Advice: We give it, we accept it and, even if unsolicited, we get it. Some of us use it wisely, some let it go in one ear and out of the other—unless, of course, it’s coming from someone who shares similar experiences or someone renown. Jewel Tankard has the distinction of leading a church congregation, being involved in a reality television show, and being a motivational speaker. With those tools available to her, it’s no wonder people want to hear what she has to say.
The co-star of Bravo TV’s “Thicker Than Water” has already written a book and is currently writing another. She also co-pastors The Destiny Center with her husband, Ben Tankard. BlackEnterprise.com talked with her about her journey to motivate others toward financial freedom.
BlackEnterprise.com: What is The Destiny Center is and why it was started.
Jewel Tankard: Destiny Center was started because Ben and I had a passion to see people walk in their God-given destiny. When a person is walking in his or her destiny 100% he’s not easily distracted.
What are some of the pressures you and your husband face running such an establishment?
Our biggest challenge in our ventures is maintaining balance with all of the business.
You are also a motivational speaker, how do you become motivated to help others and not only become but STAY motivated to motivate?
I have big vision and big dreams and I stay connected to people with [the] same mindset. Listening to others who have achieved and accomplished more than I have accomplished also inspires me. I also focus on my personal development by attending conferences with same subject.
You’ve written a book, Millionairess Lifestyle and you will be releasing another, Full Tank Life for Women: Maximizing Your Finances, and you’ve launched the Millionairess Lifestyle Book Club, for readers who may not know about the books or the club, could you explain the reasons you’ve written the books and the purpose of the book club?
I’ve not finished my second book Full Tank Life for Women: Maximizing Your Finance. But my purpose for writing the books was that throughout my travel and speaking engagements, I meet so many women who need financial advice. They would often ask what is my story and how I accomplished success in my businesses. I knew if I put it in writing, people would have easy access to it at any given time and so I wrote the book as a guide. I am writing Full Tank Finances for Women
as a more in depth guide to women managing their finances.You’re involved with the Baltimore African American Festival, what prompted your involvement?
Sharon Page asked me to participate in this great event. I love to inspire people and when I meet someone like Sharon who believes in advancing and educating people from all walks of life, I am usually excited about it and ready to give my support in in any way that is possible. These type of events speak to some of the core values and who I am.
You and your family are doing a reality show on Bravo, “Thicker Than Water: The Tankards,†what type of show is it, how involved are you and what are your expectations of it?
TTW is a reality show that exposes as we face real life challenges. We are a blended family and what I realized is that the traditional family issues and
relational issues are the same issues that we face as a blended family. I have learned to stop expecting perfection. We train our family to focus on our own imperfections and be lenient and give them grace in the judgment of others imperfections. We expect to impact families especially the African American families to show them that no matter what challenges we face we are a family and can overcome any adversity. The core is trust, faith, prayer, and love.What do you owe your success to?
I am successful because of Jesus Christ. I believe in the power of prayer and make sure that I pray daily. I also honor my parents Earthel and June LaGreen. They are awesome examples of hard work and dedication would allow me to achieve success. My spiritual family, Bishop Wayne T and Dr. Beverly Jackson, Dr Creflo and Taffi Dollar, Dr. Rick Layton, and Barbara Layton. They were all instrumental in giving me spiritual guidance and which is definitely an attribute to my success. Finally, but not least, my fine, anointed man of God, Ben Tankard. This man has stood behind me and supported me in every endeavor I ever dreamed about. He has never discouraged me and always encourages me to be the best woman I can be while I live this precious thing called life.
Is there anything that you’d like to accomplish that you haven’t done yet?
I would like to have my own talk show. My talk show would consist of having different successful individuals, especially women, to come on and share their stories, including triumphs and challenges, as a means to encourage others that they can make it too. I want them to be able to see people from all walks of life living their dreams and providing motivation for the onlookers that they can do the same.
With so much success in your businesses, how do you handle your business versus your family life? Is there a such thing as free time for Jewel Tankard?
I really make time to find balance in my life. That may be a periodical mini vacation, that may be taking one day to myself, but I make sure that living this whole life includes having some time to myself for restoration.