Aisha Smith Danzy Entrepreneur & Founder Of Fit For A Queen Of Atlanta Shares How Being Authentic Makes You Successful
Interviewed By maryan Aiken & Taylor Maher. Editor.
“I not only want to open doors, but knock down walls, for every aspiring female entrepreneur that will come after me, no matter the color of her skin.”
Aisha Smith Danzy
Entrepreneur
Fit for A Queen of Atlanta
Five Star Insurance Agency
Telesource Global LLC
Bronx, New York
University Florida Atlantic University
B.A. Business Administration, Minor in Real Estate
www.fivestarinsuranceagency.com
Social Media
Facebook Aisha Smith Danzy
Instagram @ladydanzy
LinkedIn Aisha Danzy
Charity Involvement
March of Dimes
UNCF
Jamaica Me Care
Reach for the Stars Mentorship Programs
Alma G. Davis Foundation
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The Dior Mavens are stylishly captivating. She is a fashionista in her own right. She exudes confidence & beauty and she fully celebrates the moment of who she is now in her chosen field. She is a ground breaker, a catalyst and an influencer. She is an entrepreneur, a business leader and she is recognized for her business engagements, sense of style, community & philanthropic involvement.
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Q: Hi Aisha, thank you very much for saying yes to the Dior Mavens Program. You have effortlessly & successfully launched multiple companies and continue to add more to your business portfolio, who inspired you and why?
Although I have been inspired by many, my parents have inspired me the most. As Jamaican immigrants, they came to this country in the late 70s in search of the American dream, and have both built successful businesses while helping so many others achieve their dreams along the way. They have taught me perseverance, determination, and thinking outside of the box; life skills I have carried my entire life.
Q: How do you balance your professional career, motherhood, and your philanthropic activities? What have you sacrificed (both personally and professionally) at each stage of your career?
Being a wife, mother, and entrepreneur is easy. Being a GOOD wife, a GOOD mother, and a SUCCESFFUL entrepreneur is the real challenge. Once you have personally defined what a good mother, a good wife, and success looks like to you as an individual, and not allow the world to define them for you, you can begin prioritizing the things that are most important to you. For me, success has not always been about the money, but more about me living out my divine purpose and doing the things that bring peace and the most happiness to the ones I love.
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Q: As a female leader, what has been the most significant barrier in your career and how did you overcome that?
As a woman, I face barriers. As a black woman, those barriers are compounded day to day and even more so in business. However, like all barriers, they are meant to be broken. I’ve strived to personally overcome the stereotypes of black women and the black people in general, both in business and finance. Yet, I am determined to show those who remain misinformed or skeptical of black women, what I am made of. I am inspired by the many that have gone before me breaking these barriers and those who continue to break barriers today, both in business and in government. I not only want to open doors, but knock down walls, for every aspiring female entrepreneur that will come after me, no matter the color of her skin.
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Q: 3 things that we should know about you?
I thrive in fear. I love animals. I love to see a smiling face.
Q: What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you, wealthier than you, and dream bigger than you. Not only will they inspire you to strive for better, you will find out that money does not equate to success, but that happiness trumps all.
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Q: What fuels your drive?
Nothing drives me more than believing my life will make a difference. I am fueled by knowing with persistence I can overcome any challenge and I can be anything I put my mind to. I can recreate myself as often as I like, if I do not allow others to create boundaries for me. But most of all, I believe my life has purpose and that purpose is bigger than what I could ever imagine.
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Q: What exciting project are you working on & what is it about?
I have two exciting projects that I am currently working on. The first is the global expansion of my business operations where we partner with individuals across the world, developing new business relationships, and introduce us to new cultural experiences. The second I hold dearly to my heart, as a lifelong dream, as I invest my time and resources into a children’s orphanage in Jamaica. After years of volunteer work, I now work alongside the Executive Board of the Garland Hall Children Home in Anchovy, Jamaica. My role is to assist in the future plans and development of the facility and children. I believe my years of experience and skills will be of great contribution to the growth and success of the orphanage.
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Q: What are the books you've enjoyed and what's the takeaway from those book?
My two favorite books that I have read and re-read are Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki; it provides such unique perspectives into the world of business and finance. The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? By Rick Warren – I think everyone has asked themselves, “What’s the Meaning of Life?,” this book presented many thought provoking questions, in search of who you are, digging deeper to discover what you are made of, and knowing your divine purpose on earth. Two great books that could be read many times in a lifetime.
Q: What's been your most successful approach in building business relationships & why?
Be yourself. It’s much easier being who you are than trying to be what others expect you to be. If you try to be anything but authentic, you will fail more often than not. I have built the best business relationships just being myself. People will either love you for who you are, or they don’t deserve to be in your presence.
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Q: What are the lessons you've gained that have profoundly shifted your professional path?
You can be good at many things, you don’t have to choose one profession. There use to be a time where everyone wanted to be a lawyer or a doctor, and whatever you chose, you had to take that one career path for your entire life. Thank goodness those days are behind us, and we are free to be who we are in however many career fields we choose. I have invented myself and reinvented myself so many times that I am still dreaming about who I want to be. Once I felt free to express myself in venturing into different businesses and industries, I was able to really discover who I am and the talents that I possess in a wide array of areas both in business, finance, and fashion.
Q: What is one thing you know now about women and work you wish you had known earlier in your career?
That there is even space for all of us. Often, we feel that we have to compete to get where we want to be, but I have found much joy and success in collaborating with creative and innovative, like-minded women. There would be many more global enterprises, if women would not only trust each other in business, but most importantly trust in themselves.
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DIOR MAVENS SERIES
The Dior Mavens are stylishly captivating. She is a fashionista in her own right. She exudes confidence & beauty and she fully celebrates the moment of who she is now in her chosen field. She is a ground breaker, a catalyst and an influencer. She is an entrepreneur, a business leader and she is recognized for her business engagements, sense of style, community & philanthropic involvement.
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Q: Favorite spots to frequent for business connections in Atlanta/Nationally and why?
The Gathering Spot
The Commerce Club
Atlanta Business League
Q: 5 Favorite skin care products & fragrance by Dior that you enjoy using?
Dior Hydra Life Fresh Hydration Sorbet Crème
Dior J’adore
Dior Addict
Dior 5 Colors Couture Eyeshadow Palette
Dior Sparkling Couture Palette
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Q: What legacy do you want to leave behind?
“I did it afraid.” I want future generations to know that everything I accomplished, I did it scared and afraid, not knowing what the outcome would be, but more so trusting God would make things work for my good. And He did.
Q: What’s next for you?
To live life, and live it abundantly. To do the things I enjoy, and spend time with the people who mean the most to me. Although I still have many dreams and aspirations, I want to make sure I LIVE IN THE MOMENT, enjoying the gift of the PRESENT.
Listening To Spotify. Pretty Please. Dua Lip. Future Nostalgia.
