Wilethia Aquil

Congratulations Wilethia Aquil, featured Successful Established Woman Entrepreneur

“What price would you pay for freedom, enhanced relationships, and living the life style you want and deserve?”  A quote by Walethia… and a great opener for our chat. 

Sylvia:  Hi Walethia.  I am thrilled to talk to you.  I could use some ‘Grace and Charm…’  Tell me about yourself and your business? 

Walethia:  Thank you Sylvia.  My name is Walethia Aquil and I am Founder and Director of Aquil Consulting and Training and the Grace and Charm Success System. I am recognized as one of the country’s most knowledgeable experts in the fields of etiquette and image consulting.

My life reflects the ultimate personal transformation story, evolving from a terribly shy and insecure child, with no social skills, into a successful CEO, model, award-winning image consultant, etiquette advisor, media expert, and radio host.

For over 25 years, I’ve coached business leaders and teams, politicians, entertainers, beauty pageant winners, and society’s elite. I’ve helped thousands to boost their confidence, improve their bottom lines, business and personal relationships via television, radio, seminars and personal coaching.

Walethia’s Grace and Charm Success System includes over 30 unique training programs for improving organizational and personal behavior, business and social graces, and effective team building.  My clients include the Small Business Administration, Michigan Department of Transportation, YWCA, and numerous other leading business, government, and faith-based organizations.

Sylvia:  Success is…

Walethia:  I believe a person is successful if they are using the gifts and talents God had blessed them with, having supportive friends, family, and good health.

Sylvia:  How do you create work/life balance?

Walethia:  How do I create work/life balance?  That one is a hard one for me.  I am a workaholic by nature.  I love what I do so there is no line of distinction for me.  However I’m married so I take time to nature my marriage and other relationships, such as family and friends.  If I had to identify how I do it, I would say it’s through prayer.

Sylvia:  How do you give back to your community?

Walethia:  I am actively involved in my community as a parent facilitator for the Flint Community Schools.  To help prepare young girls for the future, I created and developed “Ideal Girl Global,” a personal development program designed to equip young girls with the social skills needed for success.  To help relive some of the financial stress families are now facing, “Dreams Do come True,” was formed to provide graduating seniors with prom dresses.

Sylvia: What tips can you share with women business owners?

Walethia:  My advice or tips to women in business is to believe in yourself!  We as women are pleasers; we try to make everyone happy and that cannot be done.  Those around you may not see the vision or the dream God has given you, so you have to believe in yourself.

Also, I would say JUST DO IT, there is never any perfect time, never enough money, never enough time, there is always something to do or someone to take care of.  The world needs to hear what you have to say, the world need you to fulfill your destiny.

Sylvia:  What steps do you think are necessary for an entrepreneur who wants to move her business to the next level? 

Walethia:  For an entrepreneur to move their business to the next level I believe: 

• You have to think worldwide, research and learn what products or services your business can provide. In other words, what problem can you solve?
• It is important to embrace technology.  Business owners wanting to move to the next level must learn how to use technology to help move their business to the next level.  I believe your customers expect it. 
• It is very important to know your business bottom line, you can’t move to the next level if you don’t know what is happening in your business.
• Build a good solid team, made up of individuals that share in your vision.
• Read to keep abreast of what is happening in the world.
• Become a savvy networker.
• Invest your time and money in places that will bring the most benefit.

Sylvia:  What challenges and opportunities do you see in the present economic environment?

Walethia: One challenge for me personally is keeping up with the technology. It changes so fast.  I also think because credit is not so readily available, that also can be a challenge.  However, it can force a business owner to become creative when it comes to financing their business or project.

Sylvia:  What advice do you have for women who are just starting out?

Walethia:  The most important piece of advice I could give is to do your homework, research your market and seek out someone that can be a great mentor. A good mentor will save you time and money.

Sylvia:  Walethia, you are so gracious!  Thank you for sharing your time and expertise with our members and subscribers.  How can we contact you?

Walethia:  You are welcome. 

Contact:  Grace and Charm
Website:  http://graceandcharm.com/about.html
Twitter:  @graceandcharm2
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/graceandcharm
Email:  info@graceandcharm.com
International Etiquette – The Key to Effective Global Networking