We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Calandra Robinson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Calandra below.

Hi Calandra, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

The mission behind the iamCalandra brand is deeply personal and rooted in my own life experiences. My journey began with significant hardships and mistakes, including a 48-month incarceration for $1.3 million in bank fraud. That period in my life was incredibly challenging, but it also provided me with an opportunity for deep self-reflection and self-analysis.
During my time in prison, I had to confront the reality of my situation and make a conscious decision to change. I realized that despite hitting rock bottom, I had the power to rebuild my life from scratch. This realization sparked a profound sense of determination and resilience within me. I knew that if I could find the strength to turn my life around, others could too.

That’s why the mission of iamCalandra is so meaningful to me. It’s about motivating individuals to transform their lives, just as I did. We provide the tools, support, and resources needed to help people start over, no matter where they’re coming from. Whether it’s through our coaching programs, skincare line, or activewear, everything we do is aimed at empowering people to believe in themselves and their potential for change.
Seeing the impact of our work, like with Latrice, who went from self-doubt to earning a Doctorate and becoming a successful entrepreneur, reinforces why this mission matters. It’s about giving people the chance to rewrite their stories and achieve their dreams, and I’m incredibly passionate about helping them do just that.

Calandra, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Of course! I’m Dr. Calandra Robinson, and my journey into entrepreneurship and personal development began from a place of significant hardship. After serving 48 months in prison for bank fraud, I faced the challenge of rebuilding my life from scratch. During that time, I did a lot of soul-searching and realized that I wanted to help others transform their lives just as I was determined to transform mine.
The iamCalandra brand consists of several ventures, each designed to empower and inspire:

iamCalandra Coaching: Through one-on-one coaching sessions, I help individuals recognize their strengths, set meaningful goals, and develop the skills needed to reach their full potential. My coaching focuses on personal growth, financial literacy, and empowerment. It’s about helping people believe in themselves and achieve their dreams, no matter where they’re starting from.

iamCalandra Activewear: This line of activewear is created to inspire confidence and promote a healthy, active lifestyle. Each piece is designed with style and comfort in mind, empowering wearers to feel good and look good while pursuing their fitness goals. It’s not just about the clothes; it’s about fostering a mindset of empowerment and leadership.

iamSkyn Skincare: Our skincare line is focused on natural, effective products that elevate beauty and promote self-care. We believe in the power of self-love and the importance of taking care of oneself. Our products are crafted to enhance natural beauty and encourage a routine of self-care and self-respect.

PTP Academy: PTP stands for Prison to the Palace, and it’s one of our main initiatives in prison reform. This program is dedicated to helping individuals from all walks of life unlock from the prisons of their mindset to improve their circumstances through goal setting, personal empowerment, and skill development. It’s about providing the tools and support needed to create a meaningful and purposeful life.

What sets the iamCalandra brand apart is our unwavering commitment to transformation and empowerment. We believe that with the right support and resources, anyone can turn their life around and achieve their dreams. I’m most proud of the lives we’ve been able to touch and the transformations we’ve been able to witness.

The main thing I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know is that no matter where you start, you have the power to change your life. The iamCalandra brand is here to support you on that journey, providing the guidance, tools, and encouragement you need to reach your full potential.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn is the illusion that success is easy. From the outside, it often seems like successful entrepreneurs have it all figured out effortlessly, but that’s far from the truth. The reality is that behind every success story, there are countless sleepless nights, late hours, and financial struggles that people don’t see.

When I started my journey, especially after coming out of prison, people doubted me. I decided to go back to Nursing School, and folks couldn’t believe it. They thought there was no way someone could come home from prison in January and be in Nursing School so soon. They don’t let felons into Nursing School! They doubted I would even get a nursing license, but I did. I went on to specialize in wound care and ultimately, telemetry. When I achieved my dream of owning a Porsche, the same people assumed I must be doing something illegal to afford it. They couldn’t see the hard work and determination that went into my journey.

Even now, after 20 years, some people are still waiting for me to fuck up, but that’s not going to happen. The lesson here is that while success might look easy from the outside, it’s a result of relentless hard work and resilience. You have to push through the doubts and negativity, stay focused on your goals, and never let others’ perceptions define your path.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Absolutely, there are several resources that have had a profound impact on my approach to management and entrepreneurship. The Bible has always been a foundational source of wisdom and guidance for me, offering timeless principles that I incorporate into my personal and professional life.

Another book that has significantly influenced me is “Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter” by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson. It provides a unique perspective on resilience, hustle, and smart decision-making, which are crucial in the world of entrepreneurship.

Lastly, “From the Battlefield To the Boardroom: The Infinite Desire to Win – A Woman’s Journey To Infinite Success in Life, Business, and Career” by Sonja Y. Stribling has been incredibly inspiring. It’s a powerful testament to perseverance and the drive to succeed against all odds. These resources have collectively shaped my entrepreneurial philosophy and continue to inspire me to push forward and strive for greatness.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.iamcalandra.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamcalandrar/