Women on the Rise! Interview Series - Asiyah Muhsin-Thomas
Please introduce yourself and tell us about your career/business.
Greetings! My name is Asiyah Muhsin-Thomas and I have been an entrepreneur for a decade. I’ve always believed in doing for others and thinking outside of the box, and my journey through self-employment has been a true reflection of that. As a midwife and healthcare provider by profession, my business goals have always aligned with that training and experience to some extent.
What is it called and what services/products do you offer?
Currently, I own three small businesses, and am the co-owner of one other. Mother Nature’s Belly Pregnancy & Lactation Center is a midwifery care practice, doula training and women’s nutrition center. Royal by Nature is a lifestyle company that offers handcrafted products for body, bath, and home. Royal Brown Girl Books is the brand behind my self-published children’s book series. And finally, Not So Urban Coffee & Roastery is co-owned with my husband. The roastery is one of only 5 African American owned coffee roasters in the U.S. We specialize in beans from the continent of Africa.
Can you share with our readers how you choose these businesses?
Each of my businesses was developed based on a personal need or interest. I found that the services or products I wanted to purchase for myself and my family weren’t always readily available. So, the businesses were created to fill that need.
What did you do before and how did you make the transition to owning your own business?
Before delving into entrepreneurship, I was a nurse. Prior to leaving my 9-5 job I took training classes, and got certified and licensed in different disciplines to support my transition into opening my own women’s wellness practice. I didn’t leave my job until I secured everything that was needed to begin the journey. My 1st business was Mother Nature’s Belly; the other’s followed over the years. With the subsequent businesses, the transition into opening those was much smoother than the 1st. I suppose it was due to my experience doing it previously.
What is your definition of success and what has been your greatest success?
I define success by identifying your passion and purpose, and then fulfilling both. Many define success by the amount of money one has, but how can one truly be successful if they are placing their entire worth on a monetary amount? When the money is gone, so is your self worth. If we are taught to place our worth on our true selves, we will always feel and be successful.
What are some of the mistakes you have made with your career/business?
What have you learned from these experiences? Share any advice you have with our readers.
Now this is a loaded question! I have made more mistakes than I can count. The best part is using the experiences to learn and identify ways to never repeat them. One of my most glaring mistakes was made early on in my journey. It was under-valuing my time and my service/product. I buckled many times under the pressure of clients wanting a deal. Many felt that I charged too much. Instead of finding the confidence to stand up for my work, I gave in thinking that they would support my business by sharing it with others. There were times when I couldn’t pay my bills as a result of this. I learned quickly, that I am valuable and so are the products and services that I provide. If the client or customer thinks it’s too expensive, they can always choose to shop elsewhere. No hard feelings, but I must stick to my guns if I am to survive and thrive.
How has networking helped you in your career/business?
Immensely! About 60% of my clients and customers across the board are repeat and/or referrals. Networking plays a huge role in building your brand and following. That translates into money. Without money, there is no business right? Speak up your business wherever you go. It doesn’t have to be a networking event. Share your card, website, social media pages, business location (if you have one), and samples. Anything you can! When they come to you make sure you give them top notch service. Follow through on your word and provide a great product. They will speak about your business to their circle, and the circle will support your business. It won’t happen overnight, but when it does it is the best feeling.
Do you have any business start-up advice for our readers that are starting/thinking of starting a business or entering in your field?
Plan, plan, plan! Don’t just fly off half prepared and call yourself a business. Prepare for your future. Talk to an attorney, an accountant, your state business development office, and other entrepreneurs. Keep a journal. Do things little by little, and keep track of your progress. Don’t quit your day job! You need that income to get your business off the ground and through the beginning stages. Pace yourself. Keep your eye on the prize, independence and it will come.
How do you achieve work life balance?
That is an ongoing struggle for me. I find that taking small amounts of time to gather myself and do for myself are what work best. I may not have 2 hours to go to a yoga class, but I can take 30 minutes and do yoga in my bedroom before my children wake up and my day gets started. Small things like drinking a hot cup of tea after a long day or going for a walk by myself always seem to ground me. We have to find the time for ourselves.
What’s next for you?
I am currently working on product placement with a major retailer. Beyond that, I have more books being released this year including a women’s self help book. My husband and I will also be traveling to East Africa during the Fall of 2016 to establish a direct trade connection for our coffee beans. I have a busy year ahead of me, but I welcome all of it with open arms.
Please share a fun fact about yourself?
Well, those who know me will tell you that I am a healthy eater, do yoga, and love to buy organic, local, and sustainable. They will also tell you that I have a HUGE addiction to Snicker’s Bars! I eat at least one every day! Often, I hide from my children so that I can eat them in peace! Snicker’s give me life!
Learn and Contact Asiyah on social media:
Email: asiyah@royalbynature.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/RoyalbyNature
Twitter. @Royal_byNature
Instagram. @Royal_byNature
Thank you Asiyah for sharing your story and advice with our readers.
Comentários