For the past few months, I’ve been working on building confidence in certain areas of my life. I’ve added different colors, textures, and brands to my wardrobe, become more vocal about topics I’m passionate about and I’ve said “YES” to certain opportunities I’d normally say no to. There’s less second-guessing, and very little discussion with outside people before I make a decision.

Related Post: Leopard Print & Faux Leather

I also find myself less timid when asked to try something new. As a result, I’m genuinely more happy, less stressed, and more content than I’ve been in a while. I’m learning to trust my gut, have faith in my capabilities, and most importantly, I’m learning to trust and recognize the voice of God.

Denim: Lane Bryant (same) // Sweater: Nordstrom Rack (similar) // Shoes: Converse (same)

“Confidence is an inside job: it’s about how you feel about yourself regardless of what anyone else does or thinks. It’s a knowing that you’re human, you’re flawed, and you’re awesome in your own way.” ~ Jen Sincero

Building confidence isn’t easy. In my case, I believe wholeheartedly that cutting my hair was the catalyst for my confidence boost. While not an easy one to make, that decision changed the trajectory of my life. Months prior, I was stuck in a rut. My wardrobe was boring me, I was extremely indecisive about the simplest things, and I compared my life to (some of) my peers more times than I’d like to admit. So, when I found out I had Alopecia, I decided to cut my hair not only track my regrowth but also as a way to revive some things that had been lying dormant in my life.

After the cut, things started falling into place in the most seamless way. It was and still is, uncanny. The way my faith is set up, I know that’s nothing but God working. Cutting off my hair, AKA my security blanket, literally catapulted me outside of my comfort zone. Sink or swim, like it or not, my new normal was happening with or without me.

Related Post: Life Update

By the grace of God and some cute items I’ve added to my closet, I’m becoming the most confident version of myself. Do I still get stuck in my own head? Absolutely. Do I get scared sometimes and revert back to what’s comfortable? For sure! However, I make it a point not to stay in those places too long.

Faux Leather Baseball Cap: Nordstrom Rack, Free People (Similar) // Earrings: Nordstrom Rack (another option)

This week, I’m delighted to recognize the last five Black women entrepreneurs! Four of these women are based in the DC, Maryland, Virginia area, and the other is based in New York. These east coast entrepreneurs are trailblazers and it’s my pleasure to highlight them today.

1. Stacey Bolden, Artist & Creative Coach | Stacey, AKA “The Creative Coach”, recently relaunched her business, Creatively Speaking Company. From face painting to paint parties, Stacey is one of the most creative women I’ve had the pleasure of working with. I hosted a Create & Paint for my first FWIAM event, and Stacey was the consummate facilitator! With a mission to “change communities, stretch imaginations and empower people from all ages, backgrounds, and cultures, through creative arts & expression”, Creatively Speaking Company also has plans to offer creative coaching in the near future. As a longtime family friend and a fellow Black woman entrepreneur, I’m thrilled to watch as Stacey makes her mark on the creative arts industry! To hire her for your next event, or to stay up to date on what’s next for this thriving company, click HERE.

2. Stania Romain, Fashion Styling, Mentorship & Empowerment | Working with this DC-based entrepreneur is always a joy! Stania is passionate about empowering young ladies and making women look and feel their best. Her delightful personality and her keen eye for detail are refreshing. A true “girl’s girl”, Stania is always there to support and encourage other women who’re doing positive things. Click HERE to connect with Stania for your personal styling needs, or to find out how you can book her to facilitate your next young women’s empowerment event!

3. Danielle Lewis, Beauty & Lifestyle | I attended high school with Danielle and I always remember how kind, well-liked, bubbly, and fashion-forward she was. Fast forward to today and Danielle is putting those amazing qualities to work! With 10+ years of beauty industry experience, Danielle is a sought after makeup artist and beauty educator. She’s also the host of her own podcast, The Danielle Lewis Show, and the co-founder of The Dreamers Brunch. This New York-based entrepreneur is truly walking in her purpose and inspiring women along the way. Click HERE to keep up with Danielle, and to see what services she offers!

4. India Roseborough, Fitness | If you’re looking for a personal trainer in the Baltimore area, I highly suggest connecting with India, the owner of PYT Training Studio and PYT Meals. India was one of the trainers during my 21-day boot camp experience. She has a no-nonsense, yet encouraging, style of training, and understands that everyone works and trains at their own pace. India has a degree in Exercise Science and over 5 years of experience in the personal training industry. With a mission to “help each client reach their maximum potential inside the gym and beyond”, India is well on her way to becoming a standout in her field. Click HERE to find out more about the PYT experience! 

5. Erin A. Martin, Photography | Erin is a DC-based “CuratHER, InfluencHER, and PhotograpHER”. She is extremely talented and hardworking and has a passion for telling stories through photography. Erin has captured some of life’s most beautiful moments with her camera, and her quality of work is superb. I’m inspired by her creativity and I look forward to working with her in the near future. Click HERE to view some of her work, and HERE to find out what services she offers.

So, how can you support these Black women entrepreneurs? Below are five simple ways:

• Join their online communities (i.e. social media, newsletter, mailing list, etc.)
• Purchase an item/or one of their services
• Gift one of their items/or services to someone
• Share their information with at least ONE person you know
• Share this post with your online community (i.e. social media, newsletter, link back to post, email, etc.)

Who some of your favorite Black women entrepreneurs? Let me know below!

Until next time, be blessed, stay safe, and take care of yourself. Talk soon!

KEEP UP WITH ME

Last Wednesday, I introduced five Black women entrepreneurs who’re making strides in education, fashion, health & wellness, HR and fashion design. This week, I’m thrilled to highlight five more Black women entrepreneurs. These women are remarkable and they each deserve to be recognized and supported.

Related Post: 5 Black Women Entrepreneurs to Support, Part I

1. Cortnie Elizabeth, Fashion Design | Miami based handbag designer, Cortnie Elizabeth, founded Love, Cortnie in 2011. I’ve been a loyal customer for seven years and my Love, Cortnie clutches are still some of my favorite handbags. Cortnie’s beautifully designed clutches, bucket bags, and accessories are extremely durable, and each item truly makes a statement. If you’re in the market for a new handbag, visit the Love, Cortnie site HERE.

2. Africa Miranda, Beauty & Lifestyle | I’m constantly inspired by Africa Miranda’s growth as an entrepreneur. She has created a lane for herself and continues to thrive and flourish every step of the way. I’m currently reading her book, Step Up, Step Out, And Shine. The pages are filled with relatable anecdotes, as well as realistic pointers on how to become your best self. I’ve also used the Facial Elixer from her beauty product line, Beauty by Africa Miranda. The Luminous Body Mist is currently one of my daily beauty must-haves. To purchase the book or one of her effective beauty products, click HERE!

3. Letricia Loftin, Speaker & Emcee | From her infectious smile and personality to her incredible way with words, Letrica Loftin is one of my favorite Black woman entrepreneurs to support! I’ve had the pleasure of working with this vivacious, God-led Baltimore native on numerous occasions. Trust me when I say, her emcee and hosting skills are unmatched. If you’re ever in need of an emcee for an event, book Letricia! Find out more about her offerings and services HERE!

4. NeShanta Davis, Fashion & Lifestyle | This Atlanta based “Dopeness Innovator” and “Fashion Therapist” has made a name for herself as a trusted Fashion and Lifestyle Influencer. Having developed a genuine connection with this uber talented and extremely driven entrepreneur, I can say without a doubt NeShanta is one of the most creative and hardest working women I know. When she’s not styling and influencing, you can find her in the kitchen making healthy, homecooked meals for her catering company, For Lunch Tomorrow. Find out more information about NeShanta’s services HERE.

5. Alisha Robertson, Entrepreneurship | Authenticity, and tenacity. Those are two qualities I admire most about Raliegh, North Carolina based entrepreneur, Alisha Robinson. Alisha founded an eCommerce and digital media company, Living Over Existing (LOE), specifically for creative women who desire to live their lives and create their business on purpose. With over 50+ episodes, the LOE podcast has quickly become one of my go-to resources for entrepreneurial tips and encouragement. I’m working on completing the LOE Art of Podcasting Masterclass and plan to read Alisha’s book, Living Over Existing, this spring. For a more in-depth look at what Alisha has to offer through LOE, visit her website HERE!

So, how can you support these Black women entrepreneurs? Below are five simple ways:

• Join their online communities (i.e. social media, newsletter, mailing list, etc.)
• Purchase an item/or one of their services
• Gift one of their items/or services to someone
• Share their information with at least ONE person you know
• Share this post with your online community (i.e. social media, newsletter, link back to post, email, etc.)

Who some of your favorite Black women entrepreneurs? Let me know below!

Until next time, be blessed, stay safe, and take care of yourself. Talk soon!

KEEP UP WITH ME

February is always a busy month for my family. My parents birthdays are two days apart, February 12th (Dad) and February 14th (Mom), their wedding anniversary is on Valentine’s Day, and we’re all usually doing last minute preparation for our annual Miss Heart of Charity Pageant. For those who don’t know, my younger sister, Taylor, founded her own nonprofit organization, Heart of Charity, Inc., six years ago. Since it’s inception, we’ve been hosting a charity pageant, every first Saturday in March. It’s been a family affair from the beginning, and we always look forward to hosting this annual event.

Related Post: Life Update

In the midst of the celebrations and pageant prep, I have been able to find time to unwind and enjoy a few things; Netflix, my daily devotional, and meal prep! Quite a random list of things, I know. But trust me when I tell you, these three things have been bringing me joy, keeping me laughing, motivated and stress-free.

1. Grace and Frankie | I’ve been watching Grace and Frankie since the first season. The back and forth banter between legendary actresses Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda is simply genius. Each episode has the perfect blend of brilliant one-liners and thrilling plot twists, all leaving you wishing the episodes were (much) longer than 27-30 minutes.

Purchase Devotional HERE

2. Jesus Calling Devotional | Taylor gifted me this devotional for my birthday last year. Each devotional is easy to digest and gives you a sense of peace, understanding and leaves you feeling closer and more connected to God. The devotionals also provide a deeper understanding of certain scriptures in the Bible thanks to the author, Sarah Young.

Purchase Glass Storage HERE

3. Meal Prep | Pre-cutting fruits and veggies and prepping certain meals ahead of time has been a huge stress reliever lately. With my days being filled with tasks, appointments, and other responsibilities, having food in our fridge that’s ready to eat is extremely helpful. For example, Darrius and I eat fruit for breakfast just about every morning, and I use lemons and cucumbers in my water daily. So, having these items pre-cut makes our mornings run much smoother.

So, what’s been bringing you joy lately? Let me know below!

Until next time, be blessed, stay safe, and take care of yourself. Talk soon!

KEEP UP WITH ME

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