Boss Lady - Jay Amargos
Several months ago, ok, maybe a year ago, I was inspired to start a blog series called "Boss Lady". The mission behind Boss Lady is to inspire young women (and men) to follow their instinct/talent/passion and become entrepreneurs.
My team and I are reaching out to all the woman owned businesses that inspire and amaze us on a daily basis. We will start with a brief background, then dive in to the nitty gritty of running a business, what keeps them inspired, and everything else in between.
My team and I are reaching out to all the woman owned businesses that inspire and amaze us on a daily basis. We will start with a brief background, then dive in to the nitty gritty of running a business, what keeps them inspired, and everything else in between.
Jay and I have yet to meet in person but we have definitely connected online. Several months ago, Jay approached me about doing a custom charm with her logo on it for i'mindful studio (you will see this below). Working with Jay was a pleasure and I hope to collaborate with her again in the future. I also enjoy following her on social media because she is a very positive and uplifting person! I can't wait to meet her in person and I hope you enjoy learning more about this weeks Boss Lady, Jayshica Amargos. -- Brandy
Born and raised in Puerto Rico. Moved to AR in 1998. I was a banker for 13-years. Graduated college late, Bachelors when I was 33 and MBA at 36. My background is in operations, talent management, leadership development and entrepreneurship. I have a 20-year son, Johnny, two Yorkies (Han Solo and Chewbacca) and an amazing husband, Carlos, whom I have been married to for 22 years.
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Give us your elevator pitch. We teach mindfulness meditation to people, communities, and companies.
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What is your business? i'mindful: Our companies have three pillars:
ü i’mindful Studio-a boutique studio where we teach mindfulness and yoga.
ü i’mindful Gives Back-a foundation that teaches mindfulness and yoga at no cost to public schools, law enforcement, fire department, veterans and non-profits.
ü i’mindful Leadership-a talent management and development company. We work with companies to teach their workforce leadership skills via mindfulness and emotional intelligence. -
When did you start your business? April 1, 2016
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What inspired you to make the leap? My own life experiences of being a human being that has dealt with many struggles, including depression, anxiety and chronic illness.
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What helps you get started each morning? Coffee, diet coke, 10-mile jog, meditation?? Mindfulness Meditation, journaling, reading the scriptures with my hubby, and a green Matcha latte.
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Tell us about a day in the life of running your business. Teach mindfulness and leadership in a corporation, teach at the studio, pick up my son, make dinner at home, teach again at the studio, spend time with my family, go to bed around 9:30. I am a morning person so I get up at 4:30am everyday.
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What keeps you motivated? My faith in God, my family and the people I get to help each day.
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Describe your dream day. Teach, learn and connect with people all day!
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What is your greatest strength/super power? Resilience
- Facebook, Instagram, or Snapchat? Lately it's Instagram
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What do you do in your free time? (ha! What is free time?!) Read, eat, meditate and spend as much time as I can with my son and husband.
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If an investor gave you 1 million dollars to use toward your business, how would you spend it? Continue to help people, expand our services to reach a broader audience that may not be able to afford our services, and accomplish a few secret projects I have up my sleeve.
- What’s the biggest risk you ever took; how did it go? Opening a mindfulness meditation studio in NWA. So far so good but it’s a rollercoaster everyday.
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Name something you hate doing but have to do for the good of your business. How do you make it tolerable? OMG, the class schedule for the studio. I don’t like it! It reminds me of my banker years when I had to do the schedule for the branch. Wow, sucks the air out of me.
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How do you handle discouragement? Praying, lots and lots of praying and meditating. Also, I have learned to understand that not everything will go according to plan, thus you must always be open to all experiences.
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Which iconic person inspires you? Jesus-humility, resilience and compassion.
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Do you have a favorite, inspiring quote? “No one has ever become poor by giving.” Ann Frank
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If you could choose anyone to pick as a mentor, who would you choose? I believe I have chosen well, thus the same people that are supporting me right now.
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Who are you in your next life? An actress or a chef.
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Any secrets on how you balance the ins and outs of running a small business? I don’t believe in work/life balance. I believe in work/life integration and you have to be in charge of your life not the other way around. A lot of people look at me with a side eye when I say I don’t believe in work/life balance. But the reality is that I pursued work/life balance for many years and have not found it, thus I believe in work/life integration, as it is all connected. The key is to be in charge and be happy with the life you have chosen.
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What’s the best advice you have for other women wanting to be entrepreneurs? It’s not going to be easy. Expect your ass to get kicked, continue to learn no matter how far you get, and always remember why you started. Also, please please support other women. Don’t let egos or pettiness get in the way of helping another sister. It is not worth it.
at 1501 SE Walton Blvd, Suite 203, Bentonville, AR 72712
Comments
Ulanda Terry said:
Abosolutely love Jay and this article. She is an inspiration to so many women. I’m grateful we started our entrepreneurial journey together. I look forward to more great this from her!!!