Shamara L. Goodwin Oakley is a Certified Professional Life Coach, Business Development Strategist, Notary Public, Real Estate Marketer/Enthusiast and so much more… she does it all! She’s the founder & owner of priviandco.com a social marketing, lifestyle and business company, as well as the creator and owner of Luxe Collections by PRIVIandCO ™. Born and raised in Oakland California, she has always had a strong entrepreneurial spirit, passion for beauty, lifestyle, business and helping others succeed. Shamara is the mother to a very gifted and talented daughter named Kennedy who is currently a junior in high school and anticipating college. She is also the wife to a handsome husband named Adam, has 3 beautiful step sons and a really adorable Morkie (Maltese/Yorkie Mix) named King. Read our interview with the lovely Shamara below…
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
I have been worked in the field of consulting and empowering women for more than a decade and have years of experience in the field of work–life balance (career, ambition, health/beauty, leisure and family). I’ve always enjoyed helping others understand the in’s and out’s of business and at the same time balancing a home and social life. I love inspiring people to live the life of their dreams by doing what they love and have a passion for. I became certified in the field of life coaching, after a close friend suggested that it was my calling and I realized that empowering others was my passion and I wanted the credentials to back it up. I have gone on to provide consulting and coaching services to more than 75 women within Canada, UK and the US.
Tell us about your business.
Privi & Company is a combination of several business services. I provide professional and life coaching, marketing and social strategies for small businesses and startups as well as I am a full service Notary Public providing all notarial needs for business, personal and real estate related documents. I also have incorporated a Mink Eyelash line that will be launching in the next few weeks to keep my “Boss Babes” looking good “Sexy, Sassy and Sophisticated” while they secure the bag and close business deals. Your eyes tell a lot about who you are. They are a focal point of your face.
List awards/certifications/accomplishments.
- Notary Public – Loan Signing Agent
- A. State, Commission / Bonded / E&O Insured / NPBC Verified
- Professional Certified Coach (PCC)
Where is your business based?
San Francisco/Bay Area, California.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
The first thing I did was come up with a business name that was meaningful to me, that was catchy and that would stick. Something I knew I wouldn’t get tired of. The second thing I did was got myself a website, my first website started out pretty basic as I have been doing my own web designing since the start to save on cost. I then got myself business cards and got busy.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
Social Media, Social Media, Social Media. One of the biggest marketing platforms available and it’s free!
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
One of the biggest challenges I have run into so far is trying to do too many things at once. My mind is always focusing on the next big thing so I tend to start a lot of projects which keeps my plate pretty full. Another challenge would be that I still work a day job. I am an Account Manager for a Fine Art Materials Wholesale Distribution company and that also takes up a lot of my time. Finding enough time in a day to get everything done can be a challenge.
How did you overcome these challenges?
Learning time management skills and forming habits. I have learned to slow down and take it one day at a time. Prioritizing, maintaining a scheduling (and sticking to it). Decompressing has also helped me out a lot. Setting aside time for myself is key.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
By keeping my eye on the prize and remembering that this is my empire. No one else is responsible for growing this business but me. If God brought me to it, he will bring me through it.
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
I don’t… I think every woman I have encountered that is in the same field as me are doing wonderful jobs and are great business women. In this game there are no competitors – we can all eat. There are plenty of opportunities to work together and help grow one another’s businesses through partnerships.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
This may not be advice as it is more so motivation, but just when I thought I hadn’t done enough, I was reminded that “You have worked towards your real estate goals, became a notary, started your business, gotten married, gotten a child through to the finish line… you’ve done plenty.” And that for me, that was confirmation to keep pushing.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Stay consistent; be knowledgeable about your product, your brand and your craft. Be personable and likable. Never get discouraged, you may go down before you come up but weather the storm.
What is your favorite business tool or resource?
My laptop, Canva, Google Analytics, DropBox, Google Docs, UDemy, Lynda.com.
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Instagram @priviandco
Twitter @priviandco
Facebook www.facebook.com/priviandco
Website www.priviandco.com
Email hello@priviandco.com
Hashtags #priviandco #investinwomen
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
“Time Management Skills Everyone Needs to Have” by Tony Robbins.
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
I’d like to have more collaborations and build more partnerships.
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
My goals are to continue to network, obtain my California Real Estate Salesperson License, publish my first eBook, meet and exceed expectations for myself, while continuing my education and growing my businesses.