Yakinea Marie is living proof that your mess can be turned into a message. She recently talked with Magic City Momma about her company, I Am Woman Network, and her passion to help women excel.
Tell me about I Am Woman Network (IAWN).
The I Am Woman Network is a development and training company that supports woman entrepreneurs, aspiring entrepreneurs, and business owners in maximizing their visions and brands.
Why did you decide to start it?
Helping women excel is one of my passions and purposes. I’ve mentored and trained women visionaries and leaders since 2002 before starting IAWN. I started the network because I wanted to connect women entrepreneurs with a community of women who support one another, equip them with the tools, strategies and support needed to expand their brands, and provide a variety of platforms to showcase their products and services.
Who is eligible to join, and what can members expect?
Any woman with a vision, product, service, or business is invited to join. They can expect support, accountability, growth, and most of all they can expect to be stretched beyond their comfort zone.
Tell me about your book, I Am Woman.
I Am Woman is a book collaboration of 21 women who selflessly share their real-life stories of how they overcame pain, betrayal, disappointment, failure, abuse, and fear to now living a life of triumph, power, and purpose intentionally.
What do you want women to learn from your book and your business?
I want women to learn and know that they are powerful and worth fighting for. Regardless of their past, failures, or fears they have the power within to live bigger, bolder, and beautiful lives without limits. I want them to learn the blueprint to living a life of greatness. I want them to know that the business they desire, they can start; the dream that they’ve dreamt, they can have it if they would only believe and take massive and consistent action.
What is the biggest lesson you want people to learn from your life?
As a former exotic dancer, drug trafficker, and business failure, the biggest lesson I want people to learn is that your mess can be your message and that you can turn any trial into a triumph. Winning is a choice. You have the power to choose to be a victim or a victor.
What advice do you have for women who are juggling raising a family while pursuing their dreams?
Many people say that balance doesn’t exist, but I believe that balance is defined only by the person themselves. Balance is when you chose to be in the moment of your present situation or event. What do I mean? Write down what your entire week normally looks like: kids, spouse, business, work, ministry, school activities, etc., then identify the blocks of time that you will have time with family, to work on your business, etc., then log them into your calendar. Whenever you’re spending time with the kids or family, then that’s not the time to take business calls (be in the moment). When you’re doing business, this is not the time to talk idle talk to friends (be in the moment). If you’re at church, it’s not time to pass out business cards (be in the moment). When you’re doing a girl’s day with friends, this is not the time to be hanging with the kids (be in the moment). You define balance in your life simply by being in the moment. Putting things in your calendar can be a guiding tool to keeping you disciplined and on target. Schedule everything if you can, while being open for the spontaneous.
What’s next for Yakinea Marie and I Am Woman Network?
As a strategist and coach I’ll be hosting my second annual Mastermind Business Boot Camp in Birmingham, Alabama, on November 4-5, 2016, at the Renaissance Ross Bridge Resort. This business boot camp is limited to 10 thought leaders and visionaries who desire an intense VIP strategy session. The I Am Woman Network has started working on Volume II of the I Am Woman book collaboration, which will feature 15 triumphant women, and we are presently looking for women who are interested in sharing their stories. Those interested can get details at www.BeInTheBook.info. IAWN will also be hosting the Wealth 2016 Business Summit on October 7–8 at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel. Secure your tickets today at www.WealthBusinessSummit.com.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
Never quit on your dreams, dream bigger, trust God, and refuse to play small. Embrace your greatness and never allow a challenge to cause you to second guess the power that you possess within.
You can use our affiliate link to purchase your copy of I Am Woman. To learn more about Yakinea Marie, visit her online at www.YakineaMarie.com or www.IAmWomanNetwork.com
