2019 Issue

MINDFUL DATING

TIPS

WOMEN BEHIND THE BYLINES LYDIA BLANCO BLACK ENTERPRISE ELIANA BAUCICAULT B COLLECTIVE

SHE PREVAILS

WOMEN’S CONFERENCE

CHARLI PENN ESSENCE SABRINA SEYMORE THE PREVAILING WOMAN

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Behind the Scenes

Must haves in your wardrobe

Cover Girls

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The Prevailing Women

Songs from the Soul

Who brought Black Wall Street Back

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68 Fall Beauty

Fierce Females

She Prevails 2019 Expericence Recap

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Credits Sabrina Seymore FOUNDING EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Cassandra Adams Jones EDITOR, COMMUNICATIONS Kenali Battle EDITOR Alicia Ruffin BEAUTY EDITOR Rosalyn Harris JOURNALIST Latisha Coleman GRAPHIC DESIGNER Crystal Cofie, Jessica Couch, Minster Tina France, Dr. Trish Harleston, Allyson Leak, Dominique Sensabaugh, Shay Clark, Barone, Alena Smith CONTRIBUTORS Rotcelis Rose Photography, Isis Nishae Photography, Jeffrey Lyn Media COVER STORY TEAM

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SPOTLIGHT

Cont ributors

ANSWERED THESE FOUR QUESTIONS:

1. Name one or two women who inspire you and why?

2. What are 3 of your favorite meals?

3. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be and why?

4. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

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LATISHA

Coleman Graphic Designer Visual Artist

1. One or two women who inspire you and why?

It's impossible for me to name just one or two women who has inspired me, as a whole, I would like to name every female in my family! As a child , we were taught to stand strong, to handle your business, to take care of family and to ALWAYS keep GOD first! This has shaped me into the person I am today!

2. What are 3 of your favorite meals?

1. Any kind of pasta 2. I enjoy a good salad 3. Pizza - I don't ask for much!

3. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be and why?

If I could live any where in the world , it would have to be somewhere exotic - surrounded by creatives snd visionaries!

4. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

Anywhere that has a beach! Such a refreshing feeling to hear the sound of the ocean!

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Behind the Scenes 10 THE PREVAILING WOMAN

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It’s the new fiscal year, yay! Or nay, maybe? 2018 has been flying by at speed of lightening. I remember just writing down my goals for the year and I feel like I haven’t even had an opportunity to touch any of them. Oh wait, Sabrina, you know better than this. What are excuses? [I encourage you read the poem

by Excuses by Edgar Allen Poe] While, many of my goals haven’t been touched, I have reach a new height in my career as the Founder of The Prevailing Woman. Distribution has doubled, we’re at the peak of planning our inaugural women’s conference, and this issue is full of highly successful and reputable women.

Recently, I started The Prevailing Facebook group and within 30 days, I was able to have 850 ladies join the group.

The group discusses EVERYTHING. From lifestyle topics, entrepreneurship, beauty, finance and even love. The demographics range between 25-65 year old black women.

I mean come on... 800+ women in one group sounds like drama, but trust meit’s all good vibes.

This issue is what I’d like to think of as the “Breakthrough Issue”. I struggled-a lot. I had the women identified, journalists ready, and then writer’s block and a dose giving up came over me. No good thing is easily attained. So what kind of “Prevailing Woman”would I be if I just threw in the towel because I decided to give up?

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INSPIRE

CONNECT

PREVAIL

About the Magazine

The Prevailing Woman is a magazine that promotes personal and world. professional achievements at all levels of business throughout the World.

The Prevailing Woman Magazine has expanded as a multifaceted media source that reaches millions quarterly. The magazine is high gloss, 75-125 pages, contemporary in look and appeal. Quality word and art content is the number one goal. The magazine is empowering, newsworthy and thought-provoking. It appeals to a woman who wants to expand their network, prevail in their career or general interest in welfare of prevailing to the expand their prevailing , women.

Social Media

ThePrevailingWoman 1, 319 followers

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Sabrina Seymore is Founding Editor-In-Chief of The Prevailing Woman magazine. Sabrina created this magazine to highlight women who are prevailing in their respective fields and to empower woman to maximize their highest potential in all areas of their life. Our first issue of the digital and print magazine launched in Spring 2017. advertise@prevailingwoman.com 919.760.3219

919.760.3219 │advertise@prevailingwoman.com 14 THE PREVAILING WOMAN

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EDITORIAL CALENDAR Ads due: April 1, 2018 Issue: Summer 2018 Anniversary Issue: March 15, 2018

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Written By: Minister Tina M. France

One day I came home to find that my youngest son had a new toy. It was a Grow Lizard that promised to grow in size if you place him in water.

So my son filled a plastic container full of water with excitement and anticipation! I was a bit skeptical but wouldn’t dare discourage him at this point.

To our amazement, the lizard began to grow! Wow! I couldn’t believe it! It didn’t just grown in length, but it grew in height and weight! He even grew the exoskeleton bones across its back! He was pretty big compared to what he looked like at first.

After a few days though, I grew tired of seeing Mr. Lizard (that’s what I called him) on my kitchen counter. So, I removed him from the water and set him aside thinking he’d be okay. To my surprise, a day later, I noticed he was shrinking back down to his original size. Why? I removed him from the source that activated its growth!

It started me thinking about times in my life when I felt uninspired, tired, stagnant and ready to give up. I realized that I was not growing in my relationship with God because I stopped doing what was necessary to grow it. I was reminded that in 2 Corinthians 5:17 it says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things have become new.” The key to this passage is “in Christ”.

I should not expect to live a God -inspired, God -empowered, God-manifested life, if I am not “in Him”. Spiritual growth should be intentional and purposeful. What do I mean? If we are not

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enjoying the life we want, let’s ask ourselves these questions.

Do I pray consistently? Do I read the bible (for understanding and application not just to mark it off the list of to dos)? Do I spend time in personal devotion and worship as well as corporate worship with other believers? Am I operating in my calling and using my gifts?

See, it is our YES to these questions that causes us to grow “in Him”. It’s our YES that helps us to create an environment for continuous growth. When we allow busyness, apathy, and distractions to cause us to become separated from God, who is our source of inspiration and revelation, we shrink and go backwards.

If you’re tired, uninspired, drained or just need a change in your life, commit to grow “in Him”. Give God your YES in whatever area a YES is required and watch God make something amazing happen right before your eyes!

Prayer Focus: Father, thank you for sending us your Son Jesus. As I commit to know you more, I am thankful that you are transforming my life into something amazing! Old things are passed away!

I am alive, revived and renewed because of you. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

From The Well Ministries is the evangelistic outreach ministry of Min. Tina M. France. To connect with Min. France visit www.fromthewellministries.com

ITEMS TO HAVE IN YOUR WARDROBE THIS FALL! We’re travelling back to the 90’s for fashion tips for the fall. These pieces are all great individually but together they will help create a more robust wardrobe for fall! Try rotating these pieces to have an updated trendy wardrobe. The best things about these looks are they create a super feminine physique which can be difficult when trying to stay warm in the colder months. Who says you can be cute and warm? Here are our top 5 trendy must haves: THE PREVAILING WOMAN 17

MOMJEANS Mom jeans may seem like the opposite of anything flattering and shapely but that’s just not the case. The comfortable fit high waist jean are perfect for winter. They draw attention to the waist and can be paired with chunky heeled boots and well as your fave bodysuit for an uber chic look.

No need to go vintage shopping, brands have a variety of mom jeans for your to choose from. Our top picks are below:

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BARET Prince may have popularized the raspberry colored accessory but popular trend has brought it back around just in time for fall! Whether with a bun, curls, braids or blow out, a beret is a simple wardrobe upgrade that can make a big impact with any look. See our favorites below:

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SIDESTRIPED PANTS Atleisure has certainly changed how we dress and the level of comfort we desire. But it’s often hard to know how to style these especially for fall.

The breakaway pant was a staple this season and will certainly transition into fall. You can trade the sporty look for a more casual pant with the striped detail on the side. The best thing about this wardrobe staple is it adds more structure to the average pant and makes it easy to spice up your wardrobe.ardrobe.

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BODYSUIT To tuck or not to tuck, this is no longer a question.

Leotards are some of the best fall wardrobe staples to have. They pair well with high waist pants helping to accentuate the waist line and create balance. With all the layers that fall requires, creating shape is super important. Try a lace bodysuit under blazers and cardigans to spice up an outfit.

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SHEARLING JACKETS Leather is pretty normal for the fall/winter but shearling will take your wardrobe to the next level.

The best thing about this statement piece is that it can make any ordinary outfit look super chic.

Whether it’s time or a full eddy this comfortable and functional piece is a must have.

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$5 Â Jewelry And Accessories Independent Paparazzi Consultant

DEIDRE GARLAND All accessories Nickel and Lead Free!

Shop www.amorjewelsbydeidre.com

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Trust Your

Strength Alena Smith was born & raised in New Jersey where she excelled in track and field. At Trenton Central High School, she won state titles and was nationally ranked.

Her talents earned her a track & field scholarship to North Carolina Central University to run the 100 & 400 Hurdles. College is where she began to transform into the woman she is today. Over 400 miles away from family she quickly learned that to persevere on her own she had to apply herself on and off the track because going back home was not an option. She obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education from North Carolina Central University and her Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. Alena has always been passionate about helping people and giving back, not just as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated but professionally, has worked in higher education for over 11 years at several different universities. Currently, she resides in Atlanta, GA working as a HR Professional at Accenture and also works part time at Southern New Hampshire University Online as a Reviewer for Associates and Bachelor’s Degrees.

Alena holds many titles but her most important and meaningful title is being the mother of her two miracles (Wendell III) 7 and 1 year old (Charlie). Alongside her husband Wendell Smith Jr., the last year Alena and her family have embarked on an unimaginable journey. She is a woman of phenomenal strength, encouragement and resilience. Alena delivered both sons prematurely, but never wavered in her faith or strength to ensure they were cared for and had the necessary tools to live a normal and healthy life.

Because she knows first-hand what it’s like to go through the premature delivery and NICU journey not once, but twice, Alena has established a nonprofit organization called Trust Your Strength, to pay it forward, share her experience, offer support and encouragement to others as

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well as provide donations to those that are in need. She has set out on a journey to educate and has committed to be a vessel to let other Mommas know they’re not alone.

Wendell III was born at 31 weeks weighing 3 lb 12 oz and stayed in the NICU for 5weeks before being released.

Recently, her youngest Charlie, was born at 25 weeks weighing 1 lb. After 328 days between two hospitals he was finally released from the hospital on September 26, 2018, only a few weeks shy of his first birthday. During his stay in the

NICU/TICU, he underwent several surgeries, including having a tracheotomy, countless blood transfusions and coded twice and was brought back to life. To say that this year was a major test for Alena, her husband and their family, would be an understatement, but again during their deepest and darkest times, they steadfast and mustered up strength to keep fighting through the trails for themselves and for Charlie. As a family unit, they are now pressing forward and making new strides every day.

Trust Your Strength is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating awareness of the mental support needed in the NICU and making a difference for families in need.

Our vision is to encourage and strengthen Mommas of Miracles born prematurely and of medically fragile children. We will provide self-care packages, financial assistance, and support, while working to strengthen mothers through self-care events.

Studies suggest an estimate of 70 percent of moms whose babies spend time in the NICU may grapple with symptoms of depression, yet there are not good screening measures in place to help them. Through our organization, we will provide the tools and support needed to better assist Mommas in building long lasting relationships that will allow them to lean on each other and acknowledge them for a job well done.

Babies born prematurely or medically fragile come into this world fighting for their lives. Knowing first-hand the mental strength a mother must possess while caring for your baby in the NICU and seeing them through this fight,

I recognized that these babies that survive are miracles, warriors and champions.

Trust Your Strength, has chosen Northside Hospital and Children Health Care of Atlanta (Scottish Rite) as their donating hospitals to provide catered lunches and dinners, transportation assistance and other resources to assist families.

Annually, we will also host a Trust Your Strength fundraiser to support our mission and acknowledge moms for their bravery, courage and strength during some of their most difficult times. We will acknowledge local doctors and nurses for their skills and expertise in their respective fields and use the event to overall create awareness in the community and advocate for moms about the need of mental support while on this journey.

November is World Prematurity Awareness Month, On November 17th we donated $25 Gas cards to 10 families currently on their NICU Journey to help assist with transportation expenses to and from the NICU. Since establishing the organization, we received an overwhelming amount of support through donations and we would like to keep our efforts going as we can’t do it alone. If you would like to donate to Trust Your Strength and to read more about our initiatives, visit our website at https://www.trustyourstrength.org/ . To see and read the stories of Mommas and their Miracles visit our social media on Instagram @ Trust_Your_Strength

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What inspired you to go into the media and entertainment industry?

what I’m here to do –tell the stories of others. The rest doesn’t matter.

Journalism chose me. My mother was a writer and even though she passed away when I was little, she passed along her gifts to me. Even though I loved to write, when I got to college at Spelman, I entered on a pre-law track. Then for one of my elective classes we had an assignment to write something for the school paper. I wrote one article and I was hooked. I couldn’t stop after that. I joined the staff and started mapping out my career is a magazine journalist. I couldn’t stop telling our stories – especially those of and for Black women.

Speaking of controversy, there has been a lot of dialogue centered around diversity and inclusion. Though you work in a predominantly black environment, have you noticed a change in black women securing these executive positions?

How has your educational and professional experiences led you to have the success you have today?

I credit so much of who I am today as a multihyphenated digital journalist to the graduate school program I chose. A lot of journalists don’t choose to get their master’s degree because hands on experience can be just as valuable, but I had another plan. I chose to go to graduate school because although I’d started in print journalism, as a millennial graduating during the that Facebook really became popular, I could see a very digital shift coming in the industry and I wanted to make sure I could perfect my craft on every platform.

I chose U.C. Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism because the competitive two-year program allowed me to study longform journalism while also learning multimedia skills and reporting for radio, video, and through photography. When I walked across that stage, I feltlike I was ready to take over my industry. So much of what I’ve been able to do and the way I think about my craft came from that program—and I’m happy I made the decision to go that extra mile early on in my career.

Tell us about a time you experienced a contro versial interview or event?

I write lifestyle content, but I do so in a digital space. While the subjects of my work are rarely controversial news figures or celebrities, sometimes when you’re talking to people about their personal lives and decisions, the things they say will spark online debate. Over the years, I’ve chosen not to read those controversial comments and just focus on

I see more and more Black faces in white spaces in the media industry although I do think we still have a very long way to go there. There are still far too many newsrooms that target “all people” without our people there to speak for what we want and need to read about or learn. That’s a problem.

Statistics also reveal that African American women and Latinas earn 64 and 56 cents for every dollar earned by a white male. How do we address the wage gap for female minorities and mothers?

We start by talking about it as much as we can –to each other, to our bosses, to our daughters. We have to speak up about our worth, demand the salaries we deserve and be wiling to callout the companies who refuse to give that to us or walk away because we’re worth it. The more we agitate the system the better chance we have. All my friend know what I make and I know what they earn. We do this because we want to ensure that we’re all leveling up at every step and aware of what’s possible and what’s just plain wrong. We have to talk and we have to fight, no matter what. We also have to be willing to become entrepreneurs so that we can use our brilliance to pay ourselves what we’re worth!

Many look up to you as a mogul in the media and/or event industry. What’s your advice for women who are trying to enter the space or make their personal brand bigger while working for a corporate company?

Aww, thank you. That’s so kind. My best advice is you have to fight to be yourself and represent your values/brand even within the corporate space.

These spaces need the diversity. Don’t sign on to a full - time job that wants to put restrictions on who you are and what you can do outside of your weekly hours –it will limit you and you don’t have time for that.

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Also, although I’m still mastering this myself, it’s important to devote twice as much time in the evening to promoting your work/brand than you do racking extra (likely unpaid overtime) hours helping a company promote theirs.

Harping some on getting the big brands to notice you, what advice would you give someone is looking to be featured in a publication or blog?

Be smart about pitching to editors –don’t just DM them and say “Look at my work” or “we should connect”. Tell them WHY your story matters and should be told. You are special, but you need to show them WHY. You also need to tell them how your story uniquely fits on their platform. Every story has to be told through that outlet’s voice. Speak to them in their language. You have to be your own best publicist.

I’m sure that a lot of your success has been the result of hard work and just refining your skillset.

But as far as how you’re able to progress in your career, it seems that the relationships you’re building with people and brands play a big part in that as well. Can you talk about the importance of relationship building within a career and give a few tips on how to build professional, organic relationships that last?

My approach to relationships is that I don’t enter a room trying to meet the “people to know”or target connecting with certain people. I think it’s important to go where your spirit leads you and meet people organically. Some of the best connections I’ve made in a space weren’t through the people that master networkers would flock to at an event. It was through the person I connected with in the less crowded corner and kept in touch with over time. While it’s important to network with mentors and icons, it’s your peers who will succeed alongside of you and become the movers/shakers/ones -to- know just as you do. Don’t ignore the magic beside you because you’re so busy looking up.

Many women are struggling to find their purpose in life. Other women who I’ve spoken to who feels like they are walking in their purpose say that they found their purpose in serving others. What do you

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believe your purpose is and how did you get clarity in identifying it?

I believe my purpose is to share women’s stories through spreading and writing about love in all forms — family, romantic relationships, friendship.

Love fuels and empower our community and it’s important to me to create content that teaches us how to love and how to form healthy relationships. I feel that’s just as important as learning how to succeed professionally or learn a new skill or trade, or keeping up with what’s happening in the news. My career chose me and I’m blessed to be able to write articles and create content that inspire people to seek healthy love, stronger families and overall self-care.

What would you say is your proudest momentwhether career, business, or personal? Feel free to name one moment per category.

My proudest personal moment to date was the day I married my husband. Before meeting him, I made a lot of unhealthy decisions when it came to love and I wasn’t choosing myself. Our love saved me and taught me what it means to be loved and valued the way a woman should be. Choosing him and to start a life together with him is the smartest personal decision I’ve ever made and 10 years in I’m still grateful that I was smart enough and healed enough to make it.

Professionally speaking, my proudest career moment to date has been two part — first, the day I started at ESSENCE. It was always my mother’s dream to work there and I felt like she was up in heaven sharing that moment with me. It was powerful and magical and I cried happy tears for weeks. Then, when my idea for a sole issue dedicated to happiness in 2018 (Janet Jackson was on the cover) came to life and was well received by the community I was very proud because it was something so important to me and also something that I helped to create for women everywhere that touched them. What could feel better than that?

Professionally speaking, my proudest career moment to date has been two part — first, the day I started at ESSENCE. It was always my mother’s dream to work there and I felt like she was up in heaven sharing that moment with me. It was powerful and magical

and I cried happy tears for weeks. Then, when my idea for a sole issue dedicated to happiness in 2018 (Janet Jackson was on the cover) came to life and was well received by the community I was very proud because it was something so important to me and also something that I helped to create for women everywhere that touched them. What could feel better than that?

How do you incorporate self-care amidst all of your responsibilities?

I draw a line in the sand and just turn off social media, work and drama to focus on my family, friends and my joy. Nothing is more important than that to me. I can always get another job, but tomorrow isn’t promised and the damage we can do to ourselves and our loved ones by not being there for them when they need us can be irreparable.

Who are influential women that have played a major role in your success? Also, if you select one person to serve as your mentor, who would that be and why?

Far too many to name just one, but I’m thankful for each and every one of them taking time out of their busy lives to help shape mine –that’s a blessing. My dream mentor would be Michelle Obama for so many reasons. I really feel like she’s managed to have such a full and balance life and I believe she values family and love as a core pillar just as I do. I’d love to learn from how she’s stayed true to who she is and kept her family healthy and intact despite having had so many incredible tasks before her.

Where do you see Charli in the next 5-10 years?

In the next five to ten years I hope to be a mother, a published author and even happier than I am today.

What is your definition of a Prevailing Woman?

My definition of a prevailing woman is one who chooses herself above all obstacles and fights for her peace, happiness and success at all costs.

What are your social media handles? @charlipenn

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ELIANA BAUCICAULT’S TRANSITION FROM LAW TO WEDDING PLANNING Written by: Rosalyn Harris Eliana Baucicault, of ellyB Events, based in Atlanta, Georgia, has planned and executed 72 weddings over the course of one year. That’s pretty impressive for a girl from Brooklyn, New York who grew up thinking her best options for owning a business were laundromats or liquor stores, based on their high demand in that area.

“The last thing I want is for couples to argue about something like the budget and end up dreading the actual day of their wedding,” said Eliana.

Baucicault always knew she wanted to start a business, but was unsure what kind of business she wanted. After attaining an undergraduate degree in business, she moved from New York to Atlanta, Georgia and took a project management position at a law firm. While in Atlanta, Eliana was engaged and began planning her wedding. She joined a message board, which was similar to present-day Pinterest boards, and shared ideas she ran across on the internet that were based off of color schemes.

Eliana’s planning experience revealed how much she enjoyed the wedding planning process. From the overall coordination of her big day, to creating custom-made details, such as hanging table numbers from centerpieces, she enjoyed doing things differently and sharing her unique perspective with others for their own wedding day.

“I remember creating a thread for every color. So, if someone was having a blue wedding or a red wedding, I would see something cool on the internet and keep adding it to thread,” said Baucicault.

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Things quickly launched when Eliana began offering “day of ”[wedding] coordination to assist brides. This level of service is used by many brides who desire to plan their own wedding, but hire a coordinator to handle logistics on the actual wedding day. Baucicault

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soon realized she had a thriving business on her hands before she even had a name for it.

For the past 10 years,Eliana has zeroed in on a primary focus for her clients— ensuring a great experience. Not only with the ellyB Events brand, but ensuring that her bride and groom enjoytheir journey before, during, and after they meet at the altar. She is against bringing that type of energy into her clients’ marriage before it even begins.

Baucicault has also written a book, “B Inspired,” that targets women of color, giving them a behind-the -scenes look at wedding styles, décor and more for numerous destinations.

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Much like her project management days, working with lawyers and vendors, Baucicault lays the groundwork for couples to enjoy their wedding and each other without hassle. The project management experience is what groomed her for a career in wedding planning. “It’s the same job, just a different industry,” she pointed out. Baucicault believes that everyone in the creative world needs a little bit of corporate experience. From her corporate experience, she’s able to translate valuable skills, such as effective and honest communication, into her business. As a result, Baucicault has gained a high level of respect from her clients.

When you’ve been a dominate force in your industry for a decade, people want to know how you did it. This is exactly the case for Eliana. As a lover of business, she’s consulted with dozens of business professionals across a variety of industries.

For example, a bride-to-be who is considering a destination wedding in Jamaica, could see what a Jamaican wedding looks like. There are also ideas for brides who want to see natural hair style options.

Baucicault noticed there was a void among bridal and wedding magazines that featured black women on the cover. “B Inspired” seeks to fill that void with beautiful women of color displayed throughout its pages.

When asked what she thought are the makings of a great wedding planner, Eliana replied, “Understanding your role as a planner. You don’t bark orders. You work as a team. Everyone has an opportunity to shine as individuals. It’s a journey where you have to learn who you are as a planner and designer.

Baucicault’s new ventures are full of excitement.

Her private event space, The B Loft, is doing well and she believes planners with their own event spaces will be the next big wave in the wedding industry. Launching amagazine is also in the works.

With the advantage of having valued and highly sought after expertise, vast industry knowledge, and longevity in her craft, there are the no limits to what Eliana Baucicault will do next.

You can’t just come into this industry copying everything you see. The most important thing is learning your voice and being able to translate your voice in your work.” There is also the element of clientele.

Baucicault’s business continues to grow expo nentially. A business education, coupled with years of work experience, tells Eliana that the key to a growing clientele is to be around the things you love as much as possible. Those are the things you’re going to speak from. She advised, “The more you’re pulling out your personal style and what you love, the more clients who will come your way.”

As a mother and wife, it’s often difficult for Eliana to always show up in every area. Like most mothers, Eliana admits to not having it all down to a science.

The brighter side is that she’s finally come to a point in her business where she can intentionally enjoy her life and family. She can also work on creating the tradition of family travel with her husband and son, so her son carries that legacy on within his own future family.

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What inspired you to go into the media and entertainment industry?

I have been fortunate to not have had any controversial interviews or experiences in my career!

Growing up I always had the desire to be center stage and have my words printed in magazines. I ambitiously used to say that I wanted Oprah’s job.

Now, I understand just how much work that is. But, that is was inspired me to pursue media.

Speaking of controversy, there has been a lot of dialogue centered around diversity and inclusion.

Though you work in a predominantly black environment, have you noticed a change in black women securing these executive positions?

How has your educational and professional experiences led you to have the success you have today?

In my position at BLACK ENTERPRISE, I have the privilege of being connected with women are corporate executives. They exist and matter.

Unfortunately, there aren’t many of them. But, what I will say is that the ones who I’ve met and interviewed are bringing women and folding chairs to the table with them. At BLACK ENTERPRISE, 70 percent of the staff is made up of women! We make things happen and leadership is intentional about celebrating our excellence.

Attending Bennett College and studying journalism and media studies with black professors who really poured into me is something I will always be grateful for. I was on fire about studying journalism.

I started off writing the masthead for the magazine my freshman year it was launched and ended up working my way to becoming the publisher. I did everything in between like being the staff photographer, writing for the newspaper, to interning at the local radio station in Greensboro. I was a go-getter in college. My time on Bennett’s campus prepared me for my Ivy League experience at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism.

Media and Entertainment is an ever-changing industry. Tell us about a moment in your career that change in your workflow felt uncomfortable and how did you handle it?

There have been times where I have done edit tests and very interesting things have come out of them. More specifically, I have had my ideas stolen, executed, and published. From that experience, I have learned not to overshare. At this point in my career, I am very strategic about what and how I contribute. I am the CEO of my career and I've really learned to treat my employers like clients.

Tell us about a time you experienced a controversial interview or event?

Statistics also reveal that African American women and Latinas earn 64 and 56 cents for every dollar earned by a white male. How do we address the wage gap for female minorities and mothers?

I’ve written about why black women can’t wait 106 years for equal pay. And not only do employers have to be held accountable, it is also equally important for women to do their research before they accept an offer somewhere, know their industry, and really prepare themselves for those uncomfortable conversations-especially when there is an opportunity to talk money.

Many look up to you as a mogul in the media and/ or event industry. What’s your advice for women who are trying to enter the space or make their personal brand bigger while working for a corporate company?

The idea that people look up to me is mind blowing for me. Beyond influence, authenticity and consistency are key. The best advice I have is to be intentional about being visible and strategic about how you show up online and in person.

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I’m sure that a lot of your success has been the result of hard work and just refining your skillset. But as far as how you’re able to progress in your career, it seems that the relationships you’re building with people and brands play a big part in that as well.

Can you talk about the importance of relationship building within a career and give a few tips on how to build professional, organic relationships that last?

Being kind and building strong relationships has gotten me further than my talent and education. I have always been intentional about getting to know people and have found ways to connect with others without being transactional. Being myself and leveraging my connections has gotten me into rooms I never imagined and has landed me opportunities I didn’t have to apply for. My advice is to;

• Find ways to help others.

• Follow up with people.

• Be the person you always needed.

• Take you connections offline and get to know people.

Many women are struggling to find their purpose in life. Other women who I’ve spoken to who feels like they are walking in their purpose say that they found their purpose in serving others. What do you believe your purpose is and how did you get clarity in identifying it?

Oh, Purpose! I, too, have struggled with finding my purpose. And I know now and understand it to help others see themselves the way that the Most High sees them through

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reporting and affirmation. When I think about my work professionally, I refer to the scripture Proverbs 13:17 in the MSG Bible, “Irresponsible talk makes a real mess of things, but a reliable reporter is a healing presence.”

And when I think about who I’ve always been, I am reminded of my natural gift of being a cheerleader for my loved one and strangers alike.

“Irresponsible talk makes a real mess of things, but a reliable reporter is a healing presence.”

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Do Everything With Passion, Love and Style Dayna Bolden for The Prevailing Woman

If you’ve been looking for a sign that you should pursue that thing that brings you the most joy, then let this article be it-and let Dayna Bolden be the one holding the sign. As a woman who has been at the same fork in the road that you are currently standing in, she’s more than qualified to give you permission to GO! All it takes is a simple Instagram search for her handle @daynabolden and a good 30 second browse of her feed to become hooked on her gorgeous imagery, chic style, inspiring captions, and beautiful family moments.

Whether you call her a blogger or an influencer, at the end of the day, she’s just a driven woman with a family and excellent work ethic who found her own joy within herself that she was able to turn into a platform to inspire other women. Her online community has amassed to several thousand and growing because of her ability to capture real life moments that are meaningful and present them in the form of high-quality images and videos. In addition, she creates content that shows how to do it all with passion, love and style. This transparency is one of the many things that sets her apart from other influencers.

It all sounds good and looks amazing on the Gram, right?

Dayna opened up at the She Prevails 2018 Conference and talked about her journey and what the road she took looked like.

[After getting married and having my daughter, I remember going through post-partum depression. I was a new mom and wife with an amazing husband and beautiful daughter and couldn’t figure out why I still felt so empty. I was trying to navigate these new roles in my life and hadn’t really searched myself to find out who I wanted to be outside of a wife and mother. I didn’t realize what was wrong with me until my husband was like ‘girl! You have to find your joy. You’re trying to get

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100% of your joy from me but I can’t give you all of it.’

At that point, I decided to start a blog as an outlet to find my own happiness. I just started to think about the things that I really liked and blogged about those things. I liked natural hair. I liked beauty and fashion. I liked traveling.

Creating content around those things brought me joy. I stuck with it, studied it and got better at it. I invested in my brand, went to networking events and connected with other women that I wanted to work with. Since then, I’ve just been focused and super passionate about everything that I do, working hard to serve the people who follow me and just staying competitive with myself so that I’m always getting better. I never want to feel like I’ve made it. I’m always looking to grow. I’m always looking to level up.]

Dayna’s journey might look a lot like your own journey in the beginning stages of finding her joy and building her platform. While she enjoys and strives to be an inspiration to other women, she emphasizes the importance of paving your own path that works for YOU and doing the work to get where you want to be.

[I think it’s important that we really check ourselves and take the action needed to get what we want. The effort HAS to match your desired outcome. I’ve always lived by this and it’s why I make sure everything I do, I do it with excellence. If you want a great outcome, you have to put in great effort. I can inspire you. I can give you the tools to help you. I can give you the recipe, but it won’t taste the same. You have to put in YOUR work. It’s YOUR work that is the magic that creates your own unique outcome.]

Some of Dayna’s magic can be found documented in her Instagram stories where she frequently has intimate talks with viewers about her day to day ups, downs, and everything in between as it relates to her business and family. She has found that those in her community

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connect and engage with her more when she shares the less glamorous moments of her life; the moments when she’s headed to a photo shoot and has to pack a ton of clothes into her car in 90 degree weather; or the moments when she’s going through an internal struggle of whether or not to put off her work for the next day and indulge in a lazy day. She often appears in her stories with a fresh face and new goals/ plans to challenge herself while inspiring her viewers to do the same.

premiere event that brought her connection with her online community to life. The event offered its guests valuable business information while helping them to build their self-confidence so that they were inspired to passionately go after those things that brought them joy. It was completely sold out a month before it happened! Just another indication that she knows exactly what she’s doing when it comes to creating and cultivating meaningful relationships with women who want to lead BOLD lives.

Dayna is taking her own advice and pushing past herself towards a new venture in which she is taking her online presence offline in the form of her first live event The Bold Experience. November 10, 2018, in Baltimore, MD, was her

[My motto is to do all things with passion, love and style. I want other women to define their own standards and live by them passionately.]

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THE HUSH MINISTRY Style and Fashion Tamara Hush Lee for The Prevailing Woman

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Everyone has a ministry, whether they acknowledge it or not.

For Tamara “Hush” Lee, a.k.a “Tam”, owner of HUSH Boutique and celebrity stylist, she ministers to people via the gateway of style and fashion. Often times many people shy away from the word “ministry” because it sounds too churchy.

Tamara embraces her love for fashion as a ministry and seizes every opportunity to pour into people to fulfill her call to serve and sow into others.

Tam definitely took us to church as she dropped major pearls of wisdom on the main stage of our She Prevails 2018 conference; and she managed to do it without any preachy or condemning undertones that can have the tendency to turn people off. Love, positivity and humility radiated off of her as she spoke on fashion, business, faith, and accountability.

Like anyone does when they get a good word, we’re sharing Tam’s message with you in true ministry fashion…all puns intended! Let’s go to Hush Church!

ANNOUNCEMENTS: We want to make sure you are in the know when it comes to what Tam has been working on and what she has coming up in the near future. Therefore, the Hush Announcements are as follows:

Tam is currently styling Traci Braxton and filming for the upcoming season of Braxton Family Values. You can also catch her on FOX5’s Good Day D.C. in the mornings covering the style and fashion segment. Tam’s six week online course Build a Boutique is also recurring multiple times throughout the year. Build a Boutique teaches others how to start and sustain a profitable e-commerce business from home. Lastly, HUSH Boutique is always thriving in the background, offering the latest threads and accessories for women. Website information regarding Tam, HUSH Boutique or the Build a Boutique course can be found below.

CHOIR SELECTION: The ministry of fashion and style allows for those gifted in those areas to minister to others in the most intimate of spaces. Just as the choir uses song to minister to others and set the atmosphere for an encounter with God, Tam has used her gift to set the tone for intimate conversations with her clients where she can offer words of encouragement and more. As a result, Tam’s platform has been elevated, exposing her to many others who she’s been able to help increase their faith, build businesses and affirm their self-worth.

Aside from intimate conversations and big platforms, Tam has used her gifts to style clients and help them style themselves by assisting them with building a solid capsule wardrobe (buying more classic pieces and less trends), finding what makes them look great and carrying themselves with confidence. Tam reminds us all of the power of confidence.

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Things change when you walk into a room with confidence.

OFFERING: Offering time at HUSH Church is all about serving and sowing. Tam has invested time, money and much more into herself and her business to be able to provide them with value in her products and services. At the core of her ministry is her heart to serve and pour into others. It has set the tone for her to be a blessing to others and she encourages those in business to do the same. From the main stage at our She Prevails 2018 conference, Tam gave us some food for thought:

COMMUNION: Speaking of sacrifice, I think we all know that no great business can be built without it. In traditional church, we remember the ultimate sacrifice and fulfillment of purpose during communion. In the same way, Tam has found her purpose and it serves as a source of motivation when she has to make hard decisions and sacrifices to go to her next level.

You have to ask yourself how bad do you want it? Once you know what your purpose is, what are you willing to sacrifice to fulfill that? Yeah, it’s hard, but it’s so worth it in the end if you don’t Think about how you are serving give up. your audience and the value you are providing them. That should MESSAGE: be what drives you and your Tam doesn’t just minister and deliver life changing to people through conversations and speeches, business. Because at the end of messages she actually lives out her ministry. She implements the day, it’s not about you. It’s healthy habits and practices in her lifestyle to ensure that she practices what she preaches. She understands that about the people you serve.

For Tam, building her career has took a lot of faith and sacrifice; but the rewards she reaps in return are abundant and overflowing.

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people are more moved by the manner in which she lives her life than the things she simply talks about. While there were many practices she shared with us, here are a few that stood out:

Giving certain people permission to check you – It’s so important to give certain people permission to check you, because you’re going to mess up sometimes. For me, those people are my husband, my sister and my Pastor. Each one of them helps me stay on track for different aspects of my life. You have to be selective with who you give this permission to. I chose my people because I trust them, and I examined the fruits in their lives to make sure they had order and were thriving. So, you want to choose the right people and allow them to check you when they see you falling off. When you trust them and know that they really have your best interest at heart, it’s easy to give them that permission.

Growing from uncomfortable places – We all know about comfort zones. They’re designed to keep you comfortable in one place. The problem with that is, comfort can enable us to stay in that one place much longer than we’re supposed to and then get frustrated when we see our friends pass us in life and going on to bigger and better things. You have to be willing to seek out and take those opportunities that force you into that uncomfortable place. That uncomfortable place is where you find out things you didn’t know before. It’s where you learn how to do things you’ve never done before. It’s where you become a higher version of yourself.

Be knowledgeable about what you do – Be intentional about becoming an expert at what you do. If you want to be successful, you can’t just wing everything. You have to put some work into knowing your industry, your clients, your competitors. Read books. Take classes. Go to conferences like this one. Connect and collaborate with other people in your field.

All of that is important in becoming an expert and putting yourself in the position to provide more value to your people.

BENEDICTION: We’ve reached the conclusion of our HUSH service and we want to leave you with a benediction to carry with you as you take on your goals and prevail through every opposing force that comes your way. Inspired by none other than Tam “HUSH” Lee herself, we dismiss you with these words (say it with us)…..

May the Lord grant us the confidence needed to walk in the steps you’ve ordered for us so that we can fulfill our purpose. May that confidence turn into courage. May that courage push us to take risks. May those risks turn into opportunities. And may those opportunities give us options that manifests into our dreams. And may we love, laugh and be fashionable throughout it all. Amen.

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Songs from the Soul

Maimouna Youssef for The Prevailing Woman In today’s culture, we use the word “creatives” to describe those of us who never really quite settled into the traditional roles of society. You know, the singers, dancers, writers and such. Grammy nominated songstress Maimouna Youssef fits the creative description perfectly as she only creates from that special place inside of herself that is purely fueled by the things that inspire her.

A third-generation singer, you could say that singing is in Maimouna’s blood. When you start singing on stage with your mother at the age of four, you’re bound to have a skill and passion for it. Music in and of itself is inspiring. What makes Maimouna’s music inspiring are her personal experiences that she draws from when writing lyrics.

“When something impacts me, I write about it. I’m not interested in making songs about anything I’m not inspired about,” says Maimouna.

Outside of her moving lyrics is her stage presence. From the main stage at She Prevails 2018, Maimouna belted out a few of her original songs as well as a song taught to her by a woman in an African village. Like a fine-tuned instrument, she sang songs that told stories filled with a wide spectrum of emotions.

One song she wrote after being moved when she watched the video footage of the events surrounding the unfortunate death of Sandra Bland. She titled the song “Say My Name”. Catch a few of the lyrics here: If I should die tomorrow At the hands of the police man And the paper say, we’re going to call it a suicide Would you even question why?

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A singer, songwriter and MC, Maimouna’s talent spreads far beyond that of your typical musical artist.

We had the opportunity to sit down with her and get a big picture on how such a talented being of vast artistry comes to exist and thrive in today’s musical arena.

Q: The Sandra Bland video and story inspired you to write a song. Can you tell us more about your process of taking real life events that move you and translating those emotions about such events into the songs that you write and sing?

Q: What artists and genres is your music influenced by?

A: That is basically all that I do with my music. At some point, I got into the music business and realized that Black artists are only allowed to write about two subjects. I couldn’t understand that. So, I go out of my way to expand the context. It’s like you can only talk about love, or the lack of love, or partying. I feel like anything you can confide in your mother, girlfriend, father…anything you can have a meaningful conversation about you should be able to write a song about. Because that’s how we pass down tradition and communicate. It’s how we heal. If all of our songs are about things that don’t really matter to the core of who we are, what is that doing to our community, morale and culture?

A: I have a whole section of my fan base who only knows me as a rapper and another whole section that only knows me as a singer. So hip hop is definitely a big influence, even when I sing. I’ve done a ballad and had Biggie drums over the ballad (shout out to J. Perry). I’ve traveled with a lot of different types of bands. I’ve sang with afro beat bands, Jewish wedding bands and hip-hop groups. Groups like De La Soul are a big influence on me. Those are some of my primary influences.

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Q: What kinds of projects do you have coming up and what are you growing your artistry into?

A: We’ll be touring until January right now. We also have three album projects that we’re working on simultaneously. I think a lot of my growth right now is spiritual. Being more consistent with my spiritual

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practice and ritual. I feel like I’ve put a lot of time into career development but don’t put as much spiritual energy into it. I think a lot of people do this. You know, when you wake up you feel like your feet have to hit the ground. You feel like you have to run as opposed to taking the time to be grateful, set intentions and affirmations, meditate. I have seen the non-physical

practice do more in my life than I’ve seen in all my years of physical running around. Now, as a person, woman and spirit, I think I’m growing more into a connection and relationship with God and tapping into what my purpose is. A lot of things I can do, but what is it that I was born to do? That’s what I feel like I’m leading more into. I can do clubs and I’ve done a myriad of different things, but what is my destiny?

What is that one that when I complete I can die? God can take me home once I do that thing. Not that I’m trying to leave early, but you just get a different sense of fulfillment when you are in alignment with your destiny. I’ve felt it. You know the difference between saying ‘this job is cool’ versus saying ‘oh my God, I feel alive’. Otherwise you’re just a shell of a person as opposed to feeling inspired to do what you do.

I’ve always been a hard worker. I’ve been touring worldwide since I was 18 years old. I’ve hardly ever had a personal life because I’ve been going so much.

Now I’m dealing with me as a woman and a person; and this is more reflective in my music now in ways that it wasn’t before. So, I’m just looking to grow more as a person and I know everything else will unfold the way that it’s supposed to.

We loved every bit of Maimouna’s music at She Prevails 2018. She created a whole mood as her spirit and emotions were palpable in every note she sang.

To hear more music by Maimouna and keep that same energy from our conference, visit www.maimounayoussef.com.

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MONEY

MOVES with Dominique Broadway Dominique Broadway for The Prevailing Woman

I think we can all agree that one of the primary pillars of peace in life as a woman and a healthy functioning adult in general is knowing that she is on top of her coins. If she has the ability to successfully earn, manage, save and invest her coins in such a manner that it is growing her net worth, then she’s winning in a key aspect of life. Add a great credit score, and she’s basically unstoppable in this money game.

On the flipside of that coin are millions of women who have yet to reach this point of optimal financial health in their lives because of a number of circumstances, and quite often, a lack of financial literacy that our country’s traditional education system neglected to teach the masses. Plus, life happens to us all and our finances are usually the first to suffer. In which case, you might need the help of a money therapist.

Yes, there is a such person, and she goes by the name of Dominique Broadway.

Traditional financial advisor turned money therapist and personal finance expert, Dominique not only is professionally trained to help you get out of stressful financial situations, she’s also lived through many of those stressors and personally did the work to regain her financial footing.

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A finance major from Bowie State University, Dominique jumpstarted her career at one of the top finance firms in the world and later went on to earn a Master’s degree as well as become a licensed financial advisor. She’s helped countless people invest their money and find effective solutions to their money problems. Despite her expertise, she still experienced a lot of common financial hardships that have negatively affected the majority of Americans. She experienced them during the time that she was transitioning from the corporate world to full time entrepreneurship. It was a season that she deems necessary for her in order to position her to be able to help others going through similar financial strains. Now, she’s able to speak from a space of experience and empathy when working with clients who come to her for money therapy.

We had the pleasure of having Dominique host one of our many workshops at the She Prevails 2018 conference.

Her workshop titled “Tackling Your Money, Debt & More to Live Your Best Life” was all about getting women thinking more intently about their money and giving them the knowledgeable tools to be able to do that from a more informed perspective. She had so many

good gems to offer that we wanted to keep the party going in this season’s issue and share the wealth with you.

Here are four big money moves that Dominique says every woman (especially women of color) should be practicing.

Automatic Saving – When it comes to saving, automatic is the way to go. By that I mean setting up automatic drafts from your checking account and into your savings account as soon as your paycheck is deposited. It takes you completely out of the equation without you having to put any thought into it. When I was in corporate, I advised so many people who lived paycheck to paycheck with no money in their personal savings. They did however have a 401K. 401K accounts are effective because your money is automatically drafted out of your paycheck before you even see it. The same strategy can be used to help you save consistently.

Credit/Debt Management – Most people’s credit is negatively affected because they mismanage credit cards.

Avoid using credit cards as additional income to live beyond your means. A great way to use credit cards is to use it on things that make you more money. For example,

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I use my business credit card to pay for Facebook ads for my services. Since I know these ads will turn into a certain amount of leads that will later turn into a certain amount of money, I can pay that credit card balance AND have extra profit. Now I’ve made money and positively impacted my credit.

Delayed Gratification is Key – I think people should value the concept of delayed gratification when it comes to their finances. The good decisions that lead to habits like saving aggressively and sticking to a budget can be hard to make.

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However, really understanding that small sacrifices of temporary gratifications today will lead to big permanent gratifications later can be huge for your mindset.

Learn Investments and Put Them To Work – There are so many women who aren’t investing their money and they’re leaving so much on the table. I think a lot of women don’t invest because they don’t know enough about the different types of investments and how they work. Learning what a stock is, what a bond is, how they work and how they can make you money would be good

starting points for someone interested in stock investing. Really seeing that investment grow over time is helpful. For example, if you would have invested $1000 in Apple stock back in 2006, you’d have an extra $16k-$18k today.

Most people would love that kind of extra money. It’s OK to start small when investing as long as you understand that it takes time to grow. Another kind of investment that women should take advantage of is homeownership. I purchased my first home at 22 years old right

out of college. All I needed were two things: a job and good credit. I sold that home ten years later for more than what I paid for it. This is an investment that we all should be taking advantage of.

For more money tools and resources from the money therapist Dominique, visit www.financesdemystified.com.

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HOW

KÉLA WALKER STAYS BOOKED, BUSY & BLESSED

Kéla Walker for The Prevailing Woman The great thing about full circle moments is that they give you a whole new level of appreciation for how far you’ve come from where you started on any given journey. It was what TV host and producer Kéla Walker mentioned first when asked about her thoughts on the She Prevails 2018 conference that was held in her home state of North Carolina.

[It’s so great to come back home to North Carolina and be among so many great people here who are thriving and doing amazing things. To be asked to come to an event like this here in Durham and this being my home state, I’m so grateful.]

Since her younger years in Bun Level, NC, Kéla has been quite busy. The media maven has had the opportunity to travel the world hosting red carpets and other entertainment events, creating amazing written and video content, giving the world thought provoking stories, all while giving us

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great style and racking up (count’em) SEVEN Emmy nominations in the process. She has worked her way into rooms with some of entertainment’s biggest names. That work has held its weight in quality and integrity, putting her name in the mouths of people making decisions for big brands such as the OWN network and Proctor & Gamble.

Her authentic character and the caliber of her body of work has kept the opportunities rolling in, keeping her booked, busy and blessed.

We hear all the time how important the work is when trying to achieve goals and perform your craft at successful levels.

Kéla’s perspective is no different. However, we often don’t know what that work looks like. While it will obviously look different for us all, Kéla opened up about what that work looked like for her on her journey in taking on the world of media and making a reputable name for herself within it. Here are some of the takeaways from our candid sit down during She Prevails 2018:

Be open to the opportunities that are presented to you, because God always has bigger plans.

[I’ve always wanted to work in television, mostly daytime TV. I used to never want to be in front of the camera. Once I started creating content, opportunities started coming my way that involved me being in front of the camera. I had to be open to those opportunities and allow God to take me down new paths that led to bigger things that I never had planned for myself.]

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Your motivation is in your gratitude.

[Up until the moment that I was nominated for my first Emmy, I didn’t think I did any work that was Emmy worthy. I cover lifestyle and entertainment topics so a lot of my work is fluff. I used to think Emmy worthy work was groundbreaking research subjects. That first nomination validated me in that moment to know that my work was resonating with people on deeper levels and that the industry actually recognized that. I’m so blessed to get that recognition for work that I love and have always wanted to do. If I’m ever not feeling certain parts of the job or who I’m working with, I just remember that I’m blessed to be doing what I’m doing.]

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Great storytelling is the gateway to people.

[I’m a storyteller and I’m always looking for different ways to tell a story that will engage people. The times I’m hosting on the red carpet, there are a dozen other media professionals on the carpet telling their own stories. I’m always looking for a way to tell a different story than them about what’s going on. It’s important to capture the honesty and integrity behind a great story and use it to find the key points that are going to inspire and move people.

I’m always trying to engage people and provoke them to do their own research on the topic. When the story comes together just the way you want it, it’s a feeling you can’t really explain. You just know it when you see it.]

If your name is on it, make sure it’s great.

[I always ask myself, what will happen to my career if the Gram disappears tomorrow? At the end of the day, my work will still hold its weight. My Instagram didn’t get me an Emmy nomination and I’ve got seven of them. My work did that. That’s why I make sure every time I create something with my name on it, that I’m proud of it.]

Believe the hype behind the clichés.

[All of those little sayings about hard work, perseverance and keeping a good reputation, it’s all true. Everybody says them and at first, they all just sound good. Then you live a little and you realize that they’re real. Take them at face value.]

You can keep up with Kéla’s stories and content over on Instagram @kelawalker where she keeps her online friends updated on where she’s booked next to bring you the latest and greatest on lifestyle and entertainment.

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MEET THE BLACK WOMAN

WHO BROUGHT

BLACK WALL STREET BACK

Mandy Bowman for The Prevailing Woman

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Don’t call it a comeback. Black-owned businesses have been around for ages.

However, the story of Black Wall Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma is a significant one in African American history that many can recall learning or reading about at some point in their lives. For many Black people in America, it’s an inspiring story largely because it can be hard to imagine such a concept living and thriving in today’s society, much less during times of legal segregation and socially accepted racism. For Brooklyn native and entrepreneur Mandy Bowman, the Black Wall Street story in Tulsa sparked an entire business venture. With little professional experience in the tech space, Mandy launched The Official Black Wall Street app to provide consumers with a directory of Black-owned businesses that they can patronize in the United States as well as in several other countries.

The Official Black Wall Street app allows users to find black-owned businesses in their local neighborhoods and in their geographical locations if they happen to be traveling. Turn on your location settings in the app and it will even send you a notification whenever you drive or walk by a black-owned business. To bring back such an economically empowering concept to the Black community via the digital space is a huge win for the culture.

Of course we were delighted to have the app developer host one of our many dynamic workshops at She Prevails 2018. Alongside wedding planner Elana Walker, Mandy hosted our How and Why You Should Create Your Own Lane + Funding It workshop. Some of the topics of discussion included having a passion for whatever you’re pursuing because the late nights and little to no paydays will tempt you to give up. Other topics touched on community building within

your industry, finding your tribe, building a team and ways to ensure that self-care doesn’t fall to the wayside during the process.

Mandy continued to hash out her thoughts with us on her journey to entrepreneurship.

[I read a book about Black Wall Street and it reminded me of my own hometown of Brooklyn. I remember admiring all of these Black business owners in my neighborhood because I didn’t have any entrepreneurs in my family. All I had to look to were Diddy and Oprah.

So, I started doing some research on Black entrepreneurs and everything it takes for us to start a business. I found all these different statistics on how difficult it is for us. I knew so many Blackowned businesses in my neighborhood were having to shut down because of gentrification. From there, I decided I wanted to try to support them as much as possible.

It started with me just making a list of Black-owned businesses. Then I thought it would be a good idea for me to share the list with other people. It wasn’t until someone contacted me about advertising that I realized that this could be a real business. It started out just as a resource, then it organically matured on its own.]

The Official Black Wall Street app doesn’t just exist solely in the digital world. There are day to day operations that happen behind the scenes of the app that Mandy considers to be an important part of her business.

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[We get a lot of calls from people asking where they can find a particular kind of Black-owned business in their area. Sometimes, it’s ‘can you help me find a Blackowned beauty supply store in this area?’. I mostly remind them of the app and how it can help them with these kinds of questions. It’s also a lot of speaking with other Black entrepreneurs. It’s really great to be able to talk to someone else about the struggles of running a business or to be able to share resources with them. So, a lot of it also consists of helping other Black entrepreneurs with whatever issues they may be struggling with.]

It’s got to feel great being the plug and collaborating with other Black entrepreneurs for the betterment of Black businesses. We asked Mandy about a particular time she remembers linking up with another business woman. To our surprise, she told the story of how she and The Prevailing Woman’s former

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cover girl Angela Ye were able to team up to make a dream work.

[I remember there was a company doing a campaign during the whole month of February. They were having an event and basically highlighting different community builders in the area. One of the hosts was Angela Ye. I remember her pulling me to the side and telling me that she had an upcoming panel event with Google and she wanted to invite me to be on it.

That was our first conversation with each other and ever since she has stayed connected with me and has been super supportive of me. It was just a really great moment that happened just by us being at the same event. You never know who is going to be at the events that you attend. You never know who other people that you meet might know. That’s why you should

always put your best foot forward.]

Mandy says that she is always intentional about connecting with others when she attends conferences and events such as She Prevails. Like so many other women’s conferences, it can sometimes be a challenge to maintain the momentum and empowering mindset once you go home and return to your everyday life. For Mandy, the cure for this challenge lies in the action she takes afterwards.

[The action part is very important. You get a lot of added value and information at these kinds of events so it can be very overwhelming. For me, it’s about breaking things down into very small steps. If I go to a conference and hear someone tell me to do something, I would break the task down into small action items and write them down. I’d plan to have one small task

done by this day and another done by that day. So, I suggest that you take whatever notes you have and just break everything down.]

For someone who took such a significant part of African American history and reinvented it digitally, you can imagine the time and number of small tasks it took to pull it off. However, Mandy’s entrepreneurial journey shows us just how much a little turns into a lot when you’re patient and consistent with a vision.

Download The Official Black Wall Street app today and join Mandy on her mission to keep Black-owned businesses alive and flourishing in the name of Black culture and legacy!

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Liberating Your Stigmas Around MEDITATION and MINDFULNESS Kelsey Hargrove for The Prevailing Woman

“My definition of mindfulness is paying attention on purpose without judgment.”

And just like that, Kelsey Hargrove had me hooked on practicing mindfulness. Call me impressionable, but it was all I needed to hear to give mindfulness another shot after giving up on the whole concept last year.

If you’re like me, you were taught that meditating involved sitting quietly for long periods of time, focusing only on your breathing and clearing your mind of all thoughts. My first attempts quickly reminded me that I can’t go a whole 30 seconds without thinking at least ten different thoughts.

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Kelsey Hargrove is a psychotherapist, yoga instructor and personal trainer who is a big advocate for practicing mindfulness and meditation. At She Prevails 2018, she set the tone for all of us to receive all of the seeds that would be planted inside of us during the conference by facilitating some mindfulness exercises. It was nothing like my past failed attempts. In a word, it was easy. My awareness was elevated significantly which led to a better sense of clarity and gratitude of everything that was going on around me. It was also obvious that the audience experienced similar benefits as you could see so many women receive everything that was going on around them.

I sat down with Kelsey to chat about the stigmas that many of us believe about mindfulness and meditation, and how she advises her clients to implement these practices without the pressure of totally clearing your mind.

[I love mindfulness because it is super easy to do and it only requires yourself, so you can do it anywhere. My approach to mindfulness and meditation is simply taking personal time for yourself to become more aware of what’s going on inside of you. This can look different for different people. It could also look different for the same person on different days. Traditional meditation says you have to sit Indian style on the floor with your eyes closed and empty your mind of all your thoughts for an hour or so. I’m a believer of God and because he is such an amazing artist, he designed us so brilliantly with minds that were made to create lots of thoughts. When you look at it like that I think it’s unrealistic to expect everyone to be able to shut their brains down for an hour and not think about anything. So, I say you don’t have to. You can meditate and practice mindfulness sitting or standing and with several thoughts going on in your head. It’s about acknowledging those thoughts without judging yourself for having them. It’s about opening yourself up to notice and receive whatever it is God is trying to reveal to you and do through you. It’s about facilitating and encouraging moments of pure clarity.]

This is my kind of mindfulness. Easy. Achievable.

Effective. If you agree, you’ll like what else Kelsey has to say about allowing your mind to think freely.

She breaks it down even more and shares how many of her clients respond to her mindfulness techniques after putting them into practice.

[A lot of my clients would tell me that they didn’t like practicing mindfulness at first because being highly aware of and acknowledging each thought that comes through can be hard. You might not like

what comes up when you sit in the truth of what is going on inside yourself. So, I’ve had clients who have found it hard to come face to face with their insecurities. The key is not to judge. We can be our toughest critics so it can be hard to not to judge yourself for thinking a certain thought or feeling a certain way. Acknowledge the thought and allow it pass. Don’t hold on to it. Don’t harp on it or attach yourself to it. It doesn’t define who you are. Then move on to the next thought or feeling that emerges. Then repeat. It doesn’t have to be an hour or even 30 minutes. The exercises we did this morning lasted about 5 minutes. That’s all it took for everyone to become more aware of themselves and open to receive.]

While mindfulness and meditation can seem like purely a spiritual exercise, Kelsey talks about how important it is to fuse together self-care habits and practices that focus on your physical and mental as well.

[I’m a psychosomatic therapist, which means I focus on treating trauma and stress from a nervous system standpoint. I teach people how to use their bodies to regulate their emotions. It really is a great form of self-care. Somatic experiences help to gel together your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual being. They give you an opportunity to regulate and understand your emotions in a different way in order to be more in control of your mental well-being. Then being a yoga instructor, I’m able to guide my clients in physical postures as well as breathing exercises. In yoga, the breathing practice comes before the physical poses. The breath has so much to offer us.]

I was so intrigued by Kelsey’s statement about what our breath has to offer us, I asked her to explain further. She gave us a real-life example of how impactful the realization and acknowledgment of your breath can be for your mental health.

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[I have a client who had sickle cell anemia. Those with sickle cell anemia generally have a poor prognosis. My client knew this and had given herself an expiration date. She didn’t think that she would live past 30 years old. She had become depressed because she wasn’t sure what she was supposed to do with her life now that she had made it past 30 years old. We started implementing breathing exercises in our sessions and just taking

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the time to honor the breath in our bodies, its purpose and how it keeps us. The first time we did it, she burst into tears. She was emotional because it hit her that she had breath, and it was presently keeping her, at a time when she thought it never would. Now, when we start incorporating the physical postures of yoga, she’ll get more into the physical movements and learn how to trust her body again after years of thinking it would fail

her after the age of 30. It’s so powerful just to acknowledge the breath that keeps you.]

Mindfulness has a way of making you aware and grateful for the little things that we take for granted. In a time where women are beginning to recognize the importance of self-care, it’s vital that we learn the best habits and practices that work best for us.

Take some of Kelsey’s tips on mindfulness and other healthy lifestyle practices, and try them for yourself. Tweak them where necessary and make them your own. Take control of your quality of life and overall well-being. Above all, live your best life...on purpose!

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The

BROW BREAKDOWN

Scrolling through social media will make you think that people are just born with AMAZING brows. However, that is not the case at all. After having your brows tweezed, waxed or threaded you will probably still need to do a little more to achieve the brows that you desire. Styling and sculpting your brows can be done using a number of pencils, gels, waxes, powders and pomades. The question that most ask when presented with all of these options is‌which product is best for me?

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Thick,

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Candy Bar Brow Tint $25 and up

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Thriving BROWS Anastasia of Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade $18

Benefit Goof Proof Eyebrow Pencil $24

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TIPS

for Transitioning Your Hair for the Fall Deepen Your Tresses!

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The roots of your hair will need some TLC after your Summer festivities!

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Provide extra hydration to your hair by adding extra moisturizing ingredients.

$29 R + CO Atlantis Moisturizing Shampoo + Conditioner Barneys.com

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Protect +Slay!

We all love a great Fall hat! Make sure you are protecting your hair in the process!

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BREAKING The rules I’ve often heard that successful people are those who will dare to break some rules and live beyond limits.

Progression and growth rarely come without taking risks to step outside of some pre-set boundaries. I’m certainly not condoning breaking laws, but I would absolutely encourage anyone to occasionally drill a hole to see through a closed door, or to climb a tree to grasp what’s been placed out of reach.

Many years ago, I attended a very popular women’s event at the Charlotte Coliseum. There were several national speakers and presenters who took the stage throughout the weekend.

The women in attendance were energized and motivated by each of the speakers that shared their personal strategies for success. I remember the final speaker delivered a riveting message about the power of seeing yourself in the position, in the posture or in the place of your future. As the event finale began to draw near, I was increasingly feeling compelled to run to that stage. I began to visualize myself in front of the audience at that podium. I imagined speaking at conferences. I focused my mind’s eye on the possibility of sharing with women as they gathered in a convention center. The closer we got to the end of the program, the greater the excitement among the audience. The shouts, the roars, the screams and the tears filled the room and created an atmosphere that drew everyone into a place of imagining her own personal

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dreams and goals becoming reality.

When the last presenter finished speaking and walked off the stage, without even a moment of hesitation, I began to move quickly-almost at a jog-towards the bottom of the stage. Perhaps someone thought I was going to the front to kneel in prayer. But when I got to the front of the room, without pausing to get permission from the ushers guarding the stage, I ran up the steps, stood at the podium and looked out momentarily at the thousands of chairs in the event hall. I was able to see it and to speak it before the ushers ran toward me to remove me from the stage.

I have never considered myself as a huge risktaker. Generally, I am also not one who would be characterized as a rebel who opposes rules or order. If there is even a small string or tape on the floor indicating that we should remain on one side, I have historically been the one to chastise anyone else who dared to cross it.

I’ve never been one to even entertain the thought of going under or over a barrier to get to the other side. But that day, something leaped inside of me and before I could command that my feet not follow my thoughts, I was headed to that stage. All I felt was that I had to confirm with my physical eyes what I had already began to see in my spirit.

I had not thought of that day in the Charlotte Coliseum in a very long time. This event has not surfaced in my memory for over fifteen years, until earlier this year when I had the opportunity to take the stage at the Charlotte Convention Center as a speaker. In preparing my message for that day in August, it was brought to my remembrance that I had seen this moment long before I was appointed to a position that would have afforded me the honor of serving as speaker.

Also, as favor and fate would have it, I have since that time, hosted an annual conference for the past four years. This too, is not something that I could see was planned for my life when I jumped on that stage several years ago.

Breaking the rules is not what allowed me the opportunity to serve as speaker on this stage or on the many others for which I’ve have the pleasure of standing. I recognize that it was by the grace and favor of God that opened the right doors and made the right connections to bring it to pass. Pressing beyond the barriers that were set to keep us off stage certainly is not what made it possible for me to host conferences bearing my own name. Again, this too was all God. But breaking the rules that day allowed me to visualize a very real possibility for me, that I previously thought could only be a reality for someone else. Breaking the rules to step

beyond the barrier that day took a degree of confidence I didn’t realize I had. It was the same confidence that would be required for me to step outside of my place of comfort and step into a place of seemingly impossible possibilities.

The barriers placed in our lives are designed to remind us to stay on the side designated for spectators. However, if you are ready to move beyond just watching from the sidelines, then begin today to develop your strategy to get on the other side. For, if you can see others on the other side, then that means being on the other side is possible.

And if it’s possible for someone else, then it is most certainly possible for you, as well.

Don’t ever allow an obstacle in your path to keep you from moving forward. Those who will allow a delay to detour your plan, will never overcome the discouragement designed to derail your destiny. Climb over the rope, jump on the stage of life and see yourself in your future.

Dr. Trish Harleston Founder of Trish Harleston Ministries and Host of Liquidated Ladies Conferences www.trishharleston.com

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Photography: K. Marie

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At a time where the word, philanthropy conjures up images of older gray haired ladies seated as chairs to charity galas, boards of directors and leading civic initiatives that most know nothing about and can not relate — enter the inspiring, Dominique Sensabaugh. This mission mogul is changing the “face” of philanthropy for black millennials and is passionate about creating opportunities for others to serve. Not content with seeing her underrepresented communities at a loss for proper resources, Mrs. Sensabaugh has created a platform, Happy Birthday Dominique to sow back into her community in a way that fills you with gratitude. Her enthusiasm for mission work and her belief that “yes, service can be sexy” is contagious.

In 2017, she was awarded as a Points of Light recipient. This honor is one of the highest civic accolades in the world, one in which she

(alongside her husband) were humbled to receive.

Her heart for service have fueled her travels to Haiti, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico to bring shoes to children through Soles for Soles and build water reservoirs with Food for the Hungry so young girls may attend school and receive an education as opposed to walking long miles every day to get water for their families.

Mrs. Sensabaugh realized her purpose when she birthed her gift of Happy Birthday Dominique.

As the Creator of this mission- based project, she uses the weeks leading up to her birthday month (December) to spearhead a series of community service projects. Dominique’s partnerships have ranged from food banks to educational resources.

This year she will expand her reach to include Nashville, TN, Charlotte, NC, Greensboro, NC and Pittsburgh, PA

If you would like to learn more about how you can support

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DOMINIQUE or if your organization would like to become a partner— please contact: joy@thefirmwins.com

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Fierce Females: An Authentic Look at what it takes to make it

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Chanita

Foster OCCUPATION: Mompreneur CITY: Originally Detroit /Live in Atlanta THE LAST TIME I FELT LIKE GIVING UP ON MY DREAMS WAS… Every other day! Some days you don’t want to wake up! But when you lose your WHY you lose your way! So, the Why has to get you out the bed!

Dr. Cheyenne

Bryant

OCCUPATION: Life Coach, Author,

& Speaker CITY: Los Angeles I GET THROUGH MY DARKEST MOMENTS BY… Prayer, dialoguing with my circle of wealth (support system), and faith that this too shall pass.

Sabrina

Thompson

OCCUPATION: Filmmaker | Photographer | CEO,

Kuu Productions (kuuproductions.com) CITY: Brooklyn, New York via Wilson, NC MY DREAM IS TO….

I have a ton of dreams regarding my career, but I’ll briefly mention two for now. The first one is to create scripted TV series and films that are creative, memorable, and contribute to shifting narratives about misrepresented and/or underrepresented people in society. My second dream is to own a few film and TV production lots that also have an educational institution to it for professionals to come in and teach seminars on directing, film financing, photography, writing and overall production classes to talented creatives. I want the institution part to serve as a pipeline to mold and employ dope artists who may not always get access to opportunities in huge Hollywood studios/production houses.

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MINDFUL DATING TIPS FOR A NEW RELATIONSHIP Written by Allyson Leak

When you first start getting serious with someone, there is a great chance that you are on cloud 9. You are looking at them through rose colored glasses for at least the first year. While there is nothing wrong with feeling euphoric just remember that sometimes being in the clouds can also cloud your judgment. Mindful dating is basically the art of carefully paying attention to your needs as well as your partner’s needs, trying to be present in the moment, and trying to process the dating ebbs and flows in a healthy way. I mean, most of us have experienced joy and pain in relationships and if we can have less of the latter by being more aware, why not?

Step #1 Setting Boundaries If you haven’t already, make a list when you have some quiet time of your relationship deal breakers. What are things, especially in the beginning, that you will not tolerate. Then, make a list of the way you want to feel in a relationship and some things that you feel a person can do to make you feel that way. You can either give

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him the list (draw a smiley face to lighten it up) and be brutally upfront about it or just keep it on your dresser or fridge as a reminder for yourself so that you can stay on task during your cloud phase.

Step #2 Talk. Talk. Talk Communication is super healthy in any kind of relationship. If you lead super busy lives and can’t talk that often or if one of you isn’t huge on communication, then try it in a different form.

You could try “Love Notes.” Once a week on Sunday evening, you both should send a love note via email or text that always opens with something positive. Then, after your positive remark you can write about more nice things or even address something that made you upset. What this does is cracks open the door for healthy expression. And, especially if your love note was about something you were upset about, then make sure you follow up and have the rest of the conversation in person.

Hair: Shay Clark Makeup: Artistry by Alicia Wardrobe Stylist: Barone with Revolution Photographer: Crystal Cofie Photography

Step #3 Out-of-The-Box Dates Do things in the beginning that are outside the box. You don’t want to repeat all of the “regular” things you did in your last relationship because that one is over. It’s time to try something different. If you are trying to think of date ideas and you both have a sweet tooth, why not visit an old fashion candy store. Or, if you plan on having a movie night in the house, why not add pizza, wine, and a couples board game like Do Tell. It’s a relationship board game with fun mind-blowing questions that encourages a connection. Or, if you like to travel and have a little extra money for a weekend trip, why not just show up at the airport and book the cheapest flight going anywhere. Spontaneity is fun, but it also allows you to learn about each other and share new experiences together.

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S H E P R E VA I L S 2019 EXPERIENCE RECAP

We are still riding on the high of everything that took place at the 2nd Annual Women’s Conference! The Prevailing Woman greeted hundreds of women as they blew in from different parts of the country ready to receive the “She Prevails Experience”.

We know that so many wanted to attend but couldn’t. No worries. We’ve got the next best thing. While it’s super challenging to put this epic weekend into words, we’re going to try to give you the play by play. So, gather round friends. There’s lots to discuss!

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FRIDAY EVENING: Nothing sets the tone for an event quite like a great kickback sprinkled with a little southern hospitality. We had the honor of hosting an intimate dinner for the guest speakers of the conference. It unfolded beautifully as our dynamic speakers arrived at the location looking stunning as ever and bringing all their good vibes into the room with them. Some of them had previously crossed paths with each other while many of them were just meeting for the first time. For nearly an hour, everyone sat together and cackled with each other across one big table over signature cocktails and a savory meal fit for Queens.

In what felt like college girlfriends reuniting at homecoming festivities, these ladies shared their ideas and experiences with one another, planted seeds of future collaborations, and affectionately inspired each other to continue shining in their own right. In a room filled with some of the best influencers, bloggers and professionals, the connections were effortless. The conversations were fluid. The love and mutual respect was genuine. Of course, the selfies were flawless. It was a perfect manifestation of the power that is formed when you bring together passionate, brilliant, like-minded, creative women.

These were the moments that laid the foundation for our weekend‌.and they were magical!

Shortly after we transitioned to the Cocktail Kickoff Party sponsored by Courvoisier.

Listen, if you missed, you can NOT miss it next year. From the drinks, venue and good music, it was definitely the party event to kick off a perfect conference weekend. Many thanks to our host, Brint City, DJ Big Cuttz, Cool Cliq Photo booth, and 21c Museum Hotel.

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SATURDAY: Let’s begin with the venue shall we. It was the 21c Hotel of downtown Durham, NC that hosted our Saturday events. Before you dismiss this little fun fact, I need you to understand that 21c Hotel is not just your typical hotel or convention center.

It is a boutique hotel that also happens to be a contemporary art museum‌A MUSEUM!! It houses over 10,500 sq. ft. of curated exhibitions and art pieces rich in history and culture. The art. The culture. The architecture. The Prevailing Women.

It all came together for the ultimate vibe! We essentially filled a museum, a place where people come to view and experience historic and cultural pieces of art, with a sea of black women. Black women who are art forms in and of themselves, rich in history and culture. The irony is too beautiful not to point out.

Our Founding Editor-in-Chief Sabrina Seymore welcomed our guests and laid out

our itinerary for the day. She introduced our first speaker on the main stage to help guests prepare their minds for the gems that they were about to receive. Kelsey Hargrove, psychotherapist and yoga instructor, peacefully guided us in a mindfulness exercise that included a series of small yet impactful actions with our minds and bodies. These actions helped us become keenly aware of our thoughts, bodies, and emotions. It was a powerful exercise that Kelsey encourages everyone to practice, even if it is just 5 minutes a day.

To kick off our main stage conversations, we welcomed Ezinne Kwubiri of H&M and Dee McDougal of Pacific Western Bank. These ladies broke down all things business, work ethic, sowing, and serving. It was the perfect segue into our breakout workshops. Our speakers facilitated workshops in various THE PREVAILING WOMAN 87

areas surrounded around topics for Wellness, Power and Beauty!

Workshops went on throughout the morning and afternoon in various parts of the museum. Ladies were fully engaged, asking questions and sharing “ah-ha” moments with one another. When guests were asked how they were enjoying the conference so far, Shawana of Raleigh, NC said, “I’m on my 6th page of notes.” Another guest, Nicole of Washington, D.C said, “I’m loving it so far. The speakers are so positive and accessible!”

The main stage was once again graced with a movie screening, ‘She Did That.’ Listen, if you haven’t downloaded the film on all streaming services, you need to stop what you’re doing and download it now. Our Founding Editor-in-Chief, Sabrina, led a discussion with Renae Bluitt, Filmaker/Executive Producer and Kela Walker, 7-time Emmy Nominated TV Host and Producer. These ladies talked about their respective journeys in the world of media.

As media professionals, these ladies discussed the importance of meaningful content creation and how

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it speaks for you when you’re not in the room. Guests soaked up every bit of what these ladies poured out, concluding our Day 1 perfectly.

SUNDAY: We switched up the room layout for Day 2 to create a more brunch vibe. We welcomed our guests to a setup of amazing vendors and a mimosa bar as a DJ played current and classic hits. Guests were able to shop for everything from clothes and accessories to health and beauty products.

Day 2 was all about our solo speakers addressing us altogether in the same room with the same message.

Once Kelsey completed our mindfulness exercise for Sunday, Michelle Sprott came before us as our first speaker and facilitated .

Before our keynote speaker addressed us, we broke for brunch and connected with each other at our tables while reveling in some of the South’s favorite brunch combos like chicken and waffles and shrimp and grits. All that could be heard over the background

music was the beautiful sound of women laughing and excited about their next chapters in between the clinks of their champagne glasses.

On to our keynote speaker, who definitely did not disappoint. LeToya Luckett Walker, actress, and singer, delivered an unforgettable message that brought many of our guests to tears. At the center of her message was the Bamboo tree and how it works a lot like us when we’re working and grinding towards our dreams. It could literally be years before you actually see the fruits of your labor. She shared some of her personal and private experiences of how her own efforts seemed to be in vain for years before she saw any fruit. She took all of us on a roller coaster ride of laughter, then tears, then back to laughter again while lacing it all in scripture. Her personality shined through her speech much like it shines through the characters she plays on the big screen.

The audience’s response to LeToya was complete with all the affectionate ways that black women typically express our love and approval: our slow deliberate claps, finger snaps and random shouts of “Yaaasssss” and “Preach Sis”. The moment was raw, personal and timely for anyone who may have been considering giving up on their dream because they thought their work was in vain.

This was more than a conference. It wasn’t your typical women’s empowerment event. It was an experience; one that planted seeds AND provided applicable tools. It was a movement that sparked connections which will later birth projects that will advance other women. Lastly, beyond all the plush venues and high-profile speakers, it told the story of a woman with a vision. A vision that later turned into a major print publication; and a major publication that later turned into a major 2-day conference. It told the story of a woman collaborating with other women to create something fulfilling for other women. It told the story of relentless hard work, sacrifice, and persistence and the woman who PREVAILED through it all!

Get ready for next year friends. May the countdown begin to She Prevails 2020 THE PREVAILING WOMAN 89

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Inspiring many to live in their God given purpose discovered through the struggles of life.

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Kendra Dublin Hamilton

“Kendra points you straight to Jesus, while delivering thought provoking commentary in her reflective poems. Hands down the most spiritual books I’ve read besides the Bible.” (Volume 2) -Natalie hall

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919-394-9080 đ&#x;“§đ&#x;“§ Carmicia@CKGrealty.com

Carmicia takes pride in assisting Sellers, Buyers, and Investors with every step of the real estate process. She offers professional and effective service. Contact Carmicia today to get started!

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