WCW: Lisa Kleines Meets World

It's Wednesday! Happy Hump Day, y'all. Meet this week's #WCW!

Meet the wonderful, Lisa Kleines!



Can you tell me about your background? School? What set you up for this endeavor?
Jordan, this question is kind of funny.  I attended the University of Akron and graduated in 1988. I proceeded to get married to my husband Bob about two weeks after that! I had been working for Estée Lauder for about three years. Within the next six months I started as a account coordinator for Lancome  cosmetics. That was not the ideal job at all! Also, during that time I got pregnant with my son Bill. now, you have to remember it was 1989 at the time and two weeks before I was to take maternity leave I got a call from my boss saying that she was going to let me go from that position because the time I was going to take off for maternity leave would impact the company. Wow! needless to say I did file a claim. 
looking back I would have to say that was the best thing that ever happened to me! I soon realized that I loved to be a stay at home mom. Not that I did not like to work because I always did something extra on the side. Although, I never went back to work full-time while my children were young.



If you're not doing it what would your dream job be?
Jordan this is a fabulous question! As I said I did not work a full-time job when my children were young. Within the last three years I started working for an estate sale company. I worked long hours up to seven days a week and my phone rang constantly. it was probably one of the most stressful jobs I have ever had. Lack of support, a lot of politics, people who could not be trusted and very unreliable pay. But one thing I did like about it however, was that I could take a day off anytime I wanted. Kind of😉
so so far I have a knowledged that my requirements to a dream job would be that being home with my family is of highest importance to me and having a flexible schedule that I create based on the needs of my family first is Key. I would want to be surrounded by people who encouraged me, coached me, pushed me out of my comfort zone to grow and respected my time and my family! so I guess when I look at this question I don't necessarily think about the job as much as I do how it impacts my family and myself.



How important is Social Media to your Business?
Social media is very important to my business. It is how I get myself out there and it is how I let people know what I am doing. It also lets me contact people who I might not know but are interested in my business or products. my business is run virtually and I also have a website that I do all of my back office work in.  
having said that, the social media part is important for two reasons. Obviously it's there so people can see my business. However, there are other people who have businesses that do the same thing. It's becoming an absolutely wonderful way to make a living and catching on quickly. so what makes me stand out from the rest? If you look at my timeline on Facebook you will see my story. Who I am. I never want to lose that and I consider it an asset to my business. How often do we go to a restaurant bar back to a store simply because we like the people that are there. People that you trust people that you enjoy being around and people that you learn from. I have asked people why they come to me because I am curious. I've had several people tell me it's because they trust me. I consider that the biggest compliment of all!
you asked about my brand. I would have to say my brand in circles who I am. I like to share things that I believe in most importantly! if you look at my time line on Facebook you will see that I I am a faith based person. One of my goals is to help each and every person get closer to the Lord. He has helped me and I know he loves me and has a plan for me. I feel He uses me in this way. I have seen people comment on the posts that I put I have seen people who are going through hard times that thanking me for the Bible verses that I put up and the devotions that I post on Facebook. I love the friendships that I have made even with people across the country because of it. I often see them "shared"and that gives me goosebumps!

What can others learn from you?
I would wholeheartedly say that it is never too late to re-create yourself! Take a leap of faith and never let fear run your life! I am not tech savvy at all! Yet, I have people say the opposite of me because of everything that I have learned over the last 16 months! One day at a time! I like the saying, "how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time". That  is how I learned my business! 


How do you do under pressure and How do you handle stress?
I have learned a lot of experience that sometimes you need to move on. you have to valuate what is giving you stress and decide if it's worth it! They say that stress shortens your life! Are you in a situation that is shortening your life? If you are it's time to evaluate. I am learning that it's OK to move on! Nothing changes until something changes!

Yep, that's me working at the pool. I can work wherever there is Wi-Fi! 

What does my average day look like?
ha! I am now getting used to a whole new day! I am readjusting because I work for myself now full-time Rodan + Fields! I'm not sure I know how to handle not having stress in my life LOL. I am still in early riser are usually get up around 6:00. hi head for the kitchen and make my pot of coffee! First and foremost :-) and I head into my favorite room being in the living room. I have all of my devotions laid out in Apps on my phone. I spend quiet time with the Lord, pray and make sure I am in his word every day!
This is where I love to share the devotions that I have read on Facebook. I have a oil group of people who seem to love them and follow me. I then put together a business post for the morning. I try to think about the people that I have talk to about either the business or skin care products. Many of them watch me on Facebook so I try to answer their questions with a before and after of the skin care products or a personal lifestyle business post of my own and what this business means to me.
I also have a team and I like to check in with them. I have a team page and I make sure that I always put something on there to coach them for the day. And I have a preferred customer page and I like to update that every day as well with the tidbits on skin care!
reaching out and following up with people is one of the most important things about my business. I will make phone calls follow up with people who have questions about the business and products and reach out to people about events and special promotions that I have going on.
I can literally work from anywhere that has Wi-Fi. Yesterday I worked the pool for about an hour with one of my friends in the business. 
I then met one of my preferred customers at Starbucks. I never have to leave my house but I'd like to meet people one on one. I like a good conversation and I love the fact that I can make my own schedule and meet people whenever it fits around my family.
I will return back to working my job usually around 7 o'clock after dinner and work until about 9 o'clock. I try to put a business post on Facebook in the evening at around 6 o'clock and again follow up with people.  right now I'm trying to put together a virtual event and it is my first one! See I am always growing and always learning. Doesn't make me a bit nervous? Yes! But I love it! I'll make sure to invite you to my virtual event when it's all done Jordan!



Do you/Did you have a mentor/mentee?
Mentors!
I am so blessed to be on the best performing team in my company. And why is that? Our leaders are amazing coaches and leaders. My line of business we never have to re-create the wheel. there are daily disciplines that we follow that make it so easy to do this business. I can plug into a training call anytime any day I want. We have new ones each and every day. I have never been in a business with such support!

How did you advance your career?
I advanced my career because I was coachable and I followed with the leaders taught me. I did not let fear paralyze me. I tried new things and moved out of my comfort zone to grow.



What makes up my wardrobe?
 Well first and foremost I must admit that I am a Kate Spade girl! Each year when we go to Hilton head I treat myself to one more bad! I am often found in Ann Taylor and my past favorite was Cache.  I love a good bargain and will shop until I find exactly what I need! I used to shop more often than I do now. I have found that a few key pieces that I can coordinate with other items works for me.I tend to spend a little more on those key pieces because I know that they will be used and seen a lot! Yes, I am at heels girl. At 5'3" a girl needs all the height she can get! I must admit that I have quite a few flats that well though now. 
If I were to give advice to anyone it would be to re-think how society is functioning today in the business world. E-commerce is moving quickly! I recently went to Ann Taylor to purchase an outfit. One of my favorite sales people told me that they were closing. Why? Because people shop online now!!! exactly! So what am I doing? I have a virtual franchise. I have my own website that people can go to an order. I don't have to do any parties, I do not have to purchase the stock and keep it at my house and make sure that it gets to people. I don't have time for that! I literally can ship to Australia and Canada and soon I will be able to ship to Asia. I can also have business partners there on my team as well as I build my business. Blue-collar and white-collar jobs are becoming harder and harder each day. sales jobs are now being paid based on performance. My husband was in that position and as soon as he reached a goal they would give him a higher one and after a while he made less and less money yet made his goals each and every time. I love being my own boss. I am in charge of my own paycheck. No one can short me on hours, make my schedule based upon their needs or tell me to work the weekends.






What advice can you give on failure?
Failure is the lack of trying or letting fear keep you from moving forward. If you have tried something new and it does not turn out the way you wanted you have learned something from it. That is not failure! That is called success because you are going to take what you learned and become stronger and more knowledgeable in that area.
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What was your big break? 
I consider my big break not listening to other people! If I had listened to what people thought of the industry that I am in I would not be as successful as I am today! My husband changed jobs within the last year. His previous employer was not paying him the commissions that he was owed on a timely basis. Each paycheck got worse and worse. He finally gave them his two weeks because the stress was too much. I took a deep breath and knew that the Lord had me in at just the right position. I was then making enough to pay our mortgage! I had not even been working my business for a year and it was very part time. my big break came when everything else came crashing down. I knew I was onto something very big that would help my family get through the worst of times. He has since found another job and my company has continued to grow!



What’s next for you?
My goal for this year is to let other men and women know that there is another way to support their families. It does not have to be work 40 hours a week for 40 years. In my business what someone can do in 40 years is what we can do and 3 to 5 years.  You can work this business as a hobby and get paid like a hobby or you can work it as a job and get paid like a job!




Thanks, Lisa!

xo,

KJB

Keep up with Lisa here.

MCM: Optimus Val Meets World

Meet this summer's final Man Crush Monday! Val.

Can you tell me about your background? School? 
 I’m an immigrant from the island of Jamaica west indies. I grew up in New York City
 I attended the University of Akron I graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Sport Studies and Coaching.
I will be Returning to school this fall to pursue my masters in Coaching and Sport administration

What do you do for a living?
 To Pay the Bills I am a Starbucks License Store manager.
On the side and my real passion, I coach football; currently at Archbishop Hoban High School 


If you’re not doing it, what would your dream job be?
I'm building up to my Dream job.  As previously mentioned I coach high school football currently. My Dream is to eventually be a defensive coordinator at the collegiate level


How important is social media to your business?
It is very important to both my current job and my dream job.
Starbucks constantly Uses social media to push their brand and keep their customers happy
As for football, I mean look around, even though it isn’t currently football season I can’t go a day without seeing something about my beloved sport. It Helps to get recruits names out there, it keeps us updated on what’s going on at the collegiate and professional levels right at our fingertips
Social media is just taking over the world

What would you say is your personal brand is?
Self-Discipline. I don’t feel the need to project myself as a personal brand. I feel that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to just by being disciplined, working hard, and reminding myself that life is a marathon. 

What can others learn from you?
It may seem a little blunt but ignorance is bliss. Sometimes I honestly just tune out the whole world on purpose. If I am constantly worrying about everyone and everything else, I cannot move forward. 



How do you do under pressure? How do you handle stress?
I’m great under pressure. I have a fuck it just get it done attitude. If I freak out about something then I waste the precious time I have to get said task done

What’s the average day in the life of Val look like?

Pretty simple 
I’m usually at work by 6:30 or 7am. I’m there until I’m done with my day’s tasks. Sometimes that’s 3pm sometimes that’s 7pm.
I then usually work out and try to put some time into my hobby (DJ-ing)
From august to December I am always out of work by 3 and I have football practice from 3:30 until 6:30. Any free time Is usually dedicated to game film 


Do you/Did you have a mentor/mentee?
My mentor is my Fraternity Little's Father. He is very Much of a father figure to me as well and in the world of coaching He has taught me countless things. 

How did you advance your career?
For Starbucks I Just worked my butt off. I’ve been there for Five years and have been promoted three times.
For Football I just asked. I sent countless Emails to local coaches Trying to score internships and when I landed one with Hoban I worked my butt off and was able to return the following year as a coach and not just an intern 



Why do you do what you do?
Starbucks: IM BROKE AND THEY GOT THE POWER TO CHANGE THAT
Football: it’s the only thing that ive ever felt like made sense ive always loved football and the idea of being able to help young athletes develop and become great is a huge driving factor 


Do you have a ‘must have’ accessory? Or something you feel is your signature look?

My hat. I own 37 hats and I know people who have never seen me without one on. I have one on right now and I’m sitting at my laptop typing.



Who or what is your greatest inspiration?
Myself. I Destroyed my knee one semester into playing football and I’m living vicariously through my athletes. It helps keep me sane knowing that I have the opportunity to help athletes be the best they can be

What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment?
 I once ate a whole large pizza, sober. 


What was your big break?
Coach T, the head coach of Archbishop Hoban read my email and gave me a chance 

Are you a member of any organizations? Trade Organizations, etc.
Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity 


What advice can you give others that look towards you to gauge success?
At the end of the day old people are going to blame things on us (millennials) anyway and so what sometimes you got to eat sleep for dinner. One day you’re gonna be great 



What advice can you give on failure?
Embrace it. If everything went perfectly life would be boring.

What’s next for you? 
Grad school. I’m just Trying to be great


Thanks, Val!

xo,

KJB

Follow Val:
Twitter: @Optimus_Val

Flashback Fashion Friday: Weekly OOTD Round-Up

Here's to another week!

Here's what I wore...
Monday:


Monday was the Solar Eclipse. We went up on the roof and we had about 87% solar coverage and it was pretty neat!

Tuesday:


Wednesday:


I love this outfit and I love these shoes! My body finally started to recover from Sunday's Punch n Brunch!

Thursday:


Check out my new blouse from TJ Maxx! It's super comfy and you know I love these sleeves!

Friday:


Wanted some Bantu knots and to wear my super cute shoes!

Happy Weekend, y'all!

xo,
KJB

WCW: The Samantha Show Meets World

Happy Hump Day, y'all! Meet this week's Woman Crush Wednesday....


Samantha of The Samantha Show!

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When did you start The Samantha Show? 
  • I've been blogging for almost 6 years but I blogged under 2 different names before settling on The Samantha Show.

Where did you come up with the name? 
  • I wanted it to be all encompassing. I blog about style, beauty, parenting, and more and I wanted it to be all about me and my life! 

Can you tell me about your background? School? What set you up for this endeavor? 
  • I attended Miami University in Oxford, OH and got my Bachelor's Degree in Strategic Communication. I worked in corporate for a few years before marrying my husband and moving to upstate NY with him. He then deployed and I started blogging as a way to cope. And it's since evolved! 

Is anyone else involved in The Samantha Show? 
  • I use different photographers and have a virtual assistant but the writing and content creation is all me. 

Is this your sole job? 
  • It is! Unless you count chasing my 3 and 5 year old around... which pretty much is a full-time job too! 

If you’re not doing it, what would your dream job be? 
  • This is definitely my dream job ♥ 

How important is social media to your business? 
  • 110% the most important. It allows me to interact with my followers and be real. 

 What would you say is your personal brand is? 
  • Real fashion for real women, mom style, real life probz. 

What can others learn from you? 
  • You can do anything and be anything. You don't have to compromise style because you're a mom. Be yourself and stay true. 

How do you do under pressure? How do you handle stress? 
  • Ehhhh it depends. Sometimes I handle it well and sometimes my anxiety gets the best of me. 

What’s the average day in the life of Samantha look like? 
  • Wake up, COFFEE, answer emails/publish post, get my kids ready for the day, take my son to school, workout, pick my son up from school, come home to work/feed them/clean house, make dinner, more work, bed! 

Do you/Did you have a mentor/mentee? 
  • I offered a mentorship program for awhile and mentored a ton of other girls. 

How did you advance your career? 
  • I've just worked really hard and stayed true to myself. It's still a work in progress but I have big plans and dreams. 

Why do you do what you do? 
  • I'm a very creative person and it allows me to be creative. I also love social media, working with brands, and meeting other badass women. 

How would you describe your personal style? 
  • Functional casual chic. 

What makes up your wardrobe? 
  • A lot haha I have a bit of a shopping problem! Jeans, sweaters, dresses, comfy tops, and workout clothes. 

Who is your fashion icon? 
  • Carrie Bradshaw

What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment? 
  • Being a mother but career wise, getting published in People StyleWatch. 

What is your ‘must have’ accessory? 
  • Hmmm maybe sunglasses? I need those. 

What advice can you give others that look towards you to gauge success? 
  • Success is something you feel. If you feel accomplished, you are. Don't let someone else determine that for you. 

What advice can you give on failure? 
  • It's going to happen. Pick yourself up and try again. 

What was your big break? 
  • Honestly I can't pinpoint one moment. It's all been a wild ride. 

Are you a member of any organizations? Trade Organizations, etc. 
  • Influencer networks, Style Collective, and Blog Societies. 

What’s next for you? What's next for The Samantha Show? 
  • Keep on keeping on. Working my butt off everyday to make my family and myself proud. 

Thanks, Samantha!

xo,

KJB

Keep up with Samantha here:

KJB About Town: Punch N Brunch

Y'all senior year of high school, my best friend and I used to go to the YMCA on Saturday mornings for Yoga and Kickboxing and I LOVED IT!

So I've been looking to get back into it, cause after seeing Wonder Woman and Atomic Blonde, I just wanna be strong... So imagine how happy I was to find out that 614 Columbus was partnering with Title Boxing Club Grandview for a Sunday event called, Punch N Brunch!




It was a tremendous deal-- so I HAD to sign up!

Sunday morning came around and I headed up to Grandview for a work out that would kick my butt!




They have 4 different class options and Punch n Brunch was something else!:

60-Minute Class

Shred calories in our signature Power Hour class that flies by because you’re having so much fun, but leaves your body burning for days!
Your class will consist of:
15-Minute Warm Up + Eight 3-Minute Rounds + 15-Minute Core


The fact that the rounds were only 3 minutes each when I felt as if I was there for years, gasping for breath...

Afterwards, we headed next door for our promised mimosas....


That did not disappoint!


And naturally, I HAD to get the Chicken and Waffles and yes that is mac and cheese... and y'all, it was GOOD!


I also signed up for three more classes... So if only my entire body would stop hurting so I could go back for more!


Can't wait to go back!
xo,
KJB

Flashback Fashion Friday: January 2021

January 2021 was honestly a continuation of 2020... it was such a long ass month. At the end of the month, there was a power outage that las...