“Entrepreneur Extraordinaire Finds Joy in Helping Others Smile”
“Entrepreneur Extraordinaire Finds Joy in Helping Others Smile”
By: Ari Christine
When it seems like the days in America present more hurdles than opportunities for triumph, Anita Hawkins implores every soul she encounters to find one reason to smile.
The veteran model has walked many runways - adorned in the most lavish designs, however, it is her smile that resonates with so many onlookers.
“If you can’t think of one thing to be happy or to smile about – check your pulse,” the model and philanthropist insists. “With everything that you’ve gone through – how do you not wake up smiling?”
It was this desire to help other people acknowledge the joys in life that led Hawkins to create a unique organization. “God gives me visions and dreams all the time,” she shares. It was a faithful day in 2014 that she says God gave her a vision that forced her to jump out of the shower and buy a website domain. On that evening, her nonprofit organization, Find One Reason to Smile was born.
Hawkins is without-a-doubt a savvy businesswoman. Her memberships and recognitions by professional organizations are limitless. To be so successful in business and still have a heart for people speaks volumes in this society.
Over the years, Hawkins has made it her purpose to insert herself into circles of giving to; sectors of service and into collaborations that evoke purposeful change. She has worked directly with hospital fundraising and planning committees, supported various food pantries, purchased a safe-haven, facilitated life-saving efforts for women fleein domestic violence and she has donated exorbitant amounts of money to countless charities.
Hawkins is a native of Gary, Indiana – however, she has carved her way into the hearts of many people in Dallas. Perhaps it is her modesty that makes her so approachable.
For years, Hawkins could be spotted all around Greater Dallas providing haircuts to the homeless. The local organization “Source of Hope” afforded her limitless opportunities to engage with many of the homeless individuals living on the streets of the large city. For Hawkins, it wasn’t about being seen helping people in need. That has never been her motivation. Her objective instead was to ensure that these individuals felt both seen and valued.
“Everyone deserves to look nice and to have a renewed sense of self-worth,” she explains. “I’m so glad that I was able to do that and to have many barbers and stylists join me in that effort.”
The loving wife and mother prides herself on being the go-to person for her family and friends. It’s this giving spirit that propelled her to being a highly referred Life Coach. Hawkins currently works with clients over the duration of a nine-to-18-month process. While it keeps her busy, serving as a life coach gives her yet another reason to smile.
During those rare occasions when Hawkins has free time, she finds herself still looking for ways to support others. “I love to make oils. I’m always concocting something for someone else,” she laughs. “When a friend tells me she isn’t feeling well – I get to making something that is sure to combat whatever is bothering her.”
The former restaurant owner is all about natural remedies. After watching her mother lose her battle to cancer, Hawkins faced the disease herself. “I’m studying Clinical Research Oncology, and I healed my own body of cancer naturally. I love to educate people on being proactive, as opposed to being reactive.”
During the pandemic, people would often ask Hawkins how she was coping with the devastation of the world. She was writing, becoming a certified nutritionist and so much more. To date, Hawkins has penned three books, including a revelation about the hardships she endured growing up - “Storm After Storm;” a powerful narrative on the power in asking for help – “The Breakthrough;” and an interactive workbook about truth and transformation entitled “Owning My Shyt.” Hawkins is also a featured in “America’s Leading Ladies,” which highlights 50 influential women.
How satisfying it must be to lead a life of service and to have a genuine smile when reflecting on such service.
For Hawkins – entrepreneurship has been a blessing, but philanthropy has provided purpose. She has drilled water wells in Zimbabwe and poured into girls in Gambia, both of which could’ve been possible by just sending the money. Instead, Hawkins wanted to experience personal involvement in the work.
“The key to life is to live, as our reward in life is death,” Hawkins says. “When you open your eyes in the morning and you can’t find anything to thankful for - go back to sleep, wake up and try it again.”