(photo credit Liza Boone)
This week's "Women Entrepreneurs" feature is absolutely amazing! I pray and hope that each week's interview encourages and inspires you to go after that dream God has placed on your heart and ultimately walk by faith. I know,personally, that I am always encouraged by the testimony of each of these incredible women and their beautiful hearts. I'm so thankful for the willingness of each to share their story and personal walk with God. Ladies you are changing the world and winning hearts for HIM! Today's interview is with my sweet encouraging friend Summer Bellessa! For those of you who don't know Summer, she is an actress, fashion blogger, art director, magazine editor and half of The Girls With Glasses Show.
Summer, you are beautiful inside and out! I can't wait until the day I can give you a big hug in person!
(photo credit Michelle Herrick)
1. What was the first major break/blessing that helped you embark upon your journey as a female entrepreneur?
The first thing that helped me was having supportive parents. My mom always made me feel like I could do anything I set my mind to. She also invested in my dreams. After that, there's a long line of small things and choices I was able to make to start a life of creating, including meeting people with complimentary talents, being exposed to things that influenced my vision, and having a vision to move forward.
2. Where do you gather inspiration?
All around really. I love to look at magazines, watch creative movies, see traditional art shows and the Internet, of course. We are so lucky to have such vast libraries of quality images on Pinterest and inspirational videos at our finger tips on YouTube. But if you look at these things too much, it can also be stifling. It seems like everything's already been done. When I have an idea, sometimes I won't even do a search till I've finished the project, so I'm not influenced by what others have done, and sometimes I do a thorough search so that I can make sure I'm putting a different spin on the project than what's already available and out there.
3. As one half of The Girls With Glasses Show and founder and editor of Eliza magazine, what would you say are important qualities to possess when working with a team and co-partners?
I look for people who are talented, who have a similar style, who are already working hard, and who are friendly and easy to work with. It's also great to work with people who have a similar life's purpose and goal of putting good/quality things in the world. Lastly, a great partnership is one where both parties are equally getting good things from it: experience, klout, exposure, etc.
4. If you had one piece of advice to share with women entrepreneurs, what would it be?
The most important thing is to make sure you have a relationship with God. He's the most important business partner to have. He can give you insight, inspiration, and guidance. The second piece of advice is not to compare yourself to anyone else. You have your own specific path, and no one else can do the things you can in the way you can. Be careful how you measure success. If it's in dollars, advertisers, productivity, being better than someone else, etc. those are all things that can fluctuate and change, your feeling of worth shouldn't. Knowing you're giving your all, and being inspired, help keep you steady. Also having a support system that you are an invested part of, friends, family, church, etc. is a big help. This is a long piece of advice, but I also wanted to add, that sometimes you make sacrifices for your family. You say no, or skip out on great opportunities to be a good wife, or a great mom, or a caring friend/sister/aunt/etc. And sometimes the universe rewards you, but sometimes it doesn't. Other people might do better, or take your opportunities, and if you can come to peace with the idea that you are in the place that you're suppose to be, and make the best out of that, then you will live a happier and fuller life, and that's really what it should be about.
Thank you so much for sharing your story, Summer! Love ya! Be sure to check out the following links!
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