Women of MORE Magazine Featuring Real Talk Kim PT2

NOVEMBER 2017

MAGAZINE

REAL TALK KIM

REAL TALK FOR REAL TIMES

MICHELLE WASHINGTON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

COO and Career Development Personal Development Contributor and Editor Business and Entrepreneur Contributor Personal Development Contributor

Fashion Contributor Interior Design Contributor Financial Contributor Creative Art Contributor Health and Wellness Contributor

Jil Jordan Greene Dr. Cherita Weatherspoon Darieth Chisolm Shaundyll Rogers Latisha Nicollette Daphne Henry Lynnette Rogers Mary Byrd Ashley North Ali Levine Tynetta Brown Vanessa Lindley Rochelle Huerta Nicole Littrean Brea Owen Denise Jordan

Women of MORE is an organization designed to help women identify their purpose beyond their daily roles, ignite the passion for their personal goals and empower them to dream more, do more and be more EDITORAL OFFICE 1007 N Orange Street | Fourth Floor | Wilmington, DE 19810 issuu.com/womenofmoremagazine

PROFESSIONAL & ENTREPRENEURIAL WOMEN WHO ARE TIRED OF PLAYING SMALL Is your life good, but you know it could be better? Do you have a yearning for something more, something different? Do you know you are bigger, better and more powerful than where you are now? Than who you are now?

BECOME A MEMBER OF

THE POWERHOUSE WOMAN COLLECTIVE Surround yourself with an amazing group of like-minded women who are committed to having it all in their personal, business, and professional lives and supporting other women in getting their all, too.

COACHING | ACCOUNTABILITY | COMMUNITYÂ LEARN MORE ABOUT

The Powerhouse Woman Collective and how to apply for this exclusive and life-changing opportunity at: www.PowerhouseWomanCollective.com

Melissa Hibbert-Brumfield

How long have you been a Makeup Artist? I have been doing makeup since I was 14 years old, today I am 41.

Although I took a 14-year detour working in corporate America, makeup I am a wife, mom, and a Beauty Entrepreneur. I am passionate artistry never left me. In 2012, I decided to focus on beauty as a makeup artist about balancing a loving home and family with my successful full-time, subsequently leaving the career as a Celebrity Makeup Artist and managing my business - corporate world. I knew it was the right decision and I have not looked back. I The GLAM Agency. Spiritually, I am a manifestation of God's have had a remarkable career and grace and the embodiment of God's favor. business growth as a makeup artist, which is confirmation that this is what I was born to do!

How do you continue to stand out in a demanding world? To stand-out requires one to know who they truly are and what makes them unique. I know who I am and I know I have a unique approach to my artistry. I know that my personal image has a flare that is distinguishable and unduplicatable. I have a business background that sets me apart from my counterparts, and I know how I make my clients feel as a result of my talent, passion and desire to make them look and feel their best.

When did you identify that makeup was part of your purpose? I picked up my first tube of red lipstick at 13. I tried it once and fell in love with how confident the color made me feel. As I grew in my artistry over the years and later started to work with more and more women, I associated the confidence I felt with how I wanted them to feel. I can honestly say, each time I finish a client’s makeup, their poise and self-confidence are heightened -not just because of their makeup, but because they can feel my energy and know I am working hard to ensure they look and feel their best.

That is how I know that my purpose and passion are in alignment.

What do you set out to achieve when you're working with a client? Honestly, I don't look for my clients, my clients find me. As a makeup artist, our work speaks for itself. Those images are shared all over the internet and social media, in addition to the vast word-of-mouth that is beneficial in our industry.

There is a trajectory that happens when people recognize talent, and it leads to opportunities and new clientele that is gained organically. It's called "being in the flow." When you’re in the flow and are consistent, doors open, people seek you out and before you know it, you're working with some of the most magnificent people, TV networks, magazine and brands in the world.

What was one thing you had to overcome as a woman? One of the things I had to overcome is the negative culture of "procreational ageism" that is unfortunately pervasive in society and the medical industry. I am having my first child at the age of 41.

This was a choice I made to complete my education and achieve career & business success before starting a family. In addition, it was important that I was married to a wonderful man and that he would support and share in my desire to be a mom at a later stage in life. The truth is, the conception rate of women aged 40 and over is at a record high, so I’m definitely not the exception. However, the medical industry creates a lot of noise about increased risks of problem pregnancies, etc. And, as a result, there are women who have given up on starting a family because they have bought into the fear pushed by uninformed gynecologists due to ageism.

I have certainly blown my doctors’ minds - they wanted to run so many tests because of my age, but all my test results returned stellar as if I were a woman in my twenties. I am healthy! When it comes to having babies, there is no right or perfect age; and I had to walk away from and overcome the mental fear created by previous gynecologists who tried to convince me that at 40, my chances were less than 10% to conceive. When I shared my age and pregnancy announcement on social media, I received so many messages from women stating how much my story gave them hope. It is a blessing to be the face of hope for such a beautiful journey as I prepare to experience motherhood.

What would you say to women that are looking to move into their MORE? To move into your MORE, I encourage women to love on themselves more! I have learned that the greatest thing I can do for myself is to take care of me first. It doesn't mean neglecting your loved ones, children, work/business, etc. It means you are choosing to give yourself the care you need in order to be your best self. I truly don't think we talk about that enough. We tend to equate being a strong woman with all the things we sacrifice or endure to have what we want. That is a self-defeating perspective. Self-nurturing leads to balance and self-healing, and those around you can sense that you are loving on you and will treat you accordingly. Commit to doing something for yourself once daily. When you fill your cup, you have more to give to others. Some simple ideas for self-care are daily meditation, enjoying a cup of tea (my favorite), getting a massage, taking a walk, getting a mani/pedi, taking a bath (another one of my favorites), playing music you love and singing to your heart’s content, or making some art! That's how you move into you MORE!

“If it’s not one thing, it’s another.”

“I just need a moment to breathe.”

If you’ve ever found yourself saying this, you are not alone. I’ve made these statements and felt this way many times in my life.

When I felt that life was getting the best of me rather than me getting the best out of life, I knew that something needed to change.

I desired several changes in my life: love, financial freedom, and a new career. All of which seemed to be far out of my grasp. I’m sure you are wondering if I prayed -yes, I did. I even fasted and sowed a few seeds, but nothing seemed to be changing. One day a close friend suggested I start trusting God on a level that I never had in the past. I was excited and eager; however, once I spoke into the atmosphere that I was going to trust God no matter what, I found myself riding a faith roller coaster. I experienced test after test, one after the other.

FAITH AND DOUBT IS LIKE

OIL & WATER, IT DOESN'T MIX I was in a battle against myself. My doubt would attack my faith; sometimes faith won, but other times doubt was the victor. When faith won, it would then be overcome by my complaining. I would pray, but then I would complain. I wondered if God was punishing me for something I had done because nothing seemed to be going the way I thought it should. Nothing I wanted or desired was happening in my life. I realized that God had me in a holding position and until I truly activated my faith, none of what I wanted would happen for me. The faith I spoke when I prayed was negated by the complaints that quickly followed. I had to make a decision to choose faith or to choose doubt because the two are just like oil and water, they don’t mix. Proverbs 18:21 (ISV) tells us “the power of the tongue is life and death -those who love to talk will eat what it produces.” I meditated on this scripture until I got control of the doubt that came out of my mouth. We all have the ability to speak positive and negative things over our life and circumstances. But, if you choose to focus on the blessings in your life and think about God’s track record, you’ll be reminded that he’s never failed you.

Remembering what God has done can help you in speaking your faith about what He will do. It’s ultimately your choice to have faith or to doubt, but know that the two cannot co-exist. I decided to choose faith. Which do you choose?

WRITTEN BY Latisha Scott www.whataboutaclutch.com Instagram: whataboutaclutch Facebook: LatishaNicollette

GO, GIRL! Moving Beyond Goal-Setting to Goal-Getting, Part 4 WRITTEN BY Dr. Cherita Weatherspoon CoachCherita on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Here we are for the fourth installment of the 5-part series Moving Beyond Goal-Setting to Goal-Getting. In the last issue, I shared a strategy that will help you to determine if an opportunity is really an opportunity or a distraction. The second strategy I shared was designed to help you to keep moving towards the life you want, even when the people you want to go with you choose to stay behind. You can read the previous articles to catch up on all the strategies. In this issue, we’re going to look at two new strategies to help you move beyond goal-setting to goal-getting.

7

Gamble Occasionally. To get what you really want in life, you will need to take risks. You will need to risk failing, you will need to risk losing, you will need to risk embarrassment. You will also need to risk time, energy, effort and likely money. But you’re worth it, right? Your dreams are worth it, right? The key is to take educated and informed risks, to know what is at stake if you lose, as well as what is to gain if you succeed.

Avoid making decisions based on fear.

Consider how you would recover from a loss if you take the risk and it doesn’t play out in your favor. Be wise, but don’t be fearful. Be cautious, but don’t stand still. Be willing to gamble occasionally for what you want. If you’re not willing to take a risk on you, certainly no one else will.

This strategy sounds like it would be the easiest of the ten to implement, but I find with my coaching clients that it is often the most difficult. Gaze Over is about acknowledging the progress you’ve made on your way towards accomplishing your goals. It’s about celebrating small victories and challenges that have been overcome. It’s also about recognizing how the help you need tends to show up when you decide to show up for yourself.

You see, we tend to get so focused on the end goal, that we forget that along the path to that goal are many smaller goals that have to be accomplished to get to the larger goals. There are a lot of things that had to go right. A lot of people who had to contribute. A lot of risks that had to be taken. But, we don’t recognize these things as progress or success because we haven’t yet reached the ultimate goal. You must realize that progress -forward progression is success. Take time to reflect on what you’ve accomplished so far, immerse yourself in gratitude, and thank those who have helped you. Seeing the distance between your starting point and where you are now increasing and comparing that to how the distance from where you are now to where you are going is decreasing will fuel you to keep moving forward.

8

In the next issue, we’ll look at the final two strategies that will help you move beyond goal-setting to goalgetting. I encourage you, as we bring 2017 to a close, to get your copy of GO! 10 Powerful Steps to Accomplishing Your Goals & Living the Life You Desire at www.GO10Steps.com. This life application journal is like having a life coach in your hand. I’ll walk you through each step, then take you on a process of reflection, identification, clarification, and action that will propel you forward on the journey to your goals. You can also download the free GO! Motivational Audio, with 10 short motivational messages, each followed by an affirmation for you to speak aloud. Listen to it as you prepare for your day or on your commute to work. It will help remind you of how powerful and deserving you are and equip you to overcome the challenges of the day.

MEETING EVA

WRITTEN BY MARY BYRD

CURLYBYRDIE

Since I started to follow my passion I have been amazed at the many opportunities that have come my way. When I start to doubt myself God always shows me that I am on the right track.

Back in May, I entered a contest with The Eva Spring Style Contest from New York and Company with a grand prize of a trip to Los Angeles to meet the beautiful and talented Eva Mendes. I entered the contest by submitting my photo wearing a piece from her amazing collection, was selected as a finalist, and then voted as the grand prize winner. I was beyond flattered, and it reaffirmed that I am doing exactly what I should be doing. I am following my MORE. The experience proved to be so much more than I had imagined.

Not only did I have the pleasure of meeting Eva Mendes, who was just as sweet and kind as she was gorgeous. I was also able to bring my mother along to enjoy this once in a lifetime experience. We were pampered with celebrity hair and makeup, a shopping spree with Eva's own stylist, and went behind the scenes of the shoot for the holiday line. As a fashionista, I was in seventh heaven getting a preview of all the fashion goodness that is on its way.

The best part of this opportunity was sharing it with my mother and exposing her to what the world has to offer when you start to follow your MORE. My mother had never been to California. She had always been satisfied with just being our mother, never taking time out to find her purpose or following her passion.

Since this experience, she has started to journal and is thinking about writing a book. Sometimes, all it takes is a spark to ignite something inside of you that you never knew was there.

Just know it's never too late to find your purpose to discover your MORE. I discovered mine at 40 my mom is finding hers at 67 and it’s a beautiful thing.

Always remember that these is something more inside of you and don’t be afraid to listen to that little voice. Find your MORE.

FOLLOW

REAL TALK KIM

120 150 200

...that number on the scale does not define your POWER!

We are a society dictated by numbers. A number dictates our socio-economic status if we should take a pill in the morning, and if we are obese.

For years, I worked in fashion media and often looked at images claiming to represent beauty, intelligence, resilience, and strength, but I never saw an image with which I identified. Fast-forward to 2017, and I no longer seek those representations for me in the media. I have actively and consciously chosen to look within.

Our power does not come from the number on the scale, the dress and pant sizes in our closets, and certainly not from all the numbers that society throws at us on a daily basis. Those numbers are to be used as reference tools, guidelines, and parameters but never absolutes. In many instances, they are arbitrary and used as a means of control. I have weighed 142 pounds, and I have weighed 210 pounds. However, my power came somewhere in the middle of those two numbers. Once I stopped letting numbers dictate my power, I began pushing past my comfort zone and embracing my potential.

I began lifting heavy weights about 18 months ago, and I have not looked back. I am not lifting for a contest, nor am I lifting for praise. I am lifting to conquer and embrace my power. I am an ordinary woman on my journey to becoming extraordinary. The feeling of leg pressing 180 pounds, more than my body weight, does define my power and my potential to do even more. Often, my clients will say, “I can’t,” and my response is always, “How will you know unless you try?” Do not be afraid to try something new. Be concerned about getting stuck, and never realizing your true strength.

Working out is about more than just numbers, it’s a mental challenge. It takes an ability to reserve a portion of the inner strength used to praise, work, take care of others, run a household, manage schedules and multitask, for the sole purpose of defining your power.

I have chosen to define my power through building and sustaining 120, 150 and 200 pounds of weight on my shoulders not on a scale.

How will you define your POWER? WRITTEN BY Nicole Littrean

Nikkylitimpact

GET BEHIND THE WHEEL, GIRLFRIEND! How often do you get in your car and drive with

I woke up one day and decided that it was time for me

absolutely no destination in mind? Probably not

to stuff the daily routines in the trunk and get behind

too often (well, maybe except for that time your

the wheel. I was no longer willing to live as if I had zero

husband made you really mad). Most of us will

control or purpose. I was beginning to dream while

figure out where we want to go first, followed by

wide awake and had become an active participant in

finding the best route possible. The intent? To

this life of mine. I finally felt empowered, instead of

prevent time, gas and money from being wasted.

powerless! I began waking up each day with a

This concept can be applied to daily life but,

destination in mind -a destination that gives order and

unfortunately, many of us don’t see it that way.

purpose to my day. My mindset has now shifted from

We spend time, wasting time, because we don’t

hope to pure expectation. I don’t wonder “if,” instead, I

know where we are going, and therefore end up

am preparing for “when.” I am finally in the driver’s

living life on the fly.

seat.

I understand what it’s like to wake up each day

What is your destination? Where do you expect to be 3-

trying to figure out where I am going. For a period

5 years from today? Take a moment to answer that

of time, that was my life. I found myself living in

question, but keep in mind that I did not ask you where

the confines of my daily routine. I was content

you want to be; I asked you, where you expect to be. If

with waking up, going to work, providing, being

you have a complete and total focus on your

present for my children, and going to sleep. Life

destination, there will be an expectation of arrival. The

as I knew it was pretty simple, predictable, and in

expectation will be so great that you will wake up with

my opinion, normal. “Normal,” however, meant

that destination on your mind, you will hold it close to

dreaming while asleep, wishing instead of

your heart, you will see it, feel it, and trust me, some

creating, existing instead of living, and letting life

days it will be so tangible, that you will become

have its way.

overcome with emotion.

I was stuck. I wanted a life that was beyond my

You don’t have to live life in the passenger seat. Is it

lackluster daily routine, but I wasn’t doing

more comfortable? Absolutely! But is there MORE to

anything to change it. Eventually, after years of

you? Absolutely! So, stop allowing the routine and

being tired of being sick and tired, I began to

normalcy of life dictate your direction or lack thereof.

peel back the layers that had me confined to my

It’s time for you to take control, ignite those passions

life of complacency. Self-discovery helped me to

and live on purpose!

connect to the passions, desires, dreams, and visions that I didn’t even know existed. Each discovery opened the door to another discovery, which eventually forced me to write it down, make it plain and make the decision to make it happen! This is where life began to change! I was finally taking action.

WRITTEN BY Shaundyll Rogers FACEBOOK/INSTAGRAM

ASK FOR THE MONEY! The ‘Ask Gap’: What Women Can Do About It Jil Jordan Greene CEO| The People Resource Group Strategic Management Consulting Firm www.ThePeopleResourceGroup.com My President and I waited in our executive boardroom for our new hire Laurence to arrive.

After our pleasantries, he immediately began to recap his performance and achievements made in his 3-month tenure with the company. We agreed things were going well. He then asked for a raise. I was shocked. In my mind, I said, “Wait! What?”

One month prior, we were conducting an internal interview with a high performing 3-year employee named Angela. When asked about her salary requirements, she said she was open. Her offer was a little more than a lateral move. She accepted it without question.

Unfortunately, this is not a unique occurrence for women, and is known as the ‘ask gap.'

Some believe it is one of the contributing factors to the gender pay gap. Women just don’t ‘ask’ at the same rate as men for more money.

According to Katie Donovan (Founder of Equal Pay Negotiations), women often don’t consider that companies set aside money with the expectation that employees will ask for more.

Studies show only 30% of women attempt to negotiate, while 46% of men negotiate with confidence. Women are more inclined to wait to be offered a promotion or an increase.

Barriers The Shriver report says there are five reasons why women don’t ask for more money 1. Fear of rejection (asking for more money could be perceived as disagreeing with the boss) 2. Low self-esteem (believing that they don’t know as much as they should) 3. Fear there isn’t a better offer available (the offer is good enough, be grateful) 4. Unaware of how to counter offer (don’t have the experience to pull this off) 5. Fear of being seen as angry and aggressive (women are taught to be considerate and reserved) The fact is if women don’t ask for the money they will continue to receive less than they deserve. It’s time to close the ‘ask gap’ and ask for the money! Equal Pay Negotiations shares the following suggestions to help you prepare for the ‘Ask’: Always Prepare: Keep track of your accomplishments, contributions, and study what the professionals in your industry are earning. This will increase your confidence when requesting a raise, or making a counteroffer.

Practice Often: Having a practice session with a mentor can be critical to you being comfortable and confident in negotiations.

Just Ask: Always review your accomplishments for the year, and ask for the money regardless if you believe an increase will be granted or not.

Follow Up: If the increase can’t be accommodated, get specifics on why and get details on when.

Think Big: In addition to money, ask to manage multiple projects with high visibility, or other careerbuilding opportunities that can be as important as money.

ARE you READY to climb higher, soar higher and achieve Greater?

ARE you DESIRING to BE More, DO More & NO longer play small?

ARE you READY to conquer life and business with sheer unwavering confidence and certainty?

ARE you a passionate, high-achieving visionary woman who yearns to unleash YOUR inner-fierce, fearless unstoppable warrior; to become an UNSTOPPABLE WOMAN OF PURPOSE? WOMEN LEADERS who are called for Greatness! Called to do GREAT things.

Called for ELEVATION. For such a time as this. For such a TIME AS NOW! Nella Chikwe knows what it takes to be UNSTOPPABLE in life & in business.

She is an influencer with an innate ability to elevate passionate high achieving leaders to increase their personal power, value, and influence. A highly sought after Global Speaker and Leadership Advisor, #1 International Bestselling Author, Publisher.

Nella’s passion is to inspire leaders to become influential in sharing their story and expertise by speaking, writing and publishing. Equipping and empowering corporations, small enterprises, and solopreneurs globally in the areas of entrepreneurship, thought leadership, mindset mastery, wealth creation, sales, and influence.

Founder of Winston Cartier Publishing & The Unstoppable Woman Of Purpose Global Movement. Nella has been empowering visionary entrepreneurs to lead successful lives and businesses with confidence, certainty and conviction. To become personally, spiritually and financially strong, substantive and successful.

IT'S THE

EPIC SEASON FOR WOMEN LEADERS TO ELEVATE

1. UW Global Movement A Global Movement of passionate high-achieving women who desire to be more, do more and no longer play small. A community of authentic connections with practical and transformational resources to help them increase their value and influence.

2. UW Global Network An Empowered Global Network of Elevating Visionary Women in Leadership and Entrepreneurship. Providing a global platform for women to connect, communicate, contribute and collaborate globally. within the scope of impact that is inimical to compromise, competition, comparison or complaining. A platform for success; where women become empowered global leaders.

Receive practical and transformational resources, engage in an interactive community with other women who desire to experience elevated and global empowerment.

3. UW Global Anthologies A Global Anthology series of 24 volumes with fierce, fearless and unapologetically unstoppable global women collaborating to share their setbacks and success stories. A Global Series where its focused topics will be on purpose, business, and faith. Every volume will have an accompanying workbook with practical proven strategies and systems that will help assist women in their transformational journey of becoming an unstoppable woman of purpose.

WE ARE LOOKING FOR UNSTOPPABLE WOMEN IN BUSINESS AND UNSTOPPABLE WOMEN WITH UNWAVERING FAITH TO COLLABORATE IN THE UPCOMING 2ND AND 3RD VOLUMES. IF THIS IS YOU! WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU.

UNITED WE STAND. TOGETHER WE SOAR. CONNECT WITH NELLA CHIKWE

NELLA CHIKWE

the

WELLNESS LOUNGE Welcome to The Wellness Lounge where we empower women to be and do well. This is a space for women to embrace wholeness and wellness with courage, power, and knowledge to live purposefully.

Kiaundra Jackson

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Mental Health Clinician

Miyume McKinley

Wendy T. Talley

Licensed Consulting & Treatment Services

Licensed Consulting & Treatment Services

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dcast

EXPERIENCEMORE NOW, you can listen in on the conversations of Women of MORE Magazine contributors and special guests. Experience MORE on the go.

WHEN "NO" HAS ANOTHER MEANING

By Wendy Talley, LCSW

In the wake of the Weinstein Sexual Harassment case in Hollywood with well known superstars, the allegations have reopened our eyes to the role of women in the workplace. The article by Stephen Loiaconi discussed how there is a shift in the workplace since the Weinstein allegations. This current investigation has resulted in over 200 women over the course of his career accusing him of sexual harassment.

Sexual Harassment is classified as a form of sexual discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Regardless of gender, men and women at some point in their career will experience sexual harassment. In the workplace, playful comments by men toward or about women has been accepted by others. It may even be acceptable in other social and corporate circles. In addition, there is a level of fear that is associated with reporting sexual harassment.

Sometimes we get so caught up in the day to day duties we fail to recognize signs of inappropriate behavior by our colleagues. The following are signs of sexual harassment in the workplace: obtained from US Department of State) • Sexual pranks, or repeated sexual teasing, jokes, or innuendo, in person or via e-mail; • Verbal abuse of a sexual nature; • Touching or grabbing of a sexual nature; • Repeatedly standing too close to or brushing up against a person; • Repeatedly asking a person to socialize during offduty hours when the person has said no or has indicated he or she is not interested (supervisors, in particular, should be careful not to pressure their employees to socialize); • Giving gifts or leaving objects that are sexually suggestive; • Repeatedly making sexually suggestive gestures; • Making or posting sexually demeaning or offensive pictures, cartoons or other materials in the workplace; • Off-duty, unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that affects the work environment.

A victim of sexual harassment can be a man or a woman. The victim can be of the same sex as the harasser. The harasser can be a supervisor, co-worker, other department employed, or a non-employee who has a business relationship with the Department.

“This kind of unwanted attention occurs in a situation where there is uneven power, and it’s usually the woman who has less power,” Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, said.

Women in power at times are seen as threats to men in high ranking positions. Even the alpha female identity is something that men see as a challenge to conquer and devalue. This kind of power and control sends out a message to women coworkers like “No matter who you are you can be taken down.”

The idea of reporting sexual harassment has caused victims of this type of abuse to experience distress. As a therapist, I have clients state: “My job will be on the line” or “I will lose my accounts if I report.” having no control, lacking support, shame, and guilt can immobilize a person from advocating for themselves. Victims are afraid of developing a reputation of being “easy” or “she sleeps to the top” which could damage their careers. In addition, victims are concerned their employer will not take it seriously and protect them at work if they report.

Here is what you can do if you find yourself in the middle of a sexual harassment situation: • Document incidents and save all emails, text messages, voicemails • Speak up and let the alleged aggressor know you did not appreciate the advances he/she made • Follow the procedures of Human Resources and your employee handbook • File an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Administrative Charge • Litigation (sue) • Contact an Employment Lawyer to discuss your case.

Wendy Talley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with the State of California. She is the founder and owner of Thelese Consulting Group,

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Wellness Lounge

LLC, KW Essential Services and Black Speakers Rock. For speaking engagements and workshops go to www.theleseconsultinggroup.com or call the office at 310-426-2085.

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CHILL OUT

Rest… He Knows Everything!

HELLO, MY AWESOME FRIEND!! “will go before you and make the crooked places straight…”

(Isaiah 45:2, NKJV) Are you going through a season where you feel like every time you try to move forward, you hit a roadblock? Something happens that throws you off course. Be encouraged today because when you submit your life to the Lord, He promises to go before you. He is preparing a way for you. He is making your crooked places straight and your rough places smooth.

You may be going through a difficult time right now, but it’s not the end. It’s only the beginning, and God has equipped you for this journey.

Today, if you feel like you’re in a dry season, don’t look at your circumstances. Look at the promise of God! If you’ll keep speaking words of faith, God promises that He’ll anoint your head with oil and your cup will run over. That means you’ll be refreshed and anointed to do what He’s called you to do. God is preparing your path and equipping you for the journey.

What do you need in order to keep moving forward?

Start by checking your attitude. Don’t go around complaining or focused on the negative side of things.

Put on an attitude of praise and thanksgiving. Thank Him for making your crooked places straight! Keep your eyes on Him and follow Him forward into the path of victory!

I am praying for you every day!!! I BELIEVE in YOU and I LOVE YOU!!

PHOTO CREDIT: ALFRED H DIXON

Real Talk Kim

LARUE HOWARD

Your Money Doesn’t Need Sleep!

WRITTEN BY VANESSA LINDLEY

Contact me for more ideas: Vanessa@lindleyconsultinggroup.com LindleyConsultingGroup.com Ph: 866654-6353 IG, FB, Twitter & LinkedIn @VanessaLindley

Put your money to work, while you’re sleeping!

Regardless of whether you work for an employer or own your own business, there are several ways you can earn “passive” income. Passive income includes regular earnings from a source other than an employer or contractor. It’s money you are earning without working for it. Be mindful that “passive” does not mean it will be quick easy money; you will have to invest time and money upfront before you can see a return. But with time some investments will become turnkey or “evergreen.”

Here are 10 ideas to start earning passive income: 1. Sell an Ebook: by writing a 60-80 page book, you could make $500 per month 2. Write a book: get picked up by a publisher and earn royalties on books sold 3. Create a blog and include affiliate links: you can start making money within 30 days. Check out the affiliate program on Amazon.com 4. Invest in dividend yielding stocks (sharebuilder.com, betterment.com, Edward Jones, Morgan Stanley) 5. Build an Ecommerce Store and drop ship: there’s a lot of work upfront, but if you automate as much as possible and/or hire a Virtual Assistant (maybe overseas), you can get it down to just a few hours a week.

6. Get a rental property or several: buildings, apartments, rooms (Airbnb.com) 7. Peer-to-peer lending: You can become a lender to small businesses and earn interest on the money. (LendingClub.com, Prosper.com) 8. Buy a franchise and hire someone to manage it: Not easy, but doable. (franchise.org) 9. Create a product and license it out: think white label check.

10. Invest in a business and become a silent partner. You must do your research and enlist a CPA and a lawyer before taking the risk.

Keep in mind, all of these ideas include some work up front and they all bear a certain risk that has to be calculated and monitored. Do your research, enlist industry experts, consult with a CPA, lawyer or contact me for more information!

Once you have things flowing, you can put your money to work and you can get some sleep!

T E L

Let GO…Two words, so easy to say but at times can be extremely hard to do. Why is it so hard to LET GO? It is hard because it means change. Change from what we are comfortable and familiar with. No matter what it is (people, possessions, career, etc.) these things have our egos, past, and sometimes what we think of our future attached to it. We think we cannot make it if we LET GO and move on. Our fears, dependency, misguided duty and/or obligation become shackles and we become imprisoned and locked in a vicious cycle…but guess what? We have the KEY! We have the POWER to unlock ourselves from the pain. We mistakenly believe that our happiness and security are tied to outside forces when that is not true. I remember how paralyzed I was at the thought of LETTING GO of a very toxic relationship. I had become so used to the dysfunction that the thought of being in a normal, happy and loving relationship was unimaginable so for years, I did nothing.

It is important to know that the first step is to DECIDE & be COMMITED to do something about your situation…I learned that nothing is more powerful than a made up mind! Because LETTING GO is a process, you must be patient with the process. Here are a few suggestions I would like to share to help you on your journey of LETTING GO: 1. TRUST and KNOW that you will be okay. This is a major key and step in the process. You must TRUST and KNOW that no matter what happens, you will be okay. I remember one of my greatest fears came true when I LET GO, my exremarried immediately after we broke up. I didn’t think I was going to make it…oh the hurt and pain I felt! But guess what…I survived and am doing JUST FINE! When you trust, let go and accept that you will be okay no matter what happens, letting go becomes a little easier. Remember…

“This too shall pass”.

2. DO NOT RESIST, FEEL IT, and KEEP IT MOVING. Expect that your emotions may be all over the place during the process of LETTING GO and be willing to feel whatever emotions arise and keep it moving. Typically we automatically do whatever we can to avoid pain and start to resist the feeling and emotions that are triggered by change and the circumstances. Be willing to FEEL the hurt, intentionally and purposefully and the circumstances will lose its power. When you resist the hurt and pain then you give the circumstance all the power.

3. LET GO and DO YOU! Make YOURSELF A PRIORITY. Selflove and care are vital during this time. Balance the time for your responsibilities and obligations but do not waste your time on things or find yourself in the company of people that consistently bring you down. Surround yourself with positivity and LOVE. Remember, the reality of our lives is directly tied to the choices we make. If LETTING GO will allow you to live a life of power and a life you love, then it’s time to “accept what is, let go of what was and have faith in what will be.”

GO

To LET GO signifies transition, the need to surrender, to release and move forward. What most people fail to realize, like I did when I was in that toxic relationship, is that letting go can also be rewarding, empowering, and transformational. Many of the things I found myself praying for, the change I wanted was on the other side of me letting go. When we let go, we make room for new experiences.

So how do you LET GO? First, you have to be sick and tired of being sick and tired and be willing to do something about it. Letting go is a choice and although making the choice to LET GO is possible, honestly, at times it just doesn't feel good, especially when it’s tied to a relationship with a person you’ve loved or still love.

Our feelings and emotions are REAL; however, we have the ability to CONTROL both. I knew when I decided to permanently LET GO of the toxic relationship I was in, it wasn’t going to feel good, but when feelings of sadness, anger, or frustrations began to creep in, I owned it, allowed myself to feel it but made a decision not to wallow or become stuck in these feelings and emotions and did things to take my mind off of it.

GO

Lynnette M. Rogers Public Speaker, Personal Development Leader/Coach, Author & Entrepreneur www.lynnetterogers.net Facebook: Lynnette Rogers

Banish

"Holiday Hurriedness"

With all the hubbub that the holiday season brings, it would serve all of us well to make the 2017 season one of calm, peace, not so materialistic, rushed, tiresome and filled with unnecessary stress. One should consider truly focusing on sustaining or building traditions, family, friends, giving gifts of love versus status and expense, and the need to as criteria and the need to fully reign in the chaos.

A few tidbits to help start that path towards a calm, less frenetic holiday include: Live with the List – Planning your 2017 holiday “to do’s” need not be overwhelming. Set your parameters regarding budgets, decorating, entertaining and gift giving and write them down. Declare that it’s your list and your sticking to it.

Don’t try to be the Griswolds of the Neighborhood – inside or outside. Of course, continue with the family or personal traditions such as handmaking special ornaments with the kids, decorating your home, but minimize the desire to go overboard unless you are vying for a stop on a holiday home tour.

Know Thy Decorating Limitations - There will only ever be one B. Smith or Martha Stewart. I’ve decorated my own home each year, the homes and offices of clients and it can be a massive undertaking. Holiday decorating is not a competitive sport and you only have so much time to get it all done.

Incorporate Culture – Incorporate your culture in as many aspects of your holiday celebrations as possible. Be confident in the holiday look you choose for your home.

Avoid the “Parking Preakness” – With the groundswell of online ordering and even quick pick up services offered by many retailers, take advantage of the online promotions that will save you time, money, shipping costs and the headache of circling for parking in the deck at the mall or at the nearest shopping strip space in front of your favorite retailer.

Host Low-Key Celebrations at Home – Invite other Women of MORE over to help with decorating and gift wrapping, to catch up, share holiday plans and spend special time together.

Reward them by serving seasonal beverages such as special ciders, themed holiday adult beverages and bite sized, diet friendly h’ordeuvres.

RSVP. Check “No”. - You don’t have to be the social butterfly of the holiday season. It is ok to decline an invitation to celebrate the season the way you like without guilt or obligation.

Reflect and Recap 2017 – In making every effort to become a Woman of MORE, let your loved ones know if you reached the goal. Send an update note and recent photo in your greeting cards to family members and friends near and far noting the highlights of your year. Reflection certainly helps calm the spirit and centers you to focus on the importance of family, friends and the true intent of the holiday season and sets you up for building in 2018.

Send me a photo or tip of your holiday decorating tactics and I’ll share it with our readers. Happy holidays!

Tynetta T. Brown Twitter: FiveNine5 Facebook: tynettatbrown

REAL TALK KIM

Kimberly Jones‐Pothier, known as Real Talk Kim, travels the world fulfilling her passion and purpose of loving people back to life.

She is a wife, mother, pastor, entrepreneur, best-selling author, entertainer and most importantly a worshiper after God’s own heart.

Pastor Kim and her husband Mark Pothier are the Senior Pastors at Church of the Harvest in Fayetteville, Georgia and together have four sons.

She is a human rights advocate with a passion for giving back and believes in the compassion of the Holy Spirit, delivering it to those who need it most. Pastor Kim is an advocate partner with Rock Paper Scissors Foundation, a Non-profit Organization, which exists to foster healing and give a voice to those who have been silenced from all forms of abuse and human trafficking.

Pastor Kim has been featured on The Doctor Oz Show, Oxygen’s Network Series Preachers of Atlanta, Your World with Creflo Dollar on BET, ABC’s Nightline, The Word Network, CNN, Praise in the Park Atlanta and numerous magazines and radio shows. She is truly a living and walking testimony of God’s redemption plan in action.

WATCH THE INTERVIEW WITH MICHELLE WASHINGTON AND REAL TALK KIM Michelle Washington PHOTO CREDIT: ALFRED H DIXON

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