Today we’d like to introduce you to Renita Fortson.
Renita, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Having battled my own struggles with low self-esteem, negative self-perception, and lack of self-confidence in my abilities up until my early 30’s, I am able to speak from a personal place when encouraging other women to become fearless, intentional, and powerful in their lives no matter what’s going on around them. I can remember being homeless and feeling defeated in 2011. I was recently separated from my ex-husband with my then 1 1/2 years old son. I knew life had to get better than where I was but I had no clue HOW!? I began to seek answers from a friend of mine who was into psychic readings and tarot, my curiosity was sparked. That’s when I started to be led to other information that positioned me to learn about universal energy and the power of manifestation. I learned that I could literally speak and manifest the life I wanted! That was powerful to me!!
After discovering the Law of Attraction; I began to read the book ‘The Secret’ and listening to gurus like Bob Proctor, Lisa Nichols, Les Brown, Wayne Dyer, and Jim Rohn on YouTube. These series of discoveries about myself and the world I was subconsciously creating sparked a change in the direction of my life as well as the way I thought about myself! When tragedy hit my home again in May of 2018 when my son was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, at age 8, I was equipped! Though there was sadness and moments of fear; it was the law of manifestation that kept us on a healthy path both physically and mentally. Keeping my family strengthened allowed us to manifest healing, wholeness, and joy in the process.
Today, my mission is to travel the world sharing my bubbly “Hey Best Friend!” welcome phrase as I help women to feel more self-aware and confident along their journey to self-discovery. I recently unveiled, “A Pop of Positivity”, which is a series of girl power celebrations where I curate events across various cities and states uniting female entrepreneurs through inspiration, empowerment, and sisterhood.
“Trying to balance a 9-5, household responsibilities, self-care, and a social life, all while growing a business can be hard! But what’s harder is when you don’t have a circle of sister-girls who can actually relate and understand your frustrations but will still push you! Sisters who will celebrate your wins no matter how big or small even if their wins are still pending…that’s powerful!”
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?
It has not always been smooth sailing. There were struggles along the way. I can remember living house to house with my son Royce who was two years old at the time and thinking to myself, “He is better off without me. I can’t even take care of him!” That was one of the lowest moments for me. I struggled with believing in myself and that I had the power to get us out of this situation. That’s the part that a lot of life coaches and manifestation experts don’t talk about; the low points, the moments when they didn’t believe and had a hard time feeling powerful in the midst of the storm.
Please tell us about What Renita Said & A Pop of Positivity.
What Renita Said honestly started off as just a little saying on Facebook that a friend of mine also named Renita came up with. Every time I posted a motivational video or made a thought-provoking post, she’s comment and say, “That’s what Renita said!!” After a while, it caught on and became very catchy. So when I wrote my first book, I entitled it: “What Renita Said! How to Master Your Mind and Take Control of Your Life”
From there, it just grew into a brand! So essentially What Renita Said is my empowerment speaking platform as a whole; from my books to my talkshow and everything in between. What I am known for is my ability to relate. I tell everyone I’m not your traditional motivational speaker. I am more like a best friend. That girlfriend you talk about everything with because you know she’s going to keep it real with you and check you when you’re wrong but she’s going to do it with love and respect. I talk to my audience the way I talk to my friends on the phone and people appreciate that. Its informal and less “judgey”.
What I am most proud of as a company is creating “A Pop of Positivity” – this platform was designed for women to grow, unite, and celebrate. It’s not a workshop or a structured class, I didn’t want it to be so formal and “business like”. Although a large percentage of my target are female entrepreneurs, I wanted it to feel more like a sisterhood. I created this annual girl power event as a means of offering women a way to connect and support one another as emerging and seasoned entrepreneurs. I know what it’s like to try and balance your 9-5, your family responsibilities, and social life all while building a business. I get that some of your friends won’t understand because they aren’t business owners which is ok but you need like-minded women around you who can cheer you on and celebrate your wins both big and small. It’s also a way to create new networking circuits and bond.
What sets me apart is that I am Renita. That’s it! I am me and there’s only ONE ME. That’s enough uniqueness in and of itself. I don’t have to mimic or copy anyone to build my tribe, they are going to find me and love my message organically.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I have always been the funny, vibrant, energetic, life of the room! The natural comedienne and able to move fluidly in all groups. I practically got along with everyone no matter where you were from. I think that’s the Pisces in me. We are very relatable and nonjudgmental souls. I have always had a gift of attracting people to me. Maybe it’s my welcoming inclusive personality but I have always been like this. If you ask anyone who knows me they’ll all say, “Oh Renita! Man she’s cool as hell.”
Pricing:
- 1 Hr. Speaking Engagement – $600
Contact Info:
- Website: whatrenitasaid.com
- Phone: 404-594-1307
- Email: whatrenitasaidinc@gmail.com
- Instagram: @whatrenitasaid
- Facebook: @whatrenitasaid
Image Credit:
Jamaal Simpson of Jamaal Raushan Photography
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