She, in 3D {2}: Meet Ayanna!

HELLO BEAUTIFUL LADIES!

This marks the second entry to my new segment, "She, in 3D" and I'm excited to say that every single lady I have asked to take part in this, so far, has said yes! There are some very inspiring stories that I'm so excited to share over the coming weeks!

Today, I'm interviewing another close friend of mine, I was so excited that she was as excited as me when I asked her to go out with Tiph and me to snap photos for this segment. She and I graduated from the same high school, she, a year behind me and after not seeing much of each other since high school, we became members of the same church about 2 years ago, re-introduced ourselves and we clicked instantly. This gorgeous lady is fabulous (and her make-up is always on point!), she's a sweetheart who, like myself, is very family-oriented, she's a great friend, she's fun... The first time we went out for dinner with Tiph, we all had each other laughing so hard we were in tears! So, anyways, without further ado, meet the lovely, Mrs. Ayanna!

Hey Sis! Tell the readers a little bit about you and the family.
Currently I am a full-time Wife, Mom, and student. My Husband and I have been happily married for two and half years. I am mother of three children, Nasir (8), Aaliyah (8), and Jayonna (10). I am a senior at UMKC finishing up my business degree in Entrepreneurship. I enjoy learning and believe you should never stop learning whether it is in academics, personal, or spiritual growth. I barely have a life with all I have going on but I love planning and doing fun things with my kids around the city. I have found so many free or close to free fun things to do with my children being in Mom groups and emailing lists. I also love spending time with my honey whenever we can; usually dinner and a movie or having a fun date night out on the town.

Same here! Family outings are a necessity in our home. So, explain to us how you got where you are today.

I have gone through so much throughout my life that it is by the grace of God that I am where I am today. I also owe it to my DRIVE for success for my placement as well as my future. I had my son during my freshmen year of college, away from home. I was not prepared in any way for that. After coming home I tried to make the relationship with my son’s Dad work but it was only holding me back, so once I realized this I started working a job and put myself back in school. My personal goal for myself of obtaining my degree was more important than ever, I now had a little person who I was responsible for and it’s my job to give him the best that I can. Fast forward through taking breaks from school and job hopping, I moved to California, however, realizing I still had more work to do here in Kansas City, I moved back. During this time I met my now husband. Once we got married we were in the position to allow me to quit working full-time in order to fully immerse myself into school and I will finally be done in December. This has been a long road of high and lows but it’s finally coming to an end as far as school goes right now. I have grown a relationship with God and continue to nurture it daily, so again it's by God’s grace that I am here.

Amen! His grace is sufficient! Who or what inspires and influences you and why?

There are so many people who inspire me. From my son, who reminds me to enjoy life and to not take it so seriously, and my Mom who had me and my sister at a young age and still had the strength to provide for us and gave us a normal childhood. Both men and women who are out here making it happen for themselves inspire me daily. I get excited and empowered especially when I see my ladies opening businesses, going to school and earning their MBA’s, most of the time while being a Mom, and/or a wife, whether by necessity or because she’s accomplishing a goal she set for herself. I support you 100%. I can relate on so many levels to the ambition and I know what that feels like, so I try to surround myself with like-minded individuals who are goal seekers and are driven to be better and do better.

Leaving the May 2014 University of Missouri - Kansas City graduation ceremony.

I absolutely admire how you support and encourage other people with educational goals and your personal ambition... I love it! You make it look so easy! What has been one of your biggest obstacles and what were some key actions you took in order to come out as a conqueror?
One of my biggest obstacles was losing weight! It takes more than just saying “I want to lose weight”, you have to really be ready to make a change in your life and understand that only YOU can take the steps to make the change. No one can work out for you or make you eat healthier. I believe it’s all mental and once you overcome the mentality of doing what you used to do and not getting the results you want, you find that motivation. I realized that I can work out with no problem. My problem was eating, so I joined weight watchers online and it helped me to become more disciplined and held me accountable for what I ate. The program also made it fun to find ways to eat without the stress of counting calories. Basically, I realized I needed helped and I found it. You have to accept when you need help, and receive the help. We can be so prideful.



I completely agree! If you could change one thing in your life right now, what would it be?
Right now would be this weather! Honestly, I wouldn't change anything; my family is moving in the direction I've always dreamed of with us moving to back to sunny California. I would have changed me graduating college sooner, but it’s just about over now. Other than that I am happy with the changes that have happened organically. Some amazing people have entered my life that couldn't have come at a better time and I’m just enjoying what God has for me.

I know that's right. Life is too short to do anything less. What are some short-term and/or long-term goals you hope to accomplish?

One of my short term goals is to move back to California next month and to get settled there, and begin our new life. Another short term goal I have is to get my MBA, establish my real estate consulting firm, open my online boy’s clothing boutique, and have a couple of babies. My long term goal is to buy and sell properties and retire by the age of 50 or sooner and to stay fabulous while doing it! I also hope to spend the rest of my life helping empower men and women to accomplish their goals in life.

Love it! What advice and wisdom do you have for readers that you have gained from your personal experiences?
I would tell them to stay focused on your goals and know that with God behind you there’s nothing you can’t do.  It’s easier said than done but you really have to believe that. As long as you give 100% of yourself, and you know you've done the best you could, you have to believe in God for the rest. Others feed off the confidence you exude so hold your head high and let your light so shine.

You can find Ayanna on Instagram, @MrsDerrickson

COMMENTS AND FEEDBACK ARE MORE THAN WELCOME!

"... success doesn't happen overnight and what God has for me will be."

-Kenyatta

If you would like to be featured or know someone who you would like to see featured, feel free to email me. I prefer consistently POSITIVE  women who display a positive attitude and demeanor at all times. College degrees and education does not matter. We all have a personal story of victory that can encourage someone else and that's really what this is all about. I do have standards though.