Without clarity of purpose, passion & career direction, you may be feeling lost, unfulfilled & unhappy with your life and career. For this week’s Utility Avenue’s Spotlight, we bring you Wandalyn Tan, who can help you build a life & career that you love that is meaningful & rewarding. Her life mission is to help others live happier lives.
If you want to know more about her, feel free to read her Spotlight, and contact her.
Caltan Training and Consultancy with Wandalyn Tan
What can you tell us about yourself?
After suffering from burnout in 2014, I reinvented my career. I am an Audit Manager turned International Speaker, Amazon Author, Executive Career & Burnout Coach, and CEO of my company, Caltan Training and Consultancy.
What were the origins of your business?
Training and coaching positively transformed my life. I want to pay it forward by helping others by sharing simple and powerful tools that work for me.
What were the main challenges at the beginning?
Challenge is doing everything on my own from website management, business registrations, marketing, content creation, and everything in between.
Who was the most supportive of your idea?
My kids were very supportive of my idea because they saw how training and coaching makes me happy.
What is the main target audience of your business?
My target is helping managers and women professionals, especially working mothers break through from burnout & build a purpose-driven career & living aligned with their passion, purpose, experience, and expertise.
What makes your offer unique?
I used my mind expertise (as an NLP master practitioner) and audit expertise of 20+ years to find the gaps and offer simple solutions that help clients fast track results. My clients land their ideal job in less than 6 months even during the pandemic.
Do you have any other passions?
I am passionate about learning. I am listening to podcasts and webinars almost every day.
If you could go back in time, what would you do differently?
I would be more loving and accepting of myself and stop suppressing my emotions. I will express myself more without fear.
What future projects does your business have?
I am building a training company, specific to helping working moms build a purpose-driven career and living through training and strong community support of other working moms who have been on the same path.
What challenges do you see ahead of you?
Knowing which one to do first of the many dreams in my list and finding the right partners to work with.
What message would you send to your followers?
Keep on asking because help is always available, ask yourself, ask God and ask others to move forward and fast.
Define your business in one sentence.
I am in the business of positively changing lives through training and coaching.
_______________________________________ Utility Avenue’s Spotlight focuses on promoting inspiring businesses every week. For a chance to be interviewed, contact us at support@utilityavenue.com with the subject Spotlight.
Or maybe not! But if you don’t and you want to know more, well, check this article.
What’s Utility Avenue?
Utility Avenue is a community marketplace where you can buy and sell your
services.
Why was Utility Avenue born?
Because we care about you. Because everyone deserves fair pay.
The thing is, most gig-economy platforms (like Uber, Thumbtack, and others) and contractors keep a significant percentage (some even 50%) when you use them to sell your services. If you are the one who does the job, you should be making the most amount of money, am I right?
Nobody likes to lose $$$ to intermediaries.
BUT imagine
if you could turn your hobbies and skills into cash… and make more money doing less work?
You could become a successful business owner doing what you love!
We care about you and, to help, we created Utility Avenue:
A community marketplace for you to buy and sell services, and turn your skills or hobbies into money so you can thrive.
If you are
an entrepreneur or a small business owner?
a freelancer or need extra income?
you have a business idea, but don’t have clients or don’t have the platform?
you work for someone who takes a high percentage of your service?
you have a service company that has associates instead of employees?
Then, Utility Avenue is for you.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Easy-peasy!
You download our free app. You pay $0.50 cents only when you sell a service.
You list your offers. Manage them effortlessly
You get hired. Reach more clients and be the first person they think of when they need
a service.
WHY UTILITY AVENUE?
We get it – you might say “Ugh, another gig platform”, but when you use Utility Avenue:
– you don’t lose money to an intermediary.
– you communicate directly with the client.
– you get paid, fast and easy, straight to your account.
We only charge 0.50 cents when you sell a service so you can make more money with
less work.
Seriously, if you have five minutes, download the app, list your services… and see for
yourself.
JOIN THE UTILITY AVENUE COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE
Make money and save money easily on the same platform.
And if you want to support us and follow us, we would really appreciate it. Also, our Utility Avenue blog covers a wide range
of topics, including entrepreneurship, business, innovation, leadership, mindset, and
others. We are accepting applications for guest bloggers
and business
spotlights.
As an entrepreneur and small business owner, you need to be a good leader.
But, who’s a leader?
Norge Matos once said, “When everybody is fainting, the leader is the one that keeps trying harder, even when he is also fainting.”
First, let’s define what a leader is:
A real leader
is a team player.
is collaborative, inclusive, and team-oriented.
exercises leadership wherever he or she is.
is always learning new skills.
is open to feedback and criticism and uses it to grow.
demonstrates a firm understanding of client needs.
has a clear understanding of what needs to be done and why.
speaks truthfully and accurately — rather than emotionally.
takes action and makes recommendations for the good of the organization.
has a vision and thinks globally and strategically.
motivates people to see the bigger picture and be part of something bigger than themselves.
will inspire action by asking the right questions.
cares about people and adds value to those around him/her.
will solve short-term problems based on its long-term goals, but values and goals are paramount.
A leader is defined by capabilities and not by position. Everyone knows what leadership is, but few people can articulate what it truly means. Leadership is not an administrative position.
“What’s the most important leadership characteristic of a small business owner?”
I asked this question, and for these business owners, these are essential characteristics a leader must possess.
“Understanding that emptying the bins is just as important as landing the next big contract, and the person doing it is contributing to your success every bit as much.” Del Vincent www.davince.net
“Adaptability. To survive long term, you’ve got to adapt to the times (Netflix is a prime example) and adapt to changes within your business, which could look like outsourcing, hiring employees, or offering a new or different product. Continue to keep up with the times, and you’ll continue to thrive.”Meghann Grah
“Grit.” Tessa Love
“Having an irrefutable mindset to keep going after your goals while finding space to rest and recharge.” Krissy Johnson
“This is tough! There are so many leadership characteristics you need to have while running a small business both from an internal and external perspective. Something I’ve learned recently is that if you’re interested in growing, you need to be able to delegate. With that delegation comes effective communication, trust, empathy, and honesty. From an internal perspective, being a good leader means knowing when it’s time to be at the front of the line and knowing when to step back, let other people on your team shine. From an external perspective and working with customers, integrity is most important. In the photography industry, especially, it’s so important to put our best foot forward at all times. Treating peoples’ experiences with care and as one-of-a-kind (especially weddings) is everything.”– Kayla Powell.
“Self-care is just as important for your business as grit and determination. Go after your goals, absolutely, but give yourself lots of opportunities to live outside of work. Work with endurance, but rest easy, too. You’ll lose your drive if you seek only success without rest.”– Courtney Kammers
Final words about leadership in small businesses.
Great leaders must develop crucial skills to become great decision-makers.
They understand and manage their emotions to make decisions that positively impact themselves, their employees, and their customers. They accept uncertainty and focus their time, energy, and money on making the best decisions in the face of an uncertain outcome. C’mon. It’s 2020 and the year has been a rollercoaster. We need to adapt and pivot. Leadership in small businesses is crucial.
__________________
Utility Avenue is the youngest and most promising community of entrepreneurs and small business owners in the United States. Join our community today. Follow us and grow with us. Let’s build something cool.
Love for Words Book Editing Boutique has the Spotlight this week at Entrepreneur Avenue. Her owner, CaTyra, is a Rochester Business Journal Forty Under 40 Honoree. CaTyra is the Creator/Hostess of Editor Knows Best (an international writing and editing podcast for literary professionals) and Writer’s Paradise (a writing forum for authors and writers). She also founded Mochachocolate, a trademark brand that celebrates, uplifts, and empowers dark-skinned girls and women across the globe.
CaTyra is the author of Professionalism, What’s That, Dear August, Love August (a personal poetry compilation), Keep This In Mind: What Black Women Think About (a journal for Black women), and Editor Knows Best, a 101 guide for literary professionals/creatives interested in editing.
Photo Credit: Kiera Renee
What is Love for Words?
Love for Words is a book editing boutique. We specialize in non-fiction such as memoirs, self-help, poetry, and autobiographies.
How was Love for Words born?
In 2016, a friend of mine, who is also a publisher, was looking for an editor. I offered a sample edit. She loved it, and the rest was history. Then, she started referring her clients to me. As my clientele grew, I decided to launch Love for Words. I established its parent company, Polland Enterprises LLC, in 2017.
What were the main challenges?
In the beginning, I didn’t have consultation calls before starting projects, so no expectations were established. I didn’t know what my clients wanted, and my clients didn’t know what I could offer. Now I complete a consultation with each client before we begin work. We talk about our expectations and decide if we are a good fit.
In addition, I had to learn the intricacies of editing. Being a good writer is not enough. I read books about the art and science of editing, research other editors, and ask my clients for feedback.
Who is the most supportive of your business?
My friends and family have been incredibly supportive. Some of my friends are clients!
What makes you different from the business across the street who offers a cheaper service?
My ability to encourage, uplift, and empower. My sympathetic and empathetic personality. I am an author, so I can relate to my clients. Having experience as an instructor for children and adults also makes me more patient. I am open to sharing my personal experiences with clients to develop a connection.
Why is editing essential for a business?
Editing is important for business owners to establish a credible and trustworthy brand. Misspelled words, grammatical errors, and unclear text presents an unfavorable image.
What future projects do Love for Words have?
Editor Knows Best
Editing 101 guide that explains the types of editing, what to expect from your editor, the benefits of hiring an editor, and more.
Write, Wine, & Quarantine Magazine
Publishing a magazine that features poems and short stories about people’s experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What advice would you offer to other entrepreneurs?
Do it, even if you’re scared.
Don’t share everything. Some things should be discreet.
Keep learning. Always.
Delegate.
Have a team that supports you.
Take care of yourself.
If you were to define Love for Words in one sentence, how would you do it?
Love for Words is a book editing boutique that polishes your manuscript, so it shines.
How would you describe your experience with Utility Avenue?
Utility Avenue offers the opportunity for business owners to showcase their products and services. It is an inviting and supportive platform for entrepreneurs to shine.
_______________________________________ Utility Avenue’s Spotlight focuses on promoting inspiring businesses every week. For a chance to be interviewed, contact us at support@utilityavenue.com with the subject Spotlight.
#SupportYourLocalGirlBoss with Karma Bath & Body Co.
It is a fact. “Empowered women empower women”.
This time, female-owned local businesses teamed up in their first #SupportYourLocalGirlBoss event in Coral Springs, Florida. Hosted by Karma Bath & Body, the first part of the event was very successful. In our weekly Spotlight, let’s know more about it.
#SupportYourLocalGirlBoss with Karma Bath & Body Co.
Who is KARMA BATH & BODY CO?
Karma Bath & Body Co is a small family-owned, cruelty-free, handcrafted skin & body care business. We are passionate about creating products that are good for you and your pockets!
Where can we find you?
We are located at 11471 W Sample Rd, #2, Coral Springs Florida, 33065. Directly across the street from Pizza Time!
Karma Bath & Body Co.
What’s the most popular Karma product?
Aside from our Whipped Soap Scrub, we’d have to say our #CreateYourOwnKarma line! In-store, we carry various unscented & uncolored products such as Sugar Scrubs & Body Butters that you can personalize on the spot! With over 300 fragrances that rotate every other month, you can create over one thousand different combinations!
Can you describe KARMA BATH & BODY CO in one sentence?
A unique, fun & personalized experience to fit all your body care needs!
What is it like to run a local small business in times of Covid-19?
Definitely interesting! As challenging as this Virus has been, it has allowed us to form new and strengthen existing relationships within our community. With the support of our wonderful customers, we have been able to grow our business during these difficult times, and we look forward to being a part of the Coral Springs community for many years to come.
#SupportYourLocalGirlBoss with Karma Bath & Body Co.
What can you tell us about the #SupportYourLocalGirlBoss event?
This is an event we created to bring all Female Owned businesses together to support one another. It’s essential to work together, especially during a time like this. We had a blast at weekend one and plan to make this a recurring event!
#SupportYourLocalGirlBoss vendors
Which were the main takeaways of the first part of the event?
The love and support that our new & existing customers showed not only us but to each girl boss that attended that day. We are so fortunate to be surrounded by such talented & creative ladies.
We are always working on something! To share a few, we have a huge line of Halloween themed hand-painted bath bombs coming soon, as well as a Trick Or Treat event, more #GirlBoss events sprinkled throughout the upcoming months, our Holiday line, and our annual fill your own Bath Salt Christmas ornament party!
What message would you send to your customers?
We are forever grateful for your support and your business. Without you all, we would not be able to follow our dreams every day. Thank you for everything. We appreciate you all.
Karma Bath & Body Co.
Is there anything you would like to add?
We want to let the community know that we are providing a safe space for you and your kiddos to come & create their very own bath bombs, with a private entrance and bathroom. We are adhering to all of the social distancing guidelines and sanitizing all utensils and molds used. Our employees will be instructing your group on how to make your experience the bomb! We have over 25 fragrances, 12 colors, and ten shimmers to choose from to make each bath bomb personalized. It is a fun way to get creative & work together with your group. It is an excellent experience for kids, teens, and adults!
Final words about #SupportYourLocalGirlBoss
So, the invitation is made.
Make sure you #SupportYourLocalGirlBoss with Karma Bath & Body Co this weekend, and for your local skincare needs. They want to offer a special code for you and your readers. Use coupon code YAY10 to get 10% off each participating person in your group.
Karma Bath & Body Co.’s Contact Info
KarmaBathCo.com
954-263-7340
IG @KarmaBathCo
FB @KarmaBathC
Email: MyKarmaGifts@gmail.com
_______________________________________ Utility Avenue’s Spotlight focuses on promoting inspiring businesses every week. For a chance to be interviewed, contact us at support@utilityavenue.com with the subject Spotlight.
Jack Wang is a noted expert in helping US-based families with middle to high school age students lower the cost of and pay for college by navigating the complex, stress-inducing financial aid system while still being able to retire. He’s helped hundreds of families and students (including his own two children) navigate financial aid, student loan options, and payment strategies in the context of overall family finances and retirement plans.
He has joined the Entrepreneur Avenue family and today, he is going to share the best way to save and pay for college.
Best way to save and pay for college? Start a business!
Or…how to get a scholarship from the IRS. No essay required!
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as tax or financial advice. Please consult your own tax and/or financial professional to discuss your specific circumstances.
One of the most expensive things we buy as a consumer may be college education for our children. I’m sure you’ve seen the headlines about the record $1.54 TRILLION student debt burden (Federal Reserve Bank of NY, Household Debt and Credit Report, Q2 2020) as well as spiraling tuition, now over $80k at the most expensive universities.
I’m not joking (that much) when I ask clients if they would rather buy a Ferrari instead of sending their kid to college. The Ferrari may be cheaper!
As entrepreneurs and small business owners, we have a decided advantage in paying and saving for college – the IRS! More specifically, the tax code. This is probably the only time you’ll ever view the IRS or the 70,000-page tax code in a positive light.
What most people do
When thinking about saving and paying for college, most people think of 529 plans. These savings vehicles are popular for many families to save money, tax-deferred, and then upon using the money for either college or private K-12 education, tax-free.
Think about the money that goes in. It’s after-tax. Meaning, we earn income, have taxes and various deductions withheld, and hopefully have something left over after our bills to put into these accounts.
Some states do offer a state tax deduction or credit for savings. For example, Massachusetts offers a tax deduction for the MA income tax for saving in the MA 529 plan. Other states provide a contribution at birth or a matching contribution. Maryland offers a matching contribution for low-income families.
As good as some state tax incentives are, there is nothing at the federal level.
Using business to save/pay for college
It’s about understanding the tax code. This is really in the category of tax planning instead of tax preparation – which is what most people think of. These strategies below really require working with tax and financial professionals BEFORE you implement.
Hiring your kid
The most basic strategy is to hire your student “on the books” in a business owned by a parent. Meaning, make them a legitimate employee, run payroll, etc. and not pay them under the table. They have to be paid a reasonable wage for good work that is within the capability of the student. In other words, you can’t pay your 5-year-old to perform advanced accounting work at $100/hour!
Let’s suppose you hire your student and pay them $100 (on the books). That salary is now a legitimate, deductible business expense and earned income for the student. Let’s further suppose that your tax rate is 20%, and the student is 0%.
Business
Student
Wages Paid / Earned
$100
$100
Taxes save / paid
$20 (20% of $100)
$0 (0% tax rate)
Net expense / income
$80
$100
Now, your student can use the $100 earned to pay tuition. Think about where that money initially came from – a tax-deductible expense. In this example, the business got an indirect tax deduction for the student’s tuition payment. You and your student got a $20 “scholarship” that didn’t require an essay!
While there’s no age limit on how old your student has to be, the work to be done largely defines the age. Generally speaking, you’re likely considering young teenagers and older for most businesses.
Please note that while FICA taxes are not due for those under age 18, and Federal unemployment (FUTA) for under age 21, there may be state tax obligations that would still be required. Check with your tax person or payroll services provider.
Income earned by the student is tax-free up to $12,400 (standard deduction for 2020), but anything more than $6,970 (FAFSA guidelines, 2020-21) earned will, potentially, impact their college financial aid negatively for the majority of schools in the US.
Where to save the money if your student has a few years before college
Once your student has earned income (i.e., from work, not interest earned on a bank account or similar), your student is eligible to open an IRA. Since their tax rate is 0% for income under $12,400, it pays for the student to save in a Roth IRA up to $6,000 (2020 contribution limit) or a similar tax-free vehicle.
A question I often receive is whether or not someone under age 18 can open an IRA. Yes, the IRS does not stipulate on minimum age, as long as the requirement for having earned income is met. As a parent, you would sign the account documents, but the student would own the IRA.
I also get asked about saving in a traditional IRA for the tax deduction. But why do it? With income under $12,400, their tax rate is 0%, so you aren’t saving any taxes by using a traditional IRA.
When paying for college, the student can then withdraw the Roth IRA contributions anytime tax-free and penalty-free. Or borrow for college, and then withdraw to pay off the loans after graduation, depending on financial aid specifics.
Think about the potential – if you hire your kid at age 13, paying them $6,000 per year and then save, you’ll have $30k of tax-free money by college time – that’s a nice amount and a bunch of taxes saved!
Section 127 benefit
Otherwise known as the educational reimbursement benefit companies can offer workers. This works better for graduate school if your student is over age 21, no longer a dependent, and is not an owner of the company.
This benefit of up to $5,250 per year would require offering the same to all employees, but that can be an excellent strategy for recruitment and retention. Payments would be deductible to the business and tax-free to the employee.
The recently passed stimulus package, the CARES Act, expanded this program to allow employers to provide benefits for student loan payments, not just educational expenses incurred in the current year. This provision expires at the end of 2020.
Section 132 Fringe benefit
Similar to a Section 127 benefit, though, the difference here is that the education typically has to be job-related. Some companies offer this reimbursement if an employee takes courses to further their career directly or is directly applicable to their job.
Paying for college can be daunting and stressful. Parents and students alike have questions about admissions and financial aid – and both aspects of college planning are extremely complicated.
Final words about the best way to save and pay for college
One of the most common questions I’m asked about is how to get more scholarships and financial aid. Being self-employed or a business owner, the answer is Go to the IRS. The money is there – it’s up to you to get it! No essay required!
When there is a will, there is a way, even when people doubt you. Uma Alexandra Beepat is an example. She is the CEO and Owner of the Lotus Wellness Center and The Lotus and The Light Metaphysical Center. Today, she shares her entrepreneurial journey in Utility Avenue’s weekly Spotlight.
Photo Credit: Julie Socher
What can you tell us about yourself?
My name is Uma Alexandra Beepat. I am the CEO and Owner of the Lotus Wellness Center and The Lotus and The Light Metaphysical Center. Also, I’m the President of the Manassas Holistic Chamber of Commerce and a Premier doTERRA Consultant. I have owned my center for the past 11 years and have worked on over 10,000 clients in personal sessions. I teach a wide variety of self-development, spiritual and psychic development classes. They are geared mostly to women in their late 30’s to early 60’s who are experiencing a shift in consciousness and desiring more quality in life through service and community.
What were the origins of your business?
While I have always been a psychic medium, my origins in this field started as a licensed massage therapist in 2009. It was through massage of clients that my psychic abilities developed and took my career down a different path.
What were the main challenges at the beginning?
The main challenges at the beginning were all me. I fought this and didn’t want to be in this field. However, I am what they call a natural medium and have had these abilities since birth, so either I learned about myself, or I continued to fight who I was. I, of course, chose the former. Once I committed, things became easier.
Who was the most supportive of your idea?
The most supportive person of my idea of opening a metaphysical wellness center was myself. My friends and family were concerned and didn’t see it thriving. Honestly, I am not mad or upset about it. The lack of support, in the beginning, is what pushed me to succeed. I needed to show everyone that following your calling, however crazy it may sound, is the right path to success and happiness.
What is the primary target audience of your business?
The target audience for my business is specifically men and women between the ages of late 30s to early 60s who are experiencing a spiritual awakening. Spiritual awakening comes to us all when the material things in life no longer soothe or excite us. We want more and desire more in life. That is where I step in as a guide, helping people rediscover themselves, their joys and passions to create a life that is happy, peaceful, and meaningful.
What makes your offer unique?
What makes my offer unique is the nature of the business I am in. Whereas most coaches focus on mindset, I focus on the spiritual aspect of a person and reconnecting them to their soul purpose.
Do you have any other passions?
Honestly, my job is my passion. I can easily work 60-80 hours a week without feeling it or thinking about it. I love helping people, spreading awareness, and creating classes and events that bring joy to people! When I DO have free time, I like to read and spend my days at the beach soaking up the natural energy of the environment.
If you could go back in time, what would you do differently?
If I could go back in time, I would not let those of my past who were mean to me or tried to put me and my business down affect me as much. I would give them adequate attention and no more, choosing instead to focus on my business and what I create.
What future projects does your business have?
Currently, I am working on my second book, Chronicles of a Spirit Walker, which details some of my experiences as a psychic medium, including my recent near-death experience in January.
What challenges do you see ahead of you?
Currently, the challenges I face as a small business owner are the same as those who COVID19 affected. As a non-essential business, I face the dilemma most face. My business brings great assistance to the communities we serve. People are suffering, and helping them through this is my main priority. However, as a non-essential business, my doors can be closed at any time as required.
What message would you send to your followers?
I want to tell them that it is my absolute honor and gratitude to serve them. Every time a person books me for a service or attend my classes, I give thanks to them and God for the ability to share joy, peace, and happiness. It is truly what I live for.
Define your business in one sentence.
The Lotus and The Light Metaphysical Center offers classes and services in metaphysical, spiritual, and psychic development to the local Northern Virginia community and online attendees due to our expansion into the online community.
Is there anything you would like to add?
I have two events coming up in October I would love to mention.
Living the Awakened Life Retreat is a local retreat held in Manassas at my center on October 16th-18th, and it is based on the principles in my book The Awakened Life.
6-week online mentorship program starting October 11th for those who want to develop their psychic and mediumship abilities.
_______________________________________ Utility Avenue’s Spotlight focuses on promoting inspiring businesses every week. For a chance to be interviewed, contact us at support@utilityavenue.com with the subject Spotlight.
Hi there, are you looking for the opportunity to be published?
At Utility Avenue, we’re always looking for fresh content to help our audience thrive. If you can provide valuable insight into your area of expertise, you might qualify to be our next guest writer.
Utility Avenue is a platform for entrepreneurs and small business owners to promote and sell their services. As a result, our blog is rapidly becoming a trusted resource for entrepreneurs and small business owners all over the world.
Our commitment is to provide valuable information that can help you on your entrepreneurial journey.
We invite you to share your knowledge with our audience.
What’s in it for you?
You get free publicity on the Utility Avenue blog and our social media.
You get exposure.
You get backlinks to your website to boost your SEO.
Accordingly, it will help build your authority to become an authority in your area of expertise.
It will help you increase your search presence online. Therefore, you will have more users and customers.
What kind of articles can you submit?
The Utility Avenue blog covers a wide range of topics, including entrepreneurship, business, innovation, leadership, mindset, and others. We are always looking for original, freshly-written articles, crafted with our audience in mind.
By now, you might know what Utility Avenue is.
