Celebrating Black Woman’s History Month: Jeri Godhigh

By |April 11th, 2024|Exclusive Interview, Life + Culture, Sheen Magazine|0 Comments
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How has your story motivated you on days when there seems to be nothing to keep you going?

My story is my testimony..it is what has and is shaping me into the woman God created me to be. When I feel like nothing is working or going well I have to remind myself (mindset shift) that I have a purpose and destiny to fulfill and this – what God has birthed me for is and has always been bigger than me. When I can shift my mind m, then the things around me begin to shift. Maybe not so instantaneously or not in the way you want them to but we have to remind ourselves and encourage ourselves to what we should be doing and not focus on what we see currently.

In what ways, if any, did you have to pivot to ensure your vision was well executed?
I was Blessed with opening an Allstate agency in March 2020. Two weeks into the opening, COVID-19 happened and everyone’s lives changed. My business survived for a year and a half and then we had to close. Realizing at the point that I needed to close the business was a pivoting moment for me. I felt as though that business was my baby.  I had an extremely hard time letting go but the moment I let go and let God, He spoke to me and said I have something greater for you. I had no idea what was going to.  That was a time in my life when God was showing me who I was and what I was supposed to be doing in my life. That’s where I really grew up! I was determined to get back up and move toward what God had in mind for me.
How do you showcase the empowerment of Women’s History Month every day?
I believe in pouring into women every day and in doing so we show our love and how grateful we are for one another and those that have gone before to pave the way so we can do what we were placed here for. I post pictures showing the significance of women and the great work we are doing not just for ourselves but also for those who are coming behind us.

Who are some lesser-known female entrepreneurs from history that you admire and believe deserve more recognition?

I believe these phenomenal women are trailblazers and deserve to be mentioned more often.  They are Iman, Sheila Johnson, and CJ Madam Walker. CJ Madam Walker is widely known but she is the rock star of them all if you ask me.  These inspiring female entrepreneurs can help provide other women with valuable lessons they can explore and build their careers as entrepreneurs. Each of these women not only had the creativity to see a potential market opportunity and seize it, but they also had the perseverance to keep working in the face of obstacles

Reflecting on your own experiences, what are some effective ways that male allies have supported you in your career journey?

I have been blessed to have male allies who have cheered me on, and supported my vision with resources, mentorship, and wisdom. They have stepped back and paved the way for me to lead in my field of expertise/gifting.

How do you strike a balance between ambition and self-care as a woman in a demanding business environment?
Obtaining a delicate balance between pursuing my goals and living out my destiny and carving out time for self-care is something I have to do intentionally. I tend to lean more on pouring out than pouring into myself but I am now making a conscious effort to schedule personal time to give back to me. It is truly necessary to make time for self-care in order to stay motivated, focused, and intentional on your path to success.
Photo Credits: Antoinne Duane Jones

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