Laverne Thomas Takes Us to Another Level

I am over joyed to introduce to you this powerful women.

Laverne Thomas is the EmpowerHer Life Coach . A serial faith-based entrepreneur, author, radio personality, certified master life coach, and mom of two small children who she calls "Gummy Bears".

I met Ms. Thomas through a Faith Based group called Black Christian Influencers. I am honored that she agreed to an interview with me.

As always my goal is to promote BIPOC women in business and to encourage every woman to step out of their comfort zone by following thier passion.

Interview

How did the idea for your business come about?

After my divorce I asked God to give me a plan to help women and how He helped me and one that would fill the financial gap I had after my divorce. Since He walked me through my healing process so I could live a life full of joy, I promised to do the same for others. I do it daily with my coaching business.

What was your key driving force to become an entrepreneur?

I have two children and wanted to be the mom who was always there and available for everything. I didnt want to keep asking for vacation or personal days to be present for their trips. I wanted to be there the way my mother was for me. She was a stay at home mom who was very well taken care of by my father. But with it being just me, I needed to provide and be available at the same time.

How did you come up with the name for your company?

It was all God honestly. My business name is Bliss Dream Love Coaching because I stand on the foundation that if you learn how to love God, He will show you how to love yourself and when you love yourself, you can finally live the life of your dreams. Thats a truly blissful life indeed.

How did you raise funding for your venture?

I worked my business part time from home for 3 years before I went full time in 2020. So I didn't have to raise any money. The funds I needed came from my full time job. I have always been home based so my household supplies provided me that comfort.

How do you build a successful customer base?

By being myself. I believe when you are genuinely you, you attract those who are assigned to you. So I built my business that way. Most of my clientel is on referral and from those who know me. When I show up online, on the radio, in presentations or in email, I show up as myself. No one else.

How do you market your business, and which tactics have been most successful?

Social media, word of mouth and email. Honestly thats about it for now. I am working on a youtube channel and podcast to get my voice heard in various lanes. But thats the majority of what I do. I have also seen some recent success marketing on clubhouse. Just joining and speaking in rooms has driven new customers to me.

What kind of culture exists in your organization, and how did you establish it?

We are based on the Holy Spirit and operate in love, compassion and respect. That’s how I have always professionally ran my teams and it transferred over in my business. Everything I do is for God so I represent Him well with my business.

How many hours a day do you work on average?

I may work 3 hours one day , 5 another or take 3-4 days off. The beauty of owning your own business, especially from home, is making up your own rules.

Can you describe/outline your typical day?

• 5:00am - Prayer and Medication

• 6:00am-15-20 minute workout (jumping rope)

• 7:00am - Get Kids up for School

• 7:30am - Fixing their breakfast

• 8:00am -Shower, Hair and Dressed

• 9:00am- 3:00pm work hours. Depends on scheduled appointments.

• 4:00pm- I Do Nothing!!!

• 6:00pm- Cooking Dinner or maybe an evening Live class I have to teach

• 8:30pm Kids are getting ready for bed

• 9:30pm Im praying

• 10:00-10:30pm Im Out Like A Light!!!

Thats pretty much typical.

How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?

In a pandemic it has made it challenging but beneficial at the same time. Its hard trying to run a business with two kids under the age of 9 at home needing you. But it also is a blessing that Im home with them and dont have to worry about their childcare needs. I am the childcare provider. And I love it.

What motivates you?

Finally receiving the blessings God has for me. I know what He promised me. So I get up and go after them everyday. No matter how I feel or what I go through, I get up and go get it.

How do you generate new ideas?

I pray and ask for strategy. And as He downloads them to me I write them in a journal or on my wall. I have about 15 large post it notes on my wall for my thoughts and visions.

What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?

My greatest fear is not providing for my kids. And I manage that by getting my tail up and working. I give everything I do have to my projects because of them. I will never fail them or myself.

What are your ideals?

N/A

How do you define success?

Living the life of my dreams. Which I do and I consider myself very successful. I control my entire day. No one else. It’s just me and God! And that is freedom, peace and success for me.

Do you believe there is some sort of pattern or formula to becoming a successful entrepreneur?

No. It looks different for everyone.

What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?

A life of freedom in all areas.

What has been your most satisfying moment in business?

When my clients receive breakthrough from something I said. It gives my heart so much joy to know I impacted someones life in a positive way by just being myself.

What piece of advice would you give to college graduates who want to become entrepreneurs?

I would encourage them to find jobs that make them happy and give them joy after college. And build off that momentum to start a business because owning your own should be purposeful. Not for just money.

If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?

Nothing. Everything I've done professionally built the foundation for my business. I learned how to create, make healthy decisions, become financially responsible, effectively lead teams and built confidence/assertiveness in me. So I'm thankful for my path.

What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?

Consistency, Competence and Capacity. Its no way to create and scale a business without it.

What entrepreneurial tricks have you discovered to keep you focused and productive in your day-to-day busy schedule?

Automations, hiring social media managers and actually using my calendar. I also suggest building a team around your weak areas. Wherever I am not strong or proficient, I hire someone to do that tasks. It frees me up to stay in my lane and do what I was supposed to do. Lead, train, develop, coach and teach.

What key activities would you recommend entrepreneurs to invest their time in?

Their work life balance. Don’t give your life away to fulfill your dream. It makes no sense. Enjoy your family, friends and have fun so that when you are in grind mode, you don't resent it.

Contact Laverne at Bliss Dream Love to get more information about her Life Coaching Services, books, or if you want to become a Life Coach! She is also on Facebook and Instagram.