Testimonials

Before joining the Alphanista Success Circle, I struggled with writing my book. I had lots of ideas and didn’t take action on them. I did not set a real deadline for myself. I was trying to be accountable for myself and that didn’t work anymore.

After joining the Circle, I was able to plan my writing and research, and set up more organized schedule to do everything. I feel more connected to likeminded women. That’s something I have been trying to find. The Circle provides me with this chance. My peer partner helps me with accountability with our weekly check-ins.  When there is someone else, other than myself, for feedback I get faster results. I also understand more about the struggles of others. That encourages me to face my own problems.

I was in a stressful and anxious condition when I just joined the circle. I constantly had anxiety attacks and was struggling how to deal with it. But I didn’t want to miss any opportunities to grow myself, and I thought to myself maybe I could find a solution for my anxiety, too, after getting in touch with more like-minded women.

I am really glad I did.  I did not want to waste any opportunity to help me grow.

After the first few weeks of reflection (something the action plan emphasized), I realized I should really start to tackle my emotional issue upfront as it started to affect not only my emotions but my work performance and progress towards my goals. That was when I decided to go to see a psychotherapist and since then I’ve been making some positive progress.

During the first few weeks, I also submitted my book to a major publisher, something I never would have done alone.  After the first month, I felt that I started benefiting from the Circle.  It was a little stressful trying to deal with my anxiety as well as taking care of my goals and career, but I wanted to continue with it. I signed up for it and finished it. Maryann always talks about showing up in the Circle like we do in life, and that is what I did.

The Digital Action Plan (DAP) helped me to reflect on what’s working or not working to reach my career target.  The DAP helped me create my own roadmap and timetable.

What surprised me about the Circle was the perfect blend of personalities and authenticity.  There is no hierarchy with Maryann, who facilitates our Circle.  She shares with us her own experiences, and listens.  We are all like-minded women supporting each other.  The book we read together, Fierce Conversations, enhanced my communication to get what I really wanted from this experience, and my career goals.

I highly recommend the circle to anyone who is at the top of their field, and wants to start building strategic partnerships, and connection.

I stumbled upon Maryann while reading a popular-at-the-time women’s blog and forum. I was in college and looking for ways to live life differently and was open to new ways to create my own unique roadmap to success. I used to read Maryann’s articles and was attracted to her unique perspective on what women can do in this world and how they can get there.  She had such an interesting and honest viewpoint on achieving goals that I ordered every one of her books.  I studied Maryann’s advice and techniques on Alphanista in college religiously.

It helped me grow into womanhood and embrace all that comes with it, even if it is unconventional or if it doesn’t get everyone’s approval.

Both Alphanista and Maryann’s books helped me achieve my dreams in unconventional ways.  I was inspired to think differently. I became Miss Black District of Columbia USA and was eventually crowned Miss District of Columbia USA 2016, joining the Miss Universe Organization, after initially competing in pageants to add a unique spin on my business school applications.

These unconventional titles accelerated my career and opened up a new world of friendships and relationships.  Over time, I built great savings, traveled the world, and followed Maryann’s plan to live a smart life and to always have a good exit plan.

Another benefit that came from that time in my life was meeting my current business partner.  We both own and operate Cherry Blossom Intimates, an intimates boutique designed with women in mind. We’ve created a first-of-its-kind breast health facility and intimates boutique with a mission of changing what post-mastectomy shopping looks and feels like, creating beautiful lingerie shopping experiences for all women, and using innovation and inclusion to be impactful across the globe.

We help breast cancer survivors by fitting them in post-mastectomy bras and prosthetics within a lingerie boutique atmosphere.

Our goal is to ensure that survivors feel beautiful.  My grandmother experienced breast cancer and passed away, and her experience buying prosthetics in a medical supply store was not ideal.  It was never in a beautiful boutique. My business partner and I wanted to change that experience for all women. I made the Forbes 30 Under 30 list not long after opening the store, and I have to thank Alphanista for being an important part of a long journey.

But then over time, the Alphanista Success Circle became part of my trusted inner circle. Before I joined, I did not know what the right approach was to reach out to gatekeepers and decision makers.

I would use my angel network to find people.  It would take a while to identify who are those people and if they were right for me.  I spent time googling and researching. I also tapped into a few networks of other women.  Even then, it was still dependent on having all my ducks in a row when there were still things I was unpacking.  With the circle, I save valuable time from doing it alone.  I get on the phone and just talk, and be myself. I get more poignant advice and refine my ideas. It’s a comfortable, safe space with no judgement.  I also appreciate the range of different industries.  It’s good to hear back from all that range and diversity of ideas. I can also be more vulnerable talking other circle members than I can with a larger network of stakeholders.

The Circle has also encouraged me to make hard decisions without making it feel hard. Circle members help me gut check things before I implement.  When I worked with coaches, I would have to break things down on how my business works, but with the circle I get a crew of senior level women who can respond to my ideas right on the spot – and they can show me how to implement it.  Most importantly, the Circle reminds me to celebrate small moments and victories (my Ted Talk moment) – even if it already happened.  If you have any questions about joining the Circle, or working with Maryann, please contact me.

Before the Alphanista Success Circle,  I spent considerable time finding and reaching out to people I didn’t know.  One of the most valuable aspects of the Alphanista Success Circle is the way it is structured with clear goals, not just theory.  The Circle is about accountability and taking yourself to the next level with like-minded women which is difficult to find with everyone’s busy schedule nowadays.

Introducing someone to my circle that does not have history or friendship with me gives me feedback that is more honest, and fresh from an outside-looking-in perspective.  That by itself, energizes my own ideas and accelerates my growth.

So far with the Circle, I launched my new website, which is a valuable component of my business. The advice I received from the women, with their unique, seasoned expertise, saved me time and money from hiring a major branding or digital agency.

The structure of the Circle and the preparation for the calls allows me to show up on time every two weeks.  It’s been phenomenal.  I have connected with at least two Circle members offline for introductions to others and recommendations for next steps in my business and career.  The Circle’s ability to create deep-seeded relationships with like-minded professionals like myself has been most valuable to me.

I have access to their network and they have access to mine. There’s a high level of buy-in and desire to be a part of something bigger than ourselves.  If you have any questions about the Circle or working with Maryann, please contact me.

Before the group, I was going through the motions of getting my Master’s degree and trying to figure out my new passion in the commercial real estate industry. It was pretty foggy. I needed to find my new place.

The Alphanista Success Circle is an experience that allows me not to have all the answers all the time.  It feels great to have a peer group when I need help versus when I am running my business and trying to do it all. Besides regular girlfriends or a significant other, it’s nice to be part of something that focuses on my professional endeavors.

With the group, I have more clarity of thought and resources I didn’t have while making my way into a new industry. I haven’t put my new path in real estate into my current business, but in the circle, it feels clearer and clearer. For example, Maryann and another member allowed me to go through their LinkedIn contacts and offered to make introductions.  That’s so much easier than reaching out to cold contacts. I do feel like it’s a sisterhood.

I am always so used to running and having all the answers. I get to take baby steps now with a highly, curated group with deep levels of expertise and curiosity. I’m happy to answer any questions about my experience.

…Maryann invited me to be a member of the Alphanista Success Circle, with other like-minded women. Before she contacted me, I was reaching out to people on an adhoc basis. This took me plenty of time and research. I spent time working on my own, and doing as much as I could while juggling a family. There was only so much time in a day. Now, as a member of the group, with Maryann’s supportive facilitation, I know there is a set time we meet and I have to have things in order. Now I have notes and apply them after we meet. There is more structure with the group. As part of the group, we get to have “asks” in the form of a request or need for our goals. This has helped me get more focused on my needs, trust others to listen, and reciprocate as best as I am able. I am saving time that I can apply to other areas of my startup. The Circle takes care of the “heavy lifting”. As an again new mom, that is a huge win for me.

Listening to ideas from the other ladies, I am able to take their suggestions and implement right away. For example, one group member had an experience on her team trying to off-board someone. Her first-hand experience gave me a chance to ask questions and get advice right on the spot. Insight from another member, who is transitioning from her business to an entirely new passion is inspiring. Another time, a circle member tagged me on LinkedIn on a post for minorities in women businesses. That was helpful! I don’t believe that would have happened if we hadn’t established a personal sense of connection before a professional connection.

The Alphanista Success Circle has helped me establish solidarity and connection with other women. The most important way to be successful is how well you play with others. The Circle levels up my relationships with other women with genuine connection, as well as helps me save time, and implement my ideas quickly. Please contact me if you have any questions about working with Maryann.

…I would often attend events where I would aim to organically forge relationships with others who would serve as accountability buddies, each of us with the desire to collectively inspire one another to reach our goals. Although I forged many new relationships, goal setting and receiving tangible advice in traditional networking settings was oftentimes hit or miss. I enjoy that the Alphanista Success Circle was different from traditional networking. It brought ladies, each with a driven goal and focus in mind, together to share wisdom and knowledge with one another.

With the Circle and having access to a group of women with intention and purpose, I have been able to establish connections to fulfill my goal of embarking on a new career adventure since graduating with my doctoral degree in May of 2018. It has been a fulfilling experience to be among fellow women respected in their fields who are willing to lend a helping hand. I connected with a fellow member last weekend to talk about a story I was working on for a major business magazine. Also, recently I delivered a speech on a new topic and Circle members supported me in the process of framing the discussion for the speech. The ladies often remind me of the beauty in storytelling, the power of vulnerability, and the great value of authenticity.

In just a few months of joining the Circle, I have published 7 stories and am in the process of writing 3-4 more over the next few weeks. Before the Circle, I was in the process of exploring what my journalism voice was while managing the transition to a new role in my career. I am happy to have the support of the group in crafting this voice and navigating the transition seamlessly.

I’ve also received great value from the Peer Partner check-ins on Fridays. They really help me remain in the flow of making strides to reach my goals. I’m looking forward to taking my vision to greater heights with the Circle! If you have any questions about the Circle or the amazing work Maryann is doing through Alphanista, feel free to contact me.