Women on the Rise! Interview Series - Shantay Carter

Please introduce yourself and tell us about your career/business. What is it called and what services do you offer?

My name is Shantay Carter. I’m a Registered Nurse and the Founder of Women Of Integrity Inc. (WOI), a non-profit organization based out of Hempstead, New York. We are driven towards empowering and educating women of all ages and ethnicities. The services that we provide are community outreach events, mentoring, and supporting our community as a whole.

Can you share with our readers how you chose this career/business?

I chose this career because I have always enjoyed helping people. As a nurse with my own personal experiences, I am able to identify the areas of need in our community. I was fortunate enough to grow up with a strong support system. I would like WOI to be able to provide that to the girls who need it.

What is your definition of success and what has been your greatest success?

Success to me is being able to live the life you want and walking in your purpose. My greatest accomplishment was creating Women Of Integrity Inc. and receiving our 501(c)3 designation. Through Women Of Integrity Inc., I have been able to help so many young women. I am creating a legacy and that feels good. It feels good to know that I have helped to change someone’s life for the better. The greatest reward is being able to give back and not expecting anything in return.

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.

Some of the biggest mistakes that I have made in business is not trusting and believing in myself and my dream, not being informed about certain things, being too dependent on one person, and allowing self-doubt to creep in. Self-doubt is a dream killer. If I have learned anything from these experiences, it is that failure is not an option and it is to always believe in myself and my dream-even if no one else does. Never become too dependent on one person because if things don’t work out with that person, it could leave you stuck. So, if you don’t know something or how to do something, research it, learn to do it yourself, or pay someone to do. Always have options and a backup plan. Always invest in your brand. Self-promotion is one of the best forms of promotion. If you don’t believe in your brand, no one else will. You should ever be afraid to learn something new. Always surround yourself with positive people and people who believe in you and your dream, and who will support you.

How has networking helped you in your career/business?

Networking has helped with my career and business because it allows me to connect with other like-minded people and to also connect with people who can help take my business to the next level. It’s all about networking connections.

Do you have any business start-up advice for our readers that are starting/thinking of starting a business or entering in your field?

First find your passion. Do what you love. Research to find if there is a need for your business, see if there is someone else doing the same thing and then figure out how you will be different from them. Then grind and put in that work. You have to work for what you want and there are times that you will have to make sacrifices to get your dream off the ground. Never give up. You can’t do everything by yourself, so create a dream team to help you.

How do you achieve work life balance?

Work life balance: It’s hard to balance at times. Making a to-do list helps and keeping your eye on the prize. Stay around positive and good people.

What’s next for you? 2016 is going to be one of our best years yet. We have some great events lined up. Please visit our website to stay informed.

Please share a fun fact about yourself?

I love taking selfies. I am a #SelfieQueen, and I love planning events and having a good time.

How to find Shantay Carter?

www.womenofintegrityinc.org

Facebook.com/WOIINC

Follow on Twitter @woiinc2011

Follow on Pinterest

Follow on Instagram @WOIINC

Thank you Shantay for sharing your story and advice with our readers.

#womeninbusiness #career