Community Weekly Report 30

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COMMUNITY WEEKLY REPORT

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Volume 2, Edition 30

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Inspire, Inform & Educate

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July 22 - August 4, 2021

Page 3

d-mars.com Shines the Business Spotlight on Praying Apparel, a T-Shirt Line Founded on Prayer and Purpose D-MARS.COM INFO MAIN OFFICE: 7322 Southwest Fwy., Suite 800, Houston, TX 77074

Page 2 How Small Businesses Can Overcome Common Cash Flow Challenges

Phone: (713) 373.5577 Email Us: contact@d-mars.com Visit Us Online www.d-mars.com

2 | July 29 - August 4, 2021

Community Weekly Report BUSINESS

How Small Businesses

Can Overcome Common Cash Flow Challenges By d-mars.com News Provider

S

new study reveals that the majority of small business owners and the self-employed share pressing money management struggles.

The 2021 State of Small Business Payments and Cash Flow report, released by Intuit QuickBooks, found that 75% of small businesses in the U.S. feel stressed about cash flow, and nearly a third aren’t using any tools to manage or forecast their cash flows.

Not surprisingly, 56% of U.S. small business owners report having made a poor business decision due to concerns about insufficient cash flow.

“Small businesses face unique challenges in the management of their finances. Too often, they track and manage their money in more than one place, which can lead to increased fees, lack of visibility, and wasted time,” says Rob Daniel, director, product management, Intuit QuickBooks.

Part of the problem is that small business banking accounts often come with fees and minimum balance requirements, driving many small business owners to use personal checking accounts, even when a business checking account provides the specific features small businesses need to run their business and pay their employees.

Small businesses can benefit greatly from one streamlined digital financial management solution that integrates

all aspects of their business finances -- banking, bill pay, payroll, payments and more – end-to-end. Without this, small business owners can spend hours a week managing their cash flow. In fact, more than 60% of U.S. small businesses spend three hours or more a week managing money for their business.

Daniel says that all-in-one digital banking platforms can be a lifeline for small businesses, helping them holistically manage and plan their finances affordably and efficiently. One example is QuickBooks Cash, a banking services solution aimed at helping drive small business efficiency through technology, which delivers what many other current business bank accounts don’t. It offers no

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monthly fees, no minimum balance requirements, planning and forecasting tools, and an overall banking experience that works seamlessly with QuickBooks’ additional offerings to enable small businesses to accept payments and pay teams and vendors with automatic reconciliation for easy financial management. Additionally, the bank account’s Envelopes feature makes saving easy, allowing for high-yield interest buckets for routine expenses or longterm goals.

“This tool can also deliver faster money movement and help small businesses discover options for accessing capital. By incorporating the availability of instant payments for eligible QuickBooks Payments transactions and personalized loan recommendations, we’re building a digital tool that helps accelerate the growth of small businesses,” says Daniel.

To learn more about new tools to help your business thrive or for more information about QuickBooks Cash (Intuit QuickBooks is not a bank, banking services provided by and the QuickBooks Visa Debit Card is issued

by Green Dot Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to license from Visa U.S.A., Inc.), visit quickbooks.intuit.com.

Achieving a perfect balance of money in and money out can be a challenge for small businesses. Fortunately, new digital tools are helping small businesses find their footing in a challenging economy.

Source: StatePoint

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2211 Norfolk | Suite 803 Houston, TX 77098

Phone: 713 470 9714 Fax: 877 751 7453

BYRON ALFRED

The Alfred Firm is proud to serve as Title Sponsors for the D-Mars 2021 Top 50 Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs event. We extend congratulations to Johnny Alfred III and all of the honorees.

FOUNDER | BOARD CERTIFIED TRIAL LAWYER Obtained a $44 Million jury verdict in a Refinery Wrongful Death case. #1 Work Injury Verdict in Texas for 2018

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July 29 - August 4, 2021 | 3

Community Weekly Report COMMUNITY

d-mars.com Shines the Business Spotlight on Praying Apparel, a T-Shirt Line Founded on Prayer and Purpose By d-mars.com News Provider

L

a’Torria Lemon is a familiar and well-respected name in the media world, as owner of Lemon-Lime Light Media, an award-winning full service PR, branding, consulting, marketing and event activation enterprise based in Houston and Atlanta. She has managed global publicity projects for OWN and celebrities like Tyler Perry. Lemon-Lime Light Media was also the driving force managing publicity and media for George Floyd’s funeral in Houston that brought in celebrities such as Jamie Foxx and Channing Tatum, raising awareness on police brutality and systemic racism. But though you see her brand attached to celebrities, trust that the foundation of her life and favor is due to her being centered on Christ.

Her continued walk in prayer and purpose has now birthed Praying Apparel, tees that inspire the spirit and soul. This past year and a half has definitely brought its share of challenges, but as founder and CEO of Praying Apparel, La’Torria is spreading the message of prayer and purpose with tees that are specialized because of the style and most importantly, the scripture behind it.

“I started working on Praying Apparel in late 2020. Oftentimes I would find myself praying through many situations within my career, so initially, I wanted to just create a personal t-shirt that said "I'm a Praying Publicist," but I realized that many of us have to pray our way through our careers and industries. I wanted to ultimately have a tee that could inspire professionals in various industries to keep going and pray through challenging circumstances that can arise in their careers,” said La’Torria. The scripture verse aligned with the brand and incorporated on each t-shirt’s message is Jeremiah 29:11, one of La’Torria’s favorite scriptures that prompts her to implement her faith in all situations.

She said, “I don't always know what God is doing, but I trust that He has equipped me to be obedient, patient, humble, and press my way through.”

The d-mars.com team had a chance to chat with La’Torria about Praying Apparel.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Q&A with La’Torria Lemon:

D-MARS: You could have started a t-shirt line that just motivated people, but in a world where even some Christians are afraid to talk about God for fear of losing business or clients, talk about why it is especially important for God to be at the center of the messages with each tee. La’Torria: I work in an industry that can be dark at times. For me, I don’t hide my faith or my love for God. I have prayed with some of the biggest gangsters, nonbelievers, and those who have shifted away from God. I accept the assignments that I know God gives me.

Though I am far from perfect, I know whose I am. I could never imagine hiding my beliefs just to appeal to a certain industry, client, or anyone else. I am who I am because of God, and He deserves the glory.

- Jeremiah 29:11

Photo Credit: Right Time Solutions

La’Torria Lemon, founder and CEO of Praying Apparel

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

D-MARS: How has your prayer life been the foundation for your successful publicity company, Lemon-Lime Light Media? La’Torria: I truly believe prayer has brought me through in so many ways. Being a publicist can be a tough job, especially operating in multiple cities within multiple industries (entertainment, faith-based, nonprofit, fashion, etc.), and being a business owner could be just as tough.

The two together can be a big task for anyone.

There are days when I’m more than just a publicist to my clients. I’m often their go-to for MANY things in their professional and personal life.

I pray with my clients very often and I often seek prayer from my prayer circle. My staff and I pray frequently with each other, for each other, and for our company. I know that prayer is essential. In April, I tragically lost one of my youngest clients, JaeRene to a drunk driver. It broke my heart and hurt me and my team so badly. We are still dealing with her loss as she was like family. Since her passing, we have released music from her upcoming project and I have had moments where I could barely hold it together. I pray so much for her, her family, her supporters, and all of the families involved.

I loved Jae like a little sister and it is a situation where I’m open to say that I’m praying my way through it.

D-MARS: With a publicity and event company that has a proven track record and now with Praying Apparel, what advice do you have for those who want to start a business and have success as an entrepreneur?

La’Torria: I would suggest to anyone who is seeking to start a business and be a successful entrepreneur to be grounded, find balance, and keep a good circle around you. I will be celebrating 10 years in business this August for Lemon-Lime Light Media. I started this company at the age of 22 and I’m open to let people know that I made mistakes along the way just from lack of knowledge. So, I would advise people to do research and build a foundation that will allow them to flourish. Also, know that it’s essential for you to plant seeds along your journey. When things get tough, please pray, but also don’t hesitate to have a therapist to express yourself along the way.

D-MARS: Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers? La’Torria: I am so thankful for the support! I would love for your readers to know that it is possible to achieve your goals. It may not be easy at all times, but you must write out your plan and make it happen. Lastly, when a door opens for you, hold it open for someone else who you know and believe will hold it open for the next person.

An innovator and successful business woman, La’Torria has many short and longterm goals for Praying Apparel. Expect pop-ups, product placement, storefronts, and some other surprises.

For more information on product updates and new inventory releases, please visit www.prayingapparel.com.

4 | July 29 - August 4, 2021

Community Weekly Report

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication