ffany stated that “just before having crucial brain surgery, she made the promise to God that if He allowed her to survive, she would live her life out loud and walk in her purpose every day.” That is exactly what she’s done. She is the founder of two businesses, To the ‘T’ Events & Catering and the Purpose Seekers Academy. She is an author, a contributor to several magazines, and a mentor. She’s the recipient of numerous accolades for her entrepreneurship and community engagement.
Gillespie strives to help others find and achieve their purpose, through her firm, The Purpose Seekers Academy. By sharing her spiritual growth and business knowledge, she hopes that she can help others to prosper.
How did you figure out what your passion is?
I have known that I am passionate about events and helping others since high school. Those passions gave me a greater focus at a young age because I wanted to do what I loved. The real question is how I figure out my purpose. Purpose is a higher calling and responsibility that never fades even when your passions change. In January of 2012, my Pastor preached a sermon about spiritual and natural gifts. I had an ‘aha’ moment as he taught about how one’s passion can lead to them finding his/her purpose as well. It was amazing to understand that you can also make money doing what God called you to do. I had never heard this before and it opened up my world. That same week, I started my first business.
What has been the most rewarding part of your journey so far?
It is very hard to choose one thing but what comes to mind first is the feeling I get when I see my clients win. I am truly in love with the work that I do and watching others win. I take a holistic approach to business consulting; not only providing strategy and systems but also building the leaders of these businesses. The greatest victory has been witnessing one of my clients give her life to Christ because of the spiritual encouragement she received in our program. Of all of the wins, I have shared, this is the one that matters most.
What else would you like to accomplish?
Oh, this list is long. I literally feel like I am just scratching the surface. I want to have a greater impact on the lives connected to me, achieve greater gender equality in professional spaces, establish generational wealth for my family and others, coach others to levels they thought were unattainable, have a successful podcast, build an international community for Christian women leaders, travel internationally to speak, have a featured national television spot, own a million dollar business in addition to a long list of personal goals. This is literally only the beginning.
What advice would you give to other young people beginning their careers?
First, do not allow anyone to tell you that you are not valuable or equipped because of your age. In this millennial era, young people receive so much criticism while there is very little recognition of the role they have played in creating the world in which we live.
Second, focus on learning about yourself and your relationship with yourself first; this will really lay the foundation for the relationship you have with your career and how you relate to others. Learn what is and is not acceptable; what sits well with you and what does not. Run towards those things/people that feed your soul and away from anything that distracts you from walking in purpose.
Third, ask for help; seek out mentorship and coaching. Pray about who is to help you on your journey because everyone is not truly for you. Be patient with yourself as you align with those who are going to push you further in purpose. When someone is teaching you, stop talking and listen.
What does being a part of the African Diaspora mean to you?
This is definitely a loaded question. It is an honor. As an African American woman, I have the responsibility of making my presence known; particularly in spaces where those with African roots are not seen. In addition to being a business owner, I am a Drexel University professor. As a business consultant, I know I am surrounded by great leaders with African heritage. In the University setting, I see so clearly that African representation is severely lacking. My role as a professor is much bigger than the title. With the title comes power and a responsibility to use it wisely to affect real change in the lives of my students. It was not the choice of my ancestors to be placed in America but since we are here through them, we must… present, engage and continue to spread the beauty and strength of African culture in our professional spaces.
