Contents TWOyearsLATER
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HOTsummerTIPS
Running a successful business is not as easy as it look. See where we are now!
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HOT hair, fashion, DIY home and more to make your summer more pleasurable
SOCIALmedia 8 CM Curl & Loc Ambassadors
Meet our 9 Ambassadors! May was the start of the CM Ambassador Program. The aim is to mentor small to medium size bloggers.
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Flaunt your Curls
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The CM 10 Day Challenge
New campaign aimed towards helping all women: loc’d, curly, kinky, coily, wavy or straight love their mane. Check out the new t-shirt! If you are interested in jump starting your life, this 10 Day Challenge is just the power surge you will need.
FRONTcover 12 How to start living
Don’t’ wait for others to do for you, what you can do for your self.
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Modern Skin Care
Skin care products that are truly natural and healthy for your skin.
16 From hobby to business
The process of STARTING; changing mindset, writing it down, putting into action.
TWO years later E
verything always starts off as fun in the beginning, but the true sign of dedication is apparent when all the fun goes out the window. Carmella Marie’s first samples were distributed July 4, 2013, and the first Let’s Talk Hair session occurred July 27. Ever since then, my love for my business has been tested, tried and I have found it to be true. I have learned that there are no failures, only experiences and lessons and for that I am grateful. The beauty industry, like most, is cutthroat, but I’ve learned not to take it personal; it’s just business. Once I accepted that, it was easier to move on and focus on being an excellent health and beauty company.
lessons LEARNED “Being in business is a humbling experience” Carmella M. Williams
When starting this business I did 97% of the work. I did it because I felt like no one else would aid me in starting a journey that I, myself, had no idea where it would lead to. This insecurity was stopping me from taking Carmella Marie to the next level. Once I injured and almost killed myself due to the lack of sleep and stress, I decided that delegating tasks was the best decision I ever made. Huge lesson, don’t be afraid to ask for help and don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to those who are willing and capable of doing the work. An African proverb says, “if you want to go fast, travel alone, if you want to go far, go together.” Although I still struggle with asking for help, I feel the uneasiness and I do it anyway.
From a financial standpoint, and experience, I strongly suggest starting small. By starting small it allows you to learn from small mistakes; thus saving you money and heartache over the long run. Part 2 of this lesson: it’s easy to have huge ideas, but when you see that your idea cost too much money ask yourself, how can I scale this back? do I really need that? After some prayer, a team meeting, and 72 hours if you still feel the need to implement the idea, do it. A note from the wise, don’t let pride break your bank and bankrupt your business; you want to be in business for a lifetime, not just one day. If your business is done correctly no one can copy what you have done. Your brand, your business model, your business DNA is unique. No one can duplicate that, at all. If they can, you haven’t fully thought your business through, nor kept true to self. I suggest that you find what separates you from others in your field and focus on that. It doesn’t come over night; it takes time. It took me forever and I believe I am still going through that process as Carmella Marie grows. What you want to focus on is the bigger purpose of your business. When I refer to purpose, I mean the reason people want to be in your presence. When a company has purpose beyond a product and character that goes unmatched you no longer have a customer; you have family. Family does not quit on family and no two families are the exact same. As a result no one can fully duplicate you or your business. Disclaimer, get the paperwork that you need to protect your company and brand, but don’t let not having the paper work scare nor deter you from implementing plans and going after your dreams, goals. C.M. Williams
“Its okay to be you, because you are a GEM. No two gems are identical.”
B3
B3 Natural Hair Cream is great product to shield your hair from the summer sun, made with cocoa and shea butter.
M2
M2 Moisture Mist is a vitamin packed mist that can revive your hair after a speanding time at the beach. Rehydrate
your hair using M2 Moisture Mist. It helps to repair hair after you’ve been in the sun all day. Use B3 Natural Hair Cream to add softness and shine. These products work well with other products.
HOT SUMMER TIPS Body -Drink more water!!! Use this awesome pinterest find as a way to motivate yourself. (Pictured left) Summer time is when your body needs water the most because you don’t have to be moving at all just to sweat. -Drinking two glasses of water in the morning helps activate internal organs. -Drinking one glass of water before a meal will help indigestion.
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Treasure
Creamy Cleanser Exfoliate your scalp: Our Alabama Mix Creamy Cleanser has tangerine essential oil in it and this is an excellent natural way to exfoliate your scalp.
Protective styling for kids
-Protect your children’s tresses over the summer by using aloe vera for a hydrated scalp, vitamin E additives and it also combats hair loss. Substitute aloe for water, use CM treasure for a styling cream and my gel to create a simple faux local or mini twist style that lasts all summer long! Want refresh ideas? Follow CM Ambassador Paula Bland for refresh tips using Carmella Marie and plus she’s a mom!
Home:
Natural and inexpensive ways to repel bugs For large areas mix 10 drops of essential oils, ½ TSP of dish soap, and 8oz of water in a spray bottle. Shake well before each use. -For stink bugs use: Lavender essential oil (inside) Mint essential oil (inside/outside on plants) -For ants use: Peppermint essential oil -For mosquitoes use: Citronella, peppermint, basil, cloves, or thyme
Beauty
-Less is best for the summer. Try using a sheer foundation, tinted lip gloss (Konfidence by Ray, right). Besides, you are beautiful and you will be able to enjoy outdoor activities more if you are not worried about your makeup. -Try buffing your body on dry skin and then following up with a soap, rinse and then some lotion. Your skin will feel completely different, more tight and smooth. Stay tuned for the CM body buffer, it will be oh so delicious; to be released Winter 2016.
Konfidence by Ray has cute tinted lip gloss along with other
body lotion hand cream face refresher
Carmella Marie wants to give you skin care products that are truly natural and healthy for your skin. We want to provide high end skin care for women and men of color and those who desire to enhance their skin care regimen without breaking the bank.
INTRODUCING: the CM body line
DAILY moisturising wash
FOAMING facial cleanser
-Helps keep your skin moisturized, soft, and youthful
-Helps draw toxins from skin.
1. Coconut oil 2. Cucumber
Helps reduce the loss of water from skin and remove pore clogging dirt with a cooling sensation.
1. Pink Himalayan Salt 2. African Black Soap
-Helps fight ache, premature aging skin and inflammation.
Use Code CMsummer get 15% off CarmellaMarie.com
Here is how our Curl and Loc Friends are flaunting their curls this summer. Follow @CarmellaMarie30 @Letstalkhair @Flawlessnbrowndotorg to see more naturalistas.
Visit CarmellaMarie.com to purchase and get hair lotion free.
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Empower
Build Network
Mentor
CM LOC & CURL Ambassadors Spring 2015
The Ambassador program is a mentoring project designed specifically for small to medium sized bloggers. When CM was born, there was a lot about graphic design, social media, and the health and beauty space that was unknown to us. We eventually met Curl Friends who informally became our mentors. The relationships grew organically and aided in our growth. The CMA project’s intention is to pass on that same opportunity to those we see potential in. Interested? Send us your information Info@CarmellaMarie.net.
BUILDING A BETTER YOU The CM 10 day challenge Jaime A. Jacobs
Pictured Below @Relfblack
Chose to do planned meal preps.
@Flawleslnbrowndotorg Made us remember to love our selves
@Frofabulous78
Participated in a 5k Walk
The term life coach is thrown around so frivolously now. Individuals certified or lack there of are manipulating light seeking persons into investing in their coaching company rather than investing in themselves. The CM 10 Day challenge was a personal eye opener for me. It released the lever that I often explain to my clients as “autopilot” and created a space for me to be emotionally and mentally vulnerable to my needs and shortcomings. When this idea was introduced to myself and the Carmella Marie Ambassadors it was... well; a challenge! Asking one to dig deeper than the surface can bring about so many questions. One of the questions that came to myself and many of the ambassadors was: Who am I? How do I build a challenge around myself? What do I want out of life? [I urge you to ask yourself those same three questions] The #CM10daychallenge appropriately named by Carmella Marie herself encouraged me and the FlawLessNBrown tribe to release the autopilot lever on muted feelings and triggers that cause feelings of doubt and unfavorable circumstances. In my own challenge I dug in deep about my life as a single mom, the effects of being raised without biological parents, letting go of parties that don’t bring joy to your life etc.This challenge provided the opportunity to unhinge the emotions behind these experiences and it also engaged my fellow Life Mavens by
The results of my personal challenge and the challenges of the ambassadors brought us close together by learning what highlights of our life we cherish. We were able to support each other and participate in other challenges while sharing our thoughts and needs with our #cmsisters. Most importantly after completing the challenge I’ve become more aware of my needs and emotions. I’ve learned to step back and evaluate my triggers and supply a safe haven for the new feelings and practices that I’d like to let in. Progress is key. If you’re actively involved in your own success, you’re providing yourself with the best possible recipe for a healthier perspective and a more valuable life. My strategy was simple: list my emotions, fill the void with writing (my favorite pastime) and reflect outloud via my FlawLessNBrown.com tribe to open dialogue and show that we all have more to work on but it helps if we work it out together. You can learn more about the CM Ambassador program and our first challenge activity at carmellamarie.net and flawlessnbrown.com. Coaching is available and the support comes free! Because as you know..”We do it for the Curls” -CARMELLA MARIE
Bike Riding or walking together as a family make exercising more fun.
ACTIVITY UP 0.8483 in
Get outside more (with high temperatures don’t forget to keep cool water at hand) It’s finally summer so no more excuses to be crammed up in the house. Local parks are a great place to explore and enjoy time with the family.
REMOTE DOWN
B
JACQUELINE CARLISLE
ecoming more active does not mean you have to hit the gym seven days a week and or join a gut busting class. There are simpler ways to put the remote down and pick up healthy habits in your daily routine or even on your weekends off. Try starting with these few things:
1. Park further away from store
-You don’t have to park all the way out in no man’s land, but try parking next to a shopping cart collector.
2 Get outside more
NOTE: keep ice water on hand for hot days -Walk your drive way or around your home -Find local festivals, craft shows to walk around
All of these events involves being outside and walking. Its a mixture of fun and activity that we all can enjoy in the summer time.
Have a job where you sit down all day? Take more bathroom breaks. While on lunch break take a lap or two around the building during your lunch break.
3 START a garden
-Burn calories while doing something you enjoy. -Peaceful time to yourself. -Gives a sense of accomplishment.
4 Take the STAIRS
-Control of your speed -Constantly taking the steps helps strengthen and tone the legs
The point to remember is that you don’t have to be skinny to be healthy or active, but if you start to increase your level of activity you will feel better on the inside. A tool that can tell you how many steps you are taking per day is a pedometer, which is very inexpensive and basic. For those who want something a little more gadgety you should buy a Fitbit (pitured to the right), it is the best on the market.
HOW TO
Start Living How do we start living? To that I say, don’t wait for others to do for you, what you can do for yourself. This is the key that unlocked and continues to unlock so many doors in my life.
It took me 29 years and 9 months to realize this. Once I saw my abilities I took what little confidence I had, stepped out on faith and I’ve been walking on water ever since. But first I had to reflect, pray and meditate, then start moving literally. That takes work. I had nothing to loose, so I got to walking. While on my journey I found myself and my God given purpose.
Tip # 1
Check yourself and keep it real. This is where all of the excuses fly out of the window. I want you to ask yourself this question, are you where you want to be? If not, don’t be hard on yourself just accept it and then write down where you see yourself in 3 month intervals. Making the decision to start living is immediate and your very next actions are important.
Find fun in all of your experiences.
Learn about those who came before you. The Met Museum NYC
Start wearing more colorful things. VIVI Jewelery
Change your mind set, change your life. “Take a look, it’s in a book...” Tag us #CM10DayChallenge with the books you are reading.
Tip #2
Photo by @Sherelle_Naturelle
Get up and get moving, literally, I mean right now! You don’t have to join a gym, or exercise class (those are excuses). Walk around your living room, stretch on the floor, go for a walk on your street. Movement gets the blood flowing and this small form of exercise will produce endorphins that will immediately put you in a better mood and energize you. I don’t exercise like crazy, but I do walk more than normal throughout the day. The suggested number of steps are 10,000. By taking the stairs, and parking further away, I am able to reach the goal, if not come close to it.
The Myleik Teele Journal. You can order this on her site mytaughtyou. com
Tip #3
While taking a walk in Monterey CA, I discovered how beauty of the west coast outdoors. One thing I will never forget is the sweet smell of the Pacific Ocean.
Turn off the television more often. Decrease the noise and false realities so you can see reality and hear that still small voice that is trying to give you direction. I like to read odd books (The Happiness Project) and magazines (More Magazine) , journal (Myleik Teele’s journal), go to a museum (Cleveland Museum of Art) and visit new local places (Pressed Coffee Bar & Eatery). Or even cruise around on the web and see what stimulating information you can find (Huffington Post).
Tip #4
Do the exact opposite of what everyone else in your circle is doing. Listen to National Public Radio on Friday night, it’s all jazz and so relaxing. Watch Public Broadcasting Station on the weekend you will be amazed at what you will find. Spend time with an elder and listen to their story, it will encourage your soul. These are all outlets that will start to stretch your way of thinking and change your perception of you and the world you live in. I would also suggest that you eat food that you normally would not eat and listen to music that you would never listen to. With each of these tips I want you to keep a journal nearby so you can write down your thoughts and document your successes and discoveries. Over time you can go back and read how far you have come on this journey. Jump start this journey with the CM 10 Day Challenge. Email us your story Info@CarmellaMarie.net
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2015 Let’s Talk Hair The Mane Event 0.8483 in
Tickets go on sale 0.8483 in July 25- Sept 19 KIDS 18 & UNDER FREE GENERAL 15 advance 20 door
Includes, Saturday Admission, refreshments, mini LTH magazine & conference bag.
VIP $60 |limited
There is a limited amount of VIP tickets, so do not delay. VIP includes, per-conference with lite dinner at private location, GLAMbag, fall LTH magazine, Saturday admission with lunch provided.
Interested in being a vendor email us at Info@CarmellaMarie.net (234) 201-5310
2014 Conference Recap
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TURNING A HOBBY INTO A BUSINESS Jacqueline L. Carlisle
Creativity has been at the forefront of my life. I found drawing, jigsaw and crossword puzzles to be my personal escape from reality; much like TV is for most. This often left me on the outside of peer relationships. As I got older I began to fall in love with creative learning and self teaching. I learned basic crochet stitches from my aunt in high school, fell off for a while, went on to teach myself advanced patterns, and sell several different products in college. Crochet sparked my love for creativity again and from there I got into sewing then jewelry making and also graphic design. I learned bits and pieces of crochet and sewing from family member and graphic design from my last semester, but a part of me wanted to learn more and do more with those things. So I did. The biggest issue I had with starting was STARTING. I had hundreds of ideas swarming around in my head, but I never wrote them down or recorded them in any type of way. During my process I found it helpful to take these steps:
Change Mindset
If you want to turn your hobby into a business you have to change your mindset. It’s no longer something you pick up on your down time; you are on the clock around 24/7.
Record
If you have ideas it is crucial to record them in some type of way. Personally, I find it beneficial to I write my ideas down. Recording/brainstorming helps in weeding out the good ideas from the bad or already taken.
Define your brand
What does your company stand for? When people hear your company name what do you want them to associate with it? What will be the look and feel of your company? What aspect of your personality is apart of your brand? if applicable. Your brand is your identity. It is what you stand for. Knowing your brand and defining it is very important.
Research
Recording does not stop here; the research process is what’s going to solidify your ideas. There are a few things you have to take into consideration here: Has it been done before? What’s going to make me different?
Design: Actually build samples/prototype and put your product plans into action. Build business model: This is where you figure out how you will offer your product. Will it be online,
personal website, E-bay, amazon, door to door, or wholesale. To whom you will offer your product or service? How often will you make your product available? The list goes on.
Focus Groups: Take the prototype and give your product to a number of people so you can get feedback. From this feedback you can make adjustments or improvements.
Go to Market: Sell the finished product. Disclaimer: I am still walking through this process; with my sister Carmella as my mentor I will make it through these steps and complete the process of turning my hobby into a business.