This week, we're looking into the stories of four powerful women who are killing it as entrepreneurs and writing their names in the sands of time through the meaningful work they are doing!
Read on to learn more about their entrepreneurial journeys and be inspired!
Dee Manuel Cloud, Breast Cancer Recovery Strategist and International Speaker | Houston, Texas
When did you first know that you wanted to venture into entrepreneurship?
Dee: I knew I wanted to become an entrepreneur when my corporate job did not fulfill me in the way that my business did.
Angel Brooks, CEO at Queens For Queens | Colorado Springs, Colorado
Angel, how about you?
Angel: I knew when I clocked 17.
Tameshia Sexton, Founder and CEO of Mesh Dollhouse | Miami, Florida
Tameshia, when was your own aha moment that said to step into entrepreneurship?
Tameshia: Mine was in 2016 after experiencing 10 years of domestic violence.
Shaniqua Jones, Founder of Purple Path | Monee, Illinois
And you, Shaniqua?
Shaniqua: Ever since I was a preteen, I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur!
We're sure many have chills after reading the range of raw, vulnerable accounts of what prompted our interviewees to step into entrepreneurship. Their stories are important - as they journey to entrepreneurship can (and should) have a variety of paths. Their stories will, no doubt, inspire so many who are in similar chapters in their own lives.
Diving deeper into their stories.
Intentional Living Academy - helping breast cancer survivors overcome the fear, trauma and suffering of breast cancer
"I became a Breast Cancer Recovery Strategist because I know how lonely and lost women can feel after completing treatment and the support they'd been receiving throughout treatment suddenly ends," said Dee Manuel Cloud.
Intentional Living Academy offers coaching services to help breast cancer survivors overcome the fear, trauma and suffering of breast cancer to create a life of joy, peace and fulfillment so they can thrive.
What does a typical look like for you as an entrepreneur?
Dee: I rise at 4:30 a.m. to get in my daily workout and the rest of the day is spent aspiring to elevate my business.
What were your greatest fears stepping into entrepreneurship?
Dee: My greatest fear before stepping into entrepreneurship was, and still is, the fear of failure and returning to corporate. I face those fears by reminding myself to stay present instead of attempting to predict the future.
What does your support system look like today?
Dee: I am supported by family and friends who constantly affirm me as an entrepreneur and their belief in my goals.
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Queens For Queens - empowering women of all walks of life to achieve their full potential.
"I created my business to empower women of all walks of life to achieve their full potential; igniting, encouraging, and motivating them to become the change within their community, promoting lifelong learning and becoming the paramount voice inside the work force," said Angel Brooke.
Queens For Queens sells T-shirts and journals to raise funds to help women financially.
Can you walk us through a typical day in your life?
Angel: My typical day is simply filled with activities centered around creating great opportunities for women.
What does your support system look like?
Angel: I have a great support team that keeps me going!
What was your greatest fear before stepping into entrepreneurship?
Angel: Lacking access to the support and finances I need to grow steadily.
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Mesh Dollhouse - mentoring, coaching and empowering women
"The definition of an empowered woman is one who understands the strength of her being and the power she possesses. After experiencing adversity and abuse, I knew I had to be that woman who uses her power to create opportunities for other women like me. Women empowerment is so important for culture because we are spiritually linked through a sense of purpose and are responsible for holding each other‘s hands through the journey. I am my sisters keeper!," said Tameshia Sexton.
Mesh Dollhouse focuses on challenging women to boost their lives through health and wellness, mentorship, model training, and empowerment. They promote and encourage self-development, spiritual growth, and professional advancement. Their services include mentorship and coaching plans as well as master classes.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Tameshia: My day typically starts at 7 am. My morning routine includes prayer, devotional reading, affirmations, journaling, and a workout. I then check my emails, follow up on outstanding tasks and take some business calls. I also spend some time on social media - posting and doing content creation. Additionally, I have coaching calls that happen twice a month, so I take out time to prepare for each call in advance.
Did you have any fears when you took the bold step to become an entrepreneur?
Tameshia: When I started my business, I struggled with being my authentic self and social media played a major role in the decline of my self-esteem and confidence. I was comparing my life to everyone’s 15-second reel. However, in 2020, I made a decision to unapologetically walk in my purpose. My raw, uncut, and uncensored approach made people genuinely love the authenticity and passion I bring into the room!
What does your support system look like as an entrepreneur?
Tameshia: I have built a loving and trusting community that I refer to as “MeshGang”. My family and friends have supported my business by joining as members, coming to my events, or even sponsoring other women who have the desire to be a part of my movement. I have the best support system and team ever!
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Purple Path - ending trauma and exploitation facing the USA's most vulnerable youth and families
"My vision for Purple Path is for it to become one of the largest global Restorative Justice organizations best known for our signature talks, training sessions and workshops, and our accountability coaching programs while creating positive, sustainable change for future generations," said Shaniqua Jones.
Purple Path is a for-profit organization and social enterprise founded on Restorative Justice and Restorative Practices principles. They strive to support youth and their families, educators, and communities with consulting education, training, and virtual healing spaces. They cultivate a journey that fosters wholeness and prosperity for the entire community.
Purple Path provides empowering and motivational signature talks, Restorative Justice consulting and training, and wraparound services for youth and families impacted by deep-rooted harms. Purple Path is passionate about revolutionizing the community through storytelling and vocalizing its truth.
What's your typical day like?
Shaniqua: A typical day consists of prayer and meditation, checking my to-do list, discovery calls, automating systems, virtual and in-person training and/or speaking engagements, care for family, social media maintenance, nap, care for family and, of course, rest/sleep!
What fears did you have going into entrepreneurship?
Shaniqua: Financial sustainability, dismantling a poverty mindset, family responsibilities, and medical benefits. To tackle these fears, I prayed and stepped out on faith as well as started collaborating to write grants to provide additional income.
What does your support system look like as an entrepreneur?
Shaniqua: I have a team that consists of a business manager, administrative assistant, fiscal manager, and marketing manager. Also, 6/10 children are very helpful in various capacities.
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We are so grateful for the opportunity to spotlight the experiences of these 4 amazing women! We truly hope that reading about their experiences inspired you to take that bold step you've been holding back on for so long.
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