Entrepreneur Spotlight

Faith-Fueled Professionals

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Today, I'm excited to introduce you to Brittany Young and her mom, Shavown Cox, the dynamic duo behind Taste Buds, an extraordinary business dedicated to helping families explore the world through food. Visit and subscribe: https://tastebudsbox.com/

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Meet Mark Alex

Mark Alex, Managing Director, is in the #StartUp stage of his business known as Real Biz Digital. This newly established business has existed for three years and provides web, software, and app development to businesses of all sizes. His company offers security solutions for the applications they develop, as well as digital marketing services. 

Early in life, Mark always knew that self-employment was the way forward for him. And even though he wasn't sure what he'd do, he knew that he was destined for business ownership. 

At 18 years of age, fresh out of high school, Mark got a sales and marketing job because he needed to make some money. Mark worked for 6 months then gave up and made the decision to pursue a business venture instead.  

Mark’s journey of discovery led him to become a Car Agent. He got to connect the owner with the buyer but he soon realized that that business venture was not a right fit for him.  

Then, Mark became a Real Estate Agent, which was slightly good at first but then clients stopped coming so he got into the selling of memory cards. Another idea that went belly rather quickly. The entire stock he imported from China was low-quality dysfunctional memory cards and clients who bought the cards returned for a refund.  

But Mark didn’t give up, he sold perfumes, ladies' handbags, and so many other things. As you can see, Mark explored various ideas and opportunities before he finally started Real Biz Digital.

Mark recounts that he had no mentorship and no clear direction, but the Lord brought him slowly to his next idea. Several people suggested that he start an IT business—he even met a Prophet who prophesied the same message in 2016. You’re probably thinking, “this is unbelievable,” right? Well, there’s more... In 2017, Mark got two paying clients to design their website and mobile application. WHAT?! Yes, two clients were willing to pay him money. At that time he had no experience or knowledge of design and development, nor did he have a portfolio but he took the job and learned while on the job. “Way to go Mark Alex!” And that's when he knew God had confirmed this idea. And so the journey continues.

Mark said yes to God and he’s glad that he did, but he’s had many obstacles to face. Lack of mentorship, lack of business knowledge, and difficulty in getting clients to name a few. 

Mark looks to business-related books, Bible verses, podcasts, our faith-based community, Daredream, and other resources to help him get perspective to see his way through the obstacles he faces:

There is a teaching by Pastor Randy Skeete on YouTube titled, "How To Succeed Without Being A Genius" that helps set the pace on his entrepreneurial journey and was a huge inspiration to start digging deep into Biblical truths. 

Many powerful Bible verses and books have kept him from not giving up. Among them is Jeremiah 17:5-8, which talks about putting your trust in God and not in man. Mark said, “I used to be the kind of person who used to believe that if I connect with someone with a certain position of authority, he or she will help me out with my business. Trusting in God has given me numerous experienced mentors in business, something that I was struggling to find.”

Exodus 20, speaks of the ten commandments and is paralleled by Deuteronomy 28 which speaks of blessings of keeping those commandments.

He was driven by Ecclesiastes 9:10 and Genesis 1:31, which speak about excellence. 

He was also inspired by Philippians chapter 2 which talks about selflessness and the need to put others' interests ahead of our own. It was hard at first but through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, it became easy. He hasn't perfected it, and he’s still growing. 

Hebrews 11 taught him to move with faith no matter the circumstance. 

Failing Forward by John C. Maxwell emphasizes the importance of not giving up despite your failure. 

In the book, “Education” by Ellen G. White, he found this quote in Chapter 15 on Business Principles and Methods that have been guiding all his actions this year: " To every man is given "his work" (Mark 13:34), the work for which his capabilities adapt him, the work which will result in greatest good to himself and to his fellow-men, and in greatest honor to God. Thus our business or calling is a part of God's great plan, and, so long as it is conducted in accordance with His will, He Himself is responsible for the results." 

Mark is thankful for gift of life, vigorous health, finding the right people, being able to interact with the Christian entrepreneurs through the accountability group at Daredream: Gather, and so much more!

One piece of encouragement Mark would offer an entrepreneur facing similar challenges is to, "put God first and never give up."

Mark's story is one of desire and determination. He knew what he wanted to do and was courageous enough to go after it. He tried several things until he finally found what he believes he is purposed to do. Mark is excited to share his gifts with others so if you’re interested in the services offered, please reach out to Mark at Real Biz Digital and take advantage if his FREE Website and SEO Audit.

Real Biz Digital is based in Kenya, Africa but this company can provide its services to clients in America and other parts of the world.  

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Meet Astrid de Vries

She is the founder of Kids Connection Haiti (KCH), a company that has been providing education, career development, housing, family environment, and emergency support in Haiti for the past 10 years. It was the lack of post-orphanage services in Haiti that drove Astrid to start this company.

On her visit to Haiti for the first time in 1998, Astrid fell in love with the children she met at the orphanage where she worked. She witnessed how a situation of despair can change into a situation of hope, with relatively small input. She experienced how love, a sense of family, and access to education make a world of difference. Soon enough, the seed for Kids Connection Haiti was planted.

THE DIFFERENCE KIDS CONNECTION HAITI (KCH) MAKES Kids Connection Haiti offers a holistic approach, not just financial aid for education but well thought academic plan, mentorship, and prep for financially independent futures for orphaned young adults in Haiti.

THE CHALLENGE AND HOW SHE’S MANAGING It’s challenging to raise enough funds for all the needs that the company faces in Haiti, but  Astrid is trusting that God will provide is essential. She’s switched to a more Christian-centered approach to doing business which is also challenging since she was not a Christian when KCH was founded. Staying immersed in books and Bible verses has taught her a lot and helped encourage her faith walk. James 1 stands out to her in this season.

ENCOURAGEMENT TO ENTREPRENEURS FACING SIMILAR CHALLENGES Trust the Lord. His timing is not the same as yours.

WHAT ASTRID IS THANKFUL FOR “God has always been very clear about my mission, I never doubt that what I'm doing is what He has called me to do. I even called it my 'calling' before I knew God. Also once I started believing and trusting in Him, my worries were lifted up and my programs tripled as soon as I stopped trying to do it by myself.” —Astrid de Vries

HOW YOU CAN HELP This is good work that Astrid is doing but there’s more still to be done. Kids Connection Haiti (KCH) is in need of funding, volunteers, and board members. If you can help in any way, please contact [email protected] or visit KidsConnectionHaiti.org for more information.

Also, please agree with us in prayer for KCH.

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Meet LaDawn VanKirk!

She’s been with ACN for three months now, providing a business opportunity and helping folks save money on essential services. She's doing what God has called her to do. Though learning a new system and company has been one of the biggest obstacles she's faced, LaDawn loves the options people can get through this company.

What was a business-related book, Bible verse, podcast, or other resources that helped you get perspective and see your way through the obstacle? The Prayer Powered Entrepreneur: 31 Days to Building Your Business with Less Stress and More Joy by Kim Avery, & Pep Talk Books and Faith-based Business Networking Groups.

What one piece of encouragement can you offer an entrepreneur facing similar challenges? Build your faith daily.

What sort of help do you need now to work better? Focus on God's Business Plan, not mine. Keep Learning & Growing.

Are there any notable achievements that God has done through your journey you'd like to give him thanks for? Speaking and presenting opportunities. Bringing my faith-based business coach into my life. Christian Business Partners (http:www.cbp316.com), and the people I've met there.

LaDawn is a member of the Daredream: Gather community which meets via Zoom every Friday at 9 AM ET. We are entrepreneurs who are daring to dream big, despite the economic challenges.

If you'd like to receive a FREE review from LaDawn of your energy or wireless bill in a state where ACN provides service, please let us know in a comment.