AVID Magazine May 2019 by theavidmagazine

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TABLE OF

VIRTUOUSLY DOPE

LA’TORRIA LEMON

MR. WONDERFUL

EDITOR’S PICK

TRISTEN SUT TON

CLOSET CHATS

AVID IN THE CITY

LET TER FROM EDITOR

FINDING ME

DOING SPRING CLEANING P. 29 AUTHOR, ASHLEY M. MARTIN

BUSINESS DIRECTORY P. 30

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About Us:

AVID magazine is a business magazine that provides a platform for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and creative professionals. All stories featured are geared to uplift and provide support for other entrepreneurs.

Our Mantra: Networking one business at a time.

TALK TO US AVID Magazine welcomes your comments and suggestions. Please email info@theavidmagazine.com, and connect with us on social media. We reserve the right to edit letters for length and grammar, and to publish at our discretion. All submitted copies and materials become the property of AVID Magazine. We do not guarantee the publication of unsolicited materials. For features or publication requests, please email info@theavidmagazine.com.

Last Issue: December 2018

AVID MAGAZINE (ISSN 2574-5263) Is A Digital Business Magazine That Is Published Quarterly Only! For Questions Or Advertising Opportunities Please Email Info@Theavidmagazine.com. Issue Month Is May 2019. Copyright 2018 By AVID Magazine. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction Of This Magazine, In Whole, Or In Part, Is Prohibited Unless Authorized By The Publisher. The Advertising Space Provided In AVID Magazine Is Purchased And Paid For By The Advertiser. None Of The Products Or Services are Necessarily Endorsed By AVID Magazine.

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Refocusing Whew, where do I start? 2019 is halfway over already! The past few months have truly been a test of faith and patience. Every day has been a new obstacle and a learning experience. “Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.”-Joshua J. Marine Let’s talk about obstacles, yes they are challenging however we need them. One of the biggest challenges that I have faced thus far has been whether to continue AVID Magazine or not. I had to learn to refocus my thoughts and find my way back to me. I had become lost in everything that I had going on. With my busy schedule and helping other people build their empires, I had started to slack on mine. After praying and taking time to re-evaluate my life, I decided that it was time for a change. Self-health is very important when you are an entrepreneur. These are some Self Health Tips that I have started to incorporate into my life: 1. Pray 2. Exercise 3. Eat Clean 4. Detox 5. Get up early

6. Find a way to unwind 7. Say NO more often! After spending some time with myself, I remembered why I started AVID and exactly what my purpose was. I had to come to the terms with the fact that if God had told me to do something and I don’t do it. I am holding back blessings from others. I say all that to say, every now and then take some time out to refocus. “We must always change, renew, rejuvenate ourselves; otherwise, we harden.” —Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Remember to always be Ambitious, Victorious, Inspiring and Determined! Be AVID! Instagram: @nancy_theavidmag Facebook: Nancy Jackson

Nancy Jackson

We Promote Wednesday Highlighted Events!

WE PROMOTE

1. @ texasblackexpo Summer Celebration June 6-9, 2019. For more information visit www.thesummercelebration.com.

e Promote, Wednesday, is our weekly social media campaign. Every Wednesday we advertise nine different businesses. We offer information about their product or service along with contact information. To get featured on We Promote Wednesday’s send an email to info@theavidmagazine. com. Please include your logo (if you have one), basic business information, social media names, and your contact information.

3. @ Don’t miss Screw Fest 2019 on June 27th. Get your tickets today at www.djscrewfest.com.

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2. The Well Experience Conference June 14-16, 2019 at The Lighthouse Church 6650 Rankin Rd, Humble, TX 77396. The Conference is FREE register today at https://www.tweconference.com

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Always Virtuous; Always Dope

“Actions open doors, consistency keeps them open.”

irtuously Dope, one of the dopest Online Clothing Boutiques. Virtuously Dope is owned by Cortney Leishawne, a Personal Brander and curator of the Virtuously Dope Christian Community.

We were able to catch up with Cortney to discuss her new and upcoming boutique. WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM OTHERS WHO ARE DOING THE SAME THING? I struggled with that question myself. “Another online boutique”. But what sets me apart from other online boutiques is that I know exactly who I provide products for. I have a specific girl in mind. Therefore, Virtuously Dope won’t carry the trendy pieces that majority of online boutiques may carry. Shop Virtuously Dope is very specific about the brand message which is Always Virtuous, Always Dope. WHAT DO YOU SPECIALIZE IN, WHAT ARE YOU MOST KNOWN FOR? Being Virtuously Dope, Lol. I believe that I have successfully merged being a Christian Creative and Style Curator.

WHAT IS A PHILOSOPHY OR QUOTE THAT YOU LIVE BY? 1 Corinthians 10:13 (My Favorite Scripture) tells us that: “No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face.” All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it. IF YOU COULD OFFER ANY ADVICE TO SOMEONE WANTING TO FOLLOW YOUR PATH WHAT WOULD IT BE? LEAP: Learn - Everything that you need to know regarding your niche. Execute - without excuses. Ask - for help, you never know who is willing to help you. Pray - God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we could ask or think. For more information purchasing Virtuously Dope trendy pieces visit https:// shopvirtuouslydope.com. Be sure to follow Virtuously Dope and Cortney on Instagram: @virtuouslydope @shopvirtuouslydope @cortneyleishawne

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Author of budget travel book, “Wanderlust: For the Young, Broke Professional.” Deidre Mathis is known as the budget traveler. She is the first African-American female to own a hostel in the United States. Mathis has visited over 40 countries. Deidre has visited 16 of those 40 countries solo. She managed to travel to 12 countries in 12 months for less than $12,000. Mathis stayed in hostels while traveling the world and her experiences sparked her interest. Right now there are only 400 hostels in the United States. Wanderstay Hotels aims to connect travelers from all over the globe. Guests love our social atmosphere and private and shared rooms, which is geared toward making travelers from all over the world feel right at home. Unlike typical hostels, our Houston hostel concept was designed to ensure that you receive all of the amenities that you are used to but at a price point that allows your dollars to stretch. Wander Often. Wander Always. Inclusive Accommodations for the budget conscious traveler. For many travelers, communal-style accommodations have left much to be desired. Sparse in the ways of amenities and obviously lacking in perks, they simply allowed for a lot of improvement. So, we did. At Wanderstay Houston, we improved upon what other hostels offer. Maybe we went a little bit overboard when it came to ensuring your comfort and convenience, but we kinda felt that it was time. Our Houston hostel provides the following for FREE: Free WiFi, Free Continental Breakfast, Free Games, Free Parking, Free Luggage Storage and FULL-SIZED BEDS! Wanderstay Houston has been open for 6 weeks in the museum district of Houston, Texas. The hostel is able to sleep up to 27 people and has a total of 8 rooms. The Wanderstay provides inexpensive food and lodging for a specific group of people such as students, workers or travelers. Wanderstay is a place is the newest share accommodation space in the city.

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“Getting open was the hardest part of everything. The hostel did not open when it was initially supposed to open. Delays continued to happen and I had to learn to be flexible.” says Mathis. Deidre’s Tips: 1. Learn the most when you first start. This will help things go better. 2. Plan for more - Don’t plan for the exact amount you need save as much or more than you need. 3. Make sure you have a plan. 4. Be flexible. It’s for the best because you never know what’s going to happen. 5. Practice self-care to refresh every week. You need to put a plan in place to help keep your mind off work. Mathis has been featured on Forbes, USA Today, Essence, Black Enterprise, the Houston Chronicle, and many others. She plans to expand by 2020 to other locations. Wanderstay Houston 4018 Chartres St. Houston, TX 77004 P: +1-281-501-9610 https://www.wanderstayhotels.com Info.houston@wanderstayhotels.com

Photo by Nikita Kachanovsky @nkachanovskyyy

Photo Credit: Andre Kelly

La’Torria Lemon is the owner and operator of Lemon-Lime Light Media, a public relations boutique that operates in both Houston, Texas and Atlanta, Georgia. Public Relations was not at all her dream job. Her ultimate goal was to be a radio personality but we all know that we can make plans but God’s purpose will always prevail.

shots and she met a women from KCOH. She asked Lemon what she wanted to do and she expressed her interest in being on the radio. She called her son Ralph Cooper to set up a meeting. On her first day, he gave her a topic and told her he wanted a story in 15 mins. “He made me recite my story on the air. I was able to get real-life critiques. I did that every day for Most of you know La’Tor- 2 years. I eventually became ria Lemon the PR but Lem- his co-host which was great.” on is actually a trained actress. Upon getting ready for college She has participated in several stage plays over the years. She initially started her journey in the acting world when she was four years old. Through acting, she was featured in commercials, short films, touring stage plays, and apart of award-winning productions.

Cooper help ed raise $5,000 towards college for Lemon. Upon entering college, her goal was to be a nationally syndicated radio personality, but after a couple of semesters at Clark Atlanta University, she applied for an internship that she did not get. However, the publicist called her in afterward and she was offered the internship for 6 months, that turned into a job in Public Relations (PR), and from there, her career goals shifted.

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After graduating with a B.S in Public Relations Management from Clark Atlanta University, she explored Public Relations full time which eventually led her to start a small boutique PR agency in Atlanta. Lemon expressed, “I actually gave up several times and shifted my mood to anything that was non-PR related. The road was not easy at all.” While residing in Atlanta, Lem-

Power tour which featured Tami the beauty supply store someRoman, Meagan Good, Kyla one threatened her life and stole Prat, Cynthia Bailey, and more. a multitude of products. While driving home crying, feeling In addition to representing sev- useless, lost and depressed. She eral tours, she also represented prayed to God that there must The Musicians’ Wives, BEAUTY be more to life than this. “At that Mentoring Organization, Ear- moment, I realized I wasn’t livnest Pugh, Kim Burrell, Miss ing my purpose.” She decided to Mykie, LisaRaye McCoy, Film make a phone call to the ownProducer Chris Kelsey of Turn- er of the store and quit her job. er Broadcasting Studios, Leela On that long ride home, she in-

on worked on several media campaigns with the 135th Street Agency for outlets such as Essence Magazine, So So Def, and various college tours. Lemon has represented Mrs. Georgia Globe 2014, Bobby V, the cast members of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, talent from ABC Network, talent from VH1, BET, various Award Shows and is one of the coordinators for the Finding Ashley Stewart National Tour. Lemon has worked closely with Haute Behavior as one of the staffing coordinators on the My Black Is Beautiful Tour’s for the past 9 years, the coordinator & publicist for The Sisters In

James, and a plethora of other brands. With 135th Street Agency, Lemon has activated screenings for STAR on Fox, Academy Award-winning film Moonlight, Birth of a Nation, Are You The One on TV One, Hell On Earth on National Geographic, and SnowFall on FX.

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4 years ago Lemon moved back to Houston and neglected everything about Lemon-Lime Light Media seeking a new career path. She started her journey working for a church and then just shortly after at a beauty supply. While working at the beauty supply place. One day while at

formed the store owner that she would mail them the key because that day would be her very last day. Lemon started to work for a temp agency doing marketing and she helped make the agency make a lot of money. Although she was good at marketing and the agency loved her it still was not enough. “Many tears, many talks to God, and many days of preparing my mind for better led me to refocus on Lemon-Lime Light Media.” expressed Lemon. One day while driving home in traffic she decided to type her resignation letter against advice from family and friends.

A couple of days later, she received a call from BET about an upcoming 90-day project. Then another call from Ashley Stewart a couple of days later. In 2013 things started to blossom with nothing but blessings and experiences. During this time she made connections through referrals. From her past work relationship with TV One and Radio One open doors to Majic 102.1, 97.9 the Boxx, the movie Never Heard, and BET. “All of my past opportunities happened in Atlanta so I had to learn the Houston side of PR, the city and how to pitch to people. Many of my clients are based on referrals and Lemon-Lime Light Media was doing so well in Houston that I had to hire a team,” says Lemon. AVID Magazine: Tell us about some of the community initiatives that you have started. I grew up in a single parent household raised by my dad and we always helped others for as long as I can remember. My dad was extremely big on community service so it was something that we often did. It was such a norm to me that when I was getting ready for college I was asked if I had any community service hours, I was not aware that I had been doing community service all of my life. My love for community service prompted me to start ‘Let’s Talk Teen Talk,’ a program apart of

the Westfield High School, my alma mater, I graduated in 2007. Through this organization, I help create opportunities to help students pay for their dreams.

AVID Magazine: What is something that you would say your younger self? If I could say something to my younger self what would it be? Don’t try to mask your insecuLunch and Launch is anoth- rities. Allow yourself to grow to er initiative I started, it is all feel included versus excluded. about getting out of my own way. This is a space where en- AVID Magazine: Has it been a trepreneurs can come togeth- smooth road? er and take the next step. I My road has not been smooth plan to host one each quarter. at all. I recently informed my social media followers that AVID Magazine: If you could of- it’s wise for people to become fer one piece of advice for some- more transparent about their one wanting to get into PR, what stories. I have had times where would it be? I quit, gave up, and wondered If I could offer any advice to why I ever chose this path. someone it would be “Things are The long days, long nights, unnot always lemonade! It’s a bunch seen work, and sacrifices can be of lemons and limes. Associate a lot to handle at times, but it has age and race. Just try to maintain. built character and allowed me to Most of the time people don’t see be apart of amazing visions that the behind the scenes moments.” come to light. I want to send a special shout-out to EVERY pubAVID Magazine: What is come licist in the world. We don’t aladvice you can give to business- ways get the love that we deserve, es about promoting their com- but I’m grateful for each of you. panies? In the midst of overcoming my When you are trying to promote struggles, I always like to make your business do the following: sure I am surrounded by peo*Make sure it’s pitchable. ple that can lift me up when I’m *Reconstruct the idea. drained, or that can just send a *You won’t get the same results. simple prayer up for me. To me, *Learn to delegate. those things are important.despite what industry you are in. Also, if God plants something in you; let it grow. Don’t AVID Magazine: Tell us more be afraid. Be patient. Get in about your business. a space with God and prac- Lemon-Lime Light Media spetice peace, patience and pray. cializes in PR, Event Activation, Branding, and Consulting. We W W W. T H E AV I D M AG A Z I N E.CO M

are the people that work behind the scenes to make everything in front of the scenes look beautiful. AVID Magazine: Earlier you stated that you had to learn the Houston scene for PR, has Houston been a great place for PR since you refocused Lemon Lime Media? Houston is a great place that is growing within many industries. PR is a field that will never die as it is so broad. There are so many different types of PR, but my niche happens to be entertainment, beauty/fashion, and faith-based. Here are some of our services: • Construct Press Releases, Press Kits and pitches • Schedule appearances for various record labels/ talent • Promote and manage bookings of the client base • An avid promoter of new talent for entertainment genre • Booking guest and conducting on-air interviews • Media relations • Concert promotions and ticket sales • Stage and film productions • Organize touring dates and activities Lemon is one of the best PRs in the city of Houston. She was one of DMARS 2019 Top 50 professionals Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs of Texas, and one of Houston’s Top 40 under 30. When she is not working, she enjoys teaching theater to grade school students, and mentoring youth through her organization Let’s Talk Teen Talk. To work with Lemon-Lime Light Media visit www.lemonlimelightmedia.com Phone: (832) 298-3834 Email: latorria@lemonlimelightmedia.com Instagram: @latorria_l Facebook: LaTorria Lemon Twitter: @latorria_l 14

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Mr. Wonderful A One of A Kind Pageant For Special Abilities Boys and Men.

1900

JUNE 22, 2019

Hughes

Landing

Blvd.

The

Woodlands,

Mr. Wonderful Pageant is designed to give our Special Abilities Boys to Men the opportunity to build Confidence through “Contagious Positivity,” show Collaboration by “Working Together” & exploring Creativity by “Inspiring Hope.” We See Abilities invites the community, family, friends, and city officials to attend the 3rd Annual Mr. Wonderful Pageant on Saturday, June 22, 2019 at Hughes Landing located in the Woodlands, TX. Mr. Wonderful is continuing to make a positive community impact by hosting and organizing the first and only pageant for special needs boys and men. Participants, ranging from 5 years old to adults, will ‘WOW” the crowd with their best stuff in hopes to be crowned “Mr. Wonderful!” This event complements the “Ms. Amazing” pageant for special needs girls, ‘Celebrating Abilities Since 2007.’ All participants not only have the chance to be crowned Mr. Wonderful but all contestants will benefit from a boost in confidence, triumph, and lifelong memories. The pageant starts at 6:30 PM, with the contestants along with their families beginning their experience on Friday, June 21, 2019. All of the festivities will take place at 1900 Hughes Landing, The Woodlands, TX 77380. This is the third year hosting the event and the goal is to continue to create memories and provide experiences in the special needs population. With the help of Hughes Landing, community partnerships, sponsors, and volunteers we anticipate more contestants and the event attendance to double. For more information about this event and the available sponsorship packets

visit www.weseeabilities.com. Donations are accepted and volunteer opportunities are available by contacting Mythiquer Pickett at (832) 928-2922. About We See Abilities We See Abilities is a non-profit organization that transforms lives through the joys of sports and community activities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. We work hard to spread compassion and acceptance in a way that will unite the world. Our goal is to awaken everyone — and every community — to each person’s common humanity. This vision of inclusion starts at the local level. There are up to 4.5 million people with disabilities around the world. Here, we want to reach out to every one of them, their families and their communities. We have, and will continue to, create opportunities for families, community members, local leaders, businesses, law enforcement, celebrities, dignitaries and others to band together to change attitudes and support our Special Warriors.

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EDITOR’S PICK

his quarters Editors Pick food spots are a little different. I have been on a personal journey to a healthier to living by changing my eating habits. Eating healthy can be very hard and expensive. While on my journey here are some food spots that I stumbled across and I absolutely love! This quarters Top 6 healthy places to eat in Houston owned by small business owners.

M Y T O P 6 H E A LT H Y FOOD SPOTS 1

SOUL FOOD VEGAN 2901 EMANCIPATION AVE HOUSTON, TX 77004 713-429-4388

*TRY THE CAJUN KALE RANCH AVOCADO SALAD, CAJUN BEYOND BURGER, SUPER NACHO, AND THE JAMBALAYA.

SWEET SAGE KITCHEN (832) 391-8048

*TRY THE JUICES RUBY ROOT, CARROT CRUSH, EMERALD ENERGY, AND THE GOLDEN GLORY.

HOUSTON SAUCE COMPANY

SUNSHINE’S VEGETARIAN DELI & HEALTH

TUES. | 6-10PM | 823 DUMBLE ST. 77023 WED. & FRI. | 11-2P | 2301 ELGIN ST. 77004 SCHEDULE POSTED MONDAYS CHECK OUT IG FOR WEEKLY TRUCK TIMES AND LOCATIONS! 3102 OLD SPANISH TRAIL, HOUSTON, TX 77054 (713) 643-2884

*TRY THE SPICY BLACK BEAN BURGER, THE TEX-MEX BLACK BEAN BURGER, JD QUESDILLA, SWEET POTATO FRIES, AND THE BLACK BEAN VEGAN NACHOS.

BROKE ASS PIZZA

3345 ANITA ST, HOUSTON, TX 77004 (832) 548-0471

*TRY THE LAST ORGANIC PIZZA, VEGAN PIZZA, TURKEY PEPPERONI, AND THE BANANA BREADSTICKS.

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GARDEN KITCHEN

10480 MAIN ST. HOUSTON, TEXAS 77025 (832) 350-7534

*TRY THE STRAWBERRY LEMONADE, CORN CHIPS & GUACAMOLE, CORN SALAD, THE LEMONADE, THE BET TER THAN TUNA SANDWICH AND THE PEPPERONI WRAP.

Tristen Sutton is an award-winning marketing, sales professional, and branding message who works in pricing promotions and advertising for small businesses. The multi-preneur is best known for his expertise as an Event Marketing Specialist, Marketing Strategist, Facebook Ads Expert, Podcast Host, Corporate Trainer, and Speaker. Sutton provides proven strategies to his clients to help them generate more sales and grow their business. Over 75 entrepreneurs have taken their brand to the next level with his popular service, Ads YOUniversity. During this course, entrepreneurs are taught how to use Facebook ads to target their ideal clientele on one of the world’s largest social media platforms.

a small company and eventually switched companies and started his firm with State Farm. With over 16 years in the insurance and financial services in the community many noticed how well he was able to market his company and other businesses began requesting his help. Through this word of mouth effort another business was born, Tristen Sutton Consulting, LLC. A marketing and advertising agency that helps companies attract and convert their target market. In February 2017, Tristen Sutton Consulting, LLC evolved and he started to gain revenue for helping others with business solutions. A lot of businesses started to see how he was running his social media and clients. “A wise man once said if you are good at something charge for it.” stated Sutton. After meeting with several people he decided to start a business and focus on social media putting to use his Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Texas A&M University. In just a short period of time his consulting business evolved into teaching others how to utilize Facebook ads and providing overall marketing tips to clients. Sutton considers himself a marketing outsource, a Chief Marketing Officer. Many consider him as the “Marketing Jedi,” because he is highly sought out by entrepreneurs to help develop their marketing & advertising strategy. His expertise in Facebook ads is what differentiates him from his competitors. His ability to use social media marketing creatively has allowed him to generate results for his clients.

“I help businesses attract and convert their target clients using prov-

For Sutton, his current path was not always his goal. Originally he wanted to be a buyer for Macy’s and purchase clothes like Perry Ellis and Claiborne. During his internship, his mentor Jeff Wallace advised him saying, “I don’t think that’s what you want to do I think you should check out insurance.” Wallace gave him the benefits of working in insurance. After landing an internship with Liberty Mutual, Sutton liked the field and he realized that he was good at it. He was able to obtain his license in insurance before he graduated from college and Liberty Mutual offered him a full-time job. He started selling insurance to corporate America. During this time Sutton received several awards while venturing out into the insurance world. He realized that he could start his own agency since he was just making money for someone else. He started his own insurance agency working with

en marketing strategies.”

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Tidbits with Tristen:

to help you cure your RevenueAilments and When you decided to start Tristen Sutton Consult- equip you to take your business to the next level. ing, what was your strategy? I took a different approach with this business, I just Also, I offer Ads YOUniversity - How To Make Facebook™ Ads To Attract New Customers To Grow Your let the Lord lead me. If you could give some advice to someone just start- Business. During this detailed and comprehensive course, you will receive intensive hands-on training ing in business, what would it be? Each year evolve your business and find solutions to on how to create your own strategic Facebook ad campaigns and never have to pay someone to do fund your business. them for you again! I share with you everything I’ve What inspires and motivates you? I have always been naturally competitive as well as learned from running ads for myself, my clients, as wanting to help others wins and achieve success. A well as everything I’ve learned from being Hootsuite new client or a current client gets more results that’s Certified as a Social Marketer, attending dozens of why I help clients come up with a campaign or mar- ads training courses, and knowledge I’ve learned keting strategy. I love to help other wins. “I believe directly from Facebook ads experts employees. that God has blessed me with a skill set and knowl- I’ve personally used ads Facebook ads in my own business ventures. After learning how to edge to help other people.” If you could offer one piece of advice to your young- use Facebook ads the RIGHT way I was able to generate a steady flow of leads and clients for er self when you first started, what would it be? We know that everything happens for a reason. “If I my consulting business and I teach you these could offer any advice for someone wanting to start steps, processes, and hacks in this course. a business I would say, start saving as soon as you You’re going to learn how to make winning ads for yourcan for your business. That way you don’t have to self so you won’t have to worry about spending thouworry about any loans, interests. Make sure you set sands of dollars for an ads manager to run ads for you. yourself up to have money to live off of and still live Sutton continues to help entrepreneurs take comfortably.” What are some other things that you do in business? their business to the next level and his efforts have not gone unnoticed. The award-winning multiThe Revenue Clinic™ Podcast preneur has been a special guest on Fox 26 News Tell us about The Revenue Clinic. It is an Entrepreneurial talk show where I help busi- as a local expert contributor, Magic 102, and ness owners cure their revenue ailments by provid- KCOH. He has been recognized as one of the Top ing expert advice and resources to help listeners 50 Black Professional & Entrepreneurs of Houston, Houston Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 List, take their business to the next level. Who’s Who In Black Houston, a Greater Houston What type of resources or advice is provided? We specialize in helping entrepreneurs & organiza- Black Chamber Pinnacle Award winner, Goldman tions attract & convert their target clients by provid- Sachs 10k Small Business alumni, an Leukemia & ing advertising & marketing strategies using social Lymphoma Society Man of The Year Candidate, media, digital marketing, & community marketing and a City of Houston Proclamation Recipient. tactics. Most business owners have a desire to grow their business, but they struggle with overcoming To schedule a call with Tristen for your business solutheir Revenue Ailments (failing marketing strategies, tions call 281-766-0814. Monthly consultants with tech overwhelm, ineffective systems & processes, lack Tristen Sutton Consulting are also available learn of accountability, financial woes, etc.) I created this more about his services by visiting www.tristensutcollection to provide a resource for small business tonconsulting.com. Also sign-up today for one of his owners to come to connect, collaborate and educate. courses to help take your business to the next level The Revenue Clinic™ serves as a communi- at bit.ly/100DollarsOff . Be sure to follow him on soty that provides remedies to common challeng- cial media, Facebook @tristenesutton or Instagram es that small business owners face. The #Prof- @tristenesutton. itPrescriptions offered in this forum will serve 20

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Closet Chats is a web series on Facebook Watch that de-

buted on March 8, 2019. Hosts Earlene Buggs, Christina Murray, and Felicia Henderson are highly-successful businesswomen, wives, and mothers that are creating a platform to discuss relevant topics that are diverse, engaging, and informative for women. Every episode of Closet Chats is an intimate girls-talk conversation that is beautifully captured within a glamorous walk-in closet. The ladies weave various topics into their 20-minute talk show, bringing their entertaining, insightful and common sense approach to universal themes such as relationships, business, and family. “Closet Chats is a labor of love for me and my besties. We birthed this project to encourage, inspire and connect with women all over the world. We are humbled in every way to share our brand of humor, perspective, and wisdom with a handcrafted group of prominent women,” says the show’s Executive Producer, Earlene Buggs. Each lady brings a unique perspective about today’s most compelling issues and a wealth of knowledge: Earlene Buggs “The Physician” - A girl’s girl and fashionista, Earlene is a wife, mother, and CEO. Her words may cut with honesty, but her genuine spirit & wisdom will have you walking away new and better than ever. Felicia Henderson “The Philosopher” - Felicia is a dedicated wife, mother, entrepreneur, and the founder of the “Inspire” organization. Her rants may ruffle a few feathers, but you won’t watch an episode without walking away with a new catchphrase or perspective. Christina Murray “The Peacemaker” - Christina is the founder of the Boss Lady Network, realtor, and inspirational speaker who spent many years working in ministry. Her experiences are her truth and she means what she says...but always with non-filtered honesty. Viewers will enjoy the transparency of the hosts as they reveal their personal experiences and thoughts, and will be captivated by the beautiful composition of the show that will keep fans watching every week. For more information and to watch the latest episodes of Closet Chats please visit www.facebook.com/theclosetchats. 22

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AVID 1. My Best Life Tour

3. Boss Life Ball

IN THE

CITY

2. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m Already Professionally Developed Tour

4. Block Fest

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8. The Eyeconic Event

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9. Lyrics for learning

10. Blck Market Houston

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Doing Spring Cleaning

The Right Way

Spring brings in vibrant, colorful flowers and unfortunately their unfriendly friend, pollen. With Spring comes the reminder that it’s time to clean up. Spring cleaning is a staple in some homes and becoming more and more common in others.

One year while helping one relative clean their closet, we agreed that if we found any spare change or money we would go to dinner. We were all mentally preparing to indulge in a good snack from McDonald’s or the snowball stand. Who knew we would find almost $200 after cleaning that closet? Needless to say, we Getting the spring cleaning bug isn’t just for let the snack go and enjoyed a fine, multiple homes though, there are other areas in our course family dinner at a nearby restaurant. lives that need a consistent cleansing and purging. What would your world be like if a few of Choose a method that works for you or conthese areas (where applicable) were a little bit sider using this one. Either way, you clear the tidier? Email, Closet, Car, Drawers (Everyone unnecessary clutter and potentially get to some looks their junk drawer so that may be off lim- goods. its but the other ones could benefit from being tidy.) Purses and/or Bags, Heart, Mind, Spirit, Step 1: Trash vs. Treasure and Soul. Is it trash or treasure? Are you tossing it or Taking time to take inventory of these ar- keeping it? Distinguishing between the two is eas in your life, purging, and getting rid of the as simple as asking yourself, can it be used by crumbs and critters may prove to be beneficial myself or others? If it’s inoperable, if even the and even profitable. parts are no good, then it may be time for it to head to the trash can. You are the best judge. As a child in my southern Louisiana home, spring cleaning was not an option. We purged Step 2: Toss Out the Trash & Focus on the Treathe closets, get under the bed, clean the win- sure dows, amongst other things. We didn’t loathe it because we learned to make fun out of it and Treasure are things that are operable and can so can you. be kept by yourself or others. Treasure gets

resorted in three areas - keep, give, or sell. The treasure you keep is for your use or to be archived. The treasure you give can be donated to your local shelter or a non-profit in your area. The treasure you sell puts some extra cash in your pockets. You can sell your treasure in several ways. Technology changed the way most things work and reselling is no different. You are able to list your garage sale on local websites and post to social media sites like Facebook. Apps like 5Mile and Letgo allow you to virtually list your goods (clothes, household goods, and more) for a longer period of time. Stores like Buffalo Exchange and Plato’s Closet allow you to go in the trade your gently used clothes for cash or store credit. Step 3: Enjoy Your New Found Goods Now that you’ve sorted through the trash and treasure, figured out what to do what remains, take time to enjoy the benefits of your new found goods. It could be some extra cash, peace, or time saved from scrambling around.

Ashley M. Martin Photo Credit: Headshot JoJo Photography

“You learn something new every day” is a philosophy Ashley M. Martin lives by. She successfully blends her love for educating, encouraging, and empowering others into dynamic conversations, coaching sessions, and talks. After ten years in the public-school system, she took a leap of faith and followed her heart expanding her work as an author and speaker. She still loves the next generation and serves them through her nonprofit. Ashley has a great appreciation for all things gold, green tea, journals, and travel. W W W. T H E AV I D M AG A Z I N E.CO M

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