Meet Winona L. Thomas | Coach & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Winona L. Thomas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Winona L., what role has risk played in your life or career?
At the start of my personal and professional journey, I never considered risk or saw myself as a risk taker. I didn’t fully grasp what risk entailed until after nine years at a healthcare organization, when I realized I needed to make a significant career change. I left my stable job with benefits to join a temporary agency that placed me at my dream company. That leap of faith opened my eyes to what risk truly meant and revealed my identity as a risk taker.

As I ventured into entrepreneurship, I initially focused on my talent and product without recognizing the risks involved. It wasn’t until later that I came to understand that being an entrepreneur inherently means embracing risk.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I want to share my journey as an artist and creative professional, which has often taken a backseat to my nearly 30 years as an employee. While my work life has been prominent, I’ve also been cultivating my identity as an artist—something few people know about. This is the side of me I’d like to introduce in this interview.

Building a creative life alongside a full-time job was no easy feat, but my passion for entrepreneurship and helping others kept me motivated.

What I want the world to know about my brand and story is that every product and service from Kiras Publishing LLC and Lorraine Distribution LLC is rooted in love and faith. I believe that if God can make it happen for me, He can do the same for you. Don’t let your dreams and visions fade away—pursue the gifts God has placed within you.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would absolutely take them to Downtown Detroit. I’m proud to be a Detroiter, especially with all the exciting developments happening in the area. There are still so many places I have yet to explore, and I love witnessing the city’s renewal and the opportunities it offers for business owners.

Some of my favorite spots downtown include the Renaissance Center, Hart Plaza, Little Caesars Arena, and Campus Martius. For dining, I highly recommend Savannah Blue, a cozy restaurant with fantastic food and drinks. The Sugar Factory is perfect for celebrating special occasions like birthdays, while Andiamo’s offers an incredible experience with views of the Detroit River. The Cambria Hotel is a wonderful place to stay—elegant and with amazing staff. I’d also suggest visiting The Detroit Opera House, which hosts fantastic ballet and modern dance performances by renowned companies. Additionally, the Detroit Riverwalk is a wonderful place for anyone looking to get some exercise or work on personal fitness goals while enjoying beautiful views.

Belle Isle is a fantastic park for family outings, where I enjoy watching boats at the marina and taking in the view of Canada across the water. For great music in a beautiful setting, the Aretha Franklin Amphitheater is a must-visit.

Hanging out downtown, surrounded by people enjoying the entertainment and the vibrant atmosphere, is truly an amazing experience.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude to God for equipping me with the resources I needed to pursue my dreams as an entrepreneur.

I also want to give a special shoutout to my mentor, Art Cartwright of Global Empowerment Ministry. He has been the guiding voice and support I needed to transform the dreams and vision God has given me into action. Mr. Cartwright taught me how to apply biblical principles to my business, emphasizing that God has much to say about ownership. He helped me recognize the importance of a mindset shift, enabling me to see myself as an entrepreneur and believe that success is attainable for me.

I also want to acknowledge my daughter and my family. My daughter has been a constant source of strength and inspiration, serving as my “Why” that keeps me moving forward, even in tough times. Although the fire within me sometimes dimmed, it never went out, thanks to her. My family has always believed in me and supported my business endeavors by purchasing my products and cheering me on.

Website: https://lorrainedistributionco.org

Instagram: www.instagram.com.winona.thomas

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MorningFreshMouthwash/