Influential Woman · Women Empowerment
Marquella Dillard
Founder/CEO, Bawse Lifestyle
Mechanicsville, VA
Her Story
About Marquella
I help women move from feeling stuck and overwhelmed into their next chapter of their life by becoming clear and confident and intentional about their goals. I specialize in personal development, mindset, goal execution, and life strategy. I don't just focus on inspiration when it comes to women, I focus on implementation. I work with women to identify what's holding them back, create a realistic plan, and actually build real-life habits and structure while holding them accountable so they can have lasting change. I work with two types of women: personal and business. I help them navigate change, build their businesses, and improve their finances. My biggest achievement is helping women feel good about themselves, helping them feel more confident in their decisions, and creating new habits so they can live a great life with freedom, peace, and the ability to set boundaries. I'm known in my community as the go-to empowerment hub because I give everything, all things empowerment, not just to my clients, but also to the community.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Marquella
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience. Throughout my life, I've faced challenges that could have easily caused me to give up, but instead they taught me how to persevere, adapt, and keep moving forward.
Every obstacle became an opportunity to grow stronger, learn valuable lessons, and develop the mindset needed to continue pursuing my goals. Resilience has allowed me to navigate setbacks with determination and remain focused on the bigger vision, even during difficult seasons.
Without a doubt, resilience has been the driving force behind my success and the foundation of the work I do today.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received was simple: keep going, learn from your mistakes, and never give up on your dreams.
I was also encouraged to stay true to who I am and allow my gifts to serve others. That advice has shaped the work I do today. Many people see me as a trusted source for empowerment because I genuinely pour into others, not only through my clients but throughout the community as well.
For me, success isn't just about personal accomplishments. It's about creating impact, helping people grow, and being in a position to witness lives change for the better. Knowing that my work is making a difference is what matters most.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Believe in yourself and don't give up on your dreams. Your dreams matter, and so do you.
Take life one day at a time. There will be challenges, setbacks, and seasons that test your faith and determination, but don't allow those moments to convince you to quit. Life happens to all of us, but what matters is how you respond.
Keep moving forward, even when progress feels slow. Trust the process, learn from the journey, and give yourself grace along the way. No matter what comes your way, continue to push forward and never give up on yourself. The person you're becoming is worth the effort.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is balancing the demands of building a business while also fulfilling the many roles I hold in my personal life. As a wife, mother, sister, friend, and professional, I wear many hats, and each role requires time, energy, and attention.
Like many women, I often find myself pouring into others while trying to make space for my own goals and aspirations. The challenge isn't a lack of vision or ambition. It's learning how to balance competing priorities without losing sight of myself in the process.
Navigating business growth, career responsibilities, family commitments, and personal development requires intentionality, boundaries, and grace. It's a continuous journey, but it has also given me a deeper understanding of the women I serve because many of them are facing the very same challenge..
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me, both personally and professionally, are integrity, accountability, growth, and empowerment. I believe in doing what I say I will do, taking responsibility for my actions, and continuously striving to become a better version of myself.
I also value access to knowledge, resources, and practical tools that help people create meaningful change in their lives. I believe that when people are equipped with the right support and information, they are better positioned to make confident decisions and move forward with purpose.
Above all, I am passionate about empowering others. There is nothing more rewarding than helping someone gain clarity, build confidence, and create positive changes that impact their life, career, finances, relationships, or personal growth.
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