enterpenuership Archives - Whitney Nic James

5 Reasons to Attend Blogalicious 2015

August 28, 2015 by Whitney 6 Comments

I’m a people person who enjoys connecting and meeting like minded individuals who are passionate, purposeful and have the desire to generate income by doing what they love. That’s why I saved, planned and attended Blogalicious back in 2013. The conference was held in one of my favorite cities (Atlanta) and was by far one of the best and most confirming weekends I’ve had in a while.

After the conference, I was ready to put what I learned to use. A few months later my blog and business reached a place I’d once dreamed about. I owe a generous portion of my blogging and business success to what I learned (and implemented) at Blogaglious. I’m eager to attend this year and even more eager to do the work after I return. I already know that I’m going to learn so much, connect with several key influencers and spend time with a few of my favorite creative people. Here are 5 reasons you should attend the 2015 Blogalicous Conference this year.

1. You want to visit Baltimore. Granted I’m from this great city, but honestly Baltimore is such an amazing place. There’s good food, good shopping, enjoyable museums to visit, and did I mention good food?? Just come to B-more and thank me later.

2. You want to be great. Who doesn’t want to be GREAT?! The classes and workshops offered at Blogalicious are guaranteed to equip you with what you need to BE GREAT – just be ready to DO THE WORK. And the people conducting these classes and workshops are legit experts in their field. Can’t beat that!

3. You want to learn AND connect with influencers. Like I said before, those conducting the classes, courses and workshops, they know their stuff. Period. The best way to learn is to learn from the best. Blogalicious has that under control!

Marie Denee of The Curvy Fashionista | Met at 2013 the conference & have the pleasure of being apart of the TCF Team.

5 reasons I’ll be attending @beblogalicious! #BYOE

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4. You want to find a mentor. During this weekend there will be countless opportunities to connect and interact with key influencers. It’s the perfect place to find a mentor, coach or even an accountability partner. Don’t miss out on your opportunity. Be genuine and direct; find your mentor.

5. You want to learn how to make coins. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like making coins/cash/money. If you don’t, this isn’t the place for you. If you’re like me and want to know how to generate income from doing something your passionate and serious about, Blogalicious is the place for you. Again, the key influencers will set you up and provide you with a blueprint so to speak on how to make, keep making and even invest your coins.

So tell me, will you be attending Blogalicious 2015? Have any questions about it? Let me know!

I hope I’ve convinced you to join me in Baltimore this year! If you want to continue being great and have the desire to find/realize your purpose, as well as learn how to make coins, attend Blogalicious. It’s an investment you won’t be sorry you made.

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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)

5 Truths | What I Know for Sure About Blogging After 5 Years

July 3, 2015 by Whitney 9 Comments

I was chatting with my Mom the other day and I realized that I’d been blogging for about 5 years now. ~~WOW!~~ I still can’t believe it sometimes. When I started blogging I had no clue how many opportunities would present themselves and I didn’t know how much about myself I’d learn. It’s always rewarding looking back and realizing that this hard work really is paying off. So today I thought it’d be helpful to share 5 what I know for sure about blogging tips.

1. It Takes a Village. I wouldn’t have started blogging if my husband hadn’t nudged me to publish my thrift store findings and tips. Without my parents constant support and idea sessions, I’d have no direction. My 13-year-old sister pours ideas out on a daily basis, and she’s a big help when it comes to editing my content. Even my grandmother has chimed in on the edits and content ideas. My fellow bloggers (in and outside of the DMV area) have helped me articulate blog post ideas, and of course you (the readers) have given me SO much support throughout the years. From emails, tweets, messages, blog post comments, and even stopping by at events to say hi have been a source of inspiration…it means the world to me. And I would not be such a dedicated blogger without my entire village. THANK YOU!

2. It Takes Time. Like most of us, I had that microwave mentality when I first started blogging. I just knew I was going to be an overnight sensations. HA! Not even. It takes time and endurance to be a committed, trusted blogger. The quality of your content depends on your consistency and effort, and taking your time is a big part of that. Also, valuing your time is crucial. Are you attending certain events to be seen or is there really a purpose to you being there? If there isn’t, you could be spending your time doing something to enhance your craft. Be mindful of how your spending your time as a creative (entrepreneur) and take your time when working to get to the top of your game.

If you don’t have a tribe/village behind you as a blogger, you need to get one ASAP. #wnjblogs

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3. It’s All About Relationships. At the core, I’m a loner. I don’t prefer crowds, but you’d never know it. When I socialize and network, I make it a point to meet 3 new people wherever I am. And by meeting them I mean getting (~~and remembering~~) their full name, business name, and walking away with a business card. Building relationships with (the right) people is also a key factor in being successful. Relationship building takes time, and it also requires a follow up with the people you’ve met. Mattieologie has some great tips on how to be taken seriously when you haven’t made it yet that you may find helpful. She also has a podcast (Ask Mattie) that answers a lot of questions you may have about blogging. Check it out!

4. Learn, Be Social & Enjoy the Ride. I don’t like school/classroom settings. I get that, understand it and I’ve accepted it. However, I love to learn. It’s like air for me; a necessity. Learning tips and tricks form other successful bloggers, as well as the in’s and outs of entrepreneurship has been awesome, especially since the beginning of the year. Attending seminars (online and in person), traveling to conferences and meeting like-minded people has allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone and really grow. Deciding to blog with a purpose and with intention was the best decision I’ve made, and since I’ve done that I’ve been enjoying the ride a lot more. Be social, get out there and find classes and activities that will enhance your career and better you as a person. It’s worth it, trust me.

5. Everyone will not wish you well, and that’s OK. This is the toughest pill I’ve had to swallow, but in some strange way it’s been satifying. I have become more aware of those people around me and have made a conscious effort to only have people in my circle who not necessarily agree with everything I say, but respect me and want the best for me. Time is everything and spending it with people who have your best interests at heart is crucial. Everyone won’t be on your team and everyone won’t root for you. It’s fine. Accept that, understand that it’s part of life, and don’t take it personal. Don’t let it break you; keep going and remember your purpose.

Time management and consistency are key factors in achieving success of any kind. #wnjblogs

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So tell me, what do you know for sure about blogging? Anything I mentioned resonate with your journey? Let me know!

As I said yesterday, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. I’ll be sending out free printables and resources for blogging and entrepreneurship. It’s something I’ve been wanting to do for a while, so why not now?? As always thanks for reading and keeping up with me on social media. Until Monday, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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** Linkups: Garay Treasures **

#WNJBlogs | 10 Things I’ve Learned About Blogging

February 18, 2014 by Whitney 39 Comments

The other day, I looked back at my very 1st blog post from March 2011 and instantly realized that I’d grown so much as a blogger. I actually leave my old blog published because from time to time, I look back at where I started as motivation. Especially on days when I’m not feeling it. That said, I want to share 10 things I’ve learned about blogging. Maybe you’re thinking about blogging but unsure of “what it takes”. Or maybe you’re already a blogger and you find yourself at a fork in the road, unsure if you want to continue blogging or not. Whatever the case, I invite you to check out this post. In one way or another, I hope it helps. 🙂

1. Stay True – Regardless of what’s “popular” or “trendy”, blog about what you know and what you’re passionate about.

2. Be Consistent – You don’t have to blog every day but, have some kind of blogging schedule so your readers know when to expect your posts.

3. Connect – Do your best to respond to blog comments and questions. When a blogger responds to my comments, it shows me that she/he actually cares that I visited their site.

4. Network – Attend as many conferences, meetups, etc. that you can afford. This keeps you up-to-date on the latest blog trends and it keeps you motivated.

5. Be Nice – It’s a small world, but an even smaller blogging world. Word travels fast so, be careful how you “act” online and in person.

6. Plan Ahead – This is something I’ve gotten better at, but I’m still working on it. Planning your blog posts and social media posts saves so much time. Especially if you have a life outside of blogging.

10 things you should know about blogging.#wnjblogs

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7. Work Together – Working with other bloggers is a great way to introduce yourself to a new audience. Find another blogger that shares your interests and figure out a way to team up!

8. Learn to DIY– When it comes to the blog itself, a lot of blog tweaks and changes can be done by you, the blogger. You don’t have to hire someone to do every little thing for you. If you’re investing in your blog, why not learn a thing or two about how to run a blog?

9. Trial & Error – Try posting at different times for a few weeks and pay attention to which time brings more traffic. You can also do this for your social media sites too!

10. Have Fun & Keep Going – For me, blogging is fun. I love to write, meet new people and connect with readers so it’s a perfect match! 😉 Also, don’t get discouraged because you “only have a little bit of followers”. Followers will come and even if they don’t, remember why you started in the 1st place.

So tell me, what are somethings you’ve learned about blogging? Let me know!

I hope you’ve found this post helpful. As always, thanks for reading! Until next time, be blessed and stay safe.

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