"Trust Your Intuition and Act on It"

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1. Tell us more about yourself and your life.

I'm a mom of two kiddos and three dogs, a wife, live in Gilbert, Arizona, and have started a handful of businesses since 2004. I graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in broadcast journalism and a minor in business and while I didn't go the route I thought I would in college, I opted to jump on the entrepreneurial roller coaster instead.

Since starting in business, I've endured success, yes, but also many more struggles which led me to author a couple of books as a way to leave a legacy for my kiddos. I often share my stories on my blog and online through podcasts and articles about the many lessons I'm learning each day through the various experiences of being a mom, wife, and business owner.

I'm also the host of The Success over Struggle Podcast, host of the live event Social Connect PHX, online networking group the Happy Neighborhood Project PHX, and I am a professional speaker and business mentor inspiring other startups to take the leap as well as teaching entrepreneurs to stand out with their personal brand.

2. What led you into the field of Entrepreneurship?

The truth? Horrible bosses and lack of advancement. At the last company I worked for, I wasn't treated with a whole lot of respect and there wasn't really an "open-door policy." Even though it was said we had one, it didn't exist.

I decided back in 2004, if I wanted to control my life, where I landed, and take risks, entrepreneurship was the only solution. The year I started my business, I had also gotten married so it was the perfect time to start building a business before we had children and create my own destiny.

Is entrepreneurship easy? No way, but it has taught me a lot about getting back up and trying again when I'm down.

3. What is that one cause you care deeply about and why?

I'm moved by so many causes and as a result, I always collaborate with nonprofits at the events I host. There's no reason not to pay it forward if you have the means.

The cause that saddens me greatly is seeing children and their families go hungry, not just in my local community, but worldwide because no one should. We take the basics for granted and we need to stop. So many people are in need that we can help in various ways.

4. If one wants to contribute and make a difference in the Entrepreneurship space, how can they do it?

Mentoring. Every single entrepreneur needs a good mentor to push them, believe in them, and hold them to the fire. It's how things get done. We're constantly learning, not just as entrepreneurs, but as individuals.

The best way to pay it forward is to not keep your knowledge hostage, but to share it with others you can teach.

5. Who is your role model and why?

The first TED talk I ever watched was of Simon Sinek and his famous "Start with Why." Big fan of his and what he stands for. Even though he has grown quite successful as a result, he never seems to lose sight of what it took him to get to the top and the people that helped him.

His posts really resonate with me and what it means to be a great leader.

6. What are some of the challenges and roadblocks you have faced along your journey?

I'd say the biggest challenge I've faced is getting in my own way with self-doubt. Wondering if I'm good enough, smart enough, and why I'm not there yet until I realized I'm not in competition with anyone. I'm on my own unique path and the right time always comes when it should.

We should never force it and it can't be rushed or I'll miss so many important moments. This comparison trap is something most entrepreneurs, if not all, will find themselves in.

7. Your opinion about the current situation with respect to your industry?

Before COVID, I was flying high as I was on my way to speaking professionally, hosting more live events, and consulting other entrepreneurs ready to create their own signature events. It came to a screeching halt overnight.

In my opinion, I wish we weren't in this place and that the whole speaking, hospitality, and event industry was still thriving as COVID put a lot of people out of work or pushed them into uncertainty.

It also reminds us that there are things that are out of our control. What we can control is how we choose to bounce back and move on.

Interviewed by - Dhairya

Edited by - Vayun