PHOTOS BY: K. VICTORIA PHOTOGRAPHY

This month’s edition of She Hustles Talks features the dynamic duo of Savon Holt and Letitia Torres as our amazing featured cover women.

Where do I start with these two “queens”? They are empowering, inspiring, influencing and the true definition of what it is to be lady bosses who are hustlin! Stay tuned for lots more to come from these ladies as they join our She Hustles Talks Show team in the coming months and take over the world one achievement at a time.

Tell our audience who is Savon Holt and what makes you hustle.
Savon is a Licensed Practical Nurse., author, life coach (Becoming H.E.R Coaching Academy), columnist, podcaster of Women Winning Wednesday /show host of The Savon Show, and entrepreneur.

What makes me hustle? My visions- I know that if I see it, I can achieve it. If I want it- I have to go after it.

What made you decide to create your business and become a female entrepreneur?
What made me decide to start my business and become a female entrepreneur was my drive, passion, and gift to help others.

How did you create Savon Speaks, and what is your mission behind it?
I started SavonSpeaks by just putting myself out there. I started with a podcast called Women Winning Wednesday, which interviews successful women, then I published my book called “My Truth” and SavonSpeaks grew from there. SavonSpeaks mission is to motivate and empower women to overcome adversities and setbacks in their lives and to discover their purpose that will allow them to create the life they deserve.

What are some of the pros and cons of being a female entrepreneur, especially in 2021? What has helped make you successful?
One of the pros of being a female entrepreneur is social networking. I feel we are naturals when it comes to networking. Another pro is multitasking, freedom to do your own thing, flexibility, and profits. Some of the cons are the risks, workload, and responsibilities.

As women, many of us are responsible for being a mother and wife or significant other while juggling many other things in our life. So, trying to create a balance between other commitments and being a female entrepreneur can be an issue for some.

What has helped me be successful is including that margin in my planning. Life is full of hiccups; therefore, I created a margin in my life. Margin is when you leave room for trial and error, downtime, and wiggle room. I had to look at my workload coupled with what’s my limit. How much can I take on for the day that will not put me over the edge? Doing so has allowed me to be consistent and persistent as a female entrepreneur- helping me be successful.

What are some of the things you find help you to be successful in building your brand?
Some things that help me be successful in building my brand are being consistent, bold, fierce, and honest.

What do you want to achieve next?
Landing my own talk show on television.

Try to describe yourself in 3 words only.
Describing myself in three words is easy, Loyal. Honest. Driven.

Have you ever been harrassed or discriminated against?
Yes, I have but more so in my nursing career. As an entrepreneur not so much as of yet.

What have you found to be the most successful in marketing tools for your business, and who is your ideal audience?
Facebook is my go-to marketing tool, and my ideal audience is women between the ages of 18-40. Women who are broken with low self-esteem and lack of confidence due to their past- but wanting to get back to loving themselves again.

What challenges have you faced this year and how have you overcome them?

A challenge I faced the feeling of defeat. But when I felt this way, I prayed and went back to the drawing board. We often feel defeated when things don’t go our way. But where there is a wheel, there is a way- I just had to find another way to accomplish the mission.

Where did you get your entrepreneurial spirit? Are/were your parents entrepreneurs?
My father has a side hustle selling cars, my mother was a go-getter, and my maternal grandmother was a businesswoman herself, owning her day care.

What was your key driving force to become an entrepreneur and for starting your platform Savon Speaks?
I look at entrepreneurs as problem solvers. People usually get into business because they feel that there is a problem in the world that need to be solved coupled with gaining the opportunity for financial freedom. For instance, I felt like there weren’t enough women helping each other and too many women suffering in silence from childhood traumas, abusive relationships, toxic families and etc.- I felt that was a problem. Therefore, I created a business designed to help solve those problems or to help women start their journey to healing by doing my life coaching, writing my book, interviewing successful women for other women to see and create their own blueprint for their journey to success. I understand I can’t save everyone or help everyone find their purpose in life, but even if I can help just a corner of the world, then I have served my purpose and the purpose of my platform.

Where did the idea of your business derive from?

The idea of SavonSpeaks just came to me during the Pandemic. God just had me sitting there in silence, reflecting on my life and said, my story needs to be heard- someone needs to hear it in order to speak their own truth. Someone’s voice needs to be heard, but they will not speak up unless I speak up. So, in that moment of reflecting, I knew in order to walk in the assignment given to me by God- I had to let myself go- all my worries about what people will think, and truly be selfless and intentional with what I was about to release into the universe.

What are some of the challenges you feel female entrepreneurs face, especially minority women?
I think women in general always had the short end of the stick compared to their male counterparts. Traditionally men are portrayed as being more successful and maintaining a business compared to women. Female entrepreneurs struggle with being taken seriously, especially minority women. We have to walk, talk and act a certain way that society feels we have to robotically become in order to be accepted. Black/brown women specifically have to work twice as hard than their white female counterparts in many cases just to even be recognized. A robust support system is important for a businesswoman success but can be hard to build that trust worthy team.

Considering the fierce competition in today’s business world, how would you highlight your company’s competitive advantages? What makes it stand out of the crowd?
Honestly, I don’t think about competition. One, because I feel like it is enough room for all of us, I am for women empowerment. I can’t represent empowering women if I’m worried about another woman outshining me. The goal is to salute, be inspired by one another, and help each other get to the next level the best we can. What is for me, no man or woman can take and vice versa. My hard work, consistency, and dedication speak volumes and aids me in standing out.

Where do you see your business growing in the next year? three years?
I see it becoming a million-dollar company.

How do we expand women’s networks to accommodate all women entrepreneurs?
We can expand women’s networks by supporting them. For instance, our dresses were made by designer Tania Casini in our photoshoot for She Hustle Talks magazine cover. And for my solo picture, my dress, fanny pack, and accessories are from Beauty By Gauthier. Both are women entrepreneurs. To expand women’s networks, we must not be afraid to support one another without feeling like we’re competing because we all bring a different flavor to the table. I know myself; I want all women to win. It’s okay to support, promote, congratulate, encourage and recommend amongst many other ways to support other women.

Do you have any helpful advice to someone interested in starting their own business?
Yes, my advice would be to go for it. But first, make sure it’s something you are passionate about because, without passion, the thrill of having your own business will quickly die. With passion, you will keep finding innovative ways to get better at what you love doing so if can have a more effective outcome. Also, remember people will always remember how you treat them, and word of mouth is the most powerful promotion a business could have. So, make sure you have good customer service skills when entering the entrepreneur world.

What are your hidden inspiration sources? How do you generate new ideas?
Ideas could come to me by having a general conversation with someone, listening to music, or watching something inspirational. Even my moments of failure provide me with more opportunities to be creative. Because if failure is not an option for you, you’re going to find another way.

What’s your greatest entrepreneurial achievement to be proud of?
My most outstanding entrepreneurial achievement to be proud of is when I do speaking engagements- women come up to me after saying how much my words resonated with them. To achieve the goal of positively influence women is an achievement all in itself.

What book has inspired you the most? (What is your favorite book?) Besides your own…
Besides my own book (lol)….A book that has inspired me is Dear Solani, Letters to the Daughter I Never Had by Lynn Toler. It is a book written by Judge Lynn, the Divorce Court Host sharing wisdom from her motherly perspective to us (female readers) as if we were her daughters. I love it because she talks from a practical, methodical, and motivational standpoint- such as she had done on her show. I have not been married yet, but the advice she gave women was real and powerful.

What do you do on a daily basis to grow as an entrepreneur?
To grow as an entrepreneur, I pray daily, take my time, be intentional, and not afraid to be different. Also, must be open minded.

Do you believe there is a winning formula for becoming a successful entrepreneur? What is yours?
I think there is a winning formula to becoming successful- that is, let things happen naturally. Just put in the work and dedication, and everything else will follow. Doing good by people and good will come back to you, whether it’s on a personal or business level. There is a saying I like that goes” you may not like me, but you’ll notice my ambition and will have no choice but to respect my grind.” I love that saying because, you’re not going to be everyone’s cup of tea, but they’ll have no choice but to acknowledge the hard work you’re putting in. Grind season is every season with no days off. If you ask me, that’s success right there.

What is your definition of hustle?
My definition of “hustle” is someone going after what they want by any means necessary.

Where can our audience see you next?
Your audience can see me on October 15, I will be a guest speaker at “Healher healedher” event hosted by Tiffany English. Also, on October 16th I will be hosting guest interviews at the 2nd Annual Black Business Roc- Black Tie Gala “Year of The Black Businesswomen.” Founded by Chad Grimes. It will be a fun and classy event; make sure to get your tickets. Tickets are available now at Embellish 757 Genesee St., Beads & Bangles 733 East Main St. Come out, support, and celebrate all the beautiful businesswomen and their accomplishments. Follow my Facebook and IG at SavonSpeaks so you can stay updated with the latest I have going on. My book “My Truth: Building My Foundation With the Rocks Has Thrown At Me” is also available on Amazon or on my website at WWW.SAVONSPEAKS.COM.

Tell our audience who Letitia (Tetia) Torres is and what makes you hustle.
I am a self-proclaimed “multipotentialite.” I AM an author, business owner, columnist, speaker, and roadmap coach. I am a “Kingdom Kid.” I am a purpose pusher. I am a wife to my husband, Will Torres, a mother to our five children, Giovannie, Mekhi, Noah, Mi’Amor, and Naima.

Knowing that I’ve assisted another young woman on her journey to discover her purpose is one of my greatest joys. Living my life to inspire other women to be their best authentic selves is what makes me hustle.

What made you decide to create your business and become a female entrepreneur?
My father is a serial entrepreneur and owns three businesses. So it was almost indoctrinated in me. As a little girl, he would talk my ears off for hours about his business and the importance of working for yourself. So while my entre pruner journey is not a typical one, I always knew I’d be one. I would have to say it was my destiny. My husband and I own 2 businesses and will have 2 more by the end of the year.

How did you create your business, and what is your mission behind it?
Me2U Coaching is a coaching platform that I created 4 years ago. The mission behind Me2U Coaching is to uplift, inspire, encourage, empower, and equip women through my workshops, workbooks, training, and seminars.

What are some of the pros and cons of being a female entrepreneur, especially in 2021? What has helped make you successful?
I love this question. While I believe in entrepreneurship and feel everyone should own at least one business, I think my generation has sensationalized entrepreneurship. With that, I think for every pro, there’s a con. Some of the pros are: being in control of your schedule, limitless income potential, and being able to help and employ others in your community. Now on the other side of that coin are the cons: while you may be in control of your schedule, being an entrepreneur often involves long days and long nights sometimes. Although I have 17 employees, there are days I may have to work when I don’t necessarily feel like it or want to. In the beginning, my husband and I worked a lot. Five years in, and now I operate my business about 10-12 hours a week.

People often say, “it cost to be the boss.” I believe this to be true with your time and finances. As the boss, you may be the first one in the door and the last one out. Financially you’re the one taking all of the risks, and during hard times, you may also be the only one who doesn’t get paid. During the shutdown, I had gone 30 days without paying myself because I had to make payroll. It’s the behind-the-scenes sacrifices that no one sees, but it’s definitely worth it.

Lastly, I would say, “to whom much is given, much is required.” In addition to my husband and children, 17 other people and their families depend on me and my business. With that is a great deal of responsibility, and I don’t take that lightly. So as an entrepreneur that employs people from my community, I have to make sure I’m running my business correctly. Because we’re the first in our families to do what we’re doing, the pressure can sometimes be overwhelming.

Networking with other businesswomen has definitely helped me be successful. “- I have about 15 Clients, all of who were referred to me. I’ve never advertised or handed out a business card. My business is all word of mouth. For five years, it’s been that way, and it blows my mind.

What are some of the things you find that help you to be successful in building your brand?
What has been helpful thus far is being authentic and staying true to my purpose. I call this staying in your YES.

What do you want to achieve next?
My ultimate goal for 2021 is to publish my workbook, The Pace of Grace®: Vision Planning and Goal Mapping. I’ll also be conducting training and seminars based on the book.

Try to describe yourself in 3 words only.
I Am Bold

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN HARASSED OR DISCRIMINATED AGAINST?
I’ve experienced discrimination when I worked in corporate America, not as an entrepreneur. The good thing about owning your business is that you can choose who you work with.

What have you found to be the most successful marketing tool for your business, and who is your ideal audience?
While I should be using IG, I would have to say just being me on Facebook has been all of the “marketing,” if you can call it that, that I’ve done. So while I feel my audience is vast, my ideal would be women, ages 28 – 50.

What challenges have you faced this year, and how have you overcome them?
I decided to come out better on the other side of the pandemic. Keeping a can-do attitude and positive mindset has allowed me to overcome my challenges this year.

Where did you get your entrepreneurial spirit? Are/were your parents’ entrepreneurs?
I mentioned my dad earlier. He’s definitely the reason I’m here doing this interview. My dad is the Ultimate serial entrepreneur, and so am I. However, he has always made sure that I knew my work ethic definitely came from my mother.

What was your key driving force to become an entrepreneur and author?
The key driving force for me becoming an entrepreneur and author was knowing that another young woman is waiting for me to show up! I know young women are watching me. I know someone near and far needs to hear my story to believe that they can overcome sexual abuse, fear, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and poverty.

Where did the idea of your business derive from?
Two things. My commercial cleaning business came out of desperation. I had quit my job from corporate America and needed to replace that income. My husband decided to start the cleaning business, and it’s doubled every year for 5 years in counting.

My coaching business, Me2U Coaching, came about because I was desperately looking for a mentor and kept running into one of two issues. Either I couldn’t afford to pay for a coach or find anyone to take the time to sit down and have coffee or lunch with me.

I remember God telling me to stop looking for the woman I thought I needed and become her! Both businesses were birthed from a problem and a need. I created a company to provide financially for myself and 17 other families. And I birthed a business to coach and mentor women through classes, seminars, and workbooks for low to no cost.

Unlike most coaches, I don’t charge for a conversation. This is because I believe it’s my calling and duty to help other women.

What are some of the challenges you feel female entrepreneurs face, especially minority women?
I think the foremost challenge female entrepreneurs face is an unhealthy competitive spirit. As women, we compete in counterproductive ways. We also don’t collaborate like we should. This is what I love about my relationship with Savon. We are in the same industry, but we understand that we reach different audiences and collaborate in many projects to inspire as many people as possible. Also, as women, sometimes we have to juggle many different things. For example, we’re the boss at work, mom and wife at home, which is also the boss at home. So finding a healthy life-work balance can sometimes be challenging.

Considering the fierce competition in today’s business world, how would you highlight your company’s competitive advantages? What makes it stand out from the crowd?
What makes my business stand out is that my husband, Will, and I am a team. I know that people love to see that we are a duo.

Where do you see your business growing in the next year? Three years?
Within the next year, I see my business doubling in size. So within the next three years, I’ll definitely be running a multi-million dollar operation and several companies.

How do we expand women’s networks to accommodate all women entrepreneurs?
We can expand women’s networks to accommodate all women entrepreneurs by understanding not all women own glamorous businesses. For example, some of us own daycares and, like myself cleaning companies, I feel too often there aren’t platforms to celebrate those “traditional” businesses.

Do you have any helpful advice for someone interested in starting their own business?
Yes. Whatever you want to do, girl, just do it! Be clear about what you want to do. Discover your purpose and stay true to that. Be authentic. Most importantly, PRAY and walk by FAITH.

What are your hidden inspiration sources? How do you generate new ideas?
Prayer is my source. This is where I find peace and clarity. This is where my new ideas are birthed and where solutions are created.

What’s your greatest entrepreneurial achievement to be proud of?
My greatest achievement so far is that I am helping my community by offering employment opportunities. Five years ago, I worked as a Product Marketing Manager for a direct sales company struggling to make ends meet, and now the number of hours I would work in a day I work in a week and make more than triple what that company was paying me. That is the blessing. Achieving financial freedom and having control of my time!

What book has inspired you the most? ( What is your favorite book?) Besides your own…
The book that has inspired me the most is the BIBLE. My favorite books are the Seat of the Soul by Gary Zukav, Goals by Zig Ziglar, Sometimes You Win-Sometimes You Learn by John C. Maxwell, and Hello Tomorrow by Cindy Trimm.

What do you do daily to grow as an entrepreneur?
Reflect. Pray. Affirmations. Devotion and Intention.

The reflection process is what helps us grow. I’m constantly looking at the previous 24 hours and identifying what I did well and what I could have done better.
Prayer encourages us to connect to a higher power and get in touch with our own authentic power.

Affirmations reveal our capability to command our day by speaking life into our situations.

Devotion and Intention allow us to see the results of remaining committed and dedicated to the call on our lives. Being intentional leads us to a meaningful life and fulfills our purpose in life.

Do you believe there is a winning formula for becoming a successful entrepreneur? What is yours?
There is no formula for success. I believe you have to define success for yourself. The aim should be to live a life of substance. When you discover purpose and walk in it, that is the true definition of success.

What is your definition of hustle?
I always say, “grinding isn’t fun and hustling ain’t cute, but it’s necessary.” To me, hustle is a relentless attitude to achieve your purpose and to walk into your God-given destiny.

Where can our audience see you next?
The ladies can expect to see the release of my workbook this summer, The Pace of Grace®: Vision Planning and Goal Mapping, keep an eye out for my column in Upstate NY Gospel magazine, and I’ll be speaking at local seminars and events.

Hair: Dolores Wiggins
Makeup: Faith Powers-Phelps
Dress: Tania