You can’t be timid with your dreams, destiny and desires. Don’t follow your dreams, lead them to your reality.
Angela Marshall, is a public speaker, professional writer, columnist, bestseller author, creative consultant, ex-NFL wife and business owner of “In Other Words, By Stone.” Her topics of expertise include but are not limited to; Converting the Downs in Life to Wins, Making Positive Plays Every Day and The Scores That Do Not Count. She teaches, enlightens and shares motivating and transparent topics encouraging struggles to strength. Angela has graced the stages, shared platforms and inspired minds to stretch and evolve across the globe. Her heart and passion to liberate, illuminate and motivate others has appropriately nick-named her “wise words woman.”
Also known as “Author Stone,” Angela is an Augusta, Ga., native, positive words powerhouse that utilizes her personal life experiences of struggle, strength and success to captivate audiences and readers abroad. Growing up altruistic with lighter skin in an African American family environment and being an unwed teen mother, afforded her a view point advantage of diversity, different and determination. She is also a community advocate, youth mentor and supporter.
Angela resigned from twenty years in the corporate world to embrace the purpose that has pursued her throughout life – to be unmasked, unchained and untamed. She struggled through a lavish but sorely lacking lifestyle as a former NFL wife. That chapter in her life produced the transparency in her inspiring inquiring minds want to know auto-biography, ‘Reality to Rags to Riches; The Story and Life of an Ex-NFL Wife.” Angela is also a featured author in the “Women Who Lead” anthology that chronicles successful women across the globe.
Angela has been featured on the following platforms; Worlds Most Amazing People, Conversations with Klarque, VIP Concierge Event, Mastermind DMV, Judy Hoberman-Selling in a Skirt National Show, Courageous Conversations with Sheree- Now Network, Professional Women’s Networking Association, Total Woman Inc., Write the Book Now!, The Beauty Essentials Show, IlikeEbooks, HomeTown Reads, Write Globe, Ask David.com, Poetry Ponderings Podcast, Speakersphere.com, Women Who Lead, Queens in the City Tour-Charlotte, The Grind Entrepreneurs Network, and The Nalarance Davis BlogTalk Show. She is also a member of Professional Women’s Networking Association, Speakersphere Organization, The African American Entrepreneur Club- Florida, The P.E.E.R Group Professionals, Women Who Lead Anthology and the African American Authors for Literacy Campaign.
Where did the idea for your company come from?
I decided to share my story, struggles, strengths and successes with the world after being asked about my former lifestyle by so many people across the globe. It was difficult hearing their “assessment” for me in the supposed life of the rich and famous. Once the book was published, I was asked to come and share it at events, forums and conferences- I decided to make it my platform.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
I begin with meditation, affirmations and an agenda for success. Promoting my brand and business on every media outlet possible is always on the to-do list. I’m either on a conference call, being interviewed, making connections, speaking at an event or reaching out to assist someone traveling the same path.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I write them down, research the probability of need and success then I leave it for a few days to make sure I have the desire, drive and determination to follow through. If it is in my thoughts or comes to me in any form during the “set-aside” time, I immediately bounce it off a mentor then I connect with others to help me make it a reality.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Meditation- Now that I know the power of disconnecting with your outer and connecting with your inner higher self will increase your energy, aura, vibration and light, it has helped me to grow, glow and sow much better in my life.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
Writing down daily tasks. It keeps me accountable and gives me a very real sense of accomplishment.
What advice would you give your younger self?
“Success is a dish served only to the bold” (my personal quote) You can’t be timid with your dreams, destiny and desires. Don’t follow your dreams, lead them to your reality.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.
That I lived in a lifestyle where money was not an object and I lived in a life of lavish, but I was still inwardly depressed while suffering from a lack of love, self-worth and confidence.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Make key connections and utilize networking to help you succeed.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
Having a heavy social media presence and interacting. Uploading my videos, books, speaking engagements, skills and services all over the web, has connected me with clients, organizations and customers across the globe.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
Not doing research before spending money on people or corporations that claimed it had the expertise and experience to assist my vision. Whenever a need arises for outside assistance, I do thorough homework before I sign an agreement, contract or pay for services.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A Cuddle Common Space- having a serene place to go when you’re tired of your four walls but don’t want to go out to a traditional date environment.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
I secretly paid for another entrepreneur to get a website designed and hosted- reaching back and reaching out to help someone else succeed is a priority, not optional.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?
Using google to find podcast, tv & radio shows for FREE exposure. Being able to get in front of listeners, viewers nationally has increased public awareness for my platform, products and services.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
The 48 Laws to Power written by Robert Greene. It was a huge life changer and altered my perspective for success. The content in that book aligned my growth and focus which motivated me to work hard, play hard and succeed harder!
What is your favorite quote?
“You will miss 100% of the shots that you do not take.”~ Wayne Gretsky
Key Learnings:
• Get off the bench and get in the game of life! Stop being a spectator and merely existing.
• Live vicariously through yourself. Take and make opportunities to live your dreams intentionally, intensely and influentially.
• Success is a dish served only to the bold- push, press and persevere until you become who and what you were created to be.
Connect:
Carlyn runs the day-to-day publishing operation here at ideamensch and interacts with our awesome customers and entrepreneurs. She is likely editing this with a cat on her lap.