Meet Christina Marie | The Financial Doctor

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

Hi Christina, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My decision to start my own business was deeply rooted in faith. I prayed for guidance, expressing my willingness to take a leap of faith if I could replace my salary using my accounting skills. Trusting in God, I ventured into entrepreneurship, relying on my gifts and talents to shape my professional journey outside corporate America.

What should our readers know about your business?
I’ve come a long way in my business journey, originating as a project girl from Chicago’s Cabrini Green Projects. My primary goal was to provide my daughter with a different life. After my mother’s passing, attempts to return to corporate America were challenging. However, fueled by faith, I embarked on the entrepreneurial path. It hasn’t been easy, but the freedom, peace, and flexibility gained along the way have made the journey entirely worthwhile.

1. **Resilience Pays Off:** Entrepreneurship often involves facing setbacks and challenges. Being resilient and learning from failures is key to long-term success.

2. **Adaptability is a Virtue:** The business landscape is dynamic, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances is crucial. Flexibility in strategy and operations is a valuable skill.

3. **Networks Matter:** Building and maintaining strong professional networks can open doors, provide support, and offer valuable insights. Collaboration and partnerships can lead to mutual growth.

4. **Passion Fuels Perseverance:** A genuine passion for your work can be a driving force during tough times. It keeps you motivated and focused on your long-term goals.

5. **Continuous Learning is Essential:** The business world evolves, and staying informed and continuously learning is vital. Embrace new technologies, market trends, and industry changes to stay competitive.

6. **Customer Feedback is Gold:** Listening to customer feedback, whether positive or negative, provides valuable insights. It helps improve products or services and fosters customer loyalty.

7. **Time Management is a Skill:** Entrepreneurship often demands wearing multiple hats. Learning to manage time effectively and prioritize tasks is critical for maintaining productivity.

8. **Financial Literacy Matters:** Understanding your business’s financial health is crucial. Regularly reviewing budgets, cash flow, and financial statements helps make informed decisions.

9. **Team Building is a Priority:** Building a strong, motivated team is essential. Cultivate a positive work culture, invest in employee development, and empower your team to contribute their best.

10. **Embrace Change:** Change is inevitable, and those who embrace it rather than resist it are more likely to thrive. Be open to innovation and willing to pivot when necessary.

I want the world to know that “If you were born poor it’s not your mistake, but if you die poor it’s your mistake.” Bill Gate

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting me in Atlanta here is an jammed packed itinerary for her to explore my city.

**Day 1: Explore Historic Sites**
– Morning: Visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, including the King Center and Ebenezer Baptist Church.
– Afternoon: Lunch at Sweet Auburn Curb Market, followed by a stroll through the historic Sweet Auburn District.
– Evening: Enjoy dinner and entertainment at the vibrant Ponce City Market.

**Day 2: Arts and Culture Day**
– Morning: Visit the High Museum of Art.
– Afternoon: Lunch at the Midtown Art District, exploring local galleries and street art.
– Evening: Attend a live performance at the Fox Theatre or enjoy a show at the Alliance Theatre.

**Day 3: Nature Retreat**
– Morning: Head to the Atlanta Botanical Garden.
– Afternoon: Picnic at Piedmont Park, followed by paddle boating on Lake Clara Meer.
– Evening: Explore the BeltLine Eastside Trail and have dinner at Krog Street Market.

**Day 4: Shopping and Indulgence**
– Morning: Shop at the upscale Buckhead Atlanta boutiques.
– Afternoon: Relax with spa treatments at a local wellness center.
– Evening: Fine dining experience in Buckhead, followed by cocktails at rooftop bars.

**Day 5: Culinary Adventure**
– Morning: Attend a cooking class or food tour.
– Afternoon: Visit the Buford Highway Farmers Market for diverse culinary finds.
– Evening: Dinner in the vibrant food scene of Decatur.

**Day 6: Entertainment Extravaganza**
– Morning: Visit the Georgia Aquarium.
– Afternoon: Lunch in the nearby Centennial Olympic Park.
– Evening: Attend a concert or event at State Farm Arena.

**Day 7: Southern Charm and Farewell**
– Morning: Visit the historic Oakland Cemetery.
– Afternoon: Experience southern charm at The Swan House and Atlanta History Center.
– Evening: Farewell dinner at a Southern-inspired restaurant.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I dedicate my entrepreneurial journey to my late mother, whose passing propelled me to rely on my faith and step into starting my own business. In her memory, I embrace the challenges, trusting that my endeavors will honor her legacy and reflect the strength she instilled in me.

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