LaFarris Risby, Award-Winning Business Strategist & Coach, Empowers Women Entrepreneurs to Build Wealth and Lead Boldly

Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business

I’m LaFarris Risby, an award-winning business strategist, executive coach, and founder of Loving Arms Enterprises—the largest African American woman-owned business in Junction City, Kansas. My mission is to empower women to break barriers, embrace their strengths, and achieve financial freedom through bold leadership and strategic business growth. Through my coaching programs, I help women unlock their full potential, overcome limitations, and build thriving businesses and fulfilling lives.

Who are your customers?

My customers are ambitious women entrepreneurs, leaders, and professionals who are ready to elevate their businesses and lives. They are driven to overcome limitations, build confidence, and achieve financial freedom through strategic coaching, mentorship, and empowerment.

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

Prior to starting my own business, I worked in the childcare and family services sector, where I gained extensive experience in early childhood development, business operations, and community leadership. My background also includes overcoming personal adversity, which fueled my passion for empowering women to rise above challenges and build thriving businesses.

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

No, I didn’t always know I wanted to be an entrepreneur. My journey began out of necessity—I was driven by the need to create a stable and secure future for my children. What started as a small in-home daycare grew into a thriving business. Through that experience, I discovered my passion for entrepreneurship and empowering other women to build successful, purpose-driven businesses.

Take us back to when you first launched your business; what was your marketing strategy to get the word out and did it go as planned?

When I first launched my business, my marketing strategy was centered around word-of-mouth referrals and building strong community connections. I focused on delivering exceptional service, which led to organic growth through satisfied clients spreading the word. I also actively participated in local events and networking opportunities to establish my presence. While I didn’t have a formal marketing plan at the time, the power of genuine relationships and a strong reputation helped my business grow beyond expectations.

What is the biggest challenge you have encountered along the way so far and what have you learned from it?

One of the biggest challenges I’ve encountered was scaling my business while maintaining a work-life balance. As my company grew, managing the increasing demands of leadership, operations, and personal responsibilities became overwhelming. I’ve learned the importance of delegating effectively, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care. This experience taught me that sustainable growth requires building a strong team, trusting others with key responsibilities, and making time for personal well-being.

What accomplishment are the most proud of to date in your business?

I’m most proud of building Loving Arms Enterprises into the largest African American woman-owned business in Junction City, Kansas. It’s a testament to my resilience, hard work, and dedication to empowering women and families. Seeing the impact my business has made—creating jobs, providing quality childcare, and inspiring other women to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams—is incredibly fulfilling

Do you have any recent wins from the last year that you'd like to celebrate with our community?

Yes! One of my recent wins is expanding my coaching business to help more women entrepreneurs unlock their next level of success. I’ve also had the opportunity to speak at impactful events and collaborate with influential leaders, further growing my platform and reach. Additionally, joining The Entreprenista League has been a major milestone, allowing me to connect with like-minded women and explore new opportunities for growth and collaboration.

What's next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?

What’s next for my business is expanding my coaching programs to empower even more women to achieve financial freedom and bold leadership. In the coming years, you can expect to see more speaking engagements, workshops, and online courses designed to help women elevate their businesses and lives. I’m also focused on growing my brand’s reach through strategic partnerships and collaborations, making a greater impact on women entrepreneurs globally.

What is your top productivity tip? 

My top productivity tip is to prioritize with purpose—focus on high-impact tasks that align with your goals and delegate the rest. I also believe in time blocking to create dedicated slots for deep work, meetings, and personal time, which helps me stay organized and efficient. Lastly, setting clear boundaries and protecting my time allows me to maintain balance and avoid burnout.

On the flip side, how do you avoid burnout?

To avoid burnout, I prioritize self-care and setting clear boundaries. I make time for activities that recharge me, such as spending quality time with loved ones, practicing mindfulness, and disconnecting from work when needed. I’ve also learned the importance of delegating tasks and leaning on my team, which allows me to focus on my strengths without feeling overwhelmed. Prioritizing rest and personal well-being helps me stay energized and effective as a leader.

What is your approach to work-life balance / integration?

My approach to work-life balance is all about intentional integration—blending my professional and personal life in a way that aligns with my values. I prioritize quality time with my family while setting clear boundaries for work. I also embrace flexibility and self-care, allowing myself space to recharge without guilt. By being purposeful with my time and energy, I’m able to stay present and fulfilled in both my business and personal life.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you started your Entreprenista journey?

One thing I wish I had known when I started my Entreprenista journey is the power of building a strong network early on. I’ve learned that surrounding yourself with like-minded, driven entrepreneurs not only provides valuable support but also opens doors to collaborations, partnerships, and growth opportunities. I now understand that success is not just about working hard—it’s also about strategically connecting with the right people.

Are you a Mamaprenista? If so, please share your best advice for simultaneously managing a business and a family

I haven’t raised capital through investors, but I’ve successfully scaled my business through strategic growth and reinvestment. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of financial discipline and smart reinvestment—using profits to fund expansion, enhance services, and build a strong foundation

What's the one app on your phone you absolutely cannot live without and why?

The one app I absolutely can’t live without is Google Calendar. It keeps me organized, on track, and productive, helping me manage my schedule, appointments, and business commitments efficiently. With a busy coaching business and speaking engagements, having a reliable tool to stay on top of everything is essential.

What advice do you have for aspiring Entreprenistas?

My advice for aspiring Entreprenistas is to start before you’re ready—don’t wait for everything to be perfect. Embrace resilience because challenges will come, but your ability to adapt, learn, and persist will define your success. Build authentic connections with like-minded entrepreneurs who inspire and support you. Invest in continuous learning through coaching, courses, or mentorship to scale your business. Most importantly, stay true to your purpose—let your mission and values guide your decisions, and success will follow.

Learn more about the Entreprenista League and join today!