To have hope means to have a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. In this series, we are highlighting women who possessed hope and trust that the desires of their hearts would happen.
Carrolet Thomas is the Founder and CEO of two companies, Aspiring To Be Read and Just Bee Happy LLC. She is a poet, writer, author, talk show host, public speaker, interior designer, professional consultant for literary, career, and workplace, teacher, counselor, and visionary. Aspiring To Be Read is the 1999, self-published book of poetry by Carrolet Thomas. In 2020, Ms. Thomas expanded her brand with a new website, http://www.aspiringtoberead.com and talk show.
Aspiring To Be Read is a Literary Media and Communications Company that promotes the stories of Black Authors and the people in our communities. On her talk show, Aspiring To Be Read, Carrolet Thomas interviews people from all backgrounds about their life and career. Just Bee Happy LLC is an American fashion company, designer brand and logo that was created and founded by Carrolet Thomas in 2020. The Just Bee Happy logo is a God Idea that was inspired by a loving response from her family to an emotional outburst of joy overflowing. Just Bee Happy is an online store that creates products and produces art that inspires humanity to welcome life each day and just be happy.
Carrolet Thomas is a graduate of Memphis State University, now known as The University of Memphis. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Management Information Systems. Lady Carrolet is a 2021 Participant in the First Fully Virtual Cohort and about to graduate from God’s Leading Ladies Life Enrichment Program through The Potter’s House of Dallas in Texas. She will soon be pursuing a Masters of Legal Studies degree from Washington University in St. Louis School of Law.
Carrolet Thomas has presented her poetry, virtually and in various venues, locally and nationally. At the age of five years old, she wrote a story with her mother’s help that was published in The Memphis Press-Scimitar, a local afternoon newspaper. She has been featured in The Commercial Appeal, on Fox 13 News, at The National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee, as a Keynote Speaker at Black Woman Confidential and on the cover of and interviewed in ARTist Feature Magazine, Spring 2021.
Carrolet Thomas has worked with people of all backgrounds and cultures. Her experience includes various positions in Education, Catalog Sales, Medical, Legal, Museum, Government, and Art settings. Having such a diverse work history, along with personal experiences, has qualified Ms. Thomas to speak to topics such as childhood and young-adult grief, being raised by a single parent, becoming a single parent, parental caregiving, raising younger siblings, being an empty nester, college prep and success, hostile work environments, being a victim of adult bullying, self-care, and mental health wellness.
Some of Ms. Thomas’s consulting interests are developing and maintaining workplace harmony and helping others discover God’s divine purpose for their life. Carrolet Thomas is a philanthropist and gives cheerfully of her time, talent, and treasure to causes that are close to her heart. Ms. Thomas is the mother of one son, Carl Catron, who is a professional musician and alumni of Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. Carrolet Thomas hopes to inspire more people to achieve their God assignments and reach their highest potential. She believes that The Bible is right, “For, with God, nothing is impossible.”
What inspired your start in entrepreneurship?
My motivation for becoming an entrepreneur was the desire to use my voice. I am a natural speaker, writer, and communicator. I am business-minded and have an earned Bachelor of Business Administration degree. I knew that I needed to find a way to combine my education, talents, and work experiences in a way that was creative, inspiring, and self-satisfying.
I am CEO of two companies, Aspiring To Be Read and Just Bee Happy LLC. Aspiring To Be Read is my online talk show of which I am the host. Just Bee Happy is an American fashion company, designer brand, and logo that I created and founded. It was God-inspired and is family-run.
What obstacles have you had to overcome to get where you are today?
I have had to have faith that believed that what God has promised me will come to pass, in His own time and in His own way.
What message of hope do you have for upcoming entrepreneurs?
God is a Promise Keeper. Work on the vision and trust the process. Know that at the divine time, everything and everyone that is needed will appear. Nothing is wasted. That in which you have imagined, if you work for it and believe for it, you will see it.
What are your top 3 go-to songs for motivation to keep going after your goals?
Working Day and Night by Michael Jackson
God Favors Me by Hezekiah Walker & LFC
Promises Never Fail by Bethel Music & Emmy Rose
(If I can add a 4th song, I would like to include Manifest by Jonathan Nelson)
What is your definition of a pretty woman who hustles?
A woman who is authentic and knows her worth and knows that God’s “Yes” is all it takes to be, do, and have the desires of her heart and who seeks to please Him, obey Him, delight in Him, love Him, and fulfill her God-given purpose against all odds and opposition and believes that she can… is my definition of a pretty woman that hustles. I am grateful that I am one of them.
Websites:
I believe GOD is working in and on your behalf! Love and respect for you and your voice. May GOD continue to bless you and your future, family, etc.