Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Erika Perry. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Erika, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
Far too often, I see so many entrepreneurs, and individuals confused and unfocused about their goals. Though they want to break free of that feeling, it can sometimes feel like they`re doomed to stay in their comfort zones of not reaching their goals. I personally know how that feels, and I have been that exact person. At times everything in my life seemed cluttered or not right, but with direction and balance, I changed the way I look at things and the things I looked at change. So, I help me daily transition their mindset so they too can look at things in a positive way.
Erika, 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?
Growing up in poverty, in addition to a single parent home I was dealt a bad hand early in life. But I was determined to win, and to help others win as well. For some reason, I always felt that my life, and purpose was bigger than me so I knew life would be hard. I questioned everything, and demanded an answer. (So definitely, as a child I got in trouble for my mouth a lot). In such a big world, which as a kid I heard many say, “land of the free”. I didn’t understand why people were homeless, why my living environment was different from my mother`s coworkers, or why there was so much violence. As my brother, and I watched my mother come home from her second job; and, have to walk over a dead body to enter the house.
I knew this wasn`t all life had to offer, and I was going to be the one to show others a different view of life. Thankfully, I formed an extended family through sports which challenged my thought process, and helped me to become the leader that I am today. So, daily I tackle life with the mindset of “WE” have to win.
Through the challenges of growing up. I defeated the odds and obtained a Master`s in Psychology. became a Certified Life Coach, and Mental Health Facilitator with over 10 years in social service, and customer service experience. In addition, I have my own coaching/consulting business Perry`s Empowering Services LLC, and I founded Youth Talk United Nonprofit Organization.
Perry`s Empowering LLC is built upon the 3 Key P`s to Success. Purpose, Passion, and Persistence. With a mission to empower individuals through proper guidance and action so they may reach their full potential and achieve every desired goal!
Youth Talk United offers youth and young adults 10- 24 years of age a variety of supportive services designed to provide them with the life skills they need to successfully deal with issues they may encounter in their daily lives, while preparing them for a smooth transition into the real world. These services include counseling, academic support, life skills workshops, community service opportunities, and interpersonal skills development through team sports.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
One major lesson I had to unlearn is that you can do everything on your own. Being a strong independent woman that was practically raised amongst men. I thought it was nothing I can`t do, and I don`t need to pay anyone for something I can learn own my on. I was WRONG! My first business was a cleaning service for commercial buildings, and I lost so much money and time because I didn’t have guidance. Just think 5-10 years ago cleaning was not a popular service. Many people looked down on it, or perceived you to be a maid. So my company brought in a lot of money, and I spent it as soon as it came in.
In addition, I look at YouTube and Google for a lot of help. Which nothing is wrong with either, but they couldn`t give me accountability, I couldn`t call them for advice. But once I invested in my knowledge, and actually got a mentor. A light bulb went off. I really started understanding business because I had someone personally showing me, and pushing me to the next level.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
My resilience will definitely be my bounce back from losing the cleaning service. I had several buildings, and staff but in a blink of an eye it was all gone. Yes, I cried over it, I was depressed, angry, and so many other mixed emotions but I didn’t stay there. I invested in a mentor/coach and became totally locked in on understanding how to grow and sustained a business. Was it easy no, I lost friends, and family members once I became focused only on me. Because focusing on me meant changing my environment, and things I use to do. However, I don`t regret anything at all. I`m so thankful for all the lessons.
Contact Info:
- Website: mspsychology.info
- Instagram: mspsychology_
- Facebook: ms.psychology
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-perry-m-psych-c-l-c-76b0a119a
- Twitter: mzpsychology1
- Youtube: TalkersvsDoers Podcast
Image Credits
Erika Perry