We were lucky to catch up with Lisbeth Farinella recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Lisbeth thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights 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
Becoming a public speaker was NEVER in my 5 year plan. I had transitioned from being a teacher to being in sales. I didn’t have a natural market in my city because I had moved to North Carolina from Italy, so I needed to create one. I knew that I could meet more people by networking or utilizing social media rather than cold calling or meeting one person at a time. What happened next was not in the plan but ended up being the impetuous to the founding of my business. It turns out that while I was trying to grow my financial services business, I was networking so much that I discovered I truly enjoy meeting new people, learning about their passions, and helping them grow. I have always felt at home in front of crowds so I started speaking in front of small clubs and the feedback was always the same…”You should be a public speaker” I brushed it off for awhile then I attended a speakers forum and that’s when I finally said to myself “you can totally do this!” The topics I help people with are embracing change, healing their relationship with money, and living in your main character energy. Because of the tapestry of work and life experiences I’ve had, I am passionate about these topics and see a need for me to share it with audiences.
Lisbeth, 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?
Title: The Journey of Lisbeth Farinella: From Teacher to Entrepreneur How it started
Starting a company is often a journey of self-discovery, and for me, it was a culmination of my life experiences and passions. My company, Lisbeth Farinella the Agency LLC, was born out of a genuine desire to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives, driven by my love for education, financial literacy, and my insatiable curiosity about the world. The name of my company is two fold. THE AGENCY=THE ABILITY TO TAKE ACTION OR TO CHOOSE WHAT ACTION TO TAKE and A BUSINESS THAT REPRESENTS ONE GROUP OF PEOPLE WHEN DEALING WITH ANOTHER GROUP. I am a Public Speaker www.lisbethfarinella.com , Mistress of Ceremonies, Content Creator, I will be launching my travels on my YouTube channel @tacos_y_lipstick. Collaborating with businesses that align with my values is very important to me.
Because of this, I find my work with www.ICISF.org= International Critical Incident Stress Foundation so fulfilling. They are the preeminent source of training and support to first responders and others who experience trauma on the job or incident, .I had the honor of serving as their Mistress of Ceremonies for their five day conference and look forward to other collaborative work in the near future.
Finally, my passion for helping those in need and love of fashion are merged through my modeling and board seat with Models For Charity, www.mfcraleigh.com. This falls in line with one of my talks, “Living in your main character energy”. Feeling good about oneself is not vain or selfish. When you feel great, you put out positive energy and others are infected by it.
In this era of my life, choice, authenticity, and freedom are taking priority. My diverse background and unwavering passion paved the way for my entrepreneurial venture.
A Teacher’s Heart
My journey began as a teacher. I spent several years educating young minds, witnessing the profound transformation that knowledge can bring to people’s lives. My time in the classroom instilled in me the importance of education and the power it holds to unlock doors to opportunity. This experience ignited my passion for lifelong learning and teaching, which would later play a significant role in my business.
Advocacy for Financial Literacy
Transitioning from teaching, I embarked on a career as a financial planner. During this phase of my life, I became an advocate for financial literacy. I firmly believed that understanding and managing one’s finances is crucial for leading a secure and fulfilling life. My time as a financial planner equipped me with the tools to empower people to make informed financial decisions, a skill I would later incorporate into my business.
Embracing Change
Change has been a constant companion throughout my life. As a military wife for 26 years, I traversed the globe, experiencing different cultures, languages, and lifestyles. These constant shifts in location instilled adaptability, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of diversity. These qualities became an integral part of my entrepreneurial journey, where I embraced change and encouraged others to do the same. I encourage people who are feeling stuck to find their best version of themselves with tools and guidance.
Living Authentically
Authenticity is a core value that I hold dear. I have always lived life unapologetically, embracing my passions and interests. I’m an avid traveler, a fashion enthusiast, a food lover, and a relentless source of high energy. These personal traits have found a home in my business, where I promote living authentically, following one’s passions, and embracing all that life has to offer.
Multilingual and Culturally Inquisitive
I am proud to speak multiple languages, a skill I acquired during my extensive travels. Learning new languages and immersing myself in various cultures has enriched my life in unimaginable ways. I have a deep respect for the value of diversity, and my company reflects this by fostering an environment of cultural appreciation and understanding.
The Birth of Lisbeth Farinella The Agency LLC
Combining my background in education, financial literacy advocacy, adaptability to change, authentic living, and cultural curiosity, I founded Lisbeth Farinella the Agency. This company is a testament to my belief that personal and professional growth go hand in hand. Through my agency, I empower individuals to embrace change, learn continuously, and live life authentically, all while understanding the importance of financial literacy. My diverse experiences and passions have given me a unique perspective, allowing me to connect with people from various walks of life and help them achieve their personal and financial goals.
How I can help you or your employees
The journey from being a teacher to becoming an entrepreneur has been a remarkable one, and it’s far from over. My company, Lisbeth Farinella the Agency, is an embodiment of my life’s experiences and passions, and it continues to evolve, just as I have. It is a testament to the power of education, financial literacy, adaptability, authenticity, and cultural appreciation. My mission is to inspire others to live their lives to the fullest, equipped with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed, no matter where their journey takes them.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Building an audience on social media is a journey that involves both online and offline efforts. For me, the path to growing my social media presence was deeply rooted in genuine connections and authenticity. Here’s the story of how I built my audience, and some advice for those just starting out. The Power of In-Person Networking
For two years, I dedicated myself to attending at least two networking events every week. I joined organizations like BNI (Business Network International) and other networking groups in cities within the Triangle region. These events provided a unique opportunity to connect with people on a personal level. I believe that in-person networking is an invaluable foundation for growing your online audience. It’s where you begin to build genuine relationships, and people see the real you, not just your online persona.
One-to-Ones and Authentic Listening
I took networking a step further by engaging in one-to-one meetings with people I met. During these conversations, I listened with the intention to genuinely learn about the other person. Active listening is key to building trust and authentic connections. When people saw that I was a genuine person who cared about their stories and goals, they were more likely to connect with me on social media.
Authenticity is Non-Negotiable
Authenticity has been my guiding principle throughout this journey. I firmly believe that you cannot be fake or pretend to be someone you’re not. People have a keen sense for realness, and they quickly notice when someone is being disingenuous. Word of mouth travels fast, and a reputation for being a genuine person is an invaluable asset in building your audience. Another big lesson was not to be transactional. People in sales can smell desperation a mile away and will not trust you.
Merge Your Personal and Professional Life
One of the strategies that worked well for me was merging my professional life with my very active social life. I posted about my fashion in videos I call Visual Diaries. I shared my travel adventures with social media posts. I took great efforts to film my eating adventures and help businesses with my reviews. My community learned that I live what I preach, and this authenticity resonated with them. People want to connect with someone who is a complete person, not just a business entity. My brand IS me. I live the like-know-trust factor.
Advice for Those Starting Out
In regards to growing on social media: borrow your trusted collaborative partner’s audiences. Share yours. If you align in your core values and prioritize growth, this is not a problem. Go networking in pairs. This makes it easier to walk into a group of strangers.
Prioritize In-Person Connections: Attend networking events and engage in one-to-one meetings. These real-life connections form the foundation of your online presence.
Listen Actively: When you meet people, listen with the intention to understand and build a genuine connection. Show a sincere interest in their stories and aspirations.
Embrace Authenticity: Be yourself. You can’t fake authenticity, and people appreciate genuine interactions.
Merge Personal and Professional: Don’t be afraid to share your personal life alongside your professional endeavors. It humanizes you and makes you relatable.
Consistency is Key: Regularly post and engage with your audience. Consistency keeps your audience engaged and informed.
Provide Value: Share content that adds value to your audience’s lives. Whether it’s educational, entertaining, or inspirational, make sure it resonates with your followers.
Build a Community: Focus on creating a community rather than just an audience. Interact with your followers and encourage discussions.
In the world of social media, credibility and genuine connections are your strongest assets. By living what you preach and consistently engaging with your audience, you can build a thriving community of followers who believe in you and your message.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Resilience, to me, is the unwavering determination to rise stronger in the face of adversity. It’s the ability to weather life’s storms, adapt to change, and transform mistakes into valuable lessons. Oscar Wilde once said, “Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes.” For me, this quote resonates deeply, as it encapsulates my journey of resilience. My journey towards excellence was marked by the need to piece together my education across three different countries. As a military spouse, I had to adapt to the frequent relocations necessitated by my husband’s active-duty service. These moves created interruptions in my academic pursuits, but they also became valuable chapters in my story.
My career path led me to management positions within a German company and later at a college with operations in Italy. These experiences were often juxtaposed with the challenges of dealing with deployments, raising children, and managing our home without the support of extended family. The fear and uncertainty that accompany military deployments were ever-present, casting a shadow over my day to day as a mother and my professional responsibilities.
It was during this phase of my life that I discovered the essence of resilience. The spirit of helping fellow military spouses and engaging in volunteerism was born out of a desire to provide support and camaraderie to those enduring similar challenges. My passion for culture, food, and fashion began to flourish during our overseas assignments. These pursuits not only offered solace but also ignited a spark within me, motivating me to explore and share the richness of these experiences with others.
However, one of the most profound origins of my fortitude and strength can be traced back to my childhood. As the eldest daughter of immigrant parents, I had to navigate the complexities of a school system where English was not spoken at home. This forced me to self-advocate and carve my own path, fostering a sense of independence and determination that continues to shine through in my business endeavors.
In essence, resilience is the embodiment of my journey. It’s the ability to persevere in the face of adversity, adapt to change, and grow through every mistake and challenge. It’s the thread that has woven together the diverse tapestry of my life, from educational pursuits in multiple countries to the challenges of being a military spouse, and the rich passions I have cultivated along the way. These experiences have sculpted me into the resilient entrepreneur I am today, ready to face any obstacle with unwavering determination and a commitment to turning mistakes into valuable lessons.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lisbethfarinella.com/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisbethfarinella
- Youtube: @tacos_y_lipstick