What is a SisterPreneur? A SisterPreneur is a successful female entrepreneur who has paved the way for others in their field while making huge strides in their own personal career. I’m excited to bring you some of the very best interviews with SisterPreneurs I think you should know. Larvetta Loftin and I share similarities as entrepreneurs because we wear many hats and believe strongly in taking care of business. Larvetta has been an amazing business coach for me. Her coaching style is intimate, spirtual and will help take any individual to a new level of self awareness. Thank you Larvetta for sharing your success tips!
How long have you been in an Entrepreneur?
Since the early age of 20. I started a T-shirt business in college with my college buddies during one of Atlanta’s largest black college gatherings. Over the weekend, we raked in over $6,000. Since then, it was in my blood to become an entrepreneur because of the freedom to earn more and the ability to “Name my Price. ” After earning a reputation to leading top brands like Oldsmobile and Wal-mart in their pursuit to reaching the African American consumer, I left my “posh” advertising job of two and half years (my only job) to work as a consultant to birth L3 Eventeurs.
Tell us about your current business?
A lifestyle marketing, branding and special events company in Chicago. We are love connectors and trendsetters. We connect corporate brands to local and national programs to build brand trust and loyalty. Some of our clients include: Toyota, K-mart, McDonald’s, CVS Pharmacy (just to name few) and now Verizon Wireless.
I am also the Founder of Leading Ladies International and am a life and branding coach. I also recently started a non-profit to cultivate children in the arts. I also speak at schools, churches, and other organizations on Creating an AWARD-WINNING LIFE!
What advice do you have for those looking to start their own business?
One of my favorite quotes is “to get something you never had, you have to do something you never did.” Don’t be afraid to get a business or life coach to help you achieve your goals before starting your business. Goals are dreams with deadlines – Diana Scharf Hunt. Before many of our elected officials got in the race, they consulted with a coach to help them reach that goal of government.
In my CD, “Eight Steps to Creating an Award Winning Life,” I speak on establishing a Board of Directors team. A team of family, friends and colleagues who respect your work and will serve as your sales force, evangelists or ambassadors to your business. They will promote you to their friends and will help to build your following/clients. Learn how to ask for help, build strategic alliances or barter blessings that could be mutually beneficial. If you are a hair salon owner, you should build a relationship with a PR person to host events in your salon that can bring exposure to your salon. An event planner gets to use the space for client events, socials and networking events. It can also create a revenue stream for the salon to sell products or rent the space for other events. I am big on creating multiple streams of income.
What challenges do you face as an entrepreneur?
CASH FLOW….Many of my clients pay me net 30 days or more, so it can be very frustrating when you have to cover your business expenses and operations expenses.
Please give 3 of your best success practices/habits
1. Build quality business relationships with people that know more than you know. Be around people who are smarter than you..Your net worth is your network.
2. Get a life and business coach
3. Consult God with your business ventures.
2. Get a life and business coach
3. Consult God with your business ventures.
What is one of the biggest mistakes you think most entrepreneurs make?
Thinking as an employee instead of a CEO.
Are you married or single? How do you balance your schedule with your relationships?
Single but am in a committed relationship. It can be very difficult. I am blessed to have a man who supports my dreams but also teaches me how to have balance so I don’t get overconsumed in work. I still say it’s work in progress. One of the habits we’ve tried to stay true to is not working on Sundays. With both of us being entrepreneurs, it can be hard to follow especially for me. Also, learn how to cut the phone off or turn the ringer off after a certain time so you can be present in your relationship.
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What is your passion?
My passion is to lead women to a richer spirit and purpose. I became certified as a life coach so that I can help young women and our young people to lead an award winning life. I also started a women’s empowerment organization called Leading Ladies International to highlight the everyday “Sheroes” across the world who are leading in fashion, media, entrepreneur, business, health/wellness, financial and life balance. |
What is your most important message to other Sisterpreneurs?
Most entrepreneurs have multiple businesses. Not because they don’t believe one business won’t succeed, but because it’s not the TREND right now. Learn how to expand by adding complimentary services as an additional revenue stream to become not just a Sisterpreneur but a MOGUL.
My business banker told me the reason they invest in entrepreneurs/business owners because they are more likely to start multiple business. Anyone come to mind??? Queen Latifah, Beyonce, Raven Simone, Kandi Burress, Oprah Winfrey….how about you?
Visit Larvetta Online Here
