Today we’d like to introduce you to Lavene Gass.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
A New Jersey native, I was always drawn to Atlanta. When it was time for me to decide on furthering my education after high school, I knew that Atlanta was the place for me. I attended Clark Atlanta University, where I obtained my Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications. While there, I interned at Atlanta’s V-103 Radio Station and MTV Networks.
While in Atlanta, my affinity for the arts cultivated. I was exposed to television, radio and film production. Upon my graduation from Clark Atlanta University in 2004, I moved back to New Jersey and successfully pursued various areas of communication: editorial, public relations, marketing, theater, among other things.
In 2014, I delved into the entrepreneurial realm by writing, directing and producing my first theater production, “Pearls,” which sold out – 300 seats. Due to the overwhelming success of that show, it was brought back by popular demand in the Spring of 2015.
After realizing my passion for theater, I wrote, directed and produced another theater production entitled “PoeJazztry,” which paid homage to the glitz and glamour of the Roaring ’20s, with particular emphasis on The Harlem Renaissance. The play contained original poetry, written by me, which dealt with a myriad of topics ranging from love, race relations, and following your dreams, just to name a few. Subsequently, I wrote, directed and produced a short film, which was featured in the 2015 Passaic County Film Festival.
This fervor was cemented by a vision board that I created in 2014. On this vision board, it displayed motivational quotes and images of the goals that I wanted to achieve. Some goals included: selling out “Pearls,” getting accepted into graduate school, garnering media attention, among other things. Once these things manifested, I knew that there was something magical about vision boards so I decided to teach personal and professional development workshops that are centered around vision boards that includes teaching about gratitude, short and long term goal setting, the Law of Attraction, and maintaining high self-esteem.
These workshops have been successful. I’ve been teaching them for over three years and many of my “students” have achieved their goals (weight loss, purchasing homes, finding love, getting married, starting businesses, enrolling in college, bettering credit and traveling nationally and internationally, among other things).
In addition to teaching personal and professional development workshops, I also teach weekly meditation classes that are open and free to the public. My business is branching out and I am teaching a meditation class in Piedmont Park in Atlanta on Saturday, June 1 at 7 p.m.
For more information about me, please visit www.lavenegass.com.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
For the most part, I must say that it’s been an adventure. This entrepreneurial path has been circuitous. Quite frankly, I believe that’s how life is, it’s not linear, it’s a meandering road. However, the challenges I have been faced with dealing with time management. I work a full-time job in addition to being an entrepreneur. There are many days, where I am completely wiped out, but over time, I’ve learned the importance of balance. I have incorporated mindful wellness routines in my life: working out, journaling, practicing gratitude, meditating, doing yoga and watching what I eat. All of these things are the key ingredients that fuel me.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I’m a Media Entrepreneur/Motivational Speaker, who teaches meditation classes, personal and professional development workshops centered around vision boards and I am a writer/director and producer. In addition to obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree, I also have an MBA from William Paterson University. So, I have experience in a broad range from the arts to business.
I specialize in helping people find their passion(s), pursue their dreams, love themselves and maintain balance in their life.
I am known for: producing theater productions and teaching chakra balance meditation, gratitude, and vision board workshop sessions.
I believe my passion and the intense love that I have for each person that steps foot in my class set me apart. I believe people sense that I truly care for their well-being and that’s where the genuine connection begins to form because I am not only passionate about the lessons that I teach, but I’m also passionate about helping people transcend into the greatest being that I know they are capable of becoming.
I’m most proud of the transformation that I see people make after they’ve attended one or more of my workshops and/or classes. When I see people, who were once crippled by fear, transform into a beautiful, confident butterfly, who is willing and able to conquer the world, that fulfills me.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
My definition of luck is when hard work and preparation join forces to create opportunity. Some of these opportunities are presented by others and some are created by one’s self. I’ve been on the receiving end of both spectrums. However, I’ve created most of my own luck. One of the paramount areas of luck is believing in yourself. It’s so cliche, but it’s imperative. Believing in yourself is the foundation for luck – at least in my case. In every instance of “luck,” I’ve had to be resilient in my belief in myself by not allowing fear to cripple me from pursuing my dreams.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lavenegass.com
- Email: info@lavenegass.com
- Facebook: https://www.
facebook.com/lavenegass1/ -
Instagram: http://www.
instagram.com/lavenegass
Image Credit:
Michael Rhone, Der’rel Foster, Omar Veloz
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