Having a successful Social Media presence is about more than just being seen. Many businesses understand the importance of having Instagram but they don’t get why they’re not seeing the growth they want. This is because they’re using their page for the purpose of being seen but forgetting the most critical part – engagement. Engagement is what shows that your followers are vested in you. When they like or comment on your posts that’s how they show their support.
The first step is to figure out your current engagement. The formula is your impressions divided by your followers multiplied by 100. If you’re a business you should have a public business profile. This will allow you to have access to your analytics which will give you your impressions. If you don’t have a business profile you can still manually figure out your engagement.
First get your average sum of likes and comments per month. Add your likes and comments for all posts in the month. Take that total and divide it by the total number of posts made that month. Next, divide that sum by the total number of followers you have. Multiple that number by 100 to get the %.
Now that you’ve done the math you might a little worried because your percent is low. Don’t worry, it’s not as bad as it seems. The truth is the average engagement rate on IG is 1% – 3%. If your number is above that give yourself a pat on the back because you’re doing Instagram right. If you number is below that don’t worry there are ways to bring that number up.
If you’re a business it’s important to know your total engagement percentage for a few reasons.
You can use that number to market yourself to other businesses. Digital marketing is huge right now so if you can show a business why they should pay you to promote their product it’s a great way to make additional income
You can use that number to figure out what resonates with your current followers. The formula above can be used for individual posts as well as your monthly average. Once you see which posts get the most engagement you give your audience more of what they want.
As a business you can calculate other people’s engagement before reaching out to them for a collaboration. A lot of people get impressed by the number of followers a page has. While that number is important, if their engagement is below 1% they’re not having much of an impact on their followers. This means collaboration with them may not generate the influx in followers or business you’re looking for. Often pages with lower follower counts may have higher engagement. This means their followers are more invested in them and therefore more likely to support their collaborations in a way that’s beneficial to you.
There are many different ways to increase your engagement. The thing to remember is that if you want others to engage with you, you need to engage with them. True growth comes from viewing your IG as a relationship. Don’t just post and run. Reply back to your followers when they comment. When you include several hashtags in your post, go into each of those and like the pictures of other people who have used the same hashtag. Pick a few to leave comments on as well. We all know IG runs all algorithms now so you need to engage with others so they engage with your page. This will help you appear more on the timeline of your followers and even on search pages. It’s time consuming but if you really want to see growth it’s worth it.
Remember: followers matter but engagement matters more!
Do you have a special occasion coming up, and are in need of the perfect gift? Do you have your Mother’s Day gift already? Well we have an amazing source for phenomenal and unique creations! Meet Dazed & Amazed Creationz, by Chatonyia Smith!
Originally from St. Louis, Mo, but currently live in Chicago, IL, Chatonyia is a Mental Health Social Worker and Owner of Dazed & Amazed Creationz.
Dazed & Amazed Creationz has been in business for 3 years and makes amazing wreaths!! So how did Chatonyia get into making wreaths? Chatonyia states,
“I wanted to make candles because I spent so much money on them. I stumbled upon Pinterest, tried my hand at candle making but I could never get it right. On there I discovered so much. I was obsessed. I made everything from poop spray to laundry detergent. I then discovered paper flowers and loved it. I make them every now and then still but after making my first wreath people were in love and I saw an opportunity. I made them that Christmas but stopped shortly after because life became too busy. I lost the love of my life in June to cancer and made a wreath for his services. Everyone started asking for one and the funeral home asked why didn’t I make all the sprays. The two of us always talked about businesses. I truly believe that God place us in situations and his death gave me that push to finally do it for real.”
Wreaths are the most requested items, though people will request other crafts from Dazed & Amazed Creationz. Though making wreaths was not her original passion, her family thought she was very crafty!
“My true passion has always been in mental health and helping others. Now to craft is therapy to me and the reactions I get when I make something for someone speaks to my soul. I absolutely love to come up with new ideas. Crafting consumes my mind and I enjoy making something come to life that a customer requests.”
For Chatonyia, she makes wreaths mostly and has a goal of not having two of the same! In fact, Chatonyia says it can be extremely hard for her not to duplicate one, and it’s something inside of her that won’t let her! Not only does she makes wreaths, but she also makes creations out of diapers – known as “diaper cakes.”
“I love to make wreaths -not only are they beautiful, but it’s a time for me to be in my space. Since being in black girls craft group on Facebook, looking at all the talented sister I have wanted to do everything. I’ve made floating centerpieces, glittered wine glasses and bottles, gift baskets and t-shirts. There are still somethings I want to try out. I realized everything is not for me. I enjoy doing the t-shirts but I think I’ll hand that over to my daughter.”
“I like to work on serval things at one time. I could work on 5 wreaths at a time. I normally create the base first and then play with the color combinations for the ribbon. I might be in the middle of working on one and look at another and something hits me and I’ll jump to that one. I have to stare at them, walk pass a few times to make sure the coverage is right, it’s fluffiness is correct, the flower is positioned properly. I often take several pictures of it to see if it pops for me. People say to me what else do you need it’s pretty, I always say, it’s not finished until I could say it’s gorgeous. And it could be something simple like moving the signage. I sorta do the same thing with other items I make. I guess realistically I can create a wreath I’m happy with in a day but I need a another day to look at my work. I can complete a diaper cake in an hour or so.”
In the beginning stages of her business, there were a few challenges Chatonyia faced, but that did not stop her grind!
“The most challenging part of starting my business has been pricing and time. Because I love what I do, I want items to be affordable for everyone. When I do comparisons, I realize I often undercut myself not because I think theirs is better in fact I’m often stunned by some of the prices on Etsy. Also because I have a full-time job and 2 children that have busy lives time has been a big hurdle. I’m trying to new marketing strategies that would potentially lead to steady income so I could pursue this full-time. Of course marketing can be tricky but I’ve been blessed that many of my sales come from word of mouth. During holidays it’s about as much as I could handle.”
Make sure you keep up with Dazed & Amazed Creationz, as they have been featured in a few craft shows and plans to do more this year! They have also expanded in to diaper cakes and is currently working on making handcrafted baby mobiles! (NNIIICCEEE!!)
If you’re interested in having your own crafting business, Chatonyia has the following advice,
“There are so many crafts you are gonna be interested in. I would suggest someone find that one or two things and specialize in it. Find all ways to perfect it. Don’t be afraid to mix it up, try different colors and materials. Also, get a deposit before you start a project. I haven’t had many people stiff me, but having the deposit will help with purchasing supplies needed at that time.”
You can follow Dazed & Amazed Creationz on social media via:
Instagram: AnDcreationz
Facebook & Etsy: 4dacreationz
Chatonyia has these last final words for our readers:
I have been an entrepreneur in my mind since I finished college. I have a bin full of business plans…
Do you love pastries? Prefer cheesecake over a baked cake? Well we have an amazing Baker who can satisfy your sweet tooth! Who said that there was an age limit on being an Entrepreneur?? Meet The Little Baker – Ja’Niyah Williams!! (BOSS STATUS!)
Representing Newark, DE Ja’Niyah is a Student at Thurgood Marshall Elementary, and a Baker in her spare time! She is motivated by money and people enjoying her treats!
How did Ja’Niyah get into baking? Well it started with her Great Grandmother when she was 3 years old, as she would help her in the kitchen! This then lead Ja’Niyah to begin baking on her own.
“I always enjoyed cooking, but baking is what I enjoy most. I would definitely say it’s my passion!”
Ja’Niyah bakes delicious cupcakes, cheesecakes, 7up cakes, pies, cookies, and brownies! You name it – She’ll attempt to bake it! (BOOM!) Though cheesecakes are her most requested pastry, cupcakes is her favorite pastry to bake because she likes to decorate them different ways. Strawberry cheesecakes are her specialty and people ask for them all the time! (YUMMY!)
“I enjoying experimenting with new desserts, but I hate the mess I have to clean up. LOL!”
In the beginning stages of Ja’Niyah’s business, there were a few challenges she faced, but she did not allow them to stop her grind.
“My mom put out a lot of money to get me started, In return when I had my first big bake sale I had to pay her back some of the money because she is my investor. Now I have enough saved that she doesn’t have to put out any money.”
If you’re interested in purchasing Ja’Niyah delicious pastries, you can do so via:
Instagram: little_baker127
Email: littlebaker127@gmail.com
Make sure you keep up with Ja’Niyah as she is having an Easter Bake sale!
You can keep up with Ja’Niyah via:
Instagram: little_baker127
If you’re interested in having your own baking business, Ja’Niyah has the following advice,
“Save money to get started. Don’t think everything you make will come out perfect the first time, just because that’s how it looks on YouTube…lol”
Janiyah has these last final words for our readers:
“Being a young baker can be hard sometimes, but when I’m older I know it will pay off when I have my own bakery!
Tired of applying for jobs and not getting a call back? Know you’re more than qualified for the job, but aren’t getting selected? Well we have just the right source to assist you.
Representing Chicago, IL, DeAnnah Stinson Reese is a Career Readiness Instructor and CEO/Founder of Next Level Writing Services! (BOSS STATUS). With her motivation being her children and her desire to never be ordinary, DeAnnah is a true BOSS!
Next Level Writing Services offers a variety of writing/editing services, has been in business for 4 months, has had 25 clients, and has worked with 70 different individuals and business combined over the years! So what got DeAnnah into being a professional writer? DeAnnah tells us,
“I actually fell into writing. I always excelled as a writer throughout my years in academia, publishing poems and other writing projects. After over a decade of helping individuals acquire jobs through writing resumes I began to expand out and write grants as well as help business acquire contracts. I finally decided to formally monetize my skill and that’s how Next Level Writing was created.”
For DeAnnah, professional writing was not always her passion, but it was something that she was extremely good at. As she began to see how many people she was helping to acquire jobs, professional writing soon became her passion.
“It always feels amazing when people call and text me, to tell me they got the job I was helping them either apply for or interview prep for. I’ve been really blessed because my company is very new and I have received tremendous amounts of support. The hardest part is maintaining consistency with providing social media content. Although this is a side business, it’s still my baby so I give it 100%. I come down hard on myself when I’ve missed a day of posting. I also found it difficult to navigate conversations with clients that I knew personally, that wanted to cut corners. I learned early on, I have to stick to my guns and be consistent.”
Next Level Writing Services also provides assistance with grant writing, RFP responses (request for proposal), and editing of almost any document you can think of. Though the most requested service is the $35 Consultation, which consists of DeAnnah consulting clients on recommended edits to their writing project.
“Most clients actually need their documents written and just don’t realize it, but I’m usually able to accommodate. I try to accommodate budgets by providing as much as possible through a revision.”
Though Next Level Writing Services gets various clients, DeAnnah tells us that she most commonly works on resume documents,
“The biggest mistake I see, on resumes specifically, is individuals underselling themselves and using too many cliché phrases and words. Applicant tracking systems are quite flawed in my opinion, and often times qualified candidates get over looked because of the automated algorithms used. Because of this, it is extremely important that you represent yourself accurately on paper and know how to integrate the appropriate keywords to highlight your accomplishments and capabilities.
Make sure you keep up with DeAnnah, as she currently writes monthly blog posts that are being shared on an amazing platform with Women Exceeding!! What is Women Exceeding? Women Exceeding is non-profit organization that acknowledges the accomplishments of women and assists women who are seeking professional and personal development, in order to strengthen the female presence in innovative and entrepreneurial roles. You can check them out at http://www.womenexceeding.com. Through the monthly blogs, DeAnnah is able to share useful information related to the job search process. Be sure to check out DeAnnah’s most recent blog “5 Ways to Maximize Your Next Job Search” on the Women Exceeding website! (SUPER BOSS STATUS!)
If you’re interested in having your own professional writing company, DeAnnah has the following advice:
1. Stick to your guidelines and requirements for how you want to deliver/provide your service. People will want to take short cuts and that can hinder results or make the process cumbersome.
2. Avoid back to back appointments! Lol. People are very dynamic so there can be times when things run over the allotted time scheduled.
3. Stay abreast on trends and current research. I spend time everyday looking at the most recent HR articles I can find or technical writing pieces I may come across.
Make sure you keep up with DeAnnah and Next Level Writing Services via social media:
Instagram: @dsreese26.
DeAnnah has these last final words for our readers:
“When I decided to start this business, the objective was to provide a much-needed service, especially to minorities at an affordable price. There is a reason why companies charge so much to revise resumes—-it’s extremely time consuming and quite frankly they simply can. I make sure that my compensation is something that is affordable and still fair for the time I put in. My goal is to see “us” excel. “
Check out these amazing customer testimonials of Next Level Writing Services:
Testimonials from the Website!
GNC Enterprises
10 Points
Our company was in need of assistance in submitting a government contract. And because of Next Level Writing Services, we were able to submit a proposal with confidence and on time. Thank you NLWS for your professionalism and knowledge we will definitely use your service again.
Ms. Banks
10 Points
Can I start off saying how excellent this service is! Next level writing has helped me transform my resume and interviewing skills. My resume always gains the attention of the company I am seeking. I recommend there services for the person like me, who does not always know how to pitch there qualities and skill sets on paper! This company has help me learn how to expand on my experience and talents!!
Daniel Booth
10 Points
My resume needed an entire make over and with her exceptional writing skills, Mrs. Reese was able to revise my Resume very much more suitable for employers. Thanks to her I have been contacted numerously about various job openings.
“You scream, I scream, we all scream for ICE CREAM!!” Remember that song?! Ice cream is a very tasty treat that is good for all seasons and reasons! If you like ice cream, we have just the right kind for you! Whenever you’re in the Houston area, make sure you check out Mico’s Ice Cream!
Representing Houston, Texas, Kimico Frydenlund is a Registered Nurse and Owner of Mico’s Ice Cream! With her family and desire to build a legacy being her motivation, it’s no wonder why this BOSS is making serious moves!
Mico’s Ice Cream offers homemade ice cream using an original recipe and has been in business for a year! Mico’s Ice Cream offers many flavors such as: Taste the Rainbow, Chocolate Fix, Strawnana, Gimme S’more, and Cookies ‘N Cream!
Though Cookies ‘N Cream is the most requested flavor, all flavors have the availability to be served in their homemade waffle cone tacos. (YUMMY!)
“My husband and I saw a viral video of rolled ice cream and thought it was really cool. Everyone loves ice cream, so we were like “Why not?”
Kimico tells us that their cold tops freezes at -18 degrees, which allows them to make the ice cream right in front of the customer!! With only a two minute processing time, it’s no wonder why Mico’s Ice Cream is a HIT!! (BOOM!) Ice Cream isn’t the only thing that customers can purchase, as they also sell freshly squeezed lemonade!
“We enjoy it all! Especially our customers’ excited reactions to our ice cream.”
Mico’s Ice Cream is available for purchase at their mobile ice cream shop, located at Levy Park on the weekends. Mico’s Ice Cream is currently offering catering, with delivery coming soon! (Stay Tuned!)
If you’re interested in having your own ice cream company, Kimico has the following advice:
“Put in the extra work of making a quality and unique ice cream . Your followers will appreciate it and come back for more.”
Make sure you keep up with Mico’s Ice Cream by following them on social media at:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter: @micosicecream
Mico’s Ice Cream has the following last words for our readers:
“With each cup of ice cream, our customers provide support, mentorship, and more to children in need through our non-profit organization “Mico’s Kids.”
Meet Laticia Nicole Beatty! Laticia represents Durham, NC by the way of Detroit, MI and is the CEO/Founder of SpeakLife Enterprises LLC.
Speaklife Enterprises LLC offers various products and services such as: Yes, Immunity Tea, Vitamin C tablets, Turmeric/Ginger tablets, Books, Lip gloss, eye lashes, Magazine, Mindset Management Coaching, Speaking, and Preaching services!
So what sparked Laticia to start her enterprises? For Laticia, it’s all about helping women entrepreneurs transform in their business and personal lives!
“I enjoy helping women learn and implement effective power moves in their life, health and business that propels them towards their destiny. I am proud of the ability to see women entrepreneurs shift in business and in their mindset. The same way that I did.”
Laticia helps women transform in many ways, but tells us that her mastermind teaches it all! If you have been struggling with lack of empowerment or low self-esteem, or simply need long overdue answers in transforming your life, then the SpeakLife mastermind is for you!
The Speak Life Mastermind teaches women how to uncover what has been holding them back, successfully help with creating new goals & living a destiny-driven life. Along with the mastermind, Laticia offers coaching sessions, to help identify, develop, and implement a successful blueprint – that is goal driven, reflective, and put into action to obtain a life one deserves!
Laticia prides herself on becoming a successful business owner, and says that her very first client was herself!
“In 2011, I had gone through depression and anxiety. I guess you can say I was my first client. I became stuck in my business and personal life. After reading biblical strategies and applying them to my life, I realized that speaking life was the key to an abundant life.”
Not only does Laticia empower and help women, but she also helps feed and clothe the elderly with her nonprofit PD, Inc. She is truly a powerhouse!
If you are a new entrepreneur, Laticia has the following advice,
“Getting what you want out of life starts with you speaking, planning, implementing, and evaluating is key to being successful. Never give up on you.”
You can support and patronize Laticia, her enterprises, and non-profit via:
Make sure you keep up with Laticia and her enterprises, as she has an upcoming event called “Big Hat Brunch,” where guests learn about the beauty in business from amazing speakers, teachers and moguls.
Meet Deandre Jones! Deandre represents Chicago, IL and is the Chief Energy Officer of Jump Ahead L3C! Jump Ahead L3C offers Workforce Development, Job Training, Recreational Services, and Merchandise. Deandre tell us that his business inspiration comes from winning a $10,000 grant!
“I was inspired to create my business, as I won a grant for $10,000 to partner with the city of Grand Rapids – the second worst city economically for African American people. To create a program for non-violence and conflict resolution skills for youth and young adults. I was locked up for many years as a teenager. So it wasn’t much you can tell me about the criminal justice system. Now my goal is to develop a community center.”
As a male owned business owner, Deandre says his challenge was finding funding for his projects, so that he can bring his vision to reality. Although he wished he knew more ways to make more money and be more efficient with the starting his business, Deandre says his own life experience and being emotionally intelligent helped him be successful with his business.
“You have to understand people to be a great boss. I’m a people person and a man’s man. I inspire a lot of people, but I also inspire a lot of women.”
Deandre tells us that he knows what his goals are, as well as know the impact he could have. He feels he is pretty wise to be 27, and knows that there are always more ways to properly run a business.
“I run an L3C which is a hybrid of a non-profit and for profit, so there is so much more I can learn and do. I believe the universe will bring people into my life to make my vision a reality.”
Deandre says he is extremely proud of the impact his business has had on the youth, and the consistent inquiry from youth and young adults regarding its future community center! Also, in 2020, Jump Ahead L3C was recognized and presented with the Hustler of the Year award by Respect The Hustle Community!
If you are a new male entrepreneur, Deandre has the following advice
“Great things take time. Put all of your love and passion and drive into your business. I really believe you get what you put into your business or just life in general. Also, don’t worry about what others think, as most people don’t have the courage to chase their own dreams, goals, and vision.”
Make sure you keep up with Deandre and Jump Ahead L3C, as they are scheduled to host an event working with Pepsi, to help assist with hiring potential candidates. Deandre is also currently accepting donations to conduct a backpack drive & giveaways for parents, kids, and young adults who need them. Jump Ahead L3C will also be launching a new website that will offer merchandise.
Stay tuned with Jump Ahead L3C, as they have community center in the works – which is a black owned, sustainable, and renewable energy center. The focus of the community center will include resolution for police and community relations, inequalities, the wealth gap, and climate change.
Meet Zaire J.M. Gary – the Founder, President, and CEO of Black Certification Agency & Company! Zaire was born and raised in South Carolina, grew up in Tennessee, and is currently living and learning in Atlanta, GA. The Black Certification Agency & Company manages the Black Certification Racial Equity Standard Framework, and is a 4 part system that tracks, assesses, validates, and empowers corporate DE&I policies, initiatives, and commitments – with a specific focus on Black and African Americans.
“We were inspired and motivated to develop this business because of the S&P 500 companies; two-thirds of them made supportive statements after the death of George Floyd, 36% made financial contributions to racial justice organizations and 14% said Black Lives Matter publicly. (source: As You Sow, California based shareholder advocacy group). We saw a couple of issues with this. A: 400 years of systemic racism cannot be fixed by simple, one time financial contributions, they cannot just throw money at the problem. Nor does money change attitudes and/or representation or inclusion. B: For most Black Americans these things mean nothing without real, tangible, and visible change. Without that these initiatives and policies are just performative public relations and simple marketing tactics. C. We realized the only way we ensure change is happening is if we (Black Americans acting independently) have a hand in the process. So we started developing Black Certification last summer. “
As a male business owner, Zaire says that his biggest challenge was gaining an audience. He stated that he wanted a hand in the things that majority owned companies were doing, with his certifications being directed towards them. Zaire says that access was the biggest challenge, as most companies that he work with do not want to listen to a young black male. However for Zaire, being extremely well researched, having mentors, advisor, and most importantly having God – has helped him become a successful business owner.
Although Zaire says that starting a business was not fun, he learned that being passionate is a requirement, and thinks that most entrepreneurs know that it’s fun maybe once every two weeks – sometimes longer at times. The Black Certification Agency & Company has achieved many accomplishments within its first year of business, which Zaire says he is so very proud of. The accomplishments consist of receiving over 10k in grants, being endorsed by Atlanta City Council Member Michael Julian Bond, being accepted into an accelerator program at the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurship, and being accepted into a Forbes networking cohort: For(bes) the Culture.
If you are a new male entrepreneur, Zaire has the following advice,
“Be serious. Don’t treat it like a side hustle. When you get serious about your business your business will become very serious. The more serious you are, the more serious it will be. As long as you keep God first in everything you do, you’ll win.”
You can support The Black Certification Agency & Company by helping them gain consumer brand awareness and staying socially connected via:
LinkedIn: @BlackCertificationAgency
Instagram: @blackcertification
Stay tuned with The Black Certification Agency & Company, as they are currently working towards their first funding round, where they will be seeking enough capital rather through grants or investment, to build the Black Certification Racial Equity Framework online software!
Also, be sure to connect with Zaire as he says the following,
“We are looking for all members of the DE&I industry to assist with implementing our standards within the corporate community as the industry standard. We need you guys to recommend our certification be utilized to assist companies tackling their Black and people of color DE&I focus. Contact us at management@blackcertificationagency.org or zairejmg@blackcertificationagency.org with your name and/or position.“
Meet Tavon Mason! Tavon represents Baltimore, MD and is the CEO of Tavon’s Beard Butter, which offers all natural beard butter and oil. Tavon’s Beard Butter has been in business since 2018, and was created when Tavon was trying to find a resolution for the growth and moisture of his own beard, as well as skin enrichment.
As a former NFL player with his own business, Tavon faced the challenge of getting out to the masses but says that marketing, ecommerce pages, and vending at farmers markets & events helped his business become successful.
For Tavon, the best business advice that has kept him grounded was to keep pushing no matter what, value your product, and don’t adjust prices to fit what people think. Although he had minimal marketing, Tavon says he is most proud of his business getting orders from all over the map as a small business.
If you are a new male entrepreneur or considering to become one, Tavon has the following advice:
“My advice to a new male entrepreneur would be entrepreneur to push their model and be open to learning at all times. I was helped while vending with my setup and it helped tremendously. Also, on the low days to keep pushing and don’t give up. “
You can support and patronize Tavon’s Beard Butter business via:
Make sure you keep up with Tavon’s Beard Butter, as he says he will be introducing the following product promotions:
“I’m starting my buy 2 get 1 free on any beard butters and buy 3 get 1 free on my beard oils starting September the 3rd until October the 3rd. My scents are lavender & Tea Tree Oil, Tangerine, Sandalwood and Cinnamon. My beard oils are the same as my beard butters with the addition of Cedarwood. If anyone reads this article and DM or orders before the start date, I will honor their order”.
Meet Quinetta Latham of Divine Diva Inspiration! She represents Baton Rouge, Louisiana and is a Clarity Coach, Brand Strategist, Speaker, and the Mrs. Black International Ambassador. For Quinetta, helping people to execute their goals and turn their aspirations to reality, has always motivated her. From planning weddings, to directing pageants and hosting one of a kind empowerment conferences – her desire has always been to create unforgettable memories that have lasting impact.
“I encourage my clients to be authentic, be bold and brave enough to Dare To Be Different. I love the idea that as a Brand Strategist, I get the opportunity to set clients up for success by building brands that are unique, valuable and profitable.”
As a Brand Strategist, her clients are dreamers willing to trust her, the process, and themselves. With Brand Development being her specialty, Quinetta says that most of her clients need help with creating their brand identity. She walks her clients through the steps to understanding their brand’s purpose, position and path – which are all critical when establishing brand identity & building a well-loved business, that attracts customers and adds value to the business segment. Her branding system focuses on a few different phases including but not limited to: Brand Discovery, Authenticity & Alignment, Private Labeling and Marketing Campaigns.
“Most people think that establishing brand identity is a two-step process that includes (1) a logo design and (2) a pretty cool website. I help my clients understand that before we can attract we must first assess.”
Initially, starting her business journey was challenging, but it did not stop her. Her first struggle was believing her worthiness. Quinetta says that she believed that she was capable of transforming lives, building connections, and launching dope brands – but there were days that fear attempted to outshine her faith.
Along with understanding her worthiness, she also struggled with understanding new marketing trends. With marketing changes always being present, understanding how to succeed in a fast pace industry is key. These challenges did not stop Quinetta, as she continued to push through by enrolling herself in Master Classes and online courses, to help her keep her finger on the pulse of the marketing industry.
Quinetta caught her big break as a Brand Strategist, upon being hired by Love & Hip Hop Atlanta Celebrity and Attorney, Kendra Robinson. Although she didn’t have a large following – her passion, purpose, & transparency earned Kendra’s trust and created a blooming symbiotic business relationship. Quinetta says that Kendra has inspired and pushed her to grow and expand her brand, and she is excited for what’s to come. Quinetta says that launching the Hour Glass Body Brand last year and consistently seeing the company’s numbers grow substantially, has been her most profound client accomplishment.
“My journey as a Brand Strategist has been different, breaking some conventional rules and blazing new trails along the way. After successfully launching my first business, I realized that I wanted to empower and equip dreamers with the opportunity to be entrepreneurs. My big break didn’t come because I was a huge social media influencer, it came because every day I chose to get up, show up, and do the work. I am grateful for the opportunity to merge my creativity and compassion with innovation and inspiration, to create one dope strategist. If you work your purpose, your purpose will make you profits.”
“It makes me proud to know that even during the coronavirus pandemic, my company has been able to help dreamers unlock the doors to success through entrepreneurship. I’m excited that many of my clients are seeing an increase in sales and visibility across marketing channels. The world is not going to be the same anymore, so I am most proud that my company has been able to adapt and act quickly in order to survive these uncertain times and thrive in the days to come.”
If you’re interested in becoming a Brand Strategist, Quinetta has the following advice,
Silence the voices of doubt and fear
Get a Coach or An Accountability Partner
Stay informed and educated – Invest in Y-O-U (attend workshops, seminars and conferences to increase your knowledge & understanding of the field)
Be consistent with your personal brand visibility. If you think you’re doing too much, you’re not doing enough…
Rocking as a Brand Strategist isn’t Quinetta’s only claim to fame, as she is also the inaugural Mrs. Black International Ambassador! Inspired by its mission & pillars of purpose being in direct alignment with who she is and what she believes, Quinetta says she joined the MBIA Sisterhood because she wanted to do something about the social ills that plague our communities, country, and world.
“The MBIA exists to give black women globally an opportunity to serve as International Ambassadors of Change that use their voices to evoke and create global impact. It is about more than banging bodies and beat faces; we are about breaking generational curses and advancing Social Justice. I joined because I want black mothers to feel supported, I want black daughters to feel loved and I want my black sisters to know that they are worthy of honor, respect and all that God has destined for their lives. One of my favorite quotes is “No one person can do everything, but everybody can do something.”
With her life’s work being dedicated to sparking the flames of clarity, personal value, and purpose in the lives of others – Quinetta says that she has been blessed to travel the country as a transformational speaker and licensed minister. As impactful as it has been, her work and life up to this point has been just a warm-up – a preparation for greater works to come. Using her gifts and talents to serve her community, and the ability to walk in her truth has helped her prepare to serve as the reigning Queen.
With the Miss Black International Ambassador Pageant previously consisting of only two divisions: Teen and Miss – Quinetta says her journey to the crown was quite different. Just last year, the pageant started a global search for two women they felt embodied the essence of the brand, its values and mission. This changed allowed for Quinetta to shine and be crowned the inaugural Mrs. Black International Ambassador in October of 2019!
“I’ve been blessed to use my gift to help individuals break through emotional barriers while preaching in the pulpit, teaching in the prison system and coaching in the parking lot. My ultimate goal for accepting the call to reign as the inaugural Mrs. Black International Ambassador is to partner with the organization to utilize its resources and unlock the opportunity to do more, reach more and serve more while making an International Impact. I am honored to continue to impact and inspire through my platform Faith, Family & Fitness: Equipping Women to Walk Boldly in Their Divine Destiny.”
If you’re interested in participating in the Miss Black International Ambassador Pageant, Quinetta has the following advice,
“First, I would encourage women to do their due diligence and research the organization to make sure it is a fit for their life‘s mission.
The Miss Black International Ambassador Pageant is More Than a Pageant, it’s a platform designed to give black Women access to a program that will allow them to be agents of change while changing their lives forever. In preparation for applying and competing, I’d encourage women to know their platforms, their roles as change agents and most importantly how to translate that flawlessly through continued service and communication to the organization and judges.
Finally, I’d encourage women to show up as the best version of themselves by creating a routine that incorporates mental, physical, technical and social growth. The journey to the crown won’t be easy. You must be willing to make sacrifices and train properly. Your training will evolve as you grow through the process, but it is imperative that you focus on your attitude, skills and thoughts, these are foundational in how you will perform and embrace your journey to the crown. Your training, unique traits, talent and transparency should always give you the strength to stand on any stage and compete in any arena. The entire pageant process is meant to empower, enlighten and encourage you to create a legacy that is impactful and influential. If you feel that you’re ready to join a sisterhood filled with Powerful Black Women that are changing the World then please visit http://www.thembiapageant.com to apply.”
Make sure you keep up with Quinetta, as she has several upcoming events and opportunities on the horizon: Athletic company offering fitness apparel and workout inspiration to keep you motivated to reach your health and wellness goals. Quinetta will also be hosting Build It Like A Boss – Boutique Boot Camp, as well as her two empowerment events: The annual Denim & Destiny Empowerment Conference and the Fitness FriYAY Health and Wellness Summit. She is also set to share her story in an anthology set to release this fall.
“It is truly a blessing to be able to identify your passions and understand that your life has a higher purpose. I know that my divine purpose is to teach, equip and empower others to take the limits off and tap fully into their power. My platform Faith, Family, Fitness: Equipping Women To Walk Boldly In Their Divine Destiny is designed to help women crossover from where they are, to where they desire to be while doing what they love. It is important to nurture your own narrative and always keep grinding – This business advice shared by some of my mentors and leaders, has kept me grounded through all of my endeavors.“
To connect and collaborate with Quinetta for business and projects, you can do so via:
Meet Tiara Johnson of The Tiara J. Brand! Tiara represent Washington, D.C. and is an Author, Wardrobe Stylist, Speaker, Event Host, and Mentor. Her book Dear Young Woman is an anthology of women who overcame obstacles and decided to take the hand they were dealt and still win.The book caters to women of 16-45, discusses life through a woman’s eyes, and allows readers to relate to each and every story – which Tiara says is actually a piece of who she is! So what inspired Tiara to write her book? Tiara says that she asked God to expand her horizons, which then led her to the seeing a post about authors wanted for the book. Tiara ultimately responded to the post and was selected to be a part of the anthology. Although it was challenge with deciding on which part of her life to tell, Tiara says seeing her work in print made her so overwhelmed with emotion that I cried the first two days of its release.
If you’re an aspiring Author, Tiara has the following advice,
“Write in your most authentic truest form.”
Fashion is another piece of Tiara that shines through her gifts. Tiara has always been into style and fashion since she was little girl, and says that fashion it comes naturally to her. Her styles cater to the everyday career woman that style and flair, between the ages of 27-45, and has been featured on the VMA, MTV, parties, concerts, on tour, her local community events, and fashion shows.
“Fashion has always been a passion. I love color, prints, fabrics, and more! I love the everyday casual everyday chic looks. If I had the opportunity, I would love to work with Kelley Rowland, and Mary J Blige.”
If you are an aspiring Wardrobe Stylist, Tiara has the following advice,
“Create your own lane and stay in it.”
Event planning is another gift that Tiara embraces and has been for the previous two years. Initially Tiara face the challenge of not knowing if her work would be seen as just something else everybody else does, but she did not let it stop her from pushing forward. With her love of curating events and creating an avenue of all things, women’s empowerment, culture, fashion, unity and more, Tiara was motivated to begin her career in event planning.
“My goal as an Event Planner is to make everyone that attends my events feel their best, and leave motivated to become the very best version of themselves.”
Conference, brunches, and masterclasses are the main events she plans and offers services for initial event planning, decorating, social media promotional flyers, order of event, and content of event.
If you’re an aspiring event planner, Tiara has the following advice,
“Keep going. Start planning events for the family and then allow them to be the mouth piece for your event planning business.”
Make sure you keep up with Tiara as she has a lifestyle line for the Tiara J Brand launching the Fall of 2020.
“Always trust yourself, the process, and most importantly, God Staying the course, and trusting the process has been the business advice to keep me grounded in all my business endeavors.”
If you would like to support, collaborate, or connect with Tiara – you can do so via:
Meet Tiffany S. Walker! Tiffany represents Shreveport, LA and is a Fashion Designer and Owner of the fashion lines Pink Lucy & Lucy Luxxe. Fashion has always been Tiffany’s calling and destiny – and since the age of 13 knew she was going to be a designer.
“I had a love for fashion and art since I was a child. My mother and father both modeled professionally. My mother was a fit model for a Neiman Marcus and my father was also a very talented artist.”
Pink Lucy & Lucy Luxxe offers fabulous face masks, formal, special occasion, bridal, and a RTW collection for women ages 17-45. Initially, funding and brand recognition were challenges for Tiffany, but that did not stop her from going forward with her fashion line.
“If granted the opportunity to work with my celebrity idol, it would have to be Beyoncé and Rihanna. They are the epitome of style and exude confidence with undeniable sex appeal.”
Tiffany caught her first big break as a designer when she received the opportunity to design for Shaunie O’Neal, and the BasketBall Wives cast mates at its inception. Not only that, but her designs have been featured at the Essence Fest and worn by over 35 celebrities & influencers – with Meghan Trainor, Shaunie O’Neal, and Kim Fields being the most notable.
“I am very proud of my business, I have been in business for 17 years. My faith and spirituality has kept me grounded through my business endeavors, as it takes a great amount of faith to go after your dreams. My goal is to become a household international brand.”
If you are an aspiring fashion designer, Tiffany has the following advice,
“Remain consistent, find your design aesthetic, and have the ability to pivot & change as needed. You have to re-invent yourself daily. Staying stagnant in this industry or any industry doesn’t work. You always have to perfect your craft and improve your business.”
Make sure you keep up with Tiffany as she will be having a grand opening for the expansion of her showroom in September 2020. Soon to come will be expansion of her product offerings as well as the addition of shoes and handbags.
If you’re interested in purchasing designs, collaborations, or staying socially connected – you can do so via:
Available Opportunity: Tiffany is currently looking for interns that have an undying passion for design and fashion. If you would like to apply please contact info@mypinklucy.com
Meet Mo McKenzie! She represents Trenton, NJ and is a Fashion Designer, Wardrobe Stylist, and Owner of Mo McKenzie Styles LLC.
Mo McKenzie Styles offers fashionable head wraps & masks for women and men, makeup, accessories, and fashion consultations. Fashion has always been Mo’s passion and is the driving force behind all that she does.
“I’ve always been interested in fashion and style. My mother told me that. When I was 5 years old shebought me jelly shoes and a purse to match, and I would never leave the house without it. So fashion is in my blood.”
Mo tells us that she caught her first big break as a Designer with being hired by Comedian and Actress Sommore, and says that it was a chance of many. Not only that, but Mo has also been featured in Impact Magazine as a top 8 Black Fashion Designer, and has had her masks featured on the Instagram page of Evelyn Lozada from the TV show Basketball Wives.
“If granted the opportunity to work with my celebrity idols, I would love to work with Rihanna and Beyoncé. I love them both and I am a huge Beyoncé fan.”
Make sure you keep up with Mo as she is currently filming for an Amazon TV series that will air in September 2020. Mo also tells us that she plans to open a store front and fashion agency, so make sure you subscribe and stay tuned.
“I’m proud of everything with my business and it is an accomplishment within itself. I’ve done so much within the fashion industry and met so many people – that I am proud of everything. Staying humble & dedicated, and constantly researching on how to be better has kept me grounded in my business endeavors.”
To purchase Mo’s designs, collaborate, or stay socially connected – you can do so via:
Meet Felicia Baxley! Felicia is from Milledgeville, GA and is the CEO of Hustle Write Publication LLC. Known for publishing non-fiction, fiction, and children’s books – it offers publishing and writing services for women who has the desire to share their story, struggles, and testimony through a book, as well as generate multiple streams of income once that book is published.
Initially, Hustle Write Publishing started with Felicia independently offering ghostwriting services, and helping people publish the book that they wrote together. Since then, those services are available to help authors and aspiring authors have somewhat of a one-stop-shop experience, even if they aren’t confident in their writing abilities.
“My company itself is a blessing. I never wanted to be a business owner, much less the person who so many people trust with their projects. After publishing my own books and learning that there were a number of people who needed help writing, constructing, publishing, and profiting from their book ideas, I created my company to help alleviate those challenges.”
Felicia tells us that getting outside funding to start her company was a challenge, but the great need of her services and passion has allowed her to maintain her company. Felicia’s passion for writing not only comes from helping others but comes from herself, as she is an Author of four books:
The Help Meet: Understanding Your Calling as a Wife.
Waiting or Warfare.
Ready, Set, BOSS’D UP: 7 Boss Tipsfor the Aspiring Entrepreneur.
Gospel Girl Savage: Her Journey To Genuine Authenticity.
Independent publishing services isn’t Hustle Write Publications LLC only specialty, as they also offer many other services – with book coaching and ghost writing being the most popular. The Book coaching program lasts over a span of six-month and is most popular with Felicia’s clients.
This program provides deep focus on a client’s book vision, writing abilities, publishing, as well as how to utilize social media for their books, and a plethora of other things designed to teach and assist authors in building their own empire. The second most popular is ghostwriting. With many people wanting to write a book but lack confidence in their writing skills, I write a client’s book for them from cover to cover. This service however is designed for those who want to tell their life story.
“My company is unique in the fact that the sole focus isn’t on the book. The focus goes beyond writing and publishing the book to include thoughts on how to utilize the book as the key to opportunities it can be once it is published. Because of this, my company is unique because it encourages and teaches authors how to become self-sustaining, and how to increase their income.”
Felicia also offers educational webinars that teach people how to write and self-publish their personal stories, editing services for individuals who just need their manuscript edited, various writing services, and more! Although writing services are offered, you must be a client to receive them – as they are high-priority and quality specifically catered to provide premium services with Felicia’s undivided attention with your projects.
“Writing and publishing a book has the power to create multiple streams of income when it’s done the right way. Our desire is to teach, assist, and encourage individuals to get their thoughts into tangible products that can be used to leverage multiple streams of income.”
Make sure you keep up with Felicia and Hustle Write Publications, as she has an upcoming title Gospel Girl Savage: Her Journey To Genuine Authenticity, which will be the first of her works that she publish with Hustle Write Publications and is set to release in September 2020. She will begin to host virtual and physical writing events.
If you’re looking to create your own publishing company, Felicia has the following advice,
“Research, research, research. Knowing what will make your company different, knowing what you will offer, and knowing what the competition does will be important. There is always a need for any sort of creative service company. As far as writing from blogs, to editing services, the possibilities are endless. Again it is important to research and know exactly what you are going to offer and what benefit your service will be to potential clients. Being consistent is the most important thing for me. Without consistency, I have failed many times over. This advice has kept me grounded through all of my business endeavors.”
If you’re interested in working with Felicia for business, you can do via:
Meet Robert L. Horton! Robert represents Springfield, IL and is a Poet and Author. As a Poet, Robert does rhymed poetry and spoken word – with the topics varying from everyday highs and lows of life, spiritual, family, issues of the soul, inspiration, and the celebration and remembrance of others. As an Author, he writes books to be relatable to everyday people & offer hope and inspiration – with the goal of making a positive impact on his readers.
His recent book Fame, is a poetry book dedicated to his daughter Amaiya and the great city of Chicago. This book caters to young adults to elders and is inspirational in nature. However, Fame isn’t Robert’s first book – as he has previously written and published two other titles: Released and Miscellaneous Pieces.
“When I was writing and publishing my first book, I kept vacillating between, are my poems good enough to be published or not. But after I got over my initial fears of believing that my poems were good enough to be published, it boosted my confidence for my second and third book. When I finally seen my work in print, I became overwhelmed and very emotional.”
So what inspired his recent book Fame? Robert tells us that it was due to his other two books, as his poems kept piling up. Robert says that he first started writing poems in his 20s through part of his 40s, with his work being set to publish into his book Released.
Published in 2015, Released is an inspirational book of poetry that spans over 3 decades, and is split into the three sections: Spiritual, Insight for Life, and is Specifically Written for Others. Robert’s second book Miscellaneous Pieces, published in 2017, is also an inspirational book of poetry and gives readers insight on how he became a poet, which is dedicated to his brother Fred. Not only is Robert passionate about poetry, but has now turn it into books of meaning for others. Make sure you keep up with Robert, as he is currently working on a new book called Black Rage and The Universal Revolution with an anticipated release date of 2022!
If you are an aspiring Author, Robert has the following advice,
”It is a pleasure to be a poet and to have something meaningful to offer people. Embrace your passion, give it energy, and redeem the time. Believe in yourself and don’t give up. My brother’s constant encouragement and telling me that I can make it, has kept me grounded in all of my business endeavors. I’m very thankful!”
If you’re interested in connecting, collaborating, or purchasing books, you can do so via Roberts’s:
Meet Rishera Graham! Rishera represents Bridgeport, Connecticut and is a Life Coach and Author of the two books – Worth More Than Rubies: 31 Affirmation Journal & I Beat The Odds: From Homelessness to Dominating Life.
Rishera tells us that writing her books was not only a way to share her story, but to inspire women in the process.
Her book Worth More Than Rubies: 31 Affirmations Journal written to contribute peace, love, happiness, prosperity, and optimism to the reader’s everyday life. The book caters to women who need daily inspiration, and includes some of Rishera’s personal affirmations that has helped her through certain situations in her own life.
Her book Worth More Than Rubies: 31 Affirmations Journal written to contribute peace, love, happiness, prosperity, and optimism to the reader’s everyday life. The book caters to women who need daily inspiration, and includes some of Rishera’s personal affirmations that has helped her through certain situations in her own life.
With the goal to inspire anyone facing homelessness, Rishera’s second book, I Beat The Odds: From Homelessness to Dominating Life, was written to share a journey of a homeless teen, who one day decided that this will not be the outcome of her life. Although the book shared only one part of her story, Rishera wanted readers to believe in themselves, pursue their dreams, and dominate life. Motivation and leaving an impact isn’t the only take away for readers, as Rishera’s wants readers to know that no matter what they go through, they can still overcome it – as she living proof.
“Being homeless, trying to stay motivated, and motivating my family inspired me to write my book. I wanted people to know that being homeless does not define who a person is, as it is a temporary situation that makes you stronger. I wanted my book to be a reminder that your current situation isn’t your final destination.”
Although Rishera experienced fear with sharing her story, it did not stop her from telling it! Once she overcame her fear and identified her target audience, the sky was the limit.
“When I first saw my work in print, I cried. I was so proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone and sharing my story. Once I had copies of my book in my hand, everything became so real!”
Being an Author isn’t the only hat that Rishera wears, as she is also a Life Coach. Youth and young women are her ideal clients, with goal setting being her specialty. Rishera offers group coaching, as well as one-on-one coaching – to assist with various learning styles her clients may have. She is passionate about coaching, and loves when her clients accomplish their goals.
“When one of my client published her first book. I was so happy for her that I cried. For me, seeing my client’s happiness truly brings joy to her heart.”
If you are an aspiring Life Coach or Author, Rishera has the following advice,
“If you want to be a Life Coach – find an accredited life coaching program so you can get certified. Don’t let anyone tell you that you aren’t qualified to be a life coach!
If you want to be an Author – never give up, don’t be afraid. Your story will inspire others. In everything that you do, never give up! This is my purpose in life and I will inspire others along the way. This advice has kept me grounded in all of my business endeavors.”
Make sure you keep up with Rishera, as she is currently working a new book collaboration with her husband, a virtual book signing, and will soon launch a virtual talk show. If you would like to connect with Rishera for coaching and book purchasing, you can do so via her:
There are endless platforms for video marketing. Smartphones let everyone access online videos anywhere, at any time. This is not the case with traditional, paper marketing. With video you can reach your audience wherever they are in a cost-effective way. 64% of customer are more likely to buy a product online after watching a video about it – Hubspot. People tend to engage 10.1x more when pages post a video – Facebook. 76% of business report an increase in traffic due to video marketing – Forbes
So, what exactly is video marketing? Video marketing is the process of using video to promote and market your brand, product or service provides your business with a versatile, practical and engaging environment to attract your target audience. Prospective customers get a visual understanding of what you offer and have the opportunity to engage with your brand even before they make their first purchase.
Video marketing is crucial for businesses who want to make and distribute engaging content that will resonate with their audience. Companies using video content experience a 41 percent increase in traffic through web searches compared to others who don’t include video content. 92 percent of mobile video consumers share videos with others so if you’re looking to spread a message video is definitely the way to go.
Addition Benefits of Video Marketing:
Videos Increase Engagement
Adds personality to your brand
Videos showcase your products better
Videos provide visual explanations
Highlights your company’s accomplishments
Raises retention rates on your website
Increases conversions and boosts sales.
If you’ve been on the fence about adding videos to your marketing plan get off that fence and get in the game. Video marketing will help your business remain competitive and relevant. Enjoy the opportunity to get created and reach your customers in a new way.
With so many social media platforms available to share information many business owners find themselves asking, “Do I even need a website”? The answer is yes, absolutely! In today’s digital age if you don’t have a website there are many individuals who won’t even consider working with your business. For many, when they locate a business with a website it provides level of legitimacy and professionalism.
Websites extend your business hours in a way that make you more accessible to your customers. Rather than having to call to speak with someone on the phone initial questions customers have can be posted on your website. Many businesses have a FAQ section available to answer common questions. Not only does this help your customers but it also opens up time for you or your staff.
Websites allow you to expand your reach. With most social media platforms your business is specifically searched for and often by local customers. A website increases your chances of reaching new customers all over the country and internationally. When people need a product or service often the first place they go is an online search engine. Having a website with searchable words and phrases will help potential customers find your business. (We’ll talk more about SEO another day.)
Websites are an inexpensive way to update customers on changes with your business. Once the initial website is built maintenance is relatively inexpensive. This provides you with a space to communicate changes and updates at a fraction of the cost sending out fliers or mailers would. This applies for marketing as well. Ads in newspapers last only as long as the newspaper is in print. You either have to keep buying ad space or lose that reach once the next circulation comes out. The same is true for social media ads. With your website the cost is usually less and it’s up continuously for you.
Websites increase credibility for your business. No matter what type of business or service you have being able to provide potential customers with a website will make you look more professional. Also, with a business website you can have a blog. The great thing about a business blog is it gives you forum to share your expertise with current and potential customers. If someone is trying to decide if they should work with you but then reads an informative blog you’ve written on your industry it may move them to seal the deal.
If you’ve been on the fence about getting a website get off that fence right now and go make one! Luckily, there are lots of website templates available to make creating a site easy. If that’s too technical for your or you just don’t have the time there are many website creators available for hire. Whether you’re investing your time by creating it yourself, or investing your money buy hiring someone, having a website is definitely an investment you’ll see a positive return on.
Boss Up Magazine is pleased to announce that their 2nd Annual Boss Bash event will be held in Washington, D.C. Although this event originally started in Chicago, IL, the decision has officially been made to make Washington, D.C. the event home. The Boss Bash will be held October 24, 2020 from 1:00pm – 6:00pm. The Boss Bash is a Boss Up Magazine signature event, and is a game changer for small businesses and entrepreneurs alike!
Boss Up Magazine is a multimedia platform that celebrates emerging entrepreneurs, by offering a business directory, network events, digital magazine features, podcast, printed publications, mobile app, and more. The Boss Bash provides networking opportunities, a speaker panel, local vendors, entertainment, professional headshot photography, small business meet and greets, raffles, and so much more to its guests! Offering a welcoming and celebratory setting, this yearly event is perfect for anyone who is looking to make professional connections and have fun while doing so. Boss Up Magazine is gearing up to provide a phenomenal experience to those interested in attending, as this event is sure to be one of the hottest events of 2020!
We look forward to creating great relationships with Sponsors, Vendors, Press, and all of our attendees in the local and surrounding area of Washington, D.C. Boss Up Magazine’s Founder, Twanita Dozier, is committed to making The Boss Bash a successful and fun event that goes down in history as the best!
Anyone interested in getting involved with the Boss Bash should contact info@bossupmag.org.
Every time I think of the word diverse, I think what it means to me? For me Diverse is not about one thing or one group, for me it is a system that makes up many things. It is a group of many diverse people, backgrounds, cultures, languages, traditions and etc. How does that relate to why diverse books matter? For me books that include black characters written by black authors are significant; the reality, there is a lack and not enough awareness and light being shined on that area of books. Growing up I don’t remember seeing books written by the culture that included characters that looked like me. So, I decided to started writing children’s books about my little sister Zuri, I wanted her to see herself in a book to show her that anything is possible from being in a book to having a role model that is determined to be fearless in her dreams. I wanted my sister to be proud in which I may say she is. There was defiantly a bigger picture then my sister, I wanted a character that was relatable to children and for them to be able to say I use to do that particular thing or feel that way or even my family behaves in that manner.
So why do our stories matter? A part of me want to just answer this question in a way that may not be the correct way such as “THEY JUST DO”, however I would not be doing diverse books with black characters and written by black authors any justice. Books that include us and are about us opens up our world to the many people that’s out there from White, Asian, Hispanic, American Indian, Alaska Native, and Pacific Islander. The only way for us to understand and be a culture that works together is for us to be open and inclusive to others. We have made strides over the years with many historical events from slavery, wars and many other things that has happened over the years. For us to be a culture that continue to overcome bias, judgment, and discrimination we have to be willing to include books that include black/African American decent that others are able to see us and hear our voices. So why do diverse books matter, you ask again? Well, I think that is a question you should be asking yourself.
Tanisha Chambers is a Children’s Book Author from Philadelphia, who is passionate about promoting literacy and diversity! If you’re looking for a children’s books that will tell a story, teach a lesson, and inspire your child – Tanisha’s books are exactly what your child needs to read!
Boss Up Magazine is proud to announce that their “Cupcakes & Conversations” Social Tour will be featuring Detroit, MI – on December 27, 2019 ! With Detroit being its fourth stop on the tour, Boss Up Magazine is gearing up to provide a phenomenal experience, to those interested in networking within the Detroit area.
For The Detroit edition of “Cupcakes & Conversations”, Boss Up Magazine will have the event hosted by the 2020 Miss Fashion Global Curvy Queen NJ – Destiny Turnboe!!
Destiny is an official partner of Boss Up Magazine, and has her own platform that focuses on representation! Destiny has been apart of this amazing social tour from the start, and is ready to help put DETROIT on the map for the tour!!! She has served on the Speaker Panel of the Philadelphia & Delaware conversation, a guest of the New York conversation, and now an official HOST of the Detroit conversation!!
Not only does Destiny have a platform for representation, she also is the CEO & Visionary of Flyy Girl Adventures – and is a true Social Influencer & World Traveler! Destiny is a true phenomenal BOSS that is making BOSS MOVES, and is going to bring the heat to DETROIT!!
With the “Cupcakes & Conversations” Social Tour being one of Boss Up Magazine’s many events, this particular event is one game changer for emerging entrepreneurs alike. This event caters to an intimate setting, offers mimosas & desserts, and allows open floor discussions and networking – all while providing knowledge and insight to entrepreneurs, from various business owners within the entrepreneurial realm.
Boss Up Magazine is a multimedia platform that celebrates emerging entrepreneurs, and looks forward to creating great relationships with Sponsors, Vendors, Press, and all of our attendees in the local and surrounding area of Detroit. Boss Up Magazine’s Founder, Twanita Dozier, is committed to making this stop of the social tour one that goes down in history!
Anyone interested in getting involved as a Sponsor or Vendor should contact info@bossupmag.org. We look forward to seeing you at The Detroit “Cupcakes & Conversations” Social Tour on December 27, 2019.
Livin’ Single and Hustlin’: Build Your Foundation First before Marriage
By That Riverz Gurl
Being single is a choice, not a privilege – and while a lot of women in today’s society are complaining about being single, they don’t realize that it was for a reason and a purpose that they are single. Yes a lot of women choose to be single, based on several of situations which may be personal or universal. I remember years ago when I was in a relationship with a man that I thought I was going to be with for the rest of my life! Don’t we all have that fairytale story to share with our girlfriends? I met him when I was 18 and he was 21. I invested my time, energy, and my soul to this man because I never felt this way before. I thought I was grown until things fell apart with him cheating on me several times, and me being dumb enough to take him back because I would have felt lonely if I didn’t have a man in my life. That was my whole focus throughout high school and college. Sounds crazy huh? But as crazy as it may sound, a lot of women have gone through this or is still going through this now.
Remember this, being single isn’t wrong! It gives you the absolute freedom to be yourself, love yourself more and to build your foundation as a boss babe and career women before settling down in a serious relationship. It took me a while to get over my ex of five years and investing my time with him for eight years. There have been times where I would cry and become depressed because I didn’t understand what went wrong. When a person can’t entirely commit to a relationship, then they aren’t the one! Trust and believe I learned that the hard way. Build your foundation and your empire so that you can make all of your dreams and visions come true. You are single for a reason and don’t rush playing the dating game if you don’t have all the right cards to play. Life is filled with possibilities and opportunities and it is too short to waste it on a relationship that isn’t working or meant to be. Keep hustlin’ and staying on your grind. When you wait and when you are ready for real love, it will come at the moment you least expect it.
Patrice Rivers is an entertainment and lifestyle writer, journalist, blogger and owner of That Riverz Gurl Brand. Check out her website at www.patricerivers.com Follow her on IG @thatriverzgurlbrand
They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder – which for Destiny Turnboe is nothing further than the truth! Meet Destiny Turnboe, the 2020 Miss Fashion Global Curvy NJ Queen, who is dedicated to making a distinctive platform about representation and encouraging others to live a life of their dreams!
An Author, Mentor, Inspirational Public Speaker, and Social Media Influencer from Detroit, MI., Destiny is a charismatic leader that is full of confidence and powerful energy. Known for her traveling and women empowerment brand Flyy Girl Adventures, she also provides a vivacious display of fearless representation of curvy women and their inclusion in the modeling industry.
“In August of 2019, I was crowned the 2020 Miss Fashion Global Curvy NJ, and will be competing for the final crown at Nationals. This is why I truly believe that it is important to believe in yourself, so that you can be whoever you want. Yes, I am a Queen but I want to be the National Queen – who motivates people and display the importance of inclusion of curvy women. I am truly dedicated to spreading my platform message of representation matters.”
For Destiny, 2017 officially marked the beginning of an unstoppable force and created the survivor that would take the world by storm! In 2017, she was hospitalized after a near fatal car accident, where she broke her femur and had to undergo five surgeries over a period of two years! This was a huge hardship on Destiny, but she did not let it prevent her from persevering.
Bound to a wheelchair and going through therapy, she continued to exhibit strength and follow her dreams! From wheel chair to the runway, winning first place as Miss Fashion Global, New Jersey Curvy Queen 2020 was not just a win for Destiny – but is the perfect example of defining the odds. Her wins doesn’t stop there, as she was also selected to walk for New York Fashion Week and has been nominated for public recognition of the Detroit City Council. Her story is a strong foundation of courage, compassion, and triumph – with survivor being one true word to describe her!
Breaking boundaries and making an impact is everything that Destiny and her platform represents, with the value of pouring back into her community and empowering young women being key to her platform. This is why it is no surprise that she created the nonprofit organization – Flyy Girl Fly.
Flyy Girl Fly is a Detroit based mentorship organization, which equips girls from all over the world to fly with confidence into the direction of their dreams. For the past two summers Destiny has worked diligently to build their self-esteem with one-on-one dream coaching sessions, social media workshops, and connecting them with mentors in their selected field. To further expand her platform and values, Destiny has also partnered with:
Lead The Way Organization
Convenant One Creations LLC
Success 4U Network LLC
Boss Up Magazine
Wi$e Hustlers
Crown Me Dainty
Chris Styles Closet
These various businesses and organizations not only support Destiny in all that she does, but also believes in and helps her share her platform values and message. Destiny has also placed intense emphasis on building awareness of her platform, as she prepares to take on Nationals for the crown in Florida.
On November 2, 2019, Destiny will be competing for the National crown in Fort Walton Beach, Florida and is determined to make history with a WIN! Not only will this win be a ground breaking one, but will further showcase Destiny’s true beauty, success, and dedication to her platform and all who are watching and supporting her!
Ladies you know how we do it! Organizing things is our specialty with a hint of girl power in there. If you have your own personal workplace at home or at work, then giving your desk a makeover wouldn’t be a great idea. There are tons of ways to organize your work area without breaking the bank. Here is a list of some neat things your desk should have!
Clorox wipes: There is nothing wrong with having a clean area. Nobody wants a dirty workplace, so make it a habit to keep some Clorox or Lysol wipes on your desk. It is perfect for wiping the toilet seats at work and during flu and cold season. Keep the germs away!
Paper Tray: Staying organized is a great way to keep your bills and paper work squared away. If you are a secretary at your job, this will definitely come in handy!
Desktop heater: If you are the type of person that gets cold at your job everyday like I do, make sure you invest in a heater. Where I work at it’s very cold in the building, so my co-worker brought a heater to keep our legs warm at all times.
Coffee Warmer: Whether you are a coffee drinker or not, a warmer will do you wonders if you drink hot chocolate or hot tea. Amazon always has great products for a great price.
A mirror for your desk: Now ladies, I know some of you are guilty for looking in the mirror about forty times a day. I can honestly say that I do that on a daily basis. I need to look at my hair to make sure that there isn’t frizz or if my lipstick is on right. Y’all know how that goes! But having a mirror at your desk comes in handy at all times. If you ate pizza or a salad for lunch and you want to check your teeth, you can do it right at your desk instead of making that extra trip to the bathroom.
Cute stapler: Who wants a boring looking stapler when you can staple papers and reports in style! Try buying a unicorn or a cat stapler.
Stress Toys: We all know how people can get on our nerves at work or pushing for a deadline on a presentation or a special project. Having a couple of stress toys lying around can come in handy. You will learn to be relaxed while at work without going home with a headache or becoming upset.
Great smooth pens: “Sandra do you have a pen that I can borrow?” Does that sound familiar? Make sure you get some good writing pens with the ball point or the smooth pens that write really well. I like to use paper mate and the ball point pens because they write smoothly and they don’t skip a mark while writing or signing something.
Desk Lamp: If your place of work has little light, you might want to invest in a little desk lamp. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy; just to get the job done.
Time-Marked Water Bottle: During a busy work week, we must make sure that we keep hydrated. A lot of boss babes have meetings all day or traveling for client events, so having a water bottle handy will keep you right on track.
There are plenty of ways to spruce up your work place so that it doesn’t look boring. Who needs a boring work space when you can bring personality to it. Bring sunshine to the dark spaces in your space!
Patrice Rivers is an entertainment and lifestyle writer, journalist, blogger and owner of That Riverz Gurl Brand. Check out her website at www.patricerivers.com Follow her on IG @thatriverzgurlbrand
Boss Up Magazine announces a mobile app that is sure to be your one stop shop to networking and entertainment. The Boss Experience was announced early 2019, and is now available for download!
The mobile app will include podcasts, a business directory, a venue directory, event calendar, emerging talent spotlight, product launches, entertainment, news, access to Boss Up Magazine’s printed publication, and much more! The mobile app will also feature Boss Up Magazine’s signature show The Boss Lounge, as well as their own app based reality series Boss Chronicles.
Boss Up Magazine CEO, Twanita Dozier states:
“My goal for this app was to create something innovative and informative. The Boss Experience will keep my platform and audience connected in a new way, as well as continue to carry out the mission of my platform.Creating this mobile app is so very exciting and I can’t wait for its release!”
The Boss Experience is accessible in the Google Play & Apple Store, and is allowing submissions for app inclusion! If you are interested in being apart of The Boss Experience, please visit http://www.bossupmag.org/beapp to sign up today!
Boss Up Magazine announces that their “Cupcakes & Conversations” Social Tour will be featuring New York, on November 9, 2019, as its third stop on their social tour.
The New York edition of the “Cupcakes & Conversations” Social Tour will be held November 9, 2019 from 2:00pm – 5:00pm. After having a very successful start in Philadelphia, PA, Boss Up Magazine is gearing up to provide a phenomenal experience, to those interested in networking within the New York area.
Boss Up Magazine is a multimedia platform that celebrates emerging entrepreneurs, by offering a business directory, networking events, digital magazine features, podcast, printed publications, mobile app, and more. With the “Cupcakes & Conversations” Social Tour being one of its many events, this event is one game changer for emerging entrepreneurs alike.
This 2019 social tour started in Philadelphia, PA, and is scheduled to continue its path on the East Coast. This event caters to an intimate setting, offers mimosas & desserts, and allows open floor networking – all while providing knowledge and insight to entrepreneurs, from various business owners within the entrepreneurial realm.
We look forward to creating great relationships with Sponsors, Vendors, Press, and all of our attendees in the local and surrounding area of New York. Boss Up Magazine’s Founder, Twanita Dozier, is committed to making this stop of the social tour one that goes down in history!
Anyone interested in getting involved as a Sponsor or Vendor should contact info@bossupmag.org. We look forward to seeing you at The New York “Cupcakes & Conversations” Social Tour on November 9, 2019.
Women in Entrepreneurship: Tips to Start Up Your Business
By: That Riverz Gurl
As women, we love to fantasize about what our dreams are and the type of business we would love to own. That is why God gave women a vision – so that we can write down our goals, follow through with them and make them come true.
Women are filled with ambitions, intelligence, happiness, strength, courage and many more. Our ideas are flawless and we stand firm to what we want in life, and that is to achieve! A lot of businesses women get into includes: cooking, mentoring, real estate, life coaching, motivational speaker, writing, ministries, editing services, styling hair, sewing, etc.
It all started out as a seed and as it grew, it became a vision which becomes a business. As a woman who wants to own her own business, it takes a great deal of hard work, focus and of course passion for what you love the most.
Tips for start-up business/Steps
1.) Build a strong network. You need people in your corner that are willing to help you brand yourself and are willing to help your business grow and to expand. These types of people can be your family, friends, or even your mentor/mentors.
2.) Create a clear vision of the future. Do a little bit of research as far as how you are going to operate your business. Make sure you write down how you vision yourself. For example if you want to start your own sewing business, write down what type of clothes you are willing to sew and for what part in your community or if you are planning on expanding your business nationwide or globally. Just make sure that what you are trying to do is clear to yourself. Include how the business will move in five to ten years.
3.) Put a plan together to achieve your vision. Basically with this step, just make sure you include how you want your business to work step by step and what you are planning on doing to make it succeed.
4.) Establish a routine of healthy habits. This is a very important step because a lot of women or people that have their own business overwork themselves to the point that their health starts to fail and they don’t get enough sleep in the day. It is very important that you manage your business properly and wisely. Set aside some hours where you are willing to work on your business and deal with clients. If your business is at home, be sure to separate your personal life with your business life. Choose a time of the day that works well with your schedule. For instance if you are a morning person, then maybe it is best to set aside 5 hours in the morning to do work then take a break and do other things so that your mind is still occupied. But never overwork yourself where it leads to stress or sometimes frustrations. Balance is the key!So, whether you already have your business or are trying to start one, follow your visions and work hard towards your dreams. I myself am trying to start my own writing business for writing customized poetry for special occasions. Whatever you are trying to do, go for it and dream BIG!
Patrice Rivers is the owner of That Riverz Gurl Brand. Follow her on IG @thatriverzgurlbrandCheck out her website at www.patricerivers.com
VH1’s Girls Cruise is more than a show; a lesson on Women Empowerment
By: That Riverz Brand
Two words; Girls Cruise! Yass hunty! If you haven’t been watching that show, then you are sleeping on good TV. Girls Crusise starring Lil’Kim, Rozanda “Chilli” Thomas, B. Simone, Vella “Pretty Vee” Excell, Tiffany Panhilason, Mya and Char Defrancesco isn’t your average reality show with chairs being thrown and the excess drama, but a show where a group of women and man from different walks of life get together on a big cruise and embrace on empowerment. Women empowerment is a phrase that is used too loosely in society, but watching Girl’s Cruise, it’s the real deal on how to support one another.
This sexy and sassy empowering but hilarious show first aired on July 15th with Lil’ Kim the Queen B decided to take some friends on a cruise to have fun, get to know one another and just relax. As you all should know, Chilli with the “baby hairs” had an issue with letting down her hair (and baby hairs of course), but throughout the show, she was able to loosen up a little sipping on her refreshed ice water and have fun. There was even a moment on the show where Chilli played “mama bear” to rising comedian and Founder of “Beauty By B.Simone” which by the way launches in five more days when she opened up to some of the castmates including Char Defrancesco who is Lil’ Kim’s BFF about the relationship with her mother. That moment was a very touching one because as women we spend a lot of energy tearing each other down instead of lifting one another up when things aren’t going well. That scene was the prime example of what women empowerment looks like. Each person has dealt or is dealing with their own flaws and insecurities.
Being in the entertainment is not all that caked up to be as people may think because as humans and as celebrities, they are human too! Vena “Pretty Vee” who stars in MTV’s Wildin Out and a comedian has dealt with a lot of insecurities from the way she looks. There was a particular scene where they went to the Carnival in Trinidad and each person dressed in a special outfit. Everyone was ready and waiting on Pretty Vee whose outfit took literally six hours to put on because she wanted to look “perfect” But when Chilli, B. Simone and Pretty Vee was talking, she admitted how she was called “a roach from Men in Black” or being called “the lizard from the Geico commercial,” Defrancesco reminded her how beautiful she was and her shape was fine. Those type of issues is what a lot of women go through today. Hopefully there will be a season two of this show with a different group of women and man.
Patrice Rivers is the Owner of That Riverz Brand and is a blogger, author and writer. You can visit her website at www.patricerivers.com and follow her on IG @thatriverzgurlbrand
Today’s inspiration will be short & sweet. Let me jump right in. We all feel overwhelmed at times with all that we have going on in our lives, but we have to remember to take time for ourselves. You cannot pour from an empty cup. You’re no good to anyone, not even yourself when you’re burnt out. Take time for you!
If you need that mental health day, take it! A vacation, a bubble bath, mani-pedi, a glass of wine to unwind from your day, take it!! There’s nothing wrong with pampering yourself or taking a break from reality for replenishment. Once you take that time for you, you’ll bounce back & you’ll be ready to conquer all that you’ve set out to do.
Today’s Affirmation:
I’ve emptied my glass to fill others, now I must fill my glass in order to refill myself.