Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Andrea Lee. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Andrea, appreciate you joining us today. How do you feel about asking friends and family to support your business? What’s appropriate, what’s not? Where do you draw the line?

Asking friends and family for support can be a sensitive matter. Here are some considerations:

Appropriate Ways to Ask: It’s generally acceptable to share your business with friends and family and ask for their support, whether it’s through purchasing your product or service, promoting it, or providing feedback.
Transparency: Be transparent about your intentions and the state of your business. Let them know why their support is important to you.
Respect Boundaries: Avoid pressuring them or making them feel obligated to support you. Respect their decisions, whether they choose to support your business or not.
Avoid Overreliance: Don’t rely solely on friends and family for business success. Diversify your customer base and marketing efforts to avoid burdening them.
Offer Value: Ensure that your business genuinely provides value to your customers. This will make it easier for friends and family to support you willingly.
Learn from Rejections: If someone declines to support your business, don’t take it personally. Use it as an opportunity to improve and refine your offerings.
Maintain Personal Relationships: Don’t let business matters strain your personal relationships. Keep a balance between business and personal interactions.
Gratitude: Always express gratitude to those who do support your business, whether they are friends, family, or customers.
While there are many stories and anecdotes about these situations, it ultimately depends on your unique circumstances and relationships. Balancing business aspirations with personal connections can be challenging, so it’s essential to approach it with sensitivity and respect.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

About the Publisher/Author/Poet/Writer/Chef/innovator

Introducing A. Lee, a true multi-talented innovator, community organizer, chef, writer, teacher, and so much more. With a diverse skill set and a passion for creativity, A. Lee has made a significant impact in various fields. She is not only the creator of Writing Journey 101’s press but has also authored several books throughout her impressive career.

A. Lee’s dedication to Los Angeles Poet Society, literature were she is now president of the organization the commitment to her community is evident in her alumni status with the Community Literature Initiative, as well as her collaborations with Larry Love of Creative Love Network, where together, they have orchestrated remarkable events like “Kings and Queens of Poetry + Music.

A. Lee has also partnered with Darryl Swell CEO of brighter days, integrated programs and nonprofit community based organization that focuses mental health and wellness services. A. Lee teaches parenting, anger management, therapeutic cooking as well as writing as healing. www.BDIPS.org
[email protected]

A. Lee is the author of The Power to change the way to Love yourself and Connections Between Us & Expressions of Love Feelings of Love Courage & Betrayal. Andrea is also embarking on a new journey of becoming a children’s book author. She is passionate about helping people understand the positive connection they can create with others.

A Lee writes about love , loss and betrayal. Her books and poetry have been published in Silent Spark Press, The 1619 Project and Sims Library of Poetry etc. She is the creator of www.writingjourney101.com, www.writingjourney101 Press, People Connect Foundation www.PeopleConnectFoundation.org

Andrea host a poetry show on Let’s Talk Radio The Artist Connects. She  grew up in Los Angeles, CA and is the mother of four children – she is passionate about empowering and improving her community by creating literacy programs for teens and young adults. Andrea is an alumni of Community Literature Initiative in Los Angeles, Ca where she attends and is also a Teacher Assistant. Andrea’s poetry has been displayed at Inner Health Care Ink, & Holy Grounds Cafe.

A. Lee

Connections Between Us
On Amazon
https://a.co/d/fkZXQl2

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Mission Statement of People Connect Foundation: At People Connect Foundation, our mission is to foster stronger, more inclusive communities by empowering individuals to connect, support, and uplift one another. We believe that through genuine human connections, we can create a positive and lasting impact on society, fostering a world where compassion, empathy, and understanding flourish.
Our foundation is dedicated to building bridges that transcend barriers of race, religion, gender, age, and socio-economic backgrounds. We strive to cultivate an environment where every person feels valued, heard, and respected, embracing the diversity that enriches our global community.
To achieve our mission, we commit ourselves to the following core principles:
* Empowerment: We provide resources, education, and opportunities that empower individuals to take active roles in creating positive change within their communities. By encouraging self-reliance and leadership, we foster a culture of proactive engagement.
* Connection: We facilitate meaningful connections between people from diverse backgrounds, promoting dialogue and understanding. Through shared experiences and open communication, we break down barriers and bridge divides.
* Support: We extend a helping hand to those facing challenges, striving to address pressing issues such as poverty, homelessness, mental health, and access to education. By offering support and guidance, we empower individuals to overcome obstacles and realize their full potential.
* Collaboration: We actively seek partnerships and collaborations with other organizations, businesses, and community leaders to maximize our impact. Together, we can pool resources and expertise to create transformative initiatives that serve the greater good.
* Advocacy: We advocate for social justice, equality, and human rights, promoting policies and initiatives that create a fair and equitable society for all. We stand up against discrimination and injustice, championing the voices of marginalized and underrepresented communities.
* Innovation: We embrace innovation and technology as tools to enhance our outreach, communication, and impact. By harnessing the power of digital platforms and modern solutions, we extend our reach and effectiveness in achieving our goals.
At People Connect Foundation, we are driven by the belief that individual actions, no matter how small, can create a ripple effect that transforms lives and communities. By fostering a world where empathy and compassion thrive, we envision a brighter, more connected future for all. Together, we can build a society where every person feels a sense of belonging, united in the shared purpose of making the world a better place for everyone.

People Connect Foundation

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I learned that I have to believe in myself and not the doubt of others and their opinions on my life and what I should do. Facing my fears head on and working through my fears of failure.

Contact Info:

• Website: Peopleconnectfoundation.com
• Instagram: People Connect Foundation
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msleebizz
• Linkedin: Andrea Lee
• Yelp: Grands Family Cooking
• Other: Instagram: TheArtistConnection Instagram: Ms.Drea_Thepoet www.WritingJourney101.com Instagram: WritingJourney101