I have always felt that we have an obligation to make a difference in the world and for me personally, this drive is very strong, says Connie Elder, May 2011 Woman of Focus and Founder and CEO of Connie Elder International, home of Lipo in a Box. I knew there must be something more I could do with my life to make a difference in the world and to somehow enhance the lives of individuals I would meet on my path.  I do feel that I am making a difference now, but I still believe there is more ahead for me to do.

In addition to helping women feel good about themselves through the products Connie sells in her business, she is also a very active volunteer in her community. “In support of loved ones and our family members who have battled breast cancer, and many of our customers whose lives it has touched, my husband and I support programs locally and nationally to help find a cure for breast cancer.’

Connie is currently a board member for two non-profit organizations that are near and dear to her. “Soles4Souls:  I have served on the board for about 5 years.  I believe in the simplicity of the cause.  Getting and giving shoes to those in need.  This organization is helping people around the world and in our back door to have shoes and now clothes.  Most of us don’t think about how shoes can save a person’s life, but if your feet are injured and they become infected it can cost you your life.  With our closet’s full of shoes we rarely think about how many people around the world don’t even have one pair.”

“The YWCA Nashville:  I serve on the board of this fabulous organization. I am honored and proud to be affiliated with the YWCA Nashville. Their programs are changing people’s lives and empowering women to make good choices for their futures. The YWCA is not only helping women out of abusive situations today, they offer hope and change for the next generation. By ending the cycle of abuse, supporting women’s efforts to be successful, and offering hope and a path forward, we can all make a difference in the lives of people tormented by violence and abuse.”

YWCA Nashville touches Connie’s heart because she understands from firsthand experience what it’s like to be in an abusive marriage and the pain both physically and emotionally. “I was proud to finally step up and speak about the abusive relationship and painful 6-year marriage that I endured, therefore making that horrific experience be a warning to other women or to let others who are experiencing this horror know they are not alone. There are signs that women can look for, friends can look for, and there IS hope and a way out.”

Life as a young adult for Connie began when she started college. She wasn’t encouraged by her parents to attend but she was determined to go. “So determined in fact that I finished high school in the middle of my senior year, received an academic scholarship and started college early.  I ended up graduating with a major in Criminal Justice and minors in Psychology and Sociology.  My first fulltime job after graduation was in medical sales. I spent the next 20+ years in that field before starting my own business selling shapewear, bras, panties and skin care. The knowledge I gained in the medical field provided a valuable base for the lifestyle products I would develop.”

It was at the age of 38 that Connie divorced her abusive husband and what a huge challenge it was. “The emotional ups and downs were harrowing. In addition, my personal need to make a positive difference in this world was just a lot to process.” It was time to re-evaluate her life and what she was doing in her career. She continued working in medical sales but decided to start her own business on a part-time basis selling shapewear for women. “I wanted to fill my time and do something more ‘girlie’.”

In 2003 Connie lost her ‘career’ job and decided to go full time with her Lipo in a Box shapewear business. It was a tough decision because she wanted to keep her day job for stability and insurance but that was no longer an option. Her new husband said he would work with her in the business and do it together. “When I lost my job due to mergers in the medical field, we decided to give it our all for 2 years and if we couldn’t make it profitable we would both go get ‘real’ jobs.  Here we are 8 years later…still in business and thriving.”

She has been working fulltime in her own business since 2003.  “I am really proud of having a business that survived the crazy economy of 2009!  I am proud to have had products featured on The OPRAH Winfrey Show (twice) and I am really proud to be a brand that has been on QVC shopping channel and QVC.com for 9 years. I am proud to have the opportunity to develop, market and sell quality products that make women look and feel better about themselves.” She has recently co-authored her first book, MY STYLE, MY WAY!

“I hope to be an influence or mentor for others.  I believe I am as I have had 3 of my friends tell me they affectionately call me “Their white OPRAH”.  This may not be politically correct, but I know that there was no discrimination intended either direction.  I was flattered and did not feel deserving of the title.” Connie is making a difference in the world just as she wanted to.

“Follow your dreams.  Learn from others.  Never stop learning.  Don’t forget to build the foundation under your dreams.”

Connie Elder can be reached by visiting www.lipoinabox.com or connie@connieelder.com.