Today we’d like to introduce you to Anita Hawkins.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Anita. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I relocated to Texas in December 2000. I was a stay at home mom for quite some time as I am a wife of MLB Pitcher and mother of two. In 2004, I decided to try building my dream home and hired a builder who I thought carried all facets that that catered to my needs only finding out later that he wasn’t a good businessman. We ended up stopping construction of my home and while in court, I obtained my license as a builder. I launched my company Trokar Builders, completed my dream home and purchased another piece of land to build a subdivision for starter homes. I later partnered with DR Horton homes to complete construction of Hawk Ridge in Prosper, Tx.
I wrote my first book, The Storm After The Storm based on my life in 2015 which afforded me several platforms to speak on rape, molestation, teen pregnancy, abortion, domestic violence, healing, and forgiveness. Since then, I have co-authored two books, America’s Leading Ladies featuring Oprah Winfrey as well as Melinda Gates & The Breakthrough featuring Les Brown.
I have modeled my enter life and taken part in several shows including LA Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week, Philly Fashion Week and several shows in other cities.
After working for 10 years with several nonprofits I noticed one component that was missing. We can give women all the tools to make It in society on their own but if they have no teeth, can’t walk with boldness and confidence we are doing them true disservice. In 2014, I launched my non-profit, Find One Reason To Smile to give hope to victims of DV by reinventing their smiles. We purchased a safe haven for Women Called Moses in 2017 and took It a step further by pulling in dental practices to reinvent the smiles of women that had been robbed of that very thing due to abuse and sex trafficking.
I am still working tirelessly to make it a success for the women and still bare the scars of abuse.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, the road has definitely not been smooth and that’s where most people go wrong; not admitting the truth. Being successful is hard and sometimes more expensive than you would like to envision but it’s work. There were times that I wanted to throw in the towel as It’s difficult to find others to help, want to work or sometimes believe in your God-given vision. The key for me has been to not give up because anything that you want takes total dedication and hard work.
It’s also important to remember as long as you believe in you nothing else really matters.
What do you do? What do you specialize in?
I have a construction company which I started many years ago. I am a master franchise owner, which I can openly say was a horrible investment but a great bump on the head. I now educate on how to build you own blue print verses paying someone for theirs. I have my non-profit (FindOneReasonToSmile) which is my baby as giving back is the driving force in the lives of everyone in my family. Everything that I have done has been grassroots. No degree, no team, no partners and no investors. I took a chance on myself not really knowing what the outcome would be. I am also a model, mentor and just recently launched a custom apparel line JauneBelle Couture.
I have the opportunity to work at my own pace on projects because I own the company. If they work they work and if they don’t it becomes a learning experience.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Talk about being Robin to my Batman is my biggest cheerleader is Nakia Earving and she assists me all the way from Gary Indiana. Jumping on flights to be where ever I am to set up my tables at events, selling books, pushing my brand and just keeping me going even on the days that I didn’t feel good about myself. My biggest support is my husband who never complains about the business decisions that I’ve made over the years, well not to me anyway. He never says much but the silent partner will show his face when needed.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ANITAEHAWKINS.COM
- Phone: 214-551-3686
- Email: findonereasontosmile@gmail.com
- Instagram: @AEHFASHION
- Facebook: ANITA HAWKINS
- Twitter: @AEHFASHION
Image Credit:
KAUWUANE Burton
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