Meet Quest Maker Deborah Hardy
Quest Makers are women in their 40s and beyond who've declared
"now it's my time," and then set off on their own journeys to realize their dreams. Every month a Quest Maker is featured in the FREE e-newsletter, Your Next Quest Chronicles. Click here to enjoy archived issues.
Quest Maker Deborah Hardy
From pressing past her fears
to pursue her redirected dream
In late October , I received this e-mail: "I discovered your Next Quest site sometime last year. . . .I continue to receive your emails with your inspirations and Journal Sparkers. I thank God for you and people like you who are sensitive enough to recognize how difficult it is sometimes to work through life's transitions, to press past your fears and insecurities, and pursue your dreams or even create new dreams. . . ."
Deborah Hardy's email stayed with me for days. I think there is as much value in sharing the stories of women who are just at the beginning of their quest as those who have reached an important milestone or achievement. What inspires me is when a woman declares "now it's my time" no matter where she is on the questing continuum. What I love about Deborah's story is her persistence and ability to keep her eye on her quest's destination and for making a conscious choice to in her own words: "press past a life-altering experience and basically re-create Deborah with a new direction, new interests, and new connections. Now, I'm glad to say I am on my way. Still got a long way to go - but I'm meeting new people and learning new things."
Can you describe the transition you were struggling with?
For several years I had been a member of my church's ministry. I knew that it was my calling and I expected it to lead into a full time ministry. Then in 2005 someone at the church made a decision that had a huge impact on me and I realized I could no longer pursue my passion and purpose there. What had been a comfort zone had become a toxic environment. I had to decide whether I wanted to stay there and die or move on and live. Even though leaving there was sort of a death to me, I had to move in a new direction. Basically I needed to re-create Deborah with a new direction, new interests, and new connections.
What directions did you explore?
I am an administrative assistant at Jackson State University. For a time, I was the President of the JSU Affiliate of the Mississippi Association of Educational Office Professionals. Like my ministry at the church, the organization gave me the opportunity to rally people around a cause.
I have also done a number of different things in addition to my full-time job. I wanted to have my own business, and at first, I tried direct sales, which didn't work for me. I also worked as the administrative coordinator for Jodi Productions, a modeling group which helped to train young girls to model professionally.
 |
| Deborah with actress Bern Nadette Stanis at a health expo. |
In August 2009, I had the opportunity to produce a beauty expo for women, which I called The Virtuous Woman Beauty Extravaganza. Totally on my own, I organized the event which took place in a local mall. I arranged for vendors and speakers in the fields of beauty, health, wellness, along with representatives from legal services to be there. Organizing this event forced me out of my comfort zone and to get people I didn't know to work with me. It made me realize I could operate in a different environment and be successful. The Extravaganza was designed to be a unique ministry to women. I would love to make it an annual event.
What new dream are you creating now?
I have connected with a non-profit organization called The Jackson Business Accelerator Collaboration (JBAC) which is helping me prepare a business plan for the retail boutique I plan to open. The boutique will specialize in a wide range of merchandise featuring animal print designs, from clothing and accessories to furniture. I want the boutique to have a communal area where people can socialize and network. I will offer the space to small groups who need a place to meet, and in the process, the people who meet there will discover new things like the art I will have in the store.
How you have pushed past your fears and insecurities and the life-altering experience, to pursue your dream?
I got through it because of my relationship with God and with the help of my true friends. I prayed a prayer that really made me get through it: "Make me over again. Make me over bigger and better." It hasn't been easy. I do recognize, though, I am a stronger and wiser person because of the experience.
Where are you meeting new people?
At JBAC, since I have been working with them. The JBAC director has asked me to work with them as an intern or facilitator helping to recruit other agencies to join them in their business development efforts and with individuals like me who want to start their own businesses.
In a way this will be a new kind of ministry for me, working within a business network, bringing other entrepreneurs together to connect and be supportive of one another, to get training and get certified to do what they want to do.
What new things are you learning?
I am learning to use the gifts and the talents I have in a different environment. I can use those same abilities in the secular world to help people to be their best in business.
At what point in your life did you decide to embark on your quest?
 |
| Deborah in a favorite animal print outfit. |
I first thought of the idea for my retail store in early 2010. We are always advised to focus on working on something that is your passion and I love animal prints. Once the idea came to me, I wrote it down and the idea just got bigger and bigger. I started attending seminars and workshops which eventually led me to work with JBAC.
Looking back, what's one thing you wish you had known as you set off on your journey?
When I look back I see what happened as a learning experience. I don't know if I would have the treasure of this experience without that happening. I had my dark days and it was a struggle to get over my bitterness and hurt feelings. And I was determined to push forward because I have learned and grown from it. I am a bigger, better, wiser person. That experience can help me to help someone else through their own difficult times.
I really believe in this portion of scripture from Romans 8:28: "All things work together for good." Even if you have a bad experience, I believe the Lord is able to bring some good out of it. I am still moving forward. I have had experiences I wouldn't have had if it hadn’t happened and I am looking forward to the future.
What is the one essential quality that you'd tell women to pack for their own path?
Perseverance and never giving up, regardless of what happens to you. No matter how dark the days get, the sun will shine. Believe in yourself. Press forward in your life, because it doesn’t stop right there.
Can you describe how you dealt with any obstacles on your adventure?
You have to learn to be flexible and be open to alternative things because life doesn't always turn out the way you expect it to. If you are flexible, then other opportunities will come your way.
When I decided to try and open up my business, it exposed me to JBAC. Not only is JBAC helping me, it is giving me a chance to continue my ministry in a different way.
What changes has this brought to your life?
I left that church and joined another one. It forced me to look inward. That is a good thing, regardless of what happens. I learned I still have value. I probably would not have organized the Extravaganza, gotten involved in JBAC, or thought of starting my own business.
How did you make time for your dream?
I make time in the evenings. I go to JBAC one night a week and work with them and also in my own time I research products, retail associations, vendors, and continue to develop my ideas.
What helped you stay on your quest’s path?
Connecting with the right people who are supportive. There are a lot of resources and agencies to help minority entrepreneurs. I also have found that JBAC helps me stay on track. Meeting with them on a weekly basis keeps me accountable.
What's been the secret to reaching your goals?
You have to have the courage to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. I am normally a quiet, shy person; but I challenge myself to put shyness behind me and try different things. One little thing can ignite me and excite me and I can go on from there. Now, I'm glad to say I am on my way. Still got a long way to go--but I'm meeting new people and learning new things.
What's the best advice for your quest that you've ever received?
When it comes to preparing to open a business, you need to do a business plan whether you are using your own finances or taking out a loan. A plan develops your idea and your marketing strategy on paper and helps you to see where you are headed. The more I dig into my plan, the more real it becomes.
Is there a particular quote, a movie, a book or a person that has sustained you?
I like listening to the teaching of Joyce Meyer. One thing she decided was that she would never do is give up. You might try things and they might not always work and that's OK. It is a learning experience. You don't allow those things to stop you. I also enjoy Joel Osteen. He is very positive. Both ministers are powerful and uplifting.
Do you have a new quest around the corner?
My store, which I plan to open sometime in the next year in the metro Jackson, MS, area. If things go well, I would like to turn it into a retail chain, too.
Is there anything else you’d like to tell me that we haven’t covered?
I go to seminars and workshops. My motto is "if it's free, you'll see me!" I am very interested in helping to build up the West Jackson community where I live. In the recent past, there has been a serious decline, as businesses moved out of the area. Right now I have begun attending meetings of the neighborhood association which is focused on rebuilding the area.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
We have to learn how to appreciate the journey and all the things you learn along the way not just arriving at the end.
If you would like to get in touch with Deborah, you can send her an email.
What you can expect to find in every issue of YNQ Chronicles