Her Story
About Fatima
Fatima Lawya serves as Sales Manager at Lazy Boy furniture in Kennesaw, Georgia. She joined the company three years ago as a sales associate and quickly demonstrated her abilities, earning a promotion to sales lead at a location 70 miles from home where she worked for seven months. After transferring to the store on Barrett Parkway near her residence, she continued her hard work and was promoted to sales manager. Before entering the furniture sales industry, Lawya earned her child development credentials through an online university after completing high school. She previously worked as a teacher's aide at a Montessori school and as a daycare teacher during the pandemic. Her path into sales followed a period as a stay-at-home mom, during which she took on occasional and seasonal sales roles. Lawya attributes her professional success to strong teamwork with her older children and the support of her husband.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Fatima
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success comes from teamwork with my older kids who helped at home and especially my husband who has been super supportive for the past year and a half, filling in where I needed him with his 9-to-5 job while I worked long hours.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Sell something every day. Sell one thing at least every day. Just every day, just keep going.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
In sales or retail, keep going and stay determined because it is always a booming industry where you're needed. You have to stay dedicated and give a lot of hours, but if you're good at it, it pays off and later you can adjust your hours once in a comfortable position.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is fluctuating prices and having to work with all types of people in different financial situations. The opportunity is that by working hard and staying determined, you can reach different positions and grow in the field.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty and respect in both home and work life, and just being true to yourself.
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