How to Be a Girl Boss: What it means to “Own it"

Welcome to Girl Code! We were inspired to share with you what it means to be a girl boss by interviewing two women that exemplifies what it means to be Girl Bosses. See the interviews below from LaQuetta Clipps and Janet Parrish.

LaQuetta Clipps is the founder and CEO of Divine Destiny school. She’s also a pastor, a daycare owner, and spiritual counselor from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Define Girl Boss

LaQuetta Clipps: A girl boss is a person who desires to take reign of her life; professionally, developmentally, mentally, and spiritually. A girl boss works to attain that status. I have always had an entrepreneurship spirit since I was a kid selling lemonade to the neighborhood kids. I am able to offer opportunities to others to help them achieve higher levels of success.

What keeps you motivated?

LC: God is who keeps me motivated. God gives me something to build up families, students, and teams. I am able to offer students spirituality and academics.

What is one thing you wished you knew earlier?

LC: I wish I would have known the importance of not worrying about things. God always works it out in the end, because he always works it out even when I can’t see it.

Who is your biggest influence?

LC: T.D. Jakes is my biggest influence. I admire the way he inspires, motivates, and encourages people. He helps to build people up and sees the greatness in you.

What are some words of encouragement for women who are trying to find their place?

LC: Don’t look for validation from anyone, but seek your Higher Power. You were created for divine purpose.

Toughest lesson you have learned on your journey? Did you face any adversity?

LC: I can’t save/help everyone. As bad as I want to help everyone, I can’t hold on to everyone just because I can see their potential. I have also realized that I am not for everyone either. I have faced adversity by being vulnerable; which led me to feel betrayed. I have also realized that I can’t entertain haters or people who may be jealous. I learned that working hard no matter what even when others treated me wrong helped me to build my own in the long run.   Character is everything. I choose to build up other women, not tear them down because I want us all to win.

Janet Parrish is a Supervisor, Manager, and Entrepreneur from Nashville, Tennessee.

Define Girl Boss

Janet Parrish: A girl boss is a woman who is independent. I would say a girl boss is someone who is coming into their own and owning their independence.

What keeps you going/motivated?

JP: When I first started in business people of color didn’t have that many positions. Knowing that I could help motivate and elevate people motivates me. Being in management and working with people of color allows me to help people to reach their full potential. I want to make as many millionaires as possible, so I love to give feedback and steer them in the right direction.

What’s one thing you wish you knew earlier?

JP: You never get time back. If I would have known that I would have used it more wisely. I wish I knew the importance of building sound financial ground; such as saving and investing in a 401K. I also wish I would have known the importance of investing and not touching my investments.

Who is your biggest influence?

JP: My in-laws are my biggest motivators. I talk to them before I make any business deals and I respect their input and what they have accomplished.

Words of encouragement for women who are trying to find their place?

JP: Never give up, don’t take “no” for an answer, and believe that it can be done.

What’s the toughest lesson you’ve learned on your journey? Did you face any adversity?

JP: People in your life are in your life for a time, and they are there to help you learn. Everybody is not your friend.

Here are some tips that we would like to provide you with to being a girl boss: Write down your goals

1. Come up with daily/weekly affirmations

2. OWN IT- Don’t let anyone steal your shine

3. Hold yourself accountable- you are in control of your destiny

4. Walk in your purpose

5. Tap into your spiritual support

6. Ask for help and ask for what you need

7. Take Care of yourself

8. Read The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

9. Build a healthy support system

10. Set clear and healthy boundaries.