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Family Focus: Author To Share Wisdom With Business Owners

None — This weekend, minority business owners in Charlotte will get a bit of a pep talk from a nationally known author who has seen her share of tough times.

After her appearances on the final season of "Oprah," most people haven't seen motivational speaker Iyanla Vanzant.

"I think because my work was in the world, my healing was in world," Vanzant said.

She's in Charlotte this weekend, and when she talked to Eyewitness News Friday afternoon, she reflected on her journey of gaining fame and losing it, the death of her daughter from cancer and, at one point, even considering taking her own life.

"People were shocked about my story," Vanzant said. "But my story is no different than someone who lost a job or got laid off or got divorced or lost a loved one. We're no different."

Vanzant was in Charlotte to continue using her life lessons to encourage others who are struggling in tough economic times.

"People can't draw money from the external bank," Vanzant said. "It must come from the internal bank, and some are overdrawn."

She's still making public appearances and still writing, with at least 50 books in various stages of completion. Each one, she said, is an opportunity to share what she's learned.

"No matter how bad it hurts or feels or how low you fall, it won't kill you," Vanzant said. "You can get back up again."

Vanzant is the keynote speaker at the Minority Business Expo Saturday at the Charlotte Convention Center. For more information, click here.