We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Averri Simone Liggins a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Averri Simone, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
It’s easy to let our insecurities and doubts get the best of us, especially when we are presented with opportunities that seem too good to be true or out of our league. I’ve been there many times, but one instance that sticks out in my mind was when I almost let my age hold me back from applying as a business coach with the AARP Foundation. As a 30-year-old at the time, I couldn’t help but think, “Why would seasoned individuals listen to someone so young?” But I didn’t let that stop me. And I am so glad I didn’t because that experience opened so many doors I could have never imagined. Not to mention the impact I made on the two entrepreneurs under my wing. This experience reminded me that no matter what obstacle or fear lies ahead, we should always do it scared because we never know where it might lead us.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As a child, I constantly brainstormed new ideas and products to sell, like Girl Scout cookies and making bath salts. My mom was entrepreneurial-minded, and I looked up to her as a role model and her ability to call her own shots. Looking back, one memory my mom shared always makes me laugh. At age three, I put a bracelet on one of my mom’s clients to showcase it, and the client bought it! That was when I realized that entrepreneurship was truly in my genes. As I got older, my passion for entrepreneurship grew stronger, and in college, I began designing websites, which led me to learn more about branding and marketing.
Now, as the CEO of Black Women Moguls, I work with talented and driven entrepreneurs looking to take their businesses to the next level. It’s not uncommon for business owners to become so consumed by their day-to-day business operations that they forget to look closely at how their systems and processes could be optimized for growth and success. That’s where I come in. My team and I work diligently to create automation and marketing systems that transform our clients’ brands into 24/7 sales machines. It’s a gratifying experience to witness the transformation in my clients – from frustrated and overwhelmed to fulfilled and in control. It’s truly amazing to see the impact that a few simple changes can make.
I also co-own Spin & Shout, a luxury 360 Photo Booth company. At Spin & Shout, my business partner Ray and I take the event photo booth experience to the next level. Our company isn’t a typical photo booth service in Atlanta. We take pride in curating a premium experience with event customization, unique props, and special effects that will make any event unforgettable. Our team takes enormous pride in adding a special touch to each event we work with. And when we set up, it hardly feels like work because we have so much watching the attendees enjoy their experience.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Entrepreneurship is a challenging path, but the rewards can be tremendous. After years of trial and error, I have come to understand that three things have made a difference in my journey:
1. The willingness to never stop learning and always keep an open mind to new ideas and techniques that can improve the business.
2. Investing in coaching has been invaluable. Having a mentor that can guide you through business challenges and provide valuable feedback can make the difference between success and failure.
3. The power of building business relationships cannot be underestimated. Networking and developing connections can open doors to opportunities that otherwise would not have been possible.
Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned entrepreneur, these three things are essential for success. So don’t be afraid to leap, and always be open to new opportunities – you never know where they might lead!
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When our lives become overwhelming and frustrating, it can be hard to pinpoint exactly what’s going wrong. Often, the root of the problem is related to one of three things.
First, our systems may be breaking down. Whether it’s a lack of organization or a new challenge that we haven’t accounted for, we need to consistently evaluate our approaches to ensure they align with business demands.
Secondly, we may not be delegating effectively. It’s impossible for any one person to do everything themselves, and we need to be willing to trust others and divvy up tasks.
Finally, we may simply need to take a break. We all work hard, but nobody can run on empty. We must take care of ourselves if we want to be effective in any of our pursuits. By constantly evaluating our systems, delegating wisely, and taking time for ourselves, we can reduce frustration and increase our chances of success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.blackwomenmoguls.com | www.spinandshout.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/blackwomenmoguls | www.instagram.com/spinandshout360
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/blackwomenmoguls | www.facebook.com/spinandshout
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/spin-and-shout-atlanta
Image Credits
Picture with Book in Blue Dress: MAHJ
