We had the good fortune of connecting with Marie Hall and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marie, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
“It always seems impossible until it’s done” Nelson Mandela

Sometimes the way we perceive things is not as challenging as they are. Often, we find that the mountains that our minds have created can be very overwhelming and quite intimidating. But if we can see beyond our fears and do it, we will find that it wasn’t as difficult as we made it to be; it was only a molehill. Once the task is complete, we are relieved and find comfort in knowing that it was all in our head and it wasn’t impossible. We just needed to believe that we could. This makes it much easier to do it again or to believe that we can accomplish what we wish because now we have first-hand knowledge that everything is going to be alright.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business is genuinely service-oriented. I believe in transforming lives through educating, elevating, and empowering people. My books, workshops, consultations, tutorial services, and speaking engagements provide training and development. I teach people to become more self-aware about their emotional intelligence, which helps build their skillsets. Through my community efforts, I am afforded opportunities to foster relationships. My goal is to motivate people to use their gifts and talents to pursue their passions by increasing their self-confidence and learning to live purpose-filled lives. It’s incredible to have opportunities to touch people’s lives. My excitement comes from connecting with people from all over the world and forming relationships.

I think I’ve gotten this far by putting in the work and investing in myself and my company when it comes to business. It’s equally important that I keep God at the head of my business and stay in prayer concerning it. Being an entrepreneur is tough. You must be willing to be comfortable being uncomfortable. I mean that you must lose the comfort zone, that space where you feel safe and face your fears. For example, people don’t know that I am a shy person, but I’m learning that I must put myself out there to establish relationships and build partnerships. It’s like the old folks say a closed mouth doesn’t get fed. I’m learning to speak up and be more visible. I’m also learning that networking is vital to building a business.

One thing that I would like the world to know is that I’m just a girl from Youngstown, Ohio, who finally found my voice and is living on my terms unapologetically. Being an entrepreneur is tough. You must be willing to be comfortable being uncomfortable. I mean that you must lose the comfort zone, that space where you feel safe and flat out face your fears. For example, people don’t know that I am a shy person, but I’m learning that I must put myself out there to establish relationships and build partnerships. It’s like the old folks say a closed mouth doesn’t get fed. I’m learning to speak up and be more visible. Networking is vital to building and growing a small business.

One thing that I would like the world to know is that I’m just a girl from Youngstown, Ohio, who finally found her voice and is living on her terms unapologetically.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are so many great spots to check out in and around Atlanta. I can’t possibly name them all or go to them in a week. I recently learned of this great spot off Howell Mill Road called Cultivate Food and Coffee. It’s a quaint little space. The atmosphere is vibrant, and the food was quite delicious. Good place for breakfast or lunch. Another great spot is Gocha’s Breakfast Bar, located in Fayetteville or Atlanta. We won’t lose going to either location. These two spots should get our week started off just right.

One of my favorite places to hang out is on the Beltline. I love people-watching. There are so many cool things happening down there and great places to eat, drink, and shop. It’s a must to go to Ponce City Market and hang out on the rooftop for a bit of playtime and fun. Not to mention the Beltline and all around the area has the best murals to have photo ops.

There is no better place to take in some of the great cultural things here in the city. By Wednesday, we would swing over to The National Center for Civil and Human Rights and then to Hammond House or the Apex Museum for a bit of art. To top off the day, we would go to the SunTrust Stadium and catch a bite to eat and watch a game or two. I’m sort of a foodie, and there is an excellent Greek restaurant called Zeus Greek Street Food that is authentic. Every time I go there, I feel like I’m back in Greece. The food is fantastic. That would just be a lunch spot to tide us over until dinner time. A lovely spot to eat for dinner is the Lobster Bar or Capital Grille. The ambiance in these places is amazing and the food is delicious.

My best friend and I love to have fun, so we would go to IFly- the indoor skydiving experience. This place will definitely get your adrenaline going, and you’ll feel like a superhero before you leave and then go practice our swing at Top Golf. By the weekend, it’s time for some live music and good vibes. I enjoy going to Studio Cigar Bar and Lounge. This place is in the city of Fairburn and is top-notch; it will not disappoint for a girl’s night out on the town. Another great location is The Beverly, located in the Grant Park area-live music, great food, people, and a fun atmosphere. Last but certainly not least, we would end our fun-filled week giving praise to God.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, I would be nothing without God. He is my guiding light and shows me daily that he upholds his promises. Secondly, I thank my family because no matter what they encourage, uplift, and support me in everything that I do. A special thanks to my sister Evaughan Boatwright-Cook, who unapologetically has always been my biggest cheerleader. She has always rooted me on, Days, when I didn’t feel that I was walking in my purpose and doubt was trying to set in, she would always say or do something unaware that I needed at that moment. To my church family, I appreciate your prayers, love, and words of encouragement. Last, but certainly not least, huge shoutout to all my friends, followers, business partnerships, sponsors, that continuously motivate, inspire, empower, and push me to press on. It makes my heart feel glad.

Website: www.mariesboatwright.com and www.rubymac-learning-academy.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marie_s_boatwright

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/marie-hall-86563628

Twitter: @mariesherella

Facebook: https://facebook.com/marie.s.boatwright

Other: linktr.ee/mariesboatwright

Image Credits
Emma Burcusel

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