Dr. Twanna Carter is a CEO and Founder. She is an ICF professional certified coach, career coach and NGH certified hypnotherapist specializing in empowering professional Black women to achieve their career goals and live fulfilling lives. Based in Bowie, MD, she focuses on helping mid to senior career women manage stress, build confidence, and find work-life balance. With a passion for motivating and encouraging others, she aims to guide her clients toward better job opportunities and personal growth, all while nurturing their mental and physical well-being.
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your corporate journey/venture/initiative.
I was always a quiet, shy child, preferring to sit “on the wall” and observe others. As an Army brat, I grew up on military bases in the US and Germany, which sparked my love for travel. I earned an ROTC scholarship and attended Alabama A&M University, majoring in Zoology/Chemistry. After graduation, I was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and served in the US Army for over six years. It was during my military service that I discovered my passion for career coaching, helping soldiers navigate their career decisions between staying in the military or transitioning out.
Every industry that is now a large-scale, top-notch business once started as a small idea in the minds of entrepreneurs. What was that idea or motivation that made you start your business /initiative? What motivated you within to say YES, go for it!”
For over 15 years, I had been writing resumes and coaching people for free because it was something I excelled at and loved doing, especially when they landed the job. When I began coaching therapists to launch their private practices, one therapist remarked, “Twanna, I’ll pay you for this. This information is invaluable.” That was a turning point for me. In 2018, I decided it was time to establish my own coaching business. I hired my first business coach, and I haven’t looked back since.
Would you like to share with our young budding women entrepreneurs the change you would like to see in the world if given an opportunity?
It’s crucial to understand that there is no perfection in entrepreneurship. It’s a continuous cycle of doing, improving, learning, and celebrating. Perfection doesn’t have a place in this journey. Just when you think you have it all figured out, there’s always something new to learn or improve. I live by Maya Angelou’s quote, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” So, never fear taking action. If you see an opportunity, seize it. It will either be the best decision or lead you to the next best decision. Embrace the journey and keep improving along the way.
Women are a growing force in the workplaces worldwide, standing shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts. There are cracks in glass ceilings everywhere, with many women breaking through to carve out a space right at the top of the pyramid. What are your thoughts about women leadership today?
I believe that it’s essential for women to prioritize their mental and emotional health alongside their career growth. As leaders, we must practice self-care and set a positive example for the junior leaders who follow us. It’s important to be true to ourselves and pursue a career path that brings us joy. Success is unique to each individual, and what defines success for one person may be entirely different for another. And that’s exactly as it should be.
What’s the most important thing you have learned in your personal life and professional journey? What is your personal motto in life?
The most important lesson I’ve learned in my personal and professional journey is to do the things that scare you the most. You’ll often find that they are not as frightening as they seem, and the sense of achievement you feel is always worth it. My personal motto is “And still I rise,” inspired by the poem by Maya Angelou.
With your grit and determination, you are making a considerable impact, breaking through, and serving as role models for many budding entrepreneurs. What would you want to say to our young women leaders/audience reading this?
To all the young women leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs reading this, I want to remind you that your potential is limitless. Embrace your unique strengths and never shy away from taking risks. The path to success is filled with challenges, but it’s also lined with opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
Prioritize your mental and emotional well-being, practice self-care, and stay true to your passions. Remember, it’s okay to redefine success on your terms. Keep pushing forward, and as Maya Angelou beautifully said, “And still I rise.” You have the power to create your own narrative and inspire others along the way.
