We were lucky to catch up with Marisha Wallace recently and have shared our conversation below.

Marisha, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

Being a mom is no easy task and when you’re left to carry the load, you just learn how to weather the storm and that’s what I did. Starting my first business initially was a side hustle. I was a single mother of three and my money was tight, so I had to figure out a way to bring in additional income to help offset some of my expenses. So I prayed and planned and with God’s help I launched my first business Ree’s Lavish Minks. This was a way for me to build relationships with individuals who I normally don’t talk to while doing something I love to do. I love assisting individuals with no only looking good on the outside but on the inside as well. This lead me to hosting events and bringing individuals together in a safe space. My first business help me birth my passion! ReeStart Empowerment Ministry, I am an encourager at heart so to be able to assist someone else with seeing who they are and pursuing their dreams brings me great joy.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My business started out as a side hustle. I knew nothing about owning a business. Didn’t even really have anyone to glean from when I needed direction. However, I persevered! I took what I learned working in corporate America and applied it to my business. I got out and networked! Me networking and seeing how others pivoted their businesses helped me grow mine. All the free workshops I attended. I studied my market and built my business from scratch. When looking back on where I was three years ago I see growth and I’m proud to say I’m grateful I didn’t give up because I wouldn’t be where I am now if I did.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

ReeStart Empowerment Ministry was birth through much prayer and fasting. Starting out I didn’t see myself here. When I started my business it was just a side hustle but it lead me to my purpose. I love helping people, I’m always talking to people trying to assist them with finding a solution to their problem. My side hustle was a way for me to get people comfortable with opening up to me and building that relationship. ReeStart Empowerment is the foundational umbrella for the many projects God has petitioned me to birth. Useful, as a spiritual outlet, for individuals seeking growth in every aspect of life. My desire is to aid and assist them with the necessary resources to identify themselves, establish a relationship with Christ and live out His desired plans! ReeStart Empowerment was founded in 2015 but wasn’t fully birth until I went through a traumatic experience that brought me to the feet of Jesus. January 8, 2022 I almost committed suicide and sitting in Charter Lakeside a mental institution in Memphis Tennessee I asked God, “why did He let me live?” And His response was, “because there’s still work left undone.” Sharing my story, allows them the freedom to just be themselves. Open up without the fear of being judged. I want to be that spiritual light that awaits them at the end of the tunnel.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

The one thing that helps me stand out from most is my transparency. I’m not afraid to tell others what I experienced. Holding onto my trauma led me to a dark place and I don’t want to go back there. So I share my good days as well as my bad. I talk about my healing journey and how I’m allowing not only God to heal me but how therapy has helped as well. My encouragement is whether you own a business or the founder of a ministry, share your experience and not be afraid. Someone needs what you have to offer and your expertise or transparent moment can assist with either saving their business or life.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.reestartem.com
• Instagram: ReeStart Empowerment Ministry
• Facebook: ReeStart Empowerment