PWH MAGAZINE - April 2023

P R E P R E P R E

W O W O W O

APRIL 2023

T T Y T T Y T T Y

LEARNING TO SAY, "NO"

THE MONTH OF ARIES

NO-MAKE UP, NO-MAKE UP, NO-MAKE UP, MAKE UP MAKE UP MAKE UP

RASHEEDAH THOMAS

STRATEGIC STORYTELLING

C O N T E N T S

0 9 1 2 1 4 2 2

STOP GIVING PIECES OF YOURSELF AWAY

Shaunda Thompson

NO-MAKEUP, MAKEUP: HERE’S WHY YOU SHOULD TRY IT

ASAP!

Gloria from Amani Upendo

APRIL MONTHLY HOROSCOPE

Akilah Roberts

HOW CAN YOU BENEFIT FROM INTERNS IN YOUR SMALL BUSINESS?

India K. Easley

Wellness 1 6

COVER FEATURE

STRATEGIC STORYTELLING

Rasheedah Thomas

T H E P R E T T Y T E A M

Pretty Women Hustle Magazine

April 2023

Cover Image

RASHEEDAH THOMAS

CEO/Founder Publisher

Jakia Cheatham–Myles

Lead Editor

Adrienne Michelle Horn

I A M Editing, Ink www iamediting com

Graphic Designer/Copywriter

Raquel de Lemos

Raquel Writes Content www raquelwritescontent com

Info@Prettywomenhustle com

Instagram: @Prettywomenhustlemagazine

Facebook: Pretty Women Hustle Magazine

TikTok: @Prettywomenhustleonline

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L E T T E R F R O M T H E P U B L I S H E R

April is all about HOPE! During the month of April, our platform shares stories of hope, stories of entrepreneurs who never gave up despite the amount of obstacles they faced

As we prepare for April, try your best to shed light on a woman you know who overcame their struggle, which was meant to hold them back from their goals.

In this issue, we will highlight female creatives from different industries while focusing on women-owned brands from around the world. Our contributors have provided tips, stories, and motivation to help women in business stay on track while going full force in their purpose.

On the cover, we have Entrepreneur Rasheedah Thomas.

Take a moment and read through the pages of this magazine while thinking of other women in business you know who may need inspiration and motivation to keep going after their dreams. Find us on social media and let us know about your business.

Allow this issue to serve as a reminder to “Dream! Dream Big! Don’t ever stop Dreaming!”

Until Next Time, Stay Pretty and Paid!

Jakia Cheatham - Myles CEO/Founder

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STOP GIVING PIECES OF YOURSELF AWAY

Written By: Shaunda Thompson

There are only two words that will always lead you to success Those words are yes and no. Undoubtedly, you ’ ve mastered saying yes Start practicing saying no Your goals depend on itJack Canfield

Have you noticed it’s usually the important things that are impacted by not saying “No,” such as quality time with yourself or your family, your health, and your stress levels?

No is a power word Saying “No” is also an ideal opportunity to rediscover your priorities and what you really want. Until you learn to say “No,” you will continue to be overwhelmed with too much to do and not enough time Give yourself time and freedom to be and do what matters to you. Let’s get started in these 5 steps!

First, let’s acknowledge that you always HAVE A RIGHT to Say “No” when:

It’s something you don’t want to do

You’re stressed or overwhelmed

You’re tired or sick

It’s someone else’s issue

You feel taken for granted

It takes away from your values and wishes

Second, ask yourself what you need to say “No” to in your life.

Third, what currently stops you from saying “No” to these things?

Next, know what’s important to you.

It’s much easier to say “No” when you are clear on what you want and need

What is MOST important to YOU in life?

How would YOU like to spend MORE time?

Where would YOU like to spend LESS time?

What is YOUR top priority this year?

What is YOUR top priority this month?

What is YOUR top priority this week?

If YOU had a magic wand, what would you do?

Finally, explore your beliefs about saying “No ”

People who say “Yes” are:

People who DON’T say “Yes” are:

People who say “No” are:

People who DON’T say “No” are:

Are you ready to begin your journey?

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MEET RACQUELL ROYSTER, OWNER OF HANDMADE BOUTIQUE, Dora Lee Squared

What is the message or meaning behind your boutique?

The boutique currently specializes in any wear for everywhere, meaning that I want you to be able to wear my garments literally anywhere Work Errands Cocktails Fast fashion is in, but slow fashion is making a comeback The girls are tired of looking alike

What inspired you to start creating handmade clothing?

I noticed that the quality of manufactured clothing was constantly declining It was almost as if nobody did any quality assurance on any of the garments Then Id look at the expensive price tags and get confused There was no quality I needed work clothes since my role went hybrid I didnt want to buy anything in the stores, so I started making my own clothing for the office

What do you love most about sewing?

Racquell Royster is a talented designer and owner of Dora Lee Squared Boutique Dora Lee Squared is a handmade boutique specializing in “ any wear for everywhere” As a child, Raquel studied her great-great grandmother closely as she crocheted, embroidered, and sewed items by hand While many of us were watching soap operas (aka stories) and eating our favorite snacks with our grandmothers, Royster was learning skills that would one day blossom into her passion

Where did the name Dora Lee Squared come from?

My great-great grandmother’s name was Dora Lee Lewis She is who taught me how to sew as a child I named my boutique in honor of her memory

I love the peace and connection I get when sewing in solitude I get to escape reality for hours Sometimes I sing Sometimes I get lost in my thoughts Sometimes I listen to music It’s the solitude for me I also enjoy the hum of the sewing and serger machines It’s therapeutic Kind of like sewing ASMR

Where do you see yourself and your boutique in the next 5 years?

Dora Lee Squared will expand into different markets in the next 5 years Currently, the focus is on crafting versatile items without compromising comfort or quality I’d like to expand on that On the tech side of the fashion industry, I foresee Dora Lee Squared being a key player somewhere in the fashion tech arena I’m still trying to figure that part out

Minimal makeup typically includes just enough product to even out the skin tone, define the eyes, and add a touch of color to the cheeks and lips You want to look effortless and still eye-catching

This type of makeup look is often natural-looking and can be achieved using foundation, concealer, eyeshadow, mascara, blush, and lip color

Here’s a breakdown of what each product does for this natural look:

Foundation: to even out skin tone and create a smooth base for the rest of your makeup

Concealer: to hide any blemishes or discoloration

Brow pencil or powder: to give the eyebrows definition and shape

Mascara: to make the lashes look longer and fuller

Blush or bronzer: to add a touch of color to the cheeks

Lipstick or lip gloss: to give the lips a hint of color and hydration

Taking this “natural” approach is more gentle on the skin The less makeup you use, the less likely you are to irritate the skin or clog pores Opting for brands with natural ingredients can help improve skin tone, texture, and overall health

Many natural makeup products contain antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can help nourish the skin and protect it from environmental damage

To break it down, less is more with this look Keep it simple so that it looks natural, and as a bonus, throw in natural products to actually benefit your skin

I made the transition years ago, along with many, and its really good! It was easy to start, and the results were great I’d definitely recommend it

Stay Pretty!

THE MONTH OF ARIES

Quote:

"I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels. Life's a bitch. You've got to go out and kick ass." - Maya Angelou

Characteristics:

Personal Creed of "I am"

Fire Element

Cardinal Energy

Intuitive Psychological Type

Positive Masculine Sign

Positive Traits:

Outspoken

Alert

Candid

Pioneering

Quick- Witted

Negative Traits:

Selfish

Foolhardy

Impatient

Impulsive

Quick Tempered

Overview:

Aries women and men have a good head on the shoulders overall. They are able to move through life with ease due to their ability to rationalize their thoughts. They are go-getters and create the life they desire. They can also be known as stubborn individuals because they don't accept criticism or help very well.

Personal Love:

They are looking for a money partner more than a love companion. They are not looking for love but someone they can build an empire with. They are not willing to settle for a broke or lazy person.

Personal Money:

Working hard for everything they have, it's hard to think about competition Tunnel vision is how they are able to navigate through life by obtaining all their needs Less focus on the person next to them and more on the next move

P R E T T Y W O M E N H U S T L E C O V E R S T O R Y

Rasheedah Thomas

Rasheedah Thomas is the woman you hire when you are ready to nail down your messaging, raise your profile, and brand yourself or your company as an expert in your field Rasheedah is a passionate communications strategist who believes good communication is great for business She is a highly sought-after advisor to policymakers, business leaders, and changemakers on strategic communications, media relations, and branding strategies

An entrepreneur for almost a decade, Rasheedah departed the strategic communications firm she cofounded and founded Emerald Digital Solutions in 2021. EDS is a Woman and Minority owned digital agency that combines strategic communications and digital marketing to help clients craft sophisticated messages, identify the right channels, and execute a strategy that supports positive business outcomes Rasheedah has advised clients like the Congressional Black Caucus Institute, Southeast Crescent Regional Commission, South Carolina Primary Health Care Association, American Molecular Laboratories, National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, and Protecting Our Vote PAC

Rasheedah is often asked to share commentary and analysis for US and international media on US and international affairs, women ’ s issues, and personal and corporate branding. She often provides political communications training for organizations like Higher Heights for America and the Congressional Black Caucus Institute.

For over a decade, Rasheedah worked in fundraising and donor relations at National Public Radio. For over a decade, she raised an average of $2-3M annually and created strategic stewardship plans for NPR’s corporate, foundation, and individual donors. She worked closely with NPR’s CEO and other executive management, as well as with major stations and Trustees of the NPR Foundation.

As the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of the Women’s Congressional Staff Foundation, Rasheedah works to increase staff diversity on the Hill and create a pipeline to foster more diversity in Hill leadership positions. She is a Washington Women in Public Relations member and was selected to join Politico’s Women Rule advisory group as one of its first members Rasheedah was named to the 2021 and 2020 list of Influential African American Women on LinkedIn She is a proud native South Carolinian, an alumna of Howard University, and a novice golfer.

As an advocate for more women in positions of power, I want women to know their superpowers and take control of their messaging.

Who is Rasheedah Thomas outside of entrepreneurship?

Still very busy! My first priority will always be my family I’m very close to my parents and have a loving and supportive partner. I’m also a woman of faith, and my daily prayer is for God to keep me humble and focused I’m passionate about women in positions of power and use my platform to support gender equality in leadership and advocate for greater representation of women in high-level decision-making roles I’m Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of the Women’s Congressional Foundation, and our mission is to increase the number and rank of women working on Capitol Hill. We believe that by providing women with the support and resources they need to succeed, the gender gap in leadership can be narrowed to create a more equitable and representative political landscape. The representation of women in politics is crucial for ensuring equal representation and a more diverse government that accurately reflects the needs and values of all citizens WCSF seeks to address this issue by providing support, resources, and mentorship to young women interested in pursuing careers in politics and public service

When did you discover your passion for helping people discover their message?

Storytelling and strategic communications have been a throughline in my career. At National Public Radio, I worked with journalists, who are amazing storytellers, to tell the story of NPR to donors and prospective donors. I also had my first experience in crisis communications at NPR After honing my comms and storytelling skills and becoming fearless about asking for money, I knew I was ready for entrepreneurship. I took the jump in 2014 and never looked back

As a sought-after brand strategist, what has been the most rewarding part of your career thus far?

I primarily work with companies, government agencies, nonprofit orgs, and municipalities, and I’m often asked to work with the executive leader of these entities on their own messaging and thought leadership You would be surprised how many leaders have difficulty answering “So tell me about yourself” or “What do you do?” Helping them understand their superpower and nail down their messaging is the first step in our engagement I help them compellingly position their career story, improve their online presence, look better on camera, and build a solid network. I watch their confidence skyrocket, and that leveling up is always a boon to their career It’s incredibly rewarding for me

Tell us a little about your decision to depart from the company you built. Was that difficult for you?

It took me a little while to make the decision, but once I did, it wasn’t difficult to move forward Since all the client relationships and the network I built will always stay with me, it never felt like I was leaving anything behind, rather taking the next step in my career I’m thrilled with what I’ve built so far at Emerald Digital Solutions, and I’m so excited about what’s to come

Tell us about EDS.

We are a certified woman and minority-owned digital agency that uses strategic communications and digital marketing to help our clients craft sophisticated messages, identify the right channels, and execute a strategy that supports positive business outcomes We have offices in the Washington, DC, area and South Carolina Our motto is “Good Communication is Great for Business ” I’ve built a team of phenomenal black and brown women, and we make sure that we ’ re not just a line item in our clients’ budgets; we create real value Our client work includes op-ed creation and placement for executives, digital ad creation and buys for political campaigns, getting media coverage for client initiatives, and working with lobbyists to support their advocacy efforts with communications strategy.

How can women work with EDS?

We work with companies, government agencies, nonprofit orgs, and municipalities Anyone interested in exploring an engagement can email me directly at hello@emeralddigital.com. I made the business decision last year to no longer take on individuals as clients For more information, follow our social media channels and stay tuned!

What message do you hope women take away from your platform as a whole?

As an advocate for more women in positions of power, I want women to know their superpowers and take control of their messaging. Once they do that, they will find an easier path to raising their profile and leveling up their personal and professional brand

What is your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles?

She’s more than just a woman who works hard and strives for success She’s a woman who lives her life on her own terms, supports other women, and remembers her struggles enough to try to make sure others don’t have to have the same struggles

What is your definition of a Pretty Women Hustle?

The definition of Pretty Women Hustle to me is that, as pretty women, we should always stay consistent and persevere to keep our dreams alive so our business can flourish and leave a legacy to continue to bless others

ANIA OOTEN

Ania Ooten has been working as a Paraeducator with students who are disabled in the Compton Unified School District for the last 10 years Her lifelong desire to teach led her to pursue a bachelor's degree in Education from Los Angeles Pacific University Two years ago, she was inspired to start her brand Ania Aroma Candles

Ania Aroma Candles is a well-renowned online store that features a variety of high-quality and affordable candles. The company ' s passion for excellence has driven them from the beginning and continues to drive them for the future. The team at Ania Aroma Candles knows that every candle counts as they strive to make the entire shopping experience as rewarding and fun as possible

What inspired your interest in being a Paraeducator?

I was inspired to be a paraeducator because of my passion, compassion, and patience in working with disabled children Also, my grandmother Grace was disabled, and at a young age watching her inspired me, and I knew this was a calling Being empathic led me to a decision to work with individuals with disabilities

How did your role in the school district prepare you for your career in entrepreneurship?

After the pandemic and schools closed, I started a candle business

Tell us about Ania Aroma Candles When did you realize this was your gift?

I realized it was a gift to sell candles when I got the signs of what my logo would be, and I just stepped out on faith

What sets your brand apart from other candle companies?

My candle business candles have a natural clean burn, fragrances are long-lasting, and the appearance of the candle illuminates as a lantern and puts you in a peaceful and tranquil mood

What message or experience do you hope new customers take away from your brand?

The experience I want my customers to take away from my candle is having a nice aroma with a clean burn that gives them serenity after they light it

TIMMIE MITCHEL

Timmie Mitchell was born in Monrovia, Liberia, and is the mother of two girls, ages 19 and 22 She is the proud owner of Scrubs Unlimited & Apparel with partners Danielle Griffin and Dawan Feely, Liberian Lady Investments, LLC, and Mitchell Notary Signing Services, LLC In addition, she is also part owner of Queenz Investments, LLC, with partners Shenekia McClinton & Desiree Cook, Real Estate Investor with Guaranteed Homes LLC

What inspired your start in entrepreneurship?

I wanted to show my girls that they can be their own bosses. They can be leaders and not followers. I feel that there is no better feeling than working for yourself I love empowering women

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

Opening our first brick-and-mortar store

If you could tribute your success to any in your life, who would it be?

God and my willpower People often underestimate me, but I have proven that the sky is the limit I can do anything with God, who strengthens me each day I set goals, and even if they are hard goals, I keep pushing

What message do you hope women take away from your platform?

Believe in yourself Do not let anyone tell you that you can not do something Set a goal and go after it Start any type of small business and just go for it Get a good support team or person that lifts you up and will grind with/for you Support is so important

What is your go-to quote for motivation?

When you have a dream, you have to grab it and never let go Nothing is impossible

What does being a woman making herstory mean to you?

It means everything I am going to make herstory I will be one of the best African-born multipreneur females in my state If I help one person on my journey to greatness, I will be fulfilled

HOW CAN YOU BENEFIT FROM INTERNS IN YOUR SMALL BUSINESS?

Written By: India K Easley

There are so many ways that we can benefit from having interns in your small business The importance of interns is sometimes overlooked simply because of the word; intern. Not only can interns be of assistance to small business owners, but interns can also benefit greatly from having the opportunity of participating in an internship. Internships are an opportunity to network with great people and sharpen your skills before entering the workforce. They also help tremendously with figuring out your true passion. Companies often look at them as a way to gain experience and exposure to smoothly transition into your role when hired (Forbes, 2022).

The amount of experience and knowledge gained from an internship is valuable to the individual participating in the business

We know the importance of internships for those who partake in them, but let’s dive into the benefits of having an intern Almost all businesses and companies have internship programs and offer the opportunity to those interested in joining the specific field Most companies bring interns to assist and gain much-needed support for their businesses and employees While providing internships, companies are able to invest in their future success and seek out newer talent needed for upcoming positions While having an intern is beneficial in many ways, most interns are known for taking on smaller tasks that allow higher-level employees to focus on their other work Now that we are venturing into more jobs offering multiple services, interns often take on responsibilities much greater than administrative responsibilities Employers often want to hire interns to broaden their resumes and increase the company’s value

HERE ARE FIVE GREAT BENEFITS TO GAIN FROM INTERNS:

A larger workforce

Interns are valuable support and help to current employees, even if tasks given to them have modest levels of responsibility. Other colleagues can pursue creative or more advanced projects by taking on tasks as an intern. As an intern, you can expect tasks that help you learn a new skill or more about the industry and work with fellow employees on specific projects, research, or campaigns. Most internships have supervision to provide you with feedback on your work.

Mentorship opportunities

Internship programs allow current employees to mentor future leaders in the field, promoting a healthy work culture and building company morale. Helping teach and develop individuals new to the career can motivate employees, reinvigorate their passion or work ethic, and increase effective leadership within the team.

A new perspective

Interns offer a fresh look at a company’s day-to-day business and procedures and can share ideas on strategy, plans, policies, and more. As an intern, you can be part of brainstorming sessions and meetings or give input and suggestions to company or internship leaders. You can help organizations apply the latest strategies and techniques in your chosen career field through your education and knowledge. With the growing presence and use of social media, interns can apply their technology skills to bring creative opportunities and ideas for social media marketing or engagement.

Positive publicity

Communities and industries often commend those who provide internships to the next generation of business people. Companies that offer internships can establish or grow their connections with universities and colleges, increasing their visibility on campuses and ability to recruit other students. Internships can also promote community involvement and presence by teaching the prospective workforce and having an impact.

An employee candidate pool

Companies can select and develop future talent through internships and increase their staff retention rates since many interns secure job offers after their internship ends. As a former intern, you assimilate into the new role faster than an external hire might Employers can hold various social activities and professional development seminars to learn more about each intern and how they may be a good permanent addition to the team (Indeed Editorial Team, 2023)

I like providing internships in my company because it allows others to see what it’s like to work in a field they enjoy It also gives them a chance to understand the ends and outs of how a company may work There are so many benefits of interns and internships Having the right intern(s) for you will assist you in growing your business in more ways than one! Everyone can benefit greatly from being an intern and internships

What is your definition of a Pretty Women Hustle?

A surviving warrior that overcomes all obstacles to help provide for her family

MALVENA WALKER-ADDISON

Malvena Walker-Addison, affectionately known as Nena, hails from Compton, CA, and was raised with 4 brothers by her mother and father, who moved here from Texas and Louisiana, respectively She has been married to Paul, a Los Angeles bass player and radio personality, for the past 8 years

In 2016, after many years of suffering from eczema, a dermatological skin condition unsuccessfully treated by prescription medicine, Nena decided to create an organic, plant-based solution to resolve her ailment Soon after, her husband, Paul, was diagnosed with diabetes and was placed on the prescription drug, Metformin Nena discovered that Metformin had multiple side effects and wasn’t solving Paul’s condition and could lead to additional complications that compromised his quality of life

Nena devoted herself to investigating the causes of both eczema and diabetes There were many challenges along the way, including homelessness and financial strife, but after several years of intensive research, Nena has not only successfully formulated naturally based creams and oils that resolved eczema but also designed Hemp Mega, which is an alternative to Metformin

Today Nenas Organics is fast becoming a successful boutique product line with over 70 unique plant-based products These products include Ex Balm, CBD Oil, Balm of Gilead, Lymph Detox, and Hair Growth Stimulator, all created with plants and flowers exclusively

Who is Malvena Walker - Addison?

A resilient survivor

What inspired Nenas Organics?

Struggling with eczema since I was a child without chemical-free relief Out of desperation, Nenas Organics was born.

When did you realize you created a product that provides results?

A client asked me for a larger size because the Ex Balm worked!

Can you take us through your creative process? Clients call asking if I either have or can make something to relieve them of their ailments

Where do you hope to see your brand in the next 3-5 years? Inside the Beverly Center!

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT

Kertrina Dauway

As a child, Kertrina Dauway often wondered what life would be like as an adult She did not know that life would take her on a journey of selfdiscovery Growing up the second of five siblings, she knew she wanted to help people She and her siblings had a very privileged upbringing and were fortunate enough to have well-educated parents who instilled in them a very strong work ethic In 2007, Kertrina, aka Singer Lady Diamond, became the Emcee of the House of Blues Gospel Brunch, overseeing the entire production for both the Dallas and Houston locations

She has worked on major productions and is the founder of the You Can Live Again Expo and Awards that will take place on May 27. This event celebrates individuals who have pushed past obstacles and are living again and helping others live again.

Her background in sales is extensive, and she leaves a legacy in corporate America as one of the top award-winning business development consultants representing a Fortune 100 company and a major partnership with a major music entertainment company She has authored a book, How To Be A True Sales Professional It provides insight into developing trusting business relationships through self-discovery Still staying close to her roots in music, she enjoys performing Classic R & B on the local Dallas music scene and celebrating individuals

If you had to describe yourself in one sentence, what would it be and why?

I love people and always want to help Why?

I was born this way

You grew up in a fairly large family. How did your experiences impact who you are today as a leader and entrepreneur?

Both my parents are native Mississippians with strong family values and work ethic. The way they came together to raise us is still awe-mazing. Our upbringing was similar to that of the Cosby Kids. We had a very structured and disciplined upbringing. Because of this, my siblings and I have a very strong work ethic An example of this is when the kids would be out playing in the yard, and we would be in our yard raking up the leaves, etc This has been extremely valuable to what I have brought to the table in corporate America

Tell us about your passion for music. Who would you say are your musical influences? This is a very good question In Gospel, I'm a huge fan of Dorinda Clark and Le'Andria Johnson However, I grew up listening to Shirley Caesar and Tremaine Hawkins In R & B/Pop, I imitated Tina Turner as a child and loved Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole, and Whitney Houston. In Jazz and Blues, I'm a fan of Ella Fitzgerald, Harry Connick, Jr, Michael Buble, and BB King.

When did you discover you had a message that needed to be shared with the world? I grew up always wanting to help others and have done this all my life Inspiring people is a life mission for me

Tell us about your book, How to be A True Sales Professional. Who would you say this book was created for?

Now this book is creative for any individual who wants to improve in their respective career

Everyone is a salesperson This book is a guide to first identify your own selfawareness and how that is relayed to client and/or business relations

What is your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles?

I think the word, pretty definitely is inner beauty revealed through knowing who you are. It is knowing your purpose and focusing on it and the joy of knowing it is helping someone.

Hustle focuses on the cultivation of your inner beauty and purpose It's important not to confuse the word hustle with walking over others to get where you are trying to go If you are truly walking in purpose, you will NEVER have to walk over anyone or take from anyone Your FOCUS and healthy DETERMINATION will get you where God wants you

Pamela Coleman is a Charlottesville, Virginia, native and mental abuse survivor Coleman took pen to paper to ease years of abuse, lies, and secrets Her book Is this me? Am I her? reflects on years of abuse at the hands of her mother Coleman’s father, grandmother, and brother protected her as she grew up During middle school, Coleman began to drink She thought that this was ok because her mother did it

With her book, she hopes to help others who have gone through similar events Coleman is an award winner of an Impact Award for her support and encouragement of others Along with the Book Tour Award, she has traveled to several states, met some amazing people, and made lifelong connections.

When she is not writing, she’s very passionate about men ’ s mental health and runs her online life coaching business, Finding Your Path This is where she applies her life coaching skills and life lessons to help others During the Christmas holiday, her website spoke to over 26 people free of charge Coleman understands what it is like to spend the holidays alone, sad and depressed, with nowhere to turn She makes sure that no one will be turned away because of cost

Coleman’s cheerleaders are her sons, Eric and Evan Coleman, and grandson Maverick Coleman works full-time with high school students that come in from other countries to bridge the gap between the students and teachers and ensure the students have an easy transition and the best education available

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT

PAMELA COLEMAN

When did you realize you had a story that needed to be shared?

After finishing my first book, I realized I am a mental abuse survivor From there, I wanted to share my book and my struggles and help one person know that you can reach out to get help without judgment My goal is to break or bend the stigma that asking for help is not cool You are not weak; it’s the opposite You are stronger for reaching out for help

Tell us about your book, Is This Me? Am I Her? What message are you hoping readers take away from your work? My book covers me being a survivor of mental abuse I was a functioning alcoholic from middle school through college Because I didn’t know how my mother would react from one moment to the next, I made some decisions based on how I thought my mother would react, which still to this day bothers me There is one thing that I stress in the book: I still cry every Mother’s Day You know how you see the daughters or mothers posting photos of their Mothers day outings? That was the one thing I always wanted I always wanted to go out with my mother or stay home and have fun with her, but that never happened

I would love for my readers to take from the book that they are stronger than they think They can make it through some of the worst things in life and turn them into something that can help someone else There’s plenty of room in this world for stories to be shared If you help one person, your effort counts for something.

You have traveled around the US sharing your book’s message. Where do you hope to see your work next?

I would love to see my books selling internationally To get a request to come to another country to participate in a book festival would be amazing

You are a writer and entrepreneur How do you balance the day-to-day demands of both passions?

Wow, that is a good question I have a full-time job with one of our high schools and work the sporting events I think the thing that keeps me on task is my planner I have the old-school planner; I have all events color coded When I open the book, I know what needs to be addressed for the week

When Friday comes, I write down a to-do list for the weekend I must be diligent about keeping up with everything I need to do One day I hope to have a personal assistant

How can men or women connect with your company, Finding Your Path? What services are currently offered?

I offer a place where people can talk about anything they need I have an intake form that I send out when some request a meeting That way, I am prepared to answer/ask questions I have various time offers, from one 30-minute session to a six-month 90-minute package

During the Christmas break, I turned off the charge to ensure I was there for anyone who wanted/needed someone to talk to I didnt want money to be an issue My services have a charge, but I dont turn people away because of financial problems I am not here to get rich with this service I want to help more than anything You can visit https://findingyourpathinfo to learn more

What is your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles?

A Pretty Woman Who Hustles is a woman who stays on the grind to reach her vision, dream, or goals Her determination to reach for the stars makes her pretty Her constant grind gives her the hustle.

OnlineEdition

Born to Shirley Jean Johnson and Bennie Eddie Jackson, Tiffany Zabrina Jackson grew up in Hickory, Mississippi, and the southern cities of California. She is the younger sister of two brothers, Bennie Jackson and John Johnson

She has three amazing children: Brittany Jackson (Marlowe), India Alexis, and Emmanuel Mbachu They continue to be her inspiration and support system In Jacksons lifetime, she earned her associate degree in Child and Family Education and is currently working on her bachelor’s degree in Human Services She has been working in the medical field, caring for patients with several ailments In the interim, she has become an author with the goal of continuing to see where this new journey will take her Jackson’s hobbies include going to the beach, reading, traveling, listening to music, sitting on the couch watching old movies, being involved in and serving the community, and spending quality time with family She is truly a woman with a big heart and a kind spirit

Who is Tiffany Jackson in five words?

Compassionate, relentless, loving, luminary, and strong

When did you develop your passion for writing and sharing messages of hope?

I realized in my twenties I would narrate my story Shame and doubt prolonged the process Dealing with the effect of my childhood abuse However, I wasn’t confident about writing my story I wanted to be loved and not experience rejection again I knew that one of my purposes was to help hurting people so they could find their healing I was fed up with self-sabotaging love from people who truly wanted to love me One positive note that came from Covid-19 was downtime for me to begin writing my book I couldn’t run any longer about putting my wounds into wonders Wonders what the outcome would be

O R S P O T L I G H T

TIFFANY JACKSON

Tell us about your book, Making My Spirit Smile?

Life is like a roller coaster, full of highs and lows, with your heart racing because you don’t know what to expect During my childhood, I experienced unbelievable abuse, and even at this moment, the sense of love never left me I tell people I’m cut from a different cloth I am supposed to be hateful, have rage, or be in a mental intuition Finding a space to talk to a higher source (spiritually) Dancing in the rain, running into corn fields, and climbing trees were some of the moments in Hickory, Mississippi, for me. Some days trigger me to revisit my past Instantly Im redirected back to the moment that made my spirit smile. Making My Spirit Smile is a memoir of my life from birth to 18 years old

Where do you hope to see your work in the next 3-5 years?

My brand, Making My Spirit Smile, taps into the world Regardless of sex, race, religion, or socio-status, everyone finds moments that make their spirit smile I desire for my childhood life to be scripted into a movie, television, and radio broadcast I also would like to have T-shirts and products and be invited to empowerment speaking engagements

How can women support your platform?

Women can support me by purchasing my book, speaking life into another girl/ woman, and finding what makes your spirit smile Making My Spirit Smile can be purchased directly from my publishing company by visiting shepublishingllccom, Walmart, Barnes and Noble, and Amazon

What is your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles? When the word pretty is mentioned, we usually refer to the outer physical features Pretty face, full kissable lips, flawless skin, beautiful eyes, etc Physical pretty is only temporary The pretty within is permanent You must have a softened heart to inspire You must be determined to turn lemons into lemonade and turn wounds into wonders Wonders of endurance, forgiveness, and the mindset to strive for greatness.

A U T H O R S P O T L I G H T YOLANDA CLAYTON

Do you remember when you realized you had a gift or passion for helping others?

I would say I was about eight or nine, and my cousin was sick We were more like sisters She needed to take medicine, and she refused So, I took the medicine so she would take it I think that was the beginning of me wanting to help others

Meet Yolanda Clayton, a woman who has dedicated 18 years of her life to nursing Her passion for caring for others has led her to work in various healthcare settings, from hospitals to clinics and community health centers But nursing is not her only passion. Yolanda (Letitia Love) is also a talented writer with several published books to her name Her writing reflects her adventurous imagination and experiences as a nurse and a cancer survivor Yolanda’s books offer insight into the struggles and triumphs of those who face different life situations, illnesses, and her words provide comfort and inspiration to readers

Yolanda’s journey as a cancer survivor has given her a unique perspective on life, and she plans to use this experience to help others through her writing Her words have touched the lives of many, and her books have been a source of hope and encouragement to those facing difficult times

In addition to writing her own books, Yolanda is also a skilled ghostwriter and screenwriter She has helped many individuals and organizations tell their stories through her writing

Despite the challenges she has faced, Yolanda remains committed to making a difference in the lives of others Her dedication to nursing, writing, and helping others inspires all who know her, and her legacy will continue to inspire and encourage others for years to come

You have spent over 18 years of your life in the nursing field. What inspired you to join the nursing industry?

I have wanted to be a nurse ever since I was a little girl

My mom died when she was 21 from cancer, and I was 3 years old I wanted to give love and comfort to a person in their time of need

How did your experience as a skilled nurse prepare you for your role as a writer and entrepreneur?

My role as a writer also started at a young age I was the only child my mom and dad had, so my imagination was my best friend I loved to read, and I always found myself writing on anything I could get my hands on Being an entrepreneur is something I have always wanted I watch the ones I love get jobs and lose jobs I really wanted to be able to work on my terms

What message do you hope readers take away from your books?

I hope to take people on a journey when they read my stories Go to a special place Spark conversation I am working on a memoir about my journey with stage 4 head and neck cancer It will read like a novel I want to build awareness on the rise of head and neck cancer in the African American Community

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

What has been the most challenging?

The highlight would definitely be hearing people talk about my stories Telling me how much they enjoyed them Speaking of my characters like they are their best friend or worst enemy Most challenging is some not understanding that, yes, I am a nurse, but writing is my passion I need it Some can’t understand the difference

What advice do you have for upcoming entrepreneurs?

To keep going Sometimes you will be your only cheerleader, but it will all be worth it in the end

What is your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles?

A woman that does not let anything get in her way She uses the challenges in life as stepping stones to get where she needs to be

THE PRETTY BUSINESS PROFILE

Deborah Crutcher

Meet Deborah Crutcher, mompreneur, a native of the Tennessee area, and Founder/ Financial Coach at her own financial literacy company.

After experiencing many rounds of credit repair, bankruptcy, and overwhelming debt, I created a budget, started investing, and cleared out over 100k in debt I then quit my six-figure job, along with my sister, who is my partner, to teach others the financial gems that were never taught to me, leading me to these financial woes I carry over 18 years of coaching experience that is sure to get you fired up and moving in the right direction I am passionate about women and financial freedom As a mom, I discovered the many woes of trying to manage a home and make ends meet, which is a driving force to creating a company where women can learn how to earn differently.

What is different about your company from other companies?

We pride ourselves in being tailored teachers. That means we tailor your financial literacy needs to your goals. They say give a man a fish, and he will eat for a day, and teach a man to fish, and he eats for life. We focus on teaching you how to become your own financial advisor so you can pass that knowledge down This ensures generational wealth carries over to many generations to come Here you can expect to get the education you need to become lucky

We noticed your company is missing a name. Can you tell us more about it?

You all are really observant Well, since you asked, it’s year two, and we are in the process of rebranding As we have grown as a company, we realized the name did not match the direction we were headed in, and we must match our growth To let the cat out of the bag, we are gearing more towards a digital online coaching company. That means you are able to take our courses at your pace. Although we love coaching, we understand the working woman’s (person) schedule varies, and we don’t want anyone to miss the chance to learn because it’s past our business hours. Our new services will allow you to pick and learn at your own pace from the comfort of your couch Since you asked, be sure to follow us and see where we land on our new name and even help us pick it with our upcoming contest

Who would you say would benefit the most from your company’s service?

To be honest, anyone looking to earn would benefit from our services. Our mission is to help working individuals achieve financial freedom through financial literacy. We have found that the most successful in our program have set financial goals such as investing, home ownership, credit improvement, better budgeting, and more They simply don’t know how to achieve those goals and need education and community support to hit them

Where do I need to live to get your services?

We can provide services if you reside anywhere in the US We are mostly a virtual online service, and we can provide services throughout the 50 states All you need is access to Google Meet or Zoom, and we can connect and help you start your road to generational wealth

What motivation would you give someone who is financially stuck?

Be patient with yourself; the best is yet to come. The average millionaire didn’t make it until the age of 57. We often put limits on what we can achieve when the truth is we are actually showing up early to the party Lastly, show out, sis, and celebrate every goal you hit, big and small See you at the top!!

ENTREPRENEUR SPOTLIGHT

Dr. Fatimoh Harris

Dr. Fatimoh Harris, President of Excel Professional Grant Writing & Nonprofit Services, LLC and Excel Professional Services, is a successful Certified Grant Writer, Corporate Consultant, Federal and State Certified WomenOwned and DBE/ACDBE Small Business Owner, Grant Reviewer, College Adjunct Instructor, Training Facilitator, and recurring broadcast media guest

She is the author of Navigating the Grant Industry® Handbook and has other books to be released soon Dr Harris is the Producer and Host of her Business and Leadership Television Show, Excelled To Go Forward.

Dr. Harris has over 15 years of professional office and management administrative experiences including collaborating with teams handling annual multi-milliondollar budgets She has successfully won millions in grassroots funding, 98% of 501(c) 3 applications are IRS approved and over $30M in grant experiences

She is a native of Chicago, Illinois and have worked virtually and on-site, internationally Her roots are in Business and Social Service Communities Dr Harris works closely with corporate leaders, board members, and teams applying excellence and ethical principles to satisfy their business needs She is an experienced government and community Grant Reviewer who participates in Grant Administration® duties with teams that reward multiple millions in grant funding to nonprofit agencies and an advisor to small businesses, just like yours. Dr. Harris has proven executive decision-making experiences to help your company achieve financial success and impart strategies that will bring your mission to life

Outside of Entrepreneurship and the corporate world, who is Dr. Fatimoh Harris in five words? FUNNY, QUIET, FRIENDLY, TRUSTING, HARMONY

How did your upbringing impact who you are today as an entrepreneur and leader in your industry?

I was raised in a Christian household by my parents. I was inspired by watching my mother care for not only my siblings and me but her nieces, nephews and others who sought her guidance and love I believe the way she cared for others and her household is a jewel I treasure as a mom and aunt. This compassion also carries over to my volunteer services, work ethic, and desire to see others lead better lives I’ve worked and served in the Nonprofit Industry for over 20 years I continue to commit to the industry in the United States and Malawi Africa because organizations still need someone with my experience to help improve how nonprofit businesses operate and provide ethical principles in Leadership to continue effective operations to sustain administration and prove result-based client services It is no good to just set up a nonprofit with the passion of helping your community without the operational standards to remain in existence. The result will leave the people you desire to help in a negative spiral and remain in the same condition of needing assistance I work in the Social/Human Services Industry with Christian Principles and as my ministry to others

What inspired your TV show, Excelled To Go Forward? What message do you hope listeners take away?

The inspiration for Excelled To Go Forward comes from my years of experience as a Consultant, Leadership and Workshop Speaker. I am always interested in giving clients, students and the public sound advice on business operations, especially grassroots nonprofits My show provides growth strategies in business and leadership news with tips and relevant information to empower all small businesses. I am also the owner of the new television channel, Destiny Vibes TV, of which my show, Excelled To Go Forward, airs throughout the week with new shows on Saturdays at 11 am on the O C Pringle Inspirational Television Network at www ocpitv com on your favorite streaming platform

Tell us about your book, Navigating the Grant Industry®. What can readers expect when picking up this book?

Great question, readers can expect to find insider tips from me as a Grant Reviewer on how grant makers fund proposals, strategies for grant processes, funding resources, and learning reinforcement chapter tests. I teach from my book and wrote it to strengthen community organizations' administrative processes as they continuously help heal our world For-profits will also gain from my book because the grant makers that fund for-profits use identical grant processes My book is available on Amazon.com and e-books are on Smashwords.com.

Where do you hope to see your platform in the next 3-5 years?

In 3-5 years, I expect to see exponential growth as I partner with government departments in Management Consulting and Leadership Training, expand Destiny Vibes TV with business and inspirational family programming, complete more books and grow my online self-study teaching platform, Excel Institute of Learning (www eiol teachable com) as well as some personal ventures I look forward to establishing a healthy legacy as I am also working on continuing to train my children and, with age, my grandchildren in the family businesses

UNRAVELING THE LAYERS:

The Many Talents and Passions of a Multifaceted Female Writer Robyn L. Rease

Robyn believes in art as healing

Originally from Pensacola, FL, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and African American Studies from Mercer University (Macon, GA) and studied Creative Writing at Northeastern University. (Boston, MA). She is the founder and artistic director of Stage Praise Productions – a theatre, film, and television company whose mission is to change the face of entertainment – and the world – one story at a time! Robyn is a prolific poet, playwright, short story, and screenwriter. She has written countless collections of poetry In 2004, she recorded a CD of poetry set to original jazz with her friend, GW Russell Jr , entitled The Pianist and the Poet Robyn has written over a hundred skits and full-length plays and directed and staged nearly forty of them at different churches and venues along the east coast Popular titles include Show Me The Glory, Moving Day, Moving Further Still, Scrambled Eggs, Empty Kitchen Chairs-The Stage Play, Forcin’ It, and Hoopin’ – to name a few

Robyn was the director of a church theatre company for more than twelve years In 2007, she developed Empty Kitchen Chairs for the screen and shot the trailer for the feature-length film along with Centurion Filmworks and her business partner, Calvin Lindsay. Her video of the stage play Beyond Grace (formerly Show Me The Glory) was acquired and nationally distributed by Maverick Entertainment and can be found on Tubi, IMBd, and Amazon Prime Video She is also a published author as a contributor to an anthology titled The Apple of His Eyes, published in 2022

Robyn is a profound teacher of the Word, a lively exhorter, an empathetic counselor, and a spiritual leader, and is powerfully used in the inner healing ministry She has authored several manuals for Christian ministry, including a study of David, the writing of the Psalms, and many on leadership development Additionally, she has worked in youth ministry and is passionate about ministry to teenage girls. She mentors several young women who all affectionately call her “Auntie Robyn.” Robyn empowers black women and looks to give them opportunities to work alongside her in business and ministry

Robyn is a former middle school administrator and works at a community college as the Director of Education in Raleigh, NC Recently, she started her own writing business, PENsive Professional & Creative Writing Services, where she writes both technically and creatively She is ghostwriting two books, editing two books, and coaching women writers For the first time, in March 2022, Robyn hosted The Writers Block – a three-day biannual retreat and writer’s room where seven African American women will collaborate on a writing project for television She looks forward to hosting The Writers Block 2024 in Richmond, VA, in April 2024. Robyn is single

for now

and lives in Durham, NC

When did your journey in the industry start?

I wrote and produced my first play at Mercer University in 1989 It was titled “Things Are Gonna Get Better ” It had thirty main characters and about 15 supporting characters; nothing ever got better! It lasted about 3 hours, and I’m not sure if there was a plot or a real ending. But… it underscored my gift for writing plays and my life as a playwright and director began I moved to Boston and joined a large ministry there – and soon after, I was writing and staging plays several times a year In 2012, I joined a writer’s conference, Urban Playwright’s United. Collaborating with other playwrights and exposing my work to others who did the same thing I did changed how I saw myself as a writer

How many projects have you done?

I’ve written over one hundred skits and full-length plays. I’ve directed and produced nearly half of them. So many titles: The Resurrection of Generation X, The Widow’s Seat, The Multiplication Circle, Hoopin’, Forcin’ It, PressuRised to name just a few I adapted one of my stage plays, Empty Kitchen Chairs, into a screenplay and filmed a trailer for it Maverick Entertainment acquired the stage play Beyond Grace (originally titled Show Me The Glory). It can be purchased on Amazon and viewed on TubiTv With my dear friend and jazz pianist, George W Russell, Jr , I recorded original poetry set to original jazz in a CD titled The Pianist and the Poet I wrote and staged Moving Day and Moving Further Still for a women’s conference two years in a row This show told the story of the lives of three women, each of them managing either addiction, physical and sexual abuse, and abandonment

I am also an academic and technical writer and a professional editor. In 2021, I started PenSive Professional and Creative Writing Services I support college and graduate students with academic writing and editing, have written several instructional manuals for ministry and Christian education needs, and am in the process of ghostwriting two books for clients that have trusted me with their personal stories. In 2022, I contributed to a published anthology, The Apple of His Eyes

What inspired your passion for writing?

I’ve always loved words I talked very early, and because I talked so much, my mom put a pen in my hand, gave me a notebook, and told me to write

As a girl, my mom exposed me to the most prolific writers, journalists, and educational/motivational speakers of the time I was Ntozake Shange’s For Colored Girls when I was around 9 years old I remember being overwhelmed and speechless to the point of tears I heard the lectures of Tony Brown and Bernie Casey around the same age. My mom took me to hear Sonia Sanchez read her poetry, and later, I shook hands with Maya Angelou after a talk she gave at the University of West Florida in Pensacola Hearing Phenomenal Woman performed by the one who wrote it left me longing to use the power of words in a way that would make others feel the way Dr. Angelou made me feel: invincible I was exposed to the penning of James Baldwin Hearing him read excerpts from Tell Me How Long the Train’s Been Gone affected me deeply, and the words of Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man shook me at my core It was then that I wanted to be significant because of my pen.

How would you describe your writing style?

My writing style is poetic The first thing I ever wrote was poetry So, I have a bend toward rhythmic patterns and prose It is conversational, easy to connect with, and relaxing to the reader It is also thought-provoking and inspirational. I love pretty writing – words that ebb and flow I keep the language simple Too many large words hooked together usually don’t tell a great story I create complex, compelling characters whose dialog is either southern or partly British in its vernacular

My love of southern people and British etiquette often shows in my writing. Combining the two makes for magical, original characters and an unexpected vernacular in which they speak There’s always something rewarding about a “shall” or “forthwith” and a conjunction not necessarily followed up by a standard part of speech inserted in common conversation. The British do that well – and so do southern women when they are intent on being proper Such fun for me as a writer! In a world where there is so much unsolicited criticism and judgment, I always try to leave the reader or whatever my audience is with a smile on their faces, even if they cry a little before they get to smile. I believe that no matter what we say, God has the final say! I try to follow that pattern in my writing style

What is next for you as a writer?

Next for me as a writer is to grow The Writers Block and mentor women as writers as wide and as far as I can reach them. I want to finish my television series and begin production for that

I have a devotional series that I am writing, and the next phase of those is to complete and publish them I would love to get back to the stage –writing and directing for the stage. That is a joy of mine that I never intend to fully let go. With streaming and being able to watch whatever one wants on your phone, I still believe there is no greater entertainment than watching life on a live stage! I am a writer, so I want to spend the next few years understanding what that fully means –discovering more of me as I hear God’s voice and creating characters that speak to the world through me

How would you describe in your eyes A “Pretty Woman Who Hustles”?

A pretty woman who hustles is a woman who works extremely hard but does so with elegance and grace. She allows her efforts to speak for themselves She never looks like she works as hard as she does, and she finds it vulgar to brag about how much she actually does She is wellassembled and well-spoken whenever she leaves the house, be it to the grocery store or a business meeting. She doesn’t split verbs or dangle participles Only her true girlfriends get to see that Bad moods are not allowed She never admits to fatigue or defeat When fatigued and feeling defeated, she retreats to a quiet place of rest and prayer and admits that only to her Heavenly Father. She communes with Him and returns to her tasks refreshed and rejuvenated. The operative word here is pretty But the pretty that she is on the inside informs the pretty on the outside This distinguishes the pretty hustler from the woman who just sweats hard

Any tips for those who have the desire to follow in your footsteps?

Yes Save your money and manage it well! Writing requires freedom Being tied to a 9 to 5 doesn’t always give you the freedom to be creative or the time you need to devote to the craft The best way to maximize creativity is to have money that works so you don’t have to! I made some mistakes in this area, but I am not discouraged because nothing is impossible with God! So, I’m writing my way to financial freedom and hustling to do whatever needs to be done for where I am right now! To those who do not have money that works for you right now, keep writing!!! Do not stop! Write during your lunchtime, at the red light on your way to work, and at the red light on your way home from work Write for a few minutes in the parking lot of the grocery store before you head home to put the food away Take the kids to the park, let them play while you find a bench, and write while you watch them.

Put the mac and cheese in the oven, and while you’re waiting for the cornbread to rise, write!!! Keep a notebook and a pen with you at all times! For a writer, a notebook is like your driver’s license – you never leave home without it. It’s a part of your identity It distinguishes you from everyone else around you! Write all the time, anytime, anywhere, about anything! Just write

How do we access your new book and or any of your projects? And how can others support you and your business endeavors?

I am a contributor to an anthology by Black women titled The Apple of His Eyes That book and the poetry CD, The Pianist and The Poet can be purchased by contacting me via email: thedirectorspp@gmail com I am also looking for 35 Black women who have a project that they would like to have developed by professional writers in a writing room or that might like to be writers in a professional writing room to register for The Writers Block 2024 in April ‘24 Project submissions open June 2023, and the writer’s retreat registration opens July 2023! For more information, you’ll be able to go to www.thewritersblock.com.

What obstacles have you had to overcome to get where you are today?

Tears flow whenever I am asked to talk about the obstacles I have had to overcome to be the me I am still becoming. There are some tears of sadness, some tears of heartache. But mostly, there are tears of victory I spent most of my childhood feeling rejected and managing the effects of poverty because of being raised by a single mother who had no support from my father My mom is my anchor Without that lady, I would have given up long ago. I grew up face-to-face with my father’s rejection and disdain for me because of issues he managed within himself He has my forgiveness But girls get their confidence and self-esteem from their fathers – and therefore, I have fought the feeling of “being enough” my entire life Then, in young adulthood, I gave my life to Christ, and I wanted so much to be married and have children but lived the majority of my adult life in singleness, with the looming background question, “What is wrong with me?” After finally finding love and marriage in my late 40s, I faced the demise of that relationship within the first two years of the marriage, leaving me to return again to that taunting background question. It’s been the one constant that has brought me success, joy, strength, and stability Creation is groaning in eager expectation of ME, and I can’t wait to see what He does with me next!

RaquelWrites Content CONTENT CREATION SERVICE

ENTREPRENEUR SPOTLIGHT

Joy Maxwell

Joy Maxwell is a world-renowned mindset and leadership educator, international speaker, and author who went from earning $40,000 per year to over $40,000 monthly. For nearly 20 years, she has been a leader in the education and childcare industries, specializing in elementary education, after-school program development, leadership, curriculum building, and family engagement initiatives. She also served as an adjunct professor at the prestigious Eastern and Harcum Universities for almost 5 years. Currently, she is the owner of Open Arms Early Learning & Development Center, Inc , an award-winning childcare center servicing over 200 children in the Northeast section of Philadelphia

In addition, Joy founded Joy Maxwell and Co , a consulting and educational firm that has educated and consulted over 10,000 providers and students worldwide The agency specializes in providing proven strategies, policies, and procedures to launch world-class business establishments, learn the requirements, and become and remain compliant to launch, operate, and scale profitable businesses. Her ultimate goal is to inspire people to debunk limiting beliefs.

Joy’s book, Say So!, a collection of decrees and declarations, provides a simple yet powerful tool for entrepreneurs to unleash the power of spoken word over their lives, remain empowered, and stay the course She is also working on her second book, Beauty for Ashes,” in which she shares her powerful story of resilience, perseverance, and triumph

Always one to give back, Joy and her husband host annual Thanksgiving Drives and Holidays giveaways and recently founded New Beginnings, a non-profit organization that provides a unique, intensive, hands-on life skills curricular and mentoring program for children and adults

Their mission is to prepare young adults to live independently and equip them with the necessary tools to become successful in today’s ever-changing society. The organization recently adopted the New Day Life TM, a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing sex trafficking victims, to provide toiletries and clothing to participants

Joy earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s in Child Psychology & School Counselling from Eastern University She earned her second master’s degree in MultiCultural Education from Gwynedd Mercy University.

Joy then became a certified John Maxwell mindset and leadership coach; she specializes in helping people work through limiting beliefs

Outside of Business, who is Joy Maxwell?

Outside of business, Joy Maxwell is a wife, mother, friend, and daughter of the King.

My faith in Jesus Christ is who I give all credit for success and growth I do not take life for granted, so I enjoy traveling, unwinding, reading, eating good food (lol), spending time with wonderful people, and writing books in my spare time I have books stored in the notes section of my phone I literally will get a thought or concept and just start writing

When did you discover your passion for educating and speaking to the next generation of leaders?

I was recommended to be retained while I was in the 4th grade I was then placed in the third grade in the middle of the school year Yet two years later, when I was in the fifth grade, I was picked to participate in an all-city oratorical competition at a different school

At that point, I discovered my voice had power and how well I could hold the audience’s interest. I was young, but after receiving so much love and encouragement from others, I knew I had something to say At that moment, I also realized the importance of the environment and being surrounded by the right people

You are known for your incredible growth as an author, with a huge increase in sales. What is your secret to such a huge accomplishment?

I would say increased visibility and authority You may present to the world in your Godgiven authority and be your most genuine self when you have the gift of storytelling. It enthralls audiences and unlocks opportunities you could only dream about

You have years of experience in the work industry. How did your previous work history impact your leadership style today?

I’ve worked in childcare since I was 14 years old Originally, I wanted to be a lawyer since I was always told I had an aptitude for defense But I had second thoughts when I realized how many years it would take to become a lawyer. You never know. I may go back and revisit that field However, I decided to do human services, pushing me to social work and education I’ve always been a voice for the voiceless I’ve helped connect families to resources and results So now, to be an entrepreneur, author, and training facilitator encompasses a greater calling in my life I’m just a vessel being used by God, and I’m enjoying the journey.

Tell us about Joy Maxwell and Co. How did this brand come about?

Joy Maxwell and Co is a little bit of “When you don’t see what you want in life, you create it“ and a little bit of “Your gifts will make room for you and put you in the presence of great men ” We aspire to be a place for creative execution Often, people become frustrated because they have great things in their hearts to do but are unsure of where to begin. We intended to establish a company that could offer a whole package and serve as a one-stop shop.

We have everyone you can imagine on our team, from conference concierges to personal chefs, from ghostwriters to social media managers We are here to EXECUTE

What inspired your book, Say So!? What message do you hope readers takeaway?

Say So! is a book of declarations and prayers; there are spiritual affirmations that let you feel at ease expressing the truth of God’s word regarding your life and destiny. It speaks more accurately about your future using biblical ideas that have been proven to work.

What can readers expect from your second book, Beauty for Ashes?

Well, it took four years to write Beauty for Ashes It tells my life story This book is about perseverance, endurance, and faith It’s a heck of an adventure, but worth every minute

What is your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles?

First off, to me, beauty goes beyond appearance; it refers to women who are:

P-assionate

R-are

E-ncouraging

T-enacious

T-alented

Y-ielding and will go above and beyond to EXECUTE

That’s what it means to me because that’s what I embody and that’s who I am.

Zandra Henry is a proud native of Columbus, Georgia, where she was raised by her single mother in the Farley Homes projects alongside her four siblings She gave birth to her only child at the beginning of her senior year in high school, yet persevered and graduated on time with the rest of her class In September of that same year, in 1984, she joined the Army to establish a foundation for herself and her child She proudly served six years in the military before being honorably discharged

Upon exiting the military, Zandra returned home to Columbus, Georgia, and completed coursework in Early Childhood Education and Criminal Justice at Columbus College Through the years, she has also worked in various career fields

Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to launch and operate several local businesses, including Clubexcise Fitness Studio, a personal assistant service for seniors called Errands by Z, a singing telegram service called Moments by Z, and event planning

Soon, her calling to be instrumental in the enrichment of her community led her to write and publish a book she entitled Unwatered Flowers , Conversations with My Sistahs - inspired by Malcolm X, who once said, “black women are the most unloved, unprotected women on earth, they are the only flowers that grow unwatered”

Her sense of purpose deepened after publishing her book and receiving positive feedback from Black women in the community who expressed a connection with her words She created a Facebook page entitled My Sistah’s Water in August 2018 to celebrate women of color

ZANDRA HENRY

When she created My Sistah’s Water, she was driving buses for the local school district and noticed many young girls weren’t participating in any activities outside of the classroom and generally lacked a sense of direction for the future In response to this revelation in March of 2019, Zandra created an extension of her Sistahs Water Facebook page by starting a program called My Sistah’s Water Future Bosses - an inperson initiative that taught girls about entrepreneurship, leadership, sisterhood, and all things empowering She briefly resigned from her position as a school bus driver after discovering her job was emotionally and mentally taxing, preventing her from being fully present in building and facilitating the Future Bosses program

My Sistah’s Water Future Bosses began to flourish, which led to another wave of inspiration for Zandra

In September 2020, she aired the first show for her new series, The SEEN, on Facebook and YouTube

SEEN is an intentional acronym representing her quest for sisters to be Saluted, Educated, Empowered, and Nurtured. She wanted to provide a platform for women of color to tell their stories, create a conversation around perspectives, and celebrate each other As God would have it, The SEEN continues to grow as an outlet and celebration of power and perspective for women of all backgrounds as well as for men in the community, in addition to Zandra’s original intended audience Despite a brief medical hiatus, Zandra needed to recover from a stroke a few shows into launching The SEEN, she has persevered and continues to thrive as the brilliant mind at the production table and the brilliant smile that welcomes her guests to her couch for each of her shows Her sense of purpose drives her forward, and others are beginning to recognize her energy The SEEN was recently picked up by wwwchannel49tvcom in the Dallas/Fort Worth area

Many people discuss the need for positive change, but Zandra puts her feet and wings on that desire She is well on her way to achieving her ultimate goal of expanding Sistah’s Water to become an enduring global platform for women of color to receive salutation, education, empowerment, and nurturing from other women around the world Sistah’s Water is the legacy she wants to leave so that women everywhere will be able to access connection, support, and love for generations to come

You were born and raised in Columbus, Georgia. Can you share about your childhood? When did you recognize you had a gift for entrepreneurship?

My childhood was filled with love, security, and overall happiness. I would say I had a typical childhood. My attention turned to entrepreneurship when I was a college student and single mother. I’ve always been independent and never minded switching directions to take a new path I earned my certificate as a Certified Nursing Assistant from Columbus Technical college but soon realized I didn’t like working in the hospital or nursing home setting I placed an ad in the newspaper to attract and select my patient I would have one elderly patient at any given time and focus all my attention on him or her At one point, I had a patient who passed away, and a friend of mine who served alongside me in the military asked me if I could watch her child for her Once we made that arrangement, she began to tell others about my childcare service I decided to make it official and launched my second business - Footprints Childcare

Reflecting on your years in the Army, how did that experience prepare you to be a leader today?

I became a platoon leader and squad leader at different times and realized then that strong leadership was important because it was literally life or death with mistakes in the Army At any given time, we could have been in real war situations, and my soldiers under my leadership would only be equipped with what I taught them, so I took my role seriously I also attended leadership school during my time in the Army That formal training allowed me to explore objective tools and key philosophies related to properly managing as a servantleader All of that experience and training remained with me over time I became more flexible and learned through trial and error to use different leadership styles to fit situations. I still use those lessons and tools.

You are what most would consider a serial entrepreneur

Can you share the pros and cons of running multiple brands?

Pros - Much of the success came from opportunities that were naturally born from previous opportunities I have always been inspired to move into a new area through someone or some situation Over time, I have had new experiences and lessons that were unique to each venture and applied in my movement into other areas of entrepreneurship Many experiences and lessons were universal, and I learned that over time Ive also had the opportunity to meet and interact with people from many walks of life as I moved from one project to the next

Cons - Business requires a lot of time and nurturing, and it can be difficult to commit 100% of your abilities and attention to each business The result of that lack of ability to concentrate for long in one area makes it extremely challenging to expand individual businesses Another con is having to divide money into different businesses at once Lastly, people don’t take you seriously because they feel like youre not passionate about your businesses They see you have several different businesses operating at once or see you moving from one business to the next and assume you ’ re just going where the wind takes you.

Tell us about your book Unwatered Flowers, Conversations with My Sistahs?

I interviewed eight different women, including myself, and asked questions ranging from happiest childhood memories to sexual abuse and tackled topics including interracial dating I wrote the book in a way to tell each person ’ s story without having them sit and write a biography I told their stories in sequence so the reader could follow their individual stories This experience changed my life unexpectedly because it inspired me to pursue the path I’m on now It was amazing seeing women from all walks of life sharing their pains and joys of life I wanted to capture these experiences on a bigger platform. The book is my baby because it set the pathway for the journey I’m on now

What message do you hope women take away from your work?

That they are not alone - especially women of color I want them to know they are saluted on The SEEN There is nothing we can’t do when we support, inspire, respect, and love each other

Where do you see your platform in the next 3 to 5 years?

I want it to be a global platform and a household name I want people to know it and, most importantly, know its significance I want people to live the creed that I want to be the water my sisters need to grow. I also plan to expand to create and publish more books for children and adults to continue spreading positivity, love, support, growth, and renewal

What is your definition of a pretty woman who hustles?

A woman who works diligently to execute the goals of whatever needs to be done Any woman who takes care of herself and her family to the best of her ability is a pretty woman who hustles She doesn’t have to be in the workforce She may be a housewife or a retired woman helping to raise her grandchildren There are many different types of hustling women out here, and at The S.E.E.N., we salute each one of them.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Lakaysha Redd

Lakaysha Redd is the owner and CEO of Redd Lite Special, an adult health and wellness company that sells adult pleasure products and hosts naughty parties to promote the importance of self-care and self-pleasure and teach the essential role that sex plays in maintaining healthy relationships After earning her degree from the University of La Verne in 2022, Lakaysha desired to start a company that taught people new ways to take better care of themselves and to pleasure themselves more

She started Redd Lite Special after learning that over 60% of Black American children are raised in single-parent families and that African Americans make up 40% of US residents living with HIV. She is aware that imparting appropriate sexual education knowledge is crucial to reducing the high prevalence of STIs, HIV, and unplanned pregnancies Redd Lite Special began operations at the end of 2022 and has already gained a moderate following of the brand on social media A company that started out with the simple goal of educating a group of people has grown into one with a wealth of future plans to help turn Redd Lite Special into a brick-and-mortar establishment that will be able to provide a wider range of products and information to the black community and others Currently residing in Los Angeles, California, Lakaysha spends her spare time traveling and fighting for the rights of homeless people who have been convicted in the past.

Where did the idea of your business derive from?

Prior to starting Redd Lite Special, I started hosting naughty girl parties in 2020 where women could come together and enjoy playing games, purchasing adult pleasure toys, learning sex education information, and networking with other women After a few years of successfully hosting naughty parties, I noticed that many women lacked selfconfidence, were uncertain of their bodies, and were curious to learn ways to become more attractive. Although the topic of sex may be viewed as taboo, the naughty parties created an environment for women to express their insecurities, ask questions, and be themselves without inhibition I have observed that many adult toy businesses and stores don’t feature products that appeal to black people, particularly black women, and are typically targeted at white men These factors drove me to educate women on selfcare and self-pleasure, develop a brand that fosters relationships and confidence among the black community, and provide products that represent our target market minority couples and singles

Considering the fierce competition in Today’s business world, how would you highlight your company’s competitive advantages?

What makes it stand out of the crowd? Our company’s competitive advantages are that we cater to a market that has never been catered to in this industry by selling products that represent our target market. We are the average sex toy business looking only to profit off others’ sexual pleasure, but we strive to educate our customers through the hosting of naughty parties, workshops, and posting of factual sex education information on our social media We believe that by educating our customers, we create a lasting consumer relationships because we provide tools to help them feel better about themselves and their relationships Another added advantage for our company is hosting naughty parties for both men and women, where we provide all the naughty décor, products, and games that many adult pleasure toy businesses are not offering

What best motivates you? How have your entrepreneurial motivations changed since you first started? When I started as a business owner, I was more money motivated, but as time passed, I realized that the motivation of money fizzled out The best motivation for me as a business owner is hearing feedback from customers because by effectively listening to my customers, I learn their needs and wants and form a solid rapport, which helps me to know that my business is making a difference in someone’s life and that is very important to me.

What would your advice be to start-up entrepreneurs?

• Remain consistent even when customers waiver

• Always educate yourself about your industry, competitors, and social media

• Your business will only be as successful as the number of hours you put into it; to much is given, much is required

What services or products are currently being offered through Redd Lite Special?

We sell adult games, bachelor/bachelorette party supplies, roast and toasts, and other adult novelty items on our Etsy store (https://www.etsy.com/shop/ReddLiteSpecial ), and adult pleasure toys for both men and women and naughty party hosting on our website (https://www.reddlitespecial.com).

Where do you hope to see your brand in the next 3-5 years?

In the next 5 years, I see Redd Lite Special being a brick-and-mortar business offering the sale of all black-owned companies of adult pleasure products, hosting sex education classes on various topics, and a venue space to be rented for such adult events as bachelor/bachelorette parties, divorce parties, 21st birthday parties, and more

What is your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles?

A pretty woman who hustles is a woman who is consistently working to achieve her goals in life, unapologetically