"Q&A With Andrea D. Boyd"

February 22, 2018

Book: Journey Unexpected: Navigating Through the Struggles of Post-Grad Life and Learning to Submits to God's Timeline!

Author: Andrea D. Boyd

Photo Courtesy of Andrea D. Boyd

Author: Andrea D. Boyd

Author Bio:

"Leaving college and entering the "working" world can be one of the most frightening yet exciting times of your life. For me, I knew I was stepping into a new phase of life and that scared me due to all of the unknowns. So, if you are a recent graduate or still in school and are feeling anxious about life after college, this book is for you!

I share my story in this book because prior to graduation, I had no idea what to expect about life after college. I hadn't heard many stories about what I needed to be ready for. I had my life mapped out and planned down to various ages, jobs, situations, etc. and was for sure sticking to it. But I soon realized that my plan left out a critical element: consulting God along the way!" (Source: http://www.simplydrea.com)

1. What was your biggest concern about graduating and entering the working world?

My biggest concern was that I had NO IDEA what to expect or what I was even doing. At one point, I felt as though I was being thrown into the deep end without any prior swimming lessons and expected not to drown. I did not have a job coming out of college so I wasn't sure of the plan or even what I would do with my life.

I was also looking around and seeing my peers with their glamorous jobs and the spirit of comparison stepped in, kicking me while I was already down. I literally had no idea what to do and that terrified me!

2. What does Conquerors Through Him do? // What are some of your favorite accomplishments your business has done?

Conquerors Through Him is a Christian based community focused on fully running after our God-given purpose with a community of believers supporting you along the way. Our prayer is to encourage people to push through when life gets hard and to press towards God rather than running or pushing away from Him. We believe that together, we are powerful and can truly impact a generation through God's love!

What I absolutely love about Conquerors Through Him is that people write in and allow our CTH Family to come together and lift their requests up in prayer. I truly believe that we can accomplish so much with unity and love and by encouraging our brothers and sisters to be greater every single day!

3. What is some advice you have for people scared to take action on a business idea?

Go for it! Pray about it, make a plan, and execute the vision! There is a quote that I love and refuse to except that pushes me past my fears!

“The graveyard is the richest place on earth, because it is here that you will find all the hopes and dreams that were never fulfilled, the books that were never written, the songs that were never sung, the inventions that were never shared, the cures that were never discovered, all because someone was too afraid to take that first step, keep with the problem, or determined to carry out their dream.” ― Les Brown

I refuse to let my God-given purpose waste away because I was too afraid to go after my dreams of a greater life and purpose! So my advice is to put your excuses aside and realize that you can accomplish your goal if you put the work in for it. Nothing is too hard or unobtainable if you really want it!

4. What have you learned about yourself through entrepreneurship?

I've truly learned to feel the fear and do it anyway. I use to back off of things that would scare me and think that because something was too hard, I couldn't do it which is a miserable way to live. I've learned also to breathe and relax when I get worked up and to truly rest in God's peace as I work hard.

I've made several mistakes but at the end of the day, I don't consider them as bad mistakes as long as I learned from them and picked myself up and got back in the game. I've also learned to have a drive to always keep learning as much as I can whenever I can! I read a ton of books, watch hundreds of sermons, and listen to countless podcasts on how to be successful and chase after your God-given purpose. I am always striving to better myself in every way possible!

5. How has growing your faith helped you balance your personal and work life?

God has truly taken me to places I could never even imagined. Placing my faith in Jesus takes a huge weight off of my shoulders because I realize that I do not have to do this alone and that I am not competent enough to run my own life without the Holy Spirit's guidance.

When work and my personal life start to get the best of me, I simply rest in God knowing that He knows my tomorrow and that He will surely direct my paths on where I should go!

6. What would your advice be to freshman entering college that would help them avoid some of the challenges you faced?

Honestly, my freshman year was AMAZING!! My simple advice for a college freshman would be to work hard but also get out and have the time of your life. Freshman year was such a fun year for me and once you learn to balance school and fun, it will be amazing for you too! So many people get to wrapped up in school work but college is an overall experience that you only get once (well the undergrad experience at least). So get out and have fun, meet new people, try new fun adventures, and explore your college towns - just get out and have fun!!!

7. What is the best book you have read in 2018?

I'm currently reading the book "Greater" by Pastor Steven Furtick and it is absolutely amazing! It challenges you to press into the greater things God has for our lives - I 100% recommend it!

8. Do you plan on writing more books in the future?

Absolutely! I am currently working on Book #2 and am really excited about it! Book #3 is also brewing as well and I can hardly wait to publish it. I absolutely love writing and always have so I definitely don't see myself stopping anytime soon! Be sure to stay connected ( SimplyDrea.com ) so you all can be the first to know when new books come out!

9. What is the best advice you have ever received on happiness?

That our true joy and happiness comes from God! Also, to mind the company you keep because it matters in terms of your mindset and spiritual walk! We live in a time of constant distraction and comparison so to limit that, I always advise to be careful who you follow on social media and make sure you are always in a state of gratitude and contentment.

I'd absolutely love to connect with you all via social media and my website! Be sure to follow me on Instagram and Twitter @DreaDeniise and subscribe to the #Squad email list on SimplyDrea.com!