Today we’d like to introduce you to Neferteri Plessy
Thanks for sharing your story with us Neferteri. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My story begins in New Orleans, Louisiana. My mother and I relocated to Oakland, California when I was five years old. My mother and father’s relationship was shattered by domestic violence, and although my mother wanted nothing more but for her family to stay together she knew she had to focus on her number one priority, protecting me and putting her safety and physical health first.
Being raised in Oakland, I experienced life lessons that I take with me to this day. These life lessons include being proud of my heritage, making it a point to know my history and taking action to make a difference in the lives of those around me. Oakland is embedded in me through its revolutionary environment of activism, culture, music, art and proud people of color.
My journey into the world of entertainment landed me in San Francisco, California which was just a Bart Train ride away. This beautiful golden city taught me to never give up. You see, I had ambition to become a model, this led me to new talent open calls at San Francisco’s top three modeling agencies. What happened next would shift my life forever, they all turned me down to be represented by their agency. Because I come from the world of fighters and leaders, I told myself it’s not your turn right now, but do not give up your time is coming. I continued to focus on school and even took modeling classes at the local Barbizon that my mother enrolled me in.
After graduating from high school, I enrolled in college with a major in computer science. My goal at that time was to become a video game creator, you see I’ve always been a computer nerd. My college days only lasted for one year. Shortly thereafter, I was scouted during a modeling open call which led me to signing a contract with Playboy Magazine as Miss. July 2000. The high paced life took me around the world as a model, actress and TV Host. I have had the pleasure of being featured on TV networks such as UPN, The WB, Starz, BET and HGTV. I’ve walked the runways of New York Fashion Week for designer Betsey Johnson. I’ve been the feature model in music videos for artists such as Justin Timberlake, Jay-Z, Usher, and 50 Cents.
While the Hollywood life was an adventure that kept me driven to achieve more daily, I was not fulfilled by this alone. I knew that I wanted to be married and start a family. That is when it happened, I was blessed to meet my then husband when I turned 25. We got married and started our family right away. We were a young couple full of hope, faith, and love. The one thing that we needed more of was guidance – guidance on what a marriage really entailed and guidance on developing the tools to be present for your family.
After five years of marriage, our relationship ended in divorce. This literally rocked my world, I did not have a plan for something like this, and lord knows I’ve always loved to plan everything out. I did not have the emotional, spiritual or maturity needed to get myself through to the other side, I was lost, confused, and depressed. It took me two years to get myself back into alignment with my power and through church counseling, meditation, exercise and family, my grey skies turned blue again. The one thing that marriage taught me about life is that the things we mismanage we lose and that to truly see the fruits of our labor we must first learn the skill of management.
My heart for empowering women was ignited by my mother. Her commitment to family, health, wellness and education lead me into a path of uplifting mothers. After birthing two sons and seeing my marriage crumble before my eyes, I felt firsthand the unique challenges that mothers face. After my divorce, I struggled like many new single moms to find balance, self-fulfillment, and clarity. First and foremost among my concerns were my children and how to ensure a happy and stable life for them.
My journey of motherhood, family and the heartache of divorce lead me to founding the Smart Mommy campaign which provides courses, conferences and virtual education to mom business owners, entrepreneurs and executives. Helping them thrive in business without sacrificing their family life. I am also the Founder and CEO of the national non-profit organization Single Moms Planet which provides financial literacy, online education, resources, and summer camps for children.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Overcoming my divorce was my biggest struggle. I am thankful for my mother who was there for me every step of the way. And I’m also thankful to friends and extended family for their support. But I realized then that the journey to creating your life by being committed to making a difference in the world can be an amazing ride. Late nights, isolation and sacrifice are the first words that come to mind when describing my journey. The road has not always been smooth, but it has been worth it. What I have learned along the way is that having proper guidance, coaching, and mentorship when starting a new journey is key. You must surround yourself with those who have already successfully gone down the road that you desire to journey on.
Please tell us about The Smart Mommy Campaign & Single Moms Planet.
My company the Smart Mommy campaign provides courses, conferences and virtual education to mom business owners, entrepreneurs and executives. Helping them thrive in business without sacrificing their family life. It’s at neferteriplessy.com, for those that want to learn more. What I am most proud of is the fact that I am also the Founder and CEO of the non-profit Single Moms Planet. Since its inception Single Moms Planet has proven to bring much needed community programming to the families that need it most. Over a third of all children are being raised in a single parent household and the majority are headed by single mothers who are destitute living in poverty. Through my work at Single Moms Planet we have transformed the lives of thousands of mothers and their children through financial education, family support through summer camping trips, and online programming. We provide job training, parenting classes, counseling, medical referrals, summer camps for kids, mixers for single moms to get together and share stories, as well as the annual Single Mom’s Awards and more.
I am also proud of the community partnerships that we’ve developed with organizations and companies that support and uplift families. I’m thrilled that in celebration of Mother’s Day, Single Moms Planet has partnered with RepairSmith, the at-home car repair and maintenance service to honor deserving single mothers in the Los Angeles area. Through our partnership, RepairSmith.com will be delivering its, No-Contact Car Repair’ service for free to active members of Single Moms Planet in need of car repairs.
What sets us apart is that we are proud of our impact on mothers who are encouraged to take charge of their lives, health, finances, and family legacy development. Our passion to empower moms who are business owners, entrepreneurs and leaders has given me the opportunity to coach more than 5,000 mothers into living their best life now.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I am my word. When I speak, I stay committed to my word through my vision, goal setting, accountability and positivity. In an era where truth and ethics take a back seat to political expediency, I believe it’s important that we as mothers and leaders set the example for truth and justice for our children and others. Moreover, I do not allow circumstances or my feelings to get in the way of what I’m committed to accomplishing. It is one of the hard-fought lessons I’ve learned that I try to instill in my kids and in our amazing members. As single moms, we’ve all discovered the value of self-reliance, dedication and the ability to keep going when everyone else stops. I hope everyone will visit our site, www.SingleMomsPlanet.org
Contact Info:
- Address: Single Moms Planet
1021 Pico Blvd
Santa Monica, CA. 90405 - Website: www.neferteriplessy.com
- Email: hello@neferteriplessy.com
Image Credit:
Bradford Rogne Photography, Billy Baque Photography, VCB Photography
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