One of Kansas City’s accomplished businesswomen, Cheryl Womack, answers letters from women seeking advice and encouragement for their business endeavors.
Dear Cheryl,
My story isn’t much different from others, but I would like to share a little of my background. I’m hoping to obtain some good advice on how to work my way out of the politics of the corporate world to finding my niche and owning my own business.
Originally from a small town in southeastern Pennsylvania, I moved to Atlanta, Georgia, to pursue a career in 1996. Completely broke (other than my first month’s rent), I landed a job with a chemical company as a Technical Support Representative in an industry that I "fell" into (for the last 12 years).
At the age of 28, I met a co-worker who was somewhat dark and mysterious. We clicked! He always placed me on a pedestal claiming his love and devotion to me. We married back in our home state in 2001. During that time, I found an interest for wedding planning. I realized that I would love to make a career out of it someday.
Six months after we were married, he kicked the pedestal out from under me. He withdrew all the money we had in savings and cleaned out the checking account. He quit his job and drained any cash from our side business. He maxed out all the credit cards and left me with a house mortgage, two vehicles, and a failing business ... then just walked out of our marriage.
Then one day he showed up, curled in a ball on my front porch, 25 lbs. lighter and shaking uncontrollably. All I could do was step over him on my way to work. Apparently, my ex-husband had been a long-time user of cocaine, which led into a fully fledged crack cocaine addiction. It never even crossed my mind that a drug addiction was the culprit.
I sold what I could and consolidated what was left. I was completely strapped. My salary is good ... but NOT great. Friends and family tried to help and I did what I could, still eventually I had to file for bankruptcy.
One day, I walked into my manager’s office to give my two-weeks notice. He wouldn’t accept it. He asked if I needed more money ... time off with pay. Out on a limb, I stated that I wanted to work virtually from Pennsylvania.
A few months ago, that same manager confidentially shared that a position was coming available as the Northeastern Sales Representative. He said I was a perfect fit and told me to apply. He flew me down to Atlanta for the interview. After the interview, he expressed how I “blew the socks off” off the four other candidates. I flew back to Pennsylvania with confidence and eagerness to start my new position.
A few days passed before I called my manager and left a message on his voicemail. After a couple more voicemails I sent him an e-mail. I finally got a response advising I did not get the position because I don’t have a Bachelor’s Degree. I only possess an Associate’s Degree.
Then inadvertently, a fax went to my co-worker and copied me by mistake. It was a copy of the resumŽ of the gentleman that landed my job. His resumŽ indicated that, like me, he only had an Associate’s Degree. When I inquired about this, Human Resources responded later advising that the position was filled Ð nothing more or less...
I’m slowly rebuilding my credit. I have NO savings. I don’t own anything. Right now I don’t have the credit or the assets to financially back my dream of owning my own business. Where do I start? Help!!! I want to look back on my past experiences as the fuel that got me going. - Regina
Dear Regina,
You certainly had a lot to get off of your chest. I think it was important for you to take the time to do it. You have made some very confident and brave choices showing numerous skill sets that you have developed.
A very good thing you have done is move forward. It doesn’t always take money as much as it takes good resources and a lot of passion. I feel that you can do some pretty incredible things if you focus and implement little steps to get you started. You keep referring to an event-planning business, which is easy to start out of your home and holds down the cost; however have you considered an “apprenticeship” to test the water first. What makes an event planner incredible is creativity and good organizational skills. That’s what clients are willing to pay for. How will you like planning an event when you are not in control of the final decisions? Walk through your story again. This time focus on what you have loved about your life. What are you good at? What makes you happiest (personally and professionally)? Describe a perfect day, doing any kind of work, based on what you are good at and what you like. What does that day look like? Be specific. Outline two or three days if you can.
When you proceed, the size of your business should be thought about carefully. Ask how your life is changing and continue to determine if you are happy with where it is going. Having said that É
The best way to bypass the glass ceiling is to start at the top. As you move toward your goal I want you to think of the words I continue to live by each day, “The best revenge is a great life so get busy living one.”
In addition to multiple business interests, Cheryl Womack leads the Star Group in program development for recognizing the Leading Women Entrepreneurs of the World™. www.leadingwomen.org.
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