We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr. Stacy Shepard a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Dr. Stacy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today 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
One night in my sleep God gave me a vision of owning my own business. I was and still am content in my career in education, but the pull for me to do more was there. After having that vision I began to do some research on black owned women businesses, and then I started to ask my friends who are business owners what it took for them to get started. Although I had those conversations, I could not just leave it at relying on others advice, I had to do the work myself. That meant digging deep to find out what I specifically was supposed to do in my business, and create a roadmap to get there. The roadmap started with focusing on why I wanted to start the business in the first place, and then created a plan of how I was going to get there. One thing I want to tell everyone, be super clear about your mission and vision because it will be a guiding force for you as you navigate being an entrepreneur. I then signed up for some workshops and classes so that I could invest in myself. You cannot expect others to invest in you, if you won’t invest in you. I was enrolled in classes for over a course of six months, and never broadcasted it to anyone. I kept my head down and did the work all while working a full -time job and being a mom to two kids. While I was receiving my certifications, I met with another coach who happened to be my cousin and best friend. Through her business, she guided me through the process of getting my business registered with the state, and all the things I needed to do step by step to have a lucrative business that followed the law.
My advice to anyone launching a business is to not give up and to really invest in yourself. No matter how many clients I have, I never feel as if I have arrived. I am constantly looking ways to grow and improve myself because I know in return it will show up in my business. In the beginning you definitely put in more than you get back, but once it starts coming back and you see the impact you’ve had on others it makes the beginning struggles all worth it.
Dr. Stacy, 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?
I am currently a middle school principal. I have been in education for 18 years in various roles, and I must say each one prepared me for what I do now within the school. I have the opportunity as a principal to evoke change for scholars who will one day lead the world. My job is to ensure I build systems that allow them to be 100% who they are while also exposing them to not only academic excellence, but the world. This includes taking them on fieldtrips that align with their subjects. My job is to ensure they have access. This means creating clubs within the school such as gardening, STEM, book clubs and so much more. Everyday I strive to show scholars what is possible through hard work and dedication. It is through this hard work and dedication that my school increased significantly at the end of June and based on state testing results, my school has moved up an entire letter grade. This a major deal because it doesn’t happen often especially in Title One schools.
I am also the CEO of AriseNOW, which supports and empowers women in their quest for motivation, personal development, or professional growth. At AriseNOW we believe in supporting women in finding themselves and helping cultivate their God given talents. I want women to know that no matter their age, it is NEVER too late to take the step that can lead them to their dreams. I am also an author of “Finding Beauty in Shattered Glass,’ which is part 1 of my memoir.
On December 7, 2024 I am hosting my first Women’s Conference entitled, “To Thine Ownself Be True.” Registration can be found at www.arisenowllc.com.
I also host a Facebook series entitled, “A Note from the Principal’s Desk” where I give weekly tips to parents, students, educators and the community on how to support all schools. This series is every Friday at 5:30pm EST. Please follow so you don’t miss it.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
The most effective strategy for building my clientele has come down to two things. Being myself and being relentless. When I first started my business I had no idea how things would go, but I knew that I had a call to help women and children. I had the children part down packed as it is easy being a principal. Supporting women was more challenging because I had to really open myself up to the idea of letting others in while supporting and pushing them. It meant I had to share my story of how I overcame and that I wanted the same success for them.
Once I got over the uneasiness of sharing my story, I started having young teachers ask me to mentor them. I knew then it was my time to make the move. Once I made the move it was easy. I show up to spaces as myself and I make sure that I allow others to do the same. We as women have many complexities. My job as their empowerment coach is to push them to their full potential while also recognizing some of the challenges they may face along the way.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
My advice for managing a team and maintaining high morale is to keep people first. Life has been lifing for everyone no matter your background or demographics. That is evident by all the things we see on the news. What I do is spend intentional time with each of my team members and tap into how they are feeling. I schedule monthly outings, and I am open to clearing the calendar on the weekends to spend some time together as a team if that is what is needed in order for them to be their best selves. I pay attention to their mannerisms, and I am okay telling people to take some time if needed so they can show up their best selves. I understand as a leader and CEO that if my team isn’t okay then my business will not be okay. I want us all to succeed and that only happens when we are all working as our best selves.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.arisenowllc.com
- Instagram: arisenowllc
- Facebook: arisenow.2024
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/stacy-shepard-ph-d581655b7
