Inspiring Conversations with Loretta Forbes of Life Beyond the Norm

Today we’d like to introduce you to Loretta Forbes. 

Hi Loretta, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
My company, Life Beyond the Norm LLC was birthed after I attended a conference called Acquire the Fire. The theme of the conference was “Normal is not enough” At this time in my life I had moved back from Chicago after obtaining my Master’s, and was unsure about myself, insecure in my abilities, and lacked self-love. I began to work intentionally on my own personal growth and development, and began to become more comfortable and confident in my own skin… After doing so, I began to understand my purpose in life. I realized that I was called to motivate girls and women, to live beyond the boundaries of their culture and exceed the limits of their environment. So, now this is my vision and mission of our company… to inspire girls and women to live beyond the norm and to become the best versions of themselves. 

Lile Beyond the Norm is an all-encompassing personal development enterprise that serves as a platform for girls and women today to realize their purpose in life. Building the company on four key principles, LBN serves as a beacon of hope to girls and women in understanding who they are and embracing who they are called to be. 

These key principles are: 

1 Know Yourself 2. Grow Yourself 3. Be Yourself 4. Love Yourself

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There have definitely been setbacks and struggles, but that is why it is called a journey. The roadblocks that have come into my life have been opportunities for me to continue growing and becoming the best version of myself. One of the struggles has been navigating our business amid the pandemic. Since our company is hands-on and thrives within “In person” spaces, offering virtual services has been something that we have had to navigate through. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Life Beyond the Norm is a personal development enterprise, offering personal development coaching, performing arts coaching, business coaching, holistic therapy, etiquette classes, workshops,self care retreats, conferences, and keynote speeches.

I am  a licensed therapist, Certified Personal Development and Executive Coach. I also have  degrees from Michigan State University (B.A, in psychology) and The University of Chicago, (MA in Social Service Administration).

I am a self-esteem advocate & self-care enthusiast. My speaking platform has allowed me to  travel  nationally to empower girls and women in gaining a healthy and wholesome sense of self-worth and value. I absolutely love what I do and am honored to serve the girls and women that I serve on a daily basis.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My parents definitely deserve more credit than I can even give them. They have been my advocates, champions, cheerleaders, and supporters in every facet of my life and business. My husband, Dr. Cecil Forbes, Jr. also has been my motivation and strength. With him being an entrepreneur himself, (iCare Spine & Rehab Center in Detroit, MI) he understands the grit and grind that it takes to succeed. I also have a business coach who has been instrumental in helping to propel my business forward. My mentors have also guided me along the way during this entrepreneurial journey. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lorettaforbes.com
• Instagram: lorettaforbes
• Facebook: lorettaforbes
• Youtube: lorettaamorman