Hello F.O.C.U.S.E.D. F.E.M.A.L.E.s! I cannot express the feeling or word that I have to describe this moment being able to meet with you all in this way, on this platform. “Surreal”? Maybe…but it is definitely an honor and a pleasure to be here with you, launching what was initially and simply a vision and a goal that has been in the works since 2014. I AM OFFICIALLY A BUSINESS OWNER!!! Can you tell that I said that out loud? Crazy right? I know…many have pioneered before me and have paved the way. I am not the first or only female entrepreneur and I surely will not be the last. I am one of MANY. To all female business owners and business leaders who have paved the way and have inspired, encouraged, and persevered…I THANK YOU!!! You have also inspired me as I embark on this journey and pay it forward to inspire other F.E.M.A.L.E.s who are just beginning on their business journey or have a dream and are not quite sure where to begin. Those who face fear, doubt, lack of time, fatigue or insecurities coming from all directions and are not sure if they can begin. It is here that I will share my success stories, my challenges and inspire others to believe that they can keep pushing. Encouraging them to stop at nothing to make their dreams and goals a reality. Welcome to F.E.M.A.L.E.! Female Entrepreneurs Making Advancements and Leading by Example.
We will use this platform to lead by example. To motivate. To educate. To allow other women of all ages a chance to be open…to be real…to be vulnerable about their successes and their challenges. To be honest with themselves when days are great or when days are not so great. This forum will be your safe zone. Each month, a different business owner will have the chance to put their business in the spotlight. This will be your moment to brag about your gifts and talents! Your business is your baby! Tell us about it! Promote it and show off! Tell us when and how your dream or vision was born. Be honest about those barriers that you faced or are currently facing. Other F.O.C.U.S.E.D. F.E.M.A.L.E.s in the group will come together to lift you up while shining some bright light your way on those tough days. The business that is promoted for the month will be promoted not only by the business owner but by all of the F.O.C.U.S.E.D. F.E.M.A.L.E.s in the group until a new business is placed in the spotlight.
I’m ready F.O.C.U.S.E.D. F.E.M.A.L.E.s. Let’s GO!!!
Ok…so it looks like we have may have a small glitch in the system. Your responses are not saving .I tested it myself. I’m on it.
THIS!!!!!! I have for years dimed my light because I have always been seen as the “over achiever” when in actuality I just worked hard for everything I wanted. It was not my mission to do or be better for myself but for others and because of that I realized I live in fear!!! Yes, FEAR!!! People pleasing is fear. The fear of not doing too much to not be hated, the fear of not doing enough to keep everyone going, the fear of not knowing who I am so I became who they wanted me to be. So, yes when I hear the word fear it becomes all too familiar to me. In spite of not knowing who I was or what I wanted I knew I wanted something of my own that created a safe space for others. Yes, I know it sounds like a bit of saving others, but no I was saving myself. The catch to this was I did not know where to start. As, I mentioned before I was considered the “over achiever” aka the one moving forward and trying new thing, reaching new heights, and becoming a better me, THERE WAS NO ONE TO HELP ME ALONG THE WAY!! Therefore, for years I have been on this journey alone. Excuse me for yelling, but I have worked extremely hard through some tuff things and times that could have been avoided if someone had guided me. This is not a complaint but recognition that “I DID IT” to myself. On the journey to learn my place in life I discovered that my fear went beyond “people pleasing” but was in fact was fear of success. How I will be seen, can I really do it, why me, what makes me better, were a few of the questions that stayed in my head. I remember watching the movie “Coach Carter” and hearing this speech ” OUR GREATEST FEAR IS NOT THAT WE ARE INADEQUTE BUT THAT WE ARE POWERFUL BEYOUND MEASURE” and as crazy as it sounds 10 years later this quote sticks with me when myself doubt come in mind. That played in my head over and over and one day I LITERALLY WOKE UP DIFFERENT!!! EXCUSES NO LONGER EXSITED IN MY WORLD!! I wanted more, I desired and craved more from myself and suddenly I knew what I wanted out of life and thus the journey to becoming everything I could be started. ALL ABOUT YOU LLC. was created. I am thankful as a young black woman and upcoming entrepreneur to be involved with another set of women with the same goals in mind. The goals of becoming better through uplifting, connections, networking, and team building. I want to give a big THANK YOU TO MARICA FOR CREATING A SAFE PLACE AND PLATFORM FOR THE UPCOMING SUCCESS OF ALL INVOLVED!!!
-Shernell
WOW Shernell!! First, thank you so much for being honest! You have already accomplished one of the most difficult tasks and that is ACKNOWLEDGEMENT! It is absolutely disheartening how others can knock you down to fit their mold of comfort. People who are more comfortable with your fear, your doubt, your insecurities. People who encourage you to “Keep Quiet”, “Be Still”…”Are you sure?”, “I don’t know about that…what if…?” It reminds me of the lyrics to an 80’s song..”Hush, hush. Keep it down now. Voices carry.” In other words, don’t you dare speak your mind and tell your truth. Other people may hear you. Shernell, It’s time to be heard!
I am so happy that you found your voice and let it carry!! There are so many people who need to hear what you have to say! The over achiever in you provides you with the vision to live your dreams and inspire others. That vision in you creates the determination that will see your vision develop. That determination that lives in you provides the discipline that meets your developing vision and turns it into REALITY!!
I can relate to the type of fear that you have. Fear of success and the responsibilities that come with it. You are more than equipped but you already know that. God is doing something UNUSUAL in this year of discovery. You can shout. You can dance. Why you? Because YOU are chosen for a divine purpose in such a time as this! YOU were given a UNIQUE gift that was written to be shared with the world!! I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU!!! I am creating a flyer now for the meeting. You are up first! Stay FOCUSED!
Marica