Today we’d like to introduce you to Theresa Bailey.
Hi Theresa, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Let’s call this chapter – from a BEAST to A BOSS. At a young age, I was always so ambitious, and knew I wanted to be my own boss or just wanted to own something! Especially seeing my parents running their own business through all the trials & tribulations. They had a candle & fragrance business, I used to love smelling candles around the house lol, even the food candles they made? I used to think they were real lol. but seeing them be business owners? I believed I could do that too.
Back in school, everybody knew me as the fast girl, the short little beast with quick feet who ran track that didn’t come to play on the track. I loved things how I loved things, I loved a challenge, especially when it came to a track relay or who was on my team. I wasn’t going down without a fight lol. I was a beast on that track, If I would have followed through lord knows I would have been way further but he had other plans in turning me into a BOSS.
On the field? I was the one making things happen, bringing everyone together, but my attitude was horrible on some days, just trying to control everything.
I say that to say because I wasn’t always the person I am today. My Dad told me something. He said, “the attitude you have, you won’t make it far in life, you have to fix it”. My coach would even tell me when I got upset? Think about will it benefit me 5 years from now. That stuck with me ever since.
Fix your attitude & it will change your life.
I have always been genuine, but some days? Life hits and it could make oneself act a way. To any business owner/boss out there? Don’t let what’s going on in your life stop you from achieving your goals.
Fix your mindset. You don’t always have to be in control, take a breather.
But before I ran track? I was the girl who sold the cute shorts & lip glosses lol before I became the full-time boss.
I used to have a company called “Aaliyah’s Doll House” Back In 2016. I sold lip glosses, girl earrings, clothes, and so much more. I was young, I didn’t know what I was doing lol, I was just making money and knew that I always wanted to be my own boss. Making my own money, own hours, and having a business that was pink & glitter lol.
Fast forward to today? I’m an upcoming influencer, motivational speaker, and a full-time business owner. I am the owner of a graphic design business called The Baldie B University, which used to be called Aaliyah’s Design House, but it was time to take it up a notch. We specialize in branding, strategizing, business cards, websites, flyers and so much more. I just opened up an office space in Arlington, Tx. I’m extremely grateful for it.
I give thanks to God because 2 weeks prior to me getting my building I was going through depression. Depression isn’t a quick fix cure, it’s a process. I was so drained from my business because no matter how tired I could have been, I would work so hard to where I burned myself out and still kept going. I couldn’t help it. I wanted better for myself and to encourage the next girl boss they could do it too or any boss, so I was doing whatever it takes. I love my clients, and people who support me they are who I go above & beyond for, them alone placing an order/ trusting me with their business? even getting messages on a daily from people saying you motivated me to keep going, you inspired me to start a business has literally brung me out of dark places & reminded me I couldn’t give up because somebody is looking up to me and I came to far to give up.
Now does my business journey stop here? Nope, I aspire to be an elementary school teacher someday, and I have many other businesses & projects lined up. I can’t wait for everyone to see what I have in store. I don’t only do this for me, I do this for all the bosses out there, I’m not a perfect business owner, but I get it! If I can do it? I believe you can too!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road; I will be the first business owner to tell you that lol. Running a business or going through everyday life can be hard sometimes with our situations in our personal life can have effects on our business. But we have to remember it’s all a test and we can’t give up. We must keep going because there are better days coming.
Growing up, I didn’t come from a rich family like everyone thought I did or how everyone else did just by how I carried myself and showed up every day like I was fine made it seem as if I had it all together. I come from 2 parents on dialysis, an emotionally broken & most of all loving home at the same time. We have struggled but our parents never showed us – they just made it happen, but we knew. We were grateful to have a roof over our head & food to eat. During my journey, I thank God for that because I could have let what I was going through stop me.
There were no such things as a quick come-up, I made a name for myself. I did it broke, scared, sleepless nights, nights being put out the house, dealing with family drama, business up and downs, health problems, etc. and just imagine still having to show up for your business & everyday life like nothing ever happened? I kept going. I been through a lot at a young age, I done seen it all. I could write a whole book lol, no need for a sob story – I just want to encourage somebody to keep going no matter what, it gets greater later. Always stay prayed up & keep your eye on the prize!
One struggle that took place hard was during my last days in the high school year… life took a HUGE turn for me. I lost my hero, the one who encouraged & inspired me to start a business, the one I would sit and talk about business to or how my school day/track practice went. The one who made things happen even when we had little to nothing… That person was my father. Norman Lynn Bailey. He became extremely sick over time due to dialysis.
To know him is to love him. It affected me so bad to where I stopped running track, I started failing in the classroom, my attendance become horrible, I was giving out on my business, I remember selling clothes and lip glosses from my boutique just to help out with funeral expenses. Having to walk across a stage, knowing he couldn’t be there physically? Hurts but I made it. I know he was with me. I know he is proud of me but sometimes I just can’t function. Losing a parent is hard, but one thing I can say is that he taught me to be strong & to keep going no matter how hard it gets or may seem. I know he’s protecting me because look how far I done came!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a Graphic Designer, Girl Boss, and overall entrepreneur. I specialize in business branding needs as far as flyers, websites, business cards &, etc. Anything dealing with elevating a business owner rather that’s through my designs, my motivational speaking, through my eBooks, social media post, and just me being me. I strongly believe I am known for “The girl that supports everybody” “The girl who goes above & beyond and never gives up”
The girl who motivated me” these aren’t my words. These are people that know me words, I’m so grateful they are able to know me for me. I am extremely proud of that, just knowing I am able to encourage the next person means a lot. I believe the way I support & show love to everybody makes me different, the genuine heart I have makes me different, A lot of people don’t have that support system or that person they can look up to and say if she can do it I can too. I am that person. I strongly believe your vision is your vision, so it’s not meant for everyone to understand it but I am the one to understand it.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk-taking?
Be The Risk Taker. People will say taking risks could be tricky sometimes, true. BUT you MUST have the faith that everything will turn out fine because IT WILL. Even if you have thoughts that your decision, didn’t make it – trust me it did make it. All it takes is patience and understanding. Remember it gets greater later.
If you’re reading this today and you’re debating on taking a risk about a business plan?
DO IT because you are strong enough & I believe in you.
Taking risk can lead up to success, it’s all up to you. Just imagine how that risk can change your life for the better. Me, personally? I took many risk in life and still to do to this day. I remember spending my last of money investing into my business, but it was so worth it in the end because I came so far. A quote that sticks with me: If it’s still in your mind, it’s worth taking a risk.
For example, I’m a graphic designer. I said I want to create something that makes me unique from everyone else and something that could help girl bosses. I decided on a Girl Boss Notebook. I was scared! I didn’t think I could do it. I was going to pay someone else to make it, but it wouldn’t be as meaningful. Fast forward to now? I created my first girl boss notebook on MY OWN from SCRATCH! Just imagine if I didn’t take that risk by making it myself, just imagine If I let fear get to me. I wouldn’t have made the notebook! I can’t wait to release it to see how far it goes. Moral of the story? Take The Risk!
Contact Info:
- Email: brandingisinsession@gmail.com
- Website: www.brandingisinsession.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebaldieboss/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebaldieb
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/thebaldieboss
Image Credits
@jiggyvisuals
@cgphotography15
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