Catrice Jackson is a boss with balance. She is woman who has an equal amount of expertise, drive, passion and personality to make things happen. And she does…Let’s chat with her now.
How did Catrice Jackson become the BOSSLady of Branding?
I’ve always been a BOSSLady and let me explain how I define what a BOSSLady is and why I am one. A BOSSLady is a woman who embodies and expresses harmony within her innate feminine and masculine essence and traits. I know when to stand up, speak out, take the lead and make things happen. I also know when to follow and be led by someone wiser than me. I’m bossy, brave, courageous and strong yet I am soft, flexible, compassionate and loving. I don’t see myself as overly “alpha” nor do I see myself as highly “feminine.” I’m a perfect blend of the two for me. BOSS is in my nature and when I decided to become a brand expert, I wanted to show other women entrepreneurs they two could create a brand (become a brand) that allows them to embody all of who they are without compromising any part of who they are. There’s so much I can say about this but I’ll end with this, when clients are searching for the best, they want to know you are the best. So for me, being the BOSSLady of Branding, clearly tells potential clients when they work with me they are getting the best, an expert. As brands we must be clear, convicted, confident and courageous about sharing our expertise with the world.
Outside of what you do now, what is your past entrepreneurial experience/training that prepared and led you to this platform? Was there certain elements that you felt were missing from the playing field that you wanted to tap into? Did you have your own attempts at Branding highs and lows that gave you the leverage to know what works and what doesn’t?
I’m a natural born teacher, creative, leader and visionary. I’ve always challenged the status quo and found my own ways to go against the grain. As early as I can remember, I always had something to say and sometimes exercising my voice and opinion got me into trouble. No real legal trouble or anything big like that but rather adults often didn’t appreciate my candid expression. My voice, literally is my gift and sometimes it may appear to be my curse. However, I am not afraid to use it as I deem necessary. All of my life experiences and education have evolved into what I call Catriceology (the psychology of me). When clients work with me they get to tap into my diverse education and expertise. Educationally, I am a licensed cosmetologist, a Licensed Practical Nurse, and I have degrees in Criminal Justice, Human Services, Counseling and Organizational Psychology. I am a dissertation away from completing my PhD in Organizational Psychology. I bring all that knowledge and wisdom into my coaching programs to help people unleash their brand, master their message and be more profitable as a business owner.
My branding struggle of being unclear and invisible is what led me into this business niche. I was my ideal client. I was on the verge of quitting after four years into my business. Not because I wasn’t passionate, smart or dedicated but because I didn’t have a strong, clear and distinctive brand or know how to communicate my value, transformation and uniqueness. In a moment of desperation, on the edge of quitting, the word branding was downloaded into my spirit and I went on a relentless quest to learn everything I could about building, communicating and leveraging my brand. It worked and my dream was kept alive. My business began to thrive and my visibility, credibility and profitability dramatically increased.
The greatest element I bring into the branding niche is the psychology of it. Many business owners create a static brand. They get a new logo, website and business cards and believe they have a brand. When clients work with me, they learn the why behind branding. Their brand becomes a verb. They don’t create a brand they become their brand and embody it which is much more visible and credible than a graphic image. My clients learn how to live and breathe their brand which results in creating a legendary legacy.
What is it about a woman discovering her authentic self whether in life or business that allows them to also discover their passions?
“To thine own self be true” is one of my favorite quotes. If you can’t be yourself unapologetically then you are living a lie. If you are living a lie you are not living your purpose and if you are not living your purpose you certainly are not experiencing what you are passionate about. Authenticity and the courage to live and express it is the master key to living the life you were created to live. God has already approved you so you don’t need anyone’s permission to be who you are. When you deny God’s craftsmanship of your authenticity you question his genius. If you really want to live a passionate and purposeful life you’ve got to stop worrying about what other people might think of you and be who God has already approved you to be unapologetically. When you make this choice life will be full of truth, freedom, passion, and fulfillment.
Who is your ideal client and what are the top two issues you see entrepreneurs struggling with when they come to you?
My ideal clients are women entrepreneurs, business owners and leaders who know they have an important message or service that the world needs. I prefer co-creating with brave souls, visionaries, creatives, and those with a little bit (or a lot) of sass. I like people who challenge the rules, thrive on the edge, movers and shakers, big dreamers and those who love investing in their growth. I’m inspired by working with personalities that are fun, curious, determined, playful, down to earth, and hungry for what they want. I like working with action takers, move makers and world shakers.
The two biggest challenges my clients face are lack of clarity about their brilliance and genius or their gift to world and how to communicate it in a way that’s clear, compelling and creates a call to action. They know they have something special to offer so I help them unleash what I call their Irresistible Trademark (IT) and create language and a message that speaks to the heart and mind of the clients they crave. When this happens they often leap from feeling insignificant and invisible to visible and profitable.
How many books have written in total and then can you give us more in depth detail about your upcoming book, The Billboard Brand?
I’m the author of 5 personal development and inspired business books. I wrote my first book in 2009 and at the time set a goal to write five books in five years. It’s actually taken me six years to write five books because as you know, life happens. My most recent book, The Billboard Brand is one of the best books I’ve written. It’s the first book for men and women as my previous books were written for women only. The Billboard Brand is my legacy unfolding. It was a stretch to write a book that beyond great strategies, insight and success tips, depicts the future vision I have for the brand of me. I wrote it from the space of, “I’m already a big name, billboard brand.” I share how to BE and embody big brand boldness and confidence in order to take your place in Times Square. It’s the perfect book for business owners who are ready to learn HOW to reposition and elevate their brand to a global recognition status. I highly recommend it for those who are truly ready show up, shine and do the damn thing unapologetically.
Which speaking topics are closest to your heart when speaking to women?
My favorite messages to share with women in particular are all anchored in my core values. With my number one core value being authenticity, it’s easy for me to inspire and empower women to take off the masks, unveil their true self, stand in their personal power, own their spotlight and rock it. I am a messenger with a message that clearly proclaims, “so what, who cares what other people think of you, speak your truth, set yourself free, if people can’t handle your shine tell them to put on shades and seize the moment, show up, do it your way and do your damn thing no matter what.” While I have signature topics I speak on, that message will always be loud and clear and women love it.
I have been seeing your Brand You with a Book program on Social media. Can you give us a summary of the mission of that program and how it works?
I know that fulfilling, glorious feeling one feels when the can finally say, “I am a published author!” I know what it feels like to have a passionate message the world must hear. I know what it feels like to see a line of people waiting to get an autographed copy of my book. I know what it feels like to add the title, International Best-Selling Author to your biography. I also know what it feels like to be seen as an expert because you’ve positioned yourself as an authority on a particular topic. This all has happened to me and it feels spectacular! Yet, I also know how it feels to doubt your ability to write a book, to experience writer’s block, to wonder if anyone will buy the book and the frustrations of becoming published. The Brand You With A Book program is a 10 week book writing and message mentoring program designed to help aspiring authors clarify their big message, write it with confidence and meaning, publish it and sell it in the form of a book. I work with my author clients from idea conception until they hold their literary baby in their hands. The unique feature of this program is that you don’t just write a book but you write a book that will expand your brand and move you into a position of thought leadership with your branded book.
Do you still seek out training from others in order to stay in tune to current issues etc?
I’m a life-long learning and I am fascinated by knowledge, information and wisdom. I seek new information daily to stay ahead of the pack, to master my craft and to keep my cup overflowing so I can serve from it. I read for at least 30 minutes a day, I spend one hour a day researching information related to my industry and am on a daily quest to find little nuggets of wisdom to keep my message fresh and my methodologies innovative. I participate in masterminds and receive coaching and mentoring from professionals I admire and trust. The most important thing I do is to continually seek the voice, commands and guidance of God who is my ultimate coach in life. It’s essential for me to do what I am created and called to do. Everything I do personally and professional is with clear intent and purpose. I’ve recently said yes to a new mentor, someone I greatly admire as a woman, a business woman and a brand and I’m looking forward to becoming a better me and making great impact in the world.
Have you ever had to tell someone, in the midst of revamping their brand, that they are not ready to be in business?
Yes. That happens on occasion but more importantly, I’ve had to tell people they may not be ready to step into the shoes of the brand they envision in their mind. People are often attracted to my style of “branding” because it inspires them to be free, authentic, bold and yes a bit sassy. I believe they secretly desire the need to be seen, heard, loved and hired (which is what I specialize in) but when it’s time to show up, shine and do the damn thing, they clam up. One of the bonuses in working with me is that I am a Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (Therapist) and I know when people lack self-esteem and self-confidence even when they try to convince me otherwise. So much of the work I do behind the scenes involves quite a bit of empowerment and “you can do it” coaching.
Has Catrice ever failed?
Failure as it’s generally defined, of course I have and too many times to count. I’m grateful for my “failures” although I would prefer to call them life lessons. I’ve learn more in the valley than on the mountaintop. I’ve become more brilliant in the dark than in the spotlight of success. I’ve become wiser, stronger and more resilient because of the pain and problems I’ve experienced over time. For the most part I don’t let “failure” paralyze me, however there have been bigger failures that almost sucked the life out of me. I’m on a mission now to fail faster, so I can gain the clarity, wisdom and courage to get it right, be successful and make a difference. I don’t get hung up failure anymore and I’ve actually succeeded more than I’ve failed.
Tell us about life outside of being a BOSS?
Life outside of my work is congruent with my work. I’m a BOSS by nature and lady by virtue. Once I truly embraced that truth about me, my life has been in harmony. I’m a leader in my family. I’m a teacher in my family. I’m a woman who is not afraid to stand out, speak up, take the lead and get things done. I know when to be soft, gentle and compassionate. I know when to follow instead of lead. I love people and I’m a humanitarian. I feel the weight of the world and care deeply about the human race. I AM a daughter of the King. I pray and convene with God on a daily basis. I love my family. I’m a proud Nana of a one and half year old grandson who tickles my soul every day. I’m a faithful and caring wife. I’m a mother of one child, a son who gives me breath to carry on every day. I’m a creator and dreamer. I am the same no matter who I am with, where I am or what I am doing. I’m at peace.
What is your favorite time of the day?
I am a morning person! I don’t necessarily wake up zesty but I surely wake up hopeful, optimistic and in full belief that great things can and will happen each day. I love the mornings because my home is peaceful and quiet and I get to re-align with my purpose while the world is still waking up.
Do you have any hobbies?
I’m a foodie. I love exploring new foods, playing around with new ingredients and cooking is very inspiring and relaxing for me. I often get brilliant ideas in the kitchen. I love to read and often spend much of my free time, writing, envisioning, dreaming and planning for the future. I also appreciate a good, deep, thought-provoking movie. My favorites are psychological thrillers. I am a travel junkie! Although my traveling has slowed down in the past few years, I get excited just thinking about all the places in the world I’ve never seen. I intend to see the wonders of the world as much as possible and I also collect snow globes on my adventures. I am a lover of all things beautiful whether it be art, music, shoes, clothing, architecture, jewelry, home décor and people. Beauty appreciation is one thing I plan on pursuing more in 2015.
What about Catrice makes her relatable to other women?
I accept and embrace that I will be either highly attractive to other women or a complete turn off and I don’t concern myself with neither. I intuitively know that other women really like me or they don’t. Honestly, I’ve never really cared much one way or the other even as a teenager. I’ve never been a people pleaser or gave much energy to trying “prove myself likeable or relatable.” I’ve consciously chosen to just show up, be me and if it’s accepted fine, if not that’s okay too. When women really like me they often appreciate truth, honesty, confidence and authenticity. I suspect that when women can’t relate to me it’s because they don’t like or appreciate my boldness, candid expression, unapologetic confidence and refusal to be who they want me to be. I find my way of being to be very valuable as a brand. I don’t want to be perceived as neutral or lukewarm. There’s no passion or action in either of those. I prefer to attract or repel. From a branding perspective, that’s what brands should do; be highly attractive to those who love the brand or turn off those who don’t like the brand to clear the path for those who do. Lastly, once women decide to get to know me I am generous, passionate, loving, loyal, trustworthy, compassionate and empowering. When I make a deep connection with another woman whether it be a friend or colleague I am in it to win it for both of us.
Where can readers reach out to you?
Web: www.bossladyofbranding.com
Twitter: @Catriceology
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/catriceology
FB: www.facebook.com/brandingbosslady
Youtube: Catriceology1
