This story is about…
Female Entrepreneur: Evelyn Jackson
Company: Divalyn Small Business Guru & Pastry Divas
Location: USA
She started her business because… “I was involved in a Tractor trailer accident that left me bedridden for 2 years, which also led to losing my job of 15 years in the corporate world.”
Age range: 40s
Tell us about your business…
I have 4 businesses, which I love so much… The two main ones is my marketing company (Divalyn Small Business Guru) which helps the Tired, Broke and Unique Micro-small business owners. I believe the reason so many businesses fail is because they need help, but the help cost to much. So my company comes in and show them the way without draining their pockets. My second company is Pastry Divas, which is taking over the East Coast… We done over four thousand cupcake donations to various organizations like, Career Wardrobe, Uniquely U Summit and other organzations.
What is a day in the life of you like?
I usually don’t start work until 10am, I don’t like to run, get up tired and start so I have a nice cup of coffee and then I hit the computers. My marketing company is mostly internet based. I also meet clients at my office which I enjoy so much because it’s all pink. Then I’m picking up supplies for the upcoming crazy weekend with our cakes. I have 3 grandkids so I have to get back in time to put them up for school. Also my oldest grandchild is involved with Girl Scouts… my days are pretty hectic sometimes, but I love it because I’m doing what I love and I control the hours.
What have been your biggest challenges so far with running your business?
Time management of my four businesses was my hardest challenge, until I came up with the “Quicke Zone”, which I explain in my book. My tractor trailer accident kept me in pain, so much that some days I couldn’t get out of bed, so I learned how to use the phone to my advantage. Sometimes people didn’t care if I was in pain, so this is when my twenty six year old daughter had to be my legs… I think about how lucky I am for being here after having eight surgeries and doctors telling me I will always walk with a cane and will always be in pain. I don’t walk with a cane anymore, but one of my legs is shorter than the other which causes me a lot pain, but being my own boss has brought me so much joy.
How did you overcome these challenges?
My house was up for foreclosure, I lost my job of 15 years, I lost my car and my marriage of 18 years and I had one child who depended on me. So my back was against the wall and I lost everything… So I had no choice but to move forward. I prayed a lot and my only focus was to live for my daughter and make her life better than mine. Today me and my daughter own Pastry Divas together. I also wrote two books to help small business owners, from which came great success. I self-published both my books and sold over seven hundred books using social media within a few months without one book signing.
What have you found to be the most effective way to get new clients?
I love Social Media, more than eighty perfect of my customers come from Facebook and Twitter. I formed my company D.S.B.G. (Divalyn Small Business Guru) all from Social Media… I also believe in giving out your business cards everywhere you go… I believe if you have skin, you will get one of my postcards.
What advice would you give to other business owners?
To never ever quit… When times are hard think about where you came from and how far you got. Sometimes you need that coach that will push you forward, find that person. Sometimes if you can’t do it for yourself, then your kids, spouse or whoever becomes your motivator. Whatever you do remember success doesn’t always come overnight, but it will come if you stay focused. I believe you should push, pull or do whatever you need to move ahead.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
I find my personal motivator, sometimes it’s a book author, a TV show or just looking at the smiles on my three grandkids face. I say to myself I have to work hard now, so they can reap the rewards if I don’t… I always think about how I hated working the corporate world for fifteen years and hated every year and how I don’t want to go back. Not working in the Corporate world and me being my own boss is my biggest motivator ever. I believe being my own boss is the best thing because I can shut it down whenever I want and smile while doing it.
What’s your favourite quote?
Do unto others as you want them to do to you.
Who inspires you?
My three grandkids… To see them smiling having fun and no worries at all, keeps me motivated to make my businesses work. Happiness can not be brought, all the money in the world can only give you choices, but seeing your grandkids smiling and no worries about food or anything is PRICELESS…
Do you have a business philosophy?
If the person has SKIN, then they need to know about your services… Don’t let anyone walk pass you without giving them a card, postcard or anything, they might be or know your next huge business partner.
