You may have become familiar with Lisa Nicole Cloud through Bravo TV’s Married to Medicine, but this multi-hyphenate business woman was already teaching people how to “turn their passions into profit” as an author, direct sales expert, motivational speaker and sales trainer. And, with the Lisa Nicole Collection, she created a line of trend setting designs meant for today’s professional woman. In this COCOBelle of the Month interview, Lisa told us a little bit about what keeps her going professionally, how she wants to be portrayed on reality television, and what it was like to get advice from Oprah!
Tell us about a day in the life of a multifaceted author, direct sales expert, fashion designer, motivational speaker and sales trainer.
I start my day off with prayer and get centered for my day--an hour of power! Then I get dressed and go to the office to have meetings with my team to put a plan in place for what we want to accomplish for the week. We decide how much time to devote to all of our projects and lay a vision out together. The vision and the brand is “Lisa”, but I’m only as good as my team. I try to bring as much opportunity as possible by meeting with different people and pushing all of my businesses--everything needs to have forward progress! After work, my kids and family are my priority! I try to always make plans for dinner, say prayers before I go to bed and before the kids head to school in the morning. I commit at least three nights a week to uninterrupted time with my kids and two date nights a week with my husband.
What is your favorite part about what you do?
I love touching people’s lives every day and helping them to achieve their goals. At my 5Linx and Women Empowerment Network conferences I inspire people to go after their goals and dreams. My favorite part of what I do is making a positive impact on people’s lives financially, spiritually, personally, and professionally.
What inspired you to begin coaching other people to turn their "passions into profit"?
When I realized that I had a gift, I knew I had to share that gift with the world and teach others. I have vision and I’m really good at putting a strategy behind achieving a goal. I started to coach people by taking a systematic approach to both their business and personal lives through 5Linx, and WEN; and even with the Lisa Nicole Collection, I began working with models to (help them) see their inner beauty as well as their outer beauty, which led to them to have personal and professional breakthroughs.
What's the best piece of business advice you've ever received?
I had the opportunity to meet Oprah at the Live the Life You Want Conference where she gave me the best advice. Oprah told me to make sure I am intentional in everything that I do--to stay true to my authentic self. When you work in your authentic self, you can really see your growth and success, and your territory enlarges. It is important you know your gifts and know your assignments.
The standards for how women dress in the office and the boardroom is, in many industries, evolving and allowing for more self-expression. What does “power dressing” mean to you?
I believe that it is very important to dress for success. People do business in a manner based on their first impression of you. You need to convey power, sophistication and class. It is ok to be sexy, but not to be a distraction. Others need to see that you have a brain and hear that you're intelligent. They will not give you a chance if they don't see that on their first impression of you. My best piece of advice is don't dress for the position you have, dress for the position you want.
Why did you decide to delve into reality television as one of the stars of Married to Medicine? What's the most valuable thing you've learned from the show?
I really wanted to be a different example for people watching reality TV. African-Americans, especially women, are not portrayed in the best light on reality TV; women appear catty and dependent on a man. Even when women are strong, they are made out to appear as villains. I wanted to show collaboration and sisterhood and I have tried to stay true to that. However, this season on Married to Medicine you will see me out of character. Everyone has his or her limits. My family, husband and businesses are off limits. If you attack those things you will get a strong opinion; but I will always revert back to my authentic self and own up to my faults and mistakes. There is always room for growth no matter where you are in life and this season of Married to Medicine is an example of this. I will always stay true to who I am. What is important in my life is my family, staying positive, empowering and sharing medical information to help women. I want my life to revolve around positive things!
Let's talk health and beauty. What diet or fitness regimen do you follow to stay healthy and fit?
I exercise two to three times a week. However, I want to do this more. Exercise is a great stress reliever.
Tell us about your skincare routine. What’s your secret to flawless skin?
I’ve used Lancôme products for years; I especially love their cleanser and eye cream. For moisturizer I use Oil of Olay.
How do you keep your hair full and healthy and retain its length?
I’ve been blessed with naturally healthy hair! I use Pantene products, but you just need to find something that works for you and stay loyal to it. I also use Paul Mitchell Hair Serum to give a natural gloss and shine. My advice is to stay simple and do not get caught up in labels--stick with what works!
What 3 products are in your Ultimate Beauty Arsenal--those Holy Grail items you just can't live without?
Watch Lisa on Sunday, June 7th, when Married to Medicine returns to Bravo for its 3rd season, and learn more about her professional endeavors at her website, LisaNicoleCloud.com. You can connect with Lisa Nicole on social media via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
You might also like these past COCOBelle of the Month Interviews:
Ericka Pittman
Bevy Smith
LisaRaye McCoy
Tell us about a day in the life of a multifaceted author, direct sales expert, fashion designer, motivational speaker and sales trainer.
I start my day off with prayer and get centered for my day--an hour of power! Then I get dressed and go to the office to have meetings with my team to put a plan in place for what we want to accomplish for the week. We decide how much time to devote to all of our projects and lay a vision out together. The vision and the brand is “Lisa”, but I’m only as good as my team. I try to bring as much opportunity as possible by meeting with different people and pushing all of my businesses--everything needs to have forward progress! After work, my kids and family are my priority! I try to always make plans for dinner, say prayers before I go to bed and before the kids head to school in the morning. I commit at least three nights a week to uninterrupted time with my kids and two date nights a week with my husband.
What is your favorite part about what you do?
I love touching people’s lives every day and helping them to achieve their goals. At my 5Linx and Women Empowerment Network conferences I inspire people to go after their goals and dreams. My favorite part of what I do is making a positive impact on people’s lives financially, spiritually, personally, and professionally.
What inspired you to begin coaching other people to turn their "passions into profit"?
When I realized that I had a gift, I knew I had to share that gift with the world and teach others. I have vision and I’m really good at putting a strategy behind achieving a goal. I started to coach people by taking a systematic approach to both their business and personal lives through 5Linx, and WEN; and even with the Lisa Nicole Collection, I began working with models to (help them) see their inner beauty as well as their outer beauty, which led to them to have personal and professional breakthroughs.
What's the best piece of business advice you've ever received?
I had the opportunity to meet Oprah at the Live the Life You Want Conference where she gave me the best advice. Oprah told me to make sure I am intentional in everything that I do--to stay true to my authentic self. When you work in your authentic self, you can really see your growth and success, and your territory enlarges. It is important you know your gifts and know your assignments.
The standards for how women dress in the office and the boardroom is, in many industries, evolving and allowing for more self-expression. What does “power dressing” mean to you?
I believe that it is very important to dress for success. People do business in a manner based on their first impression of you. You need to convey power, sophistication and class. It is ok to be sexy, but not to be a distraction. Others need to see that you have a brain and hear that you're intelligent. They will not give you a chance if they don't see that on their first impression of you. My best piece of advice is don't dress for the position you have, dress for the position you want.
Why did you decide to delve into reality television as one of the stars of Married to Medicine? What's the most valuable thing you've learned from the show?
I really wanted to be a different example for people watching reality TV. African-Americans, especially women, are not portrayed in the best light on reality TV; women appear catty and dependent on a man. Even when women are strong, they are made out to appear as villains. I wanted to show collaboration and sisterhood and I have tried to stay true to that. However, this season on Married to Medicine you will see me out of character. Everyone has his or her limits. My family, husband and businesses are off limits. If you attack those things you will get a strong opinion; but I will always revert back to my authentic self and own up to my faults and mistakes. There is always room for growth no matter where you are in life and this season of Married to Medicine is an example of this. I will always stay true to who I am. What is important in my life is my family, staying positive, empowering and sharing medical information to help women. I want my life to revolve around positive things!
Let's talk health and beauty. What diet or fitness regimen do you follow to stay healthy and fit?
I exercise two to three times a week. However, I want to do this more. Exercise is a great stress reliever.
Tell us about your skincare routine. What’s your secret to flawless skin?
I’ve used Lancôme products for years; I especially love their cleanser and eye cream. For moisturizer I use Oil of Olay.
How do you keep your hair full and healthy and retain its length?
I’ve been blessed with naturally healthy hair! I use Pantene products, but you just need to find something that works for you and stay loyal to it. I also use Paul Mitchell Hair Serum to give a natural gloss and shine. My advice is to stay simple and do not get caught up in labels--stick with what works!
What 3 products are in your Ultimate Beauty Arsenal--those Holy Grail items you just can't live without?
Watch Lisa on Sunday, June 7th, when Married to Medicine returns to Bravo for its 3rd season, and learn more about her professional endeavors at her website, LisaNicoleCloud.com. You can connect with Lisa Nicole on social media via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
You might also like these past COCOBelle of the Month Interviews:
Ericka Pittman
Bevy Smith
LisaRaye McCoy