From Dreaming Girl to Visionary CEO
Long before excelling as a three-time bestselling author, TEDx speaker, or the esteemed 2021 Ebony Power 100 Entrepreneur & Innovative Leader Honoree, Dr. Angela Reddix–CEO and Founder of The Mustard Seed Place–was a young girl with a teen mom, fueled by faith chasing after a dream. The early lessons of sacrifice, delayed gratification, budgeting, and self-discipline observed from Dr. Reddix’s mother profoundly influenced her own path to success. Inspired by the multifaceted roles success has played in the story of her life, she ventures into the next chapter of women empowerment through The Mustard Seed Place (TMSP), a space where modest dreams of women blossom into significant achievements.
As one of 10 children, Dr. Reddix’s mother–in her eyes–played the role of “hometown hero.” Her superpowers were faith, worth ethic, and discipline. Graduating at 16 with honors and a full scholarship to an Ivy League university, Dr. Reddix’s mother navigated the challenges of motherhood as a sophomore. Entrusted to her grandmother’s care, Dr. Reddix witnessed her mother’s journey: earning degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and attending NYU Law School embarking on a successful corporate career. Dr. Reddix’s upbringing inspired her mission to live a life of excellence and service, empowering women every step of the way.
Seventeen years ago, the Norfolk-based entrepreneur’s unwavering faith instilled the confidence to establish ARDX, an accomplished government contracting consulting firm specializing in health and policy regulation, big data analytics, technology solutions, and cybersecurity risk management.
It was vision that led her to influence and equip young girls with the tools to reach their highest potential as budding entrepreneurs with Envision Lead Grow (ELG), a program that has trained approximately 3,000 girls around the country.
Dr. Reddix’s list of accomplishments reads like a who’s who in the world of entrepreneurship, showcasing her remarkable contributions and achievements that have left an indelible mark on various industries and in the lives of many people. Dr. Reddix is a distinguished community leader, serving as Board Chair for the YWCA of South Hampton Roads and a member of the Women’s President and JMU Women for Madison Executive Advisory Council, just to highlight a few.
With so much to be proud of – most of all her role as a devoted wife and loving mother to 3A’s – she learned early success starts with pouring into and loving oneself.
With that notion in mind, Dr. Reddix has been planted in the heart of Portsmouth, Virginia, to cultivate an environment where women can T.H.R.I.V.E. personally and professionally through The Womanhood Initiative™ at The Mustard Seed Place.
Much like a greenhouse is essential for nurturing a growing seed, The Womanhood Initiative™ embodies the supportive atmosphere that a woman like her mother—and herself— required them to bravely pursue their dreams. The Womanhood Initiative™–the soil–is a community which promotes empowerment and accountability for women who are trying to grow and bloom personally and professionally in life. Whether a stay at home mom trying to find their voice or an entrepreneur trying to break the glass ceiling, The Womanhood Initiative™ is a not just a brand to help women turn their seeds of dreams into gardens of abundance, but it is a movement on the periphery of impacting women across the nation as well as Dr. Reddix’s local community.
Much like her endeavors, Dr. Reddix will continue to pour her talents, skills, and heart into uplifting women socially and professionally.
