Biz Her Way Series: Meet Aisha Wonderfull Founder of Arete Media International
Empowering women through authorship and storytelling
By Sacha Walton, Editor and CEO of SWI Management Group
Hi, I’m Sacha Walton, founder and editor of Biz Her Way. My mission is to celebrate women business owners and entrepreneurs who are disrupting their industries, trailblazing the norm, and impacting change within their communities.
Women are making an impact worldwide in business ownership. Whether they are Entrepreneurs, mompreneurs, authors, speakers, creatives, or intrapreneurs as C-suite employees; they are playing by their own rules and creating their narratives.
According to the Small Business Association (SBA), “over 13 million women own businesses in the US.” Women are taking their place in society and scaling businesses with ideas, talents, passions, and skillsets while staying focused on legacy building.
My heart desires to see women win and I’m excited about sharing the amazing stories of these phenomenal women.
Let’s lift up and applaud all the amazing, talented, inspirational, and diverse women around the world who are making their voices heard.
Recently, I had a wonderful interview with Aisha “Wonderfull” Jackson, founder of Arete Media International, One of Biz Her Way’s Top 25 Women to Watch in 2024.
Thank you for having this interview with me. I’m excited about sharing your story in our Biz Her Way Series here on Medium.com.
Our readers would love to learn more about you. Please tell us who you are and a little something about yourself.
I’m Aisha “Wonderfull” Jackson, founder and CEO of Arete Media International. My world revolves around nurturing narratives and empowering voices, blending my expertise as a CPA and CFO with my passion for storytelling.
I am an 8x bestselling author and speaker, deeply invested in transforming authors into leading authorities in their fields.
Alongside my professional pursuits, I cherish my roles as a wife and mother, celebrating the fact that storytelling is a shared passion in my family, with both my husband and son also being bestselling authors.
At the core, my mission is to guide faith-based, purpose-driven experts and entrepreneurs through the journey of authorship, turning their compelling stories into bestselling books that resonate and generate sustainable legacies.
Everyone has a story behind the beginning of their business. What inspired you to start your own business, and how has your journey been so far?
Starting my own business was less about making a career shift and more about answering a deeper call. As a CPA, I lived in a world of numbers, but something within me was drawn to the rich, complex stories of life and purpose.
It felt like God was nudging me to use my experiences not just for myself but to inspire and uplift others. This journey? It’s been incredible. Every day, every story, every author I work with — it’s a step further into this mission, a mission that’s so much bigger than me.
It’s about turning triumphs and trials into something that can lift everyone involved. That’s the heartbeat of Arete Media International, and honestly, it’s what makes every day an adventure worth taking.
Tell us about the pivotal moment when you knew your business idea had great potential.
The pivotal moment came during a conversation with one of my early clients. They shared how their book, which we had just published, opened doors for speaking engagements, coaching opportunities, and even a new community initiative.
It was more than just the tangible successes; it was the profound impact on their sense of purpose and direction. In their words, I saw a reflection of my own mission — to not just publish books but to catalyze significant, lasting change in people’s lives and careers.
That conversation illuminated the immense potential of my business, not just as a publishing entity but as a transformative platform for visionaries and change-makers. It was then I knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that we were on a path to something truly extraordinary.
Which quotes or affirmations inspire you?
One scripture that continuously inspires me is Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
This verse is a powerful reminder that amidst life’s uncertainties, there is a divine blueprint laid out for each of us, brimming with hope, purpose, and success. It’s a cornerstone of my faith and a guiding light in both my personal life and my professional journey.
How are you making an impact with your business or project?
At Arete Media International, we’re not just changing the narrative; we’re changing lives. By transforming personal stories into bestselling books, we equip authors to make a lasting impact, elevate their influence, and secure financial freedom. Our work goes beyond pages — it’s about rewriting destinies and empowering authors to leave a profound, enduring legacy.
What advice would you give to aspiring female entrepreneurs looking to start their own ventures?
For aspiring female entrepreneurs ready to embark on their own ventures, my advice is to embrace your unique vision with unwavering confidence. Remember, your journey is uniquely yours. Trust in your abilities, value your intuition, and don’t shy away from seeking mentorship and collaboration.
Ground your business in a purpose that resonates deeply with you, and let that purpose be your compass. Understand that obstacles are not stop signs but stepping stonesto greater resilience and wisdom.
And most importantly, define success on your own terms and remember that every small step forward is a victory worth celebrating. Your voice, your vision, your venture — own it unapologetically.
We celebrate women entrepreneurs in our publication. How do you make a difference in the lives of other women entrepreneurs?
My whole mission revolves around championing women entrepreneurs. My role in making a difference is to serve as a catalyst for these remarkable women, helping them unlock the next level of their success.
Through my work, I empower them to share their unique stories, expertise, and visions with the world by turning their wisdom into bestselling books. These books not only elevate their professional stature but also open new avenues for revenue, influence, and impact.
It’s about giving them the tools and platform to not just narrate their journey but to inspire, lead, and create a legacy that resonates and uplifts others in the entrepreneurial space.
How do you balance the demands of entrepreneurship with personal well-being and self-care?
Balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with personal well-being and self-care is an art I’ve learned to prioritize. For me, it’s about setting clear boundaries and being intentional with my time.
I start my day by grounding myself in prayer and meditation, aligning my purpose with my actions. It’s crucial to delegate tasks and trust my team, allowing me to focus on what I do best while also making space for rest and family time.
Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and quality time with loved ones are non-negotiable for maintaining my energy and focus.
I believe in the power of pausing and reflecting, ensuring that I’m not just productive, but also at peace and fulfilled in my journey.
Provide words of wisdom in 2 -5 sentences for another woman.
Your journey is a story you’re writing with every step, so cherish each page, even the messy ones, because true strength blooms through vulnerability.
Embrace your authenticity — it outshines perfection every time. Remember, growth often awaits just beyond comfort zones, so when doubt whispers, let your faith roar back louder.
You’re not just building a business; you’re changing lives and crafting a legacy.
What’s next for you?
The horizon is alive with potential! I’m focused on broadening the scope of Arete Media International, launching new initiatives that redefine the journey of authorship and empower a broader spectrum of leaders to transform their narratives into powerful vehicles for change.
We’re exploring and embracing cutting-edge digital platforms to magnify the voices of our authors even further.
The next phase is about intensifying our impact, connecting more deeply with communities worldwide, and nurturing a global movement where every story we help shape contributes to a collective legacy of empowerment and transformation.
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Sacha Walton, business strategist and owner of SWI Management Group helps entrepreneurs level up their businesses with strategic planning, marketing, and branding, which drive business growth and visibility. If you would like to be featured Biz Her Way Series, email us at info@swimgtgroup.com
