Meet Constance Nicole “Connie” Spruill of My Girlfriendz Place in Stonecrest

Today we’d like to introduce you to Constance Nicole “Connie” Spruill.

Constance, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started selling jewelry in 2014. I had left my HR job after 23 years and had plans to be a freelance writer and HR consultant. Immediately after I resigned, my mother got sick (with a urinary tract infection, if you can believe it) and passed away. I felt as if someone had yanked the rug out from under me…then my grandmother passed about four months later. While I was in NJ at her funeral, I got the call that my aunt (my mom’s only sister) had had several strokes. While there in NJ though, I spent time with my best friend since 2nd grade…all the way to a college roommate, there’s probably no one who knows me better… When I returned to Georgia to begin the long process of caring for my Aunt. It was a struggle. I had no help and all my plans to support myself as an entrepreneur had come to naught. All the promised support suddenly disappeared.

Fast forward to 2014…I begin selling jewelry to make ends meet (I would be unemployed and struggling for two and a half years), but it was one day while I was running, tired, overwhelmed, lonely and defeated by circumstances that I wished for my best friend, my Girlfriend. Somehow I know that just talking to her…maybe crying and maybe laughing would make me feel better.

It was then that I imagined being able to create that feeling for other women…that place of no judgment, of transparency, of support, and encouragement, and love. My Girlfriendz Place was born in my heart…and although it hasn’t manifested in the physical, it is still my dream!

My Girlfriendz Place will be an event and meeting facility combined with a boutique/gift shop and coffee bar (cafe) where women can connect for various business and social interactions.

The concept for My Girlfriendz Place is based on 1 Thessalonians 5:11, which tells us Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing (AMP).

I call myself a “professional friend” and the physical building will be located in the metro Atlanta area will be open Monday through Saturday from 9 – 7 p.m. and on evenings and Sundays for meetings and special events. Right now, I do events where women meet in their homes and we fellowship with other entrepreneurs and just have fun talking, laughing and sharing. I am also in the process of creating a virtural MGP on the web where I will share products, blog and promote other women with spotlight articles… www.mygirlfriendzplace.com.

Women of all ages and backgrounds are invited to stop in and meet their friends. They can shop in the boutique for economically priced jewelry and gift items. They can sit and relax with a sweet treat or a warm drink. They can host book club meetings and baby showers or larger events; think receptions and birthday parties. Women entrepreneurs may also rent space to promote their products and services.

The vision for My Girlfriendz Place is to provide women, both individually and collectively, with a warm, relaxing and inviting environment where they can share resources, promote their goods and services, and celebrate and support each other.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road has not been smooth at all. I eventually had to return to work because the ends just were not meeting. I have eight people in my house, including my aunt, my dad, my two daughters, and my two grandsons. At times, it is all I can do to keep up with the madness, and the money I currently make typically goes toward the household. I am not and will not, however, give up. God is able and He is the source of my strength and my resource. I attend a lot of networking events and meet new and dynamic entrepreneurs such as myself just about every day. I have also joined the AEI Startup Factory in Stonecrest, a shared workspace, which offers support to fledgling business owners.

My Girlfriendz Place – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
What sets me apart from other business owners is my heart. I truly want women to feel welcomed and most of all loved. I have been to too many events and conferences, where they want participants, they want your money, but when you get there, no one says a word to you. They don’t know you and if you aren’t a part of the inner circle, you leave having not received anything–not changed at all. I aim to do just the opposite–no jealousy, no competition, no she must think she’s cute, or who does she think she is… just pure come on in, take off your shoes, pull off your wig, and let’s talk. Whether it’s prayer, tears, knowledge, or laughter (to name a few), I want to give women what they need to get out there and keep fighting.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
My success is predicated on what people feel when they leave my presence. Are things better, at least in their minds? Are they lighter? I aim to be life-giving and never spirit-crushing.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mygirlfriendzplace.com
• Phone: 4044233071
• Email: cspruill25@gmail.com
• Instagram: @mygirlzplace
• Facebook: My Girlfriendz Place
• Other: Connie Spruill on Facebook

Image Credit:
Kevin L. Parker – first photo

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