Author on a Mission

This interview is long over due. Tonya Franklin is a blessing in the Christian Authors  industry as she doesn't hold her tongue, doesn't stop pursuing God's purpose, and doesn't stop trying to encourage others. One of the best things you can do right now is read her story. 

"I Speak. To Empower"

Tonya is the author of Good Customer Service Tips for Entrepreneurs 

as well as Women on Purpose: Bible and Business, 

and the new powerful fiction release, Devil in Disguise. 

She has served as a contributing writer for numerous publications such as: 

Million Moms in Action, SpeakWoman Magazine, 

as well as an professional expert with BrandHer P.e.a.r.l.

 And has been spotlighted in Ann Marie Bryant’s Reader’s Café, 

Reading on the Edge Book Club, 

and B.R.A.B. (Building Relationships Around Books).

How long have you been writing? Nearly 30 years. But I didn't take the plunge to become a published author until 2 years ago.

How many published works do you have? I have three.

  

What is the genre you focus on? I have various focuses. My first book was on customer service (business development), my second book was on women and business (spiritual and professional development), and my current release is Christian fiction.

What were you focusing on with this particular book? With my current release, I wanted to focus on the development of Christian relationships. Sometimes it is easy to see inward looking from the outside. I wanted to switch that view, and give readers a look from within.

Any new releases? I have two coming this summer. One is a devotional and the other is my first Christian mystery series release.

As a writer are you also a speaker? Yes, I have been speaking for 15 years. Last year I decided to add it to my author brand, to seek more exposure and opportunities in speaking. As a speaker, I cover spiritual and professional development topics.

What would you like to tell new writers/authors to motivate them? 

Don't be afraid of the journey to discover your passion, and when you find it, walk in it. And don't listen to those who say "you can't". Every invention or idea was once upon a time impossible. If God gives it to you, do it. Write your journey; everyone's point of view is based on their own individuality and experience.

Thank you so much for stepping into the life of Tonya Franklin. B.A.D. will be interviewing her on BLOG TALK RADIO during the Christian Author Expo in October. Ms. Franklin's website and contact information are listed below!

www.tonyadfranklin.com

booksbytonya@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/tonyathewriter

www.instagram.com/booksbyonya

Ways to be B.A.D #24: Remember Your Purpose

Every day someone is born, they are born with purpose. It is what God instills in you; period. How your purpose is developed is specific for you; how you use it is determined by you.








The word of God says that gifts are given without repentance. So that means you got it, but will you
give GOD GLORY IN HOW YOU USE IT?






There is purpose and plan in your life, what is it? Have you been working day to day only to build on someone elses dream? Do you believe that your purpose is just for them and not for you? Do you believe that God intended for you to be about THEIR BUSINESS , and not HIS BUSINESS?










Think about it, your purpose is really important!









Each day God gives you filled with grace, favor and mercy, understand you must fulfill you purpose, but also remember you must give God the glory as well.




Dana Neal
Coach


Register today for You Are Capable at www.baduniversity.com

Motherly Wisdom #9: Your kids represent You

Your kids represent you so they should always look better than you. (Unless you are a millionaire) I'm so for real about this, you just don't understand. 

I was on welfare. I had limited funds, and children to try to raise. Child support was limited and I had to finish obtaining my Associates Degree in Police Science. 

There wasn't one time that I left my house and my children didn't look put together. I could have looked homeless, while they looked like they lived in a mansion and had a yacht. It didn't matter that I was in school and on welfare, my children deserved better. When you have kids out of wedlock, its bad enough you have limited choices, but the last thing you want is to have your babies at daycare being talked about. 

Yes, yes; I was one of those worried about what people thought, but, when it came to the kids it wasn't JUST THAT SIMPLE. If your kids look like they are being neglected in any way, child protective services would be knocking at your door. So, I never wanted that for them; I didn't mind looking like I was neglecting me FOR THEM! 

That is the way you have to be; those are the choices you need to make until you learn how to either bargain shop, or build wealth! 


Dana Neal
Coach and Mama!

Featured Business Woman: Tracy Smith

Business Name - Epiphany Mobile Spa, LLC

I have been in business for 1 1/2 yrs.

Struggles in starting the business: Trying to divide my time between my full-time job as a RN & working on my business. I love my business & literally want to spend every hour of the day working on it because it does not fell like work. When I am at  work I feel like it is taking away from my time to work on my business. I feel I could be so much further along if I did not have to go to my full-time job as a bedside nurse but then I also realize that the bedside experience is helping me to increase my knowledge needed for my Mobile Spa business. 

Triumphs since starting the business: Meeting some wonderful people & making amazing connections. When I start to question whether or not this is what I am suppose to be doing GOD gives me a sign that screams YES!!!!!

Why did I start the business: I started my business because after working for other people & companies I realized I cannot work for other people. I have seen companies mismanaged. I have seen corporations get so big that they lose focus on the foundation of their company. It gets to be just about money. I have seen companies not show a bit of appreciation for their employees. I have seen some things that they allow to happen that has made me say "Are you serious". My clients are priority & when I grow my business, my employees will be priority as well. If you don't develop a business that makes people WANT to come to work & that they enjoy doing then you have unhappy employees. Then how can they effectively embrace what you are trying to pass on to your clients & customers? Your employees are the ones that come in contact with your clients on a regular basis. If your employees aren't happy then it is passed onto your clients and this reflects back to you as the business owner. The client the questions why the employees are so unhappy & questions your skills as well.

My Small Business WHY: I wanted to help people realize that they need to make time for themselves. When I use to have a 9-5 job I would ride the train & observe people & so many people looked so unhappy going to work. I also met quite a few people that say they spend so much time taking care of  others & they do not have time for themselves, which I think is crazy. We all need that me time to grow as a person, to get centered, & to clear your head & just relax. I also wanted to specialize in those that have been diagnosed with cancer because I have had several family members  pass away from cancer.So it hits home. I have also noticed that more & more patients that I take care of in the hospital have some form of cancer. More & more people are being diagnosed. Cancer is a horrible disease that completely changes your life.

Born & raised in Harlem, NY, I always knew that I was meant for more. During college I worked at several hospital to start getting the necessary experience that I needed before becoming a RN.  Graduated from Temple University in 2000 & started working at New York Presbyterian Hospital & I have been there for almost 10 years. In September of 2009 I decided it was time to pursue my dream of owning my own business so i went to school to get my skincare license After completing that program, I went on to massage therapy school & finished that in October 2011. Started Epiphany Mobile Spa in April of 2011. 

Website: www.epiphanymbs.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/epiphanymbs