Sylvia Walker
NAIWBE
Jacksonville, FL USA
"Life isn’t about finding yourself, it’s about creating yourself—the you that you want to be."
Career Roadmap
Sylvia's work combines: Science, Entrepreneurship, and Helping People
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
I'd recommend first getting an associate degree in nursing. After gaining some work experience as an RN, consider going back to school to obtain certifications or a business degree because these programs will teach you how to run a business, lead a team, and turn your ideas into a real company.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Nursing
Winston-Salem State University
Graduate Degree
Business Administration and Management
Pfeiffer University
Graduate Degree
Healthcare Administration
Pfeiffer University
Certification
Certified Chronic Care Professional Health Coach
Healthsciences.org
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Founder & President:
Associate's Degree: Nursing
Bachelor's Degree: Business, General
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
I started with a two-year nursing program because I wasn’t sure what area I truly wanted to pursue.
2.
After a traumatic experience with a neglected infant, I knew I couldn’t work in pediatrics—I cared too deeply.
3.
I worked night shifts while raising two kids and earning my bachelor’s degree in nursing.
4.
Over the years, I worked in mental health, ICU, and executive healthcare leadership, building programs and saving hospitals millions.
5.
Because of my eczema, I dreamed of creating skincare products hospitals could use, so I studied chemistry and made my own.
6.
I launched my skincare company, got into Sam’s Club, and pitched products myself across several states.
7.
After surviving a stroke in 2021, I rebuilt my health and business, partnering internationally to create hair care products that help others like me.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Peers:
We won't invest in your company unless you change the company's name.
How I responded:
A TV show offered to invest in my company if I changed my business name. I stood my ground and said no. It was heartbreaking but I told them that if I was willing the change my name, that meant I was willing to change anything for money, and that just wasn't me. There have been many companies throughout history with names that people didn't know how to pronounce and those companies are now household names. I'm glad I stayed strong and didn't change my name.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I had a stroke in 2021. I couldn't walk and ended up losing a lot of my hair. I thank my husband, God, and my health that I survived. After recovering, I rebuilt my health and my business to find success again.