BOSS Spotlight Feature: Regina Thomas Dillard
What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career?
When I started my business, it began on a rocky road. Although I was working a full-time job, an unexpected layoff forced me to be “all in”. I didn’t want to apply for a business loan right away, so I decided to used money from my savings and 401k to fund my plant-based food certification and to buy equipment. I had many sleepless nights wondering if I had made the right decision to open a business.
What inspired you to break into your industry?
I’ve always loved to cook, so at the age of 24, I launched a full-service catering and event planning company. In order to help me understand the science and technical side of food, I went on to study at The Cooking & Hospitality Institute of Chicago. In 2017, I focused my attention and training on becoming a certified plant-based and flexitarian chef. Flexitarianism is the adoption of a healthy eating lifestyle that includes all food groups. In addition to food preparation, I’ve always felt a calling to teach, not in the traditional classroom sense, but to share my personal knowledge of health and wellness, thus LIVE 360 EDU was born. LIVE 360 EDU is a digital teaching platform that allows individuals 24/7 access to on-demand classes supporting healthy living and mind, body, spirit integration.
How do you balance your personal and professional life, or have you been able to find a balance?
After experiencing a health crisis, I knew it was time to make some changes. I started with removing or delegating low-priority tasks from my work pile, removing myself from toxic relationships, not taking phone calls after 8 pm, and using Mondays as my “quiet” day in order to organize my thoughts and tasks. I also practice silent meditation and yoga which centers me, release any anxiety, and helps me prepare for the day. I find when I connect with my spirit, I develop an inner knowing of what to do, when to do it and how. This simple, but important practice helps me control my workflow which creates more personal time for me and more time with my children, which is very important. I also take vacations as often as possible, short or extended ones. I’ve created a personal travel fund. When my account reaches a certain dollar amount, I immediately book a trip. I’m pretty free-flowing, which means I don’t need to plan too far in advance. When my spirit says “Go”, I go!
What is an inspirational quote that you live by?
“Give yourself to yourself before you give yourself away”, is my mantra and something I created for myself. I believe in placing myself above all others. People often look at me sideways when I refer to myself as ‘self-centered’. There is nothing wrong with being self-centered, but people tend to confuse self-centeredness with being ‘selfish”. I am the center of my universe. I’ve learned how to prioritize “me”. I’ve also learned to give myself the space to connect with Spirit at the top of the day before the phone starts ringing and before I tackle my task list. I give myself the space to receive what I need for the day because people will always want a little piece of me. If I don’t give myself what I need first, I will find myself giving away bits of me, here and there, until there’s nothing left.
There’s another quote I live by, “Fill your own cup until it runs over. What’s in the cup is for me…the overflow is for others”. -Iyanla Vanzant.
Who were some influential people or mentors that helped or encouraged you along the way?
My mentors run the gamut, from world-renowned chef Marcus Samuelsson to Ms. Glenda Jackson, my high school home economics/cooking teacher. However, no one has been more inspirational and encouraging than my mom, Claudine Harris Thomas. She always told me, “Girl you have such a good mind, and you can do anything you put your mind to!” She was my biggest cheerleader and I really miss her presence.
What are your "must-haves" to keep your career or business going strong?
In short, my must-haves are loyal and satisfied customers. They are the lifeblood of my business.
What is your definition of a BOSS?
A BOSS, in my opinion, is the captain of the ship. She is responsible for the efficient operation of the business—including its “seaworthiness” or viability. She provides solid leadership and direction, but she also values the role of her crew, her teammates, whose job is to set goals, develop strategies, and ensure the organization’s strategies are executed effectively.
Provide us with two words that describe you? Life Learner
Learn more about Regina at www.reginadillard.com
There’s another quote I live by, “Fill your own cup until it runs over. What’s in the cup is for me…the overflow is for others”. -Iyanla Vanzant.
Who were some influential people or mentors that helped or encouraged you along the way?
My mentors run the gamut, from world-renowned chef Marcus Samuelsson to Ms. Glenda Jackson, my high school home economics/cooking teacher. However, no one has been more inspirational and encouraging than my mom, Claudine Harris Thomas. She always told me, “Girl you have such a good mind, and you can do anything you put your mind to!” She was my biggest cheerleader and I really miss her presence.
What are your "must-haves" to keep your career or business going strong?
In short, my must-haves are loyal and satisfied customers. They are the lifeblood of my business.
What is your definition of a BOSS?
A BOSS, in my opinion, is the captain of the ship. She is responsible for the efficient operation of the business—including its “seaworthiness” or viability. She provides solid leadership and direction, but she also values the role of her crew, her teammates, whose job is to set goals, develop strategies, and ensure the organization’s strategies are executed effectively.
Provide us with two words that describe you? Life Learner
Learn more about Regina at www.reginadillard.com
Twitter: @HelloReginaD
Thank you for sharing your story, inspiring. Keep soaring BOSS Lady!
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