Meet Philistine Norwood | God Fearing Boss Mom

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

Hi Philistine, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am originally from Palm Beach County. Born and raised in Riviera Beach FL. The neighborhood I grew up in with all my friends was called Stoney Brooks. In the time that I grew up it was a little more peaceful then today, however there were still your average everyday crimes and things going on. I remember always going outside to play and just wanting to be grown so I can leave. Now don’t get me wrong it wasn’t a horrible neighborhood we did a lot as kids and came up with some cool games to have fun, I just knew I didn’t want to make a life surrounding this neighborhood. Like I said we had the typical crimes and drugs around but I knew as a child I would be destined for some thing a little more bigger. I was raised in a one parent home, My mother was a single mother of myself and my sister and my dad was a single parent of just myself. Majority of the time my mother was working so she could take care of us and my dad I would see him on the weekends or most school days until I started living with him full time for school. I remember as I was growing up I said I’m not going to work myself day in and day out for some one else. But life happens and I did have to work but while working it taught me to be humble, disciplined, and respectful to the next thing I was set out to do and that was to become a business owner by any means. Palm Beach is the type of place where everyone is doing the same thing just in a different way and that’s brilliant. I knew I wanted to be a business owner of what ever was going to keep me rich. Well as I said it didn’t quite work out that way and I not only had to get a job to survive I was still in high school, so yes crunch time was real. Between having senior dues to pay and other things I needed as a I was growing up I got comfortable with working. Now don’t get me wrong I’m not saying anything bad or negative about working a job cause truth be told you have to start some where. I just knew I didn’t want to stay there in the job setting all my life.
 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career is really all over the place and I mean that in a good way only because it keeps me balanced some what. You see I have a 8 to 5 where I work at a doctors office as a Medical Assistant. Now don’t get me wrong I love my job and what I do cause I love my patients but its not something I want to do all my life no ma’am, no sir. However, I do love to do it but I would prefer my business all day everyday. The things that set me apart from others is in my industry, my work job you have to be compassionate, you have to be caring and loving because you are dealing with older people and that is what sets me apart from others in the company. I’m very easy to get along with and I love to make my patients happy cause lets be real who likes to go to the doctors office anyway? Absolutely no one so that’s why I make their visit fun, loving an safe. I am most proud of and excited about the type of relationship I have with my patients and how they know this isn’t going to be like a regular doctor office experience. I am also proud and excited about the relationship I have build with my patients. Honestly, no it was not easy. I had to go to school to become a Medical Assistant which was a 16 month long course. I was a new mom and I had just had my second son and I was going through a divorce so all that kind of had me in a depressing state but I eventually was able to pass and graduate and get this lovely job as a medical assistant, I overcame the challenges by knowing that I wanted better for my boys and I was determined to finish. There were many nights where I had to take my kids to school with me and it was a real struggle trying to finish. Between homework, work, kids and helping my dad it was definitely a big struggle. But by God’s grace I managed it and pushed through. Now as far as my business goes I would say the most challenges I have with that is really connecting to people. I have to learn that I have what they need and I need to express and brand myself more. I need to be my own advertisement and be able to talk to people without being shy or timid. The lessons I’ve learned is to nit rush the process, cause once its there and the timing is right no one can stop me. I’ve also learned that its my business and no one is going to treat it or support it as much as I am so I can no longer get mad if family doesn’t want to support but a stranger will and you know what that stranger will tell another stranger. I would love for the world to know I am going to be the first billionaire in my family and that I take God and my businesses very serious. I’m a very humble person.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My best friend came to see me for my birthday and we had a ball. Granted she was in on a surprise party that I had no clue about but I was extremely happy. But an itinerary for the week would be a smooth one due to me not really going out I mostly go to work, church, and handle my business. But here in Daytona Beach there really isn’t much so we would definitely go to Orlando and hang out. We would have an Airbnb due to me not wanting to drive back and forth. The first stop would be this restaurant called Seasons 52 omg their food is so good. After that we would maybe go out to a movie. After the movie go back to the Airbnb and play games cause of course I got the one with the games in it. The next day would be a great shopping day so definitely going to the Outlet or The Mall of Millennium. After shopping typically go out to eat again cause yes your girl loves to eat. Then we would find a nice hang out spot not to ratchet or inappropriate but with some nice mellow music. The next day would be a picture day I mean yes we are taking pictures along the way but these will be professional pictures with different styles and backgrounds, so you know we have to be cute. The rest of the days would be driving site seeing, town hopping and just enjoying the time. I love arcades so we are definitely going to the arcade, go kart driving, wall climbing, all those adventure type things then ending it off at the water park. I’m really a adventures person.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely. First and foremost I want to give honor and all the praise to God who is the head of my life and house hold. I especially want to give a shout out to my babies Damien Jr. & Jabari. My kids are the reason I go so hard, they are my why in this success story. I also want to shout out Ms. Kewina Walker for introducing me to this business industry. From day 1 she has been a great mentor, friend, big sister and she always pushes me to do better. My next shout out is to my lovely parents Timothy and Clarmetra. My mom and dad are the most supportive in my business endeavors. Especially my dad. My auntie Luciana is also a great help for me as well. She owns her own business on top of working and taking care her household all with a smile and cup of coffee. All my friends and family. I have this amazing friend name Valencia. She pushes me to be better in all aspects of my career. Rather its my walk with God or my business adventures she’s always there. My pastors Rory and Linda Carey are the best with giving me love and encouragement when it comes to my kids and my business. Most importantly my little sister Kameron. My sister is the most supportive when it comes to my businesses. She shares everything and she lets me know how proud of me she is. I also want to give a shout out to Patricia, She is a big help in my life and my career both physically and mentally.

Website: Debtcleanse.com/msphilis

Instagram: Philis_norwood

Linkedin: Philistine Norwood

Facebook: Philis Norwood

Image Credits
Image with me in the black dress goes to KennethGrantInzpirations Styled by Valencia Cote