Who is Diana Richardson – Phillipus?
My name is Diana Richardson- Phillipus, I have had quite the journey in my life from the time I was born. I am a Pennsylvania native, however I have resided in numerous places from childhood. I like to think that this is what has also contributed to my journey to entrepreneurship.
I always knew that I wanted to be an entrepreneur! The stumbling block for me during that time was in what capacity. I’ve always been the type of person that would willingly offer up any type of service from ministering to my friends and family. I have been an avid reader all my life and I particularly enjoyed books that spoke to the power of the Law of Attraction. I remember the very first book on this topic that was introduced to me back in 2001 from a co-worker at the time called “The Wisdom of Florence Scovel Shinn” (I still have this book to this day!). This was my introduction to the Law of Attraction and my mind was completely blown away! But it wasn’t until 2018 that I finally realised what my true purpose in entrepreneurship was, which is to curate products and services to women around the world that foster Empowerment, Networking. It was with this vision that I launched of Bronzed GLO Beauty, Organic Cosmetics and the Empowered Women Empower Movement.
What was your childhood career dream?
I dreamed of being a TV journalist.
What inspired you to start Empowered Women Empower?
What a great question! Empowered Women Empower was born many moons ago, before I had ever imagined starting a business. I wrote papers on women’s empowerment when I was in graduate school. I had always envisioned the empowerment of women being a catalyst for change. Once I launched DR Global LLC and began my journey of connecting, empowering and building women through my many trade shows and conferences I utilized the Empowered Women Empower brand. As I continued on this journey, I soon realised that EWE was so much more than just a brand, it was an entire movement and it was at this point that It was decided to make EWE a corporation. The feedback and recognition that EWE receives is quite humbling, EWE is swiftly becoming a household name. Empowered Women Empower is on the move! And there is so much more coming with this movement. The goal for EWE is to continue to reach, uplift, educate and Empower women, and take our platform to the next level. To date, EWE has made a great impact, and we are looking toward our continued growth 2023.
What are some of the most memorable lessons you have learned along the way?
Some of the lessons learned is that it truly takes a village to reach your goals.
You are so passionate and committed to helping other women reach their full potential, what does this mean to you?
I decided way before EWE was born that I would serve women this way. I can remember writing papers in college about women’s empowerment and serving as a catalyst for change in this area. It’s funny how things come full circle! The biggest drawer for EWE is the authenticity of the brand. EWE continues to stand on its mission, and I believe that makes all the difference.
How do you define success
The word success has a powerful yet complex definition for every person, which should be expected. Success is about what the individual wants to achieve; each milestone, goal, and achievement is a success! So, when I think about success in terms of empowerment, once a person has been empowered to step into a place they thought was once unachievable or learned a new thing and stepped out of their comfort zone, that in itself could be defined as a success.
What is your definition of leadership?
Leadership to me is having the ability to not only lead but to inspire and motivate. It is imperative in my opinion when taking the realms of leading that I am keeping them inspired and motivated in the journey by inclusion in the processes, making sure that I am always open to feedback and constantly being in a state of change based upon these metrics.
As an entrepreneur and CEO, how do you keep your team motivated despite obstacles?
By always keeping the big picture in the fore front. There will inevitably be obstacles in any journey that one embarks on. It is how you handle it. Staying on the course and being positive is what I live by and encourage.
Tell us more about Bronzed GLO Beauty? How did you come to start it?
Bronzed GLO Beauty, Organic Cosmetics was birthed with the mission and vision for every woman to feel beautiful in their own skin.
Before BGB was launched, I had begun making my own bronzers. I found it incredibly hard to find a shade that matched my skin completion to my liking, and it seemed that each one I tried made my skin breakout. So, I decided to make my own out of natural products. I would go to work and the women at my job would tell me how beautiful my skin was and how I had such a glow! I would tell them that I made it and they would ask me if I could make some for them. I then began making my own lotions and creams and lip glosses and had the same effect. I had actually started a business but didn’t even realise it at the time. It wasn’t until June of 2019, that I woke up at 3a.m with the vision of starting my business I tried to shake it off, but the urge was so strong that I couldn’t. I got up and immediately started researching. I had no idea what I was doing but I was determined to make it happen. I made all my products by hand and less than thirty days later I officially launched Bronzed GLO Beauty.
Being a founder of two successful companies, tell us about the most difficult part of being in a leadership role?
I think one of the hardest things was eliminating old habits that I carried over from being an employee. For example, as an entrepreneur, I view time differently now than I did when I was an employee in the corporate world. How time is used is much more important than how much time is spent on something. Even as a leader, it was important for me to identify the leadership habits that worked in the corporate world but are ineffective in the startup environment. It has been a blast and a learning experience but it was definitely unexpected.
Please share with us your leadership style and why you choose that style?
My leadership style is one of being a Transformational Leader. It is my motto that you can achieve more than you ever thought possible and this is done by tapping into your individual potential.
What qualities do you think are lacking among today’s leaders?
I think a lot of leaders are lacking the element of transforming their base through inspiration.
Have you ever failed at anything dear to you? If yes, what was it and how did you manage to get back up?
Absolutely! I had another business venture, which was creating gift baskets. I love to create. The business did not succeed. I took it in stride and took some time to get in tune with myself, it was at this point that my true purpose was revealed to me!
You are so good at what you do, where do you draw your inspiration from?
I am always in a state of being open to any and all the universe has for me.
I am always reading and meditating to stay grounded and in a state of creativity.
You are an Author, Speaker and Entrepreneur. How do you manage to create work- life balance?
Wow! This is a topic that I can admit I struggle with! It can be hard because I truly love what I do and it is sometimes difficult to turn it off. I work hard to maintain a daily schedule for myself.
If you were to go back in time, what would you tell your 15-year-old self?
I would tell myself that greater is coming! That this season of your life will soon pass!
What in your opinion do you think hinders women from becoming great leaders?
That is a great question! While there are certainly many great women leaders in the world today, it could be a lot more! I would have to say that in my opinion a lot of what hinders women from being great effective leaders would be the inability to think outside of the box.
What future do you envision for women?
I envision women stepping into their greatness! And taking their rightful place in business and beyond!
What are your ideal stellar woman attributes?
Bold, Strong, Empowering and a paying it forward woman that refuses to settle!
Where do we see Diana Richardson– Phillipus in the next 5-15 years?
EWE is constantly evolving; we are always striving to reach new heights to bring awareness to our mission and stay connected. We are currently preparing for our next two events in September and December, one being our Fall into Autumn Popup Shop EXPO (9/17/2022) and our annual Christmas Extravaganza (12/17/2022). All geared toward the Empowerment of women in business. EWE is also in the planning phases of our upcoming events moving into 2023, which will continue to house our Popup shops and conferences. As we continue our growth, EWE is moving towards scaling our outreach into a larger arena to continue to bring awareness to our mission while serving the community.
Leave a message for stellar woman Magazine readers to guide them into becoming Great leaders?
I would have to say to all a saying that was said to me “STAY THE COURSE”
What is your life mantra?
Be Bold, Be Beautifully YOU!
My books are also available directly on amazon.com.
www.sheisdiana.com
www.empoweredwomenempower.com
www.bronzedglobeauty.com
Diana Richardson-Phillipus, Chief Executive
Empowered Women Empower Movement Founder
Office hours: Monday thru Saturday: 8a.m – 6p.m
Email: Info@sheisdiana.com
Phone: (404) 692-0603
Visit Diana Online: www.SheisDiana.com
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