Calling the Shots with Paris Matthews
Paris Matthews is unapologetically in control of her destiny. The author, clothing store and restaurant owner and former MBA-level corporate executive says she wanted a life of luxury - and that meant being an attentive mother with unlimited time and resources for her family. Luxury also meant a life softness, freedom and balance. She spoke with Hope Magazine about her decision to leave corporate and in her own words, “let God take it from there”.
Hope: Paris, you have a MBA and left a well-paying corporate job to be able to call the shots in your own life. Was that a big step for you? How did you find the courage to do so?
Paris: Yes, it was a big step for me because when I was younger, I had a goal of climbing up the corporate ladder. As I got older, I realized I wanted to become an entrepreneur and business owner. I had so many dreams and visions that I wanted to work on, but I was working so much that I couldn't give it my all. I like the freedom. I didn't want to retire after working years and years for someone else most of my life. Don't get me wrong, nothing is wrong with working a 9-5. Working a job can even help fund your business. But after ten years of working in corporate, it was no longer ideal for me. I knew I wanted more out of life and I knew working in corporate wouldn't take me where I wanted and needed to go. Having my son gave me the courage to take a leap of faith and the courage during the pandemic.
Hope: You are no stranger to hard work. As a mom, expectant mom, children’s book author, online clothing boutique owner and restaurant owner, how do you manage everything?
Paris: Let me say it’s not easy. I feel like I’m always busy, and I’m always doing something. I can very rarely sit back and rest. The best thing to do is manage your time wisely, which I’m still balancing. Being pregnant slowed me down a bit, but it also gave me time to plan, strategize and revamp my business.
Hope: Talk about your children’s book and clothing line. What is the book about and who does it reach? Who’s your audience for your clothing line and what inspired it?
Paris: My Visit with Grandad in Heaven is a book dedicated to my grandfather, whom I was very close with. He was actually like a father to me. Unfortunately, he passed on my son's birthday last year, about three months after his cancer diagnosis. Although my son is only 2, he was very close to him, remembers him and asks, "Where is grandad?" So this is what gave me the inspiration for my first title. I love writing and my son loves books. So I wrote the book for any young child who lost a grandparent or someone they were close to.
I founded and started my first clothing/personal shopping business in 2012 with my cousin because I'd always been in love with fashion before social media. People would also ask me to style them or source a particular item. Growing up, my grandmother and aunt always went shopping and took me with them, and I would be in the stores putting outfits together. So I always had a style that defined me on my terms, but now I dress very classy with a charismatic appeal. I love to put looks together. It seems like because of social media, a lot of people like to dress alike or sell a lot of the same type of clothing. This prompted me to relaunch my clothing store Le'Runway Culture, which targets more mature, sexy, classy and professional women.
Hope: Social media often falsely projects that success is overnight. Talk about your journey, and what you did to ‘grow into your vision’ in terms of understanding that lasting success takes time.
Paris: I’m still not where I want to be because I set very high goals for myself. However, true success requires hard work, consistency and dedication. During my journey, I had to acquire a lot of patience and tough skin. There were plenty of times that I just wanted to give up but I had a great support system, such as my husband and son who kept me lifted when I tried to throw in the towel. It can take one year, five years or even ten years before you may start seeing the results that you want within your business. The key is not to give up, stay consistent, create a plan and follow through.
Hope: What’s something you ‘HAVE TO DO’ every single morning that sets the tone for your day?
Paris: Every single morning I have to read my Bible and thank the Lord for another day. That sets the tone for me.
Hope: What comes to mind when you hear the word HOPE and what inspires your HOPE with all that’s going on in the world?
Paris: When I hear the word “HOPE,” I remember that everything I have accomplished to this day was something that I once hoped or prayed for. With all that’s going on in the world, I want God to use me by continuing to order my steps with everything He wants me to do and to continue molding me into the woman He wants me to be! I don’t want to leave this world wishing I‘d done something that was always on my heart to do.
Hope: What are you passionate about in addition to your personal ventures?
Paris: I’m very passionate about God, always learning and gaining wisdom, living life to the fullest with my family, being fly, traveling, and being a great, well-rounded and kind person!
Hope: Who’s a lady in our culture today that when you see her, you say to yourself she’s got it going on?
Paris: Mia Ray is a lady in our culture who has it going on for me. I have watched and supported her from the beginning of her Glam-Aholic brand. To see how she put in so much grind and overcame every obstacle to get to the level she is on today is so inspiring. She is definitely top-tier and I love everything about her and her brand!
Hope: How can we connect with you?
Paris: You can connect with me via my website www.ParisMatthews.com or on IG @PMilani & @LeRunwayculture
Leslie J. Griffin is a seasoned Certified Life Coach specializing in self-care practices and principles for men and women. An advocate for healthy relationships through therapy and healing, she believes that the best love begins from within.
