Simone

Name of business:

FYI Communications, Inc. and Women in Jazz South Florida, Inc.

Main service/product:

Music performance, education, production, and books.

How long in business:

13 years

What does your business do? 

fyicomminc provides entrepreneurs, artists, authors, musicians, and cultural producers with corporate and marketing services including: corporation filing, website design and management, social networking, blogging, brochure and flyer design, printing, publishing, copy writing, editing, press releases, promotional material, graphics and logo branding, proposals, business cards and letterhead, letter writing, and special events.

fyicomminc has over 38 years of experience in the entertainment and publishing industry and understands the obstacles artists face promoting themselves. We educate our clients on the real-time opportunities the Internet presents to artists.

Any interesting fact(s) you can share about your industry? Many people know about the “show” in SHOW BUSINESS. Few know about the “business”!

Most popular problem you help people solve?

Branding and marketing with website content and social media.

What year did you kiss Corporate America goodbye and why do you hope to never go back?

In 1996, I was working as a legal secretary for an abusive attorney. I never ever want to feel like that again. With my company, I don’t abuse myself (except I work too hard) and I will never fire ME!

How do you stay motivated?

I wake up every morning happy to be alive and an entrepreneur.

Biggest pet peeve in business? Meetings! I cannot stand them, though they are a necessary evil.

What’s a bold move you took that turned your business around?

Wrote and self-published nine books. Didn’t wait for a publisher to say, “Yes, your book is good. Let us publish you.” All my books are now available at http://stores.lulu.com/divajc.  I have three workshops I’ve designed to work with school-aged children and get paid very well to bring ARTS Education into schools where the arts have been CUT!

One thing that you would change if you could? Being the only employee in my company. I would hire three people to do the work I do.

What’s your favorite area on www.ownyourpower.ning.com?   SIMONE!

What’s a unique talent that you have that might surprise us?

I am the Webdiva. Google Joan Cartwright!

You know the expression, ‘You can’t take it with you,’ … well, if you could, what would ‘it’ be?
My CDs and Books for everyone in Heaven.

It’s sadly time for your last meal on earth…what would it be? 
Two broiled lamb chops with Basmati Rice and Broccoli, Tomato and Cucumber Salad with Olive Oil, Dill and Lemon Dressing, Dark Chocolate-covered almonds with Butter Pecan ice cream.

Have you used Social Networking to gain new contacts/business? If so, what have been any results?

I was on MYSPACE for a long time, but it started moving too slowly.

Then, I moved to FACEBOOK, where I’ve connected with over 1300 new friends.

Then, I do a weekly radio show onwww.blogtalkradio.com/musicwoman that has connected me with several quality female musicians and their fans around the world. Finally, my network, www.musicwoman.ning.com grew so much I had to delete members who didn’t add content, so I could pay the lowest monthly cost to keep the network ($2.95 a month for less than 150 members).

The best thing is that the U.S. Embassy rep found me online by typing in “Jazz singer, Florida” and paid me several thousand dollars to come to Kingston, Jamaica to perform on Feb 26 (2010) at the Blues on the Green Concert. Also, they bought 48 of my books to donate to two schools I visited during the 5 days I was there. I got made coverage on TV, Radio and in newspapers. All because of GOOOOOOGLE!

Most exciting moment that you got your time to shine? (ON TV? Won Award, Cover of Magazine? etc.) 

Freddie Hubbard and the Kool Jazz All-Stars of 1983 recorded my composition SWEET RETURN on Atlantic Records in June 1983; after I was an M.C. at the Kool Jazz Festival in Philadelphia, PA, where I introduced Patrice Rushen in 1983 and Ella Fitzgerald in 1982. Ella hugged me in front of 10,000 people. Oh, My goodness!

What was your last barter and what was if for? (i.e.: Printing for Business Consulting, a Dress for a Hairstyle)

I helped a friend redesign her website and in exchange, I have received so many wonderful ideas to move my business forward that just keep coming.

What’s in your CD player/iPod right now?

My show with singer/composer Nadia Washington. All my shows for MUSICWOMAN are available on itunes.com

If you could have superpowers, what would you want? 
To fly anywhere in the world I want to go and everything I need when I get there.
I want Scotty to “Beam me up!”

Website: www.fyicomminc.com, www.wijsf.org, www.joancartwright.com, www.divajc.com

Contact info you want in article: (email and/or phone) 
954-740-3398, joan@fyicomminc.com

Joan Cartwright, Executive Director
Women in Jazz South Florida, Inc.
Diva JC

This Own Your Power member has such a cool name, I just love saying it.  Allow me to introduce you to Lovely .

We met about a year ago where we were volunteers at a non-profit for teenage girls to uplift and inspire them. She’s an expert on etiquette and you know that’s something many  folks can use!

Her business, Etiquette Miami believes it’s important to learn how to blend contemporary manners with traditional etiquette!  Find out why Lovely, loves what she does!

Main service: Etiquette Miami is a consulting company that offers etiquette for children and adults in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.

How long in business: May 2009

Etiquette Miami programs and services include:

Children Manners classes

Private Etiquette lessons for families

Business Etiquette presentations

Dating Etiquette

Dining Tutorials

Any interesting fact(s) you can share about your industry?

No longer does the word “etiquette” imply white gloves, finger bowls and children curtsying. Etiquette Miami classes discuss real world issues that are facing our youth today. Topics include: Social Networking Etiquette, Socially Correct Dining, Gossiping, and Conversation Skills.

Most popular problem you help people solve?

When teaching children manners I’m considered a “youthlologist,” which means that I can mostly likely get your child to clean his/her room and improve their table manners.

What year did you kiss Corporate America goodbye and why do you hope to never go back?

When I hired at my last job, I made a promise to myself that the job was going to be my last job where I worked on building someone’s dream. In August of 2009, I left that job to start focusing on and building my dream.

How do you stay motivated? Self talk … some laughter, but it’s a very important part of my day.

Biggest pet peeve in business? Not following up … when you say you will.

One thing that you would change if you could?

For the teens of today to stop killing and hurting each other.

What’s your favorite area on www.ownyourpower.ning.com?

The Success Stories. I like hearing how people are defying the odds and making their dreams come true.

You know the expression; ‘You can’t take it with you,” … well, if you could, what would ‘it’ be?

My MacBook with wireless access and a battery pack that never runs out.

Have you used Social Networking to gain new contacts/business? If so, what have been any results?

My Facebook Fan Page … This feature has helped me gain a following and has become an outlet to communicate and update others on anything having to do with my business.

If you could do it all over again, what is the biggest mistake you’d avoid next time around? Trying to be a jack-of-all-trades … I know now that I can’t do it all and it’s ok to ask for help.

Most exciting moment that you got your time to shine? Still waiting … My dream since I started dreaming about running my own empire has been to be on the cover of Black Enterprise or featured in an article.

What was your last barter and what was if for? Conducting a free class for a nationwide organization and having my business featured in their newsletter.

What’s in your CD player/iPod right now?

Kanye West College Drop Out and Syleena Johnson I AM Your Women.

If you could have superpowers, what would you want?

I would want to be able to clone myself. It seems like I need another person to tend to my personal life. I have the professional side of my life covered.

Add Lovely as a friend in our network here.

www.etiquettemiami.com

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Etiquette-Miami/155657526334?ref=search

Lovely Payoute
Etiquette Miami
Business Etiquette Children Manners Cotillions
786-385-1548
lpayoute@etiquettemiami.com

Main service/product:
As a Culinary Instructional & Catering Company, we provide women with the necessary cooking skills to empower them in the kitchen. Passion for the Palates’ services are specifically designed to our clients needs. We will bring gourmet delicacies to your door, and create events that will be forever memorable. If you are looking to do something different on a Friday night? Get a group together or enjoy a date night for a fun-filled evening while learning, laughing and eating.

How long in business?:
I have been catering events for 10 + years. I began my business late 2008, when I started offering personal chef services to high profile, corporate and celebrity clients.

What does your business do?
We are a full-service Instructional & Catering Company. We also offer Gourmet Cupcakes ! Tourists often sign up for our Soul Food Cooking Lessons.

Any interesting fact(s) you can share about your industry?
Food is the bridge that connects people; I am the architect of that bridge. Cooking doesn’t have to be stressful, once you have the basics and learn the main techniques! You will be whipping up tasty dishes in no time.

Most popular problem you help people solve?
Time Management Cooking. I teach my clients that they can have healthy tasty meals on the table in 30 minutes or less. It’s all about planning in advance and preparing.

What year did you kiss Corporate America goodbye and why do you hope to never go back?
Great question! I officially will kiss Corporate America goodbye June 19th 2010…

How do you stay motivated?
I am always eager to learn new dishes and techniques. I buy tons of cookbooks and test numerous recipes to perfect my dishes. I look for new and different ways I can incorporate great food into my clients’ lifestyles. I am a very spiritual person, and I have a talk with God regularly.

Biggest pet peeve in business?

When clients text me questions instead of picking up the phone. When I am conducting business, I always remain professional. I want my clients to know and feel they have my undivided attention! If you cancel at the last minute, there will be a fee. I value my client’s time and they should value mine.

What’s a bold move you took that turned your business around?
I have to say finally getting my Website done! Instead of giving out my business cards hoping I’d get a call, I just now tell them check out my website for the services I provide. Business is starting to boom since the site launched!

One thing that you would change if you could?
Make a NO BLACKBERRY Holiday !!!! LOL, no one will be able to use their BlackBerry to call, check emails or text! This would be a day to reflect and spend with family and friends with no interruptions unless you are Barack!

What’s a unique talent that you have that might surprise us?
I created a Sugar Scrub line for the body. They are very nice Spa-like quality. I love creating things. I am a very creative person, and it’s one of my gifts that God has blessed me with.

You know the expression, “You can’t take it with you”… well, if you could, what would ‘it’ be?
My make-up bag (I love Mac) LOL

It’s sadly time for your last meal on earth…what would it be?
My last meal would be Fried Chicken, Cream Corn & Rice, String Beans and My Grandmother’s Infamous Rice Pudding, Ahhhh I am hungry now!

Have you used Social Networking to gain new contacts/business? If so, what have been any results?
Yes, I mostly use Facebook and I’m getting acquainted with Twitter. I have gotten new clients to sign up for my classes on Facebook.  http://www.facebook.com/chefvankline

Most exciting moment that you got your time to shine?
When I cooked for the Rapper/Actor Common.

What was your last barter and what was if for?
Made a Romantic Dinner For Two in exchange for bookkeeping for my business.
Add Kimberly as a friend on Own Your Power!

Website (s):
http://www.passionforthepalate.com

http://www.thespicerack.blogspot.com/

Contact info:
hello@passionforthepalat.com
212.862.1800

Adelle Carlton founder of  Between Spirit & Stone

How long have you been in business? Between Spirit & Stone was founded January 2006.

What does your business do?  Designing and creating  handcrafted semiprecious/precious gemstone jewelry.

Any interesting fact you can share about your industry? There are many different types of jewelry design and lots of different techniques. Materials vary and so does quality and price point. I enjoy seeing what others have created. There is something out there for everyone.

Most popular problem you help people solve? I help my clients solve which piece to choose. My designs are one of a kind, and they vary in size and shape. Sometimes a client seeks advice on size and color. I wouldn’t really call it a problem, it is more about identifying their personal preferences and making suggestions. There is quite a bit to choose from.

 How do you stay motivated? I stay motivated by remembering that this gift is special, unique, good enough, and valuable. Success and sales keep me motivated as well. Love it when I have a really good show. And I love being appreciated as a working artist.

What is your biggest pet peeve in business?  My biggest pet peeve in business is not returning phone calls or emails. If you are not interested,  just say so. Cell calls and text messaging during a meeting. General rudeness … no shows … oh, don’t get me started. 

It’s sadly time for your last meal on earth…what would it be? My last meal on earth would have to contain lobster, crab cakes, filet minion, and various and sundry goodies … lol …

Have you used Social Networking to gain new contacts/business? If so what have been any results?  

I use social networking to expand my client base and to meet other artists. I have also booked shows as a result of my social contacts. It also allows more people to be exposed to my work.

Have you used Bartering to expand your business? My last barter was jewelry for a piece of art from another artist.

What was the most exciting moment that you got your time to Shine?  Mine just happened recently. I was chosen as a featured artist for Spoken Soul Festival and was featured in the current issue of WeMerge Magazine. (Visit my Page on Own Your Power  for a look at the article.)

What’s in your CD player/Ipod right now?  In my CD player right now, Erykah Badu, Here II Here, Soulflower Amn, Seal … On the radio, classical …

If you could have superpowers, what would you want?  One thing I would change if I could would be negative thinking and actions of others. This world has the potential for everyone to live in peace and harmony, and for everyone’s needs to be met. 

www.betweenspiritandstone.com

ADD HER HAS A FRIEND ON OWN YOUR POWER!

Adelle Carlton
Between Spirit & Stone
adellecarlton@hotmail.com
http://myspace.com/betweenspiritandstone
305-926-1977

Please join me in welcoming Raina and learn more about why she LOVES WHAT SHE DOES!

Simone

How long in business?   

I have been doing this for over 12 years, but in this formal environment for only one year.

What does your business do?  

We help individuals hone in on their special gifts and teach them how to take their business, and themselves, to the next financial / business level.  We also help with business matchmaking – i.e.  Business referrals and development.

Any interesting facts you can share about your industry?  

We help our members truly stand out and develop long-lasting relationships which generate income for them.  We do not, like other organizations, force you to provide business referrals to a specific subset of people.

Most popular problem you help people solve?   

How to stay positive and make money in any environment or economy.  

How do you stay motivated? 

I truly enjoy helping people grow their business and stay positive throughout the process.  I stay motivated by thinking of the people that I already helped and dreaming about those who I will help in the future.

Your biggest pet peeve in business?

Tardiness and overall apathy toward learning and improving oneself or business processes.

What bold move did you take that turned your business around? 

I was honest with potential clients, even if it cost me a member.  I can’t preach honesty if I am unable to be honest.  Clients always share at least one thing in common with me, so I figuredhonesty would be the strongest work ethic to share.

What’s your favorite area on www.ownyourpower.ning.com? 

Networking and Success Stories.  It is great meeting new people and sharing good news.

What unique talent do you have that might surprise us?  

I am an awesome singer!

You know the expression, ‘You can’t take it with you,’ … well, if you could, what would ‘it’ be? 

Pictures – other than my family, they are my most precious possession.  Looking at pictures always brings a smile to my face and rekindles the fondest of memories.

Have you used Social Networking to gain new contacts/business? If so, what have been any results?  

Yes, absolutely.  It has been widely successful. My business model is based largely on social networking, so if I cannot use myself as an example, I would fail my clients.

If you could do it all over again, what is the biggest mistake you’d avoid next time around? 

I never live in the past.  Regrets are immaterial. All decisions teach you something and improve you.  One thing I would change, though, is having met my husband in my 30s.  I wish I had met him in my 20s, so we could have more time together.

And, the most exciting moment that you got your time to shine?   

When I practiced law, I was on TV and the radio many times.  It was fun!

What’s in your CD player/iPod right now?  

My iPod looks like it has multiple personalities.  I have Ska, Reggae, Heavy Metal, Rap and Rock!  I just love music and like to be around it as often as possible.

Add Rania as your friend on Own Your Power here!

Visit her on the web:

www.acareerchoice.com

Reggie Lamptey, Trainer/Massage Therapist

Reggie Lamptey, CEO of Body Defining, LLC is an Own Your Power member and coaching client who I’m very proud of. His New Jersey-based business as a Personal Trainer is blossoming and he helps so many people get in shape and stay in shape. Even though I have a trainer in Florida, he still checks up on me to make sure I’m working out! LOL … He truly loves what he does! Read on to find out why.

Simone

www.ownyourpower.biz/blog

Main service/product?
Personal Training & Massage Therapy

How long in business?
5+ years

What does your business do?
It provides personalized health, wellness, and fitness options to help reshape an individual’s body and mind  to achieve any goal they may have.

Most popular problem you help people solve?
The most popular problem we help people solve is weight loss. We do this by providing our clients with personalized programs to help  them accomplish their goals. We also provide them with a place to get nutritional products (www.rlamptey.qhealthzone.com) to aid in their process of living a healthier lifestyle. Body Defining also provides ongoing support to our clients … doesn’t end once your session is done. We want to make sure you keep on the right path to achieving your desired goals and dreams.

What year did you kiss Corporate America goodbye and why do you hope to never go back?
In 2005, I hope to never have to go back, because I feel like this is what I was put on this Earth to do. My purpose is to help change people’s lives and steer them on the right path to a better and healthier life.

How do you stay motivated?
I keep myself motivated by knowing that I am helping people. I enjoy when people have found a new joy and purpose in their life, and just the thought of knowing I had something to do with it makes me feel good.  It is all the reward I need.

Biggest pet peeve in business?
My biggest pet peeve in business is when people aren’t punctual. If this is your business and you’re passionate about what you  do, then you should always be on time, and by on time that means a few minutes early. If you can’t be on time, then you’re just not passionate about what you’re doing.

What’s a bold move you took that turned your business around?
Taking the time and putting out some money to connect myself with some successful business people. Listening to them speak and just paying attention to the things they did to help themselves become successful. I don’t need to re-invent the wheel; I just need to customize it to fit my needs.

One thing that you would change if you could?
Getting people in this country to understand there is more to exercise than just looking good. That it is important to  exercise to help keep you healthy and living long. Also, that it is a lifestyle change. It’s okay to make the change; it will only benefit them in the long run.

What’s your favorite area on www.ownyourpower.ning.com?
Networking … it is just amazing the people you can meet and connect with that you wouldn’t otherwise have a chance to.

What’s a unique talent that you have that might surprise us?
I am very good when it comes to writing poetry and doing different types of art.

You know the expression, “You can’t take it with you.” … well, if you could, what would ‘it’ be?
My BlackBerry. It allows me to talk, text, bbm, check emails and surf the web. I’m sure it can do more, but who has time to read that thick book … LOL.

Have you used Social Networking to gain new contacts/business? If so, what have been any results?
Social Networking has helped me gain new clients for my business, as well as meeting people who can help me in different areas  to help my business behind the scenes.

If you could do it all over again, what is the biggest mistake you’d avoid next time around?
Trying to do everything all on my own. I didn’t have faith that people would be able to help me accomplish my vision, but I have come to realize the power of having a team.

Most exciting moment that you got your time to shine?
Being a part of a high school track coaching staff, which has produced some exceptional athletes, who have gone on to receive athletic scholarships.

What was your last barter and what was if for?
I bartered with a friend of mine who was a web master. I was his fitness coach by providing some personal training and a customized workout regimen, which he could do on his own. In turn, he worked on my website and made the changes and updates that I needed done.

What’s in your CD player/iPod right now?
Some hip hop for the workout days, and some R&B for my “me time” moments.

If you could have superpowers, what would you want?
I would like to have the combination of Wolverine and Night Crawler.  I would be able to teleport to where I wanted to be, as well as having the power to heal from anything.

Add Reggie as a friend in the Own Your Power community!

Website (s):
www.bodydefining.com
www.rlamptey.qhealthzone.com
Contact:
Reggie@bodydefining.com

I had the pleasure of meeting Rochelle, earlier last month, at an event where we were both speakers. Listening to her speak was definitely impressive and moving, and it’s not hard to see why she’s been featured on Oprah! This Own Your Power member is deeply compassionate and it shows that she truly wants to help others and that she loves what she does.

Name of business: Master Integrative Coach at the Ford Institute

How long have you been in business: Nine Years

What does your business do? I coach people to look at their shadows and discover their limiting beliefs. It’s through that they’re able to heal their hearts to move forward, so they can live an extraordinary life. All my work is right from the heart. It’s truly all about having a healthy relationship with yourself, and healthy relationships with others. I help to hold each person personally accountable so they can achieve the highest evolution of who they are. As a coach, I continue to do my own work as well.

Any interesting fact you can share about your industry? Yes, this work isn’t for everybody, but everybody needs to do this work. Our lives are constant works in progress.

Most popular problem you help people solve? How to start loving themselves, UNCONDITIONALLY, and also forgive themselves.

How do you stay motivated? By doing my own work and having coaches hold me accountable as I evolve. It helps me expand my own capacity to work with and hold serve others with love and compassion. I’m in a year long course, as well. This is my passion, so that’s how I stay motivated. I surround myself with like-minded people, those who I can also support.

Biggest pet peeve in business? People who cancel at the last minute.

You know the expression, “You can’t take it with you” …well, if you could, what would ‘it’ be? Emotionally, I know what I’ll take and that’s the peace I feel inside myself, which you can’t put a price on. As well, just knowing I helped millions of people in teaching them to learn to love themselves and as well as others. And most importantly I will have taken God with me. God has shown me everything I needed —  trust, love, empowerment, forgiveness, faith, and acceptance.  My legacy is to leave this awareness with my family, and especially my granddaughter; also how to have fun and laughter with my friends, co-workers, and students.   Also, one more thing is to have God Use Me All Up.

It’s sadly time for your last meal on earth…what would it be?It would still have to be healthy, so I love seafood — lobster, shrimp, oysters, clams, squid, pasta, French bread, great red wine; and for desert, great chocolate cheese with more red wine to drink it all down.

Have you used Social Networking to gain new contacts/business? If so what have been any results? Well, I do use Facebook, and I’m signed up for Twitter, but I don’t know how to use it for business yet. However, thanks to joining Own Your Power’s social network, I just found an assistant to help me with this!

Most exciting moment that you got your time to shine?

When I was on The Oprah Winfrey Show, and in a few magazines as well. Oh, and when I was a teenager, I was on The Dick Clark Show and he interviewed ME! And, when I became a grandma …

What’s in your CD player/Ipod right now? My CD player has six different things, from Deepak Chopra, Michael Bublé, to Rock and Roll music mixes put together for me.

If you could have superpowers, what would you want? To have my loved ones stay healthy throughout their lives, as well as, myself;  and to financially make a lot of money for myself, family, friends, the world. To stop war and turn things into communication, forgiveness and loving one another; and to agree to disagree, and by learning from one another to create peace in the world.  I’d like to find cures for different diseases, and clean up our environment, too.

Want to add Rochelle as a friend? Go here!

Visit her online: http://rochelleschwartz.com/

You might know her smooth and sultry voice if you are a listener of the Own Your Power Radio show or if you listened to HOT 105 in South Florida.  

Karen is celebrated for her engaging personality and her in-depth interviews. Lionel Richie boasted, “Karen has the magic.” Tyler Perry says, “I love being on Karen’s Show, she does the best interviews.” She has welcomed into the studio Tyler Perry, Sherrie Shepherd, Lionel Richie, Jay Z, John Legend, Simon Cowell, Jamie Foxx and Suze Orman to name a few.

We like to call her the VOICE of Own Your Power! Karen has been a member of the OYP family since 2007.  She’s the CEO and founder of Karen Vaughn Media and most known as Radio Personality, Lifestyle Blogger and Voice-over Actress. Find out what she loves what she does!
Simone

How long in business?
10+ years

What does your business do?
It provides voices for commercials, promos, trailers and radio shows.
Our blog is a resource for working moms and women.

Any interesting fact  you can share about your industry?
Broadcasting is great fun, but there is a tremendous amount of work that you don’t see going on behind the scenes.

Most popular problem you help people solve?We make your brand shine! We assist companies by delivering the best voice that fits their product or service.
Time management and organization. With my lifestyle blog for women, http://www.workingdivas.com, we provide working moms and women with smart tools — from work-life balance tips and motivation to money management and organizing your stilettos! Women have to find ways to manage daily demands and still achieve happiness in their lives. It’s where career, motherhood and fashion collide with a dose of inspiration for your last good nerve. Feel me?

How do you stay motivated?
Taking precious moments of ME TIME, a sista needs to regroup and re-energized. Plus, it is important for me to keep positive people around me. This business can be full of drama on and off the mic/camera. My family and friends keep me grounded, stress-free, and happy.

Your biggest pet peeve in business? When someone doesn’t know their product or service. At that point, you know that are only in it for their check. You have to have a passion!

One thing  you would change if you could?
I wish I could take care of all my business projects in 30 hours a week. Famed actress and comedian Carol Burnett only worked 30 hours a week during the years she produced “The Carol Burnett Show.” She has stated she was a mom and didn’t want to spend her time working; she wanted to be a mom. She was driven and persistent about what she wanted — Carol went for it and succeeded!

What’s your favorite area on www.ownyourpower.ning.com?  Barter and Radio Show. Keep the great information coming, Simone.

You know the expression; “You can’t take it with you.” … well, if you could, what would ‘it’ be?
My Blackberry. I can run my business and household with a press of a button. I call it my Momberry. Now, if it could only cook for me!

It’s sadly time for your last meal on earth…what would it be?
Oh my … a large pizza from Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana in my home town of New Haven, CT. Their pizza is amazing and arguable the first makers of Pizza in America.

Have you used Social Networking to gain new contacts/business? If so, what have been any results?
Facebook, NING, and Twitter have all been good for me. They wonderful sources for networking and building my brand.

If you could do it all over again, what is the biggest mistake you’d avoid next time around?
Not having the confidence in myself to go forward in a career in TV. I was approached by a producer from MTV earlier in my radio career and had a great opportunity that I didn’t pursue. If you ever have the chance to move forward, it may be GOD moving you forward. GO for it and don’t let fear manifest!

What was your last barter and what was if for?

I bartered with a friend of mine who owns a video production company. I wrote and voiced his commercial and he, in turn, professionally video taped my interview with Sherri Shepherd from The View.

What’s in your CD player/iPod right now?
Sade – Solider of Love   Thank GOD, Sade is back!

If you could have superpowers, what would you want?
I would love to merge the superpowers of Wonder Woman and Samantha from the TV show, Bewitched. I would be one multi-tasking working mom that can problem solve business issues with a twitch of my nose, block the drama with my gold bracelets, and still have dinner on the table by 6 PM — all while rocketing in my stiletto boots and rolling in my invisible jet. Talk about…Fierce, Focused, Fabulous!

Get to Know Karen! Add her as a friend in our network HERE.

Check out her sites:
Karen Vaughn
www.WorkingDivas.com
fierce.focused.fabulous

What does your business do? We provide business incubators, consulting and marketing support for women and mothers who have a small business or want to transition out of Corporate America.

Most popular problem you help people solve? Balancing what I call the Supermom Act.  Helping them set boundaries and creating a more focused and structured business.

What year did you kiss Corporate America goodbye and why do you hope to never go back? I gave them my butt to kiss back in 2005/2006. I had one foot in and one foot out the door.

How do you stay motivated? I followed behind a mentor who was doing the things I wanted to do and watching him collect the checks! He had the freedom to do what he wanted and use his creativity kept me motivated to push forward.

Biggest pet peeve in business? Delay in payments!  I don’t like to have my payment delayed and then questioned after services are rendered.

What’s a bold move you took that turned your business around? Identifying a niche and going only after that niche.  I shut my business down for a few months and let go of the clients I had at that time in order to get focused on what I really wanted to do and provide versus taking every Tom, Dick and Harry who walked in the door.

One thing that you would change if you could? I would change how scared I was when it came to expressing my services and its prices.  I would have more confidence and not allow anyone to negotiate my worth.  It was sickening to sit down and have a conversation about what my prices are versus what the prospect wanted to pay.  I was literally letting my prospects run my business and that had to stop when my PayPal was not reflecting the hours I was spending on client projects.  I  would choose Fillet Mignon vs. peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Confidence versus punking out.

What’s your favorite area on www.ownyourpower.ning.com? Networking, I love the network and the quality of people on the site.

It’s sadly time for your last meal on earth…what would it be? Smothered turkey wings, cabbage and rice…mmmm……with homemade iced tea.

Have you used Social Networking to gain new contacts/business? If so, what have been any results? Yes I use Facebook, Linked in, Twitter and Ning. This allowed me to single out my target, see what they are talking about and see how I can fulfill a need, by being an active on these sites I was able to build coaching groups, new clients, people who wanted me to work on their projects and most of all publicity.

If you could do it all over again, what is the biggest mistake you’d avoid next time around? Not being focused on who my target really is.

Most exciting moment that you got your time to shine? My interview on ABC News, they treated me really well and the interview went great.

What was your last barter and what was if for? My last barter was for marketing support.

Add her as a friend in the Own Your Power Community!

Website: www.corporatemomdropouts.com

Lucinda@corporatemomdropouts.com/

Call: 800-966-0467

Having a hard time selling your place or just need a new look? Not sure what to do? You’ll definitely want to get to know Gabriella aka Gabi! She’s the founder of Staged by Gabi, Inc. which for the last 3 1/2 years has focused on the following:

- Staging to sell

- Staging to move in

- Home makeover

Find out why she loves what she does!

What does your company do?

- Neutralize & simplify décor

- De-clutter

- Organize

- Rearrange furniture & much more…

Any interesting fact(s) you can share about your industry?

A National Association of Realtors survey shows:

Homes that sold:

- in 4 weeks or less averaged 1% MORE than list price.

- in 12 weeks 5% LESS

- over 24 weeks 10% LESS than list price.

For example: if your list price is $300,000, after 12 weeks your first price drop can be $15,000. After 6 months, it can be $30,000.

What are the benefits of staging?

- Staged homes are recognized as Ready to Sell

- 94.8% of ASP Staged Homes sell on average in 37 days or less

- Staged homes sell on average for 6.3% more than homes that aren’t staged

On a $300, 000 home, this translates to $18,900 that you could gain!

Most popular problem you help people solve?

As a professional home stager I help homeowners preserve their properties’ equities.

What year did you kiss Corporate America goodbye and why do you hope to never go back?

I started to work for myself in 2006. I always have an entrepreneur spirit & believe it will take me far. My husband also is a business owner. It’s really nice to work at home & spend our time together every day. We even go to yoga 2-3x a week at lunchtime. How great is that!?

How do you stay motivated?

Since I can remember, I‘ve always had a restless mind. No matter what I do I’m always into something. Cooking up new ideas day & night. Did I mention I’m very stubborn? Usually that’s a bad thing, but in business its the opposite. I keep pushing over the limit..

Biggest pet peeve in business?

Some Realtors still cannot see the benefits of staging. It should be obvious that If they sell their listing fast, there’s no price reduction, so their commission is higher. It’s a no-brainer. But its still a new industry, so part of my job is to educate people about staging.

What’s a bold move you took that turned your business around?

I bought an extended cargo van & started to build my own inventory, so I could team up with a retirement community. I gained lots of experience & have had a constant stream of work for the last 1 1/2 years

One thing that you would change if you could?

I would love to be more open, outgoing & not afraid or be uncomfortable in public. This is because I care too much about what people think about me. I know if I could change, my career would skyrocket very fast. (I’m working on it.)

What’s your favorite area on www.ownyourpower.ning.com?

I love that I can friend anyone & most of the members would friend me back:) It’s easy to network with members. Everybody is so nice

What’s a unique talent that you have that might surprise us?

I create handmade greeting cards.I’m very spiritual & have special intuitions about things or people. Sometimes I see things before they happen.

It’s sadly time for your last meal on earth…what would it be?

It would be a very popular Hungarian desert called Somloi or tiramisu.That would brighten up my last day

If you could do it all over again, what is the biggest mistake you’d avoid next time around? Not to put everything into one basket. I did not focus on marketing because I was very busy getting work from a company. Now the big corporation filed bankruptcy

Most exciting moment that you got your time to shine? When I staged a vacant home for a builder, somebody stopped by for the open house. Apparently, this person worked for the New York Times & featured my project with 2 pictures in the paper. I did many projects for a retirement community, and through them different local newspapers mentioned my projects

What was your last barter and what was if for?

My friend is a pro photographer. She created my head shot. I love it so much:) She asked me if I could help her to pick out the best pictures for one of her projects, so I was happy to help her

What’s in your cd player/ipod right now?

Yoga, meditation music, and “The Swell Season”, the couple from the movie “Once”. I’m the kind of person who likes to take every opportunity & meditate or even in the car just brainstorm about my business. I’m an “idea maker”. I’m a constant thinker. Here is something that I can listen to anytime…

If you could have superpowers, what would you want?

I would love to be a Genie. I’d create a river where there is the Sahara, peace where there is war & paradise where there is poverty.

Reach out to Gabi! and add her as a friend in our community!

Staged By Gabi, In

stagedbygabi@gmail.com

551-265-9151