What is your secret to success?
Always behave with honesty, integrity, good work ethic, and continue with your education. Self-analysis in your daily tasks and relationships is key to being successful with any position. I was blessed with great mentors early in my career. As you listen more and apply what you learn to your everyday work and life, you will find success and satisfaction. Let it no longer be a “secret.” It will become your life.
How did you get started in your field?
Combining my love of fashion and the arts, I obtained my degree in fashion merchandising. Next was obtaining my license for aesthetics and makeup artistry. I utilized the skills I learned in college to become a buyer and merchant to do the same thing in the cosmetic world. As long as you have a passion and the education to go along with it, you can adjust your goals and use the same skills. Monitor and adjust.
Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of?
After traveling most of my 35-year career, I have always cherished my state. I decided when I retired that I would use all that I have learned and share with the women of Arkansas. I work with ladies from 3 to 80 years old, doing makeup and skin care consultations. I love to empower women while assisting them to be confident in any role or stage of their lives. Since being retired, I also have more time to support the charities that I believe in wholeheartedly, such as CARTI, the Miss Arkansas Scholarship Foundation and Humane Society of Pulaski County. I am also serving at my church, Immanuel Baptist Church Little Rock, in their preschool program. My goal is to leave a positive legacy for the women I meet and work with, encouraging others to reach their full potential in life and be the best versions of themselves.
How do you maintain a work-life balance?
This is a learned skill that will keep you well-balanced. Divide your life activities into columns on a page, for example: work,family and friends, church, charities, personal hobbies, and rest and relaxation. Then consider how much time you need for each of your personal categories, write it down, and follow it. I do this quarterly. Once you have completed this for one year, look back and see the patterns of your life. This plan will help you stay happy, healthy and balanced. As my grandmother always said, “Once you make the sauce, the rest is easy.”
Is there another “power woman” in your life who inspires you?
To name a few: Julia Watt, Sheryl Porter, Karen Holderfield and Caitlyn Cook, who are all of various generations and backgrounds. They all are great friends, mentors and inspirational figures in my life.
