If You Solve A People's Problem, You Are Always In Business

“Be undeniably good. No marketing effort or social media buzzword can be a substitute for that.” Anthony Volodkin

When I started my business, I had only my personal savings and an idea. I did not know anything about anything, but I knew I would be helping people.  It was sketched in my temporal lobe that all I had to do was solve a problem and do it better than anyone else.  

I started teaching by renting out hotel business rooms, and now I am managing my own brick and mortar.  After 8 years of starting with that idea and small amount of personal savings, I still believe that if you solve a people's problem and do it better than anyone else, nothing can stop you.

I have heard all of the hyped stories of how entrepreneurs are raising millions of dollars and instantly launching soaring startups.  Don't believe the hype.  Research shows that more people fail at launching a new business than succeed.  We only hear about the GLORY... and not often enough about the GUTS.  

I have yet to borrow money from a bank or get any investors.  My gift has made room for me.   Times have been stiff and people have been treacherous, but progress is everything.  And I continue to save lives through education.  Stay Focused... Empower Others... Bloom Where You Are Planted.

UnReal Nursing Stories

Ailleen Tell, BSN, RN

She graduated nursing school in 2001, with an Associate in Nursing Degree, and aspirations of working as a professional nurse.   Ailleen, never thought that her journey would be filled with such adversity. Not just any adversity, but 10 years of defeat.  She was devastated. 

She now had a degree in nursing but could not practice professionally because she could not pass her professional board, the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX).  

After 10 years of failed study programs, and spending over $10,000 dollars just trying to pass her licensure exam, not to mention the $50,000 tuition tab, something happened that would change her entire life.

After much contemplation, Ailleen decided to go back to school to pursue more training in a Bachelor of Science program, thinking this would help her with missed nursing content.  While attending a class, there was a raffle to attend one of my NCLEX workshops.  She bought a ticket, one of the two tickets purchased.  She did not win.  But later, the student who won, could not attend, so Ailleen received the ticket.  She came to my workshop and during one of the breaks, asked to speak to me.

She looked up at me and I said, "How many times and how long?"  She said, 'It's been 10 years and I have taken this test 12 times." 

I could not believe that someone had been out of nursing school 10 years and had attempted to take this exam 12 times... and was still at it.  My heart skipped several beats.

Ailleen signed up for my NCLEX Study Course the following week. And after studying with me through this course, she passed her exam the first time.  Amazing!

And today she is a REGISTERED NURSE, and practicing at DUKE UNIVERSITY as a travel nurse.  She has been a nurse for over 4 years.

Her story is a story of hope, and the power of never giving up.

#UnRealNursingStories

Opportunities Don't Happen... You Create Them

Rise & Grind People: Everyday is another opportunity to slay.  Running a business is challenging in so many ways, however recognizing that all interactions are defining moments of growth, can change the entire trajectory of your mindset and ultimately your company.

Opportunities come with every customer, with every mistake and with every win.  Nonetheless, what is important to the entrepreneur is that they embrace it all as a victory, rather than down playing the interaction, whether it was positive or negative.

Daily operations are like a roller-coaster ride in the land of entrepreneurship, and often times you may not be able to see clearly.  Remember, it is precisely because of challenges and obstacles and how we handle them, that we are able to reach the highest degree of excellence.

You Can't Change Your Destination Overnight, But You Can Change Your Direction...

We all have a different set of circumstances, a different set of skills and a different vision for our lives. But we don't all have the same playing field, the same opportunities or access.  One of my key objectives along my journey has been to figure out what my uniqueness was, and learn how to capitalize on every interaction.  

Setting goals can be powerful in business building as it sets the stage for laser focus.  They provide a spreadsheet for evaluation and reflection.  As an entrepreneur this is important, because mistakes are rampant as you nurture a growing business.

Lesson of the Day: Live life to its fullest, and set mountain top goals.  After all, it is not the achieving of the goal that is important,  it is who you become in the process.

TAPAS On The Run

UnReal Nursing Stories

Delia Storer, BSN,RN

Dear Student, If you are reading this, then I congratulate you for having the

willingness to pursue your dream.

(As told By Delia Storer)

Today, for the grace of God and the amazing program that Mrs. Hampton has created, I am a Registered Nurse. I currently work on a Ortho/Trauma/Med-Surg unit at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital.

This was my first job after passing the NCLEX, which by the way was not an easy endeavor for me.  After graduating with a BSN degree from the University of Virginia, I struggled passing the same test that I saw my other colleagues pass with ease.  I attempted to pass the test three times right after graduation.

Then, as life has a way of doing so, I took a five year "break" from studying and pursuing my license. In 2011, I was finally ready and determined to conquer this feat. I attempted again to pass the test and failed two more times.

Then through various channels, I found myself on the phone with the Virginia Board of Nursing asking for help. I was directed to call Mrs. Hampton and the rest is history.

After seven years out of school and taking her course once, I successfully passed the NCLEX on my first attempt!   So, if you are unsure if this works... I will be the first to tell you that it DOES!

As the saying goes, when the student is ready, the teacher will appear. I'm grateful I found the best

teacher!

#UnReal Nursing Stories

My Spring T-Shirt Haul...

My Daily Grind: I love scarves and t-shirts, you can never have enough of them, especially spring and summer.  I have learned that the scarf and t-shirt are two of the most underrated accessories and I have to admit I really love them.  

With so many ways to wear them, and so many colors to love, OMG... let the spring begin.