Let’s start out with a praise!

I strongly believe that the path to the next chapter of our lives and our career requires that we make a transition. For ladies, as girls, we are taught from early, “Go to school, get an education, so you can get a good job.” I’ve personally heard that for as long as I can remember.

But what happens when after doing the job for a decade or more, your passion for the profession that you’ve prepared for fades, and a new passion emerges. What if you’ve outgrown what you were passionate about in the past and you find yourself in a state where your day job or daily agenda, no longer satisfies the evolved person that you’ve become?

Ladies, this one is for you. Have you had this dilemma? You are highly qualified, you’ve evolved beyond the scope of the profession that you were trained for and now you simply believe you have more to offer the world.

This week I have the pleasure of presenting the story of an amazing woman who waged through the uncertainty of her next chapter and found the pathway toward a fresh venture.

Nicole Maddox is the modern day Clair Huxtable from the Cosby Show.  An attorney, married to a physician, with four beautiful children.

She’s also an amazing photographer (check out her stunning images here) and most importantly a Christian. This woman of God faced a major crossroad. She’d been an attorney in her former job for almost a decade; altogether she’s practiced law for 14-years. Yet deep down she felt it was time to go in a new direction.

“First, I had to listen to God when He kept urging me that it was time to leave my last job. I was frustrated with that job because it was no longer allowing me to use all of my talents to the fullest. It was no longer allowing me to be creative. It was a paycheck – but that was about it. I knew that I wanted more, but I was very afraid of leaving a job that provided financial stability for my family.” (Tweet this)

Have you been there my friends? Well, that fear caused her to stay put for longer than she could stand.

“One day on vacation, I asked God to confirm that leaving is what He really wanted me to do. I immediately heard Him say, “I have already confirmed it for you” and He gave me lots of examples. I returned from that vacation and gave notice at work.”

It was a big, bold move, but not without a plan. She originally thought this freedom would give her the opportunity to grow her photography business because that’s what she was passionate about. But things didn’t go according to her plan. Shortly after leaving her job in August 2016, another opportunity presented itself. Not in a corporate role but as a business owner. A longtime friend and former law colleague needed a partner for a franchising opportunity. Together, they did the research and took the plunge to start a brand new venture.

“We bought 5 franchises of a company called Office Evolution. It is a shared office/co-working space that offers flexible real estate solutions to many types of entrepreneurs and businesses.”

But the journey to giving birth to her business took an unexpected turn.

“Shortly after we signed our franchise agreement, I began the toughest year of my life. I felt abandoned and disappointed by many, it launched me into a depression that took most of the rest of the year to get over. I faced health issues. We had a few deaths in the family that added strain.”

The qualified, high-achiever, hit rock bottom and could not see the way forward. In the darkness, a tiny glimmer prevailed.

“Yet throughout this, I tried to remember that God promised to never leave me – and He didn’t. I prayed for relief from all the pain and for the second half of the year, He slowly began to deliver relief. I often wonder whether that awful valley was an attack of the enemy or a gift from the Lord. Either way, I know that it has left me stronger than ever and trusting in Him more than ever before.”

Strength and trust in God and his plans for her future have helped her thrust towards this new adventure, as she learns to combine the best of all her strengths and use them in the days ahead.

“Although I’m still nervous about this venture, I know that God is behind it, knows my heart, and will help it to be successful.” (Tweet this)

A successful outcome in her eyes means that Office Evolution will become a hub for a variety of entrepreneurs and business leaders seeking a professional office to conduct their business.

It is the perfect environment for risk takers like Nicole to operate their business on their own terms, with their own strengths and creativity, surrounded by like-minded people— whether it’s one meeting, repeated meetings, networking opportunities/events, conference rooms, flexible workspace, co-working, fully furnished private offices, virtual office services, phone answering and business address.

Ranked last year as #4 on the 2017 Entrepreneur Magazine Top New Franchise and Business Opportunity list, her Office Evolution has much to offer. The first location opened this week in downtown Stamford, CT. Stamford CT | Office Evolution

Spread the word to your colleagues in the region and those who do business there. Let’s support another dream, remember one day, this could be you.  Support Office Evolution.

Like we showed up for Black Panther, let’s get behind our sister. Share the link on your social platforms, share her story, find her on LinkedIn or rent the space, your support matters. Make it count!

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Nicole’s Mantra

Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character

A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
She gets up while it is still night;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her female servants.
She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

(Proverbs 31:10-31)

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PRAYER FOR START-UPS

Daily 10-minute ritual:

Our Father which art in heaven, I exalt you above everything that I face, let your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.

I love you with all my heart, all my soul, and all my strength.

Be glorified in my life and business today.

Let your dream and plans for me prevail above my own plans.

I am grateful for the beauty of nature that your hands have created.

I’m thankful for good health and strength.

I’m thankful for my family and friends.

I am thankful for your creative power in me.

I call forth peace, good health and joy on those who come in contact with me.

Praise the Lord, for the courage to launch my dream, the strength and wisdom to make this a success.

Praise the Lord, for showing me the right opportunities.

Praise the Lord for favorable outcomes in my business, multiple streams of cash flow and God-sent deals and clients.

Praise the Lord for helping me, supporting me and guiding me here and now.

In Jesus Name Amen

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What is your business?

Have you started a new venture?  Want to share your story and vision to inspire others to dream big? Looking to get exposure to attract clients?  Let me write your story? (Tweet this)