BOSS Spotlight Feature: Mashell Lawson
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What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career? This is my second time starting a business. The first time I only had a skillset – no knowledge of what’s required to successfully run a business. I made good money, but my bookkeeping was subpar, and I didn’t really know how to prospect clients. Understanding what it takes to run a business beyond having a skill and offering a service is where I struggled and as a result, my business failed. I am carrying those lessons into my current business and this experience has been a completely different
What inspired you to break into your industry? Talking about a loaded question. I tried yoga one time. Here I was – a plus-sized black woman who stood out like a sore thumb in a class full of skinny white women. No one spoke – not even the teacher. I felt so unwelcome. Fast forward to about five years later when life was difficult. I was experiencing anxiety and my doctor had officially put me on depression meds, which I did not want to take. I did some research and yoga kept coming up as a coping tool. I didn’t just want to go to a class. I wanted to know the ins and outs, so I enrolled in yoga teacher training as a present to myself for my 35th birthday. The transformation that I experienced was mind-blowing and because I knew tons of other women who looked like me, wore the same hats as me, and had similar experiences, I vowed to provide the same opportunity I was afforded. I knew plenty of women who wanted to try yoga but were scared of having an experience similar to my first time, so it was imperative for me to create a safe space for other black women to be still and find balance.
How do you balance your personal and professional life, or have you been able to find a balance? Balancing my personal and professional life has not been the easiest, but I make it work. I don’t work my business full-time yet, so I still work my corporate job plus I’m a student and a mom of two – a teenager and a toddler. I find balance by keeping a schedule. While it isn’t rigid, having my obligations documented is very helpful for planning my days, weeks, and months; and I always make sure to block off time for self-care so that I can reenergize myself. My day starts around 4:30am, even on the weekends, and ends around 9pm. My greatest balance comes in starting my day with alone time and working in my business before I indulge in my mom duties and start working my corporate job. It also helps that my corporate job is remote, so I’m able to balance with household obligations.
What is an inspirational quote that you live by? An inspirational quote I live by is “I am my ancestors’ wildest dream!” Even when things are uncomfortable, or hard, or I feel uncertain about my next move, I find solace in knowing that I am their wildest dreams. I am where I’m supposed to be at that very moment and they’re not only proud of me, but they’re rooting for me and supporting me on my journey.
Who were some influential people or mentors that helped or encouraged you along the way? My oldest daughter, Ivy, is the most influential person who has helped and encouraged me along the way. She has ridden the waves of business with me, and she’s held me accountable. She keeps me on track because, well, I’m a mom first, and I know that she’s watching me – every win, every mistake, every lesson, and every bounce back.
What are your "must-haves" to keep your career or business going strong? My must-haves include a device with internet access, a calendar with some quiet time to plan, a good bookkeeper, and individuals to serve.
What is your definition of a BOSS? A BOSS is a woman who sets a goal, goes after it, embraces challenges, and adjusts to changes. She uses her gifts to serve and uplift other women and doesn’t hesitate to adjust their crowns.
Provide us with two words that describe you? Soul Yogi
Learn more about Mashell at www.soulstretch.yoga
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