The actual first leap of faith into my career started over 7 years ago when I decided to leave my job at Fort Valley State University to pursue my dream to work in fashion and entertainment. My original goal was to start in New York, however; the journey actually landed me in Atlanta, Georgia starting as a personal assistant to an established publicist by the name of April Love and handling social media engagement for Jamahl King of S.T.E.P.S. Event Planning Firm. As a result, those opportunities gave me my first crash course into the Atlanta scene and a chance to connect with key influencers in the market. Then to fast forward, I started working with other top celebrity talent, brands and then SHEEN Magazine, the Ultimate Beauty Guide for the modern-day woman as a writer and social media strategist. Henceforth, I become the Editor-In Chief of SHEEN for six years. On July 31, 2018, I took another leap of faith and left SHEEN Magazine to birth Sammihaynes.com (ON Everything I Love) and the start of Love Freedom Movement, a platform where creative agents connect to motivate consciousness to first LOVE, which stimulates the hearts desire to experience a new level of Freedom to Reimagine, Freedom to Breathe, Freedom to Dream and Freedom to just simply BE. Today, it is essential for me to decode from the traditional route and bet on me. For I am brilliant. These platforms were birthed from my sincere desire to serve the globe, express unconditional love and acceptance. Love Freedom Movement, Sammihaynes.com and all the future projects are connected to my core decision to live from the inside out.
What were the biggest initial hurdles to building your business and how did you overcome them?
The initial hurdles was first fear and then where to start. So I started changing my environment with the people I connected to and begin listening to other successful individuals journey, which gave me the courage to take the leap. I learned the key to starting anything is to simply initiate the idea and start the planning process to activate the dream/goal.
What books are you currently reading? I am currently reading The War of Art by Steven Pressfield, Accidental Icon by Iris Apfel. I would recommend for any entrepreneur to read The Keys by DJ Khaled, Shoe Dog by Phil Knight and Succeeding Against the Odds by John H. Johnson
Did you ever deal with contention from your family and friends concerning your entrepreneurial pursuits? I haven't dealt with contention and probably because I am blind to it. My family and friends will give me their advice, but I am truly moved by my internal instinct. How did you handle it? What would you do differently in hindsight? The only thing I would probably do in hindsight is move at a faster pace. I think through alot of options before I make the final leap.
What would you say was the single most influential factor in your business success?
One of the single most influential factors in my life was the day I starting working for SHEEN Magazine and became the Editor In Chief. I dreamed one day of owning a publication, but God had a bigger dream for me, which he connected me to a Kimberly Chapman and SHEEN Magazine. It has far been one of the most phenomenal experiences of my life.
What do you know today that you wish you would have known when you first got started as an entrepreneur?
Have no fear in the process of evolution. This is a marathon and not a sprint. Consistency is the key to success. Patience and service will get you everything life has to offer.
What advice would you give to an upcoming entrepreneur locally and internationally?
Listen to your internal instinct and allow it to be your guide daily. Learn as much as possible about your area of focus, find a mentor and connect with those that challenge you to live on the edge.
Photo credit: Roq Fluellen of Iroq Photograhy
