Meet IAW members in Featured Members, a weekly column where members highlight their careers and businesses. Today, the spotlight is on IAW VIP Member Vanessa Norris. After working for others for more than 30 years, last year, Vanessa Norris made the bold leap to entrepreneurship. She hasn’t looked back since.
VIP, Elite and Preferred Members: to be featured in Member Spotlight, contact us at featuredwomen@napw.com
IAW: What is your greatest achievement in life so far?
Norris: Becoming a small business owner. After working in a 9-to-5 job for the last 32 years, I retired in 2015 and, in 2016, became a small business owner in the travel industry. This venture provided flexibility in both income and income-producing activities as well as in time management, professional and personal growth, and other arenas. I became my own boss with the ability to excel at my own pace, achieve on my own level, succeed in my own way and, most of all, help others achieve their dreams and goals in life!
IAW: If you were stranded on a deserted island and could chose three items to have, what three things would you chose and why?
Norris: Water, an inspirational book and a notebook that comes with a pen. The water will keep me physically refreshed and sustained while the book and notebook will keep my mind mentally engaged until rescued.
IAW: How would you occupy your time if you did not have to work for a paycheck?
Norris: I would read every one of the self-development, inspirational and relationship books I have purchased over the years.
IAW: What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Norris: Considerate, compassionate and complete
IAW: What advice would you give to your teenage self?
Norris: I would give my teenage self this advice: Make it a practice to constantly identify time wasters, distractions and hindrances to your life’s dreams, goals and destiny and, as much as possible, dismiss them immediately but gracefully if it involves people.
Want to contact this member? Connect on IAW.com today! Then message her or write on her Activity Wall.
