Inspiration Archives - Page 4 of 11

Self Care | Why Taking a Break from Blogging Is Good for You and Your Readers

September 15, 2015 by Whitney 17 Comments

Hey there! I missed you all for yesterday’s Personal Style Monday. I found myself checking my site to see who’d linked up, what they were wearing, and there was nothing there! So why didn’t I post yesterday? Glad you asked. I honestly didn’t feel like it. There, I said it. I had an outfit post and content ready to go, but something in me just wasn’t feeling it. I was feeling the outfit because I looked fly, lol…but I didn’t feel like the editing and sharing part.

That was a wake up call for me. This summer I’ve been providing stylish outfits, personal style tips, inspiring features, and I’ve LOVED every moment/post! However, I’ve been so adamant about feeding my readers great content that I neglected myself. No bueno. In a nutshell, it’s time for Whitney to hit the pause button and regroup.

Hitting the pause button has been something I’ve thought about and talked about with my husband and family for a few weeks. For some reason, I kept convincing myself that I’d wait until “next week” or “next month”. After all, I’ve worked so hard to remain consistent throughout the summer and I’ve really been trying to define and grow my brand. So taking a break from all this just didn’t seem right. However after attending Blogalicious this past weekend, I realized that taking a break can actually be beneficial, for me and you (my readers).

You can’t serve others if you neglect yourself. #wnjinspired

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Self care is crucial for a happy and healthy life. It’s also a main ingredient to success. Regrouping, rejuvenating and relaxing is a good thing! It allows your mind to rest and reset itself. If done correctly, taking a break from blogging (or any other job/occupation) helps refuel your mind and re-energize your body. When you hit the play button and get back in the game, you’re ready to share SO MUCH MORE amazing and useful content with your readers. And that’s what I intend to do, starting Monday….lol.

I learned SO much over the weekend, as well as throughout the summer. I now need time to sit with and sift through those lessons, tips and ideas and figure out how to implement them when I return. I’m already excited because I have so much helpful content and activities planned for WNJ and #FearlessWomanIam. But I must make self-care a priority in order to continue serving my readers and potential clients.

We must make self care a priority in order to continue serving others. #wnjinspired

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So tell me, what do you think about taking blog breaks or breaks in general? Have you been making self care a priority? Let me know!

In the meantime, I invite you to join me on my new Instagram page, as well as sign up for my newsletter. I’ll be updating and sending out information through both outlets this week, as well as when I return. As always, thanks for reading and following. I truly appreciate the support here on WNJ, through social media, and even through the emails. It’s such a blessing and helps get me through those “blah” days. I’ll be back tomorrow so until then, stay blessed and be safe…XO!

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Entrepreneurship | DIY Brand Lab & the Bland2Brand Workshop

September 4, 2015 by Whitney 4 Comments

When I was approached by the lovely Toni Patterson, co-owner of the DIY Brand Lab, I was more than intrigued. After reading about the company and mission and talking to Toni, I knew us meeting was indeed purposeful. Toni and partner Treica Warnholz share my passion for correctly and purposefully branding yourself, as well as helping other entrepreneurs to the same.

If you haven’t noticed, I’ve been diligently working on upgrading my brand over the past few months. From adding more purposeful content, to launching my #FearlessWomanIam movement, to offering social media consultant services, I’m serious about taking Whitney ‘Nic’ James to the next level. Connecting with the DIY Brand Lab fueled me to continue taking the necessary steps to brand myself and grow my blog as a business. I’m excited to share a brief interview introducing the ladies behind DIY Brand Lab. I hope you all check out their website and attend their upcoming Bland2Brand workshop here in the DMV area on October 20th, perfect for creative entrepreneurs!

What’s a typical day for Toni & Trecia?

There’s no typical day. Even though we have combined design experience of 15 years, DIY Brand Lab is a “baby” brand. We work on it every day so that we can let people know we’re here to help and empower entrepreneurs to build their brands. We spend time marketing, making media connections, attending events, managing logistics, etc., so there’s no typical day.

What inspired you to create DIY Brand Lab?

Toni: I’ve been working 1-on-1 with clients for about 5 years through my parent company, Skye Media Group. Clients would come to me and not be prepared to brand. They would have a lot of ideas for developing their brand but no system, process or order in doing so they would be stuck, confused and unmotivated. I founded DIY Brand Lab as an answer to the individual who wants a brand but not sure how to go about it, or is frustrated from trying to brand or rebrand themselves.

For a start-up or current business owner, lacking the skills and budget to fund their brand was a hindrance. I wanted to fulfill a need in the marketplace to empower individuals to brand themselves, create their own website and be able to manage these things. The kick is that we work with the attendees 1-on-1 in a group setting to help them bring their brand vision to life.

I asked Trecia (Warnholz) to join me because I saw the potential of the workshop and knew I needed assistance. Through a Facebook group we’re a part of, she answered this call. Trecia is an expert in her own right working with non-profits, government agencies and other entities for over 10 years in design, branding and technology.

Toni Patterson & TRECIA WARNHOLZ | DIY Brand Lab Dynamic Duo

What is the mission of DIY Brand Lab?

Our goal is to eliminate the stress of branding and design by working with you directly at your side to teach and guide you through the process. You’ll be learning and doing a lot but this isn’t a stuffy classroom setting. It’s a fun, energetic and positive environment for you to create and, in the end, your brand will reflect the love and attention you’ve put into it (with our help, of course). This is why we’ve developed Bland2Brand so you can stop wasting time and money and get to the core of your brand, craft it and showcase it for the world to see.

What sets you apart from other branding consultants/companies?

We’re not afraid to share the secrets of building a brand and business. We’re not intimidating by allowing people to know what we know and know how we do things. They’re going to use what we teach them on their own business – not steal from us, so to speak.

Who should attend the upcoming DIY Brand Lab Workshop and why should they attend?

They should attend because of the value. Not only will they receive a fresh website, head-shots, branding, and logo but they’ll receive priceless design and technology training from Experts in a 1-on-1 setting as well as build community around their business.

DIY Brand Lab workshop is perfect for anyone who wants to:

Get taken seriously as a power player

Stop running around in circles about how to create your brand & website

Create a brand you can’t wait to show off

Transition from an employee to boss

Connect with other entrepreneurs in a space that promotes fun, life + freedom

Stop procrastinating and start building your empire

One piece of advice you have for women entrepreneurs?

Invest in yourself. If you can buy expensive material things such as shoes, purses and nights-out, you can afford to invest in your brand.

Where do you see the company in 5 years?

Transitioning from a local to national company.

How can we keep up with you?

Website // Instagram // Facebook // Twitter // Bland2Brand Workshop

Lifestyle | 5 Things Summer 2015 Taught Me

September 1, 2015 by Whitney 4 Comments

Summer 2015 is winding down and as I said in yesterday’s post, it’s been a GREAT one. Thinking back, so much has happen this summer. I’ve grown in many ways and through it all, I’ve learned so much. Here are 5 things Summer 2015 has taught me.

1. My family is the best. I’ve known this for years, but I really realized how awesome my family was this summer. We’ve been able to spend a lot of time together through traveling, working together or just hanging out, and it’s been great. I genuinely appreciate their crazy quirky ways (lol), they’re unwavering support, constructive criticism and the love they have (and constantly show) hubs. They treat him like one of their own and seeing that warms my heart. My family has become the (very) few friends I can totally depend on…and I’m OK with that.

5 lessons learned from Summer 2015.

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2. I really LOVE Twitter. I’ve been on Twitter for years, but this summer I’ve really become a twitter fan. There’s SO MUCH great information out there and there’s also a lot of funny, intriguing info too. A twitter feed is like a huge ongoing conversation; one big game of telephone. Once you sift through the “mess” on Twitter, it really is an awesome platform to promote, engage and learn from. Check out this post for more of my thoughts on social media.

3. I (really) can make a living being a blogger & social media consultant. It’s no secret that I’m pretty serious about this blogging thing. And over the past few months, I’ve been serious about helping others understand and use social media properly. I’ve been able to generate income from blogging and social media consulting and it’s been wonderful. I genuinely enjoy creating content and helping others with social media, so to make money while doing both has been nothing but a blessing. Hard work, research and taking your time before diving into a new venture are the key factors that have helped make blogging and social media “a business”.

4. Downsizing really isn’t that bad. In this post I shared that hubs and I were downsizing. This decision was a “gown up” decision and to be honest, I griped about it for months. I just wasn’t feeling the whole live with less thing. But after reconsideration and talks with hubs and my parents, I came to realize that downsizing was indeed a wise decision. Especially since hubs and I are planning to purchase our first home and have our first child in a few years. Now is the perfect time to save and learn to live with less, all while living in an affordable chic downtown-loft like space in one of the best counties in the country, close to my parents. In 2-3 years, we’ll have a nice down payment for the home of our dreams and less financial stress. After all that is the American Dream, right?

5. I love being married. I always knew I wanted to be a wife. I never really thought about my perfect wedding and really didn’t have an idea of when I wanted to be married. I just knew I wanted to be a wife. Being married to my best friend has been sheer joy, especially during summer 2015. It hasn’t been easy nor perfect, but it’s been a fun, uphill ride and I wouldn’t want to travel this road with anyone other than Darrius. This summer has taught us that with God at the head of our relationship, #TeamWest can make it through anything. We’re a solid team; partners ’til the end. He has truly displayed unconditional love all summer long, and I’d like to think I’ve done the same for him. 😉

So tell me, what do you think about my summer lessons? What are somethings you’ve learned during Summer 2015? Let me know!

Thanks for reading and for supporting me throughout the summer. My blog has really grown and I owe you, my readers, a HUGE thank you! I couldn’t have done it without you. Until tomorrow, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

P.S. Don’t forget to linkup your recent OOTD to my Personal Style Linkup!

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Social Media | Why You Shouldn’t Follow Everyone on Social Media

August 14, 2015 by Whitney 19 Comments

Lately, I’ve been really paying attention to who I follow on social media. I’ve come to the conclusion that it doesn’t make sense to follow everyone on every platform. There are very few people I choose to follow on multiple outlets. Nothing personal, it’s just my preference. It’s simple; I like to follow people who are positive, encouraging (without being preachy or redundant) stylish and helpful. If you can give me that on all platforms, great! If not, I’ll pick the platform that inspires me most and follow there. That being said, here are 3 reasons you don’t need to follow everyone everywhere.

1. It can be overwhelming. Have you ever followed someone who posts the same images and posts, 24-7, on every outlet?? The redundancy is a lot and while some people prefer that posting tactic, I’m not a fan. I like pictures and quotes, but not the same ones on every social media outlet. Pay attention to the posting patterns of those you follow and decide which outlet you can “deal with”.

2. It can become a distraction. Following someone everywhere can be a bit distracting. Recently I started noticing that I was missing out on some pretty good posts/announcements on Twitter. After sifting through my news feed, I saw there was a lot of “fluff” on my feed. That was causing a distraction and at the end of the day, I was missing out on some pretty helpful content. Check your feed and be sure you’re not being distracting and missing out on valuable content.

3. Every social media outlet has a purpose. I like Instagram for visuals, Twitter for conversation/engaging, Facebook for a little bit of everything, Pinterest for a recipe, home decor, and #OOTD ideas/pics, and Periscope for live interaction. Those who use each outlet “the right way”, I appreciate. Decide what you like to see from those you follow and pick your favorite way to follow.

3 Reasons You Don’t Need to Follow Everyone Everywhere on Social Media #socialmedia

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So tell me, do you follow everyone everywhere on social media? If so, why or why not? Let me know!

Thanks for stopping by and as always, feel free to keep up with me this weekend on social media. You don’t have to follow everywhere though, LOL! Pick your fave outlet and I’ll be there. Have a wonderful weekend and until Monday, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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#FearlessWoman Feature | Kéla Walker of Kela’s Kloset

August 12, 2015 by Whitney 2 Comments

There are some people I instantly gravitate to online and usually, it’s because of their undeniably amazing personalty. That’s one of the many reasons I started following New York based style authority and TV Host, Kéla Walker, on Instagram and Twitter (and now Snapchat). This feisty, intelligent and delightful New Yorker is a joy to keep up with via social media. She produces valuable and timely (style and beauty) content on her blog Kela’s Kloset, shares great fashion and real life insight on Twitter, and invites us into her day-to-day life over on Snapchat. She’s the quintessential fashionista who’s down-to-earth and possesses real human qualities.

This #FearlessWoman is also an award winning TV Host and producer and can often be seen on the side of a red carpet, chatting with the hottest celebs about style, fashion, and life in general. I’m very inspired by the positive and go-getter outlook Kéla has on life. Always uplifting and purposefully going after her dreams, Kéla Walker is certainly a #FearlessWoman to watch. Enjoy her interview and be sure to keep up with her on social media!

A #FearlessWoman is a one who moves forth and braves the elements. – @kelawalker

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What’s a typical day for Kéla?

I work in media so every day is different for me. One day I’m at my desk researching or producing elements for a segment. The next, I’m on location hosting said segment and then the day after that I’m editing the segment and crafting it into something for air. That’s during the day. At night, I’m likely covering some cool event for a major television outlet/ network (often up to three nights a week) or on the flip side I’m attending an awesome event which is always fun. Along the way I get dressed and document it all on KelasKloset.com

What inspired you to create Kéla’s Kloset?

A bunch of things inspired me to start Kelaskloset.com. For one, I didn’t see anyone who looked like me AND spoke to my style aesthetic in the blogosphere. I was already looking for a new challenge and something to inspire me so I thought why not try it. Also, I was bored with myself at the time and had a “kloset”‘full of clothes I wasn’t wearing because I wasn’t inspired in any way. Kéla’s Kloset ended up being just the jolt I needed to reinvigorate, giving myself and my “Kloset” a new sense of purpose.

Who are your top 3 women inspirations, famous or non-famous, and why?

My mom, Johanne Walker. Duh. I watched her consistently turn water into wine, making the impossible, possible. She’s the ultimate hustler and provided a great blueprint for my life.

Michelle Obama She’s such an awe- inspiring First Lady, on so many levels. She a shining example of how much black girls that rock turn into black women who rock.

Joslyn Walker- my little sister. Who I have admired since she was a toddler (I’m 11 years her senior). It sounds strange but ever since I can remember she has always marched to the beat of her own drum. She doesn’t care what you think of her or what the consensus is, she is unapologetically herself. That’s so awesome to me, because I know a lot of grown women who still can’t do that.

One piece of advice you have for women entrepreneurs?

Don’t knit pick your dreams and goals or get over occupied with perfection. Move forth in action. Learn and grow as you move and you’re sure to arrive at a place bigger than you ever dreamed. Also it’s so cliche but JUST DO IT and stop waiting on the right time. There’s no better time than the present.

What is your definition of a #FearlessWoman?

A #FearlessWoman is a one who moves forth and braves the elements (good or bad) to accomplish the goal at hand. That’s not to say she’s not scared or completely without fear but it’s will not deter her from moving forwarding and accomplishing said goal.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Happy. I don’t like to do that whole 5 year 10 year thing. Of course I have goals and visions but those are my plans which are no comparison to the ones God has for me. I learned a long time ago his are better so I like to say I see myself happy in 5 years because ultimate that’s all that really matters. If a few million people know my name by then and can watch me on national television, I’ll take that too.

7. How can we keep up with you?

Blog // Instagram // Twitter // Facebook // Snapchat (KelaWalker)

#WNJInspired | Lessons Learned from Devon Franklin at the Merge Tour 2015 in Baltimore, MD

August 5, 2015 by Whitney 2 Comments

This past weekend I attend the Merge Tour 2015 at Empowerment Temple in my hometown Baltimore, Maryland. The summit/symposium was created by producer and executive, Dr. Holly Carter. According to it’s mission statement, THE MERGE was created to educate, empower and inspire creative men and women of faith to do business in entertainment, by providing a platform to network, partner, and learn from leading entertainers and industry executives.

Actress & Entertainer | LisaRaye McCoy

After attending their Baltimore tour stop, I can honestly say their mission was indeed accomplished! I was able to hear entertainers and entertainment executives LaurieAnna Gibson, Mikki Taylor, Phil Thorton, Kelly Griffin, Lisa Raye, and DeVon Franklin. I learned so much from each speaker and a lot was confirmed about my purpose and plan. My husband was my photographer that day and he too gained a wealth of knowledge and inspiration from the event.

While all the speakers were amazing, DeVon Franklin’s message resonated with us the most. He spoke on merging and being produced by faith (also the title of his latest book). Here’s a recap, shared on Periscope first then uploaded on Youtube, of the 3 lessons we learned form the summit, but more specifically from DeVon Franklin.

GREAT recap from @DeVonFranklin on how to succeed in life and business.

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In case you missed any of the Merge Tour 2015 lessons/takeaways from DeVon Franklin, here are the 3 points mentioned in the video above:

1. Create and Publish Purposeful Content

2. Always Be Prepared

3. Be Ready to Merge/Move

So tell me, is the Merge Tour/Summit an event you would be interested in attending? What do you think about the lessons we learned? Let me know below!

Darrius and I are beyond thrilled and blessed that sharing this broadcast on Periscope inspired so many people. That’s the main reason I wanted to share those lessons and our Merge Tour 2015 experience here on WNJ (and via Twitter and Instagram).

At the end of the day it’s not about me or us; it’s about connecting with you all on an uplifting and inspiring level. Thank you for reading and watching and feel free to share this video/post with others. Spread the positivity! Until tomorrow, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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#FearlessWoman Feature | Patrice J. Williams of Looking Fly on a Dime

July 29, 2015 by Whitney 4 Comments

You may remember Patrice J. Williams from last week’s 8 Thrifty Bloggers You Should Follow post. This New York based #FearlessWoman is a style blogger, entrepreneur, TV Host, author, and all around inspiring woman. Her blog Looking Fly on a Dime provides readers with helpful style and thrift tips, as well as an in depth look at Patrice’s fashion-forward style. But that’s not the only place you can find her thrift and style tricks. Published in 2014, Patrice also has a book on Amazon entitled, you guessed it, Looking Fly on a Dime! It’s like the thrifting Bible; a definite must read!

Another useful and must have item is her I Don’t Pay Retail canvas tote bags. I carry mine at least once a week while grocery shopping, thrifting, or to work. Lucky for my WNJ readers, you can purchase this awesome tote for 20% off (now – August 5th) by using the WHITNEYJAMES coupon code at check out. Be sure to grab one ASAP! I know you’ll love and use it, and I’m sure you will enjoy reading the rest of Patrices’ feature. Read on and be inspired!

1. What’s a typical day for Patrice?

I wear so many different hats, so I don’t have a typical day. It all depends on what projects I’m working on and what’s the top priority. If I have an on-air segment I’m prepping for, my day is usually consumed with contacting publicists for samples, picking up clothes from stores or showrooms, securing models and emailing my producer back and forth. Other days I’m researching future blog posts and ideas for YouTube and even reaching out to brands I would love to work with.

2. What inspired you to create Looking Fly on a Dime (blog and book)?

I created the blog after being laid off from my job at a fashion magazine. I wanted to use my style experience in a way that was relatable for the average woman who loves to look her best but doesn’t have the type of cash to drop on all designer everything. Last year I released the book Looking Fly on a Dime: How to Find Fabulous Fashion at Any Thrift Shop & Make the Cheap Look Chic, because I wanted to compile everything I’ve learned over the years about thrift shopping and even fashion tips. I’m all about taking the intimidation factor out of fashion and that’s exactly what the blog and book are about.

3. Who are your top 3 women inspirations, famous or non-famous, and why?

I love Tina Fey. She’s funny, ballsy and has succeeded in the sexist world of comedy without taking her clothes off or taking low blows at marginalized groups. She’s not afraid to poke fun at the boys and call them out.

Hillary Clinton: You either love Hillary or you don’t. I don’t always agree with her politics, but I respect that she’s always made her aspirations clear. Her husband was the Commander in Chief, but we all knew she wanted that role, had the chops to do it and she just might make that happen in the near future.

My grandmas: My first time walking in a pair of heels was when I tried my grandmother’s {my mom’s mom} shoes on. She loved ladylike dresses and a gaudy fur coat. And while I wasn’t close to my father’s mother growing up, she had a serious flare for fashion. Her closet was full of sequins, bright colors and beaded handbags, some of which are now in my closet. They both had tough upbringings, but they loved to dress their best, I think fashion was their expression of individualism and freedom.

4. One piece of advice you have for women entrepreneurs?

Don’t be embarrassed by your mistakes, learn from them. It’s inevitable you’ll stumble and make bad business decisions or sometimes in spite of doing everything right, stuff just falls apart. That’s where you learn the lesson. If you just beat yourself up, that’s only a pity party. But when you can take a step back, see where things when wrong or what you could have done better, that’s when you find the lesson and even preparation to do things better in the future.

5. What is your definition of a #FearlessWoman?

A #FearlessWoman feels the fear but she does it anyway. There’s nothing wrong with being afraid, but the fearless woman keeps moving because she sees her goal ahead of her. I always get a bit nervous before sending off proposals or approaching people for big meetings, but I take a deep breath, say a little prayer and make it a point to wow them!

6. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years I’d love to have released a style book through a major publisher and have a successful fashion show where I help women look their best without spending a ton. I’d also love to be happily married and maybe have another cat. Chauncey needs a playmate.

7. How can we keep up with you?

Blog // Twitter // Instagram // Book // Tote Bag

#WNJPlaylist| 5 Songs to Motivate You Everyday

July 24, 2015 by Whitney 2 Comments

If there’s one thing I know for sure it’s that music has the power to motivate and inspire! Weather at work, in the car or home, I listen to music everyday. My taste in music is very random, but I like that. You can catch me listening to Nicki Minaj and 2Pac in the morning, Kirk Franklin at work, Bon Jovi during my lunch break, and Tyrese and Boney James in the evening to help me unwind. Music is an important part of my life and ever since I was young I’ve been a fan of all genres. So today I want to share 5 songs to motivate you everyday. By the way, I listen to these songs 7 days a week.

5 songs that will inspire you everyday. #wnjplaylist

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1. Be Alright, Kehlani. I stumbled upon Kehlani and this song when I was searching for new artists on iTunes. I literally listen to the song every day before work. Here’s the one part that sticks out to me most; When the tide gets high, you just get low. Hold your breath and take it slow. Yes I might get wet, I might get thrown. But I’ll resurface all on my own.

2. Deceleration (This is It!), Kirk Franklin. This song has been a favorite for years. Whenever I listen I feel like I can conquer the world; I can do anything! It’s a reminder that God has equipped me with everything I need to live the life I want and deserve, despite my past or future obstacles. That’s what that song gives me and that’s why I listen every day; for a helpful reminder and constant motivation.

3. God in Me, Mary Mary. These singing sisters struck gold with this song! The title says it all: (it’s the) God in Me. This song reminds us that although we may think somebody has it all, we can’t forget that it’s really the spirit (of God) in them that makes their life that great.

4. Moment for Life, Nicki Minaj. Who didn’t love this song when it came out?! Moment for Life is one of those classics that will never get old. It’s a real “feel good” song laced with timely lyrics and life lessons, from both Nicki and Drake.

5. Living on a Prayer, Bon Jovi. This song is another classic. If you want to feel inspired and groove to a good beat, this song is for you! Wasn’t this like the teen anthem of the 80’s?! #LOVEIT

So tell me, what songs motivate and inspire you? Do you listen to any of the songs I mentioned often? Let me know!

As always, thanks for reading. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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