Meet Lydia: Rockin' It All
Lydia is a flame of empowerment wherever she goes. When setbacks in her journey have occurred, she hasn’t let anything stopped her but instead taken them as moments of opportunity to reflect, grow, and turn it into something creative, meaningful, and productive! Don’t miss her fiery and gritty responses that are sure to move you to action with your business!
Can you share a little of your journey with us and who you are?
I am a versatile and dynamic individual, but I will give you the facts too! I’m 24. I live in Little Rock, Arkansas. I am a serial entrepreneur with two business degrees! As far as my journey to where I am today- it started when I was a kid. My dad was an entrepreneur for a good portion of my life and that’s where I got my interest to have something that is mine- I watched him do something he loved so I knew in those moments I didn’t have to settle for anything for the sake of money. My work ethic came from losing everything- my family went through a lot of ups and downs as a child. It developed a fire inside of me that has allowed me to be as focused and determined as I am today.
My entrepreneurship journey started shortly after I finished my undergrad degree when I was fired 6 months after graduating. Instead of panicking and going back into the job hunt that all my friends were doing, I spent 2017 looking inwardly and getting clear on the type of woman I wanted to become and what I wanted to spend my time doing. The day I was fired I had an unspeakable peace- I absolutely knew it was God. I left the office and was thinking who do I call and tell, but I had this peace and it was God pushing me out of my comfort zone towards what I’m supposed to be doing. I don’t doubt what I’m doing and why I’m doing it!
Tell us about the mission of your brand- how does it empower women?
As a serial entrepreneur, everything that I agree to start whether it is something I start myself or with others has to be something for a greater purpose. I don’t start anything just for money. I believe that everyone’s purpose is to help others- I have a soft spot for women and children and minorities. I actually subscribe to a box called Love Yours that is curated to help women love themselves more in order to take care of yourself in your busy life. We are the person that is thinking of you when you are thinking of others. I feel that is really empowering because when you get that box on your doorstep, it causes you to pause for a second and remind yourself that you matter and to take care of yourself. I also have my clothing boutique that I want women to look and feel their best. I have a podcast called the “boss up” podcast- highlighting the stories and success of women entrepreneurs. I wanted to be one of the people to help provide that platform. You never know who needs to hear it. The person that needs to hear your story may not be in your city or state so I want the podcast to be that connection. The boss up podcast tends to help women find some inspiration in their field of choice. It’s hard to actualize something you’ve never seen so I wanted to make the successes women have found in their field available to all. I said earlier that I don’t start anything just for money, but it is necessary- because of this, I give women the opportunity to be valued for their opinion and support of my business. This is why it was so important for me to have that in both my e-commerce stores!
What is the biggest challenge you’ve had to press through as a female entrepreneur? What are the steps you had to take to overcome it?
The setbacks I’ve experiences as an entrepreneur aren’t necessarily related to me being female but are related to me being young in age- I had to develop this level of maturity and clarity that allowed me to move strategically in my businesses. I took a whole year like I said and learned about myself- I found coaches and mentors- once you develop that solid mindset as an entrepreneur and business owner, there is nothing that you can stop you.
What sets your brand apart from others?
I think everyone has their own unique value to whatever it is that they do. I know I’m not the only person with a podcast or online boutique or digital products- they do similar things that I do, but at the end of the day, no one can do what I do- I as a person separate my brand from others. Any brand story is going to be unique because of the people that it is comprised of- it’s real when you show up as who you really are- that’s the beauty of it all!
How do you collaborate with others working towards a better world?
As you know, I have multiple brands and business partners. Even in this conversation that we are having, I try to make myself readily available as much as I can. I always keep an open mind regardless of social exposure or monetary gain. I see value in everyone so as long as we have the same perspective and mission to do something positive and cultivate change- I am open to working with people as much as I can because I don’t want to overextend myself. I always show up as myself, and always pray and ask God to show me that this is what I’m supposed to be doing!
What advice would you give to female entrepreneurs in the beginning stages of launching their brand or business?
I think the most important advice I would give is 1) Do your research because in the beginning of a business idea, a lot of people will fall for other people teaching them their craft. Master your craft first- be knowledgeable about your businesses- don’t start something you know nothing about. 2) Be committed to your goal but be flexible about your methods- quickly realize that there will be a lot of twists or turns. stick to your goal, and never give up on your goal. 3) Be patient: building any brand or business takes time- it means don’t give up when it’s hard or your not in the mood or you don’t get the response initially. Don’t let discouragement throw you off course! Anything is achievable if you don’t give up!
Instagram: @lydiampage
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