The Daily Southerner, Tarboro, NC

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July 10, 2009

Tarboro native with multi-million dollar company reflects on hometown upbringing

KIMBERLY BELLAMY

One of the top minority business owners in the nation, Janice Bryant Howroyd, 56, grew up in Tarboro, and credits much of her success to the lessons learned among family in her hometown.

Having faith in her creator, and herself, Howroyd established her business Act I Personnel with only $1,500, and has led the company to be one of the top multi-million dollar staffing companies in the country.

Act I continues to provide assistance to Fortune 500 companies, and to everyday people using a model that has proven to work over the company’s 30 plus years of longevity.

Among other accolades, Howroyd has been featured on “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” “Ebony Magazine,” recognized during the 2008 BET Honors ceremony, but hasn’t forgotten the foundation of the values she lives by.

“All of the family and foods that I grew up with in Tarboro are what continue to feed me today,” Howroyd said. “Memories of sitting around my mother and father’s kitchen table with my brothers, sisters, cousins and family friends are strong for me, and that continues to happen with every visit home."

She recalled praying, singing, and the overall closeness of her 10 siblings, and parents John and Elretha Bryant.

“The things I treasure and find so much strength from are those that continue be a central part of my life,” Howroyd said.

Her ambition to go for what she wanted, and strive for success is something that has always been present within her due to the influences of her parents.

“Our parents were so magnificent that I did not even know we could be considered poor until I went to the university. I learned about other people’s incomes and figured it out, but by then it didn’t matter,” she said. “We measured success in terms of achieving from every opportunity, and mama and daddy insisted that we embrace this.”

Today, Howroyd’s business is expanding globally, she is joined by some of her siblings, and children who joined the business after accomplishing success in their own endeavors. She is in the middle of touring for her book “The Art of Work: How to Make Work, Work for You,” available on Amazon.com.

With a strong track record, Howroyd offers advice to others who are looking for inspiration to pursue their dreams.

Instead of having some get rich quick scheme, or some complex rules to follow, she just simply advices others to let God lead your way.

“The best advice I can give to anyone is to know that God’s love for you is bigger than you can ever need or accept. Study God’s word and find your ministry within it,” she said. “While other people may inspire you by their achievements, never fail to recognize that your own strengths are well suited to what you need.”

Her religious background steams from St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Tarboro, where her family worshiped.

“Tarboro, North Carolina has never left me, and I’ve never left Tarboro ... I thank God for my childhood in Tarboro, North Carolina,” Howroyd said

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