FACE OF THE WEEK
FACE OF THE WEEK: Dr. Natasha Weems – Resilient Leader, Acclaimed Author, and Inspirational Mentor
Dr. Natasha Weems, DNP, AGPCNP-BC, is a distinguished healthcare professional, author, and mentor. She has been honored with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for her extensive community service and impact.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and what you do?
I’m Dr. Natasha Weems, DNP, AGPCNP-BC, a recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for my community service and impact. I’m a mother and a wife, and I mentor young women, especially those in the healthcare industry. I’m also the author of The Unbreakable Woman: Embracing Resilience in Every Season. My educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Wayne State University, a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing Science and a Master’s degree in Adult Gerontology Primary Care from Oakland University, Michigan, and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP).
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What inspired you to pursue your career or business?
I was inspired by the desire for financial independence and to be an example for my daughters. As a woman of color, I wanted to exemplify success and reach back to help my community. I believe in being a role model and showing that it’s possible to achieve your dreams while uplifting others.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career/business and how did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is accessing financial funding on a larger scale. To overcome this, I made it a point to get into the right rooms, network strategically, and build relationships with key stakeholders who could help me advance my business goals.
How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?
I stay motivated by manifesting the life I envision and watching it materialize. Writing down my goals and having tangible plans to review keeps me focused. I believe in the power of visualization and continuously working towards building a supportive community and giving back.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your career/business journey so far?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is the importance of consistency. Success requires persistence and the understanding that failures are just lessons in disguise, making you stronger and more resilient.
How do you define success?
Success, to me, is living fully in alignment with my purpose and positively impacting the lives of others. It’s about personal growth, helping my community, and being able to provide for my family.
What is your biggest dream, and how are you working towards achieving it?
My biggest dream is to live freely and fully realize the vision God has assigned to me. I’m working towards this by staying true to my values, continuously setting and achieving goals, and being a connector who helps others find opportunities and support.
How has your faith or spirituality played a role in your career/business?
My faith in God fills me with love and compassion, which I extend to everyone I encounter. It’s the foundation of my desire to help others, whether through providing resources, offering support, or simply being a positive presence in someone’s life.
Who is your biggest inspiration, and why?
My biggest inspiration is my mother. She’s an incredible woman of high integrity and self-respect. She’s taught me how to love God, be a devoted wife and mother, and always act with kindness and dignity.
How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance?
I maintain balance by communicating openly with my husband and planning strategically for our children. We prioritize family time, travel, and making memories together. It’s essential to enjoy this season of life while also influencing others positively.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your field?
Understand that perfection is unattainable, so embrace your mistakes. Focus on what you think of yourself rather than others’ opinions. Be mindful of who you share your vision with, and always seek God’s guidance with your problems.
What is something that people often misunderstand about your work/business?
People often misunderstand my purpose and why I’m so helpful. They might not see the full scope of my work, which includes aesthetics, weight loss management, public speaking, and more. I strive to flourish and thrive in all areas, breaking away from conventional expectations.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your work/business?
The most rewarding aspect is mentoring young women and being a positive example of what women of color can achieve. It’s a blessing to inspire and support the next generation.
What is something that you’re passionate about outside of your work/business?
I’m passionate about my children and teaching them self-sufficiency, gratitude, and the importance of philanthropy. It’s crucial to instill these values early on.
What is the most valuable skill you have learned in your career/business?
Consistency. Being consistent in your efforts, even when facing failures, is key to long-term success. Every disappointment is a lesson that makes you stronger.
What is something you wish you knew when you were just starting out in your career/business?
I wish I had known how to access stronger financial resources and the importance of strategic networking from the beginning.
How do you deal with failure or setbacks?
I deal with setbacks by strategizing, regrouping, and researching. It’s about learning from each experience and coming back stronger.
What is your philosophy in life?
Take everything to God and love yourself. Self-love and faith are crucial for navigating life’s challenges.
What is that one life lesson that you learned a little too late?
I learned a little too late that people might not always reciprocate the love and support you offer. We are all different, and it’s essential to accept that.
What is one thing that you have accomplished that you’re most proud of?
Motherhood. Being a mother and raising my children is my greatest achievement. Being a wife and mother, I am the glue that keeps my family together, showing love and encouraging my husband and children.
How do you see yourself and your business/career evolving in the future?
I see myself impacting many lives by providing resources, connecting people, and being the support I wish I had. My business will continue to grow, offering more services and expanding its reach.
How do you give back to your community or make a positive impact in the world?
I give back by building community initiatives, such as food distribution and free healthcare clinics. Volunteering and providing essential services are ways I strive to make a positive impact.
What is your biggest regret in life?
My biggest regret is not believing in myself as strongly as I do now when I was younger. Self-belief is powerful and transformative.
Do you have a favorite quote? What is it?
Michelle Obama’s powerful quote: “The measure of a society is not how it treats its wealthiest, but how it cares for its most vulnerable.” This statement serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and empathy.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
The best advice I’ve ever received is to manifest my dreams and stay true to my vision, regardless of the challenges.
How do you stay innovative and adapt to changing circumstances in your field?
I stay innovative by continuously learning, pivoting when necessary, and staying open to new ideas and opportunities.
Finally, can you share a funny story or experience related to entrepreneurship that you’ve had?
One funny experience I had was during an event where I was so focused on networking that I accidentally introduced myself twice to the same person within a span of ten minutes. We had a good laugh about it, and it actually led to a meaningful conversation and connection.
ABOUT DIZZYDIDDY+MAG FACES:
“Celebrating Impactful Achievements Across Various Fields”
DIZZYDIDDY+MAG has launched a new initiative called “Face of the Week,” which aims to showcase the achievements of men and women who are making an impact in various fields, including entrepreneurship, entertainment, education, communication, and more. Each week of the year, from January to December, a new face will be introduced to the public through DIZZYDIDDY+MAG’s platform.
Many of these faces of the week will also be honored at the Crownys, which are the DIZZYDIDDY+MAG Awards and where all the faces and people who worked or partnered with DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS will be celebrated. The ultimate goal of this initiative is to give recognition and exposure to individuals who are making a positive difference in their respective fields.
The initiative will culminate with the release of a printed magazine in December for the Face Of The Year.
By highlighting the achievements of these individuals, DIZZYDIDDY+MAG hopes to inspire and encourage others to pursue their passions and make a positive impact in the world.
