Gina Franks is the CEO and Founder of Speak Your Vibe, a social leadership approach to support women of color of entrepreneurs. She also owns Project One Solutions, LLC , a financial and tax consulting company. She has been in the real estate industry for almost 20 years and is a licensed real estate broker.
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your corporate journey/venture/initiative.
I was born in Austin, Texas and raised in Stockton, California. I was the oldest child raised by a single mother household. My mother worked a lot so I had to fill in where needed for a while. When my mom decided to marry it turned into a very abusive household for my mom, myself and siblings that would continue for 25 years. It affected us all, and ended up on the run landing in Fairbanks, Alaska when I was 15 and returning to California at 17, where I attended and graduated from Imperial Beach Job Corps, followed by graduating with a medical administrative certificate. When my grandfather passed away in 2003 I took it pretty hard, moving to Seattle, WA in early 2004 where I would begin my real estate career.
Tell us something about your initiative/business. What is it about and how is it helpful for people?
I bring my expertise in social leadership coaching and financial health. I believe that women of color have had a disadvantage when it comes to progression or feeling heard. My services provide coaching and consulting to women of color interested in starting a business and do not know where to begin. I am able to help guide women in defining what their true passion is and building a brand aligned with their business vision while combining marketing and financial consulting as guidance in getting their voice heard through social media and building connections or maintaining their most important business relationships.
While the global pandemic of COVID-19 is associated primarily with adversities, it has also brought about a true boom in startups, with successful entrepreneurship in many countries. The pandemic has impacted all of us in one way or another. Would you like to share your experience on a personal and professional level?
I think the biggest challenge was still being able to meet in person. You tend to feel a different vibe and a better understanding through one on one meetings. Like the rest of the world converting everything to online was a bit of a challenge but overtime, it became easier and gave me the opportunity to travel if necessary.
What has been the response of the users/consumers towards your venture?
The response has been great and I have been able to build multiple connections with others around the world. I am an advocate for building communities up. I have been an active member of Rotary for 8 years focusing on building and providing solutions to communities that have suffered economically, participating in school events for elementary children. I am currently on the board of the Seattle School District and MYTH (Mentoring Youth and Teen Health) a program that provides mentoring services to students who suffer from mental health issues giving them the support that they need while going through school.
How has your life changed because of your initiative/venture?
When I originally came up with the concept, sure, there are many people who can call themselves a “coach“, but being a relatable coach is what matters. I started with some doubt as all new ventures start out but the positive feedback and connections I have made has made my journey beneficial, filled with excitement to help the next woman entrepreneur and if I can help just one person it makes me whole and happy and make me complete.
Do you have anyone who is the biggest support system in your life? Please let us know.
I have some very dear friends who are supportive of my growth and journey but my daughter is my biggest fan.
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? OR Share a motivational message for the audience/women who are reading this.
As the new generation starts to go out in the field of their choice, women of the generation need to know that they are the future and that the world sees them and hears them and to remain their authentic self.
“”The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential… These are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence.” – Confucius
