We caught up with the brilliant and insightful REISCHEL SAWYER-COBB a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
REISCHEL, 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?
I think most look at being the only one in the room as an “awkward moment”. I can honestly say I’ve had that moment before as a young adult. Not because I felt unworthy because I knew I deserved to be there just as anyone else but just simply because no one in the room looked like me. My natural instinct was to put a wall up and read the room first. I soon shifted my mindset. Being the only one that looks like me in the room, is an opportunity to stand out and shine. An opportunity to teach and share insight on my world with others and an opportunity for me to learn about and from others. I’ve always been confident in who I am and my abilities, so I walk boldly in a room owning it. I feel just as important as anyone else in the room or seated at the table with me. What I’ve learned is that just because we don’t look the same, doesn’t mean we have nothing in common. I found that our differences bring opportunity to collaborate with one another to do some amazing things. I’m always looking for an opportunity to grow and learn from others so entering the room with that mindset allows me to be successful in any room I enter into.
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?
I am the founder and CEO of ICANDO, a women empowerment organization & brand. ICANDO was launched on August 1, 2020. ICANDO is a Women Empowerment Organization & Brand with a product line of apparel, accessories and cosmetics. The driving force behind the brand is Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. The ICANDO motto is: I Can Do all things purposed for me. I Can Do ME! ICANDO has a passionate mission to inspire women to walk and live in their true purpose. Empowering and fostering confidence, boldness and truth, our brand exudes the power and ability to overcome every great obstacle with strength and resilience. ICANDO products and overall service delicately addresses the desire to grow the inner woman, while also uniquely enhancing the outer appearance. ICANDO core values are: Truth, honesty, positivity, community and passion. The hope is that many are touched, empowered, inspired, and motivated by ICANDO’s presence, daily inspirational posts, events, groups, and all-inspirational products.
ICANDO will continue with the development, launch and advancement of its mentoring program in 2023. ICANDO is currently a small organization & brand, but the vision is HUGE! ICANDO Women Empowerment Brand has so much more to come!
We invite you to visit our website at www.icando.biz and subscribe to stay informed of all the exciting events and community projects that we have planned for the upcoming year, as well as see what we’re all about. Feel free to share and support.
You can also follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ICANDOorg and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/icando.biz.
What’s to come in 2023:
• ICANDO Annual Vision Board Party – February 2023
• ICANDO Women’s Book Club – March 2023
• ICANDO Women Empowerment Pop Up Shop – Spring & Fall 2023
• ICANDO Girl 2nd Annual Paint Party – March 2023
• ICANDO Women’s Financial Empowerment Workshop – June 2023
• ICANDO 3rd Annual Women Empowerment Conference– August 2023
• Annual ICANDO Scholarship Awards – August 2023
• Annual School Supply Giveaway – August 2023
• Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign (Lip Gloss) – October 2023
• Thanksgiving annual meal gift card giveaway – November 2023
• Quarterly “Bags of Inspiration” Women and Teen Shelter Donations
• ICANDO Women’s Retreat – Summer 2023
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?
I hold a bachelor’s degree in business administration: Accounting with over 25 years of experience in the field. This knowledge helped me to successfully set up and manage my business. Because my business was created and birthed from my purpose, I love what I do. Another quality that helps me navigate in every area of my life is that I am well-organized. My advice to anyone just starting this journey of entrepreneurship is to be sure its purposed for you. Believe in what it is that you’re doing. Be sure you’re operating in your lane and using your gifts/talents. In order for it to be successful, your heart has to be in it. Make connections with people who are in alignment with your vision. Surround yourself with people who are just excited about it as you are. Most importantly, DO THE WORK!
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was to empower me as a little girl, always pushing me to go higher. I remember as a kid when I brought home a C grade on a report card, my dad told me “You are an A student!”. That affirmed and empowered me. I carry that with me still today.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.icando.biz
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/icando.biz
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ICANDOorg
- Other: email: hello@icando.biz
