This week’s guest is many things, but one thing’s for sure and it’s that she is a bonafide go-getter. We had the opportunity to sit down with the balloon mastermind behind Events by Jamila – the all in one party planning business founded and operated by Arizona’s very own, Jamila Stewart.
In this week’s episode we cover everything from motherhood to trying every career under the sun and why not all money is ‘green’ money.
Emerging Out of the Career Tour
Before landing in the balloon decor and party planning industry, Jamila went on quite the career tour. Some would compare it to a backpacking trip after college, dipping her toes in the water before diving headfirst. And, to be honest, I have the utmost respect for her. From working as a Public Relations professional right after college with her broadcast journalism major to a fertility clinic and then as a traveling children’s photographer – Jamila would say the variety of working experience has led her to Events by Jamila. You’ll have to tune in to the episode to learn the origin story of her current business!
Founding and Growing a Business as Single Mother
Hint: The inception of Events by Jamila has to do with her son, a major driving force for Jamila’s entrepreneurial ventures. And like many parents, Jamila wanted more control of her time and to spend that time with her son. But starting and maintaining a profitable business is a tall task for an entire company, let alone a solopreneur like Jamila. However, Jamila’s work ethic and hustle is second to none, and as she describes, once you build that clientele, foster those relationships and find your niche in an industry, the 60-80 hour work weeks you’ve been putting in pay off AND that’s when you begin to get your time back.
Not All Money Is Green
All that to say, well, for Jamila to say “not all money is green.” And this is something that resonated with me. We’re talking about ethics here and Jamila says that all it takes is a single discovery call with a potential client for her to decide whether or not she wants to work with them. By being in a position to say no to potential business, this allows Jamila to maintain her standard of ethics, protect herself, both professionally and emotionally, as well as her industry partners and vendors.
Tune in to this week’s episode to learn more about Jamila’s story, how she ended up with a Honey Bears BBQ (IYKYK) box truck and how her faith has guided her throughout her entrepreneurial journey.
Remember, your youth is your power.
