We had the good fortune of connecting with Jeanetta Thomas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jeanetta, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I’ve always been cautious when it comes to taking risks. My personality is more on the conservative play-it-safe side. For the most part, any risk I’ve taken has been with a backup plan. However, I understand that true growth can’t occur without some level of risk. There are three ingredients that I must have before I consider taking a risk. Passion plays a huge part in the amount of risk that I’m willing to take. The greater passion I have, the larger risk I’m willing to take. When I was younger I took a risk and left everything to move from Jersey to Texas with nothing to fall back on. It was the best decision I’ve ever made! My passion for wanting a fresh start was greater than the weight of the risk.

Belief in myself and faith in God are the other two ingredients that drive me to take risks. No matter how great the opportunity I’m presented with, there’s always a voice inside of me that says, “I can do this.” Whenever a risk appears to be too great especially when it comes to my career it’s normally because I don’t want it bad enough.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business iEsteem is all about helping women walk in confidence by embracing who they are. iEsteem has a line of graphic T-shirts with bold affirmations to remind women we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Each affirmation has a personal success story tied to it. In addition to the shirts, I wrote a book titled Discovering Your Divine Natural Abilities which focuses on self-discovery and the comfort of finding out who you really are. During my 1:1 coaching sessions, I help powerful women to operate in their strengths by gaining clarity on success blockers and developing a strategy to live a life filled with freedom, authenticity, and peace.

Starting the business was the easy part. The challenge is understanding all of the dos and don’ts of business. I have invested a ton of time and money into my business to close these knowledge gaps. One of the greatest lessons learned is to stick to your purpose. It’s easy to get derailed and off-focused when you try to incorporate every new fad into your business.

Because self-care is also very important to me, I recently became an ambassador for a natural hair and skin line MONAT.
This company allows women to take care of their hair and skin and take advantage of the business opportunity if they choose to.

I want the world to know that I am the brand. I understand how it feels to be a woman in a leadership role who is often misunderstood and has to mask her insecurities to live up to the titles that others place on her. I’m walking in freedom today because I overcame that and I want to help other women do the same.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a homebody. When I do venture out, my favorite place to visit in the city is North Park Mall for shopping. I just tried a new restaurant, La Duni, Latin Cuisine we would have to go there. Papasitos is another favorite restaurant. The Botanical Gardens is beautiful we have to go there as well. My church Word of Truth in Arlington has amazing worship and the word is always on point.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shout out my Husband William Thomas. He is the most supportive and influential person in my life. For the last 27 years, he gives me sound and honest wisdom. He’s a great friend and confidante. I honestly can’t think of any endeavor that I ever wanted to try that he hasn’t agreed to. He challenges me to push forward and continuously reach for greater. When I mentioned starting my business he was excited for me and started sharing resources that could help. It’s because of William’s love and encouragement that I am where I am in life.

 

Website: www.iEsteem.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iesteemforwomen/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iesteemapparel

Other: www.jeanettathomas.mymonat.com

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