Introducing An Inspirational Indie Sister
One of the best things about having a blog, a radio show, a Twitter account (@indiebusiness), serving as president of the Indie Beauty Network and being so socially connected online is that I meet tons of interesting people. Recently, I met a beautiful Indie Sister whose personality, style and positive disposition warmed me up in no time. So you know I had to tell you about her.
Tanea Smith is owner and creative director at She's Got Papers, a New York-based creator of fine stationery including the most adorable baby business cards. Tanea was kind enough to send me a box of her writing papers, and while I'm tempted to keep them because they are so pretty, I've already started using them so I can spread the beauty around a bit. Indies, get to know my new friend Tanea Smith.
dM: Use 3 words to describe yourself as a business owner.
Tanea: Passionate, Tenacious, Progressive
dM: What's your earliest pleasant childhood memory?
Tanea: Going to Juniors Restaurant in Brooklyn with my mom and sister for cheeseburgers and milkshakes. We understood at a very young age that our mom worked hard, and that rewards come after hard word.
dM: Who influences you most on a regular basis in your business ownership journey?
Tanea: Oprah Winfrey and Lisa Price at Carol's Daughter. I admire Ms.Winfrey's clarity. Her voice, her spirit and her mission are crystal clear. When I think of Lisa Price I think of dogged determination.
dM: To what social media tool do you attribute positive business benefits for you?
Tanea: Savor The Success. I have met some of the most amazing and giving women there. They are endlessly encouraging.
dM: Who is your favorite blogger, and why?
Tanea: I love Tara Frey at Bella Pink. She's warm, inviting and highly creative. I get ideas from just looking at the pictures on her blog. The passion for what she does literally emanates from the pages.
dM: Why don't you Twitter?
Tanea: I don't twitter because the thought of someone knowing what I'm doing or "following me" at every minute of my day strikes me as a little strange. Maybe I need to be educated a bit more.
dM: What is the most challenging aspect of business ownership for you, and how do you overcome it?
Tanea: Cash flow. I can't produce every single design that I've got in my head and so I've learned to pace myself. My children have to eat and we must still pay bills. However, I will admit that my second collection is nearly finished. It's called "Ascension".
dM: Who is one of your favorite people to invest your time with and why?
Tanea: My fiance, James. His support of me is unwaivering and he is my quintessential partner on this journey. He agreed to sacrifice having an overpriced wedding so that I could launch my dream. That unselfish act to me was priceless.
dM: Describe in 3 sentences or less your life purpose.
Tanea: My purpose is to exceed my own expectations, to be an inspiration to my children and to listen to the whispers which are usually God giving directions.
dM: How old are you and how do you feel about it?
Tanea: I'm 33 years old and looking forward to 50. My mom is stunning!
What do you think?
I would love to meet Tanea at a dinner party. I enjoy seeing how other women weave their passion for their business with their passion for their families. Does Tanea inspire you as much as she does me? Does she remind you of another inspirational Indie Sister you know? Tell me who else I need to feature in my Getting To Know You column.
