Search Results for: Fearless Woman

August 2020 Recap

August 31, 2020 by Whitney Leave a Comment

Another month has come to an end. Can you believe it? I’m not sure about you, but August seemed over before it started. Having a lot on my plate this month seemingly caused August to fly by. Whatever the case, it’s time for another monthly recap. Let’s get into it:

3 Things I Learned in August

One of my favorite books in the Bible is Job.
I can keep plants alive for longer than I expected!
I’m better at managing money than I give myself credit for.

My plants, Tony, Toni, & Toné are thriving!

3 Things I Loved in August

Celebrating my 34th Birthday
Our Family Road Trip to Detroit
Watching Moesha & The Game Reruns on Netflix

3 Things I’m Looking Forward to in September

Embracing the fall season
- Fall is my absolute favorite season of the year. I’m looking forward to crisp fall weather, watching the leaves change, and wearing thick, chunky knits!
Resuming social media activity for FWIAM
- I haven’t truly given my all to Fearless Woman I Am (FWIAM), my women’s empowerment organization, since becoming pregnant and experiencing a stillbirth. I just wasn’t in the right headspace to uplift and encourage women while navigating my journey of healing and recovery. Thankfully, I’m in a much better place and ready to pick up where I left off. God has brought me a mighty long way, and I look forward to what He has in store for FWIAM for September and beyond.
Improving my writing and storytelling skills
- Writing is something I’ve loved to do since grade school. I also enjoy the art of storytelling. Blogging has been an excellent way for me to hone both skills. So, next month, I plan to take online classes to enhance both skills. However, I have plans to extend my writing past my blog soon.

Although this month was over in a blink, I’m certainly looking forward to a new month and a new season. The next 30 days will be filled with unexpected blessings, answered prayers, and extraordinary moments.

How to Create a Vision Board Mid-Year

July 8, 2020 by Whitney Leave a Comment

If you’ve been here for a while, you know how I feel about vision boards. A well-thought-out vision board can be significant when goal setting. For years, I’ve created my own, and I’ve even had to pleasure of leading a vision board workshop through my women’s empowerment organization, Fearless Woman I Am. If you still need to, allow me to fill you in.

I created this year’s board at the end of 2019. Before getting started, I already had my word/theme for the year and my anchor scripture. Visually, I knew I wanted my board to be simple, and I also wanted to use both words and images. My complete board now hangs directly on the wall before my desk in my home office. Placement is key.

If you want to create your own vision board or refresh your current one, it’s not too late. We still have six months and two seasons left in 2020. Here are three simple steps:

1. Make it Fun

Plan a vision board party using Zoom or Google Meet. Invite some friends or family members to join you and make it a virtual party! To start, you will need the following:

Old magazines and catalogs
A corkboard (you choose the size) or large poster board paper
Scissors, push pins, glue, tape, colorful pens, sharpies, & stickers
- The materials depend on your board base – corkboard or paper

2. Decide on a Theme

This step is important because it determines the images you’ll need to look for to create your board. Think about what you want the rest of your year to look like. Think about what you want more or less of. What words or phrases come to mind? If you need help deciding on a word, here are 30 suggestions.

3. Make Your Board Visible

Once your vision board is complete, hang it where you can see it. I always suggest hanging vision boards in prominent locations (i.e., your closet, home office, near your nightstand, etc.). Your vision board is a tangible reminder of your goals and aspirations. Why would you not have it displayed for daily viewing? If you’re worried about your board clashing with your home or office décor, I suggest using a corkboard. They usually come with black, white, or wood frames. That way, you can match the frame to your décor. * Note: If you make a smaller 8 1/2 x 11 version, you can put it in the picture frame on your nightstand.

All in all, your vision board should motivate you to accomplish your goals. It’s really that simple. So, what are you waiting for? Get started on your board today. And if you already have a 2020 vision board, don’t be afraid to reevaluate your goals, recreate or tweak your board.

3 Simple Ways to Create a Mid-Year Vision Board

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Lifestyle | 5 Black Women Entrepreneurs to Support this Black History Month & Beyond, Part IV

February 28, 2019 by Whitney 2 Comments

Today, I’m wrapping up my Black History Month series. I’ve enjoyed highlighting some of my favorite Black women entrepreneurs. As I said in Part I, Black women are making tremendous strides in numerous fields. We deserve to be celebrated and supported, and my hope is that after reading each post, you will do both.

Lifestyle | 5 Black Women Entrepreneurs to Support this Black History Month & Beyond, Part I

February 6, 2019 by Whitney 3 Comments

I made a promise to support more Black women entrepreneurs in 2019. I’m a product of a Black woman who owns and operates her own business. I’m also a Black woman entrepreneur who once owned and operated a successful vintage resale business, and currently a thriving women’s empowerment organization, Fearless Woman I Am. Black women are making tremendous strides in fashion, fitness, health & wellness, HR, education, and beyond! As a result, we deserve to be celebrated and supported.

Life Update + My Word for 2018

January 5, 2018 by Whitney 14 Comments

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I know, I know. It’s been a while. 4 months tomorrow to be exact. My last post was about preparing for a new season, and it’s ironic because looking back I realize that after publishing that post I was about to enter into a new season myself. It was a season that would require my full attention, meaning I would have to step away from one thing to focus on another. So, I decided to push pause on creating new content for WNJ in order to nurture my other brand, Fearless Woman I am. I struggled with this decision for weeks but in the end, I knew it was best. Here’s what I accomplished as a result:

Successfully Executed FWIAM’s 1st Vision Board Event
- Held in Columbia, Maryland

Created & Showcased 2 FWIAM Products
- Pillow & T-Shirt

Hosted our 2nd Annual Blessing Bag Drive for Generosity:Global
- Collected & Made 75+ Blessing Bags for the Homeless in my hometown, Baltimore City

Accomplishing these goals gave me a sense of pride. Yes, pride. I am not ashamed to say that I am proud of myself! For almost 2 years, I was unsure about how to grow FWIAM. There were times when I had absolutely no clue what to do next, but despite the uncertainty giving up was never an option. I prayed for clarity and direction, and once I (finally) sat still long enough to hear what God was telling me, I knew it was GO TIME! I stepped aside and allowed Him to order my steps. There was no way I could have executed my vision trying to juggle both brands. Not the way I was doing it anyway. So, in the end, I am thankful for the unplanned, yet very necessary pause I took with blogging.

Learning to step aside and let God take control is tough, but it’s always worth it in the end.

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Propelling FWIAM wasn’t the only thing I did during my 4-month hiatus. I was knee-deep in my 1st 6-week fitness boot camp with my husband. This boot camp was also unexpected. Darrius was all signed up and ready to go, and I was planning on being his biggest cheerleader. Afterall, I was already walking a mile every other morning, and getting a lot better with my food choices. I was good, so I figured this boot camp would be great for him. He needed to catch up with me!

Well, fast forward a few days and I’m walking into the gym on Day 1 of the 6-week boot camp with him. Not what you expected, huh? Me either! But after hearing more about the process and reading some of the literature Darrius brought home, boot camp didn’t seem that bad. So I joined him. As time went on, I realized that he needed me to keep him on track with the clean eating and I needed him to help keep me on track with the consistent workouts. After losing several pounds and more inches in 6 weeks than I thought possible, Darrius and I actually joined the gym and have made the decision to make this lifestyle change, together.

* Praise Report: After the 6 weeks, Darrius went from diabetic to pre-diabetic and I have been fibroid free since August!

I was thoroughly enjoying my life during those 4 months! FWIAM was flourishing, Darrius and I were getting healthier, we were spending a lot of time volunteering, as well as enjoying moments with our family and friends. Things were flowing effortlessly, and I felt like I was at my best; spiritually, mentally and physically. There were a few bumps in the road, but nothing too major. That was until a few days after Thanksgiving…

My brother-in-law, Hakim, unexpectedly passed away right after the holiday. Darrius and I were in Delaware with the family, laughing and having THE BEST time during Thanksgiving weekend, so to get this news after just seeing our brother days earlier was devastating, to say the least. My priority since that day has been making sure that my husband is OK, both mentally and spiritually. Yes, he and our marriage are always a top priority, but in this instance, it’s a little different.

Needless to say, this tragic incident has left both me and Darrius feeling out of it. I’ve noticed that some of our routines have been disrupted, and rightly so. The grieving and healing process takes time. However, around the Christmas holiday, I was thinking about the upcoming year and how I wanted things to get back on track. I don’t think, after such a huge loss, things will ever be “normal” again, but creating a new normal is definitely doable. Which leads me to my word of the year which is, REVIVE.

Revive: to give new strength or energy to

My goal in 2018 is to give new strength and energy to:

My Faith
- complete the Bible in one year (via the YouVersion App)
- invite at least 1 person (or couple) to church once a quarter
- become a partner at Bridgeway

My Health & Wellness
- resume training at our gym at least 3 days a week
- continue clean eating & increasing water intake
- begin swimming again

My Marriage
- more date nights
- more trips & events
- more “phone-free” evenings

My Finances
- continue growing business
- create new streams of income
- TITHE + SAVE

Certain Relationships
- make more memories with family
- strengthen current friendships
- cultivate new relationships

My reference scripture for my word of the year is:

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” ~ Isaiah 43:19

So tell me, what is your word of the year and why? Let me know below!

I know this post was a long one, but I really wanted to share what’s been going on in my world for the past 4 months. I’ve missed creating new content and engaging with you, so get ready for the revival of WNJ. 2018 is going to be AMAZING. I can feel it, and I hope you’re ready because I’m taking you along for the ride! Thanks, as always, for reading and commenting and until next time, be blessed and stay safe.

Love & light…xo!

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WNJ Feature | Know Your Worth: Who Are You Video

October 21, 2016 by Whitney 2 Comments

Have you ever looked in the mirror and didn’t recognize the person looking back? Have you ever asked yourself “who am I?” I’m sure if you take a moment, to be honest with yourself, you’ve been there. I know I have. Thankfully, I can now look in the mirror and smile at the woman I’ve become. I can also confidently answer the question, “Who are you?” But not everyone is there yet, and that’s OK. As confident as I am, there are still times when I revert back to trying to figure out who I am and what my purpose is. That’s normal and that’s life.

A few weeks back my dear friend Erika Akwo, CEO & Founder of Know Your Worth, LLC, brought a group of women (and young girls) together to talk openly and honestly about our fears, struggles, and goals on camera. It was a pleasure to be part of this video and I’m thrilled to share it with you. My hope is that after watching the video something said will resonate with you and hopefully, it will motivate you to have this conversation with the women and young girls in your life. Check it out!

WATCH and SHARE this powerful “Know Your Worth” video. It’s truly inspiring! #knowyourworth

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So tell me, what do you think about the Know Your Worth video? Let me know!

Again, I am so thankful that Erika asked my younger sister and me to be in this video. To be in the room with these women/young girls and to hear their stories was truly a blessing. My sister was also excited to take part in the video. As a 14-year-old living in today’s society, she understood the importance of having and sharing this conversation. I hope you do too.

I challenge you to share this video with at least one woman or young girl in your circle. Help keep the conversation going and allow women to see that they’re not the only ones struggling to figure out who they are. For more info on Know Your Worth, and to see details about Erika’s next event, click here. Thanks for watching, commenting and sharing. Until next week, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

KEEP UP WITH ERIKA

Upcoming KYW Event // Website // Facebook Group

#WNJInspired | 5 Ways to Practice Gratitude + 5 Scriptures on Gratefulness

June 29, 2016 by Whitney 12 Comments

It’s so easy to be grateful when things are going well, but what about when things aren’t so great? Sometimes I have trouble practicing gratitude when things don’t go my way. This practice takes time and it’s continuous hard work. Thankfully I have been doing the work. As a result, this practice has become a little easier for me. While I still struggle from time to time, I can share at least 5 ways to practice gratitude. I’ve also included 5 scriptures on gratefulness that you may find helpful.

11 Scriptures on gratefulness

1. Keep a daily gratitude log. | I’ve been devoting the first 25 minutes of my day to gratitude and prayer. It’s taken me months to make this a habit, but I can’t imagine my mornings any other way. Each morning I write down 3 (different) things I’m grateful for. Taking the time to acknowledge certain things I’m grateful for helps set the tone for my day.

2. Send a handwritten thank you card. | I’ve been a fan of handwritten thank you cards for years. Taking the time to write and mail a thank you card is a simple way to show you care. Never underestimate what a handwritten and sincere note can do; taking that extra step goes a long way.

3. Be present and grateful in the moment. | This is probably the easiest way to practice gratitude, yet the most difficult to do. Why? Because we’re constantly thinking about what’s next. Stop thinking about what’s due two weeks from now or the appointment you have later in evening. Whatever you’re doing, be grateful that you’re alive and well enough to experience the moment. The deadlines, appointments and due dates can wait – be present and take a moment to be grateful.

5 simple ways to practice gratitude. #wnjinspired

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4. Say, “thank you.” | People are not always kind enough to say “thank you”, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t say it. I’ve noticed that people often stop and look at me like I’m crazy when I say “thank you.” It’s like for that moment they stopped and realize that people aren’t always so mean and nasty. Don’t allow someone’s sour attitude to rub off on you. Be an example and show them that gratitude isn’t dead.

5. Practice random acts of kindness. | Last month I came up with a list of 12 Random Acts of Kindness for my Fearless Woman Facebook Group. I was inspired to do so after learning about a mission in downtown Baltimore called, Selfless Saturday. Over the past few months, the couple spearheading the program have become friends of Darrius and I. Rich and Erika are on a mission to serve the homeless in the community, in cities around America, every second Saturday of the month by providing them with nutritious cooked food prepared by volunteers. I was inspired to challenge myself and my group to practice random acts of kindness for the month of May. Doing something for a stranger with pure intentions, without expecting anything in return, is the most selfless thing you can do and it’s an excellent way to practice gratitude.

So tell me, what do you think about these 5 ways to practice gratitude? How do you practice gratitude? Let me know!

Thanks for reading and feel free to share your tips or scriptures below. You can even tweet them using the #wnjinspired hashtag; I’d love to see gratitude tips and scriptures go viral! Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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Lifestyle | What to Expect this Season

May 2, 2016 by Whitney 7 Comments

It’s been awhile, huh?! Let’s just say the past few months have been extremely b u s y. Despite the business, I’ve been preparing a lot of content to share, as well as putting most of my energy into completing the Fearless Woman I am website. I’ve also used the past few months to spend much needed quality time with my family. As I mentioned in this post, the 1st quarter of the year was all about preparation for me. With the 2nd quarter in full swing, I’m now ready to spring into action and continue sharing and inspiring!

Photography Credit: Greg Hindman

During my brief blogging hiatus, I realized that I really enjoy sharing with you. I’ve created this online space and it feels like we’re family. Moving forward, I want you all to feel like you’re sitting around the kitchen table with me when reading my posts. Whether it’s providing tips on how to create your own personal style, sharing some of my favorite beauty products or books, showing you the latest affordable car on the market, or providing a bit of inspiration/motivation to help you through the day, sharing with you, my audience, brings me so much joy.

Plenty of useful style, beauty and inspirational content over on whitneynicjames.com! #wnjblogs

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Sure, there will be sprinkles of sponsored posts here and there, but my main focus is to connect and engage. If you’re signed up to my mailing list, you already know that starting this month I’ll be trying a Monday, Wednesday and Friday posting schedule. There may be weeks I post on a Wednesday or Thursday and there may be days I don’t keep up with the posting schedule at all. Life happens. But for the most part I plan to do my best to stick to the 3-day schedule. No worries; the content will continue to be useful, visually appealing and uplifting. This new schedule will allow the Fearless Woman I am project to flourish and fulfill it’s purpose, while I continue to serve you, my loyal WNJ Readers.

I’ll continue to update and engage daily over on social media. To make my content easier to find and share, I’ll be using the hashtags shown above. Some may look familiar, since I’ve been using a few already. As far as the newsletters, they’ll be arriving in your inboxes on a bi-weekly basis starting September 1st.

So tell me, what are you look forward to seeing on Whitney Nic James this spring and summer? Let me know!

Thank you for keeping up with and supporting the blog thus far – I’m extremely grateful! If you have any suggestions as to what you’d like to read, let me know. I’m here for you, so feel free to contact me anytime! Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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« Previous Page

August 2020 Recap

3 Things I Learned in August

3 Things I Loved in August

3 Things I’m Looking Forward to in September

How to Create a Vision Board Mid-Year

1. Make it Fun

2. Decide on a Theme

3. Make Your Board Visible

Lifestyle | 5 Black Women Entrepreneurs to Support this Black History Month & Beyond, Part IV

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

Lifestyle | 5 Black Women Entrepreneurs to Support this Black History Month & Beyond, Part I

Related Post: 40 Everyday Women Who are Fearlessly Impacting the World

Life Update + My Word for 2018

* Praise Report: After the 6 weeks, Darrius went from diabetic to pre-diabetic and I have been fibroid free since August!

WNJ Feature | Know Your Worth: Who Are You Video

#WNJInspired | 5 Ways to Practice Gratitude + 5 Scriptures on Gratefulness

Lifestyle | What to Expect this Season