We recently connected with Dr. Pearl Pugh and have shared our conversation below.
Dr. Pearl, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
The idea for Treasures of Pearl came from the pandemic. I really wanted cute, comfy, and classy clothes to wear around the house while I created crafts. This is how Treasures of Pearl was birthed, I called my good friend and asked if she could help and she agreed. We began to research other boutiques, manufacturers, and website hosting sites. We utilized our networks and found a business mentor who helped us not to make the same mistakes as others. Treasures of Pearl is still growing and developing, but I can truly see the growth from the beginning to now.
Dr. Pearl, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Hailing from the windy city of Chicago, Business Mogul, “Mompreneur” and Philanthropist Dr. Pearl Pugh, has a heart for Gods people. With her mom’s kindred spirit as an early influence, her love of education was a trait Dr. Pugh adopted. She is the CEO and Founder of Treasures of Pearl and the Founder and Chairman of The Treasured Pearls Foundation. The Treasured Pearls Foundation mission is to provide resources and tools for postsecondary education and empower the community by meeting needs to overcome hardship. Dr. Pugh is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. where she is both active and financial in her service.
Dr. Pugh holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from The University of Arkansas Pine Bluff (’12), Master of Science in Computer Science from Norfolk State University (’14), and a Doctor of Information Technology with a concentration in Project Management from Capella University (’19).
Dr. Pugh is a Federal Government employee, serving the Department of Defense as The Chief of Organizational Health. While working in the Federal Government, she honed her skills and learned to own her talents. After ultimately leaping to develop her business empire, she now prides herself in her ability to cultivate opportunities for other women to follow her example.
Dr. Pugh is the wife of Terrence Pugh, a Software Engineer. Together they have two sons, Tahj and Tycen. Dr. Pugh is a woman grounded with high ethical standards, steeped in her faith to Christ. Dr. Pugh is a strong believer in meritorious academic achievement and a committed servant to the needs of her community. She takes pride in everything that she does.
Ultimately, it was Pearl’s curiosity, belief in herself, and faith in God, which led her to becoming the leader she is today, with a trailblazing brand. Pearl believes that everyone has a story, and that hers is one that can be an inspiration to many young women, mothers and entrepreneurs. Dr. Pugh has learned to overcome fear and rejection and wants to encourage others to do the same in order to sprout into who they do not expect!
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
There is always room for growth in every situation. Having to learn that all money is not my money was s huge lesson I had to learn. When I first started my business, I thought if you were paying , I would do the work. I quickly realized that my peace is more important than money. I had to understand that every customer is not my customer. Every closed door only left room for me to walk through a different one.
I remember a client asked for a quote that was based on the needs provided. After paying the deposit, the need grew, however they did not want to pay anything additional. They automatically assumed we would do everything they asked without any additional payments. I had to pull back and let them know that there are costs associated with every additional need. The customer was not happy with that, but from that day forward I knew that I would protect my peace and the integrity of my brand.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
When managing a team and trying to maintain high morale it is vital that there is transparency, communication, and trust. Understanding that there will be difficult conversation however I found that people will respect one more when they are transparent, communicative and trust worthy.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.treasuresofpearl.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treasuresofpearl/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnlimitedTreasuresofPearl/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pearl-pugh-90080932/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Dr_PearlPugh
- Other: www.pearlpugh.com
Image Credits
GoodeVisons Photography Leo “One Eye” Harris