Chrisnatha and I have been Facebook friends for a while now. Having beaucoup virtual friends (as most of us do), I really began paying attention to her after learning that she was to be a guest speaker on a cruise to Mexico and Belize. I was immediately captivated by both her words and her hustle. Within seconds, it was obvious that she had both the talk and the walk, as well as the faith plus the works.
If you put a gun to my head and forced me to choose just one thing that I loved about Chrisnatha, then it would have to be the fact that she places much emphasis on upcoming generations. Like me, her faith in our children is not founded on hope, but rather knowing. In fact, she refers to them not as Young Leaders of Tomorrow, but as Young Leaders of Today.
Her Facebook page serves as a daily devotional. She tosses in her signature line, “You are a Masterpiece” regularly and then goes on to express how and why we are. It’s very encouraging–not only her message, but her presence. Adding the fact that she’s an 80s baby, I knew that Chrisnatha had to be a part of the #GenYBG campaign.
1. How old are you?
I am 27 years old.
2. When did you know that you wanted to work for yourself?
I wanted to live life on purpose. However, I was taught to go to college and get a “good” job. Well, I attended college, obtained my Bachelors degree and ended up with a job that had absolutely nothing to do with what I studied.
I was giving the company all my efforts, energy, ideas, and time. I was only getting a 2.5% raise each year. After three years I decided to walk away and apply the same efforts, energy, ideas and time working for myself. It’s the best decision I ever made. I will never again give so much of myself to build someone else’s dreams.
3. What do you do, and how long have you been in business?
I am an author, public speaker and courier of love. My work is about helping people discover the Masterpiece within.
4. Did you ever think to give up? If so, what motivated you to keep going?
Anything you set out to do will be difficult, especially at the beginning phase. I did not have a blue print. I though about quitting several times. But I asked myself, what is my alternative if I do quit? I just stepped out on faith and made a decision to make my dreams a reality. I sought out guidance and mentorship from other individuals who were doing what I desired to do. I learned from them and this began to build my confidence.
5. What was the biggest obstacle that you’ve faced?
The biggest obstacle I faced was having to get out of my own way. I allowed my lack of confidence and uncertainty to keep me from giving it my absolute all. I had to make a decision. Whether or not I would allow fear to stifle my progress or to close my natural eyes and look through the lens of my spiritual eyes and rely solely on God. I decided to do it afraid and I never looked back since then.
6. What advice would you lend an aspiring entrepreneur?
To all aspiring entrepreneurs I encourage you to seek out mentorship. No man is an island and though you have a wonderful idea and message, a mentor can help you share that in an effective and powerful way. The goal is to be successful and there is power is unity. You do not have to take this journey alone.
Learn more about Chrisnatha and her gifts online at www.chrisnatha.com and on Twitter @Chrisnathad.
On Instagram? Follow #GenYBG for more Young, Black Women Entrepreneurs.