On the Avenue, I believe in showcasing phenomenal women. I believe in sharing stories in hopes that they may help others. I believe in inspiring others through a community because the client base here on ‘The Avenue’ is exactly that. Women everywhere have dreams, ambitions, and goals. These women have proven that they’ve poured their hearts into their projects and/or businesses. They’ve probably cried at their failures and have laughed at their mistakes. Now, I’d like to rejoice in their success! I’m telling their stories to share within our community on why they’re phenomenally female.

MEET LISA

What do you do? I’m a Writer, Director, Producer – Inspirational/Gospel Theater (written 7 stage plays), Author (3 Books) & an Inspirational Speaker.

Growing up, did you always dream that you would be doing what you’re doing now? No. I had no idea that God would lead me into the theater business. I always wrote skits and plays when I was younger for church events but never thought that it would grow into anything more than a hobby. But although I had no idea where I was heading, God knew. Over 20 years ago my cousin, Lisa “Mega” Graham-Schwalenberg and I would often attend Broadway plays, and it never occurred to me that one day she and I would be working together putting on our own theater productions. God is amazing!

What made you decide to “go for it” in terms of your career goals/ambitions? The fear of leaving this earth without doing everything that God has called me to do is what drives me. The thought of being ‘wasted talent’ frightens me into constantly moving forward and reaching for things that seem impossible. I decided to “go for it” because I felt the hand of God pushing me past my fears and pulling me into my destiny. My goal is to live full so that I can die empty.

Did you face adversity? What did you learn from your setbacks and what drives you to continue despite them? Yes, I face adversity all of the time however, I am learning to grow in the midst of it. I’ve learned to cry less and laugh more. I know that adversity is not the enemy for God is using it to make me stronger and wiser. It is also keeping me humble. I will never forget where I come from and how hard it is to get to where I am going. With adversity, I realize that I am unique, that my faith is solid and the favor of God is upon my life. I continue to press through adversity because I refuse to allow the enemy to make me forfeit the blessings that God has for me.

How did you distinguish your business from others? What made yours unique? I an unique in that I care more about encouraging others than I do about making money. I believe that if I give the best of myself and become an answer to the problems of others, then God will grow the business and the finances will come.

I distinguish my business from others in the following ways:
1. I put myself whole-heartedly into everything that I do. I put the best of me into every script that I write.
2. I believe in the personal touch. I am constantly in contact with my theater-goers via telephone, emails and my blog.
3. In a world full of chaos, our theater productions offer hope and encouragement.
4. We are spreading the good news of Jesus Christ through the performing arts rather than the traditional church platform.

I often say that Rose Baby Enterprises’ does not offer performances, we offer an experience.

How did being a woman affect your path to success? Being a woman in the theater business can be challenging but I really don’t see it as a negative. God made me and He knew I was a woman when He gave me this assignment, therefore He will pave the way for me. He has birthed so many great women before me and I am successful because I stand on their shoulders.

What advice would you give someone just starting out or thinking about one day having their own business? You cannot be weak and run a business. You cannot be timid and run a business. You will hear ‘no’ over and over again before you hear ‘yes’ but keep moving, don’t give up. You can’t share your dream with everyone. You have to protect your dream like it is the most precious diamond in the world until the time is right to share it with others. Ignore the haters and the doubters because they will never see what you see. Speak life into your business even when you don’t feel like it. Don’t try to rush things, take it slow. Don’t compare yourself or your business to others. Stay focus and run your own race.

What’s the biggest regret you have when it comes to your blog/shop/business? My biggest regret is that I didn’t start sooner but then I remember that I am exactly where God wants me to be. I use to regret that I didn’t have anyone to mentor me in the process of starting my own theater business but then I realized that not having a blueprint means that I have the flexibility to shape my business into whatever I want it to be. I am not limited by any preconceived notions. Regrets are a waste of time.

What has been your proudest moment so far? I seem to have the proudest moments over and over again. Every time we put on a production and I see the words that I put onto paper, become life as they spill off of the lips of our actors, that is my proudest moment. The idea of taking nothing and turning it into something continues to make me proud and more importantly, amazed.

Because we all know we would be no place without the grace of God, tell us your favorite scripture. This is a difficult question to answer because I have so many. However, the one that pops into my head at this very moment is Jeremiah 29:11,

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” This scripture constantly encourages me and reaffirms what I already know…God got me!

I believe in sharing the stories of phenomenal women. That has been my story and I believe that is your story too. We want your journey here on the blog to help encourage others just like you and I. If you’d like to share that with us, please come over and share your story with us!