By Lynette Barbieri and Jana Roos

Running a thriving business takes drive, determination, and a whole lot of hustle! We’re spotlighting four savvy entrepreneurs whose immense success proves how a little belief and a big leap of faith can land you a leading role in your own life. Looking to recalibrate your career path? Let their accomplishments be your compass.

Erica Rachelle Deligne

Huntington, WV + New York, NY

Delightfully Deligne

LLC Owner + Digital Creator

DelightfullyDeligne.com

MY BUSINESS:

I started my company in 2014 when I began blogging and offering style sessions. After a couple of years, it evolved into a media agency that offers advertising creatives with advertising campaign management on digital platforms. Currently, my focus as a breast cancer survivor and entrepreneur is leveraging my creative services and voice to help create more flat representation in the fashion and TV industry. I partner with designers and brands to be more inclusive and increase flat visibility for women who have suffered from failed reconstruction and/or opted to go flat initially due to breast cancer. There are so many of us, and the number of women opting to go flat-chested continues to increase each year as more research comes to light about breast implant illness.

MOST REWARDING:

Before breast cancer, it was seeing the growth of businesses I worked with. Lately, it is more about empowering women. It’s being a voice by using my platform to create awareness, offer style advice, and provide inspiration to women—especially those who have been recently diagnosed with breast cancer.

SECRET TO MY SUCCESS:

Purpose. We are all searching for our purpose; it is why we are all here. The secret to success is finding your purpose and being passionate about what you do.

Heather ‘Tamera’ McLaughlin

Washington, DC

Tymely Matters

CEO

TymelyMatters.com

MY BUSINESS:

I launched Tymely Matters in September of 2022. We specialize in providing organic and natural skincare products. Every item is handcrafted—soaps, face and body butters, clay masks, serums, scrubs, and a recently introduced sunscreen.

MOST REWARDING:

The most rewarding aspect of my job is that I get to create skin care products. That is something I have always prioritized, and I am pleased I can now do it formally for my business. I adore making products that positively impact the lives of others.

SECRET TO MY SUCCESS:

The secret to my success is that I am not afraid of change and I enjoy learning from others and from myself.

Jessica Carter Altman

New York City, NY; Nashville, TN;

and Washington, DC

Singer-Songwriter

JessicaCarterAltman.com, Instagram.com/Jessica.Carter.Altman

MY BUSINESS:

I am a singer-songwriter. I have two EPs out now, “No Rules” and “For You.” I am about to release my third. I still pinch myself that I get to make music for a living.

MOST REWARDING:

There is the obvious joy and sense of pride in creating something and being able to share it with people. But just as important is everything that goes into making it—the incredible people I am able to work with and learn from, the hard work, and the long hours. I love every moment.

SECRET TO MY SUCCESS:

Believe in yourself.

Joyce Eck

Yardley, PA

43 OAK

Chief Operating Officer

43OAK.com

MY BUSINESS:

43 OAK is a media buying and planning advertising agency. We focus on advising and protecting our clients within the media landscape, from traditional to digital needs. We specialize in negotiation within a highly volatile marketplace, and utilizing relationships to accomplish the best possible outcomes financially and logistically for our clients in their desired markets. I oversee all operations within the 43 OAK brand.

MOST REWARDING:

Seeing our clients benefit financially with their hard-earned money. Our clients entrust us with millions of dollars. It is pivotal that we deliver the best placement, assets, and financial plans for every single client who comes to us for help.

SECRET TO MY SUCCESS:

Organization is everything in our business. My biggest responsibility is to make sure we are running on all cylinders at all times.