Photo by Zekeshem Parsons

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My work: I own a design studio called Good Dog/Bad Dog Creative Design, Inc., which I started in November of 2005. We’re located in Brandon, Florida and specialize in graphic/web design and Internet Marketing.
 

My passion(s): Music and Hawaii. Music is the one thing that can get me through a tough day, help me get out of a funk, get me motivated to work on a difficult project, and just help me escape from a hectic week. I’m not picky with what I listen to – it just depends on the mood I’m in at that moment.The other thing I’m passionate about is Hawaii. I’m obsessed with it. I’ve visited the islands of Hawaii twice and from the moment I stepped off the plane, I knew it was going to be my favorite vacation spot. It’s beautiful, serene, and full of culture. If I could figure out a way to live there (without my mom disowning me for moving half way across the country), I would. My ideal day: Chillin’ on a beach in Hawaii, with my music.
 

I love: my family, my dogs and my friends. I couldn’t get through life’s challenges without them. I’m very blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life.
 

My favorite possession: Our kayak and camping equipment. I’ve had so much fun exploring the State Parks of Florida. I’ve seen various wild animals, been able to kayak some beautiful places and explore places of Florida I probably would have never seen via car. Some people think I’m crazy to love camping so much – but they just don’t know what they're missing!
 

My best bargain find: Our kayak on Craigslist – it was half its original price and barely used! You can find some fantastic deals on that site. Unfortunately, it’s the ultimate time waster, so I only go on if I’m looking for something specific.
 

My hometown: I grew up in North Carolina. I spent 14 years of my life in Charlotte, NC and 4 years in Huntersville, NC (about 20 minutes outside of Charlotte).
 

I’m thinking about: How I can better manage my time and my week so I’ll have more time to focus on other things and not be so consumed by work. It’s been a challenging process!
 

Words I live by: There are so many great inspirational quotes, but I think my favorite is: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you did not do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor, catch the tradewinds in your sails. Explore, Dream, Discover.” – Mark Twain. That quote gave me the courage/inspiration to leave my corporate job and pursue my own business.
 

I can’t live without: my dogs, family and friends.
 

I am most proud of: Starting my own business. I remember my old boss saying to me the day I quit my corporate job: “Summer, do you really think you can do this? Freelance design is a hard way to make a living.” I looked him straight in the eye and said “Yes, I do.” I’m proud to say I’ve owned my own business for 4 years and haven’t looked back. It’s my greatest accomplishment (so far).
 

I’m inspired by: All the women in the networking group my friend Liz and I started, biz-e-chicks. It’s a support group for women who own their own business, or who might like to own their own businesses one day. We have such an amazing and diverse group of women! Each person has great advice and/or stories to share, I always leave our meetings feeling ready to take on the world!
 

What keeps me awake at night: My never-ending “to do” list.
 

One thing I never want to do again: Work in corporate America. I love owning my own business so much I can’t go back.
 

If I could be totally wild, I would: Live in a new state, country, part of the world every year. Hey, with what I do, I can do it anywhere! Just need a computer and an Internet connection.
 

I am guilty of: Being too hard on myself.
 

Right now I’m reading: “How Did I Get So Busy? The 28 Day Plan to Free Your Time, Reclaim Your Schedule, and Reconnect with What Matters Most.” By Valorie Burton. Great book so far!
 

The two items that have changed my life: Two books: “Debt-Proof Living: The Complete Guide to Living Financially Free,” by Mary Hunt and “This is Not the Life I Ordered: 50 Ways to Keep your Head Above Water When Life Keeps Dragging You Down,” by Deborah Collins Stephens, Jackie Speier, Jan Yanehiro, and Michealene Cristini Risley. Both are very inspiring and motivational books.
 

Favorite Web site: www.netvibes.com. It’s a personal web portal where you can set up all the Internet modules you use on a daily basis. For example: email accounts, facebook/twitter feeds, RSS feeds for interesting blogs, to-do lists, etc. Similar to iGoogle but I like the way Netvibes is organized. Now, I just need to find time to use it more!
 

Last major purchase: Hmmm, I haven’t really bought anything major in a while (maybe the laptop when I started my business?) I think I need to look into it.
 

The nickname I wish I had: Mrs. Organized.
 

My theme song: “Carolina in My Mind” by James Taylor. Even though I love Florida, I always keep North Carolina close to my heart.
 

If I could do it all over again: I should have backpacked through Europe after college. I love to travel and I definitely haven’t done enough.
 

My favorite body part: My eyes. I like how dark (brown) they are.
 

The food I could eat every day: Mellow Mushroom Pizza – yum!
 

The food I never want to eat again: Anything with crab in it – yuck! I love seafood but just not crab.
 

If I were a superheroine (or fictional heroine) I would be: Wonder Woman because those were my favorite underroos when I was little.
 

My blog: I don’t have a blog yet, but check out the blog for biz-e-chicks: http://www.bizechicks.com/blog.
 

The most important thing I ever lost: My mind! I’d like to slow down my daily routine so I can find it again soon.
 

The best thing I ever won: A spa package to the Safety Harbor Spa. I won it at a networking event that just happened to be close to my birthday. I was able to treat myself to a nice birthday present that year.
 

My best friend says I am: A loyal friend and have always made the effort to remain close even though we’ve lived many miles away.
 

I still can’t get the hang of: Sewing. I’d love to be able to sew but I can’t make a pillow to save my life. I always sew crooked.
 

I wish I’d known: How to manage money better in, and right after, college.
 

The world would be a better place, if only: people weren’t so hateful to each other.
 

I’d like to learn to: Run a marathon. I ran a half marathon in March 2009 and loved it. I said that’s as far as I would run in a race, but I think secretly I’d love to train for a full marathon. I’m still working up the courage!
 

Something most people don’t know about me: I’m a wienie. I hate horror/scary movies and haunted houses.
 

My mother always said: “Stop frowning or your face will stick that way” – I guess I liked to pout when I didn’t get my way.
 

The worst idea I’ve ever had: Going on a Bahamas trip 2002 – don’t ask.
 

The smartest woman I know: My Nana (grandmother). She’s always giving us helpful, and for the most part, useful advice (whether we like it or not!). Her random “Nanaisms” can make us think “Hmmm… now that’s some smart advice” or can make us die laughing. She’s the best.
 

My first job: As my dad says “I was the little queen at the Dairy Queen” - haa haa.
 

What are you most vain about? I don’t like going out in public without at least a little bit of makeup on.
 

Whose diary would you most like to read? Hmmm… probably Britney Spears, especially during the time when she shaved her head. I’d like to know what she was thinking!
 

What do you fear most? Tornados (thanks mom)
 

Early bird or night owl? Night owl unless I’m on a comfy couch with a full belly and wrapped in a blanket. Then I’m asleep within minutes!
 

Favorite color and why? Carolina blue – because I’m from NC and my favorite college team is the North Carolina Tarheels.
 

I feel strongest when: I trust my instincts and make a decision that I know may not be the easiest but will benefit me in the long run. I don’t like confrontation or making people upset or upset with me, but I also don’t like being taken advantage of. Telling someone no, or getting out of a difficult situation is never fun to do but I always feel so strong and confident once the hard part is over.
 

When I grow up, I want to be: Samantha Brown. She has an awesome job!!
 

At the end of a long day, the first thing I want to do is: Sit in my backyard and have a glass of wine.
 

Always… take the time to write down 3 things you’re thankful for every day. When you have a bad day, look over your list. It can really help turn a negative attitude into a more positive one.
 

Never… underestimate yourself.
 

I wish… I could figure out why people always call me Heather. I think I have a twin (hopefully not an evil one) out there somewhere.