SPECIAL TRIBUTE
KYRZAYDA RODRIGUEZ
On her worst day, she still operated in her more. Kyrzayda made no excuses for what she was going through. She wanted to be an example to others and she loved what she did. She was more than a fashion stylist. Kyrzayda was an inspiration to so many around the world. She is a Woman of MORE! Show your support and visit her online boutique www.kyrzscloset.com
T I S I V W O N
WE WILL FOREVER HONOR HER LEGACY.
MICHELLE WASHINGTON AGREES TO CREATE ORIGINAL CONTENT FOR WOMEN ON COMCAST/DETV28 DELAWARE
Women of MORE will produce an original content series that will cater primarily to professional women and provide entertainment.
MICHELLE SAYS,
I'M COMMITTED TO BRING CONTENT THAT INSPIRES, CHALLENGES, ELEVATES, AND PROPELS WOMEN TO BE MORE.
“Today’s announcement represents an important step forward as DETV28 continues to make swift progress with their new strategic plan for women programming,” said Ivan Thomas, CEO of DETV28. “By prioritizing efforts to work with the best, most versatile talent in the media industry, We are better positioned to deliver mustwatch content across our brands and platforms." "Michelle is a creative force, and I’m excited that this collaboration will bring her signature passion and powerful inspiration to the DETV audience." QUOTE FROM FACEBOOK "I’m excited for you but even more for the Women of Delaware! They are being left in great hands!"
WRITERS
CONTENT
OUR DR. CHERITA WEATHERSPOON
DARIETH CHISOLM
RAINBOW HUFF
INDIANA TUGGLE
SHAUNDYLL ROGERS
VANESSA LINDLEY
DR. TORRI GRIFFIN
CARLEEN ELISA
TYNETTA BROWN
MALAIKA TURNER
FINDING YOUR VOICE BY MALAIKA TURNER, PH.D.
Motor-mouth. Mighty-mouth. Chatterbox. MouthAll-Mighty. Growing up, I would hear these descriptors from those who were familiar with my tendency to talk too much. There was never a time that I couldn’t be heard using my voice to express myself to anyone who would listen. In retrospect, those descriptors became a part of my identity, but little did I know that they would transition from negative to positive qualities that are now the key to my purpose. We are all hard-wired with certain skills and capabilities designed to help us activate and live out our purpose. Today, women have many opportunities to share their voices. They’re hosting talk shows, working as color commentators for professional games, lead reporters, and prominent politicians. We’ve witnessed strong women embrace their speaking presence and transform lives. Oprah Winfrey, Kamala Harris, and Michelle Obama are examples of strong speakers who use their gifts to influence and create long-term change in the lives of their audiences. And, let’s not forget women who are vlogging every day about real-life experiences on YouTube. Women are entrepreneurs, CEOs, presidents of corporations, non-profit organizations and media influencers. Women are at the forefront and behind the scenes. Women are trailblazers and world changers, and it’s starting at the tip of their tongue. The Chatterbox with Dr. Malaika Turner (Spotify/Anchor) Facebook: @malaikaturner Instagram: @thespeakher
But what about the women who want to be worldchangers and feel a tug deep from within their belly to use their voice and share their message but can’t muster up the courage to do it? There are women who sit in board meetings but can’t find their place nor their confidence to speak up. There are strong sisters who have a great presence or gravitas but are unsure of how to use it to influence an audience. As the Lead Coach and Trainer of The Speakher, women come face-to-face with their fears but quickly learn strategies to help them experience a breakthrough in their confidence, public speaking and self-discovery. The Speakher training builds up women and draws out the untapped skills and abilities that already live within. There are speakers who are unknown to the world and there are audiences waiting on their “speakher.” In the SpeakHer training: Women are coached! Women are trained! Women are motivated! Women are challenged! Women are changed! It is time for women who don’t have a celebrity’s influence and platform, to discover their voice and build a strong presence in their industry. If speaking is the key ingredient to your purpose, but paralysis sets in when the opportunity arises, then this is your time. It’s time to share your message, raise your voice, and walk in confidence! “Find your voice, shout it from the rooftops, and keep doing it until the people that are looking for you find you.” ~Dan Harmon
suc·cess /səkˈses/ noun the accomplishment of an aim or purpose
Success is more than ticking off some checkboxes and a growing list of accomplishments. Those things mean nothing if they don’t mean anything to you. What does this mean for your business? You have to define for yourself what your aim or purpose is in your business; then clarify and visualize what success looks like for YOU; not what it looks like for someone else who is doing what you do. What does success look like as it relates to your family, your life, and the people you serve? What does it look like in terms of your revenue, profit, team, and systems?
If you don’t know the answers to these questions, how will you know that you’re doing the right things to get you there and how will you know when you get there?
It sounds great to have a 7-figure business, but is that what you really want? Is that what you need to feel successful or to live the life you desire? Are you willing to do the work necessary to have that success? If a 7-figure business leads to your marriage falling apart, your kids going buck wild, and the stress of it all affecting your health, is that success?
I gave you the definition of success as the accomplishment of an aim or purpose (lexico.com). I think it is better defined as the accomplishment of an aim for a purpose. What do I mean by that? You aim to accomplish this for the purpose of that.
I aim to have a multiple six-figure business in the next 12-18 months for the purpose of retiring my husband. I aim to have a team of five people within the next 12 months for the purpose of spending more time with my family. I aim to launch my next program by the end of the year so I can help more women profit from their purpose. We’ve got to move beyond doing what is expected and doing things for accolades and applause.We’ve got to move beyond the achievement itself to the impact that the achievement will have in our lives. Is what you are working to accomplish going to give you the results, the experience, the life, and the fulfillment you desire? If the answer is yes, that is true success.
Dr. Cherita Weatherspoon Profit Strategist | Publisher | Speaker | Business Accelerator FB and IG CoachCherita
f l e s r u o Y r of
We can find ourselves constantly searching for something that will satisfy an inner yearning and being repeatedly disappointed that what we accomplished didn’t fill that need.
WHY YOU MUST DEFINE
SUCCESS
Have you ever accomplished something that was a big deal, but after accomplishing it you still felt empty and unfulfilled? If so, it’s likely because you didn’t define success for yourself. You went after something that other people considered being a measure of success, but it wasn’t really success for you.
VANESSA
LINDLEY
ESTATE PLANNING: when and where to START The best time to start estate planning is now. It is never too early, you are never too young, and it does not matter how many assets you own. As you plan, you will need to learn about a variety of things such as trusts to reduce taxes, guardianship issues, and how to distribute your assets. You also need to consider hiring a lawyer to help you draft a will. So, where do you start? The best place to start is by thinking about what you want to happen when you’re gone. Nobody likes to think about their own death. But death is inevitable, and everyone needs to plan for it. The sooner you plan your estate the better. Once you have your estate in order, you’ll have a sense of peace knowing that your loved ones are taken care of in the way you want. First, organize all of your financial information. Take into account all your assets and debts. Remember to include your intangible assets such as any investments you’ve made including benefits from your employer, union or associations; your insurance policies; bank accounts; your home or real estate investments; any art or music collections you have; and personal property such as furs, jewelry, and furniture. When you have a full picture of what’s in your estate, you can decide what’s at risk and how you need to organize your estate.
Depending on how many assets and debts you have, you may need a lawyer experienced in estate planning to help you draft your will. You’ll want to ask if your estate will be subject to taxes and whether it will have to go through probate court. You’ll also want to find out what the risks are to your estate if you are incapacitated and unable to make decisions for yourself. In this case, you may need a living will and to designate a power of attorney. If your estate is not very complex yet, you can draft a will on your own and have it notarized. The next step is to talk to your family and have these “courageous conversations” about estate planning. Talk about their wishes and yours. Decide how you all want your assets distributed. The more you talk about these things before your death the less likely there are to be problems after your death. If you think there may be difficulties after your death regarding the decisions you’ve outlined in your will, you can consider a Legacy Trust which will have a more advanced strategy for dealing with your assets. Monitor the future. Your estate will grow and change over time; we’re claiming that! So, it’s important that you review it regularly.
Vanessa Lindley info@vanessalindley.com VanessaLindley.com IG, LinkedIn, Twitter: @VanessaLindley
EMERGING FROM THE
darkness BY SHAUNDYLL ROGERS
I was going through the photos on my cell phone when I
This is a new year and I’m slowly emerging from the
came across a picture of me and my husband. I had
darkness. I can see a glimmer of sunlight beginning
taken the photo mere minutes after the clock struck
to break through the clouds and new beginnings on
midnight and we had crossed into the year 2019. As I sat
the horizon.
staring at the photo, I could see the hope, excitement and expectancy emanating from my eyes. I had made it
If life has you feeling discouraged, disappointed or
through 2018, a year that honestly, I just wanted to
even depressed, I want you to be encouraged and
forget. The prior year had been filled with so many
confident that dark days don’t last always but you
emotional ups and downs, that as I approached 2019, I
have to walk towards the sun.
had added a tune out of the Chambers Brothers songbook to my prayers. Lord give me a year of “love, peace and happiness”.
Unfortunately, I quickly found out that would not be the case. Almost immediately after the new year rung in, things began to further unravel; 2019 was off to a crappy start and I was losing strength. I needed an emotional break but couldn’t find one.
By spring, the impact of life took its toll, and I struggled to engage in everyday life. I didn’t want to get out of bed. I was losing my desire to pursue my passions, and I had a ZERO desire for television, social media, or socializing. I tried my best to keep fighting the overwhelming emotional heaviness that I was experiencing but the more I fought the more I felt my energy and zeal for life escaping. I finally had to admit that I was dealing with depression.
I had heard the “D” word and read stories of people tragically ending their own lives because of it. Not once did I have thoughts of suicide, therefore, I kept telling myself that nothing was wrong with me. The truth of the matter… I was in serious denial.
By late summer, I was tired of sitting and waiting for the darkness to fade and sunlight to emerge. It was time for me to take some intentional steps to improve my state. Those steps have been both spiritual and natural, but it hasn’t been easy. I’ve forced myself to get out again and socialize with friends. I joined the gym, did some home reorganizing, and even picked up the pen and started writing.
As I was teaching at a local college, one young lady asked if she was old enough to date. This was an interesting question. She was 17 years old and had found herself on the highway of love–not sure of the direction she should go. She’d seen young couples crash and burn and she didn’t want to become a statistic herself. I told her that there were many components to being ready to date and age was only one factor. First, she needed to be rooted and grounded in her own identity. What did she think of herself? Was her self-esteem intact? Had she explored her purpose and made a commitment to herself to accomplish it, no matter what? Could she honor the signs people showed her, believe them and walk away from a bad relationship? Her peers nodded and considered their answers as well. Next, I encouraged her to write out what she was looking for in her date (and what she would NOT tolerate). What kinds of things interested her? Character? Accessories? Treatment? Goals? She needed to be clear so she would recognize a good match when she encountered one. The other young ladies agreed. Then, I challenged her to look at the patterns she had already set up in her dating life. What had she already experienced repeatedly and what trajectory was her life on? She struggled to believe that her previous relationships had already shaped her dating preferences and tendencies. Had she been co-dependent in dating before, she could likely land there again. The other girls chattered about that idea. Were they already slated for certain kinds of relationships, too? Finally, I asked her if she was good at recognizing real peers and only accepting a peer as a partner. What I meant was that SHE may not be too young–but some of her dating options were probably too young. There are many children and adolescents masquerading in adult bodies! Recognizing someone’s EMOTIONAL age is the skill I wanted her to strengthen. She may need to just enjoy life’s journey until her possible dating candidates have amassed a bit more maturity to be a good match for her. The other girls seemed to agree. After that, I reminded her that SHE decides who will get access to her WONDERFUL SELF and that everyone who seems interested and asks doesn’t ultimately deserve clearance. It was a very enlightening conversation, and I encouraged them all to carefully consider what we discussed. Remember, anyone can use Common SENSE to Remove NONSENSE so Their Relationships Make SENSE. Dr. Torri Love Griffin, LPC is the creator of the LiSENSE 2 DATE Relationship Training Programs for Teens, College Students & Adults. She is a Love & Relationships Coach and Family Therapist in the Atlanta area. IG | FB | Twitter: @DrTorriLove
WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE OLD ENOUGH TO DATE?
Healing comes in seasons and instead of running we should embrace it when it comes because with it comes the keys to our next level. I believe there are three levels: Awareness & Acknowledgement: A light shines on the darkness prompting us to ask “what’s wrong with me?” Lies we accepted are exposed and we seek the truth that will set us free. Acceptance: Strength and courage manifest as we accept that we have the power to change our situation. We seek a plan of attack to get past the pain and uncover the victory we have with Christ. Action: This is the execution phase marked by revelation and strategy from and with God. As He gives us the steps needed to move forward, we are breaking curses and barriers, and releasing our purpose to assist others. When we can embrace healing, wholeness then becomes an individual journey towards peace and happiness rather than acceptance from others. For I am healed when I realize the power and freedom of being authentically ME!
healing
Healing gets such a bad rap because we use it as a barrier to keep people out. Society has become more accustomed to exposing our pain rather than helping us become whole. Victimblaming fosters a community of shame rather than a safe place for vulnerability. True healing opens doors, shatters glass ceilings and creates a needed momentum to plow through life and obtain our heart’s desires.
EMBRACE
As women, the world tells us we are strong because we survived such pain. But our survival is hidden behind a veil of poor eating habits, obesity, failed relationships, drugs, sex, mediocrity and low self-esteem. Life has become a struggle. We know there is more. We know better is out there. But we just don’t know who to call and where to go.
IT'S TIME TO
It’s easy to ask for prayers or help when we are sick or suddenly become ill. We quickly rush to the aid of friends and family at the unexpected death of a loved one. But who do we run to when the molestation or rape at 8 years old propelled us into a life of promiscuity and left emotional scars rendering us unable to build and nurture healthy relationships? Who runs to our aid when the childhood bullying or fist of a mate drained the life out of us and left us filled with shame, rage, and regret?
Indiana Tuggle is an Author, Speaker and Healing Break-Through Coach helping women heal from past trauma through writing and live a life of wholeness, bold faith, and purpose in Christ. Connect with her at www.indianatuggle.com FB|IG|TW: @IndianaTuggle
I accidentally broke a glass in my kitchen. It shattered and scattered glass all over my kitchen floor. I quickly cleaned up the mess and thought nothing else of it. A few days later my son was in the dining room and stepped on a small piece of glass. I was surprised that shards from the glass broken in my kitchen had landed in my dining room. I was unaware that pieces of glass had traveled outside of the area of impact. That shattered glass made me think about something much deeper. Have you ever paused to reflect on how certain traumatic or painful experiences may have scattered to other parts of your life and escaped your eye during the healing process? Think about it. Are shards of your brokenness showing up in unexpected places, even after you’ve done your best to heal and move on from the initial situation? My son stepped on that piece of glass but luckily didn’t suffer any cuts because of it. However, escaping free of harm isn’t always the case. I believe that we unintentionally cut people in our lives with our own pieces of shattered glass. Maybe we can’t see the pain we cause others when we reject their love and attention, not because we don’t want or deserve it, but because “proceed with caution” is our new motto after experiencing betrayal in previous relationships. Rejection, even when experienced as early as childhood, can cause us to burden ourselves with unnecessary stress and responsibilities, in both our personal and professional lives, to prove our value. Lingering feelings of unforgiveness or bitterness may breed a spirit of negativity that is not immediately recognized and may create tension or distance among family, friends or colleagues. Never underestimate the significance of how hurt from our past can hinder our present. It takes sincere courage to confront and address the traumatic and painful experiences we’ve encountered along this journey called life. Because we’re often so focused on obtaining healing in the immediate area of need, we can easily overlook the importance of assessing the additional damage that may have impacted other areas or aspects of our lives. We aren’t always aware of how we cut people we love and cherish the most because of incomplete healing. The good news is, it’s never too late! You can decide today to determine where healing still needs to occur in your life. You can choose joy and you can choose peace! Remember brave woman, it’s never too late to make a commitment to yourself to pursue wholeness and clean up the pieces of your shattered glass!
WRITTEN BY RAINBOW HUFF
SH AT TER ED glass
SAN FRANKLIN's brilliant background vocal arrangements and production, and solo vocals are heard on Grammy®, Stellar and Dove awardwinning recordings. She has worked and traveled nationally and internationally with industry leaders Heather Headley, Bishop Paul Morton, Martina McBride, Beverly Crawford, The Newsboys, Yolanda Adams, The Clark Sisters, Aretha Franklin, Alvin Slaughter, Donnie McClurkin, Casting Crowns, Lisa KnowlesSmith, Jill Scott, CeCe Winans, Raphael Saadiq, Indian megaproducer Pritam, Christina Aguilera, and many more. San positions herself with her own music now for eager fans and a world that will gravitate to her voice and be changed by the God in her.
YOU HAVE ALWAYS BEEN TRANSPARENT WITH YOUR AUDIENCE. WOULD YOU SAY THAT'S ONE OF THE REASONS FOR YOUR SUCCESS WITH PEOPLE? ABSOLUTELY!!! PEOPLE SIMPLY WANT TRUTH. Even though it may hurt sometimes, I’d rather hurt short and good from the truth than suffer long and hard from a lie. My motto is this: Transparency is better than exposure... same result, but different process. YOUR EXPERIENCE IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY IS MASSIVE. HOW DO YOU CONTINUE TO REMAIN RELEVANT AND SUCCESSFUL? I keep my mind open to all experiences, all genres, all people. I then pull that into who I am and allow it help me navigate through the “noise”. I pay attention and “stay woke” as the young people would say! YOUR VIDEOS ON SOCIAL MEDIA ARE BEING SHARED OVER AND OVER AND THEY ARE MAKING AN IMPACT. HOW DOES THAT MAKE YOU FEEL, ESPECIALLY BECAUSE IT'S NOT INTENTIONAL? GEEZ! It’s scary because I don’t live in a box and I never know what video is going to bless one person and tick another one off. So, I’ve decided to focus on being myself and leting the clips fall where they may, LOL! I once told God, “Don’t allow me visibility until my life, my ministry, can cause someone to live." I guess this is “that time”. WHAT DO YOU WANT THE WORLD TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? I’m really a quiet little 5'2" girl whose body was hijacked by this militant rebel that operates in the 5-fold ministry for the glory of God and the love that I have for His people. But who really wants to be at home on the couch watching Law & Order SVU... all the time! DO YOU FIND IT CHALLENGING BEING A WOMAN IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY AND BEING A PASTOR? Not really. Unlike others with a dual call, I don’t categorize or compartmentalize them. It’s all just ministry to me! One I love doing; and the other I don't, even though I do! WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE KNOWN FOR? LOVE. Period. Point blank. Not for what I do or have done because if it wasn’t done in love, then I’m just sounding brass and tinkling cymbals; MERE NOISE! WHAT SHOULD WE BE FOCUSING ON AS WOMEN? BEING HEALED from within. Everyday. Healing is a lifelong event. If we can grasp that, there would be more collaboration between us as the “force of MORE”. WHEN DID YOU KNOW YOU WERE A WOMAN OF MORE? When I began to focus on things that made me smile instead of the things that make me happy. A smile comes from an inner security that no matter what occurs, this can be produced at will while happiness is “circumstantial evidence”.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO WOMEN AROUND THE WORLD ABOUT BEING A WOMAN OF MORE?
A woman hs to understand that she came as the total definition of MORE. She has a continual ability to provide. She, we, never run out. Therefore, when we feel the opposite of this, it is evidence that we are not living in the divine creativeness of God in our makeup. See, Adam wasn't enough, so God created MORE in woman.
What’s the toughest challenge you’ve faced? The thing
THE
LESSONS
Journey
IN THE
WRITTEN BY CARLEEN ELISA
you thought would take you out. You just knew it would break you, but obviously, you were wrong because here you are at the beginning of 2020 getting ready for the next decade of your life. The reality is we all face challenges. Serious ones. Stop and think about your most difficult times. Remember, just how overwhelmed you felt, how disillusioned you were, how much pain you experienced. You weathered the storm and lived to tell about it. It didn’t hold you back, and even if you’re not where you want to be, you’re not where you used to be. So you are stronger than you realized.
Now, strength and perfection are not synonymous. Everyone who shows strength is not perfect and those who are living their best lives did not get there without a series of missteps, hiccups, and setbacks. Our mistakes, however, do not have to define us nor determine what we will become. Instead, they can be our greatest teachers and our best guides. They present us with lessons and opportunities.
Best-selling author Robert Sharma suggests, “There are no mistakes in life, only lessons. There is no such thing as a negative experience, only opportunities to grow, learn and advance along the road of self-mastery.” Whatever our goals, we will encounter trials along the way. “Success is not a straight line,” as noted by comedian Steve Harvey. “It’s crooked. It’s down in the valley. It’s back up over a mountain.” Our resolve will be tested, as will our faith, but if we will still ourselves and listen, we can learn and thrive.
As we launch into this new decade, seek to discover the lessons you can take with you from your not too distant past. Create a list of your victories and challenges. Why did you succeed or fail? Determine where different choices could have been made. Journal about it. Discuss it with a trusted mentor who can provide insight and counsel without bias–an objective, clear, honest voice to help you work through the messy details. Note your takeaways and how they can be used moving forward.
We often look without for answers. However, if we turn within and examine our own failures and successes, we often discover that our own experiences are not only instructive but also indicative of our strength and resolve. Renowned poet, author, and orator, Maya Angelou, put it like this, “… it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.” Let’s make that our winning formula for 2020.
2 0 2 0
Set YOUR standard, not someone else’s, for your own life
NEW CENTURY, NEW MINDSET BY TYNETTA T. BROWN
in this new and exciting century. This year seemed so far away at one point but now it is here and we all could use a little course correction along this trajectory of life. Self-reflection helps. If there is something that you wanted to achieve or improve, there is no time like the present. If you don’t have access or resources to the information at hand immediately, seek it out. Let others see your desire to shift and you may attract the exact thing or individual you need to make it happen.
Having a growth mindset for your life fuels success. A new, positive mindset has no room for what I call “stinkin’ thinkin”. Yes, while we overuse it, the phrase “… as a man (woman) thinketh, so is he (she)” is a true statement.
With the arrival of a new century and 2020, many of us are
We control how we view and think of ourselves and our
examining our lives and thinking through opportunities to shift
ability to make things happen.
how we view ourselves and what we bring to the world. Our chosen lifestyle, how we present in the world and contribute to it, is as unique as our fingerprint. This new year, 2020, offers a chance to be careful with our soul. This new century presents an opportunity to give careful consideration about the legacy we will leave in the world for our families and our communities. Redirecting your thoughts, goal setting, “writing that vision and making it plain” and designing or redesigning your philosophy
This new century presents a great opportunity to maximize every opportunity, every blessing and every tool that comes our way to reap the harvest from the plan that is laid out for each of us. One aspect of the definition of the word “new” is lately coming or being brought into being. What new thing or things are you bringing to your life? I urge you to challenge yourself to define this century on your terms and move in amazement at the manifestation of many possibilities.
of life will contribute to an impactful shift in your daily existence. Thinking through and analyzing your skills, talents and shaping a life that is meaningful requires an investment of time and work. Bringing those desires to fruition will not happen just
Tynetta T. Brown, B.F.A.
because we wish for our lives to be different. If it means
Interior Designer/Principal Consultant
stretching yourself beyond your comfort zone to attend a
combinationsinteriors@gmail.com
workshop, spending more time getting additional education and skills, or getting that entrepreneurial desire off the ground, then do so.
ELLAKISHA O'KELLEY
SHE ONCE PLAYED ON THE FIELD. NOW SHE'S REPRESENTING THOSE ON THE FIELD.
ADVOCATE VISIONARY DETERMINED ...because she will fulfill her purpose.
"I come as one but stand as ten thousand.� - Maya Angelou. " I am usually the only one in this space who looks like I do or has experienced what I have. I am changing the narrative among those who are different from me. I stand on the words of Ms. Angelou to remind myself that while I may be alone in physical form in this space, I am not alone in power or presence.
LET'S TALK
How have you mastered your industry?
As a former professional athlete who lived and breathed her sport, I have transitioned from the role of student to teacher. My experience has had a great influence on my journey to mastery. What was the greatest lesson you learned?
Live what I define as my best life. How did you overcome the roadblocks in your personal and professional life?
I am a trained hurdler. I attack my barriers with the mindset that they are there to set me up to run my best or worse race. I determine the outcome; one hurdle at a time.
What would you say to women around the world about being a Woman of MORE?
To be a Woman is to be MORE.
M - MOTIVATING O - OVERCOMER R - REPRODUCING E - ENERGY
What role are you committed to with women in sports and entertainment?
Dumping all the crabs out of the barrel while protecting, empowering and positioning our presence to be impactful and meaningful. When did you discover you could lead?
When people showed me they were willing to follow; and when I learned how to put people in front of me.
INVITE ELLA TO SPEAK AT YOUR NEXT EVENT! www.allaboutella.com/booking KEY SPEAKING TOPICS: YOUTH ADVOCACY SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROTECTION
I TRULY BELIEVE THERE'S A GREAT PERCENTAGE OF WOMEN AROUND THE WORLD THAT REFUSE TO GO FOR IT OUT OF FEAR OF BEING JUDGED. MICHELLE WASHINGTON
WHY COLLABORATION WILL TAKE YOUR BUSINESS TO THE WRITTEN BY DARIETH CHISOLM
NEXT LEVEL
Most solopreneurs spend their days and nights working for themselves and by themselves. We toil over our long to-do-lists and slave away at the many tasks staring us down in silence and frustration. Some of us have become accustomed to thinking there’s something wrong with needing, asking for, or paying for support in managing our businesses. Even when we’re pulling in six-figures and beyond a year as a solopreneur, it can be a rough and lonely life. No matter how successful we’ve become, at some point we all reach a level we just can’t surpass alone. It took me way too long to realize that the wealthy entrepreneurs definitely did not do everything themselves. They invested in themselves fully, sought expert support, hired A-players to work for them and strategically partnered with others to grow even bigger. No matter what business you’re in, if you want to be successful, leverage the power of the people around you. You have everything to gain from sharing the wealth in your business. Here are three ways that working with people can help us achieve our goals and enrich our lives.
Darieth Chisolm TV Host, Author, Speaker, Coach & Filmmaker www.DariethChisolm.com
TEAM AND SUPPORT Hiring the right A-players is more than just about bringing in the support that you need. It’s about allowing other people to perform at their strengths, and it gives you the time and freedom to access your own energy so you can focus on your zone of genius. You don’t have to hire everyone all at once, this can be done in stages. Look at some key elements that need to be delegated now and as you continue to grow you can bring in more people.
COACHING AND MENTORING Gaining the support and service from someone who is much further down the path you’re traveling on is wise and can save you so much time, energy and money. Consider all the benefits of hiring a coach.
COLLABORATION AND COMMUNITY When you can creatively collaborate with others, it can advance your business. Consider what partnership with other talented people can mean to the growth and development of your business. I’ve partnered with some talented experts who are delivering amazing content, resources, and information to a growing community that I have fostered over the last year. If you’re looking for a stellar community that helps you get started and grow your business by leveraging the time talent and resources of other experts, you are welcome to join us at www.speakservesoar.com.
AFROSE ART MOC.TRAESORFA.WWW
MEET THE ARTISTS
MEAGAN & ELON
THEIR STORY What started as a typical Saturday for the two sisters turned into the conception of an art company that completely caught the sisters by surprise. The night before, Meagan had a dream of a girl with an afro and expressed to Elon how she thought it would be cool to make an afro out of roses. The next two minutes were a blur. Elon jumped up off the couch and screamed "THAT WOULD BE SO DOPE! The next thing you know they were headed to the local craft store to make this dream a reality. Twelve hours later our first Afrose piece was complete, and before we could even post it for likes on social media the portrait was sold. Minds blown, the sisters created another one the next day that was sold just as quick. Afrose is more than a business, it's a bond between sisters helping others create timeless art that captures their story. The creativity, their relentless attention to detail, and the love that this duo pour into each piece leaves their customers speechless.
VISIT TODAY @THEAFROSE
MUSIC
Music can tap into the very depths of your spirit and provide you with a unique adventure. It can act as water in some situations and be so satisfying that it serves as a real thirst quencher. There are songs that instantly take you back to a specific place or moment in time. As soon as the song begins, you head off to another dimension that, for other’s, you can’t begin to define.
Music is freedom to just let your mind wander. You can go to places you’ve not been before; here, there and even over yonder. Music can bring on a plethora of emotions; you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll sing, you’ll dance. No matter the genre, whether it be gospel, jazz, rap, R & B or rock, there’s music for any and every circumstance. It can catapult you to heights you’ve not reached in decades. It can turn your dark mood into one of a much brighter shade. It brings back to memory things you thought you’d forgotten and don’t want to be reminded of again. Music sets the tone, if you will. Ever so often you come across a very special song that even time cannot transcend. It can encourage, rejuvenate or inspire. It can soothe, relax or comfort in the evening when it’s time to retire. Let go and free your mind, play a song and listen from beginning to end. Play something and let your musical journey begin.
JOURNEY WRITTEN BY SHARON WILSON
What do Tommy Hilfiger, DDC Lab, and H&M have in common? Fashion designer and style enthusiast Sara A. Crawford. After years of giving herself and talents to other brands, Sara was inspired to start Anara Original- a clothing brand that celebrates the femininity, ambition, and passion of women. WIn February, Sara lived her dream, debuting her Pigment Collection at New York Fashion Week (NYFW). The Pigment Collection was created for women who love to make a statement. The collection is full of texture, eye catching details, and classic silhouettes. The Pigment Collection speaks to the true essence of womanhoodsimplistic in design, yet edgy in detail. The muted color palette which was inspired by Sara's albinism is meant to bring-forth awareness. “I want people to know that no matter the obstacle, they still can flourish and grow,” Growing up as an Albino, people would make me feel inadequate because of my appearance. I want the collection to be representative of love and the power of women.”
PHOTO CREDIT: WESTON PORTRAITS NYC
In the spirit of that power Sara is collaborating with Premier Choice Events and Divine Purpose Events to bring an Anara Original fashion presentation and launch to her hometown of Delaware March 28th. Sara's gorgeous tutus and feminine tops will be on display at the Pigment Collection's official launch party. To find out more about Sara or shop the Pigment Collection please visit www.anaraoriginal.com. PHOTO CREDIT: VERONICA L. YANKOWSKI
BRINGING THE POWER OF WOMEN TO THE RUNWAY WRITTEN BY PRIYA WILLIAMS
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GUILT
SHAME
ONLY STAY ALIVE BECAUSE WE BREATHE LIFE INTO THEM. WRITTEN BY MICHELLE WASHINGTON Have you ever thought about something, then it created feelings as if it was happening in that moment? Whether those feelings are good or bad, the feelings can be so powerful that it's like you are experiencing the same thing again in that very moment. This is how guilt and shame live out their attack on us. We have to realize that guilt and shame have already happened.
Guilt and shame will always recreate itself as something that is presently taking place; however, guilt and shame by definition are based upon something that once was. In order for guilt and shame to live as something in our present, something or someone has to give it life.
in order for guilt and shame to die you must
FORGIVE YOURSELF FOR WHAT HAS HAPPENED
SEE IT THROUGH THE PERSPECTIVE OF YOUR PAST
CHANGE THE STORY
LEAVE IT WHERE IT BELONGS; IN YOUR PAST
You and I have the capacity to move beyond guilt and shame and create a life of gratification and satisfaction. So, what will you do today? Will you allow life to move around you or will you get on the life train and enjoy the ride?
GUESS WHAT! THERE'S MORE TO YOU THAN WHAT YOU'RE DOING RIGHT NOW!
NEW SINGLE
BLESSING ME “The Free Project” There's freedom in this song! Thank you in advance for your support.
CO
T in C l k E n N N a nfr a @s
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