My children and my promises to them that I will make a better life for them and show them how to be a successful woman with integrity.
2. What obstacles did you have to overcome to write a book?
I had to first overcome emotional pain that would allow me to comfortably write about my past experiences. I had never written a book before, and I didn’t know authors or other writing coaches at that time that could guide me in the process. Thankfully, I have a natural writing skill that allowed me to also do research and reference the books I’ve read on formatting.
3. What is your favorite book?
God’s Gonna Make You Laugh by Noel Jones
4. Are there songs that put you in the mood to write? What are they?
I love listening to music and to the television while I’m writing. I like to listen to Gospel, R&B and Hip-Hop depending on my mood. I’m such a moody writer so it’s more when the mood hits me that I will get on a flow. I’m also a big thinker so as I go throughout the day, I will write little notes and then make the decision to sit down and put everything together.
5. As a national speaker, what are your passions you hope to share with the world?
My passions are domestic abuse and promoting healthier relationships. I hope to share my personal experiences mixed with my professional experiences to help people understand domestic abuse in its totality from the victim, abuser and legal perspectives. I also want to help people learn how to have healthy relationships in order to minimize the rate of abuse. Finally, I want to tackle the hidden prevalence of abuse that is not appropriately addressed in the churches and among African-Americans.
6. What are your thoughts on coaching, writing and speaking as a career choice for others?
I believe people should pursue their passions and not just for money. Coaching, writing and speaking gives you the platform to impact a positive change in society and if you’re not clear on your purpose behind those efforts, your messages will be ineffective and less authentic.
7. Share one thing no one knows about you.
I often say that I’m done having children. But, I still think of raising more children either adopted or maybe having another.
8. Share one thing you wish you were better at.
I wish I was better at being a hustler in the sense of the hunger that those who are experts at marketing and publicity. If I had those skills, I believe I could have done more for myself at a much quicker pace.
9. Where do you see yourself in the next year? Five years?
I see myself traveling outside the DC Metro area for speaking opportunities on a full-time basis. In the next five years, I see myself writing another book or two. I also see myself expanding my business empire to include radio, television and investing or starting a business that my daughters can hopefully take over one day.
10. What advice or inspiration can you share with the readers?
I would like to inspire readers to keep going despite the obstacles. Trust the process of preparing to step into their big dreams. We have to learn how to be responsible with the little in order to be responsible with a lot.
For more information about Qiana Budd, or to find out about her book, The Pivotal Relationship, please connect with her on Facebook, or like her page.