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morpheusindia · 11 months

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Strategies for Success: Tools and Tips for Women Entrepreneurs

Introduction:

Women entrepreneurs face unique challenges and opportunities in the business world. They need effective strategies and tools to navigate their entrepreneurial journeys successfully. In this blog post, we'll explore five essential tactics that can help female entrepreneurs thrive. These tools and advice, along with the guidance and support provided by industry experts like Kailash Shahani and Morpheus Consulting, can empower women entrepreneurs to overcome obstacles and achieve remarkable success. From building a strong support network to leveraging technology, these strategies will pave the way for women entrepreneurs to make their mark in the business world.

1. Build a Support Network:

Having a strong support system around you is one of the most important strategies for women business owners. Find mentors, join organisations for professionals, and make connections with other female entrepreneurs who share your goals. These connections can help your business grow by offering direction, advice, and useful connections.

2. Embrace Technology:

Leveraging technology is crucial for business success in the current digital era. Accept platforms and tools that will help you run your business more efficiently, be more productive, and engage more people. Technology, from social media marketing to project management software, can help female business owners scale their operations successfully.

3. Invest in Continuous Learning:

It's crucial for female business owners to invest in ongoing education if they want to stay competitive in today's dynamic business environment. To keep up with the most recent trends and best practices, attend industry conferences, workshops, and webinars. Additionally, to gain new skills and broaden your knowledge, think about signing up for online classes or going after certifications.

4. Prioritise Self-Care:

For long-term success, maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential. Burnout can result from the multiple roles and responsibilities that female entrepreneurs frequently juggle. Set boundaries, practise mindfulness, and take regular breaks to give yourself the attention it deserves. Keep in mind that maintaining your passion, creativity, and general well being depends on taking care of yourself.

5. Foster a Growth Mindset:

A growth mindset must be developed in order to overcome obstacles and seize new opportunities. Adopt a mentality that views setbacks as stepping stones to success and failures as teaching opportunities. Maintain your resiliency, flexibility, and willingness to improve constantly. Women business owners can overcome challenges with confidence and persevere in the face of adversity by adopting a growth mindset.

Conclusion:

With the proper tactics, resources, and attitude, you can succeed as a woman entrepreneur. You can succeed by creating a strong support system, utilising technology, investing in ongoing education, prioritising self-care, and cultivating a growth mindset. Keep in mind that every journey is distinct, so it's crucial to customise these tactics to meet your unique professional and personal objectives. Women entrepreneurs can overcome obstacles, take advantage of opportunities, and leave their mark on the business world by putting these strategies into practice.

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tsgnashvilletennessee · 6 years

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American Woman

Women-owned businesses in the United States are growing at a rate quicker than any other demographic; generating more revenue, hiring more employees, and contributing more to our national economy. Locally, Nashville has one of the highest percentage of female-owned businesses, so it’s no surprise that our Scout Guide Nashville is filled with these leading women, with a wide range of backgrounds and passions.

What better way to cheers the red, white, and blue, than to celebrate the American dream! We caught up with a few of the female business owners included in our guide to learn more of their story, what it’s like to run a Nashville small business, and what it means to live the American dream; each an inspiring American Woman.

Photo by Leslee Mitchell.

Kimberly Lewis, owner of Emerson Grace

TSG Nashville: There is nothing more American than creating your own business. As a female entrepreneur, what was it that inspired you to take that first leap in starting your own business?

Lewis: The opportunity to use my years of experience in the fashion retail and wholesale arena for my own freedom and flexibility.

TSG Nashville: During your entrepreneurial journey was there anyone who helped you along the way, or a particular source of inspiration?

Lewis: My husband, Jim. He has always pushed me to follow my passion. He has a great business background and mindset, so together we are fortunate to have a great balance that shines through with the store.

TSG Nashville: What does a typical work day look like for you?

Lewis: I am fortunate to have a great team working in the store. That allows me freedom and flexibility. I now spend most of my time on the buying, merchandising, and big picture goals for Emerson Grace.

TSG Nashville: As young girls, we have so many ideas of what we dream of doing when we grow up. When you were younger, what did you want to be? Did you ever imagine you’d be where you are today?

Lewis: Ironically, I thought I was going to be an interior designer! Once I started working in the retail world, I truly enjoyed it, and I was really good at it...and that’s when I started to focus on making it my career!

TSG Nashville: Success is measured in so many ways. For you, what defines success?

Lewis: It’s personal and professional. Building the business to a place that affords me certain luxuries, is definitely a highlight. Albeit “just clothes,” women want to look and feel good. Our consistent repeat clientele and words of encouragement and pride from them, reinforce that we’re on the right path. Having a great team allows me the freedom and flexibility to do my job well, travel, and spend time with my family.

TSG Nashville: Is there a motto you live by that also reflects how you like your business to run?

Lewis: #stayfocused. Know the goal and keep striving for it. Do good work, it makes all the difference!

TSG Nashville: What does being an American business owner in Nashville mean to you?

Lewis: It means I am a part of a community of talented individuals in this thriving city, that share a common interest or goal. I enjoy working with, socializing with, and seeing other female entrepreneurs in my field, or other fields, and having mutual respect and support for the journey that we have all decided to embark upon.

For more information on Emerson Grace, visit www.emersongracenashville.com

Photo by Leslee Mitchell.

Kristen Winston, owner of Kristen Winston Catering

TSG Nashville: There is nothing more American than creating your own business. As a female entrepreneur, what was it that inspired you to take that first leap in starting your own business?

Winston: I have always had a passion for cooking and entertaining. The suggestion of a friend helped me realize that I could turn my hobby into a profession.

TSG Nashville: During your entrepreneurial journey was there anyone who helped you along the way, or a particular source of inspiration?

Winston: My husband, John, who gave me the support and encouragement to start the business, and the knowledge and expertise to take Kristen Winston Catering from a home based business to a company.

TSG Nashville: What does a typical work day look like for you?

Winston: I wake up at the crack of dawn in order to have some alone time and a walk before my kids get up, and we head out for school. Then it is to the office or meetings, and many times, going by an event setup at the end of the day.

TSG Nashville: As young girls, we have so many ideas of what we dream of doing when we grow up. When you were younger, what did you want to be? Did you ever imagine you’d be where you are today?

Winston: I wanted to be a nurse. I took a completely different path midway through college, but I have always had a passion for serving others and foodservice ended up being my calling.

TSG Nashville: Success is measured in so many ways. For you, what defines success?

Winston: I measure success by client satisfaction. We strive to make our clients happy by delivering the highest level of professionalism in service, consistently great food, and memorable experiences. Building lasting relationships means repeat business which is essential for sustainable growth.

TSG Nashville: Is there a motto you live by that also reflects how you like your business to run?

Winston: My dad has Thomas Jefferson’s 10 Rules of Life framed in his study. Rule #1 is, “Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.” I have always remembered that.

TSG Nashville: What does being an American business owner in Nashville mean to you?

Winston: I feel very fortunate to live in a city with such explosive growth and popularity, especially the culinary scene. We have a very strong community of women entrepreneurs.

For more information on Kristen Winston Catering, visit www.kristenwinston.com

Photo by Leslee Mitchell.

Elizabeth Allen, owner of e.Allen

TSG Nashville: There is nothing more American than creating your own business. As a female entrepreneur, what was it that inspired you to take that first leap in starting your own business?

Allen: Women! I started e.Allen when my youngest was only 2 months old. I noticed how I had more confidence when I would pull together a look for myself, even if that meant simply throwing on a basic staple from my closet and adding some interesting accessories along with it. I just knew other women HAD to feel the same way, and I had the inner confidence and drive to pursue a vision in a store that wasn’t already out there!

TSG Nashville: During your entrepreneurial journey was there anyone who helped you along the way, or a particular source of inspiration?

Allen: My main source of inspiration is branding. From the beginning, I always wanted to have brand recognition that stood the test of time. I wanted e.Allen to be a brand people could relate to and ultimately love! I have a passion for reading about brands and their creators, be it through magazine articles or other means of communication. Most recently, a friend of mine has turned me onto podcasts!

TSG Nashville: What does a typical work day look like for you?

Allen: No two days are the same. We were lucky enough to invest in an e.Allen headquarters office space where a large portion of my time is spent. I utilize that location to review lines, purchase store product, conduct photoshoots and meetings, review reports, and so much more. Then, all of the fun is to be had at one of our locations: Nashville, Murfreesboro, or Franklin.

TSG Nashville: As young girls, we have so many ideas of what we dream of doing when we grow up. When you were younger, what did you want to be? Did you ever imagine you’d be where you are today?

Allen: I studied Biology and Chemistry in college; therefore, the answer to your question is I never imagined creating my own brand and owning three successful stores. While doing so certainly isn’t brain surgery, (even though at times it feels that way) it truly is a dream come true. I am exhausted by the end of each and every single day. However, the reward I receive in dressing women and helping them realize their original beauty is priceless.

TSG Nashville: Success is measured in so many ways. For you, what defines success?

Allen: Being able to do what you love for as long as you’d wish, while coincidentally helping others recognize their inner confidence and outer beauty, is what defines success. I hope to help shape others in a positive light and repay the feeling I have had when others have done the same for me.

TSG Nashville: Is there a motto you live by that also reflects how you like your business to run?

Allen: Treat others the way you want to be treated. With three stores, I entrust my girls with a superior level of expectation! e.Allen has my name on the store front, and at the end of the day, our team is a reflection of that, which I certainly do not take lightly. In order for customers to have a positive experience, and for e.Allen to have continued growing success, my stores must start with an extraordinary high level of respect that permeates from its leader to the individual customer.

TSG Nashville: What does being an American family business owner in Nashville mean to you?

Allen: Though Nashville is an extremely welcoming and supportive community, the growth of our town makes the business world highly competitive. To achieve and maintain a growing success rate in Nashville, along with our other two locations, is incredibly empowering. Female leaders are imperative in any area’s business world; therefore, owning and operating a brand for close to 10 years is an incredible personal and professional accomplishment that I hope encourages women to go after their initial dreams...or cultivate a new one!

For more information on e.Allen, visit www.eallenboutique.com

Photo by Leslee Mitchell.

Maggie Tucker, owner of Magpies and The Girls Shoppe

TSG Nashville: There is nothing more American than creating your own business. As a female entrepreneur, what was it that inspired you to take that first leap in starting your own business?

Tucker: My husband! My sweet, wonderful, always encouraging husband. He told me every day for years that I needed to start my own business! He held me accountable to my potential, and he made me believe I could do something I truly doubted was possible. He continues to make me think bigger and bolder, and always offers constant support to see my dreams and ideas through fruition. He is a true partner in every sense of the word.

TSG Nashville: During your entrepreneurial journey was there anyone who helped you along the way, or a particular source of inspiration?

Tucker: I have the most incredible mentor. Magpies would not have been possible without her guidance and support. My ultimate goal is to pay it all forward, and champion another woman towards her entrepreneurial dreams the way Beth has done for me. She is my real life angel.

TSG Nashville: What does a typical work day look like for you?

Tucker: I usually go to SHED fitness at 5 a.m. I pop into Starbucks, then head home to check emails, do our morning social media posts, reply to messages, make breakfast, and play with my dogs. I head back to Starbucks for a refill, and onto our baby and kids store to start the day with Catherine, she’s been the head of operations there for several years. I love getting a daily plan together with her. I head to our Girls Shoppe for a quick check in and start gathering inventory for transfers to our Franklin store, we send inventory back and forth multiple times a week to maximize sales and serve our customers. I run out to Franklin and spend the afternoon with Wesley, our Southside manager, the bright and beautiful face behind our newest location! We plan upcoming events, work on product reorders, and gather up the inventory that needs to go back to Nashville. I head back, run by the post office to ship online orders, and wrap up the day with our Nashville Girls Shoppe team. The afternoon is usually our busiest time in that location, and I LOVE to be there for the madness!!

TSG Nashville: As young girls, we have so many ideas of what we dream of doing when we grow up. When you were younger, what did you want to be? Did you ever imagine you’d be where you are today?

Tucker: One summer I took the lemonade stand game to a new level and set up shop near construction sites, offering both donuts AND lemonade. My mom made me reimburse her for supplies, so at an early age I understood the importance of a good margin! Based on my success, I immediately envisioned being the first female president! I was extremely confident, and when school started back that Fall, I demanded to play the role of president in my 2nd grade play. Did I imagine being HERE one day? No! I imagined I’d be in the White House! But I think I’ll take my happy neon pink palaces and leave politics up to someone else.

TSG Nashville: Success is measured in so many ways. For you, what defines success?

Tucker: For me, success in my industry is: paying myself. So many people I meet with do not pay themselves. For me this is a huge WIN, and something my mentor encouraged me to do from day one. Having growth opportunities for employees within our company. Cultivating a work environment I genuinely want to be in and miss when I’m not there. Keeping our stores relevant in the community and in the industry. Consistently and authentically using our stores to elevate the lives of others. Building a brand that has the potential for sale one day. This all defines success.

TSG Nashville: Is there a motto you live by that also reflects how you like your business to run?

Tucker: Leave it better than you found it. Be it a person, a place, or a thing. Make sure it’s always better than before you got there!

TSG Nashville: What does being an American business owner in Nashville mean to you?

Tucker: It’s definitely a blessing that I don’t ever take for granted. I hold it as a constant reminder and motivation to elevate rising female business owners. The trail was blazed long before me, and I feel accountable to the previous women to do the same for others.

For more information on Magpies and the Girls Shoppe, visit www.magpiesnashville.com

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thefemalecampaign-blog · 7 years

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Meet a Sweet Savage

Meet A Sweet Savage

We were able to interview a new entrepreneur in the clothing industry by the name of Ashley Tioni. She is currently the Owner of Rose and Raja, which is a brand targeted primarily to women. We wanted to get to know her a bit more and wanted you guys to as well.

“I am 19 years old born and raised in Metro Detroit. I have always had a creative mindset, expressing myself through songwriting, poetry, digital content creation and drawing. I grew up an introvert and stayed to myself most of the time either reading or writing. It wasn't until I observed that the extroverts at my school and church were the ones making a name for themselves, getting the biggest roles in plays or simply getting the most attention. So at around 13, I made up in my mind to push myself outside of my comfort zone and start sharing my work, sharing my talents so I can have the recognition that I felt I deserved. Though I have failed during some of my efforts to gain attention and build a reputation for myself, I definitely learned a lot which has shaped me into the young woman that I am today.”

Everyone has some type of story of when they started their business venture and why. Some stories may be similar, but for Ashley it started based off of a strong passion for owning something of her own:

“My business is Rose and Raja; a clothing brand that currently features tees and crop tops for the summer. Our aim for anyone who follows us or reps our clothes is to Live Young, Wild & Free. Meaning that we want our customers to aspire to live in a way where they have the confidence to be daring and bold enough to follow their dreams, work hard towards their goals and have financial freedom to do what they want whenever they want.

I started Rose and Raja May 2017 after coming home from college for the summer. Rose and Raja was a passion project initiated out of boredom. All my friends were working their summer jobs, doing research programs, internships and studying abroad and I was at home doing NOTHING. I've always been interested in fashion and I always had a passion to own my own business. With so much free time on my hands I figured this would be a great time to start.”

A lot of businesswoman we’ve interviewed told us that their family and friends were the ones who influenced them to own their own business. Now for Ashley, her influence remains the same as everyone else, but instead she wants to prove her influence completely wrong:

“My influence to start this company was my mother. Before moving in with my dad at 15 I left my mothers abusive household. I had extreme punishments from running up and down stairs 100s of times, standing in the garage for hours at a time in the dark, getting hit with a whip, wooden club and belt buckles, getting my hair cut and many other punishments that I took in for years. Also dealing with the threats to put me in a girls home or telling me how ditsy or stupid I was.

All moments in my mom’s house weren't negative, but it sure did entice me to prove her wrong. We rarely spoke about dreams, and I knew I wanted to do something, anything that would make her proud. We don't talk much now, but one day I plan for her to see me running my company, doing great things that she never thought I could do. She won't have to say it, but I know she'll be proud of her "ditsy" daughter.”

Passions are one of many pieces that drives a business to continue to grow and be successful. Like any visionary, Ashley wants to create content that she hopes inspires others to do the same.

“My passion is to create and inspire others to do the same. I have always found pleasure in making something and sharing it with others. In high school I would make a poem everyday and share it with all my friends on Kik. It meant the world to me when I had people tell me "I needed this" or "This really made my day". Knowing that the things I create can cause positive feelings towards someone else is a beautiful feeling and only makes me want to make more and more.”

Behind every name is an even broader message. This also translates into the type of clothing you sell, etc.

“Roses symbolize love and respect. Raja means radiance. I like to think of them together as a healthy balance of sweet and strong. I love using the term Sweet Savage because I feel that it fits with what Rose and Raja stands for. You can be kind and considerate while also being driven and ambitious. I feel that this is something I have been trying to maintain and I feel that there are others who want to do the same.”

With any brand that is targeted primarily for women, the men want to rep the brand a little bit too. So when we asked Ashley about making the brand unisex, this is what she told us:

“Rose and Raja is targeted mainly for women, but we have a lil’ something for the men who want to rep the Rose and Raja brand.”

As a part of being an entrepreneur, one should strive to leave a mark on the work or make some type of change. That should always be the main goal, so we asked Ashley what she hopes to do to impact the world:

“I plan to leave my mark by simply being myself and being as genuine as I can. I feel like there are a lot of people pleasers in the world who are trying to cater to trends, their friends and families or what society says is "cool". I love me and to leave any mark you must be original and unique. I know I was created for a purpose, but that purpose cannot be fulfilled if I am trying to be like someone else. I am working hard to do what I believe God has sent me here to do, and if I accomplish what I can, I am positive that my mark will be left and remembered.”

We females do run this world, no matter what anybody says. As time goes on, so many females are rising up and becoming entrepreneurs just like Ashley has. We are dominating in everything that we do.

“Being a female entrepreneur is fun! People are impressed because so many men are dominating the workplace and to see women step up, makes other women feel empowered. I love meeting other girl bosses because we come up with great ideas and we have style that men cannot compete with! It just makes me feel good to simply talk with other young women about their brands, helping each other out and just growing bigger and better. To be apart of that is amazing and I am so glad that I have decided to become a female entrepreneur.”

Rose and Raja is a brand that sells graphic tees and crops, many of their products have sayings on them. We wanted to figure out the inspiration and story behind why she chose a lot of what she’s selling:

“I used to get in trouble for being terribly honest. One time at church this older guy complimented my hair and said he wished he had long hair like mine. I told him he could get long hair...if he used Bosley. My mom snatched me so quick and told me I hurt his feelings, but I thought I was offering a solution to his problem. He looked so sad once I told him that, so I decided from that point on to sugarcoat the truth so I wouldn't hurt people's feelings.

I say all that because I noticed that as I got older I wouldn't be direct or honest with people, and that bothered me. I got so used to holding in what I really felt that I felt uncomfortable being bold and direct. So when I made the Issa Animal Introductory Collection for Rose and Raja I took that as an opportunity to be bold, to say what people may be thinking but would never say out loud. My first design was "Beware of Kitty" and once I finished that one, the rest just poured out.”

The future should be something any entrepreneur should constantly think about because growth is key. You don’t ever want to be the same person or brand you were a year ago. Grow, get out and do more research, but most importantly plan wisely. In ten years, Rose and Raja plans to:

“...travel the world, with signature pieces and an identity that is unmatched by other streetwear designers. I see storefronts, loyal customers, features in magazines, a strong team fueling the Rose and Raja image. I see real tigers wearing real roses, working with influencers I've idolized for years, having memorable events and so much more. Overall I see major growth, and we grow more and more each day, so in 10 years I can only imagine where we'll be.

As of now I'm planning to get as many eyeballs as I can on the Rose and Raja brand. This time next year I plan to have a few fashion shows under my belt as well as introduce our newest collection. There is so much work that needs to be done, but we can take the heat. I am so excited for what the future has to offer and to continue growing Rose and Raja.”

From one brand to another, we wish you nothing but the best. You are new and fresh in the clothing industry and we hope that you are/continue to soak up as much knowledge as you can. Timing is EVERYTHING. Never rush greatness. There will be doubters, but don’t let that detour you from what you want and dream to do. Again good luck and have fun.

Follow her and RAR on social media:

www.roseandraja.com

IG and FB:

@roseandraja

Her personal social media:

IG- @ashleytioni

#beyourownboss motivation entrepreneur girlboss

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letstalkends · 5 years

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20 Must-Listen to Black Women Podcasts for 2019

Check this out on https://endsmedia.stream/20-must-listen-to-black-women-podcasts-for-2019/

20 Must-Listen to Black Women Podcasts for 2019

Podcasting is a big business and one that is expected to keep growing. According to Podcast Insights, there are currently over 660,000 podcasts and over 28 million episodes as of last month. Convince&Convert states podcast listening by women has increased 14% in one year. Yet, podcasting remains a genre mostly used and created by white people. In fact, The Columbia Journalism Review asked recently, “Why are #PodcastsSoWhite?” Even major podcast platforms including Spotify and Google are holding competitions in an effort to increase podcast diversity. There is anecdotal evidence, though, that more black people–and black women in particular–are turning to podcasting as a way to amplify their voices. With that in mind, here is a round-up of 20 podcasts by black women that are sure to inspire, spark joy, and give you a few giggles.

20 Must-Listen to Black Women Podcasts for 2019

1. Affirm

This biweekly mental health podcast is for women of color who seek wholeness through affirming their worth and placing value on their mental health.

2. Balanced Black Girl

This self-care podcast hosted by Lestraundra Alfred is known for providing a dose of real-life wellness for women of color. She often has guests on who have candid discussions surrounding healthy lifestyle and happiness.

3. Black Girl Podcast

Having met at radio station Hot 97, hosts Scottie Beam, Gia Peppers, Sapphira, Bex, and Alysha P come together for giggle-worthy conversation on the topics of sisterhood, pop culture, love, dreams, and growth.

4. Black Women About Business

This entrepreneurial podcast, hosted by Demarra Gardner, MA, LPC, CAC, is fairly new to the scene, beginning in November of 2018. All episodes are under 20 minutes in length and deliver information to support black females to “intersect business, leadership, and wellness.”

5. Clever Girls Know

Hosted by Bola Sokunbi, this podcast is a platform for financial education that assists women to get out of debt, save, and build their wealth. If you’re looking to improve, maintain or build upon your wealth, this one is for you.

6. Courtney Sanders Show

On The Courtney Sanders Show (formally known as The Think and Grow Chick Podcast), host Courtney dives into entrepreneurship, finances, spirituality, and personal growth topics that are sure to kick you in the butt to chase your goals.

7. Gettin’ Grown

Hosts Keia and Jade are two happy and whole 30-somethings figuring their adult lives out. On a weekly basis, they discuss all things regarding black women self-care and pet peeves sure to give the listening audience a chuckle.

8. Halfway Bougie

In this podcast, hosts Perri Furbert and Courtney Roberts promise to keep it “halfway bougie and all the way real.” Touching on all things pop culture, the two Millennials mix personal stories with real world problems, sparking reflection, and lots of head nods.

9. Happy Black Woman Podcast

If you’re an ambitious black woman who wants to have her cake and eat it too, this is the podcast for you. Host Rosetta Thurman empowers women to have it all in this personal development podcast through interviews with powerful black women who’ve created lives of happiness and freedom for themselves.

10. H.E.R. Space: Uplifting Conversations for The Black Woman

The H.E.R. in H.E.R space stands for healing, empowerment and resilience. In this podcast hosts Terri Lomax and Dr. Dominique Broussard are the catalysts for meaningful conversations, discussing everything from “fibroids to fake friends.”

11. Introverted Black Girl Podcast

This podcast touches on society biases and pop culture in a relatable way. The host of the Introverted Black Girl Podcast, who is set to reveal her identity this Spring, shares stories of her day-to-day experiences as a black introverted girl in a world that seems to be rigged for extroverts.

12. Jesus & Jollof

Hosted by Luvvie Ajayi and Yvonne Oriji, this lifestyle podcast is a random mix of talk on life happenings, success, food, and all things the hosts love. In a nutshell, it’s two Nigerian goddesses chatting it up for listener entertainment.

13. Oprah’s Super Soul Conversations

This inspirational podcast’s aim is to assist listeners to “awaken, discover, and connect” to the world around them. Oprah has personally chosen the audio of interviews she has conducted with some of the world’s top movers and shakers in an effort to guide all who listen to be the best version of themselves.

14. Rants & Randomness

Luvvie Ajayi is known for being a NYT best-selling author and blogger at AwesomelyLuvvie.com, but she prefers to call herself a side-eye sorceress and professional troublemaker. In this hilarious podcast Luvvie rants about society and all things pop culture. Her Jan 7 episode entitled “Do Better: Social Media Etiquette” is a must-listen for all.

15. She’s Got Drive

This podcast, hosted by Shirley McAlpine (business consultant and executive coach) asks black women what empowers them. McAlpine strives to dive deeply into the source of guests’ success, finding how they overcame obstacles and pulling out tools and strategies that listeners can apply.

16. Side Hustle Pro

This entrepreneurship podcast hosted by Nicaila Matthews Okome shines the spotlight on black females who have scaled their side hustles to profitable, established businesses in an effort to assist listeners to learn actionable strategies they can apply in the infancy stages of their business.

17. Spiritpreneur School: Spiritual Business for Entrepreneurs

The host of this podcast, Abiola Abrams, is an empowerment superstar and author whose mission is to assist heart-based entrepreneurs succeed. She touches on all things law-of-attraction and healing to build soul-fulfilled, thriving businesses.

18. The Broomstick Podcast

The Broomstick Podcast hosted by Natalie Edwards shares all things weddings and marriages for women of color. If you’re getting married soon, or feel the time is near, this is a great listen to get you prepped for your walk down the aisle.

19. The Glow Up Podcast

This podcast hosted by Lené Hypolite is the success antidote for women. The Glow Up Podcast shares stories and takeaways to assist listeners to glow up in their career, finances and personal life.

20. Therapy for Black Girls

As a licensed psychologist in Atlanta, Joy Harden Bradford, PhD, provides a weekly share session on all things mental health and personal development. Dr. Bradford touches on the latest mental health news and trends, as well as provides practical tips and answers listener questions.

Black Enterprise Contributors Network

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theherblifeblog · 5 years

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Get to Know Vol. 2 Cover Queen Kerestin aka BigBodyMami

By Jessica Nudo

Some of the most important conversations happening around the cannabis industry involve storytelling. I will never grow tired of listening to how this plant has changed lives and redirected careers.

I recently spoke with Vol. 2 cover queen Kerestin (aka Keke), a diversely skilled advocate for the community. Our conversation took place on a sleepy Saturday morning while most others indulged over brunch. But not us - we had a phone date and I was eager to learn more, especially when I learned of our quasi similar backgrounds in beauty and what brought her into cannabis to begin with. It’s a unique transition, no doubt, but a well-rounded background crafts an informed voice.

Kerestin’s focus is on community, connection and self love and she creates incredible content as a beauty, sex and relationship blogger who is quickly becoming a role model for those experiencing difficulty navigating this complicated dating world (present!). But her work doesn’t stop there, in fact it starts with her full-time hustle as a housing advocate, supporting the cannabis space and beyond.

“I have a huge passion for people and their well-being and try to show that in all aspects of my life. One of the biggest focuses is being able to connect with people, namely those who are in vulnerable populations. Working as a cannabis advocate has allowed me to achieve a balance.”

For Kerestin, everything she does is rooted in empowerment, and it shows in her instagram stories. Whether posing questions for her followers or for the camera, discussing and embracing sexuality has been a driving force in conversations.

Leveraging power of the internet to become social change warrior.

With a diversified experience portfolio, she has managed bring change in all corners of the community, both independently and through collaborations with the well-known Ladies of Paradise. By combining a variety of interests and industries, Kerestin reaches a broad audience through a grassroots approach of just keeping it real, honest and free of sponsorship bias or influences. A rare approach in an online world of easily swayed opinions where many prefer to take the money and run, because above all else, she prioritizes fostering her connection to her follower base.

“Working at Ladies (of Paradise) for me is about connecting women and female identities to an industry that has past been male dominated and creating space. My main focus with Instagram is providing a profile that will inspire people and offer something authentic for them to connect with.”

Ah-ha moment on cannabis and career

So what was the pivotal moment that sent Kerestin on the green path? It started with an injury that left her in a dark place after treating the pain with pharmaceutical medication. Determined to take care of her body in a more natural way, she found herself gravitating to the plant-based remedy lifestyle that yielded many benefits without potential harmful side effects.

Just like for many of us, trial and error played a role in while navigating the overwhelming selections of strains, formulas and other learnings that mama cannabis has to offer. The discovery of products containing CBD and THC not only changed her life, but she felt empowered by her choices by opting to purchase products that were helping her to make a difference instead of just masking the pain.

Top Shelf Beauty

We’ve seen how influencers on social media have an impact on re-defining the beauty narrative, especially within the green space. When Kerestin began working with Ladies of Paradise, it presented more opportunities to discover new products and share her findings with an engaged audience. Her background in hairdressing and aesthetics provided her with the knowledge to cut through the noise of glorified brands and focus on those with quality ingredients and truer brand power.

Her must haves include Humble Flower’s THC lotion with jasmine flower, massage oil and relief balm. As for beauty, she swears by MILK’s CBD mascara (brb, checking out Sephora). To cure what’s on the inside as well as the outside, her daily routine includes a dose of wildflower CBD.

“With LoP, I came into the shop early as a model and just fell in love with the message and social justice piece. I was thrilled to come on board and help the team to apply this in their creative direction.”

She’s worked with companies who exercise a certain awareness when executing a campaign, and if there’s one key takeaway, it’s the importance of being mindful with what you say and how your messaging is presented. “People pay attention to what you say. Whether you have a hundred followers or a million - people are watching.”

Speaking from experience, Kerestin has showed up to photoshoots where the brand has pulled images for where the mood board are from her instagram. “It’s a great feeling when you become part of their mood board and creative direction. It instilled that people pay attention to what you say and what you're putting out there”

‘Body positive’ has become a hot buzz term that’s thought to empower humans in general. We see it in ad campaigns, presented in a way to love the skin you’re in, and other marketing-heavy slogans.

While the concept of body positivity comes from a good place, once you disrobe the term and dissect it for what it’s worth, the actual term undermines the idea behind it. "I don't consider myself a body positive activist, my main goal is self-love awareness and being able to live in your space. We need to allow people to just be in their bodies. That being said, I would like to see more non-able bodied people included in cannabis”

Her key takeaway for marketers: If a company is going to run a ‘body positive’ campaign, please refrain from using a token curvy person as a means to champion your message. “That will turn around real quick. Rather, consider gathering a diverse group of people with different backgrounds and life situations to show the true diversity of who is being represented.”

The ‘Gram

Instagram, a platform that you either love or hate. Loving it means that you’ve figured out a way to make it work for you. Brands of all sizes rely on it to spread a message, while those who advertise rely on it as part (or all) of their livelihood.

But sometimes that backfires because the internet is riddled with trolls - and I’m not talking those strange plastic dolls with neon hair that dominated toy stores in the 90’s (although no one can prove otherwise since many of them remain faceless).

In order to mitigate the chances of this happening, Kerestin uses technology to her advantage by filtering out keywords and phrases associated with negativity. This has allowed her to curate a positive space for her to share and engage with her audience. “We need to continue to support and maintain that growth of true bodies that we are seeing on Instagram. When I do post a photo, it feels good for me and I'm able to express my sexuality”

Damn right, and nobody should be taking that away from you.

Establishing the Balance and Creating Space in Cannabis for PoC

Then there’s the hot topic that is on everyone’s minds - the elephant in the boardroom that few C-suite execs will acknowledge, but rather grassroot collectives and entrepreneurs are prioritizing.

The ‘elephant’ is a reminder of why those privileged enough to work in the industry need to maintain a certain level of mindfulness while enjoying the fruits of their labor, because those who laid the groundwork (majority being people of colour) cannot because they are incarcerated. What a trip, huh?

Many will claim that we need more feminism to combat the social inequalities faced under these circumstances, but that all depends on how you view feminism. “I definitely consider myself a feminist, but I also try to maintain awareness of what it stands for and how it is portrayed.”

The reality is that we are living in a time where it often feels like humanity is in a regressive state. Human rights still account for something, just not enough. We have seen how taking social justice into our own hands can allow us to make democracy work in our favour, but it’s dependent on awareness, community support and inclusivity,

So how can white women be more supportive in the industry? “I think that there are still conversations that need to be had in order to help support women of colour in business in general, and I think that a lot of it has to do with awareness of white supremacy and it’s values and the way we conduct business. If you’re white and you’re in the business, you have women of colour not just working for you but working with you. Give them the opportunity to take the steps that they need to in order to become successful.”

Being a supportive, strong ally means checking your privilege and exercising awareness that not all opportunities are created equal. So how can white women be better allies? “There’s something to be said about just being aware of the space when you go into it. Working with people of colour means paying attention to how they are being treated in the business. PoC have not benefited from this industry at all and will continue to not benefit from it because they were incarcerated, have fines and can’t work in the legal industry. Ask yourself if you are still being mindful of what this industry was in the past and how to support people who haven’t been able to benefit from it”.

Be sure to follow Kerestin’s @bigbodymami account and Ladies of Paradise on Instagram.

Pick up a copy of The Her(B) Life Vol 02 here

#keresten walker #ladies of paradise #jess nudo #vol 02 #instagram

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businessfrontrunners · 5 years

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Allison Gallagher of ‘We Are Ladypreneur’ Shares How to Attain Goals on Wix DesignHer

https://authoritypresswire.com/?p=24486 CEO of We Are Ladypreneur, Allison Gallagher, was recently featured on Wix DesignHer with host Ruthann Bowen. They discussed how female business owners can achieve their business goals by using a day planner. Tracking daily activities and comparing them to the past provides a visual comparison point for improvement.Gallagher, a professional lifestyle photographer since 2005, owns Allison Anne Studios. She created the Life Organizer + Day Director to push and empower her in business while also keeping her personal life organized.At the start of a new year, Gallagher discovered the day planner she had used for the past twelve months was discontinued. Frustrated, she complained to her hairdresser that she’d have to start the search for a new planner--one that might have only some of the features she needed. Her entrepreneurial spirit, ignited by the stylist’s response, “Well, then you have to make your own,” prompted her to do just that.While designing the planner to suit her needs, Gallagher had an epiphany, “I designed it for me, but going through the journey, I realized how many women need and want this planner to help them with all their goals. I realized that if I’m the market, there’s more of ‘me.’” The Ladypreneur Life Organizer + Day Director contains customizable pages to help balance life and work. It also includes unique features specifically for reaching business goals: inspirational quotes by women, personal intentions, budgets, sales flow, marketing, ideas to achieve professional growth, and more.“For most of us that are in the creative industry, those are the things that are lacking in the planners that I find,” commented Bowen.On Gallagher’s website is a customer testimonial crediting the planner for helping her with procrastination: “The business intentions page is brilliant. It forced me to address a lingering idea and finally put it into play.” When asked if the profitability of her business increased by being able to track and organize things better using the planner, Gallagher responded, “Without a doubt!”The interview concluded with Gallagher expressing the difference it has made in her life, “I feel more rewarded. I feel complete, like I'm really running my business efficiently, and I feel like I can hold my head higher because I'm more successful.”About Allison Gallagher and We Are LadypreneurAllison Gallagher is all about inspiring women. She created the Ladypreneur Life Organizer + Day Director as the perfect day planner “for the Lady Boss wanting to maximize her hustle while living a balanced and inspired life.” A portion of the proceeds is donated to a non-profit that empowers women.About Wix DesignHerHosted by Ruthann Bowen, Wix DesignHer focuses on the female entrepreneur who wants to run their business more efficiently. Her guests will help you ‘Raise the Bar’ with: Resources, Advice, Inspiration, Support and Encouragement. Her show airs on the Wix Community YouTube channel.To watch the full interview, visit https://youtu.be/F6W-yWhoOv4To learn more, please visit: https://weareladypreneur.com/

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ultralifehackerguru-blog · 7 years

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New Post has been published on http://www.lifehacker.guru/she-created-a-global-community-for-women-by-inviting-them-to-simply-share-their-truth/

She Created A Global Community For Women By Inviting Them To Simply Share Their Truth

In March — Women’s History Month — we are honoring the women who have made history, broken barriers, and pushed others up in the face of challenges and gender discrimination. For womankind to have achieved all that it has in the fight for equality and respect, it has been essential for communities to form in support of such common goals. And with the advent of the internet, unique opportunities arose for women to connect on a global scale without even leaving the comfort of home.

Utilizing the internet as such a place for connection and dialogue between women is one entrepreneur named Kelly McNelis, the founder of Women For One. Women For One is an online platform meant to create a global community of women who support each other, and share their truth "to make life happen on their own terms." Through storytelling via a blog, podcast, tool kits, and courses on the website, women of all different backgrounds can inspire one another to take "action that will transform the way they live, love, and learn," and reclaim and embrace their voices. According to McNelis, doing this is the key to discovering your power and joy — and transforming the world in the process. "Story by story, we’ve grown into a community of inspiration and truth, and with every woman who’s shared, others have emerged changed, empowered, and inspired," it says on the website. Through such action and interaction, Kelly hopes Women For One will enable women to lift each other up and evolve into their best selves, and take charge of their own personal growth and experiences.

To form such a global community, McNelis — who is also a published author, mother, wife, friend, healer, and mentor — had to overcome her own challenges to create a blossoming business. We talked to McNelis to find out how and why she created Women For One, and what she hopes to accomplish through it.

What inspired you to create Women For One?

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After experiencing a dysfunctional life (like we all have) including sexual abuse, divorce, as well as the death of a dear friend and blending a family of eight, I realized that I wanted to find my voice within a supportive community. I also wanted to give back to the world from the lessons I had learned. It is my hope that, in continuing to share women’s truths and talents, Women For One will encourage everyone to take a stand on the issues that most impact our lives …

… I had this yearning to create a community where I would discover my own voice and power — and I knew that I needed a community of like-minded sisters to get support around that. I truly believe that you create what you most need to learn, and then you offer that gift to others. I started Women For One because I wanted a forum to express myself, and hopefully, I have offered the same to others. So to me, the ultimate success story is the evolution of that desire into a powerful global community where, no matter how different we may be from each other, all women have the chance to see themselves in each other.

Why was it important to create an all-woman space with all-female staffers?

I didn’t initially set out to create a space with all-female staffers, but I absolutely knew that I wanted to create an organization where the values and perspectives of women and the feminine would be honored. There are many men who have the capacity to embody the feminine and to honor that part of their humanity, but honestly — it’s wonderful to have women staffers, because we know, without a doubt, that we are representing our clientele. As an organization, we are exploring women’s challenges, issues, stories, and experiences, as well as what I call the "new feminine." I define it as a space where both the masculine and the feminine are embraced and integrated. But let’s be real — historically, the feminine has been left out and dismissed. So I believe that it’s actually very empowering that the majority of our audience, and all of our staffers, are made up of rockstar women who own their lives and bring an amazing number of strengths to the table.

As a woman, did you encounter any obstacles breaking into digital media — a space typically dominated by men?

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In truth, I didn’t really experience those obstacles. I’ve always been connected to the diverse world of women bloggers and their communities. I know that the digital space is opening up in a huge way for women, and it is offering us more opportunities than ever to connect and to put forward our visions and truths. To me, the obstacle isn’t that digital media is male-dominated, but that the world in general is (and has been for centuries). Personally, as a leader in women’s digital media, the obstacle I faced was more insidious: That is, no matter how many strides we have made, we’re still playing by the rules set by men. Women continue to feel that we cannot be successful unless we are emulating men. This is not what Women For One promotes. We really believe that in order to make life happen, we must be aligned with our own authentic voices and truths. Through a long journey of self-inquiry and simply trusting my gut, I realized that the biggest hurdles we face are usually self-imposed. And when we break out of those, there is nothing we as women can’t do.

Men are generally not asked how they juggle a career and kids, but as a businesswoman and a mother, do you get asked this often? How do you answer?

Yes, I have been asked this question many times! Admittedly, achieving a work/life balance is a constant struggle for women, particularly those of us who are navigating a number of roles in our lives. And let’s face it, most women are genius multitaskers who have more than one full-time job: businesswoman, mom, partner, friend, etc. Tapping into the power of clarity and choice has been key for me. I start with getting clear on what my priorities are, stepping back and looking at the big picture of my life, and then making powerful choices that support both my personal life and my business. This can mean saying "no" and setting stronger boundaries. Other times, it’s about remembering that I can’t be everything to everyone, and I am most effective when I move toward activities that nourish rather than deplete me! Most of all, I try to be compassionate with myself. Women’s work is not often recognized (either by ourselves or others), and no matter how much we do, we still feel this pressure to be perfect. But perfectionism only causes us to lose ourselves. So I’m no longer focused on being perfect, but on being true to who I am.

What is your advice for other female entrepreneurs just starting out?

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Be sure you have the right team. This means recruiting people with skills and personalities that complement yours: people with a strong work ethic, knowledge, curiosity, passion, and the capacity to be in creative mode while simultaneously knowing how to get things done. And honestly, people who are just really nice, mature, and easy to work with (I learned this through trial and error!).

Know that there is no rush to get to the proverbial finish line. Many of us are conditioned to believe that we need to have everything figured out and make six figures within the first fiscal year of launching our business! That whole idea is a myth. Instead, my advice would be to grab onto the yearning and passion you have right now and alchemize them into fuel for your success in the future. Set clear outcomes and take baby steps toward them because they pay off — literally! Enjoy the process and fall in love with what’s right in front of you rather than trying to step into some "perfect" future you.

Check your gut, always. This isn’t about simply trusting the intuitive "hits" you get — it’s also about connecting that trust to the information that’s at your disposal. Put those things together to make meaningful decisions. I think that gut feeling comes from personal discernment, and a lot of us don’t take the time to cultivate it when things like business opportunities are flying at us. Take the time to get clear on what you believe and always check your bullshit detector; don’t simply take someone else’s words or beliefs at face value.

Why do you think it’s so important for women to create a global community where they can "share their truth and make life happen?"

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I truly believe that when women connect with each other — across all our differences and unique perspectives — we effect change on a major scale. Whether it’s nature or nurture, women tend to be community-focused and to take their insights out into the world so that everyone benefits from our collective wisdom. As an organization, Women For One encourages women to connect to themselves and each other. As a global community, Women For One is committed to women of all races, all cultures, all socioeconomic backgrounds, and all walks of life. We also raise awareness on a variety of issues — from poverty to sexual abuse to those magnificent people who are creating positive change right in their backyards — so that all of us can share our stories and inspire action that will transform the way we live, love, and learn. And, from my experience, this kind of nonjudgmental platform is exactly what inspires women to make life happen. In experiencing empowerment and validation in our shared stories, we uplift so many others. Our global community also helps to address the divisiveness that is currently so strong in the world. Women For One is teaching women that when we learn to speak our truth and genuinely listen to other women with whom we might not see eye to eye, we can engage in productive conversations for mutually beneficial outcomes.

Besides story and truth sharing, what are some of the positive things that have come out of the Women For One platform?

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Women For One is one of the only communities I’ve experienced where all women, no matter their race, class, nationality, political leanings are represented and welcomed with open arms. It makes for a beautifully diverse community to navigate — you can be sure you’ll find at least one other person who’s been through similar experiences, but you’ll also have the opportunity to meet and connect with women from vastly different backgrounds and perspectives. In addition, Women For One is honored to offer "Featured Truthteller" interviews with some of the world’s most revered teachers and change-makers (including the late Dr. Maya Angelou, Arianna Huffington, and Byron Katie). Additionally, we’ve created a number of valuable toolkits and courses to support our growing tribe in becoming powerful truthtellers and change-makers themselves.

How can women bring the connections made in this digital space into "real" life?

The Digital Age has truly expanded our awareness and our base of connections, so I think it’s important to remember that there are some powerful ideas, thoughts, and relationships coming out of it. At the same time, it can be a struggle to translate the experiences we get from social media and online communities into practical wisdom in our day-to-day life. Women For One places an emphasis on connection by cultivating spaces like private community groups where members of our community can interact and support one another. We also share every story that is submitted to our site via social media, so that our community can comment on each other’s stories and connect through their shared experiences, finding real-life support through digital sharing.

There is also a much-needed an emphasis on education — on the power of virtual space in offering us room to explore new possibilities for how we show up in our own lives. That’s why we’ve created a number of hands-on, customizable online tool kits, and courses for our community. We really want women to take our motto, "Make life happen" to heart and put it to use in their personal lives.

What advice do you have for women who are feeling stuck, or unsure of which direction to take their lives?

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There’s a lot of pressure to make bold choices with respect to things like career and purpose in our lives, and we aren’t encouraged to simply sit in the middle of the uncertainty and to get curious about it. We’re supposed to just automatically "know." I think it’s important to take time to slow down and just be with our emotions, because we can learn so much from them! As women, we are usually taught that our feelings are an inconvenience, but in my experience, they are where our brilliance and authenticity live. When we take time to check in with ourselves to see what’s really going on, we might be surprised as to what we find and what is hiding beneath the feelings of stuckness. But in order to fully understand ourselves and what we want, we need to cultivate that patience and that ongoing dialogue with our inner landscape.

I also highly recommend Women For One’s tool kit, 5 Keys to Boldly Making Life Happen, which we specifically developed for the women in our community who wanted me to address how to get out of a rut, and work through confusion and stuckness. The toolkit offers an easy-to-use, practical method for turning obstacles into opportunities, complete with exercises and reflection questions. When I create content for Women For One, it always comes from the heart, so I bring in a lot of my own personal journey during the creative process. It’s my way of saying, "I’m not perfect and I don’t have all the answers, but I’ve been where you are, so I get it." And to be the friendly, sisterly voice who is there to offer encouragement and support, every step of the way.

Cover image via Kelly McNelis

#businesswomen #female empowerment #female entrepreneur #feminism #global community for women #kelly mcnelis #women for one #women in the digital space #women's history month #womenforone

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