Today we’d like to introduce you to Star Williams.
Star, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started this journey in 2012, a few short years before I retired from the military. I wanted to create an organization that would touch the lives of women from all walks of life through personal and professional development. While serving in the military I’d always been told that I was blessed with inner strength despite any obstacles I faced and a deep passion for building connections and relationships among women. So I began to really think about what I wanted to do after I retired from the military and the entire concept hit me overnight and Power Forward Woman was established on June 1, 2012.
Over the past years, what started as a simple networking organization has become a Power Forward Woman Movement! This miraculous Movement has grown in numbers and deeds and on January 27, 2017 I decided to expand the organizations reach to include business consulting, coaching, certifications and specialized training and we are now Power Forward Woman, LLC. Overall, the organization encompasses a group of women dedicated to reaching common goals, becoming empowered and empowering others through personal and professional growth.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been a smooth road by far but I have a great support system and team that continues to motivate me. Most of my struggles came from the obstacle of transitioning from the military back into what we call “the real world.” It was challenging getting all of the resources that I needed to get my business off of the ground in a new state but my tenacity wouldn’t let me quit. I kept thinking to myself, after 20 years of working as an IT wouldn’t it just be easier to go back to corporate America and do what’s familiar? But my heart wasn’t in it and I knew that God had another plan for me no matter how challenging it was to break into this new industry.
I won’t pretend like there were not many days that I wanted to quit but I knew that this journey was not only about me. This is one of the main reasons why I started Power Forward Woman is because I didn’t want any other woman to struggle as much as I did to get going.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Power Forward Woman LLC – what should we know?
The Power Forward Woman Movement was created on the premise that women across America would be given the opportunity to connect, communicate, collaborate and conquer all of their personal and professional goals. We strive to bring women together from around the globe in an effort to build strong relationships and support systems so that no woman will ever feel alone on their journey to success. Our ultimate goal is to help women transform their lives to a level they’ve only dreamed of, mentally, physically and emotionally. As the Power Forward Woman realizes, we have multiple roles in our families, on our jobs, communities and for some overseas. There is a cause for extra effort to balance everyday life and run a business successfully. To help face those challenges, Power Forward Woman hosts professional enrichment opportunities from life skills to small business coaching sessions and workshops throughout the year. In addition to our workshops and seminars, we invite women from diverse backgrounds to our annual empowerment conference to hear a dynamic word from some extraordinary women that are devoted to providing the knowledge, tools, and resources that will help push each woman towards their purpose. We see transformation as a progressive process. Speaking our prosperity into the atmosphere or not, each one of us has an idea of what needs to change in our lives.
One of our award winning specialties is in small business startup for profit and nonprofit businesses. Power Forward Woman LLC is known for successfully launching businesses in 45 days or less. In addition to business startup we specialize in strategic planning which goes beyond the startup and focuses on things such as certifications, government contracting and creating sustainable growth through marketing and advertising efforts.
As a life coach, Power Forward Woman LLC specializes in helping women that are going through a life transition in an effort to help them see transformation as a process. We understand how difficult it can be balancing work and life, difficulty dealing with stressful situations, and difficulty making life decisions. We apply real world experience, support and encouragement while suggesting new ways to achieve your goals.
I am most proud of Power Forward Woman LLC for breaking every barrier “they” said couldn’t be broken. After retiring many people doubted that I would be able have an award winning and profitable company but with the help of a great support system and team we were able to become a household name within our first year of business in Dallas. Within a few short years, PFW has received a number of prestigious business and empowerment awards and highlighted in the news and media for our work. We’ve never taken a keen focus on our competitor but yet we created unique ways to stand out and be highly visible in our community.
I personally believe that what sets us apart from others is our ability to put the human needs of people first and sales last. Power Forward Woman LLC has a heart for the community and always goes back to our roots of ensuring that no one that walks through our doors feels alone on their journey. There are a lot of free tools and resources available when it comes to personal and professional development, so we do our best to ensure that all of our clients feel as though their needs are met whether they can afford our services at that time or in the future.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
There are so many people in my life that have played a role in my success but I have to single out the following who are instrumental in in my daily motivation and keeps me moving forward. First and foremost my mother Angela, my true angel that just recently passed away. She was instrumental in ensuring that I didn’t fall back into a comfortable job but rather a career where I would be living out my passion and purpose in life. Whenever life felt overwhelming she would always say “Quiet the Critics.” Not the critics of the world but instead the critics in my own head. She was the first person in my life to teach me that positive thoughts lead to positive actions and positive actions lead to a positive and productive life.
My sister Andrea has an active life herself but always makes sure that if I need her to fill any role or complete any task she’s always there without hesitation. She volunteers and supports all of my events. Her presence alone helps calm my nerves when everything seems to be happening so fast during events.
Carol, my biggest PFW advocate and my best friend, has always and continues to be a positive voice for the organization. She is what I call my original street team, ensuring that she shares all of the news and events with everyone that she knows and sometimes just people that she meets in passing that she feels would benefit what PFW offers. This woman has traveled across state lines to support everything that I do. She’s that friend in my life that I don’t even have to ask, it just gets done.
The Power Forward Woman team, which includes Ariale and Betty, keeps the office afloat between the administrative tasks, daily operations and in many cases just helping keep my head on a swivel. They are instrumental in the planning of events, getting me booked for engagements and ensuring that the organization remains visible in the community through partnerships, collaborations and outreach.
Last but certainly not least, my husband William. Just like my mom, he has been my biggest supporter even when I began to dash my own dreams. He is always a sounding board and helps bring me back to reality when the time is needed. My husband could’ve easily pushed me back into a for sure career in the IT field, but instead he has continued to push me to follow my dreams.
Pricing:
- 30 Day Life/Career/Business Coaching $497
- 8 Week Goal Digger Business Series $797
- 16 Week Goal Digger Business Series $1997
- 24 Week Goal Digger Business Series $2597
- For Profit/Non Profit Start Up Services $697
Contact Info:
- Website: www.powerforwardwoman.com
- Phone: 214-702-9439
- Email: star@powerforwardwoman.com
- Facebook: @PowerForwardWoman
- Twitter: @PowerForwardWom
Image Credit:
Nikki G. Productions
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