This week we sat down with llsy J Hoo, the CEO of Accomplished Women LLC, engaged and a mother of two amazing teens (Catherine and Daniel), was crowned Miss New Jersey for America on August 8, 2020 at the Miss New Jersey America pageant held in Connecticut at Mohegan Sun. Prior to winning, she held the local title of Miss Monmouth County where she was a community advocate for various organizations like, PowerPlay NYC, Only Make Believe Foundation and organized multiple food drives to help those who lost their jobs during Covid-19. Her platform based around domestic violence awareness had led her to work closely with Victims Voice, a company that help victims document legally admissible proof needed when reporting abuse. Ilsy, most recently spoke about her domestic violence experience on a podcast, Conversacions Con Jen and was interviewed by BELLA Latina magazine. Take a look at our exclusive interview with the rising brand.

Social Media

Instagram: @ilsyjhoo and @miss_newjerseyforamerica2020

Facebook: @MissNewJerseyForAmerica & Twitter: @ilsyjhoo

FGM: It’s an honor to sit down with you all. Tell us a little about your brand and how you've come to this vastly successful peek in your career.

Answer: Thank you for interviewing me. My focus has always been on engagement in leadership and networking. Whether I’m at a red carpet event, doing non-profit work, I’m always looking for ways to network with others in order to build mine and others brand.

I came to my successful peek in 2017 when a hip hop/pop movie soundtrack artist Etcetera asked me to help him elevate his image. I knew I was great in networking and connecting people but doing it in the entertainment industry was foreign to me. Since working with him, he’s been in publications, preformed as an opener for Wyclef Jean during Grammy weekend and has attended numerous red carpet events.

My network with people in media largely grew and is currently help me promote my pageant title and platform.

I also looked for way to help our youth and saw that some college students lack the ability to effectively network outside their school or circle of friends. After raising this concern amongst a few women professors I’ve networked with, they invited me to be a guest speaker at Rutgers University and NYU School of Professional Studies in which I spoke about best practices for Effective Networking in a business environment. The students were so amazing and asked great questions about my experience in a corporate and entertainment industry. I hope to speak at more universities once we are out of this pandemic.

FGM: What are the projects you are currently working on?

Answer:

Since Covid-19, my focus has shifted from attending in person events and public speaking engagements to promoting my platform as Miss New Jersey for America. My platform is based around domestic violence awareness which has led me to work closely with VictimsVoice, a company that help victims document legally admissible proof needed when reporting abuse. Since the beginning of Covid-19 and increase in domestic violence cases has increased by 35% throughout the U.S. Unfortunately the majority of cases are dismissed due to lack of evidence.

On October 1st, the start of Domestic Violence awareness month I will be one of many amazing speakers who will speak at the VictimsVoice Lean In NJ virtual conference. The intention is to go beyond the media sound sites and statistics and lean into vital information for victims.

FGM: How do you feel you make a difference in the world?

Answer: I plan to work with New Jersey officials and VictimsVoice to pass a legislative law that will prohibit awarding alimony to domestic violence offenders. After we pass this law I hope to make this unified across the United States. Victims should be protected emotionally and financially. Unfortunately the criminal courts don’t collaborate with the divorce courts therefore victims who finally get to divorce from their abusers can potentially still pay them alimony if the victim was the sole provider. When you think long term, alimony payments can last anywhere from 3-10 years depending on the state laws. Imagine having to pay your abuser for up to 10 years just to have peace.

FGM: Tell us about a time when you showed determination to continue as an entrepreneur

Answer: This is a great question. Since entrepreneurs act as managers and oversee the launch and growth of an enterprise it was difficult to conduct business during a Covid-19 environment. I made the hard decision to shift my focus from my business and put my efforts into the pageant competition. I was determined to still compete for the New Jersey state title as I knew having the prestigious title will help promote my platform. I connected with brands for sponsorships and practice my impact statement while in quarantine. I was determined to win and I did.

FGM: Give me the three best qualities of yourself.

Answer: Another great question and was asked this one during my pageant competition interview. My best qualities is my passion, loyalty and honesty.

FGM: Give me an example of when you worked irregular hours?

Answer: Working with an entertainer definitely isn’t a 9-5 job. The last time I worked irregular hours was during the 2020 Grammys weekend. Between the travel, performances, meetings, Grammy events and after party, I may have slept a total of 15 hours the entire weekend. I enjoy that work so it’s worth the lack of sleep.

FGM: Being an entrepreneur is a 24/7 job, how did you get ready for that?

Answer: Before you decide to become and entrepreneur, you must understand that having a successful business takes time and patience. Research about the type of business you’d like to create and ask for guidance from those who are in the same industry. Set expectations with your family so there’s a clear understanding that your business may require you work weekends and off hours.

9 Things Successful Entrepreneurs should do Every Day

Plan your day (Sometimes the Night Before)
Time chunk
Take some time away from the computer
Eat well
Stay on top of your inbox and reply to messages
Outsource if you can
Dedicate time to self-development
Work smarter not harder

FGM: How did you acquire the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines as an entrepreneur?

Answer: I’ve learned from other successful entrepreneurs. Taking the right approach to deadlines will reduce your anxiety and stress levels. There are some methods to reduce or minimize the stress and anxiety of approaching deadlines that will better prepare you to meet them. Save yourself a load of stress by acting as if something is due earlier than it actually is. Knowing there's both an artificial and "real" deadline becomes a part of your subconscious and unconscious. You can reduce this pressure by checking your ego at the door and simply asking others for help. To accomplish an assignment quickly, ask someone who's already accomplished that task. Finally, don't overpromise when setting your own deadlines.

FGM: What is your favorite inspirational point, place, to develop new brand developments?

Answer: I get my best inspirations while being alone at the beach. I always felt that the calming sounds of the waves puts my mind at ease. This allows me to meditate and have clarity.