MAGAZINE
HOW TO BUILD SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEUR RELATIONSHIPS
Why CEO’s Should Always Look Their Best
ENJOLI LAUDERDALE:
5 EASY STEPS: TO AVOID SOCIAL MEDIA MISTAKES
+More CEO
Features Inside July/August 2021
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All about uplifting and encouraging, this Mommy CEO is building a sisterhood, one story at a time. Read more about Enjoli Lauderdale on Page 16.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
07 Editor's Note
09
10
09 5 Easy Steps: to Avoid Social Media Mistakes By Tania Marshall 10 How to Build Successful Entrepreneur Relationships By Tiffany Poe 13
Why CEO’s Should Always Look Their Best By Ashley Dapianco
14
“It’s the Community for Me” Cover Girl Interview with Enjoli Lauderdale
13
20
18 28
18 The Gem Guru 20 FEMME at Your Fingertips 26
31
Christ & Creativity: How True Sisterhood Was Built By Matia Johnson-Buggs
28 Eccentric Essentials IMM Magazine | 3
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Editor-in-Chief Matia Johnson-Buggs
Creative Director Executive Producer Graphic Designer Art Director Staff Writers Contributing Writers Contributing Illustrator
Taylor Klein Marcus Daily Dayna Elefant Wesley Sherman Cassie O. Lopez, Tania Marshall, Tiffany Davis, Emilio Cruz, Derek Hough Tania Marshall, Dominique Winfield, Micah Santiago, Ashley Dapiaco, Monique Johnson, Tiffany Poe Dayna Elefant
ED ITORIAL OFFICE 11411 Lake Arbor Way, #1111 Mitchelville, MD 20721 info@innovativemindsmedia.com IMM Magazine is published content created by Creative Expressions Group, Inc. www.innovativemindsmedia.com
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NEWSFLASH NEWSFLASH
You You can't can't run run a a business business alone. alone. Let Let IMM IMM give give you you small small business business advice advice every every boss boss babe babe needs. needs.
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editor’s note Can you believe we are halfway done with 2021? Thankfully I am writing this editor’s note in good spirits, as IMM has celebrated almost three years of being a brand agency-turned-magazine providing small business advice to female entrepreneurs who are launching brands and building communities. On top of that, we have networked with some incredible ladies, showcased some incredible ladies, and continue to network with some incredible ladies who are changing the game in their industry, and for that, we couldn’t be happier! On the front cover, we have the pleasure of catching up with Enjoli Lauderdale, (better known as ‘Enji’ to her close friends and family) who is the CEO and Founder of Aye Yo Sis, a platform designed to bridge the gap and bond women together through their shared experiences with the focus being on motherhood, financial independence, wellness and spirituality. As a boss woman residing in Atlanta, Georgia, Enjoli is gearing up for her second launch this summer and we couldn’t be more proud. Joining Enji in this issue, we also have several other boss babes making waves in their industries: Agnes Erskine, CEO of Sexy and Saved apparel line and podcast, and Valerie Dix, Aspiring Writer, whom I met about five years ago, and who have become my Sisters in Christ. We also highlight boss brands such as Tes Body Essentials, Tinker Jewels, and Black Femme Beauty.
Are you tuned in? Innovative Minds Media has recently launched our podcast! Listen to us on Apple Podcast, Google, Spotify, and a plethora of other platforms. Join CEO Matia Johnson-Buggs as she brings motivational pieces, branding and marketing vibes, and special guests. Also follow us on our handles below: facebook.com/InnovativeMindsMedia/ instagram.com/innovativemindsmedia/
In this issue, we are also focused on community with our cover CEO, and how surrounding yourself with uplifting individuals and developing friendships can actually have a positive effect on your business. I’d like to take this time to thank you all for your tremendous amount of support of IMM, from entrepreneur features to small business tips, we cherish the relationships that were built and those that continue to be cultivated. So enjoy the last bit of your summer and continue to keep watering those relationships that bring you the most joy, to yourself, and to your brand! Be Bold. Be Brave. Be You.
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5 Easy Steps: to Avoid Social Media Mistakes BY TANIA MARSHALL Navigating social media can leave a sour taste in your mouth. Don’t get yourself in a pickle. Take note of these 5 easy steps to avoid SM mistakes below: THINK STRATEGY, AND BEYOND: Beyond your general campaign strategy, you need to have a plan for each platform, including a content schedule line-up. NO GOALS, NO GAIN: Try the SMART goal-setting technique to help develop your business’s objectives. All of your work on social media should be to advance your business’s specific goals. DON’T IGNORE YOUR FOLLOWERS: You should always engage with positive follower comments. Show your appreciation for people sharing your content or commenting on a post. BEING INAUTHENTIC: No matter how busy you are to post, human touch makes a difference. Let your followers see you, not just a small business sharing marketing efforts everyday. BABYSITTING TOO MANY PLATFORMS: Focus on the correct platforms. It’s better to have a strong presence on two channels than a mediocre presence on five.
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HOW TO BUILD
SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEUR RELATIONSHIPS
BY TIFFANY POE
When was the last time you expanded your OUTER circle? A part of building your brand is through networking, as it is one of the most crucial skills any startup entrepreneur can have. How else will you meet the key clients and contacts necessary to grow your business? Most importantly, how else will you build those key relationships to help strengthen you along this entrepreneurial ride? Take a few moments to brush up on your business cards and look for networking and community building opportunities, whether it’s through www.meetup.com or Instagram, that can expand your little, black business book. Check out these five tips when networking and you’ll be on on your way to expanding your outer circle in no time:
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REASONS WHY ENTREPRENEURS GIVE UP: 1.
Other ways of networking include:
Set a goal to meet five or more new people at each event. Don’t let Year 2 of this Pandemic stop you! It’s plenty of ways to meet new faces, whether it’s online or at small networking events.
2.
1. Participating in your local, small business community.
2. Reach out to former connections.
Try one or two new linkup groups per
3.
month. There are people out there willing to link up with you!
great way to do this is by holding in-
3. Carry your business cards everywhere
Become a resource on social media (A terviews and highlighting other local entrepreneurs on your platform who are working in your same line of business).
you go.
4.
4.
Do some basic press outreach.
Don’t be afraid to be an extrovert! There’s
5.
still the age-old saying, “Closed mouths don’t get fed,” so when you’re looking to branch out into the world, connect with others.
5.
Spend some time seeing who your followers are following on social media. You can make some viable connections just by traveling the circuit you are already familiar with.
Don’t spend the whole night sitting with
ALSO KEEP IN MIND, A STRONG PROFES-
people you know at networking oppor-
SIONAL NETWORK CAN HELP YOU ACHIEVE
tunities. Take a chance and begin a conversation with a stranger. You might be talking to a potential future investor or business partner!
THINGS THAT YOU’D NEVER ACCOMPLISH ON YOUR OWN ACCORD. NOW GO FORTH AND DO GREAT THINGS!
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10 Essential Criteria For A Smart & Successful Brand Name 12 | IMM Magazine
B Y DO MI N I Q U E W I N FI EL D
Why CEO’s Should Always Look Their Best By Ashley Dapianco
When was the last time you rummaged through your closet and stepped up your style game? Being an entrepreneur means you are the face of your brand. As the face of your brand, your job is to sell not only yourself but also your product. People are more likely to invest in your brand when they like what they see. Simply put, your next new contact could be a potential customer, competitor, partner or investor; either way you owe it to your brand to show up looking and feeling your best. Here are a few key fashion tips below any entrepreneur can adopt:
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1. SUITS:
Whether if you’re male or female, you can’t go wrong in a suit. Add a crisp button down underneath to polish off the look.
2. ACCESS THE FIT:
Make sure all buttons and zippers are in their proper spot. You do not want to be in an investor meeting while they are thinking that you look like someone who has borrowed clothes that are too big or too small.
5. GROOMING:
Having a messy appearance, i.e. scruffy or unkept hair, does not give off a good impression of personal upkeep. Remember, people fall in love with you before they fall in love with your brand, and if your investor or customer thinks you have bad personal hygiene, do you really think they are going to buy into what you are selling? To our fellas, make sure you are making those frequent trips to the barber shop, and for women, neat and tidy hair is key. Plus, a natural look when it comes to makeup is important.
Essential EssentialCriteria CriteriaFor For AASmart Smart&&Successful Successful Brand BrandName Name 3. FROM HEAD TO TOE: Shoes should always be clean, polished, without any scuff marks or holes, and fit in with the rest of your outfit.
4. ACCESSORIZE:
Now’s not the time to look like an extra in a Zsa Zsa Gabor jewelry commercial, so simple classic pieces are key. Studs, watches, and statement pieces add a nice finishing touch to any look.
Your entire look leaves a positive impression of who you are as a brand, which ideally should be successful and up and coming. Do yourself a favor and invest in yourself first, and then your brand! It will ultimately allow your business to thrive.
B YBDO Y DMI O MI NIN QIUQEUW E IN W IFN IEFI LD EL D
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“It’s the
Community for Me”
Cover Girl Interview with Enjoli Lauderdale
Enjoli Lauderdale, known affectionately to family and friends as “Enji,” is making space for the community. She has always had an affinity for helping others and has decided to incorporate that mission into her latest and passionate venture, Aye Yo Sis!, a space where women of different walks of life can share successes, their failures, and the journeys in between. Aye Yo Sis! is designed to bridge the gap and bond women together through their shared experiences with the focus being on motherhood, financial independence, wellness and spirituality. Read more about Enji’s dreams and passions below: IMM: What led you to create your brand? EL: Aye Yo Sis! was built on transparency with love in mind. I created this community to allow other women to share their stories and to empower and inspire the next woman to live out their truth. IMM: How do you build a successful customer base for women to tell their stories? EL: The first thing you need to know is your “Why.” The phrase “Why” truly keeps me on track about the vision of Aye Yo Sis! and why this platform was created. When women come together collectively to share their testimonies, and their life experiences, healing begins to take place. The journey to recovery and back to self begins to shift. Stories heal and it is truly theopathic to the soul.
IMM: How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life? EL: I found that as I’m in the beginning stages of building my business, I need to adopt balance now. Scheduling and planning are so vital to how I function my household. As a mom of two young beautiful girls, I must have a plan and stick to it when it comes to holding down the house. I know that once I deviate from the schedule things get out of whack. IMM: Apart from being an entrepreneur, you’re a personal life coach. Tell us why this is so fulfilling in your life. EL: I’ve always been that friend you go to for moral support and comfort when hiccups and curveballs arise. I decided to obtain my certification as a certified life coach to continue to foster and coach women who need guidance overcoming limiting beliefs. IMM Magazine | 15
I am big on how I choose my words and how I manage my thought process. I wouldn’t say I fear anything, however, I would say I don’t let “FEAR” stop me from doing the “Thing” I want to do. My motto is “start where you are, do what you can with what you have.” PERIOD.
IMM: You’ve had to deal with a lot of loss in life. How do you maintain your positive persona?
IMM: Talk to us about your launch party vibes and what people should expect.
EL: My faith in God has always kept me grounded
EL: The Aye Yo Sis! Annual Event always falls on the last Saturday of July, and this year we are focusing on “Loving Yourself on Purpose.” It’s a one day 4-hour retreat that centers around Self-Love and Self-Care: A Mind, Body, and Holistic experience. I am expecting lives to be changed and renewed. This is only the beginning for Aye Yo Sis! and every year it will be bigger and better.
in all avenues of life. My faith has not always been where it is now, however, it’s a journey and a process. My experience has allowed me to lean on God and family. In the midst of a detrimental situation, God continues to show up and show out. IMM: What is your greatest fear and how do you manage it? EL: I am big on how I choose my words and how I manage my thought process. I wouldn’t say I fear anything, however, I would say I don’t let “FEAR” stop me from doing the “Thing” I want to do. My motto is “start where you are, do what you can with what you have.” PERIOD. IMM: What entrepreneurial tricks do you use to motivate you through the day? EL: Knowing that this platform is bigger than me. My sistas are counting on me to keep going. It all started from my own journey to heal which has transcended into therapy. IMM: If you had a magic wand, what’s one thing you would change about the world and why? EL: Practicing more love which equals UNITY. We need more unity and LOVE in the world.
IMM: As the CEO and birth mother of your brand, what does the Aye Yo Sis! brand mean to you? EL: Aye Yo Sis! to me means sisterhood, we got you, you are not forgotten, and I see you, sis. The Aye Yo Sis! EP Song is an extension of inspiration and motivation to continue to uplift and encourage our sistas from all over the world in every scenario of life. This song was created to be a constant reminder to keep going. IMM: What’s next for Aye Yo Sis? EL: Well, there is always something next to expect because we are continually evolving. However, I am working on a book, and I plan to launch it next year at the 3rd Annual Aye Yo Sis! event. We got some things in the works, and possibly a special guest speaker. To be a part of a collective community, visit Aye Yo Sis! at www.ayeyosis.com.
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The Gem Guru
While arts and crafts are essential for early child development, CEO of TinkerJewels, Naquita Makell was slowly but surely tapping into her entrepreneurial future livelihood. “ At an early age, I have always loved Tinkerbell and handmade items. By the time I reached adulthood, I started with making items for families for birthday gifts and Christmas and decided to venture out in selling on Etsy.” And since developing her brand, she’s behind 1800+ orders, pop up shops, and jewelry design classes. Customers can visit Etsy to purchase all types of handcrafted, creative pieces, everything from gold and silver bangles, anklets, beaded bracelets, and necklaces. When asked about her target audience, the answer is simple: “I like to target all women who enjoy personalized bracelets and necklaces of all ages. I like to create pieces that can be given as a perfect gift. Every time I design a piece, I think of every occupation, every hobby, and every holiday. I am also very girly, so I try to make my pieces sparkle and glitter just like my personality.” And such a bubbly and vibrant personality that is. Naquita’s most genuine aesthetic pieces include stones, glitter, distinct jewels, and bold colors. And when asked what sets her apart from her competitors, this vibrant CEO responds confidently, “It’s the variety in my product for me. I create necklaces and bangles that stand out from others up and coming jewelry-makers. I try to keep my prices at a great price as well. My personality truly comes out in my products.” Her own-brand favorite pieces include butterfly necklaces and gold ankle bracelets. “I feel like I can pair them with everything during the summer season.” Next up for TinkerJewels is networking, and lots of it. “I’m looking to branch out as much as I can. I want to network and have my items in more of a variety of stores. Right now my items are in one store. I eventually want to have my handmade jewelry going where I can teach others how to make jewelry. And I would love to start hiring for more staff and opening a boutique.” The future looks vibrant for Naquita. Keep up with TinkerJewels on Instagram at @TinkerJewelsllc. IMM Magazine | 19
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FEMME AT YOUR FINGERTIPS CEO Apryl Nikole is the powerhouse behind Black Femme Beauty, building a successful customer base beginning with self-care. When asked what the driving force behind starting her brand was, the answer was a no-brainer. “My sister and I started Black Femme Beauty because we wanted to support small black owned businesses. At first, we wanted to support by purchasing from different owners but there were products we couldn’t find out there. We decided to bounce ideas off each other and we realized we could make a bigger impact by creating the subscription boxes, hence how Black Femme Beauty was born.” IMM Magazine | 21
And a beautiful product subscription box it is.
Established in 2020, Black Femme Beauty’s products are beauty and wellness-focused, allowing customers to try it out before they buy full size. Targeting women ages 18-60 and men ages 25-45, Black Femme wanted to make sure their entire audience could find black owned business products right at their fingertips. Customers can find sample-size essentials such as candles, body oils and lotions, cosmetics, body butter, and hand crafted soaps. Some of the June box subscription items include Self-Love Tea, Goat Milk Soap, and CocoOlive Bar & Exfoliating Aloe Shea Butter Soap.
A recipe for skin luxury. “I’ve always had a desire to branch out and start a business on my own, however, timing is everything and the right time came along during the pandemic.” Apryl gushed as she reflected on the brand-building process amidst a year of uncertainty for many. “That time gave my sister and I an opportunity to outline a plan that would be beneficial to everyone involved. We performed our market research, discussed branding and the types of products we wanted to focus on. This plan manifested our desire to start our own business.” So it’s no surprise that when asked what’s her biggest motivator, Apryl replied, “Our family is a driving factor. We come from a family of entrepreneurs, so it was only fate.” Their strength and determination gives them the drive to see that small black businesses are represented, and that products get the exposure and brand awareness they need to be successful. Apryl is ecstatic about the future goals for her brand, and widening her community is one of them. “Anyone can join as a vendor, as a subscriber, or both! To be a vendor you will need to complete an application on our website. There is a how-to-join link on our website.” For more detailed info, and to create some room for self-care with black owned businesses, visit www.blackfemmebeauty.com.
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Christ & Creativity: How True Sisterhood Was Built BY MATIA JOHNSON-BUGGS Significant others. Children and career lives. Businesses that we are passionate about one day, and the next day we want out of it. These topics are just specks in the grand scheme of conversations had by myself and my CEO besties, Agnes Erskine and Valerie Dix. What started at a social gathering five years ago has led into a full fledged sisterhood with nothing short of prayer calls and intercession, and what entrepreneur wouldn’t be in need of these things? In such a microwave society where entrepreneurs are juggling branding and personal lives, it’s good when a girl has support in the form of two souls. What could be more beneficial? There’s one particular bible scripture that comes to mind when I think about the power in numbers, and this one has always stuck with me. Matthew 18:20 (Amplified Version) reads,
“For where two or three
are gathered in My name [meeting together as My followers], I am there among them.”
When I focus on the power of developing Godly friendships, the power in sisterhood when two or three women who love God come together and pray in His name, glorify in His name, what could be more powerful than that? In this unique form of friendship, this is where true sisterhood develops and strengthens at the very core. Now let me brag a bit on how awesome these women really are: 26 | IMM Magazine
Agnes Erskine, CEO and Founder of Sexy and Saved Agnes is an alum of the “Real HU”, Howard University, where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Radio, Television, and Film. She credits her start into communications through music. She loves to write, sing, and record music which introduced her into other areas of media. Her current brand, Sexy and Saved, is a two-part fold Christian apparel line and social platform that pegs the question, “What should a Christian woman look like?” and Agnes is more than happy to challenge the normal stereotype.
My other boss-babe, Valerie, or known affectionately as “Val,” is a thriving mom who graduated from college at Notre Dame of Maryland with a Bachelor’s in Science. When she’s not chasing around her adorable 5-year-old daughter, Justis, she’s busy working on a Christian devotional for women. With a love for fashion, she is also the former founder of Jus Obsessed, LLC., an online mommy-and-me clothing boutique of the same name. Apart from their obvious charm, ambitions, entrepreneur dreams and goals, these two women are undeniably golden, a force to be reckoned with, and to find treasurable qualities like that is so rare - at any age. What has hit me over time, and particularly in the last couple years, is knowing that our success in life, more often than not, comes down to the people we choose to invest our time with. So let this be a lesson to all. No longer invest your time with those who do not pour into your soul, and vice versa. No longer allow harmful people into your lives to rent space in your head and heart. And most importantly, don’t ever be okay with half-hearted friendships that consistently drain you from your core. Surround yourself with women like Agnes and Val; women who can pray for you and your business, uplift you, and who root for you when you want to quit being an entrepreneur. Surround yourself with likeminded sisters who you share Christ with, and who intercede for you, even when you can’t muster the words to even speak. Surround yourself with other creative women who can replenish your soul, and vice versa. Because let’s face it, you’re a woman, a superwoman by day managing your brand and everyday life, but you’re not always going to be that strong. That kind of strength can be gained from Christ, and most importantly, your sisters in Christ, because when two or three or gathered around you in His name, they can uplift you, and that’s what matters the most anyway.
Valerie Dix, CEO and Mompreneur. IMM Magazine | 27
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Eccentric Essentials Like many other entrepreneurs, CEO Tatiana Seeser of TES Body Essentials gained her entrepreneur wings in the midst of a pandemic. “I wanted to start TES Body Essentials because when I was pregnant last year, I was studying to be a birth doula and my body started going through so many changes. It seemed like the products I was using were not working as well as they used to.” When Tatiana started to experience skin irritation by way of over-the-counter products, it led her to begin reading labels. “I realized how many harsh chemicals were out there. I used my knowledge from my studies to become a doula and did more research to formulate body butters and scrubs to help nourish my skin while keeping it hydrated. Using natural oils and organic products was the best way to go.” For this boss babe, the #1 key to success in business is passion. Her dynamic drive is what led her to start TES Body Essentials and trust the brand building process, even in its early stages. TES Body Essentials knows the importance of taking care of yourself and developing a natural skincare routine. This CEO prides herself on utilizing key ingredients. With her brand’s products being organic, Tatiana’s main focus was on improving the overall health and appearance of her skin. “I battled with horrible acne throughout my life from hormones, so I recently created more skincare products to help soothe my customer’s skin while lightening dark spots and eliminating acne. My favorite product would have to be our Yoni shower gel. I dealt with health issues throughout my pregnancy and postpartum that only got worse as I was prescribed medication. But since creating my Yoni line, I have
felt better than ever, and my health issues have improved dramatically in just a couple months.” So, who is her target audience? “My target audience can be broken up into a few categories. I have products that specifically cater to teens through younger adults learning how to properly care for their skin and bodies. Then I have my Yoni line where my target audience is women who have dealt with chronic infection, are recovering after childbirth, or just want to cater to their feminine health. Lastly, I wanted to make products specifically catering to people with eczema and sensitive skin. Our oatmeal & honey collection is perfect for that!” Along with having products for both men and women, Tatiana’s friends and family have been a huge help when it comes to marketing since the launch of the business. “When it comes to my feminine products, I have had professional shoots done and used my own testimony as well as other pictures and reviews. I always use videos of me using products on my kids to market how to use them and how well they’ve worked for them.” And when it comes to ingredients, Tatiana does not shy away. She keeps it 100% authentic for her audience. “For all of the products, I’ll list their unique benefits per audience and how they can be used as well as people’s results or reviews. I also post testimonies of how each product helps my customers and I am working on finding brand ambassadors to showcase them using products.” For more eccentric essentials, follow Tatiana and her brand on Instagram at @TesBodyEssentials. IMM Magazine | 29
10 Essential Essential Criteria Criteria For For A A Smart Smart & & Successful Successful Brand Name Brand Name 30 | IMM Magazine
BY DO MI N I QU E W I NF IE LD BY DO MI N I QU E W I NF IE LD
10 10 Essential Essential Criteria Criteria For For A A Smart Smart & & Successful Successful Brand Brand Name Name Instantly Instantly conveys conveys what what my my business business relates relates to to Sparks Sparks the the interest interest of of my my target target audience audience Is Is simple simple to to pronounce pronounce and and spell spell Is Is easy easy to to remember remember and and recall recall Is Is distinct distinct and and unique unique from from competitors competitors Has Has no no risky risky copyright copyright or or trademark trademark issues issues Website Website domain domain is is available, available, ideally ideally the the dot dot com com Social Social media media handles handles are are available available Reflects Reflects my my brand's brand's mood mood and and personality personality Will remain remain relevant relevant as as my my business business evolves evolves Will IMM Magazine | 31
Rejuvenate your mind, body & soul WELLNESS TREATMENT AVAILABLE.
AN
VA
V I L L A S 32 | IMM Magazine
