Taken from shoutoutatlanta.com, July 13th, 2022
Meet Jennifer Barbosa
Founder/CEO Queen Supplier
We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Barbosa and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jennifer, what inspires you?
I am inspired and motivated by my 3 children. They are the reasons behind everything I do with the business and in my personal life. I strive to support their personal dreams and give them a life I only imagined and more. I want to lead by example and show them that “you are your only competition and challenge” in anything you pursue in life. I am also inspired by my team of women who work hard and stay committed to the goals we have set together for the company. We are accomplishing so much for such a small team. Their dedication motivates me to continue to build the company so that I can play a small part in supporting their personal goals and dreams as well.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I launched International Supply Partners when I was a stay-at-home wife and mother of 6 kids. I wanted to do something that challenged me and find an opportunity to do business with the government. I believe that I have the business acumen from owning and running previous companies and a passion for doing it. The business’s launch was prolonged, and at one point, I believed that it would not survive the competition from big box companies. While going through an excruciating divorce during the pandemic, the rebirth of ISP occurred. The relationships I had initially fostered with manufacturers and business colleagues opened doors and opportunities I never imagined. In a matter of months, I found myself tackling through 24hr days as I communicated with buyers and sellers in the new PPE world and logistics frantically trying to get needed supplies around the world.
During this time, I garnered many lessons in negotiations, international business, and laws lost friends through greed and gained new friends through partnerships. My network expanded exponentially. The most important lessons I learned were that not all money is good money, nor should you jump on every opportunity. I also learned that one’s title means nothing without integrity, and never underestimate yourself or anyone.
Like the rest of the world during the pandemic, I had a lot of time to think and contend with myself. I began to practice yoga and exercise, write in my journal, and be present in my relationships and time spent with my children. I learned a lot about myself and I truly believe all this time helped to prepare and ground me for the growth and expansion of my company.
I want the world to know that humanity in all you do will always be best. We strive to bring humanity in supply chain and in how we serve our customers and partners.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my BFF visited for a week, we’d enjoy a fun-filled business growth week. We would go for a round of golf on Monday, and attend a few network events and meetings I likely have planned. We would enjoy happy hour at TGS, The Regis, and Commerce Club. Our evenings would entail dinner and drinks at Apt. B4, Rock Steady, and the Garden Room. Saturday, we’d spend time at the Avalon shopping and having drinks, then the afternoon visiting the museums and on Sunday, we’d brunch at Breakfast at Barney’s.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people I want to shout out. First, my children, my sisters Melissa, Jessica and Marylissa, brother Edson and my amazing parents Fausto and Maria, and my extended family and friends constantly remind me of my greatness even when I don’t feel so great. I want to acknowledge the women and sister-friends of the organizations I am a part of including Golf Women Mean Business, WEOP, Monica Fenderson of MOSA Design Studio, WBENC, GA-MSDC, Larry Gilmore, my business coach, my Goldman Sachs 10KSB cohort, and staff. I have only accomplished as much as I have because of these and so many more people.
