Q and A with Archie from Elisa D. from Northern Virginia, United States
“…life dealt me a tricky hand, but I reshuffled the deck. You can, too.”
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: I’m about growing, sharing my knowledge, and helping folks ace their money game. Teaching people how to handle cash, invest smart, and hustle for extra income lights my fire. I kicked off a Facebook gang called WealthWave-Money Tips. We’re all about making that moolah work for us, learning savvy spending, and grabbing that sweet freedom. In this crew, we dish out tips on money moves, saving hacks, and time management to make a bank. We’re a bunch of money mavens cheering each other on. Whether you’re new or a money whiz, we’ve got your back on the road to financial freedom.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: My younger years were far from easy. I grew up in a pretty unstable home, where my mom struggled with addiction to drugs and alcohol. But that didn’t stop me from excelling in school. I was a total star student and attended every day possible, relishing learning opportunities.
But it wasn’t just about academics for me. I also discovered a passion for athletics. In high school, I joined the track team and found my calling. Running, jumping, and pushing myself to the limit was pure bliss.
Those formative experiences set me on a path of resilience and determination. I genuinely believe in the transformative power of education and personal growth. Despite the hardships I faced, I never gave up. And that perseverance has led me to where I am today.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: Life’s thrown some severe curveballs at me, but here’s the lowdown: I turn those terrible moments into rocket fuel. If I play the victim, well, guess what? My life’s a rerun of that story. But if I snag a positive from a crummy situation, bam! It’s fuel for my success and growth and helps others, too.
Check this out: I could’ve been written off based on my past. I don’t play by those rules. I saw potential in myself and hustled hard daily to make my dreams happen. I’m still figuring out where I want to be, but I love where I am. So yeah, life dealt me a tricky hand, but I reshuffled the deck. You can, too.
Q: What does feminism mean to you? A: Feminism? It’s about grabbing the mic when they say you don’t belong, owning your strength, and kicking butt in everything you do. It’s turning my struggles into a force for good and giving others the power to speak up, too. It’s all about leveling the playing field for more fairness.
MORE ABOUT ELISA D.: I’m a whole lot more than what’s behind me. I’m a child of God, an Army vet, a proud mom of five, a college grad, and now rocking it as a grad student and entrepreneur. I’ve got strength, power, honesty, and a work ethic that won’t quit. God’s been my game-changer, pulling me out of tough spots and being my rock-solid provider. I am grateful every single day for that.
“Every obstacle, every tough moment, is a chance to discover your inner strength and capabilities.”
Q: Hi! Tell us about yourself.
A: Hello, I’m Archie Gonzales, the proud owner of Create with Archie & Co. I’m also a proud mom, taking care of my beautiful 9-year-old daughter. Balancing the responsibilities of entrepreneurship with the joys and challenges of motherhood has added a unique dimension to my journey.
I’m deeply passionate about a few key aspects that have shaped both my personal and professional journey. Firstly, I’ve always been driven by a thirst for personal growth and learning. This passion led me to establish Create with Archie & Co., a freelance virtual assistance business. I noticed the challenges faced by start-ups and small to medium-sized business owners who often find themselves juggling multiple roles within their enterprises. My goal became clear: to provide comprehensive virtual assistance that allows these entrepreneurs to focus on their core competencies while I handle the rest. Creativity is another cornerstone of my passion. I believe in infusing every project with a touch of innovation and originality. This belief translates into the ethos of my business: going beyond the routine and mundane to deliver unique and impactful results.
Currently, I’m channeling my passion into a new venture, ‘SocialMedia Pro by Create with Archie & Co. Link is here: https://www.createwitharchie.com/socialmediapro.’ Recognizing the time constraints and creative challenges faced by business owners in creating their social media presence, I’m launching a subscription-based service. This service provides a monthly supply of carefully curated and engaging social media content. Business owners can opt for flexible packages, ranging from monthly subscriptions to 6-month or 1-year plans. The goal is to empower entrepreneurs with a hassle-free solution for maintaining a vibrant online presence with our content, allowing them to focus on what they do best. In essence, my passion for personal growth, learning, and creativity is the driving force behind Create with Archie & Co., and it’s my pleasure to extend this passion to fellow entrepreneurs through my business.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: I’m from the beautiful Philippines, born and raised in a household characterized by strictness and conservatism. This upbringing significantly shaped my approach to life, instilling in me values of resilience, determination, and independence. Tragedy struck early in my life when my mother passed away when I was just 15. Growing up without her presence was undoubtedly a challenge, but it was during this time that I found strength and guidance in my father, who emerged as not only a parent but a great mentor. His lessons about life and perseverance continue to resonate with me today. Despite the difficulties, I excelled in academics during my younger years, demonstrating a determination to rise above the circumstances. Financial struggles were a constant companion, and I vividly recall moments of financial scarcity, eagerly anticipating birthdays for the joy of indulging in delicious meals and cake. Life’s challenges taught me the value of hard work and resourcefulness. I engaged in various jobs, from selling goods and street foods to working in a restaurant under minimum wage, experiencing the demanding graveyard shift in a call center, and even teaching English as a second language to Chinese kids. Reflecting on those experiences, I see them as a crucial chapter in my life—a period of growth, resilience, and the forging of an unyielding work ethic. Each of those roles contributed to my development, providing insights that now shape my entrepreneurial journey. Looking back, I appreciate the progress I’ve made, recognizing that the challenges of the past have played an instrumental role in shaping the person I am today.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: One of the most valuable lessons life has taught me is the transformative power of resilience. In the face of adversity, it’s our ability to bounce back, learn, and adapt that defines our journey. Growing up in challenging circumstances, facing financial hardships, and the loss of my mother at a young age, I learned firsthand the importance of resilience. It’s not about avoiding difficulties but about navigating through them with determination and a positive mindset. I’d like others to understand that setbacks are not the end of the road but rather opportunities for growth. Every obstacle, every tough moment, is a chance to discover your inner strength and capabilities. Embracing challenges, rather than fearing them, can lead to personal and professional breakthroughs.
I hope my story conveys the significance of hard work and perseverance. Life may not always be fair, and success may not come easily, but the journey itself is a profound teacher. Every experience and every job I undertook, contributed to my growth and shaped my entrepreneurial spirit. In essence, I want others to embrace resilience, view challenges as stepping stones, and recognize that their unique journey, no matter how difficult, has the potential to shape a remarkable future. Life’s hardships are not roadblocks; they are opportunities for resilience to shine and illuminate the path forward.
Q: What does feminism mean to you? A: Feminism, to me, is the belief in and the pursuit of a world where individuals, regardless of their gender, have equal rights, opportunities, and treatment. It isn’t about favoring one gender over another; it’s about dismantling the constraints that limit the potential of all individuals. It’s about recognizing and challenging ingrained stereotypes, biases, and systemic injustices that disproportionately affect women.
Q and A with Lyudmyla from Ukraine, living in New Jersey, United States
“In the pursuit of looking good, people often succumb to quick-fix treatments, merely masking their “well-being wrinkles,” only to find themselves in need of another remedy within weeks.”
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: One fateful day, as I gazed into the mirror, my heart sank with disappointment. The relentless saga of acne breakouts persisted, echoing a series of disheartening incidents from the past. I had delved into the realm of countless over-the-counter remedies and sought the expertise of a dermatologist, all in vain. The battle for clear skin seemed to elude me. What cut deepest was the irony of my situation—I was a Licensed Skin Care specialist, yet I grappled with the inefficacy of caring for my own skin. Determined to break free from this relentless cycle, I adopted a more aggressive approach, turning to a doctor and resorting to antibiotics. Little did I know that this decision would spiral into a severe allergic reaction, necessitating the intervention of steroids. It was a wake-up call; I needed a better way. Fuelled by a desire for a solution that wasn’t just a fleeting fix but also safe and holistic, my journey led me to the realm of health coaching. Here, I unraveled a profound truth: the skin is not an isolated entity but a reflection of our overall well-being and life experiences. The skin care industry, a multi-billion dollar domain with a myriad of treatments and products, seemed to miss this crucial connection. In the pursuit of looking good, people often succumb to quick-fix treatments, merely masking their “well-being wrinkles,” only to find themselves in need of another remedy within weeks.
My philosophy pivots on a different axis—an approach rooted in long-term, strategic skin care. Even at the peak of a healthy diet and consistent exercise routine, I grappled with persistent skin issues. Juggling the demands of motherhood to two young children, building my business, and managing my husband’s primary care clinic left me overwhelmed. I realized that achieving a radiant look transcends beyond topical treatments and nutritional choices—it’s an integral facet of self-care, life balance, and stress management. My personal breakthrough in both appearance and life materialized through the fusion of natural, safe skin treatments, healthy life habits, and profound exploration into stress management. As a Heartmath Certified Stress Regulation Specialist, I seamlessly incorporated these principles into my skin care protocol. Now, I empower busy, professional women to recharge, rejuvenate, and reclaim their glow—the radiance they truly deserve.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: In the heart of Ukraine, amidst the challenging 80s, I embarked on a childhood filled with dreams, surrounded by the love of hardworking parents. As the only daughter, their dedication to providing me the best education became the cornerstone of my story. In a quaint mountain township, life unfolded like a cherished tale. Fun-filled summers were marked by laughter, cold river swims, and the exhilaration of skiing through winter wonderlands. Here, I stumbled upon my first high school love, now my forever partner and the love of my life. However, the winds of change beckoned, and my parents, brave souls seeking a brighter future, led us to the land of dreams—the United States.
Leaving the post-Soviet struggle behind, they paved the way for me and my husband to pursue higher education and grasp the opportunities that lay ahead. From the picturesque landscapes of Ukraine, I carried a passion for skincare, a treasure I vowed to share with my new community. The seeds of my holistic skincare journey were planted, and nurtured by the lessons learned in that small mountain haven. Fast forward to the joys of motherhood—two precious babies later, the spark of entrepreneurship ignited. With courage as my compass, I embarked on a path close to my heart, opening my own Holistic Skin Care Shop. It wasn’t just a business venture; it was a testament to resilience, dreams, and the pursuit of radiant well-being. Each facial treatment, every moment spent nurturing the skin, carries echoes of my journey—from the riverbanks of Ukraine to the thriving community in the U.S. Today, I am not just a skin care practitioner; I am a storyteller, weaving tales of self-love and glowing transformations.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: Here’s a dose of simple but powerful advice: You’re one of a kind. Embrace everything that makes you, you. Your quirks, your dreams—they’re what make you special. Fear is okay; it’s a sign you’re growing. Don’t shy away from challenges; they’re stepping stones to something amazing. Be brave. Be you. Don’t follow the crowd if it doesn’t feel right. Be brave enough to be yourself, and amazing things will follow. Keep learning. Life is a continuous learning journey. Whether in school or through experiences, never stop soaking up knowledge. Surround yourself well; choose friends who uplift you, support you, and inspire you. Your circle matters. Take care of you. Self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a must. Take time for things that make you happy and keep you grounded. Mistakes are okay. Everyone makes them. Learn, grow, and move forward. You’re stronger than you think. Define your success. Success isn’t a one-size-fits-all. Figure out what it means to you and go after it. Speak up. Your voice matters. Don’t be afraid to share your thoughts and stand up for what you believe in. Kindness wins: In a world where you can be anything, be kind. It’s a game-changer. You’ve got this! Your journey is yours, and it’s going to be amazing.
Q: What does feminism mean to you? A: To me, feminism is about empowering women to chase their dreams, break barriers, and define their own narratives.
Connect with me!
Visit my website to uncover the secrets to long-term skin vitality, rooted in natural, safe treatments and stress management. Discover how you can recharge, rejuvenate, and reclaim your glow, just as you deserve. https://getglowingskinnaturally.com/
Phenix Salon Suites, 1540 Nixon Dr, Moorestown, NJ 08057, Suite 639
“…it’s never too late. I didn’t start my business until I was in my 50’s.”
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: My passions include helping women in business with their marketing by implementing SEO strategies to improve online visibility, drive organic traffic, and increase sales. I love figuring things out and finding solutions to move forward in business. As an entrepreneur, you wear many hats and possess many skills. But not all skills come as naturally as others. When I first got started, I thought I was going to be a copywriter – because I love writing and communicating in any way shape, or form. As I was writing for clients and building my business, I discovered that in order to truly get seen and heard online, you also had to incorporate SEO – search engine optimization. I was being told I needed to improve my online visibility, but I needed to figure out how to do it. When I started learning about it, I was confused and overwhelmed because there are so many moving parts including keywords, on-page SEO, off-page SEO, and analytics, let alone having the ability to create and manage a website.
I did what I always do; I dove headfirst into all things SEO and learned, practiced, tried things, failed, tried again, experienced success, and learned some more all as a means of just moving forward. I soon realized that if I can do this as a woman in business, so can others. They just need the right resources and support to do so. Hence, SEO Inkwell Solutions was created for women pursuing their own dreams and passions. I’m now an SEO and Content Consultant who provides resources, online support, courses, consultation, and more in order for women to level up their marketing.
Personally, I’m passionate about making the most out of life, finding joy in small moments, and being grateful every day. I advocate for mental health and wellness constantly encouraging others to do what’s best for their physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, and financial health. I love coffee far too much, enjoy wine not as often as I’d like, spend mornings walking or hiking outdoors, and throw tennis balls to my two dogs daily. I have an incredible husband who supports all my endeavors, two amazing adult children pursuing their own passions, and a future son-in-law I adore with my whole heart.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: I grew up in Minnesota on a lake before moving to Arizona in my junior year of high school. The move was the first time I ever experienced real, significant change. It was difficult leaving everything I knew and loved to a place that was so very different and quite foreign to me. What I learned is life is always changing, relationships come and go, and the only person I can ever really rely on is myself.
I taught at a public high school and community college for 26 years. Nothing brought me greater joy than helping young people improve…at reading, writing, research, analytic thinking, and life. The pandemic and changing social dynamics facing young people made it difficult to continue, however, and I opted to retire from my teaching career.
Although I was no longer teaching, I needed to keep working, knowing that if I didn’t do something that challenged me mentally, I risked losing myself and my sense of purpose. Not only that but as my father was recently diagnosed with dementia and frontotemporal degeneration, I knew I needed to keep my brain actively engaged in order to prevent early-onset dementia myself. Plus, I was too young to retire officially and was excited about doing something different.
Going from education to business was an eye-opening and challenging experience. New challenges, LOTS of learning, some reasonably significant soul searching, and finding support are now what occupy my day, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. My business allows me to meet amazing people, work with incredible women, and earn a living in a completely new way.
What I do to help others with their SEO isn’t something I’d consider glamorous. It’s nitty gritty. It’s technical at times. It’s continuous problem-solving. But it’s creative too. It’s what I love to do day in and day out because there is nothing better than being able to help someone move forward in their business, and SEO is one of THE BEST ways to move forward if you have a website and use it as your storefront online.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: Perhaps the most important thing I’ve learned about being an entrepreneur is you MUST be true to yourself first. I spent an entire year working on myself, my mindset, my self-worth, etc. to overcome the imposter syndrome I was experiencing. I also had to learn how to give myself grace and no longer hang on to guilt. Guilt for doing what I want to do, pursuing my dreams, and living each day on my own terms.
Q: What does feminism mean to you? A: Feminism to me means you can live your life unapologetically. You live knowing your gifts, goals, and opportunities are endless and it’s up to you to pursue them knowing you are wholly capable of achieving every dream you have for yourself. It means no longer apologizing for wanting to do your own things and needing to be 100% authentically yourself. I think as women, we’ve been conditioned to believe our purpose is to nurture, serve, and submit to those we love. But the one who deserves that more than anyone is ourselves. Having passions, desires, goals, and dreams is not selfish. Rather, it’s necessary in order to live our best life.
MORE FROM LESLEY: If there is one thing I’d love women of all ages to know, it’s never too late. I didn’t start my business until I was in my 50’s. I loved being a teacher. I thought I was only ever going to be a teacher. But life happens. Things change. And the ability to adapt and overcome whatever obstacles life throws our way is a skill anyone can learn at any time.
*Note: Woman Wednesday is a part of our blog. Each Woman Wednesday post will feature a woman who would like to share information in the hopes of inspiring and motivating other women. Comments are welcome below.
Q and A with Jen, Green Bay, Wisconsin
“You can do what you set your mind to. Everything takes work, and learning is a constant part of life. If your dream is to one day own a business that makes money, you need to make sure you have all the skills and knowledge to make that happen.”
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: In a few words, my passions are my family (including my collies and cat), my business, and flyball. I own Candy Social Media. I am a digital marketer helping real estate agents and mortgage brokers generate exclusive prequalified leads. I also offer social media management, social media strategy, and social media marketing and consulting. My main focus, however, is on generating leads for real estate agents.
I found this passion when I realized that my previous passion for technology simply wasn’t there anymore. I felt the fire burning out. Back in 2003, I was overwhelmed with technology, and I was excited to help people. I finished my degree in network security from the local technical college. I was president of the computer science club there for two years while attending college. I really enjoyed being in charge of the club, and I enjoyed the extra responsibilities involved of being president. I moved on to get my bachelor’s degree in business management. I enjoyed learning about business management. I yearned to be in front of technology. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it and learn more about it. From 2007, I have worked in the technology field in various roles from being level 1 support to network administrator. All of these required some sort of certification requiring me to renew it every three years. As if spending 10k on my education wasn’t enough, Corporate America wanted me to spend another $500 to $10,000 dollars to show that I know my stuff.
Pictured: Jen and her collie, Candy.
I was tired of not being recognized for my knowledge and education that I worked hard for. I wasn’t able to move up in management positions because of my lack of certification. One day, the job that I enjoyed required the support team to learn to programme of C++ or C#. I knew that it was too detailed for me to do. I quit my job and decided that I wanted to work for myself. I wanted a career change.
I saw this 9-5 killer ad on Facebook. I signed up for the webinar. I didn’t have the money to pay for the course, but I talked with other people who joined the course. It changed their lives, and they were able to make a living. The business involved creating websites that focused on Search Engine Optimization (SEO). SEO is difficult to keep up with because of the fact that almost every second, it’s changing. By the time I finally knew what I was doing, something new came out. I tried that for about 6 months. It didn’t work out. I went back to work for someone else at a college. The people there showed me that I didn’t have a passion for helping people in technology. I was reminded that I didn’t want to work for someone else. I wanted to make myself money; I did not want to make money for someone else. I saw another ad for a social media manager. People pay you to play on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, et cetera. I spent the last year learning about how to engage, the software required, the content required, et cetera. This is all great, but you aren’t making money from your knowledge. It’s an expensive hobby. From there, I signed up for one more class of how to prospect your clients and reaching out to our potential clients. Then I jumped in!
Up until about October, I was friends with a digital marketer who was looking for different people to complete his challenges. I signed up for his challenge and immediately was blown away. The first thing I learned was sales. I learned about how to get the clients. And from October, I have been able to gain the knowledge and confidence for me to put myself out there connecting with real estate agents and mortgage brokers. I was too scared to reach out to clients. I thought if I friended them on Facebook and made nice with them and offering them advice about social media, they will ask me to be their social media manager. Nope. This isn’t the way things work. You have to put yourself out there constantly to make yourself known. I have reached out more to potential clients in the past three days than I have in the past year.
Outside of business, I am passionate about health and pets! I have three collies and one cat. My company is named after my dog, Candy. Candy is a 14-month-old border collie who gets to travel the country with me (attending flyball seminars and tournaments). Flyball is the past time passion that I enjoy doing when I am not working. It’s something that makes me happy. I was able to train Candy from my past experience training with Gunner. Gunner is a 2-year-old border collie who knows flyball, but he seems to have a jock mentality [laughs].
Q: How has your past experience shaped you?
A: All of my past experiences and education and personality really helped to develop who I am today. The motivation and ambition have to be there every day. Also, never let your disability get in the way of your dreams! I have a stuttering disability and rather than hiding behind it, I use it to my advantage to work harder! I am sacrificing time being spent on training my dogs and time with my boyfriend, but in the end, I am putting time into my company, which means that I am putting time into myself. I am finally living the life that I want to without having to worry about paying those bills or worrying about my cell phone bill being cut off! And it’s nice knowing that if I need an extra day off, I don’t have to call my boss hoping that she or he will give me the time off.
Q: What would you like others to learn from your story?
A: You can do what you set your mind to. Everything takes work, and learning is a constant part of life. If your dream is to one day own a business that makes money, you need to make sure you have all the skills and knowledge needed to make that happen. If you would like to do what I do, you will also need the right software. It is also important to have the capital to put into your business. I worked a part-time job to have money to put into my business.
Also, always make time for those who matter in your life.
The Woman Wednesday Blog 