By Tammy Reese | Thursday, September 21, 2023 | 3:04 PM ET
September is Self-Improvement Month; a time to improve oneself, set new goals, and eliminate negativity holding one back. Investing in self-improvement physically, spiritually, and mentally is one of the best investments in life.
Today, we explore the story of Saria Hawkins-Banda, Founder/CEO of Manifest Your Purpose, a woman who inspires and empowers others to reach their goals with organization and clarity. Her journey exemplifies the potential for success through self-improvement.
What’s your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?
Saria: Get used to being told NO. Don’t disqualify yourself just because someone else doesn’t recognize your greatness yet. Keep working and building. That way, when that one YES comes, you are ready!
Who is your business role model? Why?
Saria: Pinky Cole! I love how transparent she is about the struggles she has faced as an entrepreneur. I’ve enjoyed following her journey and witnessing firsthand how perseverance always pays off. I also love how she pours back into other Black owned businesses. She is a true example of fortitude. Which isn’t surprising as she is also a Delta and that’s what we are taught to do!
What is your proudest business accomplishment?
Saria: My proudest accomplishment is taking something that started as a dream and making it a reality. It’s a great feeling. Spiritual in a sense. I’m literally living out the name of my business. God is good!
Give 2 tips on staying organized.
Saria:
Fill out your planner at night! This way, you wake up with a game plan for your day!
Schedule multiple breaks throughout your day. Even if they are only 5 minutes. Your mental health will thank you!
More on Saria Hawkins-Banda
Saria Hawkins-Banda is the Founder/CEO of Manifest Your Purpose. She an excellent example of a mompreneur and takes great pride in running her quickly growing company while raising her two children with her husband Lewis. Saria is an avid planner and loves helping teach others to plan with purpose by using her chic and functional stationery.
In addition, Saria aims to sprinkle a little #BlackGirlMagic everywhere she goes by making products that show off the beauty and multidimensionality of Black women. Her personal mission is to remind Black women that they deserve to be celebrated simply because of their existence and she won’t stop until that’s the standard.
Owner of Visionary Minds Public Relations and Media, Tammy Reese is an award-winning writer and journalist best known for landing major interviews with Angela Bassett, Sharon Stone, Sigourney Weaver, Laurence Fishburne, Geena Davis, Billy Porter, Morris Chestnut, Nelly, Mona Scott Young, Giancarlo Esposito, Luke Evans, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Jennifer Connelly, Joseph Sikora, Meagan Good, Leon, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Phylicia Rashad, Omar Epps, Courtney Kemp, Vivica A Fox, Ryan Coogler, and so many more.
She is a proud member of ForbesBLK as well as New York Women in Film and Television.
