We recently had the chance to connect with Indigo Williams and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Indigo , thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A typical day in my life revolves around my responsibilities as a full-time student. I am currently completing my final semester as an undergraduate at Georgia State University, where I will be earning my second degree. Following this, I plan to pursue my master’s degree at a different institution. In addition to my academic commitments, I manage two businesses: Smexccilashes and Promofinest. Recently, I have been obtaining my insurance and legal protection services from the company Primerica.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Ms. Indigo Williams a unique self made boss from East Atlanta ,Georgia. I am deeply committed to being true to myself and fully embracing my individuality. As a leader, I possess a strong sense of ambition and an innate drive that fuels my passion for entrepreneurship. My focus as a business owner is to create opportunities that align with and reflect my unique vision. My lash business, which I have nurtured and developed, is a venture I have always been passionate about. It offers me a creative outlet and allows me to connect with clients on a personal level. Additionally, my goal is to empower small businesses through my promotional business by helping them gain visibility and reach their target audience effectively. I believe that every business has the potential to thrive, and I want to contribute to that success. After completing my undergraduate studies, I am excited to pursue a career as a radiology technician. This path allows me to merge my interest in healthcare with my desire to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. I am particularly drawn to the idea of using technology to improve patient outcomes and aid in the diagnosis and treatment process. This journey excites me, and I eagerly anticipate the challenges and rewards that lie ahead. Each step will not only contribute to my personal and professional growth but also help me in my mission to positively influence the world around me.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My parents had a unique insight into my potential long before I fully recognized it myself. As successful entrepreneurs with extensive experience in managing and running warehouses, they paved the way for my future. They meticulously equipped me with all the essential tools for success, ensuring I had everything I needed before I even began to carve my own path. Their dedication to my growth included allowing me valuable hands-on experience within their companies, where I learned the ropes and gained practical skills that would serve me throughout my journey.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
As a CEO navigating grief, it’s essential to prioritize your emotional needs while leading your team with compassion and authenticity. This includes focusing on self-care, effective delegation, and transparent communication to maintain trust and stability within the company. I prioritized my personal healing by acknowledging my feelings and being vulnerable. I learned that being honest about my struggles fosters a culture of openness among my team. I took the appropriate time off, utilizing bereavement leave to process my loss and return with a clearer mind. I also set boundaries by communicating my need for rest or time away from meetings to protect my well-being. I have always led with empathy and transparency, which involves being authentic with my team. I consistently updated them about my situation as appropriate, reinforcing my commitment to the company. I delegated responsibilities while empowering trusted team members to take on extra duties during my absence, demonstrating confidence in their leadership. Establishing a clear plan for my team was crucial. We collaborated on a strategy for maintaining business continuity so that everyone knew what to expect. I aimed to model a compassionate culture by showing that compassion and productivity can coexist, especially by supporting grieving employees. When I returned to work, I eased back into my schedule by starting with a reduced workload to help acclimate and avoid burnout. I prepared for unexpected emotional moments, creating strategies to manage “grief waves” at work. Additionally, I sought to turn grief into growth by using this experience to enhance the company’s mental health policies and support systems, fostering a more compassionate workplace.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
A cultural value I would protect at all costs is perseverance, which is defined as the continued effort to achieve a goal despite challenges, difficulties, or setbacks. This value is often seen as essential for overcoming obstacles in both personal and professional contexts. Perseverance encourages individuals to maintain focus and resilience, fostering a mindset that values hard work and determination as vital components of success. It cultivates a sense of purpose, motivating individuals to pursue their aspirations relentlessly, even when faced with adversity.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I’ve been thinking about becoming an influencer, but sometimes I worry that my followers might misinterpret my intentions because I tend to post a variety of content. I prefer to label my page as a lifestyle page, showcasing glimpses of my life as I travel to new destinations, indulge in delicious meals at trendy restaurants, or attend the latest events in the city. Each post captures a different facet of my daily adventures, allowing my audience to experience the excitement and diversity of my journey.
Contact Info:
- Linkedin: instabio.cc/Smexcci
Image Credits
@jaymarie__photography
@heyyymrsbacon_
