Daily Inspiration: Meet Lisa James

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa James.

Hi Lisa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
So, my story? It begins and ends with God. I came to Atlanta with my two-year-old daughter, no family, no finances, and no connections. By every natural measure, I should not be where I am today. But through unyielding faith and God’s provocative grace, He ordered my steps. Every door that opened, every opportunity I’ve had, has been because He carried me when I could not carry myself.

From a young age I recognized writing as His gift to me. It wasn’t just a hobby—it was the lifeline He placed in my hands to walk me through purpose and pain. Writing has been innate and sustaining; I cannot live without it. It has comforted me, guided me, and ultimately positioned me to share stories that heal, inspire, and remind others of the hope we find in Him.

I pursued a psychology degree because I’ve always been fascinated by people—what hurts us, what heals us, and how we change. I earned an MBA because vision needs a vehicle. Those lenses—human and operational—shaped my career in project management and data governance, where I learned to untangle complexity and design systems that actually work. All the while, my pen never stopped moving.

I began publishing faith-based books centered on healing and identity. I showed up at local signings with nothing more than a folding table and a prayer, and I met women holding manuscripts in their phones and unfinished chapters on their laptops. I recognized myself in them—the vision was alive, but the steps were foggy. That’s where Focus Haven LLC and Signature Bookings were born.

Focus Haven allows me to consult with small businesses on clarity, process, and growth. Signature Bookings creates spaces for authors—review exchanges, panels, vendor collaborations, and workshops that make publishing clear and accessible. What started with a single signing table has grown into a community.

Through it all—raising children while building a business, delivering corporate transformation while nurturing a grassroots author movement—my throughline has stayed the same: I help people turn ideas into visible outcomes. But I do it God’s way. My work is not about dazzle; it’s about stewardship. I map the work, simplify the tools, and celebrate the wins, always giving Him the glory.

Where I stand today is a blend of everything I love and everything He’s entrusted me with. I write. I build systems. I coach with care. And I do it all knowing that progress, when rooted in faith, always honors the person. If you meet me at a signing or in a boardroom, you’ll hear the same heartbeat: God did this. My story is proof that clarity, community, and calling can coexist when you let Him lead.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. If anything, my journey has been proof that God can take the roughest terrain and still bring you safely through.

I raised three children largely on my own, and from the beginning I understood how important the family unit was. Even when I was tired, even when I was stretched thin, I wanted my children to feel stability and security. That meant sacrificing my own desires—Atlanta is full of nightlife and opportunities, but I chose home. I chose them.

I worked temp jobs. I educated myself relentlessly. I would go to work, then come home and study for hours into the night—earning degrees, networking, and building skills as my children grew. Both of my parents briefly moved in with me at different times. and there were seasons of not having enough for my kids, of facing challenges in the workplace, of surviving a failed marriage.

One of the hardest valleys I walked through was a tragic accident that resulted in someone losing their life. I had surgery on my spine because of it, and there were days I wondered if I’d ever feel whole again. But even in that pain, God whispered that He still had plans for me—plans bigger than I could see.

As a single Black woman in Atlanta, I’ve known dark days. But I’ve also known God’s unyielding presence. He taught me to “be still and know,” to trust that none of it was wasted. And I can honestly say—I have no regrets. Every setback became a setup, every heartbreak a teaching moment, every scar a testimony. My children grew up safe, covered, and grounded in faith. And I stand here today not because the road was smooth, but because the God I serve is faithful.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What I’m most known for isn’t a brand name—it’s my voice, my consistency, and my ability to speak life into people. God has given me the gift of motivation, and I use it everywhere I go—whether I’m coaching a colleague, encouraging a friend, or inspiring readers through my books.

I’ve self-published one book every year for the past four years. That discipline alone reflects what I stand on: consistency, integrity, and follow-through. I don’t just talk about dreams, I facilitate them—by showing people what’s possible when you don’t quit, when you steward your gifts, and when you keep God first.

Professionally, I serve as a technical writer in the Technology Solutions Group of a Fintech organization. I understand both people and systems, which allows me to design processes and documentation that aren’t just functional, but actually embraced. My strength is encouraging adoption, helping others see not just what to do, but why it matters, and walking them through the change with clarity and care.

What sets me apart is simple: I treat people the way I believe they deserve to be treated. I lead with integrity, I remain consistent, and I choose to be the change I hope to see. Whether I’m at a corporate table or encouraging a single mother to finish her manuscript, my heartbeat is the same—to remind people that progress is possible, their work is worthy, and God’s grace is enough to carry them forward.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Mentors have been some of the greatest blessings in both my professional and personal development. I believe mentorship isn’t always a formal program—it’s found in the posture of volunteering with a servant’s heart, attending forums, summits, and even those “random but relevant” events where you meet people aligned with your path. If you stay open, you’ll find that God positions people who are ready to support you and speak your name in rooms you haven’t even stepped into yet.

The best mentors in my life have told me the hardest truths—the kind that sting at first but save you later. They’ve inspired pivots I know were God-ordained. They’ve held back my tears when my ego wanted to take over, reminding me that sometimes silence is the wisest response. Those moments of honest guidance have shaped me in ways I’ll never forget.

And teachers—don’t get me started. I deeply adore teachers, because they pour into us at the most critical stages of our growth. If you really listen, you’ll remember times when a teacher, mentor, or elder spoke words that almost felt prophetic, giving you a glimpse of a future you couldn’t yet see for yourself.

My advice? Stay teachable, stay present, and serve. Mentors are at the foundation of sustainable success—they hold it up, piece it back together each time it falls apart, and they do it selflessly. Networking isn’t about collecting business cards; it’s about building authentic relationships with people who are wise, willing, and willing to pour into you when you need it most. And when God sends them, be humble enough to listen.

Contact Info:

• Website: myfocushaven.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-ann-james/