Every woman is a Divine Image of our heavenly Father! Throughout the year we will be shining the spotlight on several women who are making a permanent mark in the world. Take time to read their interviews and we pray that you will be edified, equipped and encouraged to continue to fulfill the will of God for your life!
Katrina Mitchell
A little background:
My name is Katrina M. Mitchell aka Katrina Michele, I was raised in Detroit, MI and currently reside in Oak Park, MI. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fashion Merchandising with a minor in Business Administration from Adrian College. My career has spanned over 19 years to include administration, sales, marketing, merchandising and management, working primarily in the retail and automotive industries. In 2001, I became a Certified Massage Therapist (CMT) and in 2005 I received my teacher’s certification in the same field.
JM: Katrina, what are you currently doing?
KM: Currently, I am the owner of Fundamentals Relaxation Spa in Ferndale, MI. Fundamentals Relaxation Spa is a full service day spa that promises its clients inner peace and outer beauty by providing luxurious spa services.
JM: Spa! Gotta' love it. With most of your experience in the retail and automotive fields, how did you decide to start a day spa?
KM: I have worked as a CMT since 2001. Ultimately I always knew that I would become an entrepreneur. Although I have held many, many jobs, I knew that I could not be an “employee” forever. In June of 2008, I purchased the spa from my previous employer.
My choice to become an entrepreneur has been the most rewarding and challenging decision that I have made. As a woman our ability to succeed and tenacity is often underestimated. Due to this misconception, I have an opportunity to shock the world with my success.
JM: That is awesome, Glory be to God! For our readers who are working at companies and thinking; "If I owned this company..." know that one day you can own that company! How did you make the transition from Therapist to owner?
KM: I'm still transitioning! If I had to write out a blueprint it would be:
1. I do all things in my business and personal life by the anointing of God. I ask and trust God to send credible people who will be a blessing to me in every area if my life.
2. I have a support system of family and friends who give me practical and spiritual advice. I carefully choose who I listen to and whose opinions I value. I also have a staff of six people who support me at the day spa; whose contributions to the success of Fundamentals is invaluable.
3. And finally, I have a team of business coaches and advisors that work closely with me to attain success in my business.
JM: What do you do in your free time?
KM: (laughs), Free time? Don't know what that is anymore; however I do make time to
serve in ministry under the leadership of Pastors Benjamin & Charisse Gibert of Detroit World Outreach Christian Center. I serve in the Prayer Engine ministry as an intercessor and prayer minister. I also serve in Product Fulfillment ministry providing support to the bookstore, satellite ministry and CD club. In addition, I serve as the Editor of Divine Image.
I enjoy creative writing. I love to dance (I have been dancing in some manner since I was 7 years old). I also enjoy retail merchandising.
JM: You and I have spoken often about your business being your ministry. Can you tell our readers why you envision your Spa as your ministry?
KM: Sure. Everything I do is done unto God and as a Christian my life is a ministry. So the Spa is just an extension of the ministry God has given to me. I received the vision for A Touch of Eden (now Eden Services Corp.) the Fall of 2003. Each day God is showing me more and more of his vision. Eden Services Corp. is the company that will bring many of my talents and skills under one umbrella;it will include Eden Spas – a bed and breakfast and conference center, a cosmetics division, concierge service, personal shopping and image consultant services. Purchasing Fundamentals Relaxation Spa was one piece of the vision and God is truly revealing new things to me daily, line upon line and precept upon precept. As I walk in my purpose this process seems like the most natural thing I have ever done.
I am reminded of the scripture in Psalm 139:15-17 (New International Version)
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
JM: I am excitedly watching his vision unfold in your life. I know that you are graced by God to do everything He's called you to do. Where do you see yourself in your personal life, business/ministry?
KM: In the “near” future? I will continue my pursuit to be the Proverbs 31 woman. I desire to be a wife. I want to devote more time to serving in my church's ministry. I plan to fully enjoy the freedom and the prosperity that comes with being an entrepreneur! In 2009, I will enroll in Trinity College of Natural Health to obtain a Doctorate in Naturopathy.
JM: What parting words would you like to leave with our readers?
KM: I quickly discovered that I, as a business owner, am the only one who can make my business grow. The same principle works for your spiritual growth.
I would encourage every woman to study God's word consistently. Create a journal where you document the revelation and manifestation of God. Use the prophetic and Rhema word of God as a guidepost.
Surround yourself with a healthy support system of people who will not only encourage you but who can help to move you forward along your destiny path. Don’t try to be a Superwoman. You cannot be successful on your own. Even Jesus had twelve disciples. Set realistic goals and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Develop a support system, which includes a sound spiritual leader, mentor, family and friends. These components are critical because each person sees you differently and will encourage, motivate and support you in a different manner.
Every one has had a few memorable failures. Don’t let your fears paralyze you. Let your fears accelerate your vision. Fear is based in negative emotion. Make a decision to operate in faith and not in fear. When you do this, the thing you were afraid of becomes the launching pad to take you the next point on your destiny path.
JM: Thank you for making the time to edify, equip and encourage others! Your words are inspiring to me and I am sure they will resonate with our readers!
Have a blessed and prosperous day!
Peace.
