Transitioning always comes with its own unique set of challenges, but that doesn’t mean the career switch is impossible. After 10 years of service with the Marine Corps and a battle with leukemia, Cynthia Williams found herself with a clean slate and a choice to make. When she ultimately thrived in Molly Maid franchise ownership, her success brought hope to veterans and cancer survivors everywhere.
U.S. Veterans Magazine sat down with Williams to talk about her journey and how her experiences as a Marine and a business owner have aided each other.
What ultimately led you to enter the Marine Corps?
While attending the University of South Carolina, I joined the USNR to help with my college costs. While in college, I met the executive officer of the NROTC unit, who was a lieutenant colonel in the Marine Corps. He talked to me and told me that he believed that I could be a Marine. Prior to that I had not thought about being a Marine, but I was impressed by his professionalism and the Marine Corps. After that I began to investigate the requirements and decided to apply for an NROTC scholarship and start my journey to becoming a Marine Corps officer.
What was your biggest takeaway from serving and how has it helped you as a woman business owner?
My biggest takeaway from my time of service was learning resilience, leadership and overcoming adversity when facing obstacles. I learned that when facing obstacles you can’t give up, you must find a way to keep going. You may have to take a step back and develop a new plan, but you must make up your mind that you will overcome whatever the obstacle is. I also learned that planning is important. You need a clear plan; with a clear and defined plan you can leave the emotion out of things and reach your objective.
What inspires and motivates you each day?
I’m inspired by seeing others do well in their professions. I just get the feeling that if they could do it then I can as well. At our Molly Maid conventions, I’m always amazed at all the owners who are succeeding and hitting milestones. It inspires me as a Molly Maid owner because it is something that I can aspire to. I’m motivated to see results and then try to improve and exceed those expectations. Owning a business is a challenge, and you must be motivated daily to be the best and to improve in any way you can.
What was it about owning your own business that appealed to you?
One of my long-term goals was to be a business owner. I think it appealed to me because I felt that the skills, I acquired from my time in the United States Marine Corps and the management experience I had after that had prepared me to take on the responsibilities of a business owner. Taking a business from the beginning and growing it and hopefully having a lot of success was what I was hoping to accomplish. I also wanted more opportunities to help others and to contribute to the community. I want to be the type of person and business owner who motivates and inspires others.
Why Molly Maid and why a franchise?
I decided to pursue a franchise because I felt that I would have support and could get started with a system in place that would help me get a better start in my business pursuit. When I started my business journey, I researched several franchises and although they were all great opportunities I ultimately decided on Molly Maid. Molly Maid became my choice because of the business model, training and the support system. As I spoke to Molly Maid owners, I became confident that it was a good company and that I could be successful as a Molly Maid owner.
What’s the number one piece of advice you’d give to a female veteran who wants to follow your path?
The advice I’d give would be first and foremost to do a lot of research before making the plunge in entrepreneurship. After that I would suggest:
- Have a plan—you will need a plan for financing your business and make sure you understand how much you will be obligated to the franchisor. You need a business plan so you can understand where you want your business to grow and how you want to develop. Do an assessment of yourself and if you lack knowledge in an area address it by taking classes or getting help.
- Be a student—continue to be open to learning. Strive to be a better leader and a better business owner. You can take classes, network and join business groups.
- Accept that you will make mistakes and that you can learn from them.
- Have a plan for your work/life balance. Starting a business is hard work and requires a lot of time but you can’t let it be all-consuming. You have need to make sure you take time for you, your interests and your family.
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