Family Roots: The Foundation of My Entrepreneurial Journey

Reginald Prevail • September 6, 2022




My parents epitomize the phrase "getting it out the mud."

They both nurtured ideas within their minds and transformed those visions into successful businesses.

Their journey began with their first collaborative venture, a hair salon aptly named "Strictly Business."

But Strictly Business was more than just a salon.

It featured gumball machines and even offered pagers, a hot commodity back then. My dad was the barber, and my mom was the hairstylist. Together, they created a thriving business.

Their hard work paid off, and soon they saved enough money to purchase a building across the street. This became the location for "Strictly Business Convenience Store."

As a young child, around three or four years old, I was already involved in the family business. I remember standing at the register, helping out, much like you see in family-owned shops where the children contribute from a young age.

This early exposure to entrepreneurship shaped my understanding of hard work and dedication.

I embraced my role in the family business, never shying away from it. My parents were significant influences in my life, each teaching me invaluable lessons through their distinct hustles.

My mom and dad's relentless drive and innovative spirit became the foundation of my work ethic.

My grandmother Smith was also a remarkable figure.

She raised seven children, embodying the essence of hard work and perseverance. Her story is a testament to resilience, serving as a constant source of motivation for me.

The drive to succeed runs in my DNA, a legacy of determination and enterprise passed down through generations. My family’s story is a powerful reminder that with hard work, dedication, and a bit of creativity, you can transform dreams into reality.

Ultimately, the lesson is clear: it starts with the family. The values, work ethic, and resilience that I learned from my parents and grandmother have been instrumental in shaping who I am today.

Family is the foundation upon which we build our dreams, and their support and example can propel us toward success.

How to Be a Resilient Entrepreneur

By EJ Gutierrez • July 30, 2024
Starting and managing a business is challenging. You have to handle various responsibilities such as dealing with people, managing clients, solving problems, and much more. One of the toughest parts is persevering when things go wrong. This is where resilience comes in. Learning to be resilient is key to becoming a successful entrepreneur. Here are some ways to build resilience: Here are the key features of a person with a growth mindset: 1. Practice Self-Care This might sound odd, but it's true. You need a clear mind to be resilient—one that isn't overwhelmed by emotions and thoughts. Achieving this requires taking care of both your mind and body. Mindfulness and Meditation: Practice mindfulness and meditation to clear your mind and stay focused. Exercise: Find a few minutes each day to exercise. Physical activity can greatly improve your mental well-being. Healthy Eating: Make sure to eat well to maintain your physical health, which in turn supports your mental resilience. 2. Have a Positive Outlook Focus on Solutions: Instead of dwelling on problems, concentrate on finding solutions. This proactive approach can help you see challenges as opportunities for growth. Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. This can boost your morale and remind you of the progress you're making. Surround Yourself with Positivity: Spend time with positive and supportive people who uplift you. Their optimism can be contagious and help you maintain a positive attitude. Practice Gratitude: Regularly take time to reflect on what you're grateful for. This can shift your focus from what's going wrong to what's going right, enhancing your overall outlook. 3. Seek Advise Reach out to people close to you or those you know to be positive and resilient. If you don't know anyone in your immediate circle, learn about how successful people have overcome challenges. Their stories can provide valuable insights and inspiration. For instance, consider the story of Steve Jobs. In 1985, Jobs was fired from Apple, the company he co-founded. This could have been a devastating blow to his career, but Jobs didn't let it define him. Instead, he founded NeXT, a computer platform development company, and acquired the animation studio Pixar. Both ventures were successful, and in a twist of fate, Apple acquired NeXT in 1997, bringing Jobs back to the company. His return marked the beginning of a series of revolutionary products like the iMac, iPod, iPhone, and iPad, solidifying Apple's place as one of the most valuable companies in the world. Building resilience takes time and effort, but it's a crucial skill for any entrepreneur. By practicing self-care, maintaining a positive outlook, and seeking support, you can develop the resilience needed to navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

Tips for Building Your Professional Network

By Reginald Prevail • July 4, 2024
Networking is a crucial component of career growth. Building and maintaining professional relationships can open doors to new opportunities, provide valuable insights, and enhance your professional reputation. I have been lucky to have met and interacted with people from all over the world from different backgrounds and industries. Here are some tips for building your professional netowrk: 1. Attend Industry Events Attend industry conferences, seminars, and workshops to meet professionals in your field. This can be online or offline but I personally feel like I can make better connections in the real world. don't be shy. Introduce yourself, exchange business cards, learn more about their professional background and business. And most importantly have fun and be genuinely interseted. They will feel if your just after their business card. 2. Utilize Social Media As I stated above, you can network online too. One of the best social platforms for professionals in LinkedIn. You can comment when someone posts a question that is realted to the industry you're in. you can also join linkedin groups and engage with its members. you can also post quality content where you can interact with people that engage with the post. There are other platforms aside from Linkedin, use them and network! 3. Join Professional Organizations Look for local, national, and even internationl associations that are related o your field. You can even volunteer for committees or leadership roles within these organizations to increase your visibility and build deeper connections. 4. Just Ask Request a short conversation with professionals you admire to learn more about their career paths and gain insights. Just please don't waste their time by not preparing. Prepare thoughtful questions to make the most of these conversations and again, show genuine interest. Not all will agree to meet with you. Networking is an essential element of career growth, offering opportunities, support, and knowledge that can propel you forward. By actively building you can create a robust support system that not only aids in your career advancement but also enriches your personal and professional life.
More Posts