Entrepreneur Spotlight is our first in a series of Entrepreneurs who are paving the way in innovation, enlightenment of themselves and the business world. If you are an entrepreneur who has a great story to share, you could be featured. Contact Us!
HBCU Lifestyle:
Dr. Denise Y. Mose tell HBCU Lifestyle readers how your alma mater, Alabama A&M prepared
Entrepreneur spotlight
you for your successful entrepreneurial life today.
Dr. Denise Y. Mose:
I truly enjoyed my years “on the hill” in college. They were the best! That was the first time in my life when I made my own decisions. Should I go to class or the party? Should I go to the library or chill on the block? It was all up to me. But, thankfully my parents were enough incentive to do the right thing. My professors always stressed that success was up to the individual. I never forgot those words of wisdom.
HBCU Lifestyle:
You have an exciting background; can you explain how you began your business, and the pros and cons of what you have learned?
Dr. Denise Y. Mose:
After teaching for twelve years I really wanted to become an entrepreneur. I didn’t understand how there were people my age who didn’t have to work. They would go grab their coffee, go to the gym, play tennis, walk their dog, take a nap and go out to dinner. I didn’t know anyone my age who was black and doing those things! I was in shock. So, I simply talked to them and learned so much. Those people were entrepreneurs and found success. After some souls searching and preparing my mind mentally, I met with my mentor and devised a plan that 2008 would be my year to live life on my terms. Here is what I discovered:
Pros’: I had a solid background in education through my MBA and PH.D in business. Also, I knew several investors who had the disposable income I needed. Third, I had been saving my money so I had a nest egg in case I fell on my face.
Con’s: I couldn’t just up and quit my job. Bills are a serious thing, so as much as I wanted to leave, I couldn’t. Second, I was scared!!! Who leaves their job in a recession? Third, if this didn’t work out, where would I be able to work and how soon?
So, after much prayer, I decided to leave my job and pursue my dreams.
HBCU Lifestyle:
With your writing, teaching, and public speaking background, tell us about some of your most notable interviews you’ve ever had over the years.
Dr. Denise Y. Mose
Dr. Denise Y. Mose:
Let me tell you, GOD has been so good to me. He has allowed me to be in some amazing places and meet the world biggest stars. Through my talk show, Urban America Today, I have traveled to The Trumpet Awards, Stellar Awards, The Dove Awards, The Grammy’s, ESSENCE Music Festival, Tribeca Film Festival, MTV Movie Awards, Taste of Chicago and The Kentucky Derby. Having interviewed Smokey Robinson, Earth, Wind and Fire, The late Teena Marie, Stephanie Mills, Kurt Franklin, Nootsie Collins, Fred Hammond, The Clark Sisters, Jay-Z, Little Wayne, Drake, Eminem, Justin Timberlake, The Jonas Brothers, Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber, Actresses/Singers Gabrielle Union, Lynn Whitfield, Tichinia Arnold, Taylor Hicks, Chilli, Selena Gomez, NFL stars Michael Strayhan, Wil Demps, Warrick Dunn, Photographer Nigel Barker, Billionaire Bob Johnson, Heavyweight Champion Lennox Lewis, and NBA Star Dwayne Wade it has made me a staple on any Red Carpet. Due to my ability to speak it has fostered several writing assignments and jobs. I am the author of two books and serve as Feature Writer for the following publications: ONYX Magazine, RYSE Magazine, Orlando Woman, Tampa Tribune and The Orlando Times. My third book, The Guilt-Free Guide to Fashion will be released summer 2011.
HBCU Lifestyle:
You have been honored with several awards and recognitions, could you elaborate on them?
Dr. Denise Y. Mose:
Recently, I was honored by the Orlando Business Journal as their Women Who Mean Business Award. The Girl Scouts of America identified me as a Woman of Distinction. I won the Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the Chamber of Commerce in 2008. The Tom Joyner Morning Radio Show (Audience of 10 million) bestowed upon me the Hardest Working Entrepreneur Award in 2008. Currently, I am the 2011 Cover Girl for ONYX Magazine due to my rapid accomplishments as an Entrepreneur. USA TODAY Newspaper (a readership of over 35 million) featured me as their top Beauty and Fashion Expert for 2011.
HBCU Lifestyle:
What led you to your beauty entrepreneurial business, and how do you juggle it all with life?
Dr. Denise Y. Mose:
Besides teaching, I have always loved the entire beauty business. I knew I wanted to get in, I just didn’t know how. My mentor was already in the beauty business and he “showed me the ropes” to begin my own line! After he saw my eagerness and the research I had done, he flew me to Paris, France where I worked with renown chemist, Fred Parker. After Paris, it was clear. I decided to listen to what God said. He told me to quit my job and start my own beauty business. Now, this was in 2008 and the recession had begun. I was not in danger of losing my job and made a very good salary, but God said it was time to go. I learned a long time ago that when things seem unplanned, that’s when God will test His children the most. Thankfully, I listened to Him and I never looked back.
HBCU Lifestyle:
What is your advice for HBCU students who are choosing a career today and are feeling discouraged?
Dr. Denise Y. Mose:
Whenever I need to feel inspired, I look at those who came before me; especially in the world of business. The
Determination ca get you far!
folks who have really ‘made it’ leave something to offer. For example, take our 16th President of the United States Abraham Lincoln. It is widely known that he ran for many positions and lost most of them, including the United States Senate; where he lost twice. Business Mogul Donald Trump knows a thing or two about persistence. Who can go bankrupt twice and still be worth billions? Television Mogul Oprah Winfrey grew up poor in Mississippi. Did she let that stop her? Since so many people made it despite the odds, why can’t I? Obstacles are designed like a roller coaster. No matter what you’ve been through you are still here. You have already WON!!! All of these people had one key thing in common: they believed in themselves completely! That’s what we all must do. Be as clear as you can on your dream and map out a timeline to get it done.
HBCU Lifestyle:
What are some important steps to take for entrepreneurs trying to launch their own business, like you have?
Dr. Denise Y. Mose:
Whenever I consult with people who want to venture out into the world of entrepreneurship; I tell them a few things. One, being an entrepreneur is mental first. There has to be a feeling of total confidence that you can do this thing. Let’s face it; it takes guts to leave your job. But it takes serious drive to leave a really good job! After all, we are in a recession. People are being let go on their jobs every day. So, does it really make sense to quit a job where you are not in danger of being fired? Well, that’s the choice of the individual.
Second, I tell them that the results will take awhile to see. Just because what you’ve worked for has been delayed, does not mean you’ve been denied. Take high school, for instance. A traditional diploma will take you approximately four years. Guess what? You must pass each grade to completely finish high school. Delay does not mean denial. Haven’t we all worked for something only to realize that the result would take some time? Of course, we have! I’ll go one step further. When you go to your nearest supermarket, you have to wait in line. You are hungry, the kids are going crazy, traffic will be bumper-to-bumper, but you have to wait. No matter what you do or where you go, waiting will be a part of the equation. My advice is to get busy for the future. Stockbrokers know all about predicting the future. They watch and watch for stocks to go up or down. When they finally see a break they go for it. If they don’t they lose out.
Third, don’t forget why you jumped out there to begin with. It’s easy to get frustrated when results are slow. There might even be a few friends who drop by and say the signature “I told you so” to your face. With friends like that, you should be upset! Trust me, we’ve all been there. When you look back at all you’ve risked, the ends should justify the means. You can be sure that when they don’t depression, failure and loss of drive arrive on your doorstep! So, take a step back and analyze your dream. If it is your desire to make change, be a beacon of light and leave your mark in a profound way….you cannot lose focus!
Denise Y. Mose, Ph.D is the owner/creator of Simply D Perfume and Beauty Skin Care Line. She is also the host of her own talk show, Urban America Today (www.myjbnonline.net). Having authored her signature book, Life at 433, and writing for several magazines, she is an authority on education, business, beauty/fashion, career coaching and etiquette. Her new book, The Guilt-Free Guide To Fashion, will be released summer 2011! The American Image Consultant Association often seeks her advice on wardrobe and fashion seminars. She can be reached through her Agent Monique Mason at 407-456-5624. You may visit her online at www.dymbeauty.com and www.danielformen.net.
Great article!
Denise, this is wonderful! The article makes me feel like I know you.