PLPT GEMS: Meet Deva Barnes

PLPT GEMS Presents

Deva Barnes

Image Consultant. Event Planner. Business Owner.

 

1. What is your passion and what is your outlet for it?
 
As long as I can remember, I’ve loved fashion and beauty! Not just for myself, but those around me. I always loved helping friends pick out that perfect outfit or helping them with their hair and make-up. I really didn’t have an outlet until recently; I just had a ball at the mall for hours by myself. I also did Mary Kay for a while--I just loved the atmosphere of getting friends together and “playing make-up” just like when I was a kid. Except I’m much better at it now!
 
2. How did you get started? How did you prepare yourself?
 
Last fall I was really down about work and my future career prospects. I just started to brainstorm on what I could do to could bring me fulfillment as well as extra money and what I could possibly do full time at some point. I really sat and thought about what I would do for free, that could be translated into business. Eureka! Image Consulting & Event Planning! During that time, I happened to come across some extra money and immediately went about applying for an LLC and building a website.
 
3. What obstacles did you have to overcome?
 
Honestly, the biggest obstacle that I face and have yet to fully overcome is myself. You know, “getting out of my own way”. There is always so much work to be done when entering the marketplace and making the public aware of your business. When you’re used to working for someone else, your duties are usually pretty well defined. When running your own business, finding time to do EVERYTHING is a real challenge. My biggest obstacle is setting aside time to nurture my business after work and on weekends. I value my downtime and transitioning to there being no such thing is difficult. Downtime now means time that I need to put into my business.
 
4. Is your passion your full time occupation? If not, how do you balance it with the your other responsibilities?
 
It feels like I have 2 full time jobs, secretary and wife. I can’t even imagine what it will be like to throw kids into the mix! Getting home at 6 and then making dinner, going to the gym, tidying the house, spending time with my wonderful husband, Scott AND then finding time to sit down and do research for clients, build my brand and make blog entries is crazy. There never seems to be enough hours in a day. I’m working on the balance. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed because something always has to fall by the wayside. There simply aren’t enough hours in the day
 
5. How do you stay motivated and overcome doubt, fear and negative thinking?
 
I do what I can and just try not to beat myself up too much about what didn’t get done. I always tell myself, “Every day is a new day to succeed.”
 
6. What advice would you offer to others who are searching for their purpose or are afraid to take the first step towards their dreams?
 
My advice would be to really think about what you LOVE to do; what would you do for free. That way it won’t feel so much like work when you have to put in the hard hours. Taking the first step is the most daunting part. It’s so much easier not to but I never want to die saying “I always wished I had….” I’d rather try and know I gave it my all than to have regrets. So I would tell anyone, get out there! It can be scary and overwhelming but the satisfaction of knowing I’m taking control of my dreams and destiny far outweighs the fear of the future. Nothing will ever happen if you don’t try. I keep these two quotes close to my heart:

"Nothing will ever be attempted if all possible objections must first be overcome." - Samuel Johnson
 
"Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot; but make it hot by striking." - William B. Sprague

7. Name someone who has inspired you and why.
 
I have an Aunt who went to Sweden at 19; she bought a one way ticket and never came back. She found her dream, her career and her husband. She went on to become a huge celebrity there. She sang gospel/spiritual music in a country where she didn’t even speak the language initially. She has sung for Nelson Mandela, Rosa Parks and many other dignitaries. She spent about 45 years there and recently retired back to New York City. She’s inspiring because she leapt on a dream and found her destiny. She made her own path and flourished against many odds; a black woman in a Nordic country where they had never even heard Gospel music! How crazy is that? It proves to me that even if you don’t know where you’re going, you never know where you’ll end up if you follow your dreams.
 
8. How can people connect with you?
 
www.howapropos.com