Meet Liz Faublas | Journalist, Writer, Communications & Marketing Specialist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Liz Faublas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Liz, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
What’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?

Business and personal do not mix. The two should never be conflated.
When I started my company, it was challenging for me to quiet my innate sense of empathy and kindness while working in a newsroom, on a set, or on a marketing or promotions campaign. I wanted to appear friendly, welcoming, engaging as if somehow this would make me a better journalist, producer, or businessperson. I thought it was critical to be endearing. That is, until I realized that perception invited a whole slew of adverse reactions, ranging from straight disrespect to not being taken seriously as a professional.

As a black woman, the negative responses seemed amplified, targeted, and blatant. Keep in mind, gender bias and racism are real issues and add to perceived vulnerabilities (and yes, some deem friendliness as a vulnerability). I learned, you can be cordial, without becoming some character tantamount to a greeter a Disneyworld. I can write your book, report your news, strategize your PR campaign and still be reserved, yet approachable.

In all you do, be direct, be clear, be in control, and set the tone; your business is no exception. In fact, it is even more critical in that case.

Now, do not misunderstand; I encourage congenial customer service. I am not suggesting you should not establish a rapport with clients. You need that to build trust, loyalty, and a solid network. What I WILL tell any business owner is, it is never prudent to blur lines. Anyone who does not understand that, or challenges that ethos, or suggests you are an ineffective leader, owner, manager because you choose to keep it 100 and focus on the transaction being discussed, is probably not the person(s) you want to work with.

One perfect litmus test is to ask yourself: “Would this person behave this way, ask this favor, be late with a payment if it was anyone else?” If the answer is yes (or even maybe), finish what you started, close out the books, and move on. Time is money, and your time is invaluable.

Listen, you are in business to provide a service and make money. Some may call this cold, pragmatic, capitalistic, or some other term a person who is not in your position might assign to this way of thinking. Be that as it may, you work hard at what you do; it took years to learn the trade, develop the craft, perfect the art. You build your skillset every day for a purpose: You either want to make money, be recognized for your talent, teach others or all of the above. No one has the right to tell you how you should go about any of these things.

Always assert that your bottom line (financially or figuratively) is THE bottom line. If you do not control the boundaries of your career or business, you will set a bad precedent with employers, clients, and potential clients.

Sadly, those closest to you expect you to make certain allowances often because they believe since you are acquainted, they should not be held to the same standard of pricing, professional courtesies, or contractual obligations. It’s going to happen (if you let it), so be prepared to deal with it accordingly.

You (and only you) are responsible for the viability of your career or business.

How you lead is crucial. Lead with confidence, authority, and of course, with a collaborative spirit if you work with a team

Your business, your career, your rules. Respect me, respect my work,, or get out of my way and make room for those who will.

What should our readers know about your business?
Please tell us more about your business:

I understand that whether I am in a boardroom as Manager of Communications and Marketing for Energy Corridor District in Houston, or at the helm of my own business, Million$Pen, Ink.– I AM MY BRAND.

The woman I am (a Haitian, from Brooklyn, New York, now living in Houston), plus:

1. How I carry myself

2. How I promote my work

3. My tone

4. My character

5. My reputation

6. My skillset

7. My experience—

All represent my work and my life. These factors determine if I get the job, keep the client, become an effective mentor, and make a positive difference in the world.

As a book publisher/writer, I give authors’ a voice. Everyone has a story inside them. I help them tell it. And once they have expressed themselves on paper, I help them share it with the world. I tell people all the time, just because you do not know how to write in the formal sense of the art, that does not make the story in your soul irrelevant. MDPI is the guide, but the author determines the course. When we reach the destination, the credit belongs to the storyteller; your life, your narrative, your accomplishment! Every book and the public relations campaign associated with its publication is like giving life to a dream. It is an amazing feeling, so rewarding.

As the Manager of Communications and Marketing for the Energy Corridor District, I tell a story every day, a story of hope.

The District is committed to promoting quality of life, economic growth, investment opportunities, family and community, arts, and culture– all in what has become one of the most vibrant, beautiful, and lively Houston districts. I love my work and appreciate the opportunity to help communities and businesses thrive.

None of this would have been possible if I did not go for it, despite countless odds. Success will always be curtailed if you lack the confidence to pursue what you want. How is that possible? Believe you deserve it. Step up and claim the fruits of your hard work. Never stop learning. Remain aware of the changing world around you because no one should exist in a bubble. Do not run from change. Flow with transition. Be a vessel, and allow the opportunities that life pours into you to take the shape of your soul.

I did not give in to doubt, nor did I allow others’ opinions to influence my sense of self. When you know who you are, you control your story. That is the greatest superpower.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This is a no-brainer! Head on over to the Energy Corridor District! It is a not-so-hidden gem–Houston’s premier area to live, work, play, and invest.

The District offers access to assets such as Buffalo Bayou, Terry Hershey Park, various recreational trails, and adjacency to over 26,000 acres of parks and open space. Living choices include exclusive private, gated communities such as Parkway Villages, Terraces on Memorial, and Lakes on Parkway. You can explore well-groomed neighborhoods such as Wilchester, Nottingham, Gaywood, and Yorkshire.

And oh yes, FOOD! The Energy Corridor has it all – Italian, Greek, Asian, barbecue, Texas-sized steaks, seafood, pizza, burgers, and more! The choices are as diverse as the rich cultures that make up the energetic community.

I also love the Museum District! I will stack Houston arts and culture offerings against any top city worldwide, hands down, with no reservations.

And for entertainment (especially the most powerful spoken word shows and hilarious comedy shows, you have to add Houston Improv to your list!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Who else deserves a little credit and recognition in your story?

That is an awfully long list. I am the first to admit I could not have made it this far on my own. I will likely need continued support to continue as a successful Communications professional and a businesswoman!

I raised my daughter as a single mom. Granted, I had a great deal of support from my parents and my “village” of close friends and family (who loved Ashley as if she was their own). Still, each day I was THE woman my daughter looked to for leadership. No matter what obstacles I encountered, how tired I was, how frustrated I became, and how many times I wanted to just throw in the towel- just knowing my daughter was watching, listening, imprinting, and learning from her mother, was enough to make me get right. No excuses. I was not raising a weak, vulnerable, scared, uneducated woman, so I could not be that kind of woman. My daughter challenged me to raise the bar, set a standard, and adhere to a strict benchmark of excellence.

If I failed myself, I failed her. That was (and still is) not an option!

Now that I am a mother to three amazing young women, I better come correct. I am a FIERCE advocate of being fearless, owning your voice, controlling your narrative, and challenging the disruptors and uninformed with educated streams of consciousness and straight-backed, rapier-like focused, socially aware ideals. I walk that walk every day, so my daughters have an example. Be your own person, write your own story, but if you need a foundation, I promise I will do everything in my power to be the touchstone.

My husband, meantime, protects my Achilles heel, mends the kinks in my armor, is the salve to wounds (emotional, mental, and physical), and the engine that powers my drive. Because of Carlos Wallace’s encouragement and support, I started my own literary company, published seven bestselling books, wrote my own children’s book series (my “You Have A Superpower: Mindi P.I. Series became my battle cry), built a renowned reputation as a marketing and public relations professional, became an award-winning writer on two critically acclaimed independent films as well as the creator, writer, and producer for the award-winning television series “The Other 99 T.Y.M.E.S.: Count Your Blessings. More importantly, because of Los, I am a mom to four of the most incredible human beings I will ever know.

I acknowledge my strength, my accomplishments, my skills, my wisdom, and my talent. But I am smart enough to know that all those things are enhanced by his love and his love and rock-solid determination to make sure I DO NOT FAIL.

And then, of course, I thank my parents. Serge and Kathy Champagne are the constant “prayer” that fuels my faith, the unconditional love that gives me a reason.

Website: Www.lizfaublas.com

Instagram: Instagram.com/efaublas

Linkedin: Linkedin.com/in/liz-faublas

Other: Www.mdpink.com