven't dived and immersed in the group.


Who inspires you?

The Black women in my life who grind everyday despite the unwarranted rejections.


What is your favorite book/podcast you recommend to our CEO Chicks?

I'm reading Dr. Claude Anderson's "Powernomics" and I often listen to "Small Doses", "Whoreible Decisions", "Code Switch", "Asking for a Friend", "Family Secrets", "Earn Your Leisure" and "J.Ill the Podcast".

What advice would you give other aspiring entrepreneurs?

Just do it.


How has the CEO Chick network impacted your business?

I'm just starting out but I'm hoping to gain insight, knowledge, mentorship, and good people to call friends.


How can people connect with you and your products/services?

They can call, visit my social media, or website!


How can people connect with you and your products/services?

 

Meet CEO of Pink & Brown Botanicals, Lisa Zachary


Tell us how you got into entrepreneurship.

I was always an entrepreneur since I graduated from college as a freelanced designer. I never saw myself working for someone else I knew I was called to be in business for myself. I did this for many years until one day I had a conversation with a business associate of a friend of mine. Which we would have random brainstorming sessions. He asked me why don't I just make my own skincare collection??? I never thought about it until that day. He immediately emailed me some information that ultimately put me on the track to starting my own skincare company.

What’s one of the greatest accomplishments you have achieved in your business and what was key to seeing this success?

My greatest accomplishment is very simple. I STARTED. Like Nike said. "Just Do It". Knowing I had the tendency to be a perfectionist, I knew I wouldn't launch until everything I thought was perfect. Perfectionism is FEAR in disguise. I had to let all that go and just jump. And one day at my Pastor's women's event I decided to launch! And so it was, I gave birth to my vision of owning my own skincare company. The key to seeing the success of this was as Joyce Myers would say, "Do it afraid'! Procrastination is a destiny robber. It prevents you from going after and living the dream life you deserve. While this may not be a profound thing for some, it was a monumental thing for me because I didn't know what an entrepreneur looked like in my family. There was no role model in front of me or mentor me. So God is faithful as he lead me and gave me the confidence to do it!

Where do you see yourself in the next 3-5 years?

I see myself on national television, a best-selling author, and running a 7-figure Skincare company.


What do you love most about being a CEO Chick?

I love the flexibility and creating the vision God gave me. But most of all honoring God through what I enjoy doing most which is inspiring women to become their best self!


Who inspires you?

Dr. Cindy Trimm, Oprah Winfrey, and Jesus.

What is your favorite book/podcast you recommend to our CEO Chicks?

One of my favorite books is "Open Your Mind To Prosperity" by Catherine Ponder. It's an older book but full of inspiration for life.


What advice would you give other aspiring entrepreneurs?

My advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is to first find your why and what is your unique contribution to helping people on this earth. Aspire to be excellent, not perfect. And most of all start! Never let fear overcome your calling.


How has the CEO Chick network impacted your business?

I am new to the network but I have been very inspired already to dream bigger!


How can people connect with you and your products/services?

 

Meet the CEO of DP Enterprise, Denise Paul


Tell us how you got into entrepreneurship.

A senior class project in high school got me interested in it!

What’s one of the greatest accomplishments you have achieved in your business and what was key to seeing this success?

Providing stable housing for low-income families for over the past 38 years!

Where do you see yourself in the next 3-5 years?

Building development of housing under government contract for homeless or low income first time buyers.


What do you love most about being a CEO Chick?

Being able to. network with like-minded CEO women.


Who inspires you?

My parents and God are my inspiration.


What is your favorite book/podcast you recommend to our CEO Chicks?

"Secrets To A Beautiful You".


What advice would you give other aspiring entrepreneurs?

Dream big, and follow your dreams. Have excellent credit and know your passion or niche. You can't do this for money only. One has to love investment in real estate and providing exceptional customer service and products to the public.


How has the CEO Chick network impacted your business?

Their courses are phenomenal!


How can people connect with you and your products/services?

They can visit my website or follow me on IG!


How can people connect with you and your products/services?

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