We recently connected with Conshinia Fowler and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Conshinia with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
Growing up it was evident that my parents wanted to provide the best life they could. My parents were my first examples of an entrepreneurship. My father, a retired HVAC-R licensed technician and plumber. Who worked by day as a supervisor and by night as a small business owner. There were times he would come home to dinner and in many cases never make it home for dinner due to his work load. My mother spent her time as a nurse and later a home child care provider. As a young girl, I witnessed the dedication of both my parents to succeed in helping and providing service for people.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
In my early years, I fulfilled my passion as a licensed cosmetologist dedicating almost 20 years to the industry. I enjoyed working with my hands, heart, and people. I am grateful for many business mentors in my life who shared their knowledge and wisdom to develop my business skill and craft. While, serving the outward appearance of men, women, boys, and girls. I made time for self develop and earned a degree in Religion and biblical studies. After, much consideration and prayer I decided that my time as a salon owner had come to a graceful end. I launched out in to the deep obtaining a commercial driving license and dedicating three years to transporting special needs children, operating heavy equipment while driving on the right side of a vehicle, and training others to do so for two different City’s and one County. In less than three years I was able to drive and operate over seven different commercial vehicles and I felt I had served my purpose. After the introduction of COVID-19, I had some time to think and organized my next business venture. I wanted to provide a mobile service this time! I no longer wanted to see people come and go; I too wanted to come and go! This is how Vegan House Shack Mobile Restaurant was inspired.
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?
Looking back the qualities and skill sets that stand out the most is my personal entrepreneurial spirit, my passion for people, and the many years of experience and business success from the beauty industry. The best advice I can provide is to encourage each person to have a business mentors. Education is wonderful and necessary, but without hands on and real life examples it can be challenging. You need someone to teach and provide a business professionalism visual. School is designed to teach theory, critical thinking and development. It does not teach you character conduct, the importantance of time, and personal organization. These qualities can only be possess if desired. For ex. how you allow customers to address you, how you respond and engage on social platforms, self care, pricing, salary, discipline, work and family balance, marketing your brand, what personal actions and pricing harm the business industry as a whole, how to interact with those who provide the same service, embracing challenges, business vs. personal freedom, etc, Remember it’s not necessary for a business owner to travel alone, when so many have traveled the path before you. Be willing to learn and grow after you obtained your certificate, license, or degree.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
There work ethic, tenacious spirits, and passion for people was a picture without words. They understood that nothing will be handed down to you without hard work, discipline, and self determination. They inspired and instilled you can have anything you are willing to work hard for.
Contact Info:
- Website: Veganhouseshack.com
- Instagram: Vegan House Shack
- Facebook: Vegan House Shack
- Yelp: Vegan House Shack Mobile Restaurant
