Today we’d like to introduce you to Rena Washington.
Hi Rena, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Just before the Covid-19 pandemic began, I was on the verge of a major life transition. I had decided to change career paths, and I was slowly stepping away from full-time work behind the chair as a cosmetologist. As a result of the pandemic it was mandated that salons shut down their establishments completely. Until that happened, I never realized how much the social aspect of what I did for a living was not only desired but necessary for us as women to connect and have transparent conversations. While the world was somewhat shut down, I started my writing business and began my lifestyle blog @ RenaSpeaks.com.
I wanted to connect and to help encourage those that may have been experiencing hard times, anxiety, loss, and depression. The response was amazing! When we finally started getting a handle on Covid, I felt it was time to have an in-person gathering with a small group of women. We planned a tea party outdoors to reconnect, share, and ensure that we all feel supported. I didn’t how it would go but It was a great success! As a result, The Real Her non-profit organization was birthed and is an extension of my passion to Inspire Motivate and Celebrate others.
After our first gathering with The Real Her community, I realized how much these forums were needed and appreciated. We’ve grown so much as a community as we help each other grow individually.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. The need is evident, the ideas are there, the motivation is there, but the lack of resources slows our progress at times. As our numbers grow, and as we have a better understanding of what the women need, our greatest challenge is financing our socials. We formed a non-profit organization to help offset the cost by receiving donations so that we could secure larger and nicer venues and hire professionals to speak at our gatherings. It’s been laborious but we are hoping to secure some donations in the near future.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an Author, Blogger, and the Creator of “My Balance Brand” products at RenaSpeaks.com. It all started with my first book B.F.F 4 Life (Balancing Faith and Family) which stemmed from a place of overwhelm. All the hats that we wear as women are important, and sometimes they overshadow our personal desires and ambitions. B.F.F 4 Life is the blueprint of how I managed to put things in perspective so that I could begin Living In Purpose. The focus of all that I do is to Inspire, Motivate, and Celebrate others to their next level of success! I think that alone sets me apart from others. My sincere desire and passion is to see others rise up from a place of stagnation and take up their space in the earth. I believe that your success story starts with Knowing and Understanding your true passion, purpose and potential. I’m most proud of the fact that I stopped waiting for others to validate me and started believing what God said about me. I was once a “sleeping giant” and now my eyes are opened to the possibilities and opportunities that await me.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
In the world of technology, things change so rapidly, however everything usually comes back around full circle. There may be many advancements or changes in the ways we are able to deliver the message. One thing that’s for sure is that people will always need and require true authentic interaction, real Love, concern, and compassion. Inspirational writing and Motivational speaking has been from the beginning of time and will always be necessary.
Pricing:
- B.F.F 4 Life $20.00
- Raising Royalty $24.95
- Fearless Shorts Set $30.00
- Balance Active Wear $40.00
- Support the podcast https://anchor.fm/rena-washington
Contact Info:
- Website: RenaSpeaks.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renaspeaks/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/renaspeaksonline
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rena-washington-7744a41a5/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/renaspeaks_
- Youtube: @RenaspeaksTV
Image Credits
Barry L. Washington ll Trenise Elmore
