This story originally posted on February 14, 2020. Chris-Tia Donaldson has since passed away and we are reposting as a tribute to her inspirational life and work.
Glow Girl Chris-Tia Donaldson is a success story in every sense of the word. She is founder of Thank God It’s Natural (also known as tgin), a wholistic beauty brand available at Sally Beauty Supply and other top national retailers.
Donaldson is also author of, This is Only a Test: What Breast Cancer Taught me About Faith, Love, Hair and Business.
In this moving memoir, she stays true to her brand and offers wholistic advice on life. The book may be particularly interesting to those who have an entrepreneurial mindset and are looking to move their businesses (and their souls) to a higher ground.
Continue reading below to get Donaldson’s 7 rules for success and be faithful that your day to glow brighter is coming! — Markette Sheppard, Founder, Glow Stream TV
Rule #1: Make Sure Your Financial House Is in Order
At lot of times, entrepreneurs, including myself, can get so consumed with the business that they let everything else fall by the wayside. But, if you want your business to go far, your credit score needs to be tight.
For example, if you fell out with your cell phone provider 4 years ago and didn’t pay that bill, or if you have been late paying your car note, you need to take care of that ASAP.
OPM (Other People’s Money) is going to be completely off the table if your personal finances are a hot mess.
Rule #2: Find Shortcuts
Don’t reinvent the wheel. Look for people who can help you to reach your goals faster. Some of the best advice I’ve received has come from picking up the phone and calling people in my industry to ask for advice.
Also, be willing to pay for good advice. Sometimes that $100 consulting fee for an hour of conversation will save you two or three years of going around in circles.
Rule #3: Have a Business Plan
A business plan is critical to sealing any deal at a high level. If you have an idea and nothing in writing on paper, no one will take you seriously.
Rule #4: Don’t Quit Your Day Job
See how far you can get your business to grow without quitting your day job and try to apply for as much small business financial assistance while you’re employed.
Banks love to see a W-2 and money being earned, in addition to the revenue that your company is generating.
Rule #5: Shine Under Pressure
We will all face adversity at some point during this life. But know that during these difficult moments, not only will your character be tested, it will be built. Everything you go through is literally shaping you into the person you are supposed to be and is in line with your ultimate purpose.
Don’t shy away from the hard times. Have faith, grow closer to God, and thank him for whatever it is you’re going through.
Rule #6: Know That Power Moves are Great, But Faith Moves are Necessary
I tell people it doesn’t matter where you are in your business, you’re going to always find yourself scared and walking into the unknown. When I look back on all that I’ve accomplished, I know I couldn’t have done it without God or a great team.
If your dream doesn’t scare you or if you think you can do it on your own, then you’re probably not dreaming big enough!
Rule #7: Count Your Blessings Along the Way
Gratitude creates a momentum for blessings to come. When I was diagnosed with cancer, my first reaction was, “This is so unfair.” We’re all going through something. It doesn’t matter how shiny and fabulous someone’s life is on Instagram, when you pull back the curtain, we’re all dealing with money, love, health, or some other kind of issues.
When you learn to appreciate this magnificent roller coaster that it is filled with ups and downs, pain and pleasure, you start to embrace the essence of living, and really come to appreciate this beautiful thing called life.
And, while we are on the topic of well-being: recently, I made the decision to start observing the Sabbath. This means I shut down my cell phone
usually around at 6 p.m. on Friday evening and don’t turn it back on for 24 hours. During this time, I reflect, relax, listen to music and or podcasts, read my Bible, and do small chores. I literally just ground myself in myself. I may lounge around drinking green tea, water my house plants, and if the mood strikes, I may step out and get a massage or a pedicure.
I can say that in observing the Sabbath, the results I experienced were miraculous and continued to reinforce the word that I need to surrender everything to God—my company, my heart, my health, my finances, my family (Philippians 4:6-7).
I’m starting to learn when you work constantly without resting it’s because you unconsciously believe that you are in control and that God cannot provide for your needs.
I’m becoming more aware of my trust issues when it comes to Him and learning that rest is a part of being, not only kind to myself, but being a good Christian as well.
