PRETTY WOMEN
HUSTLE
JUNE 2022
REASONS TO TRAVEL SOLO POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS FOR BUSINESS WOMEN
A SIT DOWN WITH “THE SOPHISTICATED LADY”
ANTANIA "NIA" PRIESTER A TALK WITH
Nia
CONTENTS 06
COVER FEATURE
27
A TALK WITH NIA
Antania "Nia" Priester
WHY SOLO TRAVEL? THE BENEFITS Amanda Sherman
15
POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS FOR WOMEN IN BUSINESS Akilah Roberts
17 36
BRANDS YOU SHOULD KNOW Ariel Latrice Brown
THE MIND Natashia Hagans
THE PRETTY TEAM
Pretty Women Hustle Magazine June 2022 Cover Image ANTANIA PRIESTER 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
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PRETTY WOMEN HUSTLE MAGAZINE
Why Solo Travel? The Benefits PRETTY WOMEN HUSTLE & TRAVEL
APS Events & Travel Written by Amanda Sherman
People interested in exploring the world in a different way and from a different perspective often tend to opt to travel solo.
- Why? Social media platforms will always surround us with others’ experiences and thoughts, making it essential for us to disconnect from the social world and experience life from our own perspective.
Many people may be intimidated by the idea of traveling alone. However, traveling solo can be just as (if not more) enjoyable and fulfilling than venturing off to your dream destinations with friends or family. Many people who travel alone tend to find that some of the most self-fulfilling and happiest moments of their lives are those they spent alone.
It goes without saying that traveling with your beloved friends and family is undoubtedly rewarding and joyous. Still, if you are truly looking to rejuvenate and grow mentally and emotionally, solo traveling is in your best interests, hands down. To equalize the balance for you going on your own, here are 7 reasons why traveling alone is such a great idea.
it essential for us to disconnect from the social world and experience life from our own perspective.
Every individual has their own likings, preferences, and bucket-list of things to do and places to see
02. It Gives You A Sense Of Freedom
01.
Unquestionably, a trip with friends requires two hours of just arguing and planning where to go on a trip. There will always be some disagreements as there may be a few things you might want to do that may not interest your friends and vice versa. Every individual has their own likings, preferences, and bucketlist of things to do and places to see they want to check off. However, traveling solo doesn’t require all that. You can use your time however you like and be selfish wherever you want to go. Maybe you finally found the city of your dreams, and you want to change your itinerary entirely just to spend all your time there. If you are solo, you can do that easily without upsetting others and thinking about where they want to go. Simply put, you can eat where you want, wake up when you want, and explore the places you like.
It is an Ideal Way To Get Out of Your Comfort Zone Traveling solo to an unknown place can be a challenge for you as it will help you learn to rely on yourself during the most difficult times. Stepping out from your comfort bubble, away from your home and loved ones, will test your patience.
However, this is a challenge you can only overcome by getting out of your comfort zone. When you do solo traveling, you will get a chance to discover a plethora of new places and exciting things to do and come across different types of people.
A solo trip is something everyone should experience once in their lives. It tests your ability to overcome several challenging obstacles. It is only after that you can truly grow as an individual.
06. 03.
It is Relatively Cheaper Traveling alone is the best way to keep things light and stay within your budget, as you are the one who does all the decision-making of where to go, where to stay, and what to eat.
This also indicates it is relatively easier to enjoy a fun-filled trip without breaking the bank while saving money for other exciting things such as venturing off to a remote island or trying out an adventurous sport.
04.
It Helps You Get To Know New People And Make Friends The best part about solo traveling is that it is so much easier to interact with the locals and befriend them.
Traveling alone is the best way to keep things light and stay within your budget
No matter where you plan to go, the locals take a keen interest in what someone traveling alone is doing in their country. They are also more engaging, open, and likely to help you. With solo traveling, you can practically have a horde of friends from every corner of the world, and you might even meet so many new people from back home. These locals are the best people to get an inside scoop on some of the best restaurants, tourist attractions, and must-do things.
No matter where you plan to go, the locals take a keen interest in what someone traveling alone is doing in their country
Though it might be hard to understand it now, we all need some quality time alone, away from everyone else.
05.
It Acts As a Major SelfConfidence Booster Being solo on the road will definitely boost your confidence and help you gain many valuable skills. The primary difference between traveling solo vs. traveling with friends or family is that solo traveling challenges your greatest limits and ability to tackle difficulties on the way. Going on a solo trip requires organizing everything on your own. However, the realization that you can do anything and achieve anything you’ve set your mind to is what will keep you going on in life. This eventually makes you become a stronger person and grow not just as a traveler but also as a human being.
06.
It Helps You Discover Who You Really Are A solo travel trip helps you figure out who you really are. Visiting local attractions, restaurants, and museums allows you to fully delve into the experiences and create beautiful memories.
If you want some space to think about what you really want to do in life or just need self-love, a solo trip is bound to work wonders. This will give you a chance to reflect on yourself and also provide you an excellent time off.
07.
It is An Excellent Way To Take a Break From Everything The whole point of going on a vacation is to unwind and relax. However, this primary point mostly gets lost in translation while you are planning a trip with friends or family. If you are traveling alone, you always have an option of just venturing out and spending the entire day exploring. At the same time, no one can embarrass you if you want to do nothing besides lounge at your hotel all day and order room service. The significance of “me” time can only be truly understood and appreciated when you travel somewhere alone. It is the ultimate way to appreciate yourself, enhance your relationship with yourself and others, and just enjoy your own company. So, try taking a solo trip once, and you will find yourself planning more solo trips than you initially expected. If you think planning a solo trip is hard and need to find a trustworthy travel insider to help you, you can trust APS Travel to do the work for you. We will ensure to plan the most spectacular solo trip so that you get to have the best possible experience of why traveling solo is for the win.
PRETTY AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT
Wendye Savage Wendye Savage is an author, speaker, mental heath advocate, confidence and esteem coach, CEO, and founder of Igniting Her Worth, LLC. Wendye is no stranger to adversity. In her women’s wellness guide, entitled, “What’s in Your Purse?”, she candidly shares her testimony of being delivered from abuse, mental illness, low self-esteem and confidence, hatred, and unforgiveness. Wendye has also included wellness tips, journal prompts for her readers to soul search, scriptures, prayers, and a splash of poetry throughout its chapters. What’s in Your Purse? is a book that speaks to the heart of all women despite their different backgrounds or experiences.
What inspired your start in writing? In elementary school, a teacher noticed my gift for writing poetry. My mother’s sister entered me into poetry contests at our church. I always one first prize of thirty dollars! Big money to a little girl...
Out of Wendye’s pain, pushed purpose. In addition to publishing a wellness guide, Wendye became a confidence and esteem coach for women who have been challenged by Domestic Violence. Wendye uses her past experience, natural gifts of insight and empathy, and certified training to aid women in having a positive relationship with themselves and help create healthier relationships with partners.
How did your book, What’s in Your Purse?, come about? I used to feel as though I wasn’t blessed and did not share my testimony in its entirety. I kept hearing the word GO in my spirit for a period of time. Finally, I asked God, “What does go mean?” He said, “GO and tell them what I’ve done for you!”
As an event planner in her community, Wendye looks forward to hosting a virtual Men’s Conference, “What’s in His Wallet? Inside the Male Mystique,” in June. In August, she is also hosting a 2nd annual Author’s Expo, which will feature authors from around her surrounding counties. Wendye’s motto: Nothing will work unless you do the work!
Can you remember the first book you picked up that sparked your need to read? I was inspired by the play “A Raisin in The Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry and a collection of poetry by Langston Hughes.
I shared my testimony in What’s in Your Purse? not only for myself but also to let others know that they’re not the only ones who’ve been abused, had mental health challenges, etc. I included journal prompts for my readers to soul search and get real about what’s in “their” purse. How can readers support your mission? My book is available on Amazon. My website for my life coach practice is: www.ignitingherworth.com
K. DEVONNE “The Sophisticated Lady” K. DeVonne, affectionally known as The Sophisticated Lady, is full of creativity and passion as pain has shifted her into purpose. One of her many quotes is, “You don’t have to be perfect to put yourself out there.” K. DeVonne is a brand, yet her passions within the financial and apparel world have led her to create a transformational movement. As an author and speaker, she embodies her ability to help women from all walks of life as she empowers them to kick perfection to the curb, which is her superpower to shift these women into embracing their true selves. She stands in her truth as the down-to-earth woman who knows her worth. She is charged with igniting women to seek information for their transformation as they grow to love themselves for the powerhouses they are. Within her authorship journey, her goal is to inform, transform, and ignite the flames within her readers to seize their lives by understanding their power to thrive. Becoming an author is a gift she has had since she was a child as she always thrived in writing. Now, as she shares the ink from her writing pen, all of those who follow her journey will, too, be transformed.
As she was born and raised in Edenton, North Carolina, this Southern Belle now lives in Virginia. K. DeVonne loves family and is passionate about unity within her and other communities. As she is refueling her flames, she loves solving puzzles and reading in her spare time. What inspired your path into entrepreneurship and authorship? My path into entrepreneurship came from my desire to be able to set my schedule. I want to travel and discover the world on my own time, not just when I have the vacation days to do so. My path into authorship was inspired by me turning 40. I turned what may be panic for some into motivation. I intentionally set out in 2022 to tackle the things that scared me and to just break free from anything that I felt was weighing me down.
As an author and entrepreneur, what message do you hope your audience receives from your platform? I want my audience to know that it doesn’t matter what you’ve gone through, what you’re going through, or how others may perceive you. You have what it takes to transform and ignite your future to unknown heights. It doesn’t matter how old or young you are; you can always regain your power and become a better version of yourself. LOVE YOU AND FIGHT FOR YOU!
Where do you hope to see your brand in the next 35 years? I hope to see my brand flourish into a brand that people recognize as uplifting and empowering. I want to have mini-workshops in different states revolving around self-love and self-care. These workshops will aim to provide resources that women can take on and utilize to transform their own lives.
What has been the most rewarding and challenging part of your journey thus far? The most rewarding part of the journey so far has been feedback from people who have read my book. My overall goal was to touch people’s lives, and I’m doing just that! The most challenging part has been coming from behind the scene to the front. I’ve always been in the back helping others, but the spotlight is on me this time. Some days it’s uncomfortable, but I let that drive me to continue on this part of my journey in life. If you could credit your success thus far to one person or thing, who or what would it be? I give all credit to God! He has brought me out of some pretty dark places, and I’m blessed to be on the other side of that darkness. He has pushed me out of the comfort zones I set for myself because he has greater for me.
How can readers support your brand this summer, any new products, courses, programs, etc.? Definitely go support The Sophisticated Lady brand by purchasing my book From Pain to Power: A Journey of Self-Discovery. It is available on Amazon and Payhip. The links for purchase can be found on my website. I will have another book dropping by the end of the year, so stay tuned on my social media to know what it will be and the exact release date.
The Sophisticated Lady Apparel line will be in motion by midJune. Be on the lookout for some classy and trendy t-shirts to add to your summer wardrobe!
WWW.KDEVONNE.COM
POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS FOR WOMEN IN BUSINESS
“DON’T BE DISCOURAGED BY HEARING THE WORD NO!”
BY AKILAH ROBERTS
**God is within me; I will not fail** ** I will be successful** **I will make sales today** ** I am not afraid to win** ** I will build a legacy** ** My growth is limitless** ** I will try it again; I will not give up** ** I will learn ** ** My Products are Amazing** ** I am doing the best I can**
Yay!! You have decided that you want to go into business. You have just received your (DBA, LLC, or Business license and EIN number) from your state. You are super excited, and now you need to open a business account. This will help with applying for loans to build your brand. The problem is you have no credit, so you are denied. Stay calm. I know for most, this would kill your drive and motivation. You were almost there, and now you have reached a roadblock. You’re trying to get credit if nobody gives me a chance, right? I know. If starting a business does nothing, it will help you develop the mindset of “No does not mean you can’t.” Sometimes you must take a back road and take on part-time jobs to pay for things out of pocket.
After each sale, put the money back into your business. This is like a non-profit business; however, it is only temporary. To get yourself noticed, use social media as your ultimate go-to. Once people see you have a business, the more clientele you create and the more money you can make for profit. Accepting payments through PayPal, Cash App, Venmo, and other similar forms will help you keep track of the money flowing into your business, which is what lenders and banks want to see. This may take a year or two, so you must be patient. If starting a business for you is not a lifetime term, why bother? This is now your baby, your brand, your gift, and you can share and expand on it for years to come. Developing your skill and mastering your customer service skills is the goal to keeping a successful business. (NO) comes in other forms as well. The support that you expect to come does not. Family and friends might tell you they can’t support your business or attend an event. Sometimes they might not be interested in the products or services you are selling. Do not panic! It’s all about the product you are producing and finding your target audience by networking. Again, social media should be your go-to and going out into the community at local stores and shops that sell comparable products. This allows you to network, share ideas and hold events together. These are all ways to get you and your business noticed. You can’t be shy. Owning your own business, you must make the sale. This is how you support your family; this is what you want to get paid for, so apply pressure when needed. Whether you just started your business or it’s year 1 or year 5. You must have a strong mental foundation. Quitting is not an option. Reset as many times as possible until you get it right, and by right, I mean appealing to you. You hold the key to how others will view you and your products. Build it, and they will come.
PWH BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
BRANDS YOU SHOULD KNOW
Pumped 4 My Journey CEO: ARIEL LATRICE BROWN
Ariel Latrice Brown is the Founder/Owner of Pumped 4 My Journey. She is the only child of Rev. Michael and Mrs. Paulette Brown. Ariel was born in Petersburg, Virginia, and raised in Prince George County, VA. In 2008, Ariel graduated from Prince George High School with an advanced diploma. She continued to further her education and, in 2011, graduated from Richard Bland College, where she received her associate degree in science and later received an associate degree in Early Childhood. Ariel is the proud mother of the most amazing 10year-old daughter, Kaliyah Gabrielle. Outside of entrepreneurship and motherhood, Ariel is now a Certified Medical Assistant at Virginia Endocrinology. She is grateful for her career of being an assistant to an endocrinologist and nurse practitioner/diabetes educator. Ariel recently received her acceptance into the Dexcom Warrior Community. Her career is so special to her because of her own personal journey. In August of this year, she will have lived with Type 1 Diabetes for 20 years.
How did Pumped 4 My Journey get started? In 2019, my doctor and I were looking for a children's book about diabetes because, at the time, my daughter was very fearful of my diabetes. We were looking online for a book and didn't see anything that caught our attention or resembled me. God then revealed a vision to me that He wanted me to write a children's book about my life with type 1 diabetes. At first, I tried to downplay what God gave me because I never had an interest in writing a book. I just wanted to find a book I could read to my daughter. So, I eventually forgot all about the vision until God brought it back to me in 2021, shortly after my Aunt Nita passed away, to whom I was very close. Saturdays became so depressing to me because those were the days my Aunt Nita would call to check on us and see how we were doing, but when she died, I dreaded Saturdays. I began to ask God what I should do now that she was gone, and He revealed the book. I remember one Sunday, I was watching church and heard a small voice say, "Go write the book." I sat in my room and wrote the entire book in three hours.
I prayed for a mentor, but God blessed me with mentors, coaches, and many other individuals eager to help me along this journey. I then realized this was only the beginning for Pumped 4 My Journey.
What is the purpose of Pumped 4 My Journey? Pumped 4 My journey was originally supposed to be a book about my life that I could share with my daughter, but God had other plans for me. God began to speak in a way that I could understand Him. He revealed to me that Pumped 4 My Journey would encourage and motivate people living with type 1 diabetes that they could overcome this, but e took it even further. He then began to tell me that Pumped 4 My Journey wasn't just for people with type 1 diabetes but for any journeys that people might encounter in life.
Why is the brand called Pumped 4 My Journey? When I was 17 years old, I tried to commit suicide with my insulin pump. I became so depressed that I didn't even want to live. I would literally pump so much insulin into me at night and pray to God I wouldn't wake up the next morning, but I woke up each morning. I did this several times, but the insulin never touched me. I am a suicide attempt survivor. By the grace of God, I'm still here. God revealed to me Pumped 4 My Journey because what I tried to use to kill me actually pushed me to my purpose to help others along the way. I often think back to those days, and it brings tears to my eyes because there are so many people that attempted suicide, and they're not here anymore. I want to pay honor to them along with their families. I want their voices to be heard through me. I experienced death, but God needed me to live to share the story. I pray that people would live like they have a future and know they are more than enough no matter what this world says about them. I honor those who have lost their lives and stand for their families.
When I was 14 years old, I started wearing makeup because my face broke out with dark spots from all the medications. The makeup was my security blanket because I felt ugly without it. Diabetes made me feel different than everyone else. I would always wear my insulin pump in my bra because I would get tired of the jokes and even people asking me what it was. To experience all of this growing up made me feel very out of place but God. Looking back, I had to experience the above because of Pumped 4 My Journey. I created an Instagram page in March of this year, and it was created to motivate, inspire, and uplift people. I share my personal stories through my lives, posts, and reels because I want people to see and know my realness. I no longer feel fearful, not beautiful, but I know I'm different, and I'm absolutely fine with that. I changed the mindset of being fearful by having that overcomer mindset. "I have diabetes, and diabetes doesn't have me." I changed the mindset of not being beautiful when I realized where true beauty lies, and that's in God. In 2020, I wiped off the makeup and threw it in the trash. "My dark spots have turned into beauty marks which carry strength and power." I realized that I was different because I had a calling over my life. I no longer hide my insulin pump from the world, but I wear it proudly so everyone can see I'm no longer ashamed. I was given diabetes to change lives and serve the purpose God called me to, which is Pumped 4 My Journey. Why does the world need to know and follow Pumped 4 My Journey? I would love for people to view and accept Pumped 4 My Journey as a new way to view life and view it as a purpose. God took what was so painful to me at 12 years old and created something so beautiful at 32 years old. If God can allow that for me, then He can do the same for you. Pumped 4 My Journey was created just for you. @Pumped4MyJourney
CHURCH GIRL LIFESTYLE EDITION
God also revealed that I would become a messenger for His kingdom to bring people closer to Him. I realized that once I accepted my calling to write Pumped 4 My Journey, God would use me to bring healing to hurting people and let them know they're important, valuable, and above all else, God's masterpiece.
What hardships did you have to experience for Pumped 4 My Journey to be created? Diabetes gave me that mindset of being fearful, not being beautiful, and being different than everyone else around me. When I was first diagnosed with diabetes, I was very fearful of dying, learning how to give myself injections, and checking my blood sugars. I was constantly reminded of the complications.
PRETTY WOMEN HUSTLE
PRETTY AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT Shelita Winfield Duke Shelita Winfield Duke is a Personal Success Coach, author, speaker, minister, and founder of the For the More movement. She helps professional women and entrepreneurs stop overthinking and start owning their greatness so they can boldly pursue their next season of more. For years she struggled with the guilt, hurt, shame, and the defeat of her past, but with the loss of her infant son and the demise of her first marriage, she realized she had actually lost herself. However, with the loss of her mother, she learned what it meant to truly love and accept who she is as she is. She knows from personal experience how owning your greatness is the catalyst to WINNING in every area of your life. As a coach, mentor, and strategist Shelita equips you to show up and believe in yourself. While she holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in public administration, and has completed an ICF approved Christian Coaching program, her experience is the difference-maker. She understands the negative thoughts and self-talk keeping you stuck on that hamster wheel because she has had those very same experiences. Partnering with Shelita, you’ll benefit from her education, but your personal transformation will be impacted by her life! She loves sharing her inspirational yet heartwrenching story but is absolutely passionate about helping women who are preparing for their next season in life understand what it takes to discover and own their greatness and inspires them to take action so they can freely and boldly pursue everything they’ve secretly been dreaming about.
When did you develop your passion for entrepreneurship, specifically coaching? I developed my passion for entrepreneurship, specifically coaching, once my divorce was final. I had done so much personal work, overcame so many emotional wounds, and survived a diagnosis of severe anemia. I knew that God had a purpose for all the mess I had endured. Believing that all things work together for the good, I understood that forgiveness was the key in this situation. So I did the work to forgive him and, more importantly, myself, which yielded a huge WIN in my soul. In sharing my testimony with others, it became evident that selfforgiveness, getting out of my own head and my own way, and learning how to own my greatness was something many other women are struggling with, and I knew I had to share what worked for me to help them WIN in every area of their lives.
Why is having a Personal Success Coach a necessity when aiming to achieve goals? Accountability is key! Having a personal success coach serves as a sounding board when the selflimiting thoughts, words, and actions surface. We all need someone to call us on the carpet and say, “Sis, that’s not going to get you what you say you want.” It’s so easy to get wrapped around the axle wheel of overthinking, inconsistency, indecisiveness, and inadequacy that we typically don’t even recognize the behaviors that keep us stuck. As a personal success coach, my task is to help you recognize those behaviors and, more importantly, recognize the root and the triggers. Together we develop a plan that equips you to win in life, business, and ministry! What message do you hope women take away from your platform? Great question…the message I want women to know is that they really can have it all. God has come so that we may have life and have it MORE abundantly. The abundant life is our inheritance, but you have to get out of your head and your way if you are truly going to walk in it.
What has been the most challenging and rewarding part of your journey thus far? My own stuff has been the most challenging part. I can help you get out of your own because I had to get out of mine. My testimony doesn’t include the traumatic events that got some people into coaching, but I was my own worst enemy. I made decisions early on that caused me to doubt my own greatness. And while I was crushing it in my professional life, my personal life was a hot mess! As I forgave myself (totally an ongoing journey), I learned to adjust the lens of how I see myself. That helped me increase my confidence, celebrate my wins and courageously share all my greatness with the world. The most rewarding part comes when my clients feel seen and heard. They realize they are not alone and that once they learn to love and accept themselves, they too will have the confidence to own their greatness! What advice do you have for the next generation of upcoming entrepreneurs? Entrepreneurship is a mirror to the soul. The challenges you have in life will show up in your business. So do the internal work necessary so that you can have both professional and personal success!
PRETTY AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT
Juanita Woodson
I have had a love for reading and writing since I was younger. I remember my favorite pastime as a little girl was reading books while my siblings were outside playing. Some of my favorite books that I can remember from growing up was Clifford the Big Red Dog, The Babysitters Club and The American Girl Doll books…. I could go on and on. The older I got the longer my reading list got. My love for writing also developed at an early age; I loved to journal and write poetry. Writing has helped me through some tough times in my life. In my late 20s I became aware and more confident that I needed to share certain parts of my life with others through writing so that they could heal too. Author Juanita Woodson is a mom, wife, daughter, sister, auntie, and friend and, like many women, wears these multiple hats well. Serving as an author coach, mentor, and the owner of Grace 4 Purpose Publishing Co. LLC, Juanita moves confidently in her purpose. She was born in Chester, PA, and then journeying to Williamsburg, VA, where she spent her childhood. Mrs. Woodson currently lives in Lithonia, GA, with her husband Chesarae Woodson, son Jeremiah Harrison, and bonus daughter Dorae Woodson. Juanita developed a love for writing as a young girl. There was a feeling of freedom whenever she felt a pen scroll across pages. She embraced that love for writing and self-published three books that empower others to take accountability, step out of their comfort zone, and heal! Though out of her comfort zone, 2021 was the year she practiced what she coached and opened Grace 4 Purpose Publishing Co. LLC. Withholding nothing, Juanita changes her sphere of influence, turning one page at a time. Do you recall the moment you first fell in love with reading/writing and sharing stories?
Do you have an influential moment in childhood that you tribute your love for books to (Teacher, librarian, school, etc.)? My mom was a teacher and apparently very much I like me growing up. She read to us a lot growing up, and for me it just stuck with me. I was a part of the accelerated reader program in school and remember always being excited when my mom was signing me up for the summer reading program at our local library. You have written and published three books. What message remains true in each of them? Accountability. In all three of my books, and even the more recent collaboration book that I was a part of, I always go back to accountability. Everything we do today will determine tomorrow in some facet. What do you hope readers take away from your platform? I hope that readers will see that it gets greater later. I’m very transparent about my life and also try to be encouraging to others. I will literally push you towards walking in your purpose…
To learn more, visit www.grace4purposeco.com or Grace4purpose.com
THE PRETTY ENTREPRENEUR SPOTLIGHT
Kiara Clark
Kiara Clark made her debut to the world on June 16, 1990. She was born and raised in the beautiful city by the sea, Savannah, GA. As the founder of Let’s Vent by Kiara, she dedicates her time to being a full-time wife, mom, mental health advocate, and content creator. Kiara enjoys creating safe spaces for those needing to vent. Through her enjoyment of helping others, she’s currently taking classes to become a certified doula. Outside of being a business owner, Kiara has recently added being a published author to her many accomplishments.
When did you discover your passion for assisting others with mental health issues? In 2018 I was admitted, by law, into a mental health institution. I was there for three days! Once I went through the check-in process, the nurse said, “Sweetie, there’s nothing wrong with you. You just vented at the wrong time.” While there, I realized there was no safe space for people who just needed to be heard. I was going through my own depression battle, but I knew I needed to be helping others. During my three days there, I was able to birth something bigger than me, which is Let’s Vent by Kiara, a safe space for those needing to be heard.
What has been the most challenging and rewarding part of your career thus far? The most rewarding is receiving texts, emails, and comments from complete strangers, letting me know how Let’s Vent is really helping. Even the text from people encouraging me to keep going is so rewarding. This brings me to my most challenging part, being consistent. If I was not posting or going live often, then I would never be able to receive those messages. Sometimes being consistent is tough.
How do you balance being a wife, mother, and full-time entrepreneur? Now, this is a great question. Finding balance was hard! It wasn’t until after becoming a full-time entrepreneur that I realized having a schedule is key. Also, blocking time for self-care. Setting my phone on DND is definitely helpful too. Can you share the inspiration behind your book? What message do you hope people gain from reading? The inspiration for my book came from my children. My book is an early learner’s letter recognition and writing book. My children being early learners, age 4 and 5 1/2, enjoy coloring and learning. So I wanted to combine what they both love into one fun book. I desire that every early learner who receives this book will begin to recognize all letters and have fun while learning.
Where do you hope to see your platform in the next 3-5 years? In 3-5 years, I see Let’s Vent by Kiara being one of the top leading platforms for changing the stigma on mental health. Creating safe spaces for everyone! What advice do you have for entrepreneurs navigating full-time entrepreneurship while dealing with their mental health? My advice is very simple - don’t be afraid to ask for help. Asking for help gives you a different perspective on things. When your business life is consuming you by adding more stress, take a break. Give yourself some “PTO.” While on break, take the time to vent about what you’re feeling. For those that don’t have a counselor or someone they trust, journaling helps.
www.letsvent.org
PRETTY WOMEN HUSTLE COVER STORY CEO Nia Talks, LLC
Antania “Nia” Priester
Antania “Nia” Priester is a licensed behavioral specialist in the state of Pennsylvania and Quality Manager for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Community Care Behavioral Health Organization. Nia holds a master’s degree in mental health counseling and has more than 20 years of experience in the mental health field. Her expertise includes residential treatment, community wrap-around services, child welfare, juvenile justice systems, outpatient mental health therapy, and behavioral health managed care. She has been instrumental in helping agencies across Pennsylvania boost employee morale by way of instituting policies that improve workplace culture. She is an author and certified professional coach dedicated to facilitating growth and emotional well-being. Nia’s work includes published articles and her first book, “Defenses Getting out of Emotional Prison.” She also is a co-author of “Diary of A Ready Woman 2,” which will be released in late summer 2022. As a champion for emotional well-being and a woman of God with vision and purpose, Nia opened her own coaching and consulting practice, Nia Talks, LLC, which focuses on supporting individuals in addressing past trauma and establishing healthy relationships as well as building healthy self-esteem. Her dynamic presence shows up in her coaching, workshops, and speaking engagements. Nia has worked collaboratively with churches across the US, health/fitness companies, colleges, and universities to spread her message of emotional wellness and healing. Additionally, Nia’s coaching and experiences have helped couples save their marriage and, for others, to own their truth and choose to heal emotionally. Nia continues to walk in her God-given purpose by inspiring people to demonstrate resilience, self-improvement, and self-love. By doing so, she says, one is committing to lifelong growth that yields a prevailing and positive harvest in every facet of one’s life.
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BEING A THERAPIST FORCED ME TO BE INTROSPECTIVE AND TO MAKE CHANGES IN AREAS THAT WERE NOT HEALTHY SPIRITUALLY, MENTALLY, OR PHYSICALLY.
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Antania “Nia” Priester Ceo of Nia Talks, LLC
If you had to use five words to describe yourself outside of entrepreneurship and your career, what would they be? Benevolent, Loving, Knowledgeable, Resilient, Versatile When did you develop your passion for healthcare, specifically the behavioral health field? My passion began my senior year in high school. I took a Psychology course and became fascinated with learning about people’s personality types. I knew I wanted to study Counseling Psychology. However, it wasn’t until I had my first volunteer crisis counseling job that I knew I wanted to help people feel better and solve their problems. How has your journey in the Behavioral health field prepared you for entrepreneurship and coaching? God strategically allowed me to have every job position to put me where I am today. Specifically, I had a few challenging jobs where I told God, “I don’t know about his one.” My career began in child welfare, sexual abuse, and foster care. These positions were extremely challenging, but they forced me to gain insight into generational trauma and the complexities of the family systems. However, more importantly, it forced me to learn how to engage with difficult individuals and evaluate my biases. It allowed me to mature and see the reality of our world. I had to learn about countertransference and balancing my own life and career rather quickly if I was going to survive the helping field.
I feel like each position set me up for the next one because my initial experiences in child welfare and juvenile justice then allowed me to be a good outpatient therapist because I came with a wealth of knowledge about people’s individual struggles with mental health, the ability to work with diverse populations, and had a keen understanding the dynamics of generational influences on families and individual behavior. While in those positions, I could examine multigenerational behavioral patterns, such as management of anxiety, how families communicate, manage conflict, and help people see how their current problems may be rooted in their family history. Being a therapist forced me to be introspective and to make changes in areas that were not healthy spiritually, mentally, or physically. Therefore, when it came time to start my own life coaching practice, I had already had the skills to be competent in my new endeavor. Tell us about your debut book “Defenses Getting out of Emotional Prison.” What message do you hope readers takeaway? I wrote the book because so many individuals are dealing with hurt and trauma from their past, and they can’t let go.
However, what they don’t realize is that their own defense mechanisms are contributing to their own emotional baggage. Once someone has been hurt, they build a shield around their heart so that they can no longer allow anyone else to hurt them and become defensive. Being defensive does not allow healing or growth work to occur.
Nia Talks was birthed out of not only wanting to own my business but because I feel like this is what God called me to do. When we share our stories, we heal each other. NiaTalks offers individual life coaching, relationship coaching, and courses on overall emotional wellness, such as how to heal from heartache and/or how to reduce stress.
A lot of us continue with life, bitter, never accepting responsibility, shifting blame, being angry, resentful, unforgiving, and feeling powerless. Truthfully, if you don’t manage your emotions, your emotions will manage you.
What message of inspiration do you take with you as you coach, host workshops, and speak to women around the world? My message is that your pain does not define you and is not your future. I encourage women to heal because last week’s tears become the seeds of today’s faith, restoration, and strength.
What I’d like readers to take away from the book is to take accountability for your healing. When you consistently have your defensive wall up, you do not grow; you don’t learn and evolve. But more importantly, you give away your power to someone or that thing you are holding onto, which keeps you in an emotional prison, unable to live your life to the fullest. Share with us the inspiration behind Nia Talks, LLC. What services are you currently offering for women? As a young child, complete strangers would come up to me a tell me their life stories. Literally, someone could be in an elevator with me and spark up a conversation. By the time they got off, they’d shared something personal with me. So, I always knew in some capacity, I would grow up helping people with their problems. Nevertheless, if you haven’t lived through certain experiences, there’s very little advice or support you can give. I had to live through some devastating heartache myself to be able to counsel people on it. My life’s turmoil included untimely deaths of friends and family, failed relationships, and unexpected single parenting, all while trying to balance competing responsibilities. Through those journeys, I had to learn to persevere and heal. I had to evolve and learn humility, resilience and have unshakable faith, especially if I was going to help others.
Your company currently offers services for churches across the US. Can you tell us about that? Currently, mental health and mental illness are being approached with more sensitivity than previously, and it seems that the faith community is showing interest in understanding mental health. Specifically, the Black church has struggled with the stigma of mental illness. However, the Black church is positioned to be a pivotal partner in supporting mental wellness in the African American community. With that being said, I offer presentations and workshops educating churches about mental illness and what they can do to assist members that may be suffering.
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WHAT I’D LIKE READERS TO TAKE AWAY FROM THE BOOK IS TO TAKE ACCOUNTABILITY FOR YOUR HEALING.
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You continue to walk in your God-given purpose while navigating entrepreneurship. Can you share some tips for other faith-based entrepreneurs? The tips I have for faith-based entrepreneurs is for them to clearly understand their purpose and be determined. Once they have a keen understanding of their purpose, they can seek God for direction and rely on him when faced with difficulty. I advise finding mentors in business and learning from those who are already doing what you want to do. Lastly, ensure that they are organized and have a wellthought-out plan of how they will manage running a business and other life responsibilities. There has to be a balance. Where do you hope to see your brand in the next 3-5 years? What is next for Antania Priester and Nia Talks? I see my brand and Nia Talks expanding to be well known in the next few years. I plan to do many more speaking engagements, educational workshops and collaborations with universities, churches, and other wellness businesses across the nation to promote my emotional wellness message, especially for the minority communities.
As far as Antania “Nia,” she plans on expanding and owning a few other businesses so that she can retire her 9-5 and bring about generational wealth for her children. What is your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles? My definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles is a woman who is ambitious, consistent and faithful to her God-given purpose, resilient, and robust. Her self-determination and perseverance against adversaries will make her dreams a reality. She knows that she must surround herself with environments and people that not only are positive but be in environments where she can be both student and teacher so she can grow. She is a hard worker and keeps it moving when she makes mistakes or has no support. She is not envious and knows to show love to other women. She makes a difference in the world. She is not easily broken, so she knows to take her authority and manifest the life she was created to live.
Meet Ilka Tamar is an experienced, energetic, and multifaceted individual with over 20+ years of experience as a model and certified modeling & confidence instructor. She has participated in countless catwalks, events, editorial shoots, and competitions in Puerto Rico and the United States. Her motto for her is “Confidence Is Everything,” and helping her clients discover confidence within themselves is her main goal!
IIka Tamar
Ilka has experience as an entrepreneur, professional model, certified modeling instructor, blogger, writer, live streamer, and influencer. Her main focus on her is using modeling as a tool for self-esteem and empowerment, allowing young girls, teens, and adults to learn confidence through her modeling workshops. These workshops focus on modeling as an enriching tool to help achieve a remarkable inside-out metamorphosis with all the clients she works with!
She is also the founder of the fashion and beauty confidence blog Modish Bold Squad, a blog that focuses on fashion, beauty, and living a confident lifestyle. Modish Bold Squad is all about nourishing the soul while glamming up the body. In addition to blogging, she is a national sponsor franchise owner of the Miss/Mrs. Puerto Rico Millennium Universe Beauty Pageant and consistently takes her candidates to the finals happening in Malaysia. Ilka has also contributed as a writer to an anthology called To My Girls. She won Best Model Coach in Orlando, FL, in 2019 at the Modeling and Industry Awards Gala. She has also won Outstanding Instructor for 2020 at the Millennium World Awards at Kuala in Lumpur, Malaysia. Her current project is to fully elevate her modeling and confidence mentorship online with her relaunch in June 2022. This mentorship helps high-achieving women build a successful personal brand on social media through modeling and confidence tools.
What inspired your start in the modeling industry? I entered modeling as a way to overcome my low self-esteem built up by bullying in middle school. After that, I got inspired by the transformation modeling skills made to my self-esteem and confidence. I pursue certifications from basic to advanced modeling plus certifications as a modeling coach. What message do you aim to teach as a confidence instructor? My motto is “Confidence is everything.” As a confidence instructor, I want women to believe in themselves, overcome insecurities, love and accept themselves as imperfect, and empower others along the way as well. With over 20+ years in the modeling industry, what has been your greatest lesson thus far? My greatest lesson is to believe in myself no matter what. Even as a model, I suffered bullying in the modeling Industry. In my first casting, I was called ugly, too curvy ( even though I’m Latina, I can’t help it), looking too exotic, and that I will never make it as a model. I learned with confidence skills from modeling to accept others’ opinions about me but don’t make them personal or accept them as what defines my future. Twenty-two years later, I am still teaching those same lessons to other women. What tips do you have for young women aspiring to join the modeling industry? My tip for young women aspiring to be a model is to get a coach to guide them through the process. That’s why I created my mentorship to guide them into their best options and the reality of how the industry boosts their confidence to thrive under any circumstances. Where do you hope to see your brand “Modish Bold Squad” in the next 3-5 years? I hope to see my brand Metamorphosis Mentorship everywhere. I’m doing a relaunching now in June, so I can impact more women and spread the message that modeling is not only about heels, hair, and a pretty dress. It is about regaining our empowerment, confidence, and ambition as women showing ourselves as what we are – a personal, powerful brand. What is your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles? My definition of Pretty Woman Who Hustles is that we can look as pretty as society portrait, but that doesn’t mean that looks will determine what we carry and work for. In my industry, being a model is more than looks; you need to hustle and have a brain to market and promote yourself.
PRETTY AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT
Jessi Hersey
Jessi Hersey was born in Bakersfield, California, only to move to Colorado, where she got a BA in psychology. She began writing poetry when she was 6 years old. She is an author, teacher, and founder of her publishing company and school, Oneness Love Publishing.
What obstacles or challenges have you faced thus far in your career? Getting my classes filmed has been a huge challenge as I keep my job of working with kids with special needs. It’s finding the time to film and edit. I will be filming this summer.
She is proudly part of the LGBTQIA community as a bisexual but leans more toward women she loves. She is a blogger on medium and writes about education, self-love, and living life to the fullest. She loves helping others through writing. She is currently learning how to write music for her own music production. She has many stories to come.
What message do you hope women take away from your brand? I hope they take away the message you can do anything. You are not tied down to a label, and your story wants to be heard.
What inspired your start in writing and publishing the stories of others? It all started with me writing my books, from poetry to children’s books. I realized how privileged I was to be able to tell my stories and create. The inspiration came to me when my company symbol came to me in California. It started as a tattoo and became my company’s symbol. I wanted to give others an affordable way to follow their dreams and write their stories in whatever form that may take.
Where do you hope to see your platform in the next 3-5 years? I hope to see Oneness Love Publishing LLC thriving and making a difference in millions of women’s lives. What encouragement/message do you have for women navigating entrepreneurship and living with a disability? You can do anything you set your mind to. There is support all around. Mainly don’t ever give up.
THE MIND BY NATASHIA HAGANS
The mind so delicate A fragile organ so complex With hidden parts that scientists can’t predict Every day it’s thinking Switching from multiple neurons Telling folks how to think, walk, and talk How are we feeding our minds? Is it with good thoughts? Do we believe in our own minds Or does it just exist? It’s been said we only use 10% of our minds Would using 100% matter? What powers would we hold? I can just imagine So take care of your mind Be gentle with it Water it so it grows Honor its emotions
Let it spark Let your mind ignite a nation Explode with Ideas like tsunamis While resting in green pastures Be creative as can be with your mind Fill it with all the crayons in a crayon box Get help when that mind is low on fuel Honor the precious mind jewel Seek help when the mind goes astray Seems to be drowning in puddles When the mind gets muddy Also a little fuzzy The mind is A complex organ Ready to be used But it also needs gentleness, support, and care Question… What are you doing to take care of the mind??
This Poem is in honor of Mental Health Let’s Break the Stigma Ask for help Honor your mind
PRESS RELEASE
NATIONWIDE - THE H.E.A.L. PROGRAM FUND Certified Neuro-linguistic Programming Practitioner and Hypnotherapist, L. Renee’ Chubb is on a mission to H.E.A.L. her community and help them overcome stress, anxiety, doubt, and fears while maintaining proper boundaries and self-care. She’s doing so through her 7-part H.E.A.L. (Healing & Education for African American & LatinX Communities) Program Fund, just in time to celebrate Mother’s Day! This unique program is designed to allow those who cannot afford traditional methods of healing and therapy to gain access to a life-altering experience that allows participants to connect mind, body, and action to identify the underlying causes of daily pressures and stresses of “living while Black.” Racial Trauma (RBTS) in the Black community presents symptoms that mimic Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and causes a significant increase in depression and anxiety. Repeated exposure, whether as a victim or a witness, can cause RBTS to flare up in frightening and sometimes humiliating ways if you aren’t prepared to deal with it. Through this 7 session program, participants will be educated and healed by their own change in behaviors, using the techniques and skills learned throughout to live their best, high-vibration selves. Sessions are 70 minutes long each week, giving you 29/30 days to implement and create creative, positive, healthy habits for personal and professional impact. Each session and the following days will consist of one-on-one coaching, straightforward techniques, and an optional invite to a private community of like-minded individuals on Facebook and Clubhouse. The sessions are designed to be thorough, primarily geared towards dealing with vibrations and energies, through which one can make use of to manage their RBTS and other stressors. Hypnosis can also help you quit smoking, overcome a fear, or even get better at sales! Participants can feel assured knowing they will have lifetime access to the Facebook group and all of the materials used in each tailored session. How many of you know who Oprah, Barack Obama, Tony Robbins, and Pharrell are? They practice NLP daily! #GetSome $777 Value Session 1: Introduction Session - Opening Up The Closet Session 2: Typology - Exploring your Cognitive Perceptions Session 3: Mental Health - Exploring the challenges Session 4: Your Emotional Intelligence System Session 5: Introverts’ Intuitions vs. Extroverts’ Feelings Session 6: Connecting Mind, Body & Thought to Action Session 7: Becoming Your Destiny - “The Dream of the Slave”
PRESS RELEASE
NATIONWIDE - THE H.E.A.L. PROGRAM FUND These aren’t cookie-cutter approaches to your life. Renee’ doesn’t believe in gimmicks but instead focuses on tangible and immediate results for each client. Renee’ has spent the past 6 months putting together the most powerful techniques and patterns so that by the time you have finished the 7th week, you will have life-altering behaviors you can use to experience the life you deserve. Through these sessions, participants will learn: A fast ritual you can do in the morning to set the vibrations and tone for the rest of the day How to dispel the negative voices in your head that keep you from being great NLP “Future Pacing” to create your own future/path How to avoid getting stuck in procrastination How to eliminate self-sabotage How to read others and relate to their core values How to build rapport with anyone, even difficult people How to live out your core values And much more! This program was created by Franklin University graduate, published author, and columnist at the Urban Business Institute, L. Renee’ Chubb. The H.E.A.L. Program Fund is a way for us to prioritize our mental and physical health and wellbeing. So often in the Black community and through the doors of her salon, she sees people prioritizing outward vs. inner appearance. There are young people out here with high blood pressure, dying of heart attacks at 28 years old. Black women in their early 40s are having strokes. Not knowing these types of resources are available to us is a huge barrier to access. This program is L. Renee’s vision to “defy a generational curse of triggered, stressed, and traumatized people,” making it L. Renee’s sole mission as a health and wellness strategist is to empower her people with the education and resources that allow them to achieve true success, abundant happiness, and health, and then pay it forward. As the owner of the first TRUE, 100% Black female-owned, head-to-toe-inside-out, beauty and wellness experience under one roof, L. Renee’ can finally offer a one-stop-shop for inner and outer wellness that helps people in all areas of their life. The program is especially poignant for business owners to help them reach the next level of growth and success. For more information, visit www.stewartmagic.com or call 614-686-4247 for more Information