A Chat With Elle
In a society that tells us to finish high school, get a good ‘safe’ job, get married and have kids; Elle Clarke’s journey of leaving that “good safe” job to pursue her purpose and passion is one of great grit. Defying the odds, keeping it moving and building generational wealth for her family are just a few accomplishments Elle has experienced. Go on a journey with me as we talk faith, entrepreneurship and getting your kids involved in building legacy with Elle Clarke.
Let’s tell the world about Elle Clarke, describe who you are and your current passion pursuits? I like to believe that I am a rose that grew from concrete. My life was hard growing up and it was that hardship that has created the determined, persistent woman you see today. I am the Editor and Founder of I Am Queen Magazine which is an international magazine, thanks be to God, and we uplift and inspire through arts and entertainment. I am an Amazon bestselling author and I am gearing up for IAQ She Owns the Bag Conference scheduled for October 2019 which will teach women about wealth in Gold, Real Estate and Oil investments.
1. You have a very successful business and seem to be walking in your purpose. How do you balance that with ensuring your family gets what they need from you? I interviewed the CEO of Curls, Mahisha Dillinger, and I asked her the exact same thing and her response is what I will give to you...It's impossible to balance it all because there are only a few hours in a day. Which means that there are times when I won't be able to do all the mom things or wife things or business things but I try my best to ensure that I rotate my time and attention evenly.
2. How are you instilling the same values you display in business and life to your kids? Do you have any advice for moms who seem to be winning in career and purpose but can't balance home life? The best way is to lead by example. Your words are empty if they aren't accompanied by action. So I let my children see me. Not the me I want them to see, I let them see when I'm crushed because a deal didn't go through. When I'm happy. When I'm winning and when I'm sad, because I want them to have a true picture of the world. Everything won't be roses and sunshine but you are still able to win. So my advice to parents is to lead by example.
3. How did you / are you developing purpose in your kids? I give them enough freedom to pursue their dreams but I navigate them through it. For example my oldest child is very talented and there is a lot she can do so I have to navigate her by pointing her in the direction of her strengths and showing her how to conquer one thing first then add on the rest. This is a task because as a creative myself, being able to focus on one thing can be difficult.
4. Was there ever a time that you were afraid to leap into entrepreneurship? No- I have never been afraid to bet on myself. I'm one of those persons who'll jump then pray on my way down or up.
5.What made your girls write their book? How old are they? What is the book about? What has that experience been like for the girls?
Well I wrote the book and they were my directors and my muse. It was written from their perspective on racism. My girls are 13, 7, 5, and 1.
All my books can be purchased on amazon.
Ig: @amelleclarke @iamqueenmagazine
FB @elleclarke @iamqueenmagazine
website: www.iamqueenmagazine.com