Meet Pearl Fils-Aime: Model, Entertainer & Leadership Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Pearl Fils-Aime and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Pearl, what role has risk played in your life or career?
You have to take risks to grow. Playing it safe, and staying in your comfort zone, will not get you far.

From the outside looking in, many would say I have taken a considerable amount of risks. One in particular is leaving a 6-figure job to start my own company. I left my job, in the middle of the 2009 financial crisis.

My mentors thought I was crazy, and questioned why I would leave a secure position in the middle of a crisis. Yet, my intuition (my gut) was telling me to leave. It was telling me, there was something more for me in life.

When it comes to taking risks in life, you have to trust your gut, its your compass and inner wisdom.

I am more fulfilled living the life I have lived with the risks I have taken. It’s a road less traveled, but the rewards are abundant.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am an artist that owns and operates a business. I believe every artist should learn the ‘Art of Business.’

My first love is music, yet, as a teenager I grew to be 5’9 and entered the world of modeling. I gained much success as a model, walking the runways for Ebony Fashion Fair, a division of Ebony Magazine. After pursue modeling, I obtained an MBA, then began working in corporate America. I am thankful for that experience, because it strengthen my business acumen. Yet, after working for two years in corporate America, my intuition began telling me to start my own company,

I founded A Lady Named Pearl, LLC, in 2009, to produce my music. Several years later, I founded ‘A Lady Named Pearl Foundation, Inc,’ a 501c3 nonprofit organization, where our mission is to shape the confidence of girls and women to become future leaders through modeling, leadership and entrepreneurship training.

ALNP Foundation Inc has impacted over 1145 girls globally. From 2015 -2020 we have developed over 620 entrepreneurs, increasing the number of women-owned businesses worldwide. Moreover, over 990 students have participated in our modeling program, which has helped with improving posture and overall confidence.

In 2020, our organization was awarded the ‘Positive Change/Most Influential Award’ at the PBFW Black Excellence Gala, and in 2019, the ‘Best of Atlanta Award’ by Atlanta Award Program. Furthermore, Pearl School of Modeling, a division of ALNP Foundation Inc was featured on TED Talks for our innovative platform to upend the old modeling industry and utilize modeling programs as a tool to help shape future global leaders of all sizes, genders, perspectives, and mindsets.

Was it easy leaving my corporate job to pursue my art … not at all. I went from making 6-figures to waiting tables. To get the reward you have to make the sacrifice. While waiting tables, I began building my companies and relationships. Some of the lessons I learned is to trust your intuition because it always knows best.

I am a person that is an advocate for following your dreams and goals, and thats why I started my foundation, to help those coming behind me, with building confidence, to manifest their vision.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Some of my favorite places in Atlanta …geez, we have been in the pandemic for so long, that I haven’t been out much…

Restaurants
Highland Bakery (Brunch)
R Thomas (Late Night)

Tassili Raw (Vegetarian/Vegan)

Intermezzo (Lunch/Dinner)

Working Out Spot
Decatur Boxing Club

Bars/Clubs
Sound Table

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
In terms of my success, I did get here alone. Some of the people I would like to thank:

My Family – they are my backbone, and support me in whatever I do
My Leadership Team – Milca, Jeysika, Sherianna, Lauren, Gail, Cathy, Tanishia and Al Tee
Trina Parks – she taught me what work ethic looks like in the entertainment industry

Some of the books that have inspired me:
The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho
7 Habits of Highly Effective People – Stephen Covey
The 4 Agreements – Don Miguel Ruiz

Website: http://aladynamedpearl.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-pearl-fils-aime-mba-366a2514/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/aladynamedpearl

Facebook: http://facebook.com/iamaladynamedpearl

Youtube: http://youtube.com/aladynamedpearl

Image Credits
Photographers: Sky Wonders Photography Stewdio Space TD Visual Arts Photography