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

Hi Anisa, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
My balance has changed over time due to COVID-19. I used to be the one who worked at the charity office as the Executive Director until I had about one hour left to rush to the gym before they close at 11:00 pm at night, get a quick workout session in, rush home to do more work on my for-profit consulting business, shower then sleep. I would wake up early, make a shake and do it all over again. In many public speaking talks, I discuss incorporating balance into one’s life. I was convinced that I had it down packed because I was getting my positive endorphins in by working out consistently, taking at least one international trip a year to really unplug, living a life of purpose in my career, eating healthy most of the time, but I was lacking sleep. Since COVID-19, I have been getting much-needed rest into my life. When this health epidemic is over, I want to continue. So I am putting things in place now to stay consistent. More online meetings, more conference calls, not making it to every event is okay and taking more time for self-care.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I Will Survive, Incorporated was founded in 2010. We will celebrate 10 years in December of 2020. I knew nothing about the charity world when I began, a novice amongst my peers even as an entrepreneur. I believe without my leadership training from the military, the business would not have made it past year three like the many who do not. For the charity, we pride ourselves on our excellent customer service rating from our clients. We go above and beyond to serve, unlike most nonprofit organizations.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
My friend is coming to town so it would have to be the best experience ever. We would add a little of everything in there; local eatery, site seeing, shopping, and history. We would eat at some of my favorites like Marcel, Negril Village, and Cape Dutch. Tickets would be reserved to learn at the High Museum and the Center for Civic for Human Rights. We would have to explore the Botanical Garden, relax at the top of Stone Mountain for some one-on-one yoga, attend an event at The Gathering Spot, and of course, rejuvenation at Vida Flo and a spa day. Dancing and live music would have to be in there as well.

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?
Mom! Her birthday is April 18. She would be 68 this year. She died at 38 years young to breast cancer. I dedicate my life to hers. At the age of 5, when I lost her to this horrible disease, I had no idea that I would serve in our Armed Forces with the 82nd Airborne Division and become a paratrooper for two tours in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom, I had no idea that I would start a charity to help disadvantaged families fight breast cancer, I had no idea that I would be blessed to lead future leaders who signed up to serve with my charity from places all over the globe, I had no idea that I would graduate from two outstanding universities for an undergrad and graduate degree, I had no idea that I would purchase my first home for my 30th birthday gift to myself or publish my first book at the age of 34. Thank you mom, for guiding me along the way!

Website: www.IWillSurviveInc.org
Instagram: @OfficialAnisaPalmer
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/anisapalmer
Twitter: @AnisaPalmer
Facebook: @PalmerFirmGroup