Meet Lawrencina Mason Oramalu: Author, Trainer, and Motivational Speaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lawrencina Mason Oramalu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lawrencina, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

One of the main reasons I started my business is because I wanted to have a platform to spread hope and encouragement and be able to inspire people to strive to be the best version of themselves. Initially, I had no intentions of starting a business, but I did want to write a book. After I got closer to finishing my book, Look Up, Step Up and Soar, I decided to use the business as a vehicle for launching my book as well as personal development programs that I offer as a John Maxwell certified speaker and trainer.

I have always loved writing. When I was growing up, I used to journal. I also used to write essays for various essay contests – at church, at school, and in the community. I wrote for my high school and college newspaper, and when I entered the work world, I had jobs where I was either writing proposals or reports. I think one of the reasons I started my business is because I wanted to have a platform to write and speak about the issues that I am passionate about. Oftentimes, in my previous 9-to-5 jobs, there was another department or individual who could decide whether my style of writing or content was acceptable. I tend to be long-winded, and my love for words is not appropriate for all audiences. However, now, I get to decide who my audience is, and I can develop my own content. If I want to write a blog, I can write a blog. If I want to create a flyer or brochure, I can.

I love acronyms, and now, as an entrepreneur, if I want to use one, I can. In fact, the name of my company, Soar2BMore, is an acronym. SOAR stands for –

• Step – Step towards making your dreams a reality

• Overcome – Overcome doubt, fear, procrastination, and anxiety

• Achieve – Achieve your goals and dreams and walk confidently

• Renew – Renew your mind and eliminate negativity.

I love thinking outside the box and coming up with creative acronyms or slogans. This is not welcomed in all traditional jobs or it may be reserved for specific departments like the Marketing Department. I remember at one of my old jobs, I wanted to use an acronym for a new framework I was developing for a department that I led, but the Marketing Department thought it was corny. Well, I was persistent and kept asking if I could use it. Eventually, they allowed me to use it, and I was able to put it in our department’s printed marketing materials and on our website. Although I successfully got my wish, it took months to finally get the green light. As an entrepreneur, I do not have to get approval for any of my creative ideas. All my ideas might not be well received by the public, but I still get to decide whether to use them. I also love butterflies, and I often use a lot of graphics in my presentations. As an entrepreneur, if I want to use graphics or pictures, I can. I have a butterfly in my logo and almost everything related to my business. However, as an employee, working for an organization, you must follow the standards or guidelines of that organization. When you have your own business, you get to decide what the standards are. It gives you the freedom to be creative, and I love to be creative.

What should our readers know about your business?

Starting my business was a step of faith because most people would probably say that you need to have a business plan before you start a business. While I agree, I also think that some people get stuck in the thinking and planning process and never move to action. I recently completed the John Maxwell speaking, training, and coaching certification process, and in the John Maxwell program, they tell us to just jump and build our wings as we fly. This means that we should not wait until everything is perfect, and we have the perfect plan. We should not wait until we feel totally prepared to do something. Sometimes you must just do it afraid. One of the things that really helped me learn to do it afraid was some coaching I received from one of the John Maxwell teachers who told us about a book, The Traveler’s Gift by Andy Andrews. There is a section of the book that talks about the importance of taking action and not allowing fear to hold us back. It says, “When faced with a decision, many people say they are waiting on God. But I understand, in most cases, God is waiting for me!” (Andrews, 70) Some people may say you need a detailed plan before you start something, but I think it depends on whether you choose to solely rely on your mind and being rational, or if you are also willing to follow your heart. Some people might think it is crazy and irresponsible to listen to your heart. While I agree that it is smart to have a plan and that having a well-thought-out plan might increase your probability of success, I also think that sometimes we should listen to our hearts. For me, listening to my heart also means listening to God. Sometimes what God is telling us to do might not make sense to the human mind and eyes. It may require faith and a belief in what you do not see. I believe God asked me to write my book and to start Soar2BMore. I developed a small plan, but not everything has gone according to my plan. I have also realized that I need to make sure my plan is ordained by the Lord. I want to make sure God is ordering my steps, and sometimes what I feel Him leading me to do might not make sense to someone who is used to relying on a formal business plan.

I am proud that I stepped out on faith and left my traditional 9 to 5 job in May 2020 so I could answer God’s call to finish writing my book, Look Up, Step Up, and Soar. I left my job because it was difficult trying to juggle my full-time job, deal with my long commute from Prosper, Texas to downtown Dallas, try to be available to my family, and write the book. Some people thought I was crazy when I left the security of my job to the uncertainty of being a new author and entrepreneur. I felt the Lord was calling me to finish the book, and I just was not able to be effective at my daytime job, try to be a good wife and mom, and spend the time needed on the book. Although many people did not understand my decision, I think it was best. Of course, it was a huge risk. I would no longer have a steady paycheck coming in. There is no guarantee that my book will do well and that I will earn enough money to cover the time and expenses that went into writing and publishing the book. Nevertheless, I felt that I needed to take the risk. The verdict is still out on whether it was worth the risk. Right now, I have not sold many books. If we are looking at the financial bottom line, it was not worth it, but I believe the book is helping the few people who have bought the book. In my eyes, that is a success. When women call and tell me how much the book is helping me, then I feel that I made the right decision by taking that risk to leave my job and finish my assignment. I want people to know that even if they experience valleys in their life, there is always hope. When we are going through a valley in our lives, it can take an emotional and physical toll on us. The valleys can be very deep, and at times, we may feel that they are too deep for us to get out of. We may feel like giving up and losing hope. Through my book and my business, Soar2BMore, I am trying to spread hope and encouragement, and I think this is something that everyone can use.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I still consider myself relatively new to the DFW area. We moved here about five years ago. I am still learning the area, so I am sure there are tons of things to do that I have not yet discovered. For the most part, my family and I are homebodies, but for fun, we like to do traditional things like go bowling and to the movies. We also make sure we go to Six Flags every year. If you like shopping, you should check out the Galleria, which also has an indoor ice-skating rink.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mom, Reverend Barbara Fountain-Mason, for always being my number one cheerleader and making me believe I can do anything. My husband, Frank Oramalu, for his love and support. My kids – Bobbie, Obinna, and Franko, who bring me so much joy. I have been blessed by books by Bishop T. D. Jakes, Priscilla Shirer, Lisa Nichols, John Maxwell, Dr. Brene Brown, and Mark Batterson.

Website: www.soar2bmore.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lawrencina.Mason.Oramalu.author.speaker and https://www.facebook.com/Soar2BMore

Image Credits
Janet Bernstein Mark Ferguson