KHADIJA ALISAMHOUL-HARRIS
This is a girl who lost both parents to the one disease that is a respector of no creed or race— cancer! We all know someone with a similar case, and it’s not easy! Despite that, today she owns her own business, is employed as a government officer and is also a fashion model. If that wasn’t enough— she has now become a proud JMTer!!! Hi my name is Khadija, and I could have stayed lost after losing my parents and having to raise my kids alone as a single mom — But NO! — I chose to rise up, turn my dreams into goals, and be destined for greatness. I endured ! I succeeded without excuses and procrastination! You can do it too! Once you believe in yourself !
I am an entrepreneur who spent most of my teenage years growing up learning the ins and outs of running our family businesses! Growing up with parents who were both industrious entrepreneurs has granted me the opportunity to experience the world differently. I witnessed their successes and failures through the growing pains of business which permitted me to develop my communication skills and dealing with people.
As a woman who many thought would have never become anything worthwhile, surpassed all their expectations! I have owned and managed a thriving janitorial company in Trinidad & Tobago, since 2008 along with inherited years of skill set. I am a graduate of an associates degree in ACCA-Certified Accounts Technician, but chose to immediately resume my career in the corporate sector. My Choices in life has purposely propelled a level of independence that already existed within me to emanate.
Contentment is the greatest treasure, but I found myself not wanting to settle for less than I deserved so Besides running my company, I hungered for more challenges. I was hired as a government employee around the same time I opened my business. Although these two jobs keep me quite busy and agile, I also have a passion for fashion. Now That’s Living By Design And Not Default!!! I love being a fashion model. To me, it’s more than just walking in an outfit. It’s making a statement of who you are, bringing out the Caribbean aesthetics, in those clothes and being comfortable and confident in the skin you are in. There is Nothing more satisfying that wearing my natural beauty on the runway, and for me that’s wearing no makeup because I have a green birthmark that is quite unique. I don’t see it as a flaw but as a unique affirmation about women who can empower other women regardless of their ethnicity or scars that make you YOU!
For many who struggle with finding themselves, or even have fears of failing, remember that your will has to be stronger than your excuses and your will has to be stronger than your fears! Will Power Will Empower You! I used writing as a tool to empower me, as a time to reinvest in my positive mental attitude, therefore I indulged penning my thoughts into poetry and reading inspirational books that would open my mind. When I heard about John Maxwell In late 2016, it peeked my interest, and as I delved into his books, the quote “blow the cap off your capacity” echoed within my soul and that’s when I knew I needed to dig deeper into developing myself with the intentions of growing forward as a leader!
As a single parent of one son and twin daughters, I believe in not only talking the talk but walking the talk! In everything I do my 1st audience has always been my children. They have had the pleasures and pains of heeding to all my advice I can bestow upon them based on my experiences.
The universe is unfolding as it should as my journey has been preciously filled with faith. Finding positivity in every negative or hurtful situation has kept me in peace and not pieces. Therefore, as I jump and develop my wings on the way down, my attitude of servitude towards people will foster gratitude and love that can only radiate my passion, my courage and my confidence to build people up and add value to them!