“Not only was I able to re-establish myself, launch other successful businesses, and help many others along the way, but I also became debt-free.” Walna Calixte had her life in crumbles after homelessness, leaving an abusive relationship, finding herself as a single mother and overcoming postpartum depression, but that didn’t put an end to her. Now as the entrepreneur of multi-businesses and a Consultant for a State agency that oversees Government contracts, Walna talks about how the act of never giving up can go a long way.
What do you see when you look in the mirror?
I see strength, an over-comer, but most importantly I see love for the reflection looking back at me.
What do you do for a living?
I provide marketing services for various businesses, and I also serve as a Consultant for a State agency that oversees Government contracts.
How do you think self-love plays a role in success?
I feel self-love is the key. You have to love and believe in who you are, your
capabilities, dreams, and have the drive to go after the life that you deserve.
How do you think we, as women, can work together to lift each other?
As women, we must understand the power of our words. We can use this power to either uplift or destroy! Using our words to affirm and encourage each other is extremely necessary. In a world where social media plays such a major role in our respective businesses and lives, the simple act of positive engagement, i.e liking a post, commenting, sharing, or a simple message of encouragement in an inbox goes a long way.
Have you had any adversities that you’ve had to overcome in order to achieve success?
In 2008-2009, I was a new mom, fighting postpartum depression and fresh out of an abusive relationship that had destroyed me in so many aspects. I was also faced with the harsh reality of losing my businesses due to the recession. This was a very humbling season in my life – everything that I had worked so hard to achieve had collapsed. Through many trials and error and overcoming homelessness, I figured it out. Not only was I able to re-establish myself, launch other successful businesses, and help many others along the way, but I also became debt-free.
What has been your greatest accomplishment to date?
My greatest accomplishment is that I never gave up! I’ve accomplished so much as it pertains to business, and even more so as a single mother. However, none of those would have been possible if I had given up. So I say, for the many things I’ve accomplished, never giving up is the greatest of them all.
What inspires you to keep growing?
My Son! He motivates, inspires, and drives me to be the best version of myself. Every day I wake up, I make it count, I give the day everything I’ve got because my son is counting on me to be great.
