Business/Entrepreneurship Archives - Summer Owens S.O. What!

Choosing Purpose and Resilience with Laurie Powell

Summer Owens — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 10:00:28 +0000

Some conversations stay with me because they press on something I know many of us are working through, even if we don’t always say it out loud. My recent S.O. What! Success Stories conversation with Laurie Powell was one of those moments. It made me think about what leadership really looks like when things feel […]

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Love Yourself: When Purpose Becomes Personal

Summer Owens — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 04:50:33 +0000

Over a decade ago, I created the Love Yourself Event because I saw a need. During Valentine’s season, while many celebrate romance, others quietly struggle. Some feel lonely. Others question their worth. Many carry silent battles. So, I decided to create a space that focused on self-worth instead of relationship status. And that helps to […]

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Where There’s a Will: Will Richardson Journey of Resilience and Purpose

Summer Owens — Sun, 16 Nov 2025 06:00:07 +0000

Life often throws labels and limitations our way, but what we choose to do with them defines who we become. Will Richardson’s story is a reminder that resilience, faith, and determination can turn doubt into destiny. Growing up in Memphis, Will was called the “black sheep” of his family and almost didn’t graduate high school. […]

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From South Memphis to Success: Meka Egwuekwe Story

Summer Owens — Sat, 30 Aug 2025 14:00:38 +0000

Growing up in South Memphis without his father, Meka Egwuekwe could have let his circumstances hold him back. Instead, he leaned on education, community, and faith to write a different story. From teaching himself programming as a kid to earning degrees from Morehouse and Duke, Meka proved that where you start doesn’t determine where you […]

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From Breakdown to Breakthrough: Mellissa McTizic Story of Unshakable Resilience

Summer Owens — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 04:10:56 +0000

When I think about resilience, Mellissa McTizic is one of the first names that comes to mind. Mellissa is a professional school counselor, fitness advocate, and line dance leader in our shared hometown of Bolivar, Tennessee. I’ve watched her transformation over the years, and it’s been nothing short of inspiring. Mellissa’s journey through weight loss, […]

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From Doubt to Destiny: Sam O’Bryant Resilient Path to Youth Empowerment

Summer Owens — Sun, 03 Aug 2025 06:00:38 +0000

Sam O’Bryant story is a powerful reminder that success rarely follows a straight line—and that’s exactly what makes it beautiful. As the first Black CEO of not just one but two major organizations—Literacy Mid-South and now BRIDGES USA—Sam’s leadership journey is grounded in resilience, purpose, and a relentless pursuit of impact. From growing up in […]

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Overcoming Exclusion: The Resilient Story of Nubian Simmons and The Pink Bakery

Summer Owens — Sun, 13 Jul 2025 06:30:03 +0000

Growing up with severe food allergies, Nubian Simmons often felt excluded from life’s special moments. Instead of letting those experiences define her, she chose to Overcome Obstacles, Eliminate Excuses, and Calculate Choices to create something meaningful—a bakery that welcomes everyone. Her journey led her to found The Pink Bakery, Inc., a company dedicated to producing […]

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From Adversity to Advocacy: LaDell Beamon Resilient Mission for South Memphis

Summer Owens — Sun, 06 Jul 2025 06:00:56 +0000

I had an inspiring conversation that truly embodies the S.O. What! Success System, and I’m excited to share it with you! In this episode of S.O. What! Success Stories, I reconnected with my friend LaDell Beamon, the founder of Heal the Hood Foundation. LaDell Beamon has faced tremendous challenges—from growing up in South Memphis surrounded […]

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How My Career at FedEx Shaped My Life: A Tribute to Fred Smith

Summer Owens — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 19:15:40 +0000

When I started my career at FedEx, I was stepping into a brand-new chapter of life. I had just gotten married. I had just left my role as Marketing Manager at ServiceMaster. And I was excited to land a job that I been pursuing since graduating from college six years earlier. I was blessed to […]

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