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Personal Style | Summer Personal Style Recap, Part II

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Hey there! I hope you all had a marvelous holiday weekend. I spent most of my time organizing and cleaning up our new place, swimming, and cooking with hubs. All in all, the weekend was a great one and I’m so happy we have a short work week! Before I get into fall style, I want to take one last look at my favorite summer style outfits from the blog. I had so many I wanted to re-share so I figured a Part II post was necessary. Let’s take a look!

This summer was probably one of my favorites style-wise because I finally became 100% comfortable with my personal style. I know what colors, prints and styles work for me and I know how far I’m willing to step outside my style comfort zone. After much experimenting, donating old clothing and shopping around, I’m very comfortable with the clothes in my closet. That’s such a great feeling!

Building your personal style should be fun, precise and realistic! #wnjstyle

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As I mentioned in a previous post, I now know the stores and brands are my go-to’s and for the most part, I don’t stray from those places. I’ve become very adamant about wearing clothing that’s comfortable and practical for my lifestyle. So much so that I’m in the process of creating a How-to Find Your Personal Style post and webinar for the upcoming season. Be sure to sign up for my mailing list so you can be the first to find out when that goes live!

So tell me, how would you define your personal style in 3 words? What do you struggle with while trying to create your personal style? Let me know!

As always thanks for stopping by! Don’t forget to show off your personal style by linking your recent OOTD pots(s) below. Be sure to link your outfit back to this post. Also, visit the other bloggers who’ve linked up and say hey. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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Entrepreneurship | DIY Brand Lab & the Bland2Brand Workshop

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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!  

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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.

diy brand lab

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.

DIY Brand Lab

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

Happy Birthday to Me + 50 Life Goals

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I’m so grateful for another year of life and while I have many emotions about entering the last year of my 20’s, I’m truly excited about what this year has in store. This year I’ve decided to create and share my 7-year Life Goals List, which is inspired by, Maya Elious. I like to put my goals and aspirations in writing because I find that doing so helps keep me accountable. When I saw that Maya created her Life Goals List, I was intrigued. I knew that I had to create one, with my own twist, for my next birthday. That said, here are my 50 Life Goals List to achieve in 7 years.

Everyone should create a Life Goal List. Have you?

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50 Life Goals 7 Years LIFE + EXPERIENCE 

  1. Continue Building a Solid Relationship with God – IN THE PROCESS & MAKING PROGRESS
  2. Join Bridgeway Community Church – IN THE PROCESS
    • Join & Commit to a Ministry
  3. Expand whitneynicjames.com & Continue to Publish Consistent, Valuable and Useful Content
  4. Continue to Grow a Successful (and Lucrative) Business that Helps & Motivates Women
  5. Complete My Undergraduate Degree & Receive my Master’s
  6. Continue to Invest in my Entrepreneurship Endeavors
    • purchase a MacBook – DONE (Spring 2017)
    • new camera & lens – DONE (Spring2016)
    • find a necessary coach/enroll in necessary classes
  7. Attend Mega Fest (TX)
  8. Write & Publish My 1st Book
  9. Interview & Post Interviews of at least 50 (More) Inspirational & Fearless Women
  10. Host a FWIAM Event – DONE (Spring 2017)
  11. Create the FWIAM Website (or Landing Page) – DONE (Summer 2017) 
  12. Host a #WNJStyle Event
  13. Host a Vision Board Event – DONE (Fall 2017)
  14. Complete Another #ThriftwithNic Event/or Tour
  15. Meet Myleik Teele – DONE (Fall 2019)
  16. Meet T.D. Jakes – DONE 
  17. Meet Mattie and Maya – DONE
  18. Travel to London & Maldives
  19. Travel to an Island I’ve Never Visited – DONE (Punta Cana Summer 2017)
  20. Travel to LA – DONE (Summer 2018)
  21. Receive my Social Media Marketing Certification – DONE (March 2016)
  22. Complete 1 Book a Month – DONE (Started reading 3 books a month in January 2017)
  23. Find a Charity to Commit & Donate to Regularly
    • Prostate Cancer
    • Generosity Global – DONE (Supporting since 2016)

FINANCIAL + BUSINESS 

  1. Pay Off & Clear My Credit Report
    • Student Loan(s)
    • Credit Card Debt(s)
  2. Learn About Stocks & Investing
  3. Buy Stock
    • Google
    • Facebook
    • Apple
  4. Make $1,000 – DONE (Summer 2017)
  5. Make $5,000
  6. Save $3,000 – (DONE in 2020)
  7. Create Thrifting 101 Seminars/Courses
  8. Create at least Streams of Income – DONE (Summer 2017 – WNJ, FWIAM, Social Media Management & eBay) 
  9. Create a Nonprofit Organization
  10. Purchase FWIAM Domain Name (and Social Media Handles) – DONE

FAMILY

  1. Have at Least 1 Healthy Child
  2. Own a Home in Howard County
    • Preferably Columbia, MD or Fulton, MD
  3. Take 2 Vacations a Year (Road-trip, Cruise, or by Plane)
  4. Send my Parents on a Trip
  5. Send my Grandmother on a Trip
  6. Pay for Taylor’s Sweet 16 Birthday Party
  7. Save “x” Amount for Taylor’s 20th Birthday

HEALTH

  1. Create a Consistent Workout Routine – DONE (Created & Started in July 2016)
  2. Practice Yoga Consistently 
  3. Get Back to Swimming & Pole Dancing Classes
  4. Complete 7-Day Fast (Fruit, Veggies, Water & Fish Only)
  5. Complete 7-Day Day Vegetarian Challenge
  6. Start Running – DONE (Started July 2016)
  7. Enroll & Complete Boxing Class
  8. Train for a 5K Race
  9. Get Regular Massages & Facials – DONE (Started January 2016)
  10. Drink 1 Gallon of Water a Day – DONE (Started Spring 2017)

So tell me, what do you think about my 7-year life goals? What are some of your 7-year life goals? Let me know! 

For months I’ve been determined to create a better life for myself and my family. In doing this I’ve vowed to live a life of purpose and to live life with intention. I no longer want to wait until I’m 30 to start going after certain goals. As always, thanks for reading. Until tomorrow, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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Thrifted Style | 8 Thrifty Bloggers You Should Follow

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I’ve been dying to create a list like this forever! So today I’m beyond thrilled to share my list of 8 Thrifty Bloggers You Should Follow. In the past I’ve done some Thrifty Friend Features and they’ve been a lot fun, and seemingly helpful to those who’re searching for thrifty tips and tricks. I’ve actually featured quite a few of the thrifty bloggers on this list, so some may sound familiar. Nonetheless, this list is a must read and share. Let’s get into it!

Thrifty Bloggers to Follow

8 Thrifty Bloggers You Should Follow, ASAP. #thriftwithnic

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1. Looking Fly on a Dime. Patrice is the thrifting queen. She’s even written a book on thrifting! She’s a definite thrift/style and entrepreneurial inspiration and it’s been a pleasure getting to know and follow her over the years. She’s been featured here on the blog before, and next week she’ll be sharing her #FearlessWoman story with us. Just goes to show that Patrice is much more than just fashion; she’s a woman living with purpose and is on a mission!

2. Thrift & Shout. Lindsey always has the best finds and she’s kind enough to showcase them over on the blog. I was drawn to her fashion sense, and cute haircut, a while back and I’ve been a fan ever since. I featured her as my first Thrifty Friend back in 2013 and she gave some very helpful thrift tips. Be sure to follow her for thrift inspiration and a dose of amazing style!

3. Style is She. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Atlanta based thrifter and stylist NeShanta and believe me when I say, she’s has an amazing and positive spirit. I just LOVE her! She shares the best thrifted fashion on her blog and is always ready and willing to share great thrifitng (and entrepreneurial) advice. NeShanta is a gem; be sure to check out her online shop too!

4. A Collected Gentleman. When I stumbled on Isiah’s site I immediately showed hubby. His thrifted style is impeccable and so well put together! It’s quite refreshing to see a young man take pride in his style, and Isiah does just that. He also shares a lot of inspirational and uplifting messages through his posts. A blogger with a purpose is something rare, but he fits the mold perfectly. Check him out and be sure to take a look at his WNJ feature as well.

Style is She

NeShanta | Style is She

5. DE Divah Deals (Fashion & Fun After Fifty). I call Antionette my big sis; no worries, she knows it. We met through the Bloggers Like Me group and have been friends ever since. Last year we had the opportunity to thrift together and I also made the trip to DE to for a Goodwill Fashion Show she invited me and hubby to. It’s always a blessing to find genuine people along this blogging journey and Antionette is definitely one of those people. She also give great blogging 101 tips too; check out her other site Blogging with Blake!

6. Thriftanista in the City. Troy is a great thrifter to follow because not only does she have GREAT finds, but she’s also really good at DIY fashion. That’s a skill I’d LOVE to have, lol. She shares great thrift tips and is always so chic and fly with her OOTD choices. I can just tell she too has an amazing spirit. One day, we’ll meet and thrift til we drop…I’m sure of it. Be sure to join her interactive thrift group on Facebook too!

7. Fashionably Employed. Jen is another blogging pal and has really great style tips for those of use who work a 9-5 but still want to be cute and stylish. She does a great job of dressing for the workplace and always provides useful tips on style and life in general. She’s also one of my favorite bloggers to collab with. We’ve collaborated a few times and it’s always fun to work with other bloggers who enjoy their craft. I’ve featured her as a Thrifty Friend so be sure to check it out!

8. Melodic, Thrifty & Chic. Eclectic, funky and fashion forward are just a few words I’d use to describe Anna’s style. She thinks outside the box when it comes to style and knocks it out of the park every time! Her blog is another refreshing take on fashion and I love that she is not afraid to be herself and express that through her personal style. It’s genius…and fun to watch. Take a look at her thrifty feature here!

Thrifted fashion is suppose to be fun, easy and always unique! #thriftwithnic

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So tell me, do yo follow any of these thrifty bloggers? Who’re some of your faves? Let me know! 

Thanks for reading and be sure to visit these amazing thrifty bloggers. Until tomorrow, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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Oprah’s Life You Want Weekend in D.C., Part II – Trailblazers in Full Effect

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Day 2 of The Life You Want Weekend in D.C. was my favorite. Not only did we complete workbook activities taught by Oprah (more of that in Part III), but we also had the opportunity to be inspired by the stories of 4 amazing trailblazers. The trailblazers included Elizabeth Gilbert, Iyanla Vanzant, Pastor Rob Bell, and Mark Nepo. Each speaker brought something different to the table and of course, I gained much insight from them all.

life you want weekend in D.C.

Mark Nepo

His calming nature captivated the audience as he began to speak about being a cancer survivor. That experience “rearranged his core“. He went onto explain that being present and holding nothing back is imperative to living the life you want. Another great point he shared was that in life, you take turns being the teacher and the student. We don’t know everything, but we do know somethings. It’s OK to sit back and be a student in life from time to time. And understanding that “no one can make it alone” ties into this as well. In life, we all need one another. There’s just no getting around it.

Elizabeth Gilbert 

Elizabeth’s speech stuck with me the most. Walking out to the song “Brave” by Sara Bareilles let me know that we were in for a powerful message! Elizabeth’s strength and fearlessness is admirable. She made it clear that “if you want to change your life, don’ expect it to be easy and painless”. Going through different seasons in life is natural, but it can be difficult. The hard lessons, the lost friends, the scrutiny for certain decisions we make – it’s tough. But we can and will get through it. The life we want for ourselves is on the other side of all that we’re scared to go through, but after hearing Elizabeth speak I realize even more that it’s worth it!

Life you want tour D.C.Rob Bell

Rob Bell burst onto the stage full of energy! The takeaway from his portion can be summed up with his quote I shared on Instagram – “The life you want begins with embracing the life you have.” I couldn’t agree more. We can’t go through life expecting and wanting a better life if we don’t appreciate the life we’re already living. Being grateful and living in the now will prepare us for something even greater. Bell also pointed out that “we rush through the things that transform, shape and change us.” This hit home for me. It was a reminder to be constantly aware of how certain situations and moments change my life in a positive way.

Iyanla Vanzant

I was really looking forward to hearing this phenomenal woman all last week. I’ve been reading her books for years, thanks to my Mom, and being able to hear her speak was quite a treat! Iyanla pointed out a few things that made me go, “hmmm” and “ah, yes.” One of them being “when building a new life, be careful about who you hold onto and who you expose your self to.” That right there spoke volumes. As I continue to grow I’ve noticed that I’ve been very careful about those things. Another nugget she shared was that “in relationships, you have to have a vision.” I agree with this 100%. I believe that life is all about relationships, but more importantly it’s about the purpose of each relationship. We should ask ourselves from time to time, why are we building a relationship with a certain person? What do we plan on learning/or gaining from that relationship? Going back to the first lesson, be careful who you hold onto. Building a relationship with everyone you meet isn’t necessary. Lastly, Iyanla stressed the importance of learning to forgive yourself. We (may) struggle with this, but its important to do this in order to live the life we really want.

Life you want tour D.C. - Iyanlya

So tell me, which trailblazer do you think you would have enjoyed? Any takeaways from what the points I’ve shared? Let me know!

Be sure to come back Friday for my final recap of the event of my Life You Want Weekend in D.C. experience. I’ll be wrapping up my thoughts and sharing a few other things with you as well. Until then, be blessed and stay safe…XO!