We recently connected with Rashida Brown and have shared our conversation below.

Rashida, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

Transitioning from a caregiver to dedicating myself fully to my marketing and travel business has been a journey of immense growth, self-discovery, and, admittedly, moments of introspection about the path I’ve chosen. As an entrepreneur, the freedom to steer my business towards success, the excitement of exploring new markets, and the satisfaction of creating unforgettable experiences for my clients far outweigh the stability and predictability of a regular job. Yes, being a business owner has unequivocally made me happier.

That said, the entrepreneurial path is not without its moments of doubt. The last time I found myself pondering the allure of a regular job was during a particularly challenging week. I was juggling the demands of my business with my responsibilities as a caregiver. Deadlines were looming, client expectations were high, and the pressure was mounting. Amid this chaos, the thought of a 9-to-5 job—with its clear boundaries, predictable tasks, and guaranteed paycheck—seemed momentarily appealing. It was a fleeting thought, a brief escape to a simpler, less demanding life.

But as I navigated through the challenges, securing a new partnership that promised exciting opportunities for my business, and receiving heartfelt thanks from a family I had supported as a caregiver, I was reminded of why I embarked on this journey. These moments of victory and gratitude painted a vivid picture of the impact I could have through my business and caregiving, something a regular job could never offer.

Through reflection, I realized that the essence of my happiness as a business owner lies in the ability to make a difference, to innovate, and to live on my own terms. The challenges are merely stepping stones to greater achievements. They fuel my growth and remind me that the path I’ve chosen is rewarding in ways that far surpass the confines of traditional employment.

My vision is clear: to retire from the caregiving job by the end of the year, not because I don’t value the work, but because I see the potential for my business to grow and encompass the essence of who I am and what I want to achieve. This journey, with its ups and downs, has not only shaped me into a resilient entrepreneur but has also solidified my commitment to forging my path, one where happiness and success are defined on my own terms.

In conclusion, while the thought of a regular job might occasionally surface during times of stress, it is quickly overshadowed by the fulfillment I derive from being my own boss, facing new challenges head-on, and making a tangible difference in the lives of others. My journey as a business owner is a testament to the joy and satisfaction that come from pursuing one’s passions and realizing one’s dreams.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My path into the world of network marketing and travel services began in 2014, fueled by a deep-seated passion for helping others live fulfilling lives. This journey has been marked by significant milestones and challenges, however I wouldn’t change it for nothing in the world.

In the realm of travel services, I pride myself on crafting unforgettable travel memories for my clients. My work involves meticulous planning, booking, and curating personalized travel experiences that cater to the unique desires and needs of each traveler. Whether it’s a serene beach getaway, an adventurous expedition, or a culturally immersive journey, my goal is to ensure that every trip is not just a departure from the everyday but a transformative experience.

Parallel to the travel services, my venture into network marketing has opened another avenue for empowerment. I am compensated not only for the travel services I provide but also for helping others start their businesses. This dual aspect of my work allows me to touch lives in multiple ways—by creating avenues for personal and financial growth and by offering escapes that enrich the soul.

What sets me apart in both these domains is my unwavering commitment to the well-being and satisfaction of my clients. My previous hardships have only deepened my empathy and understanding, enabling me to connect with clients on a more personal level and to anticipate their needs with greater accuracy.

I am most proud of the resilience and growth that have characterized my journey. From hitting rock bottom in 2022 to rising with a renewed focus on my business, every setback has been a stepping stone to greater heights. My story is one of overcoming, of finding strength in adversity, and of the relentless pursuit of helping others achieve fulfillment, whether through travel or entrepreneurship.

To potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that my brand stands for more than just services; it embodies a mission to empower, to inspire, and to create meaningful experiences. With a foundation built on personal growth, discipline, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact, my business is dedicated to helping you explore the world and seize opportunities for personal and professional development.

As we move forward, my vision remains clear—to continue briditing connections, fostering empowerment, and delivering experiences that leave lasting impressions. Join me on this journey of discovery, growth, and transformation, as we explore the world and unlock the potential within each of us.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

The entrepreneurial path is often romanticized as a straight trajectory to success, but my journey has been anything but linear. It’s a narrative marked by significant losses, each testing my resolve and shaping my understanding of resilience. The year 2022 stands out as a period of profound challenges that culminated in a series of personal and professional setbacks, yet it also set the stage for a remarkable turnaround.

The cascade of losses began in January when I lost my job, a cornerstone of financial stability. This was followed by a divorce in July, an emotionally draining ordeal that marked the end of a significant chapter in my life. The subsequent months brought further hardship; in August, my car was repossessed, and by November, I faced eviction from my apartment. These events, occurring in rapid succession, could easily have been the breaking point for many. However, for me, they served as a crucible, refining my spirit and fortitude.

Amidst this turmoil, I clung to an unwavering belief that better days were ahead. This belief wasn’t based on mere hope but on a deep-seated resolve to turn my circumstances around. In 2023, I channelled my energies into my travel and marketing business, viewing each setback not as a defeat but as a lesson and an opportunity for growth. I started planting seeds, dedicating myself to nurturing these ventures with the lessons learned from the hardships of the previous year.

This period of intense personal loss and recovery illustrates the essence of resilience. It’s about facing each day with the conviction that the current situation is not the final chapter but a stepping stone to greater achievements. It’s about the relentless pursuit of one’s goals, despite the odds stacked against you.

Today, I stand in a place of recovery and growth, having reclaimed and surpassed what was lost. This journey back to a better place wasn’t just about recovering material possessions or professional status; it was about rediscovering my strength, refining my vision, and reaffirming my commitment to my business and the people I aim to serve.

To those reading this, my story is a testament to the power of resilience. It’s a reminder that while the entrepreneurial journey is fraught with challenges, it is also filled with opportunities for rebirth and triumph. My journey from loss to recovery embodies the essence of entrepreneurship: the unwavering belief in the possibility of a better tomorrow and the relentless pursuit of that vision, no matter the obstacles.

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

One of the most pivotal lessons I’ve had to unlearn on my entrepreneurial journey concerns the nature of success and the expectations surrounding it. Like many, I entered my business venture with a clear vision of success, marked by specific milestones and achievements, all neatly aligned with a timeline I had meticulously planned in my head. This vision, however, soon confronted the reality of entrepreneurship—a reality filled with unexpected turns, challenges, and lessons that no business plan could have prepared me for.

The backstory to this unlearning process began with the series of setbacks I faced in 2022. Each loss, from my job to personal relationships, and even material possessions, seemed to further distance me from the vision of success I had harbored. It was during this period of reflection and rebuilding that I encountered the profound realization that my understanding of success was fundamentally flawed. The expectation that success would unfold precisely as I had envisioned, and within my desired timeframe, was not just unrealistic; it was a limitation I had imposed on myself.

Embracing the concept that everything happens in God’s timing, not ours, was both humbling and liberating. It required a shift from a mindset of control to one of faith and patience, understanding that the path to success is often nonlinear and unpredictable. This realization was a turning point, helping me to see that while we can strive for goals and work diligently towards them, the timing of our achievements is not always ours to dictate.

Unlearning this lesson has reshaped the way I approach my business and life. It has instilled in me a deeper sense of patience and a stronger faith in the journey, even when the destination seems uncertain. I’ve learned to value the process, embracing each step, each setback, and each victory as part of a larger tapestry that is unfolding in its own time.

This transformation in perspective has not only enriched my personal growth but has also positively impacted my business. With patience as a newfound virtue, I’ve become more resilient, adaptable, and open to the unexpected opportunities that arise from life’s uncertainties. It has taught me to focus less on the timing of success and more on the quality of the journey, trusting that with faith, hard work, and patience, success will come at the right time.

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