Are you considering pursuing multiple ventures? Consider this advice given by seasoned serial entrepreneur Celena Sykes.
Celena has over 25 years of experience across diverse industries, boasting a portfolio that includes life insurance, janitorial services, and travel agency management. As the founder and CEO of Fleur De Lis Janitorial, she’s earned a stellar reputation for top-notch cleaning services and exceptional customer care, driving significant growth and a loyal client base. With a strong background in life insurance, Celena provides crucial financial protection to her clients, helping secure their futures. In the travel industry, her agency curates unforgettable, personalized trips tailored to diverse interests. Honored as Entrepreneurial Powerhouse Woman of the Year in 2022, Celena’s passion and dedication continue to make waves in the business world, reflecting her chic, dynamic spirit.
Learn more about Celena and enjoy the thoughtful tips she put together for pursuing multiple ventures and practicing self-care.
Fancy: Please tell us a little about Fleur De Lis Janitorial. How did it get started?
Celena: Fleur De Lis Janitorial. LLC is a family-owned and operated cleaning company established in 2023. The company was born out of a challenging personal experience. In 2021, following the unfortunate loss of my children’s father, my adult children faced significant financial challenges as he had been a major contributor to their income. In response to this adversity, I took the initiative to empower and prepare them for entrepreneurship.
Determined to create a meaningful legacy for our family, we launched Fleur De Lis Janitorial. Our mission is to provide exceptional cleaning services that exceed client expectations, while also offering a fresh start and financial stability for our family. Despite the difficulties we faced, we turned our situation into an opportunity to build a business grounded in resilience, dedication, and a commitment to excellence.
Fancy: Was Fleur De Lis Janitorial your first business?
Celena: Fleur De Lis Janitorial is my first self-owned business. Before this venture, I was involved in Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) or Network Marketing businesses.
Fancy: What type of clients do you service?
Celena: Fleur De Lis Janitorial services a diverse range of clients, including both residential and commercial sectors.
Fancy: What sparked your interest in insurance?
Celena: My interest in life insurance was sparked by the widespread misinformation within the community. I realized that both myself and my peers were uneducated about life insurance. Driven by a passion for helping others, I entered the insurance industry to educate the community, aiming to provide accurate information and empower individuals to make informed decisions about their life insurance needs.
Fancy: Venturing into other professions can be challenging. How did you manage to do this while maintaining your janitorial business?
Celena: Managing multiple business ventures can be challenging, I have successfully navigated this by leveraging strong organizational skills and a deep commitment to all fields. My experience in MLM and network marketing provided a solid foundation for managing time and resources efficiently.
Fancy: What advice would you give to other women wanting to pursue multiple ventures?
Celena: For women aspiring to pursue multiple ventures, here are some key pieces of advice:
- Time Management: Use calendars and task lists to stay organized and prioritize tasks.
- Set Clear Goals: Define and regularly review your objectives.
- Build a Support System: Surround yourself with supportive people.
- Leverage Your Skills: Apply knowledge from one area to benefit another.
- Learn Continuously: Stay updated with industry trends and best practices.
- Balance and Self-Care: Maintain a healthy work-life balance.
- Financial Planning: Have a solid financial plan and diversify income streams.
- Resilience and Adaptability: Be prepared for challenges and learn from failures.
- Seek Mentorship: Get advice from experienced individuals.
- Passion and Commitment: Focus on ventures you are passionate about.
Fancy: What was it like to receive the Entrepreneurial Powerhouse Woman of the Year?
Celena: Receiving the Entrepreneurial Powerhouse Woman of the Year award was an incredibly humbling and empowering experience. It was an affirmation of hard work, dedication, and passion. The recognition highlighted the importance of balancing multiple responsibilities and staying committed to the mission of helping the community. The experience also underscored the value of perseverance and the importance of being a role model for other aspiring female entrepreneurs.
Fancy: With all the hats that you wear, how do you practice self-care?
Celena: Balancing everything can definitely be challenging! For self-care, I focus on a few key areas:
- Mindfulness and Reflection: Taking time to reflect and practice mindfulness helps me stay centered and manage stress.
- Structured Routine: Keeping a structured schedule ensures I allocate time for both work and relaxation.
- Learning and Growth: Engaging in activities that stimulate my mind and skills keeps things interesting and fulfilling.
- Connection: Maintaining connections with friends and family, even virtually, helps me feel grounded and supported.
Fancy: Where can our readers connect with you?
Celena: Readers can connect with me through my social media platforms both personal and business on Facebook (personal: Celena Sykes) (business: Fleur De Lis Janitorial), Instagram (personal: @celena.sykes) (business: @fleurdelis_janitorial_), and TikTok (business/personal: @fleurdelisjanitorial).
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