Fashion Gxd Magazine Present's " Up Next " with Zo Brown - Entrepreneurial Cover
Written By Samantha Cee
For our next Up Next we bring you this month's Entrepreneurial Cover story: Zo Brown Speaks. Zo Brown Speaks is a coaching and consulting agency that provides support to leaders and entrepreneurs through motivational speaking, engaging videos, one to one coaching, developmental workshops and special events that focus on image, presentation and networking. Zo Brown aspires to acquire international recognition with his talks, videos and coaching. His innovative agency is conveying such a cosmic message that we knew we had to make him our Entrepreneurial Cover story for July 2016 - Feature. Take a look at Fashion Gxd Magazine’s exclusive interview with the rising consulting agency’s CEO that is taking the east-coast by storm.
Images Owned by Zo Brown For permitted usage
“I am motivated when I can clearly see how I may be able to meet a need. This gives me purpose and the energy to get the job done. ”
Facebook: Zo Brown
Facebook Fan Page: Zo Brown Speaks, Coaching and Consulting agency
Twitter: @zobrownspeaks & IG: @zobrownspeaks
YouTube: @zobrownspeaks & Pintrest: @zobrownspeaks
www.zobrownspeaks.com
Fashion Gxd Magazine : How did the idea for your business come about?
Zo Brown : I have the natural ability to draw and sing and I've always had an interest in fashion and the arts. As a child, I used to fantasize about traveling the world and speaking on stage while dressed in nice suits. . This vision didn't fit any job description I've ever seen, so I told people I wanted to be a business man. I got my first job at 10 years old working for a real business man. He was a boxing promoter, barbershop owner and had a public access TV show. I decided to go to school for sociology and journalism. After college I worked in the fashion retail industry and did some modeling. I ultimately decided to work in the Social Services field and soon discovered my ability to teach and create. After I obtained my Masters in Social Work, I decided to create Zo Brown Speaks, which is basically a conglomerate of professional experience and interests.
Fashion Gxd Magazine : How do you find people to bring into your organization that truly care about the organization the way you do?
Zo Brown : I currently have the support of family and friends. I remain selective as my business is still in it's very early stages.
Fashion Gxd Magazine : What three pieces of advice would you give to college students who want to become entrepreneurs?
Zo Brown : #1 Have confidence in your Gifts #2 Educate yourself and Develop Your Gifts #3 Create a solution to a solve a problem with your Gifts
Fashion Gxd Magazine :If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
Zo Brown : I would have committed to learning another language so I could do international business. But it's never too late.
Fashion Gxd Magazine :What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Zo Brown : Organization, Determination and Consistency
Fashion Gxd Magazine :What have been some of your failures, and what have you learned from them?
Zo Brown : I feel like a fail whenever I don't do my best! Like if I make a mistake when I am speaking. This has taught me that preparation is key.
Fashion Gxd Magazine : How many hours do you work a day on average?
Zo Brown : On average, I work about 5 hours a day. But my schedule fluctuates so that number will increase by the fall!
Fashion Gxd Magazine :Describe/outline your typical day?
Zo Brown : Typically I wake up, stretch, pray and walk my dog. On a good day, I will work out, eat and start reviewing email and social media. If I don't have to meet with any clients or do any speaking, I start going over a "to-do" list that I created that night before. This may consist of calls to promote my services, follow-ups and meetings with clients, or creating content. I also take care of my disabled mother, so I may be cleaning or running errands on any given day.
Fashion Gxd Magazine : How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
Zo Brown : I have flexibility and I am able create my own schedule so this gives me the power to control the quality of my family life. So being an entrepreneur has helped my family life.
Fashion Gxd Magazine :What motivates you?
Zo Brown : I am motivated when I can clearly see how I may be able to meet a need. This gives me purpose and the energy to get the job done. It helps me to truly enjoy that work that I am doing. I am also motivated by other entrepreneurs and successful leaders.
Fashion Gxd Magazine: How do you generate new ideas?
Zo Brown : I usually generate new ideas in silence and solitude.
Fashion Gxd Magazine : What sacrifices have you had to make to be a successful entrepreneur?
Zo Brown : Where do I start?! I had to sacrifice my living situation, my finances, my sleep and my time. This type of sacrifice is perpetual.
Fashion Gxd Magazine : Where do you see yourself and your business in 10 years? 20 years?
Zo Brown : Within the next 10 years, I see myself becoming an author, tv personality and obtaining my doctorate. In 20 years, I see myself as a image/fashion icon and philanthropist that continues to educate and inspire the community
