Dana Marie Neal: Revisited

This month, the first of 2012 the spotlight is again on Dana Marie Neal. She is a life and business coach as well as Motivational Speaker. She has been encouraging others to live beyond their current expectations since rededicating her life to Christ in 2005. She is the Founder and President of 4, My Kids, Inc., an organization created to help students who do not meet the 4.0 criteria obtain scholarships to attend college, and help families eliminate debt; owner of C.K.Q Gifts, which celebrated 12 years of service in February of 2011. Dana is excited about what God is doing you can see this upon viewing the entries in her “E.s.s.e.n.c.e (Edified Saint Saved to Excel the New Birth in Christ Exalting the Lord) of a Women” Blog. Dana Neal is a woman you can surely say has not let any grass grow under her feet. Since last interviewed back in November 2007 she has certainly grown and expanded her ministry even more than it was in the past almost four years. Woman2Woman Lounge has reconnected with her for this interview. Together let us read what changes her life, business and her ministry has taken.



W2W: Dana tell us what new things you have been doing these past couple of years outside of C.K.Q Gifts and E.S.S.E.N.C.E of A Woman.

Dana: Things have surely changed. I have revamped the businesses and put some on the back burner. C.K.Q. GIFTS is now a part of C.K.Q. LLC and is on hold while I move in the spiritual direction God has for me. I have listened to God and have been building my ministry FAM (short for Family) 4 You Breakthrough Ministries (with On Bended Knee Praying Wives Club and Rare Jewels as sub ministries). I have also been working diligently on being a lifestyle and business coach with Building You w/Coach Dana (a division of C.K.Q. LLC)

W2W: Tell us about your book "No longer a Victim".

Dana: No Longer a Victim is my testimony. It’s my life as I see it. Anyone else might think it’s a fabrication (as they have shared with me) but I know the real deal. The book is a look at my life without holding much back. The Holy Spirit helped me write the words and complete the book in a way that every situation I went through will help others to get through.

W2W: Have you set any new goals for your business and or ministry in 2012?

Dana: I will be traveling for business and ministry in 2012 and prayerfully leaving the 9-5. Both entities will present webinars and conference calls to build and there are also more books to finish!


W2W: Many have resorted to using Facebook to minister to others which I love because a lot of people use social networks to do things not to God's glory. Do you have any links to other pages you oversee other than your personal page that you would like to share with us?

Dana: Sure! I love doing online ministry because you reach the MASSES!

https://www.facebook.com/fam4you

https://www.facebook.com/pages/CKQ-LLC/159708894124129


W2W: How do you overcome adversity and stay encouraged to continue doing
what you do?

Dana: I have to stay in prayer! I can’t stop. There are too many attacks on my life both in the natural and the spiritual, yet, we know that no weapon formed against us shall prosper. I lean on God and understand that HE is in control.


W2W: When you experience periods of burnout as we all do and need periods of rest what scriptures do you meditate on in God's Holy word that refresh your spirit?

Dana: I truly listen to gospel or jazz (instrumental) music, and allow the Spirit to speak to me without a cluttered mind. Recently, I just finished reading the Bible in 60 days and the clarity I have received from that has given so much to “relax” on and in, that I am truly comfortable. Nehemiah 8:10


W2W: Describe what a full day of ministry entails for you Dana Marie.

Dana: A full day of ministry is posting in my groups for the daily bible study, answering questions, ministering to them the true gospel meaning, not the man-made doctrine that people have been poisoned with. My Full day of ministry is really sharing what GOD IS SAYING and not what Dana is saying.


W2W: What legacy and lessons would you like to pass down to your children in helping them grow in Grace?

Dana: I want my children to learn to lean on God and not on man. I them to understand that only HE can direct them, save them, help them, and bless them and know that even life will present its problems God is their one and only. I can’t teach them with mere words out of my mouth, I can only teach them from my actions.


W2W: What can we pray about for you in this New Year?
Dana: Pray that I keep renewing my strength to walk in my calling.

Dana Thank your for your time and giving us new perspective on what God has been and is continuing to do in your life. God Bless you, your family, your businesses, and your ministries.

Woman2Woman Lounge,
Sherri Walker

Happy New Year

Welcome 2012, hallelujah God has brought us into a New Year. I hope everybody's Christmas Holiday was a blessing! "New Year, New Things" is the motto of The Woman2Woman Lounge this year! We have been on somewhat of a brief hiatus as far as our interviews go but never sleeping on the job when it comes to ministering to the women of God and the men as well. I am looking forward to seeing what God will be doing not only my life, but the lives of others he will have my path cross with. Wishing good health and prosperity for all in the continued year. We will start off this year by revisiting some of the women I have interviewed in the past since TW2WL was formed in 2007 to see what continued and new things God is doing in their lives. I have not stayed completely disconnected from these ladies and have not seen much of any grass growing under their feet. With many social networks available for a platform to share the word of God with others and be a light for him in this often cold and confused world these women are continuing to keep busy in drawing others to Christ and uplifting, teaching, an edifying one another. I hope you will continue to keep your eyes on my blog and read along with others as we continue on our journey in a new year. God Bless you all and your families and thank you for your continued support of The Woman2Woman Lounge.

Sherri Walker

Woman in the Spotlight: Tracia Price

This month’s woman in the spotlight has been is a work at home mom, and caretaker of special needs children for the past 12 yrs. She chose to work from home so she could spend more time with my children. She started her own business in Maryland back in June of 2008. Her name is Tracia Price and she loves crafting. Linda Clem, a friend of hers taught her how to crochet and she has been hooked ever since. What better business to establish then something based around what you love doing. She is an active member of a local group called “Twisted Stitchers”, and she is also an Associate Professional with “The Crochet Guild of America”. Tracia hopes to become successful enough in her business that she can bless her family with financial stability. As for her business she hopes to accomplish what every woman wants for their business, success, which is why she stays committed at what she does. Read more of what Tracia Price had to say about herself, life, her family, and her craft.


W2W: Thank you Tracia for committing to this interview. Tell us a little bit about your business.

Tracia: My business is called “Crochet by Tracia” formally known as “Gifts by Tracia”. My product line consists of handmade crocheted items made by me. I sell scarves, hats, shawls, etc. I can crochet just about anything at a reasonable cost.


W2W: What inspired you to start your own business?


Tracia: To be around my children, and be able to attend their school events and teacher’s meetings.

W2W: Being a mother of special needs children how do you balance work, doctor’s appts., your business, and school activities with them?

Tracia: I have two planners. I am very organized (as others say). I am able to put all my appointment into my planners. The good thing about my business is I can take my yarn and hook everywhere I go so I can work on orders. In my work bag I neatly organized, my crochet hooks, current projects, and crochet books.

W2W: What future goals have you set for your business?

Tracia: My goal is to be able to write eBooks about crochet patterns, how to start your own crochet business, etc. I want my products to be eventually sold in stores.

W2W: We are living in trying, and often hard times, things can become a little overwhelming for us. Do you have any favorite scriptures you draw strength from in the Bible?

Tracia: Proverbs 16:3 “Commit thy works unto the lord, and thy thoughts shall be established”.

W2W: When days are pressing for you what motivates you to keep going and not give up on your dream?

Tracia: My children. I am motivated everyday by them.

W2W: What is a typical work day like for you at home Tracia?

Tracia:
Mon.-Fri. 5am-9am I am getting the kids ready for school; fixing breakfast, getting them dressed, etc.

9am-12 p.m. is when I work on my business; making products, marketing, advertising, etc.

1 p.m. I do my errands, grocery shopping if needed, etc.

2:30-7:30 pm is family time; helping the kids get their homework done, getting them ready for the next day, cooking dinner, etc.

W2W: I believe in the power of prayer, what can we be in prayer for involving you and your family?

Tracia: To be able to find affordable housing for me and my family.

W2W: Before we end this interview do you have any words of wisdom to share with a woman who might be reading this that is thinking about starting her own home-based business while raising a family of little ones?

Tracia: If you have a hobby, whether it is scrapbooking, knitting, crocheting, photography, etc. and you want to start your own business a good place to start is with something you love to do. When you love what you do it makes it makes it easier to go into business for yourself.

Thank you so much Tracia for your commitment to this interview. We wish you continued success and God’s Blessings upon you, your family, and your business.

To order products from Tracia visit her website @ Crochet By Tracia

How to Take Your Offline Business Online

With technology the way it is anymore, people are doing online searches for just about anything and everything. People will do a search to find information on schools in their area, churches, and any type of business that they want to find.

With that said, it’s important that every business have a website or at least a blog that people will be able to find and read. The more they find about you and your business, the better off you will be and the more likely they are to shop with you.

I recommend creating at least a one page website. You will want to include a little about your business, what you offer, how they can find you, your phone number, and your store hours. Including a map would be great.

This one page site will be the first impression people may have of you, so you want it to look its best. Make it look professional yet fun. You will also want it to match what you do in your business. For example, if you own a furniture store, you should include pictures of the furniture you offer. If it’s at all possible, take pictures of the furniture in your store. This will show people that you really do have a store front and it will be inviting for them.

While a one page site is good, it would be better if you included a second page that had customer testimonies. People always want to read good things from other people before they make a purchase from a business they have never used before. Offering these testimonies will increase your sales and traffic to your store.

Offering products online is a great way to get sales even though people don’t come to your store. Online sales can be a little tricky if you receive a purchase from someone that is not in your area, but it’s a great thing because they will likely buy more and they may even stop in your store when they come to your area.

Another way you can get your business in front of the online world is to create a blog. A blog is an online or web log. You make posts that contain any kind of information you want. This is a great way to show your online readers what you have going on in your store and what specials you are running. If you get a new product, you can take a picture of it and include that in a post. You can also include customer testimonies from your in store visitors. Another idea for a post is to take pictures of customers in your store. Make sure you get their permission before using their picture.

It doesn’t matter what type of business you run, you should have a website or blog created for you. Even a small locally owned business should consider this to increase business. Businesses such as plumbers, mechanics, jewelry shops, or used clothing stores should have a website online. Increasing the traffic to your store and your sales is what you are in business for and a website can help you do this and so much more.

Corrie Petersen is a successful Virtual Assistant and she's the owner of WAHM-Articles.com

February's Woman in the Spotlight

February's featured Woman in the Spotlight is the author of our Book of the Month "Words from the Heart". She is a wife, mother, and grandmother who has now added Author to the list of adjectives that describe her. Her name is Sherry Smith.

Sherry Smith and I met back in the mid 90's when I use to hold Bible Study in my home on Friday evenings. She is friends with a long time friend of mine and they both would come to Bible Study together. Sherry's two daughters, Tamika and Rochell would attend as well. I will never forget the joy I had sharing the word with each of the women who would faithfully attend weekly. It was a time of learning and drawing closer to the Lord and each other in friendship. Now Mrs. Smith is an Author. I was overjoyed in finding out that not only was I writing and telling others of the love God has for us but she was as well. To God be the glory!

"Words from the Heart" is Sherry's platform in telling the world about Christ. She is happy that she found love in Jesus and that God put it upon her heart to share it with others. Sherry admits life is so much simpler now that she's not running around trying to figure out what to do. She is listening to God and takes great joys in experiencing the best times in her life since she met Christ.

Below is my interview with Author Sherry Smith.


1. Sherry what inspired you to write "Words from the Heart"?

God starting placing words on my heart after leaving the hospital visiting my daughter who was sick back in 2008. It was then I began examining my life and looking at the things I was doing wrong and finding out what God wanted from me.


2. Please share with us a little bit about your journey in Christ.

I accepted Jesus as my Savior in 2010, but my journey in developing a relationship with Jesus Christ began in 2008. My daughter had been very sick for two years. One day when I was at work my daughter called me from the hospital which she was in and out of all the time. But this day she called to say mom I don't think I'm going to make it. I left work right away. I was very upset, you see she was always hopeful, so when she said to me, I don't think I am going to make it, I was scared. On the way to the hospital I asked God what should I do and what to say to my daughter. Well at that moment calmness came over me so I said to the Lord, “I give it all to you”. When I reached the hospital my daughter and I just read verses from the bible. It was a rough road but I'm happy to report that in June 2008 my daughter received a new liver and she is presently doing very well.


3. What words of encouragement do you have for writers who desire to have their books published?

I never thought I would write a book but it was what God wanted. If you are a writer and it's been laying on your heart to publish your words, do it. Writing can give you that peace you need. Try writing to God, it helps when you are going through storms in your life.

4. What scriptures build hope in you and give you strength and peace to make from day to day?

John 14:27-- Peace I leave with you my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid.

Philippians 4:13-- I can do all things though Christ who strength me. (Not sure what scripture this one is.)

5. What advice do you have for others who may be going through storms in their life right now?

Women, when you are going through your storms and it may not seem like it's know end, look up and ask your Heavenly Father to see you though it all and he will make the way clearer.

6. Besides Jesus who has been your inspiration or role model, past or present?

My father, I always wanted to be the twinkle in his eyes, he has passed on. My present role model is Jesus.

7. 2011 is here, a new year, any new beginnings for you, or things in your life you want to do differently?

I hope to do more work for the Lord and tell others how He loves me and them. Also pray that God will help me let go of all my fears.


8. How can we your sisters in Christ be in prayer for you?

Please pray that I stay in good health and that my Bible talk group keeps growing.

W2W Lounge thanks Sherry Smith for spending time talking with us. We wish her God's best in all she seeks to do in the name of the Lord and we encourage you to check out her book "Words from the Heart" available at Barns and Noble online.

How to Run a Home Biz When You Work Full Time Outside the Home

Do you have a dream of being debt free or being your own boss and working from home? Do you think it’s impossible because you work full time outside the home? I’m here to tell you it is possible and it can be done working part time. This article will show you how to do it, be successful, and reach your goals and dreams. As an example, let’s talk about how to run a business until you get to a point where you are replacing your income and you can quit your job and work your business full time.

TO read this full article CLICK HERE to visit Corrie's Corner. Corrie Peterson writes business articles for Woman2Woman Lounge.

Book of the Month: Words From the Heart

Words can be encouraging to another in times of trouble, despair, and hopelessness. Woman2Woman Lounge is back to featuring a book each month we feel is food for the soul in these trying last days. So many are going through and looking for a word that will encourage them, uplift their spirits and give them hope. We learn from one another. "Words From the Heart" is our Jan. 2011 feature.

This month's book is a book written by a friend of mine, Author Sherry Smith. Sherry is a wife and mother of three with a heart seeking more of God. Sherry expresses how life wasn't easy for her. She was always looking for love and trying to find her own self. Her children had always been her life and now that they are older she had to find what to do in life. She's happy she has found love, and that love is in Christ. He is always there for her. He loves her even when she makes mistakes. Every day she tries to empty herself to fill it with his word. She no longer looks for love in the world or tries to find herself in it. She loves family outings, Christian plays, and singing. Mrs. Smith says life is so much simpler now that she's not running around trying to figure out what to do. She is listening to God and joys in the fact that the time she is experiencing now are the best times in her life and have been that way since she found her Savior, Jesus!

You can purchase Sherry's book @ Barnes and Noble online.