Tracy Joseph, pen name Tracy Alena the founder and Owner of the BYOB (BE YOUR OWN BOSS) and Integrity Home Care Plus in the State of Florida. Prior to succeeding as a business owner, Tracy tried 1,000 things that FAILED. Despite these failures Tracy pushed harder and didn’t quit until the birth of ONE of her most successful businesses, “Integrity Home Care Plus”.
Who is Tracy Joseph?
My Story : Over 15 years ago, I remember being in my closet praying asking GOD what direction to go into after working in the dialysis career/nursing, and my favorite patient DIED. “I QUIT” I moved forward into the Entrepreneur Lane. My answer from the LORD was, “Use what you have”. I had birthed my first business, UPSCALE Ladies Boutique, making my first $1000.00 with my business KIingdom Klothing with (K) Boutique.
(BYOB) ‘Be your own boss’ has always been in my Spirit, doing what I love best, entrepreneurship, motivating and coaching. For instance, one of my youngest entrepreneurs started with small investment and now makes over $7,000 a week. She’s 23 yrs old and has an online business, “hislippzz” Lip gloss and a hair weave.
Background story and Inspiration to Founding “Integrity Home Care Plus”?
I traveled to China for a business expo. I also traveled to California where I spoke at the business summit for a group of women “About startups”. I traveled to Dubai to set up with a team of women for importing and exporting business. I attended a conference in Dubai at Versace hotel for minority women EXPO who were seeking to do business with their Government. I assisted in SCORE workshops, the nation’s largest network of volunteers, expert business mentors. I earned a Bachelor’s in business management University of Phoenix. Masters in psychology from Capella University. I had sold over 100 copies of my book “Your Rights to live again” Self help Amazon and Barnes and Nobles and worn many hats until I found the one that perfectly fit me.
What has been the Highlight for you since you founded your businesses, what inspired the name and what do you do at Integrity Home Care Plus?
My Name Integrity COMES from treating people with respect and just being honest and trustworthy. As a certification minority owned business woman, in the state of Florida, I had the opportunity to bid for a million dollar contract with the government. As an Intercity, owner/operator, I employ people, handling processes such as hiring, recruitment, marketing, bid proposal, seminars, mentoring, coaching, policy and procedures. I handle all day to day activities.
How have you handled running your business successfully in this social clime?
Running a business can get a little difficult, especially during the pandemic. Caregivers are scared to work with clients. Learn to be empathetic and be flexible with workers. Offer bonus and assist them as much as possible. Build rapport with the employees. I have a special relationship with my employees. I place myself in their shoes and let them know I have been where they are, I’m easy to work with and understand hardship.
Has being a woman of color affected your business in any way?
Being a woman of color requires a lot of strength and dedication to succeed. However, I believe anything you want in life you have to work hard, overlook and pretend that you don’t see the enemies, to reach your goals.
How do you stay innovative and what are your Plans for “Integrity Home Care Plus” In Five Years?
The ways I stay innovative are through networking, researching and educating myself for new opportunities to put my talents and gifts to good use.
In five years I will have a minimum of 5 agencies or help others set up their own. I would like to be a speaker worldwide educating and mentoring women to start business and also become a philanthropist.
Upcoming projects and what you hope to achieve?
I have been asked to mentor and teach for ‘Score’, to assist others in starting businesses. I have upcoming online coaching and workshops to help others (BYOB) BE YOUR OWN BOSS.
Tips on how to create and build an impactful business?
- Find a coach or mentor
- Network
- Always INVEST in yourself
- DO a Vision board so you can see your dream LIVE!
Care to share the secret/(s) to your success as an entrepreneur?
Take action, believe in yourself
Final words to women in our community?
Keep trying, never give up!
It’s all in your mind. You have to have the correct mindset as an entrepreneur.
Take Action, Do not Procrastinate, you can do it.
The Lady Boss Series is a weekly interview series that highlights the achievements and entrepreneurial journeys of African female entrepreneurs. The idea is to showcase the Leading Ladies who are transforming Africa and the African narrative through enterprise and business.
It is an off shoot of Leading Ladies Africa, a non-profit that promotes leadership, inclusion and diversity for women of African descent.
If you know any kick-ass women of African Descent doing phenomenal things in enterprise, email lead@leadingladiesafrica.org, and she could possibly be featured.
