Shani and I met through a mutual friend. We’d both released our first books around the same time and our friend suggested that we connect. We did. In doing so, we agreed to do a book swap.
Note: for years on top of years, I’d been trying to find a book on finance that could put my ADD down for a nap and get its point across. Shani’s book, 10 Things Every Woman Should Keep in Her Purse, did just that. After I finished the last page, I had to call her and tell her how much I valued it!
I shared that I was in the market to buy my first home and she dropped some wisdom on that. One thing about folk who know what they’re talking about, their giving advice is like borrowing clothes out of your favorite aunt’s closet. Yeah, you got one piece, but you know it’s a whole bunch more back up in there.
In order to have executed #GenYBG properly, then it was imperative that I went back to Shani’s closet (correction: her purse) to borrow a few more words of wisdom.
How old are you?
I am 31.
When did you know that you wanted to work for yourself?
I am an innate entrepreneur, both my mother and my grandmother are entrepreneurs. So, when I did work in Corporate America, I always worked on my own ventures. I took the actual plunge to launch my company after I gave birth to my first son. It was a major challenge juggling a 52-hour work week, a breastfeeding newborn, and new marriage while at a job that I abhorred.
What do you do and how long have you been in business?
I am a Personal Finance Expert, I write, speak, and consult in the area of Financial Literacy. The company officially launched in 2010.
Describe your ideal client.
My ideal client is someone who is looking for an accountability partner when it comes to mastering their finances. Clients join the Purse Empowerment community to set goals and to create a plan to achieve them.
Did you ever think to give up?
I have given up again and again. At some point today, I probably gave up. However, when it comes to your purpose not even you can quit you. It is one thing to quit, and another to give up. I give up because while it was not challenging for me to define my passion, it is a challenge to transform my passion into profits. My goal is to replace my corporate income.
What advice would you lend an aspiring entrepreneur?
After you truly hone in on your passion, partner with successful entrepreneurs that are bringing in big bucks doing what it is that you want to do. Once that resource is exhausted tap into courses that will give you the resources that you lack in building profits.
Learn more about Shani and her personal finance services online at PurseEmpowerment.com and on Facebook.
On Instagram? Follow #GenYBG for more Young, Black Women Entrepreneurs.