Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Bevla Reeves. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Bevla, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
When I reflect on my work ethic and its origins, four people come to mind. Two are typical, and two are not.
Growing up in a household with a father like mine was akin to being enveloped in the aura of a living legend. He may not have been renowned beyond our family and community, but within those walls, he was everything. My dad, a Black American man, served his country in the military for 22 years, beginning at just 18 years old in 1948 and continuing through the tumultuous ’60s. Needless to say, those were profoundly challenging times for Black people in America. He seamlessly transitioned into another chapter of service, devoting two more decades to working for the Postal Service. However, his true masterpiece wasn’t merely the years he clocked in; it was the unwavering dedication and resilience he exhibited every single day.
His work ethic wasn’t solely about earning a paycheck; it was a testament to his character, a reflection of his values. He believed in the power of hard work and the dignity of labor in providing for one’s family.
I recall him always telling me as a young person, “You have to get a job and work hard.” And I did; I started at age 13. As I matured, his teachings became ingrained in my psyche, shaping the very essence of my being. I learned that success wasn’t handed to you on a silver platter; you had to roll up your sleeves and fight for it. And as a Black person in America, you often had to fight twice as hard.
Then there was my mother, also enduring those tumultuous times, birthing five children and often shouldering the responsibility alone while my father was deployed for months at a time, separated from his family. She was an incredibly hard worker. I believe that raising children is the hardest job on earth.
With my parents as role models, I grew up as a highly ambitious individual. As a teenager, I voluntarily attended summer school every year just so I could graduate from high school early at age 16 to kickstart my career as a hairstylist. I then traveled the world with Prince, Sheila E., and others as a Celebrity Hairstylist. The other atypical role models who helped shape my work ethic as a young adult were Prince and Sheila E. I was always in awe of how hard they worked, from sunup to sundown, never complaining and exhibiting flawless craftsmanship. The work ethic of these four individuals became my own, and I will never forget them for it.
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?
During the COVID pandemic lockdown, I found myself contemplating my life—where it stood and where I envisioned it heading. Like many others during that period, I yearned for change. My current business left me feeling uninspired, prompting a desire to transition back into a more creatively fulfilling endeavor where I could truly thrive. However, I was at a loss as to what that might entail.
About five years prior, I had concocted a recipe for highly nutritious savory (not sweet) oatmeal, a dish I indulged in almost daily. Throughout the lockdown, I often found myself wishing I could purchase it prepackaged from a store, sparing me the effort of preparing it from scratch each time I craved a meal. Additionally, I believed having it readily available would allow me to stock my pantry and minimize trips to the grocery store, a venture that felt increasingly perilous amidst the looming threat of the virus.
One day, as I savored my spicy, salty, thick, and chewy savory oatmeal—what I jokingly referred to as a “climax in a bowl”—a realization struck me like lightning. I needed to package this culinary delight so others could relish in this experience too. In that moment, the unique concept of FLAMING OATS™ premium plant-based protein meals was born.
A bit more about myself: I’ve always been driven by ambition, fierce independence, and a penchant for boldness. I’ve often considered myself a rebel, refusing to conform to society’s expectations. This mindset has been the driving force behind my life’s journey. As I’ve mentioned, I made the unconventional choice as a 14 year old to graduate from high school early at 16 to pursue a career as a hairstylist, which, as the youngest on the crew, eventually led me to travel the world with luminaries like Prince and Sheila E. Also, styling the hair of Patti LaBelle Al Roker, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Kirstie Alley, Melanie Griffith, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and others.
In addition to these ventures, I ventured into real estate, flipping 28 houses in just two years, despite lacking experience or capital. I even transformed my 1-bedroom condo, converting the living room into my bedroom to create a welcoming space for guests in the actual bedroom.
My wardrobe philosophy is simple yet practical—I exclusively purchase clothing with pockets to eliminate the need for a purse. As a Black woman I sport a blonde Teeny Weeny Afro (TWA). I only wear black clothing to streamline laundry efforts to just one load per week. None of that laundry sorting nonsense.
Creativity and entrepreneurship as a lifestyle course through my veins; it’s the only lifestyle I’ve ever known. Through my former networking group and business incubators I created for Fempreneurs, I’ve empowered over 100 women to launch and grow their businesses, embracing rule-breaking and innovation every step of the way.
Now, I’m channeling my rebellious spirit into FLAMING OATS™, offering bold, delectable, and highly nutritious spicy salty premium protein meals to the masses. I created it for health-conscious people and rule breakers who prefer savory over sweet, packed with nutrients you deserve, packaged in convenient single servings. It’s a rebellious party in your mouth and nourishment for your body and soul. This ain’t your grandma’s oatmeal. Promise.
FLAMING OATS™ isn’t just a high-protein meal made with superfood ingredients with no added preservatives—it’s a revolution. Get ready to experience oats like never before. So good you forget you’re eating your vitamins and minerals.
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?
Three skills that have served me well are:
- Feeling the fear and not letting it stop me from jumping into the scary opportunity in front of me.
- Having faith that if the universe brought it to me, it’s because I’m capable and worthy of seizing the opportunity.
- Knowing my purpose which is to pursue my dreams and help others do the same, which keeps me in the fight when entrepreneurship gets lonely and arduous.
My advice to others on their journey is simple yet powerful:
- Never give up. Hang on, and you will make your dreams come true.
- Ignore the naysayers. They’re simply people jealous of your courage to pursue your dreams.
- Believe in yourself and your purpose. No one else can offer the world what only you uniquely can.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
My biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months has been mastering the art of asking for help. I consider this a skill akin to an art form because, like many entrepreneurs, I am fiercely independent, making it challenging to seek assistance. When you’re accustomed to handling everything on your own, the idea of asking for help can feel daunting. However, in the last 12 months, I took a significant step forward. I successfully launched a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign seeking Backers for my bold new idea, FLAMING OATS™, where I reached out to family, friends, and even strangers for support. To my surprise and delight, not only did they step up to help, but I also surpassed my funding goal by $5,000.00 for a total of $30,233.00 raised!
Furthermore, I expanded my network by joining a local nonprofit organization that champions small businesses, called Local First Arizona (https://localfirstaz.com/). This decision proved invaluable, as it provided me with an abundance of resources, connections, and a sense of camaraderie that exceeded my expectations. Embracing the act of asking for help has profoundly impacted my journey with FLAMING OATS™, to the extent that I now find myself dreaming a bigger dream for it than the one I started with.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://flamingoats.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eatflamingoats/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eatflamingoats
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bevlareeves/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FlamingOats
Image Credits
Lilac Dream Boudoir by Nova Mejia
