Erica Mckenzie is unstoppable
Published:Thursday | November 8, 2018 | 12:00 AM
A wise man once said, it's better to live as a woman of value than to chase after mere success. And this is what propels Erica McKenzie, an outstanding entrepreneur who has shattered glass ceilings and ultimately claimed convictions of honour and goodness.
The tactful leader of a group of adroit and innovative thinkers at her five-year-old company, Creative Brands and Concepts, is passionate about life and all it has to offer. Growing up in rural St Catherine she endured a difficult childhood, but it taught her to stand against adversities and become unstoppable, even when she became pregnant at 16 years old.
"I was just about to finish high school so I didn't get to graduate. It was rough, but I decided that I had to do it. I had made it that far while travelling from Linstead to Oberlin High each day, and yeah, I made a mistake, but at the same time, I needed my subjects. My mother was disappointed and it changed our relationship a little but I understand that sometimes people don't celebrate you when you are on the rocks and not everyone can handle the pressure," she explained.
McKenzie remembers this as one of the lowest points in her life and a painful learning exercise. She sat nine CSEC subjects a few months before giving birth and was successful in seven. Soon she picked up the pieces with the help of others who she calls 'earth angels'.
In 2010, she graduated from the University of Technology with a Bachelor of Business Administration, and in no time she was off to the Heriot-Watt University in Scotland to read for a MBA in Business Administration and Management, General.
Now, the go-getter identifies as a hard-working being, a playful soul, an excellent guide and, most of all, a selfless mother of two.
If you know McKenzie, you should be aware of her self-driven nature and love for knowledge. Initially, she aspired to become a teacher. However, her interest changed after high school when she realised she had a growing appreciation for business. And so, she dived into the realm with no intentions of looking back. Still, her urge to impart knowledge remained unwavering and although she has served as a commercial sales executive sales and marketing specialist, she had to discover a way to share information. So, she founded a business-consulting company.
"I'm always studying because I'm enthusiastic about learning and helping others to build themselves through education. It's this feeling that encouraged me to establish my business because knowledge is like food for the soul and now I have also segued a little more into leadership coaching," Mckenzie told Flair.
TOTALLY UNSTOPPABLE
She explained that making an impact is always her focus and will stop at nothing to ensure that she achieves this. Her countless challenges are the tools she uses to inspire herself to excel and is ready to combat any that may arise as she presses on.
"I'm always trying to reinvent myself. I want to be better because my success journey hasn't ended. It's just beginning and I always tell people, if you knock me down 10 times I will get up and prove my resilience," she said.
The chirpy individual wishes many would accept their worth, find their purpose and join her in adding merit to the society.
"Remember at the end of the day, there is so much value for you to add.The only way you can do that is by hitting the books, applying knowledge, going to seminars and workshops. Build yourself first and then transfer it to other people."