Thoughtfulicious

Happiness Purveyors

April 14, 2021April 14, 2021Leave a comment

The past few years brought a special set of challenges that most of us never anticipated. Even for those who had stability before, the circumstances shook a few pillars, but for those courageous souls who chose to carve their own entrepreneurial paths to personal success, the pandemic has been especially challenging. The travel, performing arts, beauty, fitness, and restaurant industries suffered perhaps more than others—and we suffered with them, stripped of the comfort and joy they all provide. I think we all experienced enough deprivation to understand just how important travel, good food, health care, and the arts are for our happiness.

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Of One Blood

December 17, 2020April 14, 2021Leave a comment

In 2018 I started working on a book: a collection of personal stories of some of my college classmates about their experiences of coming to America. Published in 2020, I think the book is ever-relevant: even if we are different, we have our humanity in common. No matter where we’re from, we are more alike than different, and diversity is an asset.

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2020

December 30, 2019April 13, 2021Leave a comment

Begin where you are and such as you are, without aiming mainly to become of more worth, and with kindness aforethought, go about doing good.
Henry David Thoreau

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Is “Leadership” Just Another Pretty Word?

March 6, 2019April 14, 2021Leave a comment

There are so many inspirational quotes and articles written about leadership, and the difference between a boss and leader. And although many of these articles are great, I get the feeling that often times “leadership” is used as a sexy buzz word or concept, with little reality behind it. What actually happens in everyday life at work for most of us? Do we actually see inspirational leaders where we work, or are we experiencing a super-competitive and many times ruthless “get ahead or be stepped on” environment?

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Kristina Shands: Business Launch Strategist and Marketing Coach

April 11, 2018April 14, 2021Leave a comment

Maybe it’s the Libra in her that craves balance: Kristina Shands is providing a balanced process for new product or business launches that is (as she describes it) both “organized and freeing, task-driven and allowing, controlling and surrendering.” For certain it’s her passion for empowering women in pursuing their dreams that has been fueling her business for the past eight years. She continues on her quest to make a change in the world through her writing and coaching, while expanding her knowledge of empowering women not only in business but also in the political arena.

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Wanita Niehaus: Founder and President, PowerHaus Consultants

May 8, 2017April 14, 2021Leave a comment

Dazzling on the dance floor, a whiz at writing, Wanita Niehaus is an innovator in the marketing and communications field, and now also in her own life. An accomplished journalist and cable professional working for Scripps Networks Interactive for many years, Wanita started her own consulting company in the Washington, D.C. area, and is enjoying following her life’s true passions towards fulfillment.

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Keith McDaniel: Filmmaker at Secret City Films and Executive Director, Knoxville Film Festival

March 3, 2017April 14, 2021Leave a comment

It is no secret that Keith McDaniel started and successfully organized the Secret City Film Festival in Oak Ridge for a number of years. He brought to light an important piece of American history: The Clinton 12. He brought his passion for film to Knoxville via the Knoxville Film Festival. Now, Keith is sharing his film and production knowledge with students at Carson-Newman, his alma mater, while serving as a marketing professional within the school’s University Relations.

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Joe Kyte/”Topiary Joe”: Topiary Artist

February 22, 2017April 14, 2021Leave a comment

Joe Kyte found his inspiration in the topiary characters adorning Disney World. A character himself, he left his six-figure job to pursue his dreams and built a profitable business while playing with wire and turf. His works are now putting smiles on clients’ faces worldwide and are guaranteed to keep Topiary Joe smiling too.

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Kelly Fletcher: CEO, Kelly Fletcher PR

February 7, 2017April 14, 2021Leave a comment

Creativity is one of her strong suits and she has used it to create her own reality. Kelly Fletcher is a free spirit and wanted to have a fulfilling personal life as a single mother while having a great professional life at the same time. Ten years ago, she opened her own PR and Marketing firm Kelly Fletcher PR and never looked back. Now she is sharing the lessons she learned with other women in a desire to motivate and inspire them to define their own success.

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Bobbie Dunn: Owner, Alpha Omega Hair Design

February 1, 2017April 14, 20212 Comments

If you “Google” the name Bobbie Dunn, you will see a top listing for Bobbie Dunn the comedic actor responsible for generating laughs in several Laurel and Hardy comedies and another listing for an award-winning interior designer. This is one of those serendipitous things since the Bobbie Dunn I interviewed – the owner of Alpha Omega Hair Design in downtown Knoxville – confessed that she both liked to make people laugh and would have loved to be an interior designer. But her true calling is cutting hair, and being around people is her forte. Her clients often become her friends and she is glad to count Pat Summitt among those special people. Read about Bobbie’s journey from a small town in Appalachia to finding success as a Knoxville entrepreneur.

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