Today we’d like to introduce you to Genesis Hey Krick.
Genesis, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Long ago, I knew that it was necessary for me to change the lives of others. I didn’t know at the time how great a calling I would have on my life to make a difference, but looking back it was probably a good thing otherwise I may not have moved forward with the next steps that were necessary. The life of an entrepreneur is hard, it is challenging and there are many ups and downs that occur when trying to get started. We never know for sure when something is going to work out but we have to try it anyway to fulfill our purpose.
15 years ago, I was in a completely different place working on the rooftop for the Cubbies. My life was compromised of having fun, drinking, eating and socializing. This was amazing for 5 years but I knew it wouldn’t last and that it was necessary for me to get a real gig going. After working a few different jobs, I quickly realized that I had a strong desire to make a difference in the lives of others. I wanted to do more than just sell someone something. I discovered through a friend that there was an opening for a paraprofessional at the Walt Disney Magnet School, which was right down the street from where I lived. I thought perhaps maybe getting the job would open up some doors.
After a few interviews, I was hired, and wholeheartedly knowing that it was meant to be. During this year I worked diligently with many talented students. I also was able to spend much time with special needs children which opened my eyes to how difficult life could be. I was devastated when I found out about many of their home lives. Through that experience, I realized that I wanted to speak to the hearts of the youth by providing them the opportunities that may not be given to them at home. I thought going into teaching was the answer but after careful research I discovered that there were many limitation to the public school system and I opted out of getting my Master’s in teaching.
From there, I made a decision to get a Master’s of Organizational Leadership and specialize in training and development. This program was difficult but it helped me to grow and break outside my comfort zone by taking my speaking ability to a whole new level. I had officially become a voice that would speak to the hearts of those that needed to hear an inspiring message. I facilitated engagements through the Boys and Girls Club, Cabrini Green at (By the Hand for Kids), Moody Church, and Junior League of Chicago. What I realized was that I wanted to take things a step further by reaching individuals in Los Angeles. It has always been a dream of mine to move there so in 2010 I made the big move to explore and discover what this city was all about. I quickly found myself in awe of the people and lifestyle. It is not a place for the faint of heart because of the vast amount of competition for every job available. It changes people, just as it changed me.
As I became more plugged in, I discovered opportunities in the Beverly Hills district to work with small business owners as a business consultant and training and development specialist. I worked with organizations to help them build teams, create long and short-term goals through strategic planning, develop marketing plans, and help with leadership skills training. I also was able to speak to the LACER Group, Boys and Girls Club of Venice, Fusion Academy and many others. Many lives were changed and it was very purposeful work I met many influential people but life was challenging. My family lived 2000 miles away and often times I felt lonely in the hustle/bustle of the big city.
A few months prior, I met someone who helped me to feel better about being so far. He was a great support to me, as I pursued my dreams to change lives through speaking and training. We were together in every way, everyday sharing our lives but realized that after many ups and downs we needed to go our separate ways. A few weeks later I found myself pregnant. In an instant my hope and dreams were dashed and I had no idea what I was going to do. I finally got the courage to call my mom and share with her the news and she convinced me to come home to live with them. I knew life would never be the same but I had no doubt this little person was meant to be here.
After returning, I spent a lot of time finding myself, reflect on all of the amazing experiences God had allowed me up until this point in my life. I was an influencer and a messenger of hope and just because I was going to be a mommy didn’t mean that I couldn’t still pursue my calling. Soon after coming home I was able to get a job marketing and continued my entrepreneurial aspirations to speak, coach and train others. When I started sharing my story of struggle and heartache with others, they encouraged me to speak to those that needed to hear it.
Little by little, more and more speaking opportunities presented themselves and before I knew it I was touching the hearts of the youth, single moms, corporate employees and so many others. When I had my son it was a joyous day, one that any mother can relate to as a moment in time that will never be forgotten. I lived life as a single mom and then one day went on a blind date and the rest was history. I married Jay Krick August 1st, 2015 and we have two more beautiful children that have been added to our lives.
Today, I have written 3 books, “Unleash Your Potential,” helping young adults to create a successful future through strategic planning, “Shine on, a 60 day devotional,” and “Hey, do you need Exposure,” collaborated on 2 books, “The 21 Day Success Plan,” and “Confessions of a Full Time Mom,” and am in the process of working on another. I love to write and make a difference. If I am not writing then I am creating content another way, whether it be through my Youtube Channel, Genesis Hey Krick or my weekly Podcast, “Shine on Women,” Which encourages women to thrive daily as an entrepreneur through success strategies, tips and stories. I provide great content and interview other women entrepreneurs. Some people ask, how I do it all and I share with them that there is a season for everything. There are times when I focus more on writing and other times when I travel to speak more often, but my family and God are always my priorities and when I base my decisions on them everything else falls into place. I am thankful for my life and all of my experiences because it made me who I am today, a messenger of hope with a great story to share.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There have many struggles along the way, especially financial. If you quit your 9 to 5, it is important to have something coming in or you may find yourself in a bad spot. When I quit my job and moved out to California, I didn’t have anything lined up. I had it in my mind that everything would fall into place. Many things worked out well but I experienced a lot of stress and struggle that could have been prevented had I established even a small source of income prior. A simple but profound piece of advice is to never give up on your dream because at times that next goal may seem impossible or out of reach. Baby step your way to the top. Even if you are only taking one step a day, you are progressing and getting closer. After many years of training as a runner, one thing that I learned that can be applied to daily living is that it is necessary to believe in yourself no matter what you are going through because decisions and actions are 90% mind, 10% physical. If you have made a decision to do something and you are firm in that then there is nothing that can stop you.
Please tell us about Genesis Hey Krick – Dream – Ignite – Build.
I am a motivational speaker. I provide specialized speaking engagements to youth organizations, corporations, and small business owners (my niche is goal setting, team building, and leadership development).
I also provide one on-one-coaching for mompreneurs working to create a life in balance while building a business, managing a household, and taking care of their children.
I am an author. I have written 3 books, “Unleash Your Potential,” helping young adults to create a successful future through strategic planning, “Shine on, a 60 day devotional,” and “Hey, do you need Exposure,” which helps entrepreneurs create videos that sell their business. I have collaborated on 2 books, “The 21 Day Success Plan,” and “Confessions of a Full Time Mom,” and am in the process of working on another. I love to write and make a difference.
I host a weekly podcast called “Shine on Women,” helping women entrepreneurs to share their message with the world and also providing tips, strategies, and advice for other women wanting to incorporate new ideas, positive changes, and skills into their lives.
I am most proud of the hearts that I touch when speaking to groups of people. There is nothing like individuals coming up to me after I speak and share how it made a difference to hear my message. When I coach individuals, it is so fulfilling when they share their breakthroughs. I love knowing I was a part of that process.
What set me apart from others is the meaning of my name, “Genesis” I like to think of myself as a new beginning for those that I influence and inspire. My hope is that they will receive takeaways that will stay with them the rest of their life.
Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
I think that women are well positioned for leadership roles. Women are able to overcome obstacles, make difficult decisions and manage tasks and responsibilities where necessary. Women have the potential to be a voice for other women, young and old, to encourage and motivate them to follow their dreams and achieve their goals. So, whether there is an opportunity to host a podcast, be a CEO of an organization, or even a stay at home mom mentoring her kids, women have a chance to create a major influence on the future generation.
Contact Info:
- Address: 986 Mile Road
Dixon, IL 61021 - Website: www.genesisspeaks.com and www.genesisheykrick.com
- Phone: 815-440-4812
- Email: genesis@genesisspeaks.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genesisspeaks/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genesisspeaks
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/genesishey
Image Credit:
Verdant Photography – Crystal Kalebaugh Green
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