in her heels with Eva higgins
“I made myself a boss.”
Eva has over 27 years experience in Business Analysis, Project Management, and Process Improvement. She started with International Paper as a GIS Mapping Developer and quickly pivoted to a SQL Developer with Qimonda in Virginia. She has held various executive reporting roles in Database Development and Project Management for Lexis Nexis, HCA and Dollar General.
In her current role as the CEO of Cardinal Delta she is quoted as saying, "We believe the Agile Methodologies of project management promote a culture of inclusion and conflict resolution based on self-organizing teams. This is the ideal that we want to develop in the workplace. Customer engagement driven by people, sound processes focused on quality, and business strategies that deliver value.
Eva is also the founder of Oil Mantra Co. Their mission at Oily Mantra Co is connecting people with handcrafted, natural wellness products with originality and sincerity. From their family to yours, enjoy.
Family is the heart and soul of her business, their small batch processes keeps us close to our roots of serving the community and one of the reasons for starting our business. She wanted to create memorable moments for family and friends around clean, healthy living and products. They hope to provide a convenient shopping experience that feels as quality-driven as their products. Better yet, their products are made from soy and coconut bases infused with essential oils. They strive to have 5 ingredients or less!
Let’s dive in, and find out more about this serial entrepreneur.
How did you enter into the hospitality industry?
As a serial entrepreneur, at Oily Mantra Co. we started from a desire to create unique custom gifts and wellness products. At that time, there was a desire to make products cleaner and organic like soy wax candles and essential oil blends instead of fragrances. A client asked us to make vegan products in addition to soy wax candles, so we removed beeswax and goat milk from many of our products, for shea butter and coconut milk. Within the Information Technology and Consulting space, Cardinal Delta LLC, was at the forefront of the pandemic, with supply chain management for our retail client. We helped build processes and business strategies for teams to delivery quality services on time and within budget. We implemented small teams put in timelines, and delivered the work in stages to bring items to market faster.
What brought you to Nashville?
In 2020 when the pandemic started, much of the Tennessee Valley was shut down. But Nashville was very progressive in helping businesses stay open. So we pivoted and moved our products lines, workshops, and classes to Nashville. My consulting company, Cardinal Delta, focused on helping small business gain a digital foot print during the pandemic helping with things like web development, accounting, and business process improvements.
Where are we likely to find you on the weekends or when you aren't working?
My husband and I are avid RVers. We love to escape to the state parks and just unwind. Covid-19 has shown us that the simple things done really well and intentional keep us whole and healthy.
Name 3 things you cannot live without.
A good cup of coffee, a book, and mediation.
What is the best advice you have received?
To bet on myself, a close friend gave me that advice years ago; and it has been the foundation of everything I do.
What are you currently listening to? Podcast? Favorite song that motivates you?
I am listening to Snap Judgement which is my favorite podcast, but know I am listening for insight as well since are launching our own Podcast; Fundamentally Business in February to help small businesses operate during the Pandemic. Side Hustle Pro Podcast is a good one as well. Right now the gospel song On Time God is a favorite and close second is still Humble by Kendrick Lamar. What can I say, "I love Jesus but I cuss a little."
What would surprise us about yourself?
I have a bachelors degree in Forestry Science and I was a GIS Development Team Lead for John Hancock. I developed and wrote mapping systems before GIS maps were ever in vehicles back in the 90's.
What are some career highlights and biggest career accomplishments?
I recently completed a 9 month certification for Small Business Entrepreneurship from Interise Next Level program. A big accomplishment are the personal workshops and trainings during the pandemic. We are extremely proud of the Podcast, Fundamentally Business with Eva Higgins that is launching in February, so stay tuned.
Contact information: Where can members connect with you?
I can be found on the web at www.cardinaldelta.com and for unique products and gifts at www.oilymantra.com.
If you would like to support Eva and need a gift for a loved one for Valentine’s Day. Oily Mantra is listed in our Valentine’s Gift Guid where you can shop here.