WOW Spring 2023 International Issue

O W N M O R E O F W H A T

Y O U C O N S U M E

D I S C O V E R T H E B U S I N E S S O F W I N E

S o n i a B o o k e r & M i k i R i l e y a r e d e d i c a t e d t o h e l p i n g w o m e n s t a r t s u s t a i n a b l e w i n e b r a n d s .

I n a d d i t i o n , t h e c o m p a n y o f f e r s m o n t h l y a n d a n n u a l w i n e c l u b m e m b e r s h i p s .

WOW

The Wealth

Elevation Vault

— Designed for Millionaires

Building Wealth from Generation to Generation — Creating Legacy

Sonia Booker

WOMEN OF WEALTH

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EMPOWERING WOMEN

SPRING 2023

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THE WEALTH ELEVATION VAULT

— Designed for Millionaires

Another WOMEN OF WEALTH MAGAZINE EDITION about Success, Power, and Wealth. But this is 2023. How do you continue to nurture your mind, body, and soul with daily reminders of a pandemic and disturbing news? You go inward, you simply go inward and perhaps travel to your own peaceful and beautiful space or to a place where the wealthy and prestigious play. But Why you may think? AFTER retiring from 30 years of practicing law, one of the very first things that I did, was set out on a mission to discover the mindset of wealthy people and how others, and myself, could acquire such wealth. I quickly realized that without someone reaching back for me as they “Lift and Climbed” I may have spent many years overcoming pitfalls that would challenge my faith. But God! Our previous special edition. launched in the Hamptons, April 2022, is very dear to my heart. In fact, it rings a melody of gratefulness, tenacity, and resilience.

I’ve had my share of life’s ups and downs God’s been good to me, and the downs have been few I would guess you can say, God has blessed me.

For what started out as a lifetime vision of me hosting 20 perhaps 50 women at the Hamptons, soon became an avalanche of 200 plus women from across the country and abroad making history with Women of Wealth Magazine in the most phenomenal way, for never in the history of The Hamptons has this many women and women of color congregated.

As I reflect on my journey with Women of Wealth Magazine, I can tell you that it has not been easy, however, the hunger of feeding the souls of women through the pages of business, beauty and wealthy lifestyles also fed me. Today, I’m full and lifting as I continue to climb to higher heights. Also, in this edition, we want to extend our gratitude and deepest appreciation to the amazing women that made this possible. There are stories from women from all walks of life that understand my vision and heart. Women who like me, look back reach back and

grab another’s hand to Lift them as they Climb. For the first time this year, we’re introducing a list of Titans, wildly influential design-minded women who have made the Women of Wealth Magazine team so proud to introduce them. Women who fiercely stepped out on faith and have become nurturers through their products, nonprofits, and businesses. These courageous ladies are an example of the power of within and I am proud to take the reins of introducing them throughout the pages of this issue. As a famed Editor and Chief of Women of Wealth Magazine a native of Beckley, West Virginia, raised by three teenagers after the death of our dear mother...the landscape of my mind living with eight other siblings was never a beautiful magazine. It was however love, nurturing, and strength, a strong roots that became the sustainable cultivation of my life over time. For the first time this year, I will be unveiling my signature fragrance line LEI ELLE. My love for life and people, for beauty and art, for music and

collaboration, has also been the fuel that fires my advocacy of lifting others today. In this issue, you too will be inspired as we Lift and Climb to higher heights and continue to watch over the landscapes of those that need cultivating as we march forward creating boss Ladies. This weekend our challenge is to create more Boss Ladies.

As I stroll through the pages of the this Edition of Women of Wealth Magazine and gleam with the excitement of the joy that you too will experience, my heart is reminded of these words from a beautiful song that James Cleveland sang on an Unknown Album. “I’ve had my share of life’s

ups and downs God’s been good to me, and the downs have been few, I would guess you can say, God has blessed me. But there’s never been a time in my life, he didn’t bring me through.” If anyone should ever write, my life story. For whatever reason there might be. He will be there, between each line of pain and glory. Jesus is the best thing that ever happened to me.

Dr. Lei Lewis Publisher and Editor in Chief

Dr. Linda Bing

EMPOWERMENT COACH EXTRAORDINAIRE

Dr. Bing is the founder and CEO of Turning Point Leadership Group LLC, an innovative performance improvement company that specializes in diversity, equity, and inclusion, leadership development, and relationship management. She has worked in the U.S. and abroad developing and delivering interventions for clients of all sizes and disciplines from individuals to Fortune 50 companies. She is a Certified Diversity Executive through the Institute for Diversity Certification. Her training programs won an award from The Society for Human Resource Management. Her viewpoints are often sought out as a conference keynote speaker and presenter. And, they have been aired on the CBS Evening News.

Dr. Bing is also a Certified Relationship Specialist through the American Psychotherapy Association. She is the author of Tame Your Tongue & Transform Your Relationship, Tame Your Tongue & Transform Your Organization: How to Close the Employee Inclusion Gap, and a motivational speaker in the Les Brown Speaker’s Network.

In addition, Dr. Linda hosts a podcast called In Her Shoes and previously served as the co-host on Love & Relationships on Atlanta’s top-rated urban station, V-103 FM. She holds a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Education, an M.A. in Psychology, an M.A. in Organizational Behavior, and a PhD in Organizational Psychology. She is on the Leadership Council of the National Small Business Association and is a member of many civic and professional organizations. Her innovative trainings and coaching programs have helped millions transform their lives resulting in enhanced relationships and increased income. Today, she would like to do the same thing for you. Let’s listen to her Interview.

There were days when I didn’t want to live. But God had another plan.

Dr. Bing, what is an Empowerment Coach?

Most women don’t know where to get help with their businesses and support in their life simultaneously. As an empowerment coach, my primary focus is on who you are aligned with what you do. I merge executive coaching with life coaching. I help you become who you need to be, so that you can do the things you need to do, to have the things you want to have. The coaching relationship we develop helps you make changes that impact your entire life.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I spend my days curating my newest brand “The Dr. Linda” coaching programs which primarily support Black Christian women over 40 who are single again. I uplift their confidence, help with goals, and pull them out of guilt, shame, and despair to help them prosper in life and in business. I can do it because I was once her and I did it for myself. As the CEO of Turning Point Leadership Group, an organizational development firm that specializes in diversity, equity, inclusion and relationship management, I coach, train facilitators and coaches, meet with clients, and create DEI strategic initiatives. For over 25 years, we’ve been supporting clients in the creation of sustainable DEI cultures. Our products, programs, and services work for everyone but my personal sweet spot is Black women.

That is why I developed a subsidiary brand, “The Dr. Linda Coaching” known for leadership, confidence, and style. As we prepare organizations to recruit, retain, and develop women we also need to prepare the women for leadership roles in the organization. January 2023 will be our official launch. We are building a network of coaches as well as products and services for every budget and every situation. Reach out to us at thedrlindacoaching.com.

How has the need for coaching grown over the past decade and why?

The market size of the Business Coaching industry in the US has grown 2.8% per year on average between 2017 and 2022. The market size of the Life Coaches industry in the US has grown 3.2% per year on average between 2017 and 2022. Coaching is a highly personalized and individualized well-being intervention. According to research commissioned by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), awareness and engagement with coaching continued to grow. The data indicates that in times of profound change, increasing pressures and demands, coaching is seen to be more relevant.

As an Empowerment Coach, what are the biggest challenges you face?

One of my biggest challenges is helping people understand what coaching is and what it isn’t. Everyone can benefit from some sort of coaching because it grows and develops us. We are imperfect people so there is always an opportunity for growth and development.

A second challenge is helping people see that hiring a coach is not an expense; it’s an investment. As with any investment, you will see an appreciation in value, your value over time. And you’re worth it! You don’t need to wait until you reach a certain level of success or make a certain amount of money. A good coach can help you get there. Even coaches have coaches. I have more than one.

How do you help women identify their blind spots?

It’s all about self-reflection. I ask a lot of questions like:

Why are you seeking coaching?

What changes do you expect to see in yourself because of the process?

Who are you? (they can answer any way they want, as creatively as they want, in as much detail as they want)

What are you most afraid of?

What are some adjectives to describe who you are now?

What are some adjectives to describe who you want to be?

What’s the most important leadership lesson you’ve learned?

I’ve learned many important leadership lessons but, I think the most important one is that leadership is servanthood. A servant leader feels responsible for helping people learn and grow, feel purposeful, motivated, energized, and contribute at their highest level. It’s not about you the leader; it is about your people. If you do not want to serve, you are not ready to lead.

From your own firsthand experiences, what led you to create your focus group as well as your podcast?

I am a Black Christian woman who does not believe in divorce. God doesn’t like it so neither do I. However, my first marriage ended in divorce, and I was devastated. I had two small children, a house, and a new business to maintain. I became depressed and my self-esteem was shot. I remained single for several years. Whenever I decided to date, it seemed as if I was picking the wrong people and the relationships did not work. Then I met my second husband and history repeated itself. While I knew intellectually that I was a good, intelligent, attractive woman worthy of love I could not feel that in my heart and my self-esteem and confidence got worse. Now I was divorced twice! There were days when I didn’t want to live. But God had another plan.

After my second divorce I felt a lot of guilt and shame. I felt like a failure but, I grew closer to Christ. I studied His word more and prayed more. I sought His will in everything. I was determined to follow Him wherever He was leading me. I began to see His work in my life like never before. God led me through a process that gave me back to myself. He let me know

that my previous radio audience was practice for the real thing. I was a Black Christian woman over 40 who was single again and it became apparent that that was the audience for me.

It was then that I remembered hearing Minister Paula White say, “you can’t lead in areas where you did not bleed.” It was then that I remembered a guest minister who spoke at my church about his experience developing a drug rehabilitation program after he recovered from his own drug addiction. He spoke of how God leads us through experiences so that we become equipped to lead others. If God told us what we would have to go through, we would never volunteer. I now know that my experience was not one of shame but of honor. God used me to better serve His people. I am now in my third and final marriage to a wonderful man that I dated earlier in life and reconnected with 20+ years later in my church. It’s a beautiful story for another time.

What makes you the next Trailblazer in women empowerment?

First and foremost, it’s my anointing. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, I’ve learned how to take my experiences and my education and use them to point the way, take risks, and change the environment. I have a vision for a different future and a faith that turns dreams into reality. My determination cuts through barriers and obstacles. I use that power for myself, I use it to help other women, and I instruct women had to tap into their own power to do that for themselves and for others.

Tell us about your new book.

My new book is titled Tame Your Tongue & Transform Your Organization: How to Close the Employee Inclusion Gap. Several years ago, I was reading in the book of Proverbs and was inspired by four tongues. So, I wrote several pages about them and then stopped. Over the years it took me a while to go back and continue writing but I finally did. I published a book called Tame Your Tongue & Transform Your Relationship. Today I not only sell the book, but I have a workbook and workshops on the subject. Many of us, especially women, speak a lot and don’t often speak with compassion. As a result, we speak death rather than life into our relationships and blame the failures on everything else.

Because I work in diversity, equity, and inclusion and often hear about the microaggressions that people (especially women and people of color) are challenged by, it occurred to me that the same techniques for taming our tongues in our personal relationships could be applied to taming our tongues in our professional relationships. Instead of using our tongues to degrade and discriminate we can use them to uplift and encourage. I also have a workbook and programs for the new book. Both books are available on my website: thedrlindacom, barnesandnoble.com, and amazon.com.

Angel N. Livas

THE WOMAN UPLIFTING BLACK CREATOR’S VOICES

Picture it: you’re a young, respected professional working your dream job—side by side with media industry icons, donning a work badge boasting the logo of global television networks. From a distance, it certainly looks like the American dream.

It seems unfathomable that a person with all of that going would somehow end up feeling incomplete, right?

We’ll get there…

Angel N. Livas is a veteran television, radio and entertainment executive whose resume holds over 20 years of history from Bloomberg Television, NBC, DC local terrestrial radio stations and more.

Always rooted in education, she attended the prestigious HBCU,  Howard University—where she studied rigorously and earned her undergraduate degree in Broadcast Journalism.  From there, she advanced her academic portfolio, enrolling at American University and obtaining a master’s degree in interactive journalism, specifically in Public Affairs.

Of course her determination made her a hot commodity on the entertainment production landscape. As a budding, African-American woman in a field dominated by men and executives of other races, she remained acutely aware that she had a birds eye view of an opportunity that many of her classmates and childhood friends would only see on the big screen. Her pride was deep, and she nurtured a silent responsibility to make a positive impact.

I felt it in my soul that my one word was ALIVE.

Fast forward to her time as a production manager at a major radio station.

A staple radio show headlined by a popular Black host had gotten canceled. Surely this was devastating to the host, but there were residual casualties that would also surface.

A young man had written in to express that he had recently been diagnosed with anxiety and depression, right around the time the show initially aired. He outlined how he couldn’t afford therapy and that the show had indirectly and delightfully become his therapy session. It became his weekly accountability partner and he raised the questions, “What am I supposed to do now that this show no longer exists? I can’t afford therapy. What should I do? Who cares about the people who have really tapped into this show and really thrive from the content?”

That consumer exchange was a pivotal moment and Angel realized that her career successes were not just about station revenues and salaries. Knowing how advertising rates and narrow-minded talent scouts dictate mass content reach, her spidey senses activated. If money and lack of exposure prohibited Black content creators and disappointed the audiences looking for relatable content, who could step forward to alleviate this? How could these creators keep going? What could be done to help them monetize? That’s when her entrepreneurship ignited a full-fledged vision.

As she strategized on how to be an agent for positive change, she continued to reach new heights in her corporate career. She worked as a producer on the Larry King radio show after his departure from CNN. She also worked with Jane Pauley

in collaboration with the Today’s Show, on a callin radio segment called, “Your Life Calling.”

In 2022, she founded The ALIVE Podcast Network, headquartered in Washington, DC. As part of that leap, she backed several independent creators including reality TV star and Grammy nominated singer, Tamar Braxton’s podcast, Under Construction.

Angel shared the unique history about establishing the network’s name:

“I read a book by Evan Carmichael called One Word. The premise is that one word was essentially supposed to sum up who you are and what your purpose is in life. After completing all of the interactive exercises, I felt it in my soul that my one word was alive.”

During phase one of the network’s launch, she utilized her earned experiences as a producer and fused them with her natural ability to identify a long-overdue industry change.

You could call her a conscious disruptor—and chances are that she’d smile with a humble, agreeable nod. ALIVE is aptly recognized and publicized as the home of Black Voices— where community, culture and creativity are nurtured. Their mission is to amplify the reach of content created by Black creators for Black audiences. The network is laser focused on helping talent to monetize their content, while also ensuring professional distribution.

So, one might ask how is podcasting so different from radio? In a nutshell, radio regulations are more stringent. You have to adhere to inflexible FCC guidelines, sponsor break time

regulations, commercial placements and more. On the flip side of the listener’s coin, podcasting highlights a universal freedom to listen to and conduct shows without ads, restrictions or rigid behind the scenes protocols. Many praise podcasting as an uninterrupted, candid conversation on the audience topic of choice, when they choose. To date, the network houses ____ of shows led by a colorful range of hosts, tackling everything from science and cyber security to dating nightmares and financial stability. It’s impossible to get bored with their exclusively curated lineup. On any given day you could stumble upon a host that you saw on your favorite TV show the night before!

Undertaking such a large launch might be daunting to some, but the dividends from Team ALIVE’s hard work started to pay off…almost immediately.

“A few weeks after we launched, we won a Communicator Award for one of our flagship shows. After only five months in operation, the network was nominated for an NAACP Image Award. We have grown exponentially, now managing over 12x the number of shows we had at inception.” —Angel

N. Livas

In her role as founder, Angel has worked alongside her co-founder Yusuf Henriquez and other C-Suite executives to catapult the brand’s visibility and financial backing. The network was inducted into the TechStars portfolio five months after launch. Under Angel’s direction, the network has also secured a coveted Google ambassadorship and forged a commercial partnership with iHeart radio—with Angela Yee as the voice of all headlining advertisements.

During the latter part of 2022, ALIVE launched a junior division (ALIVE Junior), which features young adults and high school students who are creating their own, age appropriate podcasts. Their first year ended on a high note as all platform content was approved for streaming on both iOS and Android apps.

With a bright future ahead, the company’s educational trajectory is to continue to enlighten more people of color about the on-demand conveniences of podcasts, and creators on the business of podcasting and how to convert their talents into residual income. If featured content encompasses information, innovation or inspiration, it just might find a permanent home on the platform.

Bringing awareness to both sides creates support and revenue generating opportunities that benefit the culture on their own

terms. Pioneering women like Angel are standing up to the attempted limitations on Black reach.

“20 years ago would not have been the time for this platform. 10 years ago, would not have been the time for this platform. Our time is now and content for us, by us is not only possible, it’s right here with us.”

So, what are the perks of joining ALIVE Network as a creator?

The network offers foundational elements including, brand consultations, public relations services, production services and distribution to Apple IHeart, Spotify, Pandora, Audible, and Alexa. All for a yearly business fee of $350. Yearly creator memberships include a quarterly mastermind session where hosts can virtually join forces for creative cipher sessions. The company goes above and beyond to make sure hosts and shows get visibility and have every resource available to enhance their individual successes.

As a bonus, we asked Angel to share her top 3 tips for creatives looking to take the leap into professional podcasting:

• Be consistent! Don’t say you want to do something, and then avoid the work to get it done properly.

• If you’re going to record on your own, make sure you invest in quality equipment. Start with a good microphone!

• Don’t pick a topic that you’re the only person in the world that cares about it. Cover topics that someone else cares about. Keep in mind that you want your listeners to walk away feeling better about what you’re sharing. That’s powerful!

ALIVE executives and hosts have been featured in Sheen magazine, iHeartRadio, Audacity Radio, Ted Talks, NBC and highlighted in Forbes.

What started as one disgruntled listener planting a seed, turned into a global reaching platform that WILL change the landscape of how people receive, distribute, access and ultimately respect the importance of Black content without societal boundaries.

For more information on Angel N. Livas and to subscribe to the ALIVE Podcast Network please visit: alivepodcastnetwork. com/

One vault, one community at a time

Sonia Booker

CREATING GENERATIONAL WEALTH THROUGH REAL ESTATE INVESTING

Sonia Booker is the CEO at Sonia Booker Enterprises (SBE). Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, SBE serves as the parent company for her real estate holdings and businesses. With over 20 years of experience, Sonia has developed and managed over $200 million in single-family, condominium, multi-family and commercial property.

Initially inspiring the world with a philosophy of ‘One dollar, one decision at a time,’ this mantra morphed into ‘One vault, one community at a time,’ and has established SBE as a progressive and inclusive company of the future. SBE epitomizes the perfect blend of inspiration, creativity and visionary thinking that has earned them national acclaim.

Early Days

Her legacy began in 1999, when the Mississippi born- and rearedSonia took a leap of faith and moved to Atlanta; she left Dalla s, and her first and only job at JCPenney, shortly after completing her M.B.A.  She accepted a position with Allstate Insurance Company because it struck her as an unconventional opportunity to work in the insurance industry. Starting work as a life insurance coordinator, within a year Sonia seized an opportunity to become the youngest agency owner. She was one of the most decorated agents running her own agency and did so for five years before selling the business for a profit.

Sonia tells a story in her latest book, Living Legacy: Purpose, Passion and Prosperity, about how most people are shocked when she says that she had to eat peanut butter sandwiches for a year before she began to see any profits from her business. “I remember thinking about what the most filling and healthy option for me was to save money. The goal was to make sure that I had at least $20 a week in my pocket for gas; no eating out, no splurging. The only thing that I knew during these times was that failure was not an option.”

Real Estate Bound

Sonia showed an early passion for real estate when she was exposed to the construction business through her grandfather and uncle. First keeping books, then graduating to picking up supplies, before long, she was getting her hands dirty. She recalls being about twelve-years old when she knew that she wanted to be an entrepreneur, although that wasn’t the name being used at that time. It was more of a feeling of being independent and in control of her own destiny. She enjoyed going on “business trips” with her grandfather, whether going into the city to peddle produce, picking up burial policy payments or rental income, she often reflects on this these times as preparation.

Dabbling in real estate investment while an agent, she started investing with another agent, who was also a contractor. After partnering successfully on more than ten deals, she knew that it was time to go full-time into investing. Sonia

used the funds from the sale of her agency and went all-in. She started by purchasing single-family residential properties. With some great successes and a few failures under her belt, she took scrupulous notes; she knew, one day, she would be sharing her experiences and never wanted people to make the same mistakes that she made. Turning around several wayward deals is what led Sonia to write her first book, Real Estate and Wealth: Investing In The American Dream. This book became an Essence Magazine Best-Seller in 2005. Around this time, Sonia had the great fortune to meet the legendary real estate giant, the late Herman J. Russell, Sr. The two would form a mentoring partnership that spanned almost twelve years. A revised edition of the book doubled its previous success when released in 2011 after the Great Real Estate Recession. Sonia followed up this book with Self Wealth For Women: An Inspirational Book and Journal. This book sparked a movement of women who wanted more, who desired to build wealth.

Living Legacy

Sonia wrote the book Living Legacy: Purpose, Passion and Prosperity as a way to celebrate her life and to remind herself and others that we are building our legacy every day. Legacy doesn’t start once you die, which is how most people think about the word. The reality is that we are all filled with purpose, yet most of our potential is never realized. “Every day, I hope that I have said something or done something to

Make up: So Chevon Photography: L.DEVLIN Photography

help someone to reach their full potential. I believe that real estate and entrepreneurship are the two best ways to build wealth and leave a legacy. So, I dedicate my life to fulfilling these goals for myself and others.” says Sonia.

Sonia’s investment selections, and later holdings, are often birthed out of seeing deep need or despair in the world. “There has never been a company that I started or invested in that I didn’t connect with very deeply,” says Sonia. That is why, when Sonia and SBE evaluate a project, each person and each company involved is a labor of love. It is the company’s goal to ensure that its message of inspiration, information and empowerment gets out in the world.

Today SBE is a one-of-a-kind company for real estate and wealth building education, entrepreneurship, youth empowerment, beauty, and film and music production. SBE believes that our greatest work is done through building people, investing in the future of education and the Creative Industry. We are proud that we are a company that bridges gaps between real estate, our vaults of talent and community. These traits are what make us the powerhouse organization that we are.

Sonia lives in Atlanta and is currently working in impact investing, as she and her team re-imagine affordable housing within the southeast. She enjoys traveling, homeschooling her teenage son and having unique experiences.

Currently Sonia is the CEO of 16th Street Equity Group, a company dedicated to re-imagining affordable housing. With over 20 years of experience, she has developed and managed over $200 million in single-family, condominium, multi-family and commercial property. Sonia’s areas of expertise include all aspects of construction, development and building exit teams.

Her hands-on approach to building is what makes Sonia’s talents stand out on the field. She’s not afraid to get her hands dirty, working solo on some of her earlier single-family

properties. Mentored and groomed by the late Herman J. Russell, Sr., Sonia embraces real estate project creativity. She has developed some of the most innovative strategies in the marketplace.

As an entrepreneur, Sonia has successfully started, sold and currently maintains four businesses including a hub for film production, known as Studio House Atlanta, located in the heart of downtown. She has created tools and systems that provide critical financial and operational information and has invested in half a dozen womenled startups. In addition, she has helped hundreds of newly formed and veteran entrepreneurs position their businesses for success through her work with the Georgia Micro Enterprise Network (GMEN). Recently, Sonia worked to launch a revolutionary approach to helping women learn and own a place in the $78 billion dollar wine industry through WOW Brands International.

Sonia has served on numerous boards past and present, she has been highly recognized for her work on the YWCA Greater Atlanta serving over seven years. Most recently she was selected to be the first Black female chair of the East Point Georgia Downtown Development Authority, currently overseeing a $111 million ground-breaking mixed-use project.

Honored as a Top 100 Black Women of Influence by the Atlanta Business League over the last eight years, Sonia has authored three books, including the Essence Best-Selling book, “Real Estate & Wealth: Investing in the American Dream.” A media personality recently featured on the cover of Women of Wealth and Real Atlanta Women Magazines, Sonia has been featured in O, the Oprah Magazine, Entrepreneur magazine, Black Enterprise, Think Realty, Atlanta Business Chronicle and she has appeared on numerous platforms sharing wealth building and real estate information, including ABC, Fox and NBC.

Sonia holds a Bachelor of Science degree, with a Marketing concentration, from the University of Southern Mississippi, and a M.B.A from the University of Dallas.

Her Excellency Dr. Justina Mutale

THE ART OF ICONIC LEADERSHIP

“ This book is making a timely debut at a significant moment in world history, a time in which issues of gender parity, and the empowerment of women, are taking their pride of place in global discourse. At a time in which female leaders are emerging as a formidable force to reckon with on the global political landscape,” Senator Donzella James, State Senate of Georgia

Her Excellency Dr Justina Mutale is a Stateswoman Extraordinaire. She is a powerful woman, who has consistently championed women leaders from all over the world. Her book, ” The Art of Iconic Leadership: Power Secrets of Female Word Leaders” is timely and tells the moving and innovative stories of many inspirational women leaders. Justina also demonstrates the leadership qualities she writes about - namely Vision, Passion, Self/ belief, Charisma, Empathy, Influence, Strength, & Flexibility, all much needed in today’s global virtual and diverse world.

“When you meet a person of conviction you are struck by their aura.  Such was the case when I first met Dr Mutale in Dubai. Through subsequent conversations it became increasingly clear that Dr Mutale is destined to lead,” Alex Goslar, International Branding Expert, Bangkok

Justina is the sole winner of the MANDELA 100 Prize. On being presented with the Prize, Justina was praised for her Mandela-like attributes. The fact she does not run any country, nor is she actively involved in politics does not make her any less the Stateswoman that she is. Named as one of Africa’s most respected names, well-known faces, and influential voices, Justina is a true Stateswoman who is changing the game, changing the rules and changing the future.

Justina has been hailed as one of the 21st century new leaders and influencers of our time, who are challenging what we have known for ages, challenging the stereotypes, challenging the norms and creating their own reality, which resonates with the needs of people around them. She is one of the 21st century leaders who lead by maximising resources around them to create powerful ripple effects that are changing lives around the world, using the power of her gifting, vision and creativity.

“Dr Mutale is a towering icon of exceptional repose, a woman of inestimable value, a caring and influential heroine, one that exemplifies high standards, ethics, care and unalloyed support for women, values and human dignity,” African ViewPoint Journal

Justina has for years consistently advocated for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. In 2012, she was named ‘African Woman of the Year’. She is Founder and President of the Justina Mutale Foundation, through which she advocates for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in political participation and economic empowerment by providing leadership and entrepreneurship training, mentorship and coaching. She also advocates for the retention and completion of tertiary education for young women from rural and disadvantaged families in Africa by providing them with scholarships to access tertiary education around the world.

She previously worked in the gender section of the Commonwealth Secretariat and has been a consistent delegate, speaker and parallel event convener at global forums that address political, economic, social, African and gender issues. She leads and serves on various boards of commercial, humanitarian and charitable organizations across the globe, and has been honored with numerous international awards, honors and accolades for her outstanding leadership qualities.

The Art of Iconic Leadership is a remarkable groundbreaking book on female leadership, in which Justina intellectually celebrates the emerging power of female world leaders on the global political landscape. Drawing richly from an early background of strong feminine influence that shaped her belief that women are the backbone of society and the world’s most potent force, Justina Mutale submits that women also have the power to lead the world and mold it for better outcomes in the evolution of mankind. She drives home the valid point that women are such naturalborn leaders because of a strong sense of community which they cultivate by engaging at a very emotional level with their community in all they are able to do within the narrow corridors of opportunity that are available to them in a male-dominated society.

To that end, she chronicles the remarkable achievements of a few brilliant women leaders that have employed mostly soft leadership skills to unleash remarkable transformation in their

own lives and those of others, using the instrumentality of sheer industry, uncommon courage, unrivaled compassion and indomitability of spirit. Essentially, this book aims to inspire and motivate a new generation of women leaders all over the world through the stories of these iconic leaders who have made the world a kinder and fairer place with their brilliant personalities, ideas, and achievements.

“This book on female leadership, is both timely and apt at a time where issues of gender equality and empowerment are now threaded into every conversation in international discourse,” Baroness Sandip K. Verma, Member of the House of Lords & UN Women Chairperson, UK Chapter

The Art of Iconic Leadership is a celebration of the formidable combination of captivating feminine beauty, the strength of personality, and outstanding leadership skills to transform lives with uncommon courage, and amazing compassion that is described through the lives in this great book. Each chapter morphs from theory into real-life - the replay of historical female leaders, who emanate those same vital traits and ends with recommendations for the development of those traits in the read. The role models are well-chosen.

By Chapter Three, the reader is caught by the anger and frustration that gave birth to Justina’s Foundation, which turned this book from a theoretical read on leadership to one where the reader would be enrolled in the mission. This book is so well written that the reader forgets they are reading a book. The book feels like a much more insightful and intimate experience than that.

Being an iconic leader herself, Justina ensures that she creates other iconic leaders through empowering young women and girls with education, leadership capacity building, and providing scholarships for underprivileged girls to obtain tertiary education in good institutions around the globe. It’s great to glean wisdom nuggets from someone who is walking the talk. The Art of Iconic Leadership is highly recommended to anyone who has ever thought of becoming a great leader to tap into the life-changing wisdom, strategy, and nuggets shared therein.

The book is in major bookstores, airport, E-Book platforms and at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Art-IconicLeadership-Secrets-Leaders/dp/1784529281

Be in this world, but not of this world.

Dr Yugandrie Maharaj

AMBASSADOR OF AFRICAN ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT

“And then a hero comes along; with the strength to carry on. And you cast your fears aside, and you know you can survive. So, when y ou feel like hope is gone, look inside you and be strong. And you’ll finally see the truth, that a hero lies in you.” –

Mariah Carey, American singer and songwriter

The world is in dire need of superheroes who will ensure remarkable transformational shifts in their own lives and in the lives of others. At no time in the eventful history of mankind has there been so many opportunities for advancement on the individual and collective levels. In an age in which first class performance is in fervent demand, there can be no excuse for anything less. For that reason, the hero in each one of us must advocate strongly for the pursuit of the heroic transformational change that will liberate humanity from the shackles of ignorance and mediocrity. This is my story.

Humble Beginnings

My quest to discover my own inner superhero commenced with my difficult upbringing. I was the eldest in a family of three children who were raised by a simple, humble woman in the tense atmosphere created by an alcoholic father. My family had to endure despairing and dispiriting grinding poverty occasioned by unemployment, unimaginable domestic abuse, personal health issues, and the rather incapacitating social limitations placed on my parents by the Apartheid regime in South Africa. Apartheid was a system of institutionalized racial segregation characterized by an authoritarian political culture that ensured that South Africa was dominated through a systematic and institutional form of minority rule.

I rather precociously, at the age of thirteen, decided to become a feisty participant and activist in the anti-apartheid struggle.

With the wisdom of insight, I am now in a better position to appreciate the enormous risk I took at such a tender age, to wear the toga of a human rights activist, and join in the fight against the cruel and unjust apartheid system. I was so committed to my purpose of fighting for the political and economic freedom of my people that I ended up sacrificing the sweet innocence of youth hastening my evolution into adulthood.

Embarking on The Road of Life

The road of life can be long and arduous. I arrived at the wisdom that, while I could never totally master life, I could, at the very least, learn to love life to perfection. I resolved to find the love that was embedded within me and quickly discovered that the only way to achieve this seemingly Herculean feat was to hearken to the words in one of the most beautiful prayers ever offered by the Son of Man, in which He alluded to the eternally relevant phrase, “Be in this world, but not of this world.”

With my Creator’s glory beaming its grace upon me, I completed my legal studies, graduating with a law degree. However, even before I became an attorney, I was appointed into a position as one of three provincial managers to run the first cycle of historic elections in South Africa. The election

took place under the direction of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), the institution responsible for running and administering free and fair elections.

I worked closely with leaders of different political parties, and I can declare, with all the pride, yet with all the humility at my disposal, that President Nelson Mandela was most impressed with all that I accomplished at that critical period of the emergence of a new South Africa. The Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), Lawyers for Human Rights, under the directorship of Anne Skeleton, was equally impressed. Two years after those landmark elections, the African National Congress (ANC), nominated me for local city council elections in the central ward of my city. I consider myself extremely and uncommonly fortunate to have had the rare privilege of working at such close quarters with this great leader. Nelson Mandela worked from a place of the rare combination of unimpeachable integrity and unassailable truth, both of which are principles I have always resonated with.

By virtue of my short stint in formal politics, I developed an expansive network of associates amongst leaders in the rural areas of South Africa. I served the rural communities by providing over 100,000 meals to them. After this exhilarating excursion in politics, I shifted gear into the formal legal sector gaining experience in Family & Divorce Family Law, Commercial Law, Insolvency Law, Criminal and Civil

Litigation, as well as Conveyancing. I have achieved nothing short of roaring success with my conveyancing law firm, YMi (Yugandrie Maharaj Incorporated). As a South African attorney, I have been able to meritoriously attain the highest designation in legal practice; one that is only earned by less than 1% of female attorneys in the entire country.

A Journey Like No Other

My purpose now is to embrace a life mission in which I am irrevocably committed to helping empower South Africans who find themselves in similar circumstances through building initiatives such as International Association of Human Values, Saree for Change and Life For A Purpose. I have partnered with local municipalities to transform communities by awakening the spirituality of the people, so that they can tap into their deep reserves of potential, exploit their innate gifts and talents, and develop their entrepreneurial skills.

Along my own journey I have taken two proactive steps. The first step was to decisively come out of my comfort zone. There is a self-imposed prison called ‘Comfort Zone.’ where, not only is the average individual the prisoner, but he is also the jailer, for the simple reason that he is in possession of the key to a freedom he is surprisingly unwilling to pursue. The second step I have taken in my life, and which I still consistently take, is to insinuate myself into a gap as soon as I see one. I like to shake things up.

A Woman of Incomparable Influence

I am an internationally certified John Maxwell Leadership Coach, a Doctor of Humane Letters, an Ambassador for the Trinity International University of Ambassadors, a global Ambassador for the Women of Wealth Magazine and a director of the Global Women Empowerment Organization. As a transformational coach, I have shared the stage with influential speakers like Tony Robbins, T. Ecker and J.T Foxx and have also attended many prestigious international events with Coach Nido Quebin. I have won prestigious awards for philanthropy, and for my role as an Ambassador for African economic empowerment. I am a recipient of a Presidential Award of Service from the President of The United States and have been honored with a Resolution from The State of Georgia. The South African Sunday Tribune Newspaper honored me as a South African Hero.

I have succeeded in building a strong personal brand that has empowerment and transformation as its key drivers and that passion has found expression in my seminar series, “7 Steps To Becoming A Superhero; otherwise called 7 Steps To Self-Mastery.”

Enter The Wealth Elevation Academy

I am fortunate to join the faculty at the prestigious Wealth Elevation Academy, with its eminent array of distinguished and accomplished experts. The Academy was founded

by the renowned and redoubtable Dr Lei Lewis, a Leader and Influencer in Business and Entrepreneurship in the United States. She is also an Icon of the Fourth Estate as CEO & Publisher of Women of Wealth Magazine. Wealth Elevation Academy offers top-notch training and resources for entrepreneurs who wish to start their own businesses. Boasting an expansive, all-embracing, cross-disciplinary and thoroughly inclusive curriculum, WEA aims to teach you how to start a business on your own terms, grow it into a multimillion-dollar empire, and live the life of your dreams.

I will be facilitating a course called, “How To Grow And Expand Your Business Into Global Markets.” This course provides participants with the tools and knowledge that will empower them to propel their businesses into the global arena. I intend to employ my expertise in business and commercial law to help South African women business owners, and black-owned small businesses, to position their companies globally. I want to encourage them to step out of their own comfort zones and become disruptors.

Conclusion

Right from my youth, I have developed a capacity for refusing to play it safe. The common denominator amongst the generality is the tendency to play it safe. Most people are either willing only to, at the best, play in familiar territory, or at the worst, maintain fidelity to the evil that they know, or can see. Yet, beyond this crippling comfort zone often lies the field of infinite possibilities in which may ultimately be found potentials for advancement on a scale that most people cannot even begin to imagine. They are unwilling to trade what they can see for what they cannot see, in total ignorance of the fact that the greatest of life’s dividends often lie hidden in treasure troves that have remained unexplored for centuries.

May the ultimate sacrifice of the Son of Man; Him who is also known as the Prince of Peace, infuse your life with the inspiration, and the new hope, to continue to follow the path of courage, truth and redemption all the days of your life. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Yugandrie Maharaj is an eminently qualified and highly skilled conveyancing attorney. She is also a gutsy humanitarian, and a dynamic transformational speaker, coach and facilitator. She is a disruptor of note, and a formidable South African woman of tremendous influence with a global following. She is happily married to dynamic business entrepreneur, Suren Maharaj, and they have two daughters who are becoming success stories in their own right.

Ambassador Maharaj can be reached at 0027828572838. yugandrie@yma1.co.za

Dr. Almas Jiwani

UNLEASH THE POWER WITHIN

Almas Jiwani when asked what her favorite motto to inspire women, she was not at a loss for words. In fact, the question should perhaps be - what are her favorite mottos, because actually two come to mind. The first one being: “Values are the principal th ing. Value yourself, be yourself – value your good values.” Just to explain values a bit further, what Almas mean is to operate with love, ethics and compassion. These three components should pervade every aspect of one’s life. Being generous, Standing up for what is right, raising good children, educating and nourishing them, keep them in good health, helping the poor, the elderly and the sick, and loving one’s self. Be your authentic self. Almas believes one should always determine to be a dispenser of love and goodwill and do not necessarily dance to the rhythm created by others.

The second motto is “We all possess power within that is simply waiting to be unleashed and women should recognize this inside themselves.”This motto is even truer when one speak about what must be done for gender equality in the world. This question seems to be never ended and won’t be until equality is met. Almas sees the issue of gender parity is primarily a human rights issue. If we delve deep into the subject, we will discover that the primary problem is that women are not considered as human as men. She believes that empowering women is the fundamental step that must be taken first in tackling this issue of gender equality.

Values are the principal thing. Value yourself, be yourself  — value your good values.

The factors to consider are economic, political and cultural. With regard to cultural norms and policies for instance, it is imperative to sift through the underlying values governing various cultures and make a distinction between the values that are progressive and those that are retrogressive. The idea is to create a level playing field for all genders so we must determine which values favor that. Almas also completely endorse the idea of having women all over the world coming together in international women’s forums where you have policy-makers such as academics, governments, nongovernmental organizations, corporations and supranational organizations, all voicing their expertise in bridging gaps in equality. But one, has to start someone where and that start is usually with leadership.

Over the years we have seen how women make great leaders. We all can name at least one woman that comes to mind. Though women can be more vocal, especially those within public service, the better. So why don’t we see more women in position over power? Again, the environments these women are operating in have to be also developing in a corresponding manner so that their voices may have even more legitimacy. However, women leaders should address all problems in their communities and not just problems related to women, because that would result in confining their outlook and growth.

The number of women leaders we currently have is not enough. But there is progress both in politics and business about the number of female leaders and managers. For total social justice in the world, each nationality, each

gender or each belief must have a voice in political arena. What do you think about it? In this context, we must first identify and define ‘justice’. What is just? Anyone can have a strong voice but do their ideals center on the public good and consensus building? Are they based on human rights, economic development and protection of the individual? If a certain belief is going to stand in the way of progress, progress towards equality for all, then these beliefs have to be re-evaluated. This is where conferences become important cornerstones for identifying what is interfering with progress and in turn identifying consensus-based policies for the future.

Besides gender equality, the differences between men and women are also important when we think about the place of women in business life. For example, women raise children and cannot often find flexible jobs that are suitable for their life. Sometimes working 6 days per week wear out women because of their family life. Business life is intolerant and in many countries government don’t find enough resolutions. What can be done for this situation? What Almas Jiwani has just accurately described are severely patriarchal arrangements in societies of male dominance and historical power relations within the family where women have always been considered weaker and subordinate. The woman’s place in this scenario is at home. This kind of patriarchal thinking has been carried forward into organizational policies and is very restrictive for women. Women cannot be held hostage to complex social arrangements that perpetuate unproductive and rigid traditions.

Almas is all for the promotion of women’s rights movements against residual patriarchal thinking. This is another reason why she also encourages women to improve their skill sets in our current fast-paced and competitive market to ensure their relevance and meaningful contribution at all levels of society. We should be mindful not to be rigid and let women in. Imagine the developmental progress a society makes when a hundred percent of its adult population is being productive in one way or another. Women have a lot to contribute to any society. Besides, it is also crucial for every individual, man or woman to realize that performing household tasks and raising children are extremely significant and productive jobs. The single most significant step towards gender parity would be eliminating the mindset that these jobs are less important only because more women than men are doing them. This and given the immense progress in this era of unprecedented globalization, one of the biggest problems that women face is being marginalized and left behind in the development curve. Women in so many countries are still oblivious to the potential and capacity that they carry as they find themselves trapped in rigid traditional societies that stifle their potential and leave them underperforming.

In addition, women raise men and women continue in many ways violence against women by giving education to their sons. Another perpetual patriarchal structure we are all complicit in the never-ending traditionally unequal way of organizing societies. Almas says the only way to reverse the trend is to pull all the plugs out on education. We need to keep sounding the necessity to “educate, educate and educate”… educate all parties, those in authority but particularly even women should be made to understand that patriarchy has to be stopped. Women have to shift their self-perception so they can be mentally liberated because as long as nothing changes

in the way they think, nothing around them will ever change. Education is definitely our major weapon but this education will span on several levels. Therefore, Almas is committed to working with governments to facilitate the creation of policies and laws that will lay out the necessary groundwork across all spheres within the army, within industries and business at all levels.

Per UN’s Violence Against Women Act; “Any act of genderbased violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or mental harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life.” There are several variables that come into play that can be attributed to the reasons for violence against women. However, the underlying reason lies in Value Perception. Naturally, we treat with respect what we deem to have value. For instant, even with the innate objects around us that were expensive to acquire, we treat with respect because we appreciate the value of those objects. Unfortunately, from time immemorial, the perception of the value of women has been tampered with –through beliefs, religion, customs and traditions .Women have been, more or less considered a necessary evil that humanity has to put up with for the sake of progeny. They have been and continue to be viewed as sex-objects and are therefore treated as such, with the end result most often being violence. Women’s human rights are consistently violated by inequities based on political or religious agendas, such as laws that are biased by patriarchal forces in society. Social justice can only be realized when women are not having to face discriminatory policies. These kinds of policies attack the value of women. But it does not stop there. Violence due to unequal power relations is perpetual and a worldwide problem.

Healing Beyond the Sight:

UNDERSTANDING BODY, EMOTION AND HEALING

Our bodies hold on to emotions, even when we aren’t aware of it. Our subconscious selves have a hard time releasing emotional trauma, general anxieties, or ancestral wounds—sometimes, they need a bit of help through alternative healing so that you can release the pain that isn’t serving you or leading you into the life you’ve always wanted says Julianne Ford. “Therefore, I’m here to help you reinvent, redefine, and rediscover yourself.”

I found Ford to be a fascinating woman to engage in conversation, and I mean a conversation that takes you there. It takes you to places that you prefer not to go. There was so much that I wanted to learn from her but at the same time realizing that time would not permit me to go all the way in. I quickly realized that was a conversation for another time and another place. So, we proceeded to dive into the interview. Which was in and of itself so beyond. I asked her,

What are some indicators that one needs energy healing?

JF: There are so many indicators on why one might need energy healing, for example, Feeling stuck, unable to move forward, exhibiting a short fuse—gets angry easily, physical pain— headache/migraine, joint pain, digestion issues. Negative selftalk/negative attitude, depression, anxiety, fear—fight or flight response. Trauma, Mental, Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual. I could go on and on but the truth is—all of these are indicators that you need to restore positive energy within the body.

I Julianne, ask for divine protection and a divine connection to pour source consciousness.

I was certainly intrigued. Tell us more about the different levels of energy healing and their importance.

JF: First, we must understand the difference of how negative emotions can affect your body:

Mentally: The body can experience chronic conditions and long-lasting effects from negative emotions like fear, anxiety, irritability, anger, and sadness. You experience self-disconnection, which can lead to mental confusion, impairment of your ability to think clearly, and to depression. Isolation, lack of ambition, and a lack of social desire can be experiences due to excessive stress. Your mind is unable to silence the voice that keeps you in the fight-or-flight response. The mind hinders the body’s ability to determine when it is safe to turn off its psychological and physiological reactions. Your mind keeps the focus on feelings past the point when they should be welcomed.

Physically: Negative emotions can create a physical imbalance which can slow down the body’s natural ability to heal and to release the emotions naturally. This can create high blood pressure, acute and chronic inflammation, joint pain, skin irritation, etc. Minor and major illnesses are also liable to occur.

Emotionally: Negative emotions can cause you to feel unsafe, unloved, and experience a lack of confidence. Emotional stress can be triggered by various exposures, including major life changing events. Our subconscious mind can play a reverberation of negative emotions and over time we come to believe these negative emotions to be true.

Spiritually: Negative emotions can make you feel spiritually disconnected. Whether or not you are a person of faith, we all have a spiritual component to us. The loss of, or the diminishment of, individual spiritual wellness can be debilitating.

I offer alternative methods of wellness. Energy Healing is one of the more common methods I use. I like to pair that with The AO Scan. The AO Scan Device is a body scanner,

biofeedback device, frequency generator, and educational tool. With Six programs, it identifies energetic imbalances in the body by comparing them to blueprint frequencies that have been identified as the optimal vibration for every human. The device then generates balancing frequencies to help guide the body to homeostasis.

I also offer a new phototherapy technology to my clients that are looking for another way to help their overall health and well-being. This new historic breakthrough in Stem Cell activation can help you look younger, feel younger and live longer. This new wearable technology is in patch form and will activate the copper peptide GHK-CU and redesign 4000 gene cells to a more youthful state. This helps with reducing pain, reduces inflammation, wound healing, anti-aging and more.

That was awesome, now tell us, what are some health issues connected with holding onto negative energy or negative emotions?

JF: Emotions play a key role in our overall health and wellbeing. Having trapped negative energy in the body can lower the effectiveness of your immune system, cause stress and physical tension in the body, and anxiousness, high blood pressure, and perhaps lower resistance to disease. Holding on to negative emotions can cause depression, anger, and distress during life’s challenging events. Furthermore, negative emotions and negative energy can possibly cause serious health issues over time, and even result in death if not treated properly.

After one goes through a session of energy healing, how do you teach them to properly process their emotions moving forward?

JF: It’s very important that each of my clients understand the processing of emotions, through a 4 step process:

Notice: What is it like for you when you recognize you are feeling a negative emotion?

Allow: Once you notice an emotion and/or sensation are there, do you allow yourself to feel the emotion?

Explore: Why are the emotions coming up and what are you doing to learn from the experience?

Validate: Thank the emotions for showing up and tell the emotion you are no longer needed.

This process takes time to learn, as is the reprogramming of the mind itself. I ask all my clients to keep a journal during and well after our sessions have ended to capture the event, and their feelings, thoughts, emotions, etc. In addition, journaling is a way of expressing and letting go of ideas and emotions. It is an effective therapeutic technique. Writing in a journal can help you let go of these thoughts and allow you to process your feelings in a way like talking to someone about your experiences, feelings, and emotions.

Why doesn’t the medical community put an emphasis on healing in this form?

JF: What I do know is that the medical community is working very hard. They were trained a certain way and that is the only way they know how to be. They are cautious with the lack of any new expertise and remain in their safety zone. There are some medical doctors that are aware that something needs to change and they are looking into more tradition and natural methods to help their patients. We need the medical community, and energy healing would be very beneficial for them to adopt and use. We need their help.

While you were speaking, I notice your concern about the trauma and past experiences that we hold on to thereby allowing them to fester into disease and discomfort. Since these things are better taught young, what can parents do now to teach their children how to properly process emotions? Also, do you think, one can develop healthy patterns in their adulthood?

JF: Emotional control is a learned trait. Parents themselves should understand the experiencing of emotions and which responses are appropriate. For example, a toddler who demonstrates anger by yelling, and kicking and screaming, has not yet mastered the ability to control deeper emotions. Parents need to be aware and capable of teaching these processes. This takes us back to how we process emotions. When a parent recognizes they are feeling emotions and learns to examine and process them, they will be able to pass the same learning process on to their children, with the right amount of instruction given at the proper stages of child development.

What advice would you give to those that are skeptical about this form of healing?

JF: For example, when potential clients ask me for specific information about the stem cell phototherapy patches, I first provide them with a series of educational videos that they can reference. In addition, I direct them to the website for research findings and clinical studies. I also encourage them to research other forms of stem cell replacement research that will validate the findings.

I personally experienced different kinds of pain that I could not find solutions for. I tried herbal replacements that did not work. I was introduced to the stem cell phototherapy patches, and I tried them. Bottom line: they worked for me, and I am a believer. I introduced them to my husband, and they worked for him. I have several other family members that have tried the product with equally positive results. I tell my potential clients that if these patches worked for us, that I am confident that they will work for them.

As a spiritual person yourself, taking on everyone’s energy, how do you keep yourself grounded and why is it important to you to pray before and after each energy healing session?

JF: It is very important to utilize our spirit guidance in each energy healing session. For those who believe in the Christian God as I do, praying connects us on a faith level and creates a much deeper level of religious peace, at the beginning of each session I ask my client if I may pray with them or over them. I have never had a client rejected my offer.

As an example of an opening prayer, I would typically say: “I Julianne, ask for divine protection and a divine connection to pour source consciousness. I am a clear conduit of pure organic white-light energy to flow through me and I receive all answers through this channel. All fears, misconceptions, and misinformation about the nature of this work are neutralized now…” (E.E.R site by Jessica J. Evans)

For More Information: Juliesessentials1@gmail.com

Alternative Health & Wellness Coach

615-986-8155

www.juliannefordllc.com

www.facebook.com/julianne.ford.58

IG@Julianne_Queen_of_Comfort

A RIGHT WORTHY WOMAN

Ichose to write about the first African American Banker Woman after realizing this was a piece of history which had been hidden or forgotten, only to be remembered by those living in the Richmond Virginia area. In all the books I’ve written I have referred to this indomitable leader, in hopes of inspiring and informing the world of this remarkable leader, who excelled during the Jim Crow era. An astute senior editor at Simon and Schuster noticed her in my writings and asked if I would consider writing a work of fiction which included her story. I gracefully accepted and was elated my editor had not only recognized her in my novel, and felt she was as intriguing as I had.

Maggie Lena Walker was ambitious and unafraid. Her childhood in 19th-century Virginia helping her mother with her laundry service opened her eyes to the overwhelming discrepancy between the Black residents and her mother’s affluent white clients. She vowed to not only secure the same kind of home and finery for herself, but she would also help others in her community achieve the same.

With her single-minded determination, Maggie buckled down and went from schoolteacher to secretarytreasurer of the Independent Order of St. Luke, founder of a newspaper, a bank, and a department store where Black customers were treated with respect. With the help of influential friends like W.E.B. DuBois and Mary McLeod, she revolutionized Richmond in ways that are still felt today. Now, her rich, full story is revealed in this stirring and intimate novel.

Praises for A Right Worthy Woman, by Ruth P. Watson

“History that’s never been told is being shared by master storyteller Ruth Watson in such an epic way.”

– Brenda Jackson, New York Times bestselling author

“It is my distinct honor and pleasure to support this inspiring novel based on the life and times of Maggie Lena Walker, who was one of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority esteemed honorary members, inducted into our beloved organization in 1926.”

– Dr. Valerie Hollingsworth Baker, 25th International Centennial President of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc

“A character this richly complex and relentlessly determined deserves a place in the pantheon of great American entrepreneurs . . . Although our complicated racial history runs through this story, the author’s skill as a novelist makes Walker’s journey as enjoyable as it is inspiriting.”

“In A Right Worthy Woman, Watson lovingly crafts a jewel of a story to bring life back to Maggie Lena Walker—a genius Black financial wizard of Jim Crow–era Virginia. Readers will prize her amazing legacy as a welcome and crucial addition to the growing collection of historical fiction about unsung Black women’s lives.”

– Piper Huguley, author of By Her Own Design

“Watson has given us an extraordinary journey of a determined woman who, against the odds, reminds her community what can be accomplished when united around a common vision.”

– Kaia Alderson, author of Sisters in Arms

“Maggie’s story is one that needs to be told, not only to understand the past, but to inspire the present. Author Ruth P. Watson rivets the reader with rich period detail and emotional impact. A Right Worthy Woman is a literary journey to the deep and dark recesses of our history, one that we all would be better for taking.”

– Tracey Enerson Wood, author of The Engineer’s Wife

“Watson masterfully connects the reader to Maggie Lena Walker’s world in an impactful manner and gives voice to Walker’s innermost feelings and frustrations as she traversed the hazardous journey of being a Black woman, wife, mother, advocate, and entrepreneur in the Jim Crow South. This nineteenth century voice needs to be heard today in the twenty-first century!”

– Dr. Cassandra Stroud Conover, former District Attorney of Petersburg, Virginia

– Pearl Cleage, award-winning playwright and bestselling author of What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day

I think about the end results, and I keep motivating myself by telling myself, there is someone out there waiting to hear my story.

SEEING BEYOND THE ODDS:

An In-Depth Conversation with Visionary Lorna Blake

Ifound Lorna Blake to be a true visionary who’s passionate about leadership, success, personal/financial empowerment, and business growth. A dynamic and energetic International Speaker, she’s been described as “compelling,” “inspirational,” and “powerful.” In her interactive and engaging presentations. After overcoming many challenges in her childhood and early adult life she now lives her mission of traveling the world sharing a message that inspires others to rise from adversity, recognizes their power and live their lives on purpose.

Blake is the best-selling co-author of “Celebrating 365 Days of Gratitude”, The Art of Fear-Free Living, international best-selling author My Big Idea Book. In her 4th publication, No More Chains: Blake was also featured in a film/documentary of the same name. In addition, she has spoken at many conferences, seminars, and workshops internationally reaching thousands of people from different cultures. Lorna is a member of The Joh n Maxwell Coaching Team & is available for keynote speaking at events including business, professional, wellness & women’s empowerment conferences; youth leadership events, meetings, retreats, banquets, colleges, high schools, and other venues where you seek a motivational speaker.

The Interview

Blake is an international speaker, author, success coach, and real estate investor. She goes on to reiterate that she was not born with a silver spoon in her mouth. According to Blake, “I was born to my poor teenage mother on my grandparents’ farm in rural Jamaica. There was no running water, no electricity, no paved roads, and food was scarce. I grew up without my father and for the longest time, thought it was my fault. I was abused by my stepfather who came into my life when I was eight years old. From age 8 to 11, I experienced abuse and never told anyon e.”

I was stunned. Blake continued with her story “The abuse certainly clouded my life. I went to high school, finished high school in Jamaica, started a job, and moved to Canada alone when I was 19. During those years, I lived in a state of constant victimization and victimhood. It was only when I discovered some powerful spiritual leadership and prosperity principles that my life changed for good. I overcame some really incredible odds to graduate with an Honors Degree in Social Work while becoming a mom of two boys. From there I learned the importance of constantly re-inventing myself. Since then, I have lived and worked in five different countries. I have traveled to almost 20, and I’ve taught and inspired people across the globe. I’m also a travel enthusiast and was blessed to meet the love of my life while I was living and working in Asia. These days, Tampa Bay, Florida is home. I beamed, there is just no defeat when you believe with all your heart that God will certainly come looking for you when you are going through your darkest moments. This is such an awesome testimony, full of resilience. You mentioned being abused, I said. Let’s talk about some defining moments in your life. Some that sticks out and won’t ever go away. Without hesitation, she dived in. “Absolutely. And this is such a great question, and when I think of defining moments, I think of them as experiences that fundamentally changed me. here are a couple of them. Being abandoned by my father before I was born, coming up in poverty, being physically abused by my mother, and then sexually abused by a stepfather from age 8 to age 11. I kept that secret until I was age 25. All those things made me come

to rely on a power greater than myself from early on in my life. I could have been depressed, despondent, and in despair. But in those times when it was darkest, I learned to trust God and to have faith. I was always praying for miracles.”

As Blake was speaking, I could hear Jesus in her life. “Yes, she says, I became a deeply spiritual person from the time I was, around age 8. I was also very intuitive. I would listen and watch for signs of God leading me. Somewhere in there, I came to understand that there was a power greater than myself that was leading in my life. I would watch and listen. I could hear God’s voice and I wanted to know how I was going to get out of this. Always, I knew there had to be a way out. I just didn’t know how or when. I was watching and listening for signs, and I would dream up and visualize a new reality, where I was free, had more than enough, was loved and supported. I lived life always with that sense of wonder and awe even though I had gone through all of that.” Your story brings to my mind the song that Lee Ann Womack sang, When you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance. As I look at you now Lorna Blake, I know you danced. Good for you, now tell us about some other defining moments in your story.

Blake goes on to explain “I knew there was something more for me. Another key defining moment was moving to Canada alone as a young adult and how that changed me, I grew up very sheltered and didn’t have much life experience.

Moving to Canada alone without a support system or without family meant I had to learn to take care of myself. Before I left Jamaica, I had a good job just out of high school that paid me well, but I didn’t have any bills because I lived at home. So I didn’t know how to budget. Actually, part of my paycheck went to savings. The other part went to helping people in my community. I was part of a church community, and there were people who couldn’t pay their rent, and I would help them. From those early days, fresh out of high schools, I was helping take care of other people. So, when I got to Canada, the roles became reversed, there it was strangers who helped me. I also had moments where I couldn’t pay my rent, and I was practically homeless. I learned to trust in God more.”

You mentioned that you’ve had to reinvent yourself a couple of times. So. tell us about the times that you reinvented yourself. Describe the process and the reasoning behind it. “I reinvented myself too many times to count and the reasoning is that I am just always being called to step it up, to grow stronger, and to never get too comfortable with where I am always striving. There’s no arriving, I’m always striving, just never arriving. Some people might call it ambitious or driven, To give you an example, after arriving in Canada and struggling for about five years, I got a good job as an accounting clerk in an insurance company. It paid me well. I had flex time, I had great benefits. I could travel. I had some disposable income and by all accounts, I should have been satisfied with that but I wasn’t. Two years in, I got the nudge from God that I needed to go back to school and get a degree.

By this time, I was getting ready to have my first child, and some of my coworkers thought I was irresponsible. Here I am in a stable job and I’m looking now to leave a stable job to go back to school full-time when I was going to have my son to take care of. But I didn’t allow that to deter me, and five years later, after graduating from my degree program, I went back to visit my coworkers, everybody had been let go, due to a merger and restructuring that had occurred. It’s never just me doing whatever. It’s always guidance. And since that time, I worked in social work for five years.

However I burned out and I took my two sons and I went to Asia to teach. While I was there, I met my, now husband. I taught for a couple of years, I got the guidance to step into motivational speaking and coaching consulting, which I’ve been doing for more than 10 years. But during Covid, when my coaching and speaking income disappeared, I got the nudge to move into real estate investing. I have found it to be an incredible opportunity for building generational wealth. when I’m in the process of doing something new, I don’t really speak on it because I want it to take effect. But I’m always, always, reinventing myself.”

I love that answer. Let’s switch gears, what does success mean to you? “A couple of years ago, I was preparing to speak at a business conference on nuggets,

spiritual nuggets for your success. That was my topic. And so I came across a quote from Steve Harvey and to paraphrase it, he was saying, don’t look at other people’s success to determine yours. You have to look at where you’ve come from. Measure your success by how far you’ve come and what you’ve had to overcome.

And when I think of how far I’ve come from my grandparents’ old farmhouse in rural Jamaica with no running water, no electricity, and no paved road, I think I’m a success. And when I think how far I’ve come from poverty, where many times I had no food going to school as a child in Jamaica, where I would walk miles to school and back because there was no bus. And I would go home hungry and really had nothing to go home to, after getting home to where I’m now helping facilitate scholarships for students who are experiencing poverty, I have no doubt in my mind that I am a success. And when I think of how far I’ve come from abandonment and abuse to being a loving mom and family member, and also being in a loving and stable relationship for more than 16 years, I know I am a success.”

You are indeed a success and a role model for many. Is that what your new book Born To Rise is all about? “It is to some extent, Blake states, I would say it’s an autobiographical account of my early life. It’s my latest work and it’s my first standalone book. As an author, I’ve been featured in several anthologies over the past 12 years. But in this book, I take readers on a personal journey of some of my major life setbacks, my comebacks, and some of the lessons I have learned along the way. It’s actually where I allow myself to rise up from the ashes like a Phoenix. It’s where I have freed myself from the voices of fear and shame from my past.” Awesome. Thank you for this great interview. Where can our readers purchase your book? You are so good at this. “Blake admitted with a smile, “I did enjoy the interview and thank you for having me on.” “My new Book is just getting ready to be released on Amazon, I believe in the next week or so it will be live on Amazon. What a blessing, where can my readers reach you? “I am on Facebook. My profile is Lorna M as in Mother Blake on Facebook. And I’m also on Facebook under my consulting page Lorna Blake public figure at Empower Yourself Consulting. And so I’m also on Instagram under the same name, Lorna M as in Mother Blake, and LinkedIn the same way. I’m on Twitter. I’m Lorna B as in Blake 09.”

Marnice Miller

BUILDING WEALTH WITH GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS

When one thinks of women and wealth, you must include this highly educated and well sought-after professional in business, Marnice Miller. This 23-year veteran of the Civil Service, served within various sectors of the government where she learned the ends and outs of processes, policies, and procedures. Not knowing how all that knowledge and wisdom would play a major part in her current role today, Marnice would go on to receive many accolades and awards prior to venturing into her current role as President of Human Capital Resources and Concepts (HCRC), a consulting firm that specializes in resource management capabilities designed and utilized by all federal organizations. This business is unique in many ways. It’s 100% woman owned and is considered “economically disadvantaged” because of her socio-economic category. However, this disadvantage did not prevent her firm from being certified by the Small Business Administration (SBA) as minority owned business operating within a Historically Underutilized Business Zone. Having this leverage allows Marnice the opportunity to bid on the many opportunities to work with the federal government. In fact, there are not a whole lot of consulting companies in the area, let alone the state, with this competitive advantage.

Through these efforts, HCRC is also able to provide an array of other services including, analytical support, collection management, planning, human capital, training, program management, database consultants, project managers and end-user services. Marnice also saw an opportunity to provide HR consultation and services to other small companies who do not have the luxury of being able to hire full-time HR staff. Surprisingly, so many small businesses lack the proper knowledge when it comes to HR.

Being able to offer training and outsource HR services for owners in these situations has been a game changer.

Human Capital Resources and Concepts is the “Support You Can Rely On” and takes immense pride in serving the greater community. Women Of Wealth Magazine search the nation looking for such empowering stories to share with our readers. We discovered that minority women were indeed much sought-after human capital. They always knew that they possessed the character of a successful Boss Lady. But lacked the economic resources to turn a dream into tomorrow’s reality. Marnice worked in the government’s world for many years, and finally one day the light bulb came on and she knew it was time to take all that she had learned and create the multimillionaire Boss Lady. Let’s dig deeper into the essence of a Boss Lady.

AJ: You have a very extensive resume with a wealth of knowledge and wisdom. Tell us how easy or difficult was it for you to take your experience in the government and transform it into a successful business?

MM: Working for the government was an experience within itself. As a federal employee your job duties rarely change, in fact you can most times perform your duties with your eyes closed, that’s just how repetitive it can be. As I transitioned into entrepreneurship, the communication part, networking, and meeting people was easy for me. It was the business piece of it all that was difficult. While you know the players and know the field, the competition factor was a challenge. In the

entrepreneur world, you always must think about your next step. You can’t just sit back and coast. It’s driven primarily by relationships so there is a daily effort to develop and foster them. Initially, I had to get the company name circulating within the industry and begin developing relationships with other firms. Once I obtained work, I also needed financing and the list goes on. Learning how to maneuver in this new space has been a big learning curve for me. Deep down, I wanted something new, and wanted to do it while I was still young enough to want to pursue it. Still having a passion for the work, I was doing in my previous career. The idea to start a consulting business, where the federal government was our primary client, would allow me to continue working in a familiar field, but on my own terms.

We can only imagine, coming from the government where everything is handed to you, to having to build those relationships on your own amid competition can create a heavy toll. As you navigated into entrepreneurship, what is a typical day like for you?

First thing in the morning, I might have one thing in mind, however, priorities change quickly when you get in the office. It is remarkably busy, filled with employee issues and financial situations with regards to collecting on outstanding payments and other pressing business. My day is ever changing. I can work as hard or as little as I want. A 12–14-hour day doesn’t seem long when you’re doing it for yourself. I also like the fact that I’m growing something that exudes professionalism and integrity. That’s what matters most to me. I can also

employ people and positively affect their lives. It warms my heart to have a team working to achieve our core values. The work is sometimes tedious, but the payoff is greater as an entrepreneur.

With so much going on and the learning curve you spoke about, tell us what is the most rewarding aspect of being an entrepreneur?

Being an entrepreneur allows me to affect change in the diversity of hiring, managing my own time and doing work that I’m enthusiastic about. As I transitioned from government into business ownership, especially as a minority woman business owner, it was important for me to ensure that I am doing what I’m enthusiastic about if I were to have longevity in this industry. There were many days, I didn’t feel up to the task. I was overwhelmed, overbooked, and overloaded but I kept going. My passion to serve people won’t allow me to give up.

“When You Are Not Feeling the Greatest, That Is When Your Biggest Opportunities Come”

With that being said, what are the biggest challenges you have faced thus far as an entrepreneur?

The startup and learning the business space, it is a shark tank. I am doing business with individuals who have been in this field for a long time. Most of the time, they do not look like me, a minority woman. Therefore, finding my voice and my footing as a minority woman in this industry was my biggest challenge. I admit, It was very tough. I had a lot of anxiety. What really helped me was what I was able to do before I

left my government job. I started doing the groundwork, and when I say the groundwork, I mean, I started talking to people, I started talking to a lot of companies and started getting advice on what things I should start with. Then I took all that advice, and I tailored it for my schedule, for what was realistic for me as it related to the amount of funds I would need, would I have to expend towards travel to networking and conferences and created a working budget. Because all that cost money, I would seek out all the free conferences, free seminars, and ways to network to help offset my budget. Of course, when you are talking to people, they want to know that you are serious about doing business, collaborating, and partnering. You must have a website. You must have business cards because those are the things on the surface that people are going to look for right up-front in addition to operating capital.

Do you feel it necessary to stay abreast on industry trends and if so, how have you incorporated them into your business?

We are in the age of social media. You don’t want your business name to avert whoever is looking at that proposal and steer them away from you because they are thinking that you are only one thing and, in our case, just simply HR. Many do not know we have the largest contract with the Department of Army for their anti-terrorism training, which primarily has not been a woman-owned company. Therefore, a lot of times, I go for HCRC versus Human Capital Resources and Concept. I use the acronym because HCRC could mean anything, so I am not pigeonholed on social media by the algorithms. Keeping things up to date with

advertising and marketing on these social platforms, going to trade shows, having a presence on and offline and learning the algorithms have been the biggest industry trends we’ve incorporated in our business.

Speaking of social media, what are the three most important habits a woman should have if she aspires to be a successful entrepreneur?

Any advice I would give, would be to follow your gut primarily, always, it will never leave you astray. Next would be not to allow intimidation to overtake you; you belong here. In a heavily male dominated industry, it is easy to feel like you’re not deserving, or you don’t belong in this space. Don’t allow negativity or intimidation of others to defeat you. Most importantly, stay enthusiastic. That passion will keep you stable and moving forward in times of doubt and uncertainty. It was not easy for me to walk away from a six-figure job. I would encourage anyone looking to do the same to plan. Do a lot of market research on your industry. Develop relationships before you make the leap. Don’t go into it blind. Talk to business owners that have done it before. Knock on doors. Eventually, you’ll find someone that will talk to you. Do not be afraid to take risks. It’s not a sure thing, even if you know the industry, however it pays off if you remain consistent. I thought I knew everything about the federal government, but it’s an entirely different world when you step out on your own. I would go to Washington DC to prospect with different companies and often left feeling defeated, but those relationships eventually paid off. You must stick with it. Those who are able should keep their day job while building their new business to help offset expenses as well as ensure

to stay on top of money management that is a vital factor in being successful.

“Be The Best You Can Be At All Times”

When it comes to building wealth, what advice would you give to women of today’s society?

MM: As previously mentioned, you must do your research to make sure that you are in an industry that has the capability to build wealth. If you are trying to build wealth. Nowadays, you must look at various avenues to create wealth. It is usually not one thing that builds wealth. Ensure that your primary industry puts you in a place to build wealth. Such as real estate investments. The most important thing is to “Be On Your Game At All times”.

What is next for you?

Looking ahead to five years down the road, we forecast annual revenues of about $5 million with a staff of 50 employees. We plan to expand our offices throughout Polk County. We are also working in conjunction with my brotherin-law’s non-profit charity, Filling The Lane, to implement an internship program to bring in college level students on a quarterly basis and show them the fundamentals of entrepreneurship.

For more information on Marnice Miller, CEO Human Capital Resources and Concepts, Inc. please visit website: hcrconcepts.com

Email: marnice.miller@hcrconcepts.com Phone: (844) 564-6253

Valerie Hale

WOMEN OF INFLUENCE REDEFINING WEALTH

Traveling around the world you have the privilege of meeting women from diverse backgrounds, lifestyles, and economical statuses. Women, who have struggled, overcome challenges, to only struggle again; yet this time, rise to the occasion of abundant blessings and stature. This young lady is no exception.

Valerie takes extraordinary pride in her biggest accomplishment in life, being the mother of three children and now, two grandchildren. That is her praise possession, and it shows. Being a parent is the most satisfying and exhausting role; to be solely responsible for overseeing the shaping of someone’s life can be daunting. There is no downtime, no rule book, and certainly no magic wand to undo the parenting mistakes you make along the way. Nonetheless, her nowgrown children have and always will be the favorite part of her journey.

In addition to parenting (which is a full-time job in itself), her career in the hospitality business, where she managed a restaurant, shaped Valerie professionally, putting her in position to acquire wealth, she thought.

It was only after several years; she took a position in the corporate arena that would lead to a twenty-five-year career. Little did she know, she was walking into a good ole boy network of staff and franchise owners. Luckily, she was not easily intimidated by those looking to leverage their power of influence to get what they wanted. She learned to stand her ground while building respectful relationships and after 20 years, was promoted to CEO. Life was going well,

I want my children to remember they are loved.

her kids were healthy and happy, she was a few weeks from celebrating three years of marriage to her husband whom she adored, and the business was moving in a positive direction. Then the train derailed and in one day, Valerie’s life turned upside down.

The next six months would continue to provide more details supporting she was married to a stranger. There were no warning signs or indication that he was troubled. She felt like she was living through a 20/20 episode and was the untethered passenger along for the ride!

When your fact becomes fiction, it feels like you have lost your internal compass. As a result, Valerie remembers spending one full day in bed processing what just transpired and the following Monday, she confronted a problem head-on and threw herself into work. Having something of importance to focus on as well as her obligations of leading a company, Valerie refused to allow unforeseen events to consume her.

Of course, I mourned, cried, and sought support from those closest to me. We make choices every day and we can decide to remain the victim or become the hero in our own story. Valerie chose victory, to persevere, to become a great woman of resilience.

It is Valerie’s hope to be a sense of inspiration, advocate, and unyielding voice for women that have gone through similar difficulties. You are not your struggles and Valerie is a living testimony of that very truth.

What, if anything, did you do to prepare yourself to take on a CEO position?

Although I knew I had the knowledge and wherewithal to create a positive culture and drive the business, the ego can wreak havoc on your thoughts with questions like “am I good enough.” The ego thrives through self-preservation and fear keeps the ego alive. Self-talk can damage your mindset, so I had to be mindful of the story I was telling myself. I reminded myself that I have earned this new position and that I was enough! I also read books and listened to podcasts about successful companies and CEOs.

Is there anything you wish you would have known before you took on the role as a CEO?

That it’s all on you at the end of the day and it can be lonely at the top.

With that being said, how does a CEO find a Mentor? Does she need one? Who are your mentors and why?

Every CEO should have at least one person that provides support and encouragement. It can be a lonely place at the top and I find it essential to surround yourself with likeminded people to inspire and encourage you. Someone that is an accountability partner, someone that will let you know

when you are off track and can quickly help realign your mindset and goals.

I have several people I would refer to as life mentors. My mother, Leonora, has been a pillar of strength and my biggest cheerleader. My grandmother, Faith grew up in the foster care system and was on her own at the age of 14. She had limited education yet became an editor for a local newspaper and worked three jobs to ensure her children did not do without. More importantly, she instilled in me the importance of being independent.

I also have a spiritual and business coach who provides constant guidance, and encouragement and keeps me accountable. The best mentors are those that do not filter their words but push you to be the best version of yourself. I have learned that if you are not scared of something, then you are too comfortable. Challenge yourself – it is great to be a little scared and grow than fear nothing and be stagnant.

How do you identify weaknesses in your company and what are your strategies to overcome them?

Having conversations with staff and other offices that we support always provides a good insight into the general feeling of how we are doing as a company. My best advice is to seek wisdom. I always like asking my staff and owners for their advice on what we can do differently.

For those, looking to climb the corporate ladder and/or are thinking about entrepreneurship, share how trade helps a company grow. Can you share one specifically?

New Business is one of the greatest benefits of working with Tradebank. We offer access to thousands of businesses who are potential new customers for their products or services. When a company barters with these new customers, it will expand their customer base.

There is a nationally known artist who uses their trade dollars at various hotels when traveling for exhibits. They also use trade to print all their marketing materials, repairs on their vehicles, tree removal and staff benefits like dental services and employee gifts. They also travel every year to Florida for family vacations using their trade dollars. Their motto is, “think trade first.

What qualities enable companies like Tradebank to survive and thrive for more than 30 years?

A company should define its brand and the emotional impact it has on its customers. Our brand is the value we create for businesses and our connection with our clients. On an internal level, we’ve learned that a positive culture is everything. Investing in our team through ongoing training, education and coaching is paramount to ongoing success and sustainability. Also providing a platform where individuals

feel comfortable sharing their strengths and struggles with their peers without judgment.

As we know, in anything, relationships are key. In your opinion, what is the value of the barter system in today’s economy?

Tradebank is an extensive network of thousands of businesses, where all kinds of products and services are traded multi-directionally. No longer do companies have to search for one-to-one direct trade relationships.

In today’s economic environment, it is critical for business owners to have a plan to stay competitive in the marketplace. Tradebank provides a platform where businesses can trade what they have for what they need without spending cash.

The number one reason business owners join Tradebank’s barter network is to open new distribution channels for their products and services. Participating business owners produce new trade dollar revenue from the new business Tradebank generates for their company. The new revenue can be used to offset current cash expenses, like marketing, printing, travel, entertainment, legal services, and employee benefits. Incorporating barter into your business not only ensures the longevity and health of your business, but it can improve your livelihood when times get tough.

In a workforce that is male dominated, do you find that you manage men any differently than you do women?

I am a direct person, but I also understand the importance of reading another person’s energy and then engaging that individual based on what motivates them. I do not find stereotypes to be accurate or relevant therefore my management style is to treat everyone equally and conversely manage each person based on their communication style.

With being such a direct person, how do you manage emotions when someone disappoints or betrays you?

Our first instinct often is to feel hurt or emotional when disappointed by another’s action, but those emotions can get the better of us. I give myself time to reflect on the situation and see what role I may have played in the other person’s story. I find it helpful to ask questions and sometimes through reflection and engaging the other party in the conversation,

sometimes you learn it is more about what is going inside someone than it has to do with you personally. People often act out without realizing how their actions affect those around them. I believe in giving grace, but also establishing healthy boundaries. Most importantly, every day is a new day, so I move quickly to a place of gratitude, which centers me.

When you think about your professional goals, which have you met recently and how do you celebrate a win?

We all know that being healthy mentally and physically defines how we live our life. I want to be healthier so that I can hike mountains in my 80s and be a pillar of support for my family. I promised myself that I would finally make choices that would ensure I was living my best life. Earlier this year, I started incorporating a healthy diet by being mindful of what I put in my body. Also, I had put off surgery for over 10 years that had inhibited me from being physically active. Women tend to take care of everyone first and I was guilty of not doing the one thing that would provide me with much-needed relief. So, I took the plunge and had the surgery, and now, I am excited to be able to play tennis again, go skiing, horseback riding, and hiking pain-free. Feeling limitless is powerful.

As a woman of great influence, how would you describe wealth?

Wealth is external and internal. For me, my greatest wealth is a happy and healthy family, a positive mindset, and the opportunity to impact the lives of others. On an external level, it is waking up in the morning and deciding how you want to take on the world.

With over 30 years in the industry and your experience as a CEO, you still value family as your number one priority. Do you think about the legacy you want to leave your children and if so, describe it for us?

I want my children to remember they are loved. To remember that even through challenging times, they are resilient, and will continue to move through whatever life presents them – to remember to keep going. I hope their thirst for knowledge challenges them to always better themselves. To go out into nature as much as possible. To remember this life is short, so go live and explore and love your family and more than anything else, choose what makes you happy.

I find it’s best to lead with your heart and not your business.

Kendra Calhoun

THE MAKING OF A BOSS LADY

FROM START UP TO PHILANTHROPY

Many little girls have dreams of growing up and owning their own corporations and/or businesses or as we know it becoming a “Boss Lady” aka The Head Woman In Charge. They dream about the clothes they will wear, the car they will drive, the lifestyle they will live but very seldom do they think about the challenges that come with accomplishing that goal. Many defeat themselves before they even get started but not this Boss Lady and Woman of Wealth.

Living a life of poverty, moving from a homeless shelter to shelter, and sometimes even sleeping on the street under a bridge or in tents, Kendra Calhoun was determined to make a better life for her and her mom. She stayed vigilant, finished school, graduated with multiple degrees, and is now the founder and CEO of Bridging the Gap Industries & Financial Services LLC, an innovative leadership business development company that spec ializes in information technology, infrastructure & business project management, creating appropriate financial strategies for individuals and corporation, providing consulting and outsourcing support for Fortune 100 IT and Financial corporations.

She holds a B.A in IT Computer Science & Business Finance. She is driven as a single mother raising 2 young men and also taking care of her elderly mother. She strives to be successful to provide a certain lifestyle and support for her family. Although Kendra has been working for over 20 years in the Information Technology and Finance Industry, she makes a high 6-figures salary in both industries. She brings sustainable long-term growth and value creation for transformation into this industry and also a wealth of industry knowledge and expertise as one of the leadin g Senior Financial Marketing Directors supporting the Mission—“No Family Left Behind.”

Tell us more about the nature of your business, which include your vision, mission, and companies value?

At Bridging the Gap Financial Services, LLC (BTGFS), we believe in the five F’s: Faith, Family, Finances, Fitness, and Fun are the key to having a successful business and living a fulfilling life. We offer financial services and strategies that help meet your unique goals and needs. Our platform offers you the power of choice. We have relationships with well-known insurance and financial services companies, which allow us to offer a wide selection of products and services. When creating a diverse strategy, it allows you to prepare for your future and can help safeguard the lifestyle you have built. Our vision is to create massive change in the marketplace, change the financial industry for the better, and transform people’s lives. Our mission is to build a largest financial services company with at least 100,000 licensed agents, create at least one hundred millionaires, and help one million families pursue financial independence. Our values to our clients are to provide the knowledge, support, guidance, and confidence to build their financial future. Our values to our agents include providing the tools, environment, mentorship, and examples of success to allow them to flourish.

What are the biggest challenges you have faced thus far as an entrepreneur?

America has a major financial literacy problem. The situation of most families is that they are living with too much debt, they are under-protected, they are not saving, or do not know how much to save. They do not have a strategy and they do not know what to do about it. Our Crusade is to fight against that illiteracy with education. Another challenge is the lack of financial education. We take information that usually reserved only for the wealthy and teach it to the masses. We believe that when you know better, you do better financially. Furthermore, the traditional financial industry typically only services clients with wealth already accumulated. However, that leaves the rest of America out in the cold. We believe everyone should have a chance at financial independence! In my conversations with people, it is evident how people can be influenced to think about money in a limited way.

Unfortunately, schools do not teach fundamental financial skills, and due to limited knowledge passed down within our families and communities, we do not understand how money works. One of the biggest challenges I face as an entrepreneur is finding people who want to be or are a business owner, but still have an employee mindset. In

addition, financial companies are not coming out to our communities to close the gaps.

When it comes to building wealth, what advice would you give to women today?

When it comes to building wealth, I would advise a woman today to immerse herself in financial literacy by reading books on wealth strategies and learning from others’ mistakes. Most people are doing the same things and ending up in the same place. Find a mentor, teacher, or coach who knows how to get you from your level of understanding and get you to where you want to be. She should also focus on a nontraditional route for personal development and mental toughness.

Sometimes, we can feel pushed into certain fields, because this is what we have been socialized to do but if we are to master wealth we must be in sectors where the money naturally is. Know the numbers, I am not encouraging you to simply chase money but recognize the earning potential of your field.

What are the three most important habits a woman should have if she aspires to be successful in philanthropy?

Faith – Foundation to know your success is not your own and God has a hand in all things. A solid foundation of habits includes waking up early, hydrating, eating healthy, moving your body, and practicing gratitude. When you feel good, you will have a positive impact on others.

Direction – know where you are going, be specific and have a plan to get there. Trust herself as the voice of authority. What are you saying to yourself? Most people must rewire their subconscious belief system to trust their own authority without the need for validation from others.

Connections – network for net worth, your relationships will push you forward or pull you down or backward. Advocate for yourself and know when to ask for help and when to say “No.” Being a philanthropist can be impressive but to give to others, one must first know how to give to herself.

When it comes to giving to your favorite causes, should you give anonymously or publicly, and why?

It truly depends on your intentions for giving, but people give anonymously because they do not want their name associated with a controversial cause, either for reasons of personal safety or because the association might offend other people. Giving publicly may encourage or inspire others to contribute and sometimes people want to get recognition.

How did you build strong relationships with donors and other people in the philanthropy space?

It is best to lead with your heart and not your business. People must know what you do, and you must be willing to collaborate and be interested in what others do.

I help people pivot by making them realize that there are seasons to whatever they need to do.

Laquita Brooks ANTICIPATING THE FUTURE

When I hear the name “The Motivational Maven”, chills run through my spine, not in a way to gloat but as a surreal feeling of being able to overcome all the challenges in my life. From a humble Christian Background, as a little girl in Louisiana, the need to always be there for people had filled me even at that youthful age. I was always passionate about people; from doctrines from the bible, the ways I was raised, and the interactions I had with people, it was evident that life was all about helping others around you. As a young woman, I thrived off motivation with the travails of being a Black woman in school and other areas. Of course, you hear many Black women say that it was not easy fending off racism and juggling school work or their professional life. But for me, it was particularly hard as I was a teen mom.

You know the feeling where it is hard to figure out what you want to do in a particular field, but you know you are supposed to be there. That was me; I relished being an entrepreneur; however, I did not even know what I would do with my life. I would sell candy and sweets in my school and even start making air just to earn more money. As much as breaking free from the shackles of poverty was the mission, I enjoyed seeing the smiles on people’s faces when I made their hair or sold them candy.

I have always been fascinated by having multiple streams of income, the thrill of having different areas through which I could pull money from was lovely. So, I invested in many things, from, Hair Salon, to Real Estate to Coaching, Public speaking and a host of other businesses. For me, following the trend and anticipating the future was my motivation. I like to study the times and envision where things are going. Hence, taking action for me is a carefully thought-out process that involves a series of meetings with influencers in the fields to get the best results.

As a visionary, I have seen many creative and talented individuals succumb to the pressure that they do not need to take on different things. The fear of not being able to manage responsibilities limits us as individuals. This is one of the reasons why I decided to coach people. To liberate them from terrible mindsets that set them back. I feel that with the right mindset, you can accomplish anything. Look at me today, a teen mom struggling to understand life to a 7 figure Real Estate investor, Mother, Wife and Mentor.

How did I get started?

Right from my early days in church, there was always an innate feeling to see people smile. I was great at coordinating and organizing people. It was just soothing to see other kids thrive, so it was no surprise how I quickly became a leader in the church. But aside from Church activities, growing up under the watchful eyes of my mother, she instilled in me an independent mindset. She would empower me to become a better version of myself even at a youthful age; bear in mind I still did not know what to do with my life, but I knew I wanted to work for myself. I knew I wanted to own businesses, which business? I had no idea, but the thrill of handling my affairs and making ends meet even at a young age felt so rewarding.

So as a young school kid, I would go buy candies, sweets from the local store and sell them to the kids. I was the go-to candy girl in the school. I realized that after we had lunch in school, the kids would always want to munch on something. So, it dawned on me to invest my pocket money in buying sweets. From a few kids to half of the school knowing my name. I was still not satisfied; I did not want to be known only as the candy girl and so I started curling hair in my mother’s kitchen during the weekends.

It was so exciting to be curing hair for $10 – $15 in my mum’s kitchen at a youthful age. I loved the independence it gave me, to be that industrious at a youthful age was something I took pride in.

I am sure every woman, regardless of their color, can relate to the experience of being a mother. In the beginning, I

was bewildered with so many emotions as to how my life will turn out. I mean, how was I supposed to manage being a mom, juggle with school and try to become someone in life. I was lost for a long time struggling with the constant reminder that I was a failure. But there was one thing that did not go to waste in my life even with the whole whirlwind of emotions, the enterprising spirit never died. As a young Black woman who had always had to find a way to fend for herself, even at a youthful age, it was all I knew. My passion for making hair propelled me to go into hair school, where I was able to master the rudiments of making hair. I enjoyed it but it was like there was something missing. I knew there was more to my life than making hair and so as the Universe normally orchestrates things, I got to know about stocks and real estate. I was fascinated by Real Estate, and I went to a school to hone my craft.

Now, many people call me the Motivational Maven for many reasons, but I would like to point out one of those reasons. My ability to master distinct aspects of business in order to liberate people is what makes life so rewarding. The thought that you are crazy for doing many things never sat well with me; I wanted to master so much so I would never be stranded again in my life. Today, I thrive in different areas of life and want people to see that they can achieve even greater success with the right person or people behind them.

How did I disaster proof my business?

If anyone says that owning a business is easy, then it is for sure that they do not know half of what they are talking about. Starting and managing a business is one of the most hectic things to do as a human being and a woman. I get asked the question, how am I able to run multiple businesses. Aside from the norms of having a quality staff and being in the right niche, one of the essential factors of preserving your business is disaster proof. No one wants to be a victim of any kind of disaster, especially the one that affects the business. But you need to disaster proof your business to continue the legacy of your operations regardless of the outcome. So how was I able to disaster proof any business? I will show

you five ways I was able to do this.

The first thing I did to disaster proof my business was get proper insurance. I am no prophet of doom, nor am I expecting a hurricane, flood, or fire to engulf your business. But in any eventuality of any of these happenings, it is expedient that you have the proper insurance that will help you bounce back. I have seen folks that have thriving businesses but since they did not have good insurance, they were not able to continue their legacy.

Secondly, I was able to pivot into other areas to up-scale my business. So, what that meant was investing in Online sales, free shipping, free delivery to ensure that I have a rich customer base.

The third thing was to ensure that there was more than one channel of communication between my business and the customer base. You need to provide different outlets through which your customers can reach you. Therefore, investing in quality customer relationship management through digital marketing, text messaging, and email integration software is key to saving your business.

There are many forms of disaster that can occur in a business; one of them is going bankrupt. During the first wave of the pandemic, there were many companies that closed because they were not able to keep up with their operations. However, if you have multiple streams of income, you can easily find ways to salvage the situation when an economic meltdown happens. As a business owner, you should have multiple streams of income so that you can be free from any unexpected issues.

Finally, having a business comes with unexpected situations that will require some amount of money. As a business owner, you should have some money stored somewhere in your reserves that can be labeled as emergency funds. This was one of the ways I was able to disaster proof my business.

Helping Others to Pivot

There is one thing I always tell people that I coach and others in general, your ability to thrive in life rests on how well you can change with the times. Imagine

someone still using the typewriter to send a message when there are Emails. It sounds absurd, but that is how being fixed to one spot can look ridiculous. But all my life, I was never afraid of pivoting, of changing with the times, and becoming a better version of myself. As I grew up, I realized that through my interaction with people, many feared pivoting. There are distinct reasons why people might be scared of pivoting. One of the major reasons that hampers people in changing with the times is the fact that they feel they should be doing so much more with their lives, but unfortunately, they do not know what to do. I need to put it out there; it took a long time to figure out what to do with much life, and even the successful people are constantly finding themselves as they go through life. So, it is okay to keep finding yourself; you do not have to be hard on yourself. Take your time to follow what you believe in.

Another issue is when people follow what their parents want them to do. Many parents want to live their lives through their kids, so if they did not have the opportunity to play basketball, they would want their kids to do so even if their passion is being a musician.

So, one of the ways I help people pivot is by making them understand why exactly they cannot move forward? Is there a fear that is stopping you? As much as I want to help people pivot in their business personally, they need to understand where they are going, so that translates into their business.

Another way I help people pivot is by making them realize that there are seasons to whatever you need to do. The most important thing is gaining the knowledge and the application of the information you gathered at a particular time of your life. For me, I have been able to do different businesses, from having hair salons to running a logistics company to even managing an online store. I always understood that there are seasons that define your life, not all seasons will work out in your life, but that is okay. They all have a way of shaping you to become better.

As a business owner or even anyone in general, understanding that the seasons

match distinct aspects of you is one way of pivoting. The world will constantly tell you that you do not have a focus, that you are all over the place. But what if your definition of being scattered was exploration. I did not know what I was supposed to do for a long time, but I sure did explore. Now, I know what to do and what not to do for my business and life to excel.

Also pivoting in life and business requires you to have the right coach that can motivate and put you on the right track. I had to find a coach that was able to align my creativity and channel my abilities into areas where I could excel. So, it is only normal to reciprocate the favor my coach did for me by helping others whom I knew were stuck in that same situation of being stuck. It is necessary to have someone in your corner to encourage you and let you know that you are not alone, that your dreams are valid, and that you can achieve what you want.

As a business owner, you need to be forethinking, and knowing the distinct aspects of your life will help you find ways to break free from any issue relating to your business. Therefore, some companies are still standing even after the pandemic because they have incorporated latest ideas into their business that have helped them grow.

5 tips every business owner should know to disaster proof their business

Disaster can come in any shape in a

business, it could be a natural disaster, a death of a colleague, financial struggles or any other unexpected occurrence. One reason business crumble is that their owners do not have sufficient information on how to prepare their business when disaster comes. However, here are five tips you should know in disaster proofing your business.

First, have good property insurance. I know that it might have been emphasized before, but there is nothing like being absolved of major incidents that have to do with the disfiguring of your building. No one wished for it, but you do not have to spend a huge amount of money trying to rebuild.

Another tip that business owners need to have been figuring out the essence of the community. Remember that you are serving the people in a community. If there is an issue or a disaster that affects the community, you need to find ways to ensure that you are a brand that people can always rely on. Your brand image must resonate peace even in the storm through your services, communication, and products. Find ways to alleviate their problems easily. You can provide free shipping, discounted prices, and free coupons.

Thirdly, you should always provide emotional support to your employees, clients, and everyone that is connected to your business. Check on your employees, provide better working conditions and ensure that there is a smooth work/life balance. Plus, the customers are major stakeholders, so you should check on them, send them messages on their special days and always make them feel great.

Another way to disaster proof your business as a business owner is by creating strategies that will suit the season you are in. Whatever business climate you find yourself in, whether you are in the awareness stage or you are looking to convert the leads that you have. Different strategies must be employed to ensure that your goals and objectives are achieved.

Finally, always have money in your reserves for any unexpected situation in your business. You need to keep some money aside so that you do not get stranded when the need arises.

Lael Caldwell

SUCCESS THROUGH NETWORKING

Lael Caldwell is the Co-Founder of Ben & Lael, Inc. She began Ben & Lael with her husband, Ben Caldwell in 1998. Her career started as a trainee with the Bissell Companies, a commercial real estate development company responsible for developing millions of square feet of hotels, shopping centers and office buildings in Charlotte, NC. During her 10 years with the Bissell Companies, she was promoted to Vice President of Marketing. Throughout her time there, Lael developed proposals and negotiated contracts with Fortune 500 companies to move their headquarters or take residence in one of the Bissell Companies’ properties. She was featured in Business Properties and shared her insights as to how she achieved her success.

After resigning from her position, Lael moved to Nashville to serve as a missionary in South Africa. While in training, she met Ben Caldwell and they married that year. Although Ben was working at Slingerland making guitars and drums, Lael encouraged him to take a year and work as an unpaid intern with Terry Talley, a world-renowned metal smith. After one year of being mentored, they began Ben & Lael, Inc.

Lael was very successful at networking yet wanted to create and teach a new strategy. Thus began Align, Define, and Achieve, a weekly networking meeting allowing CEO’s to share their story about their successes, failures and strategies. She also began a weekly meeting for medical professionals who were invited to share their stories of success and strategy to overcome adversity.

During her three years of weekly meetings with Dr. Terry Smith and Dr. Bob Sturgeon, Lael was introduced to the practice of Neuro Linguistic Programming. She obtained her certification as a Master Practitioner in NLP through The Tad James Group; allowing her to begin her Executive Coaching Business where she trains and strategizes with CEO’s and their staff.

Lael joined a direct selling company for two years. In two months, she became their number one new sales representative. She was featured in their national publication where she shared her success strategies.

Ben asked Lael to realign full time in the Ben & Lael business in 2015. She left her position as Regional Director of Tradebank to fully invest her time in their business. She set forth her strategies to increase revenue and drive business through commissions.

Since rejoining the business, Ben & Lael has been featured in Garden & Gun, Southern Home, Victoria Magazine, Cottage Journal and Nashville Arts Magazine. She created a master group of influencers and began working and training a new team.

Lael began to focus on the selling of enamels and within 2 years had tripled their sales. The Haslam’s commissioned the Tennessee Leadership Award. Ben & Lael also reinvigorated the jewelry line with the help of talented staff. The jewelry is now being shown in stores across the country and is also carried at The Hermitage Gift Shop in Nashville.

Ben & Lael won the commission for Starbucks Reserve in Birmingham, Michigan to create etched copper panels for the interior, as well as the commission to create the Ellis Island Family Heritage Awards 2017. They received the commission to create the enameled flag for the Tennessee Leadership Award 2018 for Dolly Parton.

Lael believes that the product is the human being. People connect to the human being first and your product second. Once you define who you are, align with the right people to inspire your dream, and you put forth the consistent effort to achieve, anything is possible.

Ben Caldwell

Strong, timeless, and one of a kind.

Ben & Lael enamel paintings and large flags have been featured in the Wachovia Center in NY and Vanderbilt Medical Center lobby in Nashville, TN and their hand made copper and silver serving pieces can be seen in stores all over the country.

Dr. Tasha Dickerson

LEADING WOMEN TO THE LIGHT

Dr. Tasha Dickerson, Founder of EVIN SKINCARE Rx, has served her community as a Family Physician for over 15 years. She received her biology/ pre-med degree from James Madison University. She then attended Virginia Commonwealth University and received her first degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences and then her Medical Degree. She has been a member of several medical societies and she is a recent member of the International Peptide Society. She enjoys giving back and volunteering. She also enjoys helping women of all ages feel better on the inside as well as the outside and that is how EVIN SKINCARE Rx was created.

EVIN SKINCARE Rx wants you to allow your inner beauty to shine through. The glow of healthy skin will allow you to put your best face forward. Our products are made with organic ingredients along with additional clinically proven ingredients. Together this combination provides exfoliation, hydration, skin brightening and wrinkle reduction. You will truly experience a more even sk in tone with daily use. All products are paraben-free, sulfate-free, vegan and cruelty free. We were extremely excited to see an African American Doctor take a dive into skin care. Evin Skinca re introduces a way to bring out the beauty of the black skin tone. As well as other types of skin tone.

My three top habits, I can say for myself, that has contributed to my success thus far would have to be Prayer, Persistence and Consistency.

With so many skincare products on the market, what inspired EVIN SKINCARE Rx and its uniqueness?

I enjoy taking care of my patients and take time to establish a relationship. With that comes trust in multiple ways and on various levels. I get asked my opinion on decisions such as do you think I should have surgery to what skincare products I would recommend. With that, I realized that some women

were overwhelmed with skin care choices and weren’t choosing any skin care products at all. They did not have a routine but had skin concerns such as dark under eye circles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation. They also had the need for a good facial cleanser. I wanted to make it easy for most looking for a simple regimen to address those needs and EVIN SKINCARE Rx was created.

What products are included in your skincare line?

Our product line includes the following:

• The Trio is made up of the essentials needed in a skincare regimen. That includes a facial cleanser, a moisturizing eye serum and a moisturizing facial serum.

• Wash Away The Day Facial Gel-is a gentle cleanser for most skin types. Our beauties see a difference in their skin quickly.

• Eye Uplift Eye Serum-is a moisturizing serum that helps reduce fine lines, puffiness and under eye dark circles.

• Be The Light Facial Serum-is also a moisturizing serum and contains ingredients that decreases fine lines, stimulates collagen production, and helps with hyperpigmentation.

What is your bestselling product?

The Trio by far. Our beauties comment that they enjoy and see the best benefits when the products are used together day and/or night. What separates you from your competition?

We try to keep your routine simple but effective with clinically proven ingredients. We would like to start a minimalist movement because sometimes less is more when it comes to skin care. We can be our own worst enemy by overloading our skin with too many harsh ingredients.

In your opinion, what makes you the next trailblazer in the skincare world?

What makes me a Trailblazer, that’s a good question. I would like to become your skincare beastie helping you to navigate the skincare world with more ease. We will continue to bring you quality products that take care of your skin.

I’m sure you have women approach you all the time

with how your services were life changing for them. How does it feel to know that you have a hand in creating positive mental health, body image and self-esteem for so many women?

This is part of the inspiration for starting EVIN. I want to remind people that it is not selfish or only a luxury for a few to take care of themselves. It is important to take care of your skin, which is your largest organ. Skin care is self-care as well as healthcare. We have even selected our product names to inspire you with each use. Our mantra is… “I get up, WASH AWAY THE DAY and BE THE LIGHT because EYE UPLIFT!” My goal daily is to let my light shine and if that helps or lifts at least one soul I feel blessed. We all have the power to be the light.

What is the most rewarding aspect of being an entrepreneur?

In my day-to-day world of practicing medicine, I operate in a very masculine environment. With EVIN I allow my feminine energy to lead me to operate in a more creative and intuitive manner. We are in a remarkably interesting time of opportunity. There are opportunities to create and build like never before, especially for female entrepreneurs.

What are your three top habits you feel contributes to your success?

My three top habits, I can say for myself, that has contributed to my success thus far would have to be Prayer, Persistence and Consistency.

At what age should one begin a good skincare routine and why?

You can start as early as the tween-teen years with sunscreen, a gentle cleanser and moisturizer only. As hormonal changes occur, an anti-acne regimen may need to be added. For anti-aging concerns it is important to start in your late 20’s to early 30’s. The earlier the better as signs of aging can start around this time.

That is good advice. Oftentimes, women wait until their later years to adopt a healthy routine, let alone pay attention and give their skincare that attention it deserves. Tell us what role does diet play in healthy skin and why?

Our genetics plays a role in our aging process. Diet is no doubt second. What we consume daily such as water for hydration, to eating nutrient dense foods, to also avoiding the habits that can accelerate aging, it is all important. It is important to consume foods that contain selenium and vitamin C and E, which are antioxidants to help repair skin

damage due to free radicals. Vitamin C also helps to boost collagen production. Healthy fats like omega-3 are natural moisturizers and are anti-inflammatory. Finally, zinc supports oil production and repairs skin damage. These vitamins and nutrients represent a small sample of what is needed to keep our skin healthy, happy, and glowing.

As a minority entrepreneur, let’s talk more about legacy and building wealth. What is wealth to you?

Wealth to me is multifaceted. It is composed of having the financial means to live the life you choose to live. It also allows you the time to enjoy the life you want to create. Finally, having good health, being present and feeling your best is wealthy.

Interesting points. Many people contribute wealth to money and that’s not always the case. Tell us more about your legacy. What do you want your legacy to be and why?

For my children and family, I hope to be a role model of service. I hope to leave a legacy of service to others behind. I serve daily to help lead my community to a healthier lifestyle and better health.

What is next for EVIN SKINCARE Rx?

We have always been focused on taking care of the inside as well as the outside. We plan to continue that focus.

Tell us about the life of an African American Physician.

As an African American physician, I have chosen to practice medicine in our community. The practice has a long-standing history of providing care to our community for over 100 years. There are still disparities in healthcare and mistrust still exist, but I do my part to bridge the gap. One way to improve the relationship between African American patients and the healthcare system is to increase the amount of physicians that look like them. Currently African American physicians make up only about 5% of practicing physicians. Our communities are also still dealing with food disparity, crime, poverty, and school conditions that exacerbate poor health. This needs to change because when one community suffers, we all suffer.

If you desire our service, please contact us at: evinskincarerx.com and on Instagram @evinskincarerx.

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