She's Living Her Dream: Interview with Harrine Freeman

Today, I welcome Harrine Freeman, CEO/owner of H. E. Freeman Enterprises Credit Repair Counseling and Personal Financial Services.  Harrine has over thirteen years personal finance counseling experience and has helped thousands of customers develop good money management skills and increase their credit scores.

Why did you decide to go into business for yourself?

Even though I come from a family of entrepreneurs, I didn't think I would ever be my own boss.  I actually got the idea from a friend who suggested I should help other people manage their money and credit after she witnessed how I was able to overcome a serious financial setback.

Although I’ve always been good with saving money, I didn’t understand the repercussions of over-extending credit; and I quickly accumulated 13 credit cards and found myself in $19, 000 worth of debt when I graduated from college.  Fortunately, I was able to repair my credit score and was debt-free after 4 years of intensive savings and adhering to disciplined payment schedules.

I decided to write, How To Get Out of Debt: Get an “A” Credit Rating for Free Using the System I’ve Used Successfully with Thousands of Clients because there were limited resources available to help me navigate through my financial woes.  My books offers step-by-step details on how to repair your credit, get out of debt, how to create your own flexible spending plan and how to maintain good credit without having to go to a credit counseling agency or filing for bankruptcy.

What was your biggest challenge starting out?

As you know, males dominate the financial industry, so it was very difficult for me to build credibility.  It was only after I started to attend various business and networking functions, speak at seminars, and establish myself as an expert - that I was able to gain respect from peers and potential customers. 

I still face some discrimination, but not to the degree when I first started out.  

How has this lagging economy affected business and your clients?

After the recession hit, my business slowed noticeably.  This may seem ironic considering there are more people now, than ever before who need credit repair services.  People have been losing their jobs and homes in record numbers and are finding it difficult to pay their bills - resulting in bad credit.    

Prior to the recession, people had (or there was “the illusion of”) extra money for my services.  Today, other priorities take the lead such as the mortgage, car notes and food.  Repairing a poor credit report is put on the back burner.

To make matters worse, some employers are using credit scores as a barometer for hiring - making the job search for many of my current and potential clients more difficult. 

What is the one characteristic that aspiring female entrepreneurs should possess?

There are a number of characteristics that women business owners should have such as integrity and strong leadership/time management skills.  However, I think the ability to give excellent customer service is paramount. 

When you’re in business for yourself, it's important to always provide superior customer service.  People tend to overlook areas you may not excel in when you go that extra mile to give good service.  I'm not saying that customers will dismiss any shortcomings, but they won’t criticize you as much when you're helpful. 

Showing customers that you care will bring referrals and help your business to grow.

What is your passion?

Helping people is my passion.  Knowing that I’ve made somebody’s situation better makes all the difference.

What brings you joy during the workday?

Drinking herbal tea.   

She’s Living Her Dream: Interview with Dawn Fitch

Joining me today is Dawn Fitch, founder of Pooka Pure and Simple, an all-natural, hand-made bath and body products company based in New Jersey.  I first came across Pooka in a Black Enterprise article when I was writing for the magazine’s “Making It” column.  And, it wasn’t long before I discovered the wholesome goodness of Pooka’s oils, lotions and bath salts.

After becoming mysterious ill and many unsuccessful trips to doctors and specialists, Dawn began to explore alternative therapies.  It was during this time that her interest in the healing powers of aromatherapy was born.  Her need to take better care of herself and her love for aromatherapy prompted her to create her own bath and body products.

Enlisting the help of her dearest friends, sister Donna Fitch and her “sister” friends April Reeves and Tricia White, Dawn’s dream became a reality… and Pooka was born!  

As a small business owner, how are you surviving the recession?

I take advantage of the benefits of social media.  We encourage customers to stay connected with Pooka through our Facebook fan page, Twitter and newsletter.  My partners and I also have a blog at http://pookalitas.blogspot.com where we post fun, lighthearted stories about being true Pookalitas.

Since the recession, customers’ orders have become smaller which requires finding ways to bring in new customers to make up for the decrease in sales.  It’s important that we give people a reason to visit our site and ultimately buy our products. 

For example, we have a special on-line promotion called Free Fridays! where every Thursday we post a free item for the week – and, those who place their orders first will receive free stuff.  This is a great way to increase traffic to our website and entice customers to return.

How do you determine what products to introduce to the market?

I base a lot of this on the need for a product.  Pooka has a set of core products that are available all year round, in addition to products that are only offered for a limited time.  Occasionally, customers make requests for certain fragrances – for example, light fruity scents are common requests during the spring and summer months.  However, we try to limit the number of different products we produce to avoid spreading our resources too thin. 

What advice would you give to aspiring female entrepreneurs?

Don’t give up!  It’s important to surround yourself with a good support system.  By the same token, stay away from naysayers - they will only make your road to success more challenging. 

As a small business owner, you’re going to face a lot of roadblocks - but you can overcome them if you have people in your corner.  I also recommend that you join trade organizations and networking groups to get useful information relevant to your industry and meet other entrepreneurs.

Congratulations, on the success of your new book, Moving Through Opened Doors: Business and Life Lessons Taught by Abundant Blessings.  Tell us a little about it.

Over the years, people have asked me about my road to entrepreneurship.  Moving Through Open Doors is an account of my journey to finding life’s path through many blessings.  I talk about the joys of growing up, the challenges I've faced and my motivation to becoming a small business owner.  I believe my book will be an inspiration for anyone with an entrepreneurial dream.

I enjoy pipin’ hot cups of sweet coffee or tea while I work.  What brings you joy during the day? 

Sushi, green tea and a good joke with lots of laughs!

Pooka Pure and Simple - "Something good your skin can eat"