Runnin' Things: The Resilient Spirit of an Entrepreneur 10Th Anniversary Revised & Expanded Edition

By Teresa S. McCurry

Runnin Things is both the story of an inspiring entrepreneur and a guide to practical business principles for the Christian small-business owner. The author teaches from her own experience and the Bible what it takes to be an entrepreneur in todays world. This tenth anniversary edition is expanded to include more information on what you need to run a business as well as a simple guide on how to do your own marketing in the twenty-first century. It also includes online resources to help you along the way. The entrepreneurial journey is complex and yet probably one of the most rewarding experiences you can ever have. This book will enlighten, empower, and most of all, it will inspire you to reach your full potential.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Apr 15, 2016
• ISBN: 9781504986410

Teresa S. McCurry

Teresa S. McCurry is an inspirational speaker, coach, author, entrepreneur, ordained minister, and CEO of Inspire Me Inc. As a beauty entrepreneur coach who has overcome many obstacles, Teresa has a heart for business people who feel their dreams are unfulfilled. She helps them turn their hustle into a productive business and discover their divine calling. Teresa’s unique gift of speaking off the cuff allows her to be called on any time to give introductory remarks, keynote speeches, or transformational workshops. Her energy lights up any room. Whether it is a corporate meeting, faith-based conference, or training meeting, Teresa will enlighten, empower, and most of all, she will inspire. Teresa holds a bachelor’s degree in applied business management with honors from Bryant & Stratton College and is currently pursuing her MBA with a concentration in entrepreneurship from Cleveland State University at the Monte Ahuja College of Business.

Book preview

RUNNIN'

Things

The Resilient Spirit of an Entrepreneur

10th Anniversary Revised & Expanded Edition

Teresa S. McCurry

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AuthorHouse™

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.authorhouse.com

Phone: [phone]

© 2016 Teresa S. McCurry. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 04/15/2016

ISBN: 978-1-5049-8642-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5049-8641-0 (e)

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1 From the Pit to the Palace

Chapter 2 Shaping Your Entrepreneurial Spirit

Chapter 3 Tenacity

Chapter 4 Passion

Chapter 5 Will Work For Free

Chapter 6 Support: Shoulders to Stand On

Chapter 7 Excellence

Chapter 8 Dream Big: Everybody Has a Dream

Chapter 9 Communication

Chapter 10 Leadership

Chapter 11 Practical Business Principles

Chapter 12 More on Marketing

Chapter 13 The Myth of Overnight Success

Chapter 14 Faith in the Palace: Developing the Faith To Mentality

Appendix

Acknowledgments

About the Author

In working for L'Oréal and recruiting the best talent in Cleveland, J.T. Baily & Co. introduced me to the vivacious Teresa McCurry. I arrived and met Teresa. Her salon was so professional. She was so polished, and the salon team represented the industry in an outstanding way. I knew instantly that she would be an asset to the MIZANI team. When she does educational training, inspirational speaking or blessing someone with kind words, she commands the room with her genuine spirit. She is a natural when it comes to Runnin'Things. Gayla belay-Iyamu, salon owner, celebrity stylist, educator

As a business owner myself with over 35 years of experience, I find Teresa S. McCurry to be a woman who has the admirable ability to quickly access what a potential business client needs to be successful. She shares her knowledge of how to have a successful business in a lively, easy, spirited but calm, deliberate way. Meeting no strangers, her giving, glowing spirit shines on all who meet and work with her. Vivian Jarmon Kidd, MA, business owner and educator

Teresa is incredibly easy to work with. She approaches each client and his or her business individually. There is no one-size-fits-all approach with Teresa. She listens and then tailors recommendations for each client. Her knowledgeable, creative encouragement is a must for new and experienced business owners alike. The book teaches you how to build your confidence in business and set attainable goals in your professional and personal life. It will catapult you to the next level! I met her at Mizani Training then not long after that I had the opportunity to work with her. She is a wonderful facilitator. Felicia Bergmann, stylist/educator, Minneapolis, MN

Only after editing Runnin' Things was I able to comprehend the magnitude of an extraordinary woman's divinely-inspired pursuit towards the fulfillment of her destiny. Teresa is one of God's gifts unveiled in the form of a multifaceted businesswoman. Truly inspirational. Terry Shropshire, editor-at-large, Atlanta, GA

I attended Teresa's P.P.E.W. workshop not long after I received my cosmetology licenses. The information she shared was priceless. Through her coaching, I learned about becoming all I am meant to be, about living a life of passion, purpose and impact? Teresa has created opportunities for me to soar as a person and as a stylist/educator. Her impact has been enormous. Who I am becoming is due in no small way to Teresa's support, encouragement and commitment. Assata Jefferson, owner of Perfections of Beauty Hair Salon, Atlanta, GA

Teresa's coaching is insightful, razor-sharp and tremendously helpful. She quickly gets to the heart of the matter in a manner that is inspirational, energizing and productive.

Zakee Ali, owner of Frequency Hair Studio, Cleveland, OH

A goal-oriented blessed entrepreneur who steps out in faith, that's Teresa. She's successful because she recognizes the opportunities that exist in every obstacle and challenges herself to move forward with her goals. As a visionary, Teresa understands how to F.O.C.U.S. (Follow One Course Until Successful). I'm honored to be one of her business mentors!

Helen Copeland, co-owner of Copeland Communications Group

Teresa is AMAZING!! GOD is using her as His vessel to inspire others... I was afforded the opportunity to work with her during my tenure with Mizani as an educator... She didn't know it, but I became her student...listening to the way she spoke, admiring her confidence and the way she grabbed the attention of all that listened helped to build my self-confidence when presenting in front of a crowd. Teresa is such a joy to be around and I hold dear to my heart all she shared with me to help me grow.

Chandra Thorpe, stylist/educator, Plant City, FL

Teresa has always kept a positive attitude and is very focused on her craft. From hair and makeup to coaching entrepreneurs and ministry, she is truly a professional.

Anita Bradley, CEO & founder at Northern Ohio Recovery Association

I want to recommend Teresa McCurry to everybody. As a business coach/mentor, she has been a tremendous help to my business and personal life. Teresa has gently pushed me over the past 3 years to get out of my comfort zone and grow both personally and professionally. She has helped me keep calm and think positive. With Teresa's background as a salon & spa owner and business woman she brings a lot of experience and wisdom to our conversations. She coached me for several months and got me up headed in the right direction. She is a great inspiration. She will produce for you and help you to create more of a business than you ever thought you could. Call Super Tee!

Susan Turner, owner of Something Natural Salon! Sandusky, OH

Teresa McCurry gave me my first job as an esthetician. From the start she didn't mince words. She said the truth and gave you reasons why. For example, I didn't know what the crock pot was used for (during a facial) we didn't have one in school. She said, Your facial was good, just cold. Of course I quickly learned all that Mimi's Hair Heaven and Spa had to offer, and it was amazing. I learned that Team work makes the Dream work and to this day I sing the same phrase. She made you think of the square footage and what you can do with it. Teresa not only told us to make goals, but she actually went over them with us. I can truly say that not only did she want you to learn how to be a Mimi success, she wanted you to go see how other shops conducted business. She wanted it to be a learning experience and it was. You can quickly see the mistakes and unprofessionalism other people have when you are trained correctly. Now being a business owner, I feel like I am in Teresa's shoes as I am shopping for supplies, making gift baskets, planning events and talking to clients. That absolutely was the best training ever! I live it every day and am so happy because of it. If you listen to her, you just could be Runnin' Things yourself.

Tamika Herkley, esthetician and owner at The Beauty Nook and host at You Can Be Shiny

Dedication

This book is dedicated to the memory of my mother & father, the late Theodore E. Huey (8/16/34- 10/18/11) and the late Gertrude Huey (9/17/45 - 2/24/05) and all my fellow entrepreneurs out there Runnin' Things.

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Mother & Father Wedding Day & 25th Anniversary

Acknowledgements

It is a given that I applaud those who played a key role in my foundation, cultivation and inspiration.

Foundation

Glory be to God, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, for calling me out of darkness and into his marvelous light. I would like to thank my parents, Theodore and Gertrude Huey, for showing me unconditional love. Thank you for showing me I could be more than a product of my environment and for providing me with family values on which I base my whole existence. I'm truly Teddy and Gert's daughter, a product of both of them. I cannot go on without acknowledging in loving memory my grandmother Leola Wilson-Simpson. Her wisdom, encouragement and sense of community have given me a solid foundation to stand on. And I must mention my gratitude and thanks for my beloved daughter Meesha Chanell Saxton. I know you are watching and feel your spirit is with me always. See you in heaven.

Cultivation

Many strands of influence have intertwined to produce this book. I would like to thank Audrey W. Trogdon for her commitment to excellence in getting the job done. I could have never done it without her. My teachers, mentors, clients, colleagues, extended family and friends are all a part of the many strands of influence that have given definition to Teresa, the entrepreneur. Words cannot express my appreciation for your continued support. THANK YOU for caring.

Inspiration

I would like to thank my Bishop, the late Bill McKinney, and First Lady Bishop, Shirley McKinney, for their spiritual impartation into my life. Because of their ministry, I have been changed forever. Many thanks are to be extended to my church family, Christian Fellowship Center, whom I love very much and my brothers, Terrill Huey and Oliver Ford. We share the same DNA. I am grateful they allowed me to practice Runnin' Things on them (smile). Finally, I am thankful to my friend Terry Shropshire of Rolling Out Urban Style Weekly. God blessed him to be a blessing to me. I am thankful for all the incredible memories. The inspiration from Isaiah 61:7 will always keep me runnin'.

About the Book

Runnin' Things is both the story of an inspiring entrepreneur and a guide to practical business principles for the Christian, small business owner. The author teaches from her own experience and the Bible what it takes to be an entrepreneur in today's world. This 10th anniversary edition is expanded to include more information on what you need to run a business as well as a simple guide on how to do your own marketing in the 21st century. It also includes online resources to help you along the way. The entrepreneurial journey is complex and yet probably one of the most rewarding experiences you can ever have. This book will enlighten, empower and most of all it will inspire you to reach your full potential.

Foreword

When Teresa Saxton asked me to write the foreword to this book, I agreed without a second thought. Teresa is a young woman with a wonderful God-filled spirit.

I first met her through a mutual friend. He mentioned that she was a sharp young business woman running things in Cleveland who had aspirations of becoming a motivational speaker, and that I should call her. Being the take charge individual that she is, Teresa contacted me and asked if I would like to hold a book signing at Mimi's Hair Heaven and Spa. I told her that I was in negotiation with a bookstore and would get back with her. The negotiation didn't pan out and I called her to hold a booking signing at Mimi's.

The event was classy and fun-filled, thanks to Teresa and her team. Having read her book and reflected on it, I would conclude that Teresa has captured the true essence of a Christian businesswoman. Her straight from the heart message is filled with sound biblical and business advice as well as Godly wisdom. This book can be used to gain much needed insight from a creative, compassionate and savvy business owner.

It is my personal privilege to recommend this book. It is a valuable business resource of lessons learned and a great deal of love.

Be Blessed!

DeLores Pressley

President/CEO

Born Successful, Motivational Speaker

Talk Show Host

Foreword to the 2016 Updated and Revised Edition

I met Teresa McCurry in 2015, when she joined the MasterMind Group I co-lead. Without a doubt, the one word that most clearly describes her is: inspirational.

She has this quality, this supernatural ability to inspire others. Believe me, I was inspired reading this book! I now have a renewed energy to believe God for great things and to not stop believing until they come to pass. Even though I've personally written over six-hundred blog posts on believing God, I needed to be reminded of the truths Teresa shares.

This book is so much more than a pep talk though. It's filled with the practical wisdom Teresa has learned from years of walking with God and putting His principles into action. And because she has shared