Today we’d like to introduce you to Avni Parekh.
Avni, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
For more than a decade, I’ve worked in public relations and marketing, and dedicated several years of service to two reputable South Florida companies—The Prana Yoga Center and VITAS Healthcare.
I attribute a large part of my success, at both companies, to thinking out of the box. Subsequently, thinking out of the box led me to launch LuvlyLongLocks.com, a website for salons, stylists and beauty influencers.
LuvlyLongLocks started out as a one-stop-shop where hair lovers could streamline their news, tips for hair growth and hair color inspiration through one avenue, without having to spend hours digging through the web.
I’m so pleased to report, LuvlyLongLocks has evolved into a robust platform where salons, stylists and beauty influencers can also get marketing tips for growing their brand and business. Plus, they can choose from a variety of services like web design, media marketing, and public relations to help them achieve their business goals. A thorough price list with a breakdown of services can be found at www.LuvlyLongLocks.com.
Then, last year, I fulfilled a childhood dream by publishing my first book, “Be The Bigger Person: Scenarios & Solutions to Better Yourself.” It’s a self-help guide for successfully overcoming a plethora of negative life-experiences while keeping your sanity intact, available for purchase via Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
And this year, I launched a collection of Be The Bigger Person(TM) women’s statement t-shirts based on the non-violent movements of world-renowned leaders, available for sale on Zazzle.com.
My wish for both of my brands and any that pop up hereafter is that they help people and inspire them to go after their dreams!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Pursuing my dream of going into business for myself has come with its set of up and downs. It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road developing two entirely different brands.
Going from a steady income and the security that comes along with having a stable job, to not knowing where my next paycheck was coming from was a drastic change.
However, I am a firm believer that in order to grow and flourish, you must step outside of your comfort zone, which is exactly what I did.
As a matter of fact, I’ve learned so much in the past three years of pursuing my heart’s desire that I never would have learned in an office setting.
I’m hopeful for what the future has in store!
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I’m a Jack of many trades and I’m happy to say that I master them all! My specialties are copywriting and editing, online reputation management and web design, to name a few.
As a creative entrepreneur with two well-branded businesses, I am proud of the fact that I’m self-made. Being a minority, female business owner is hard enough, and figuring it out on my own took time, but the rewards are much more fruitful and beyond appreciated.
I find that there are so many talented people in the world and I think everyone is unique in their own way. However, I think what sets me apart from many others is that I’m mission-driven, and can’t throw in the towel until I achieve my goals.
What have been some of the most important lessons you’ve learned over the course of your career?
I believe that the events in our lives happen for a reason, but if I had to start over, I wouldn’t allow myself to be dissuaded from pursuing good ideas.
I sincerely believe that innovation has a direct correlation to man’s evolution. For that reason, I think that when people have ideas that can benefit society in one way or another, they should be encouraged to bring their ideas to life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.LuvlyLongLocks.
com - Email: LuvlyLongLocks@gmail.
com - Instagram: www.instagram.com/
LuvlyLongLocks - Facebook: www.facebook.com/
LuvlyLongLocks - Twitter: www.twitter.com/
LuvlyLongLocks - Other: www.zazzle.com/BTBPbook
Image Credit:
All photos of me taken by Scardina Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
