We were lucky to catch up with Lena Maxfield Edwards recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Lena , so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
As a Black woman in business, being the only one in the room can feel isolating, but I’ve learned to turn that into my strength. I remind myself that my voice, perspective, and experience are valuable, even if no one else in the room looks like me. I lead with confidence and let my work speak for itself, but I also know how to navigate spaces where I might not be the first choice for certain opportunities. Building strong relationships and allies in the industry has been key, but staying true to who I am and what I stand for is non-negotiable. At the end of the day, being the only one in the room means I’m breaking barriers—and that’s power.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As a wife, mom of five, and a serial entrepreneur, my journey has been all about balance and resilience. I’ve spent over 20 years in business development, helping brands grow and become number one in their industries, but what excites me most is building something of my own. Right now, I’m focused on launching a boutique that will combine my passion for beauty and fashion. It’s a space where women can feel empowered, confident, and celebrated.
What’s special about my work is that it’s not just about business—it’s about creating opportunities for other women, especially moms like myself, to shine. I believe in building brands that are authentic, relatable, and aligned with a strong story. I’m also excited about expanding my Gimme 5 Minutes brand through partnerships with Walmart and Amazon, continuing to provide women-owned businesses with the tools and strategies to grow and thrive.
Keep an eye out for the boutique launch in December, which will be a blend of clothing and makeup, creating an experience where women can treat themselves in one space!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three key qualities have had the biggest impact on my journey: resilience, adaptability, and relationship-building.
Resilience has been essential because, as a wife, mom, and business owner, there have been countless challenges, but I’ve learned how to push through even when things felt impossible. My advice for anyone starting out is to embrace failure as part of the process. It’s not about how many times you fall, but how many times you get back up.
Adaptability has been crucial in a world that’s constantly changing, especially in business. Whether it’s learning new technologies or shifting strategies to meet market demands, staying flexible has kept me ahead. I’d recommend always staying open to learning and evolving—those who adapt the fastest will thrive.
Lastly, relationship-building has been one of the most valuable skills. From my experience, success isn’t just about what you know, but who you know. Building genuine relationships in business can open doors you didn’t even know existed. For those just starting out, invest time in networking and always approach people with authenticity.
Focus on strengthening these areas, and you’ll be set up to not only survive but thrive in your journey.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
Over the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been in building successful partnerships. Whether it’s collaborating with other entrepreneurs or forging strategic alliances with major retailers like Walmart and Amazon, I’ve really honed my ability to identify opportunities that align with my vision and goals. Learning how to cultivate these partnerships has been transformative for my business.
The key has been understanding that successful partnerships are built on mutual trust, clear communication, and a shared commitment to growth. By focusing on these elements, I’ve been able to expand my reach and create meaningful connections that elevate both my business and those I work with. This growth has reinforced the importance of collaboration and how it can take your brand to levels you might not reach on your own.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gimmie5minutes.com/
- Instagram: Gimmie 5 Minutes
- Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/gimmie5minutes?igsh=ZGY4cDltcmxrZ2g3
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