www.womenelevationmagazine.com
Tosh Patterson Be, Eat, and Live Well Coach www.ToshPatterson.com
Monique House Knight Writers Professional Services www.KnightWriters.net
Tanya Angelique Owner of RelationScripts www.tanyaangelique.com
Chiezda Washington Life Coach & Author http://www.chiezda.my90forlife.com
Sahara Gilmore WE Magazine Contributing Writer
Shannon Henderson WE Magazine Contributing Writer
ShaChena Gibbs Owner of Real Sisters Rising www.realsistersrising.com
Michelle Hill-Smith Graphic Designer, Branding Specialist & Business Launch and Virtual Productivity Coach www.OnTaskAssistants.com www.MichelleHillSmith.com
message from the founder
success tips with quinn conyers
down to business
author’s spotlight
uncovering opportunities
entrepreneur spotlight
event recap: “sweat everday”
spiritual corner
using your full-time for fuel your dreams passion vs. mediocrity moments with the owner indulge in your passion bootstrapping for success are you running a hobby or business feature: cheryl wood 5 dining out shortcuts summer food recipes for the soul
This month's issue is all about the entrepreneur. How many of you own your business, and still hold a full time job? How many of you have a passion for starting a business, but no idea of where to start or how to make a profit? Well this issue was prepared with you in mind. We spoke with a few women with insight on how to turn your passion into profit, while balancing a full time job and a business. Turn the page to take the first step in solidifying your business. Happy reading!
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Start by getting connected. Find a movement and/or community where members are guided, nurtured and directed toward effective resources. Most importantly, create a fool-proof checklist that contain both short and long-term goals. Your goals need to be realistic and derived from your own research. Your short-term goals need to be something that you can personally achieve. Long term goals may involve others that can assist you effectively.
By Michelle Hill-Smith www.MichelleHillSmith.com
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Are you working in one capacity while striving to build another? Do you have dreams of owning a business but don’t know how to make it a reality? It is important for you to make the most of the moment and maximize your current position while you can. Keep in mind that the real perks of your occupation are not in the employee handbook but rather in the opportunities around you. If you can expose yourself to the right experiences, you can boost your reputation and acquire new skill sets that further your long-term career. Follow these six tips to maximize your current position while you wait on the manifestation of your dreams.
By Tanya Angelique, MBA
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Despite the role you are currently in, you can develop the necessary tools and characteristics to own a business or move up in the company. Key things such as mastering time management, customer service, conflict resolution, and general marketing can all be developed as you work. Make sure you are using your time wisely. Remember to use what you have on the way to where you're going.
Many people network but few make them lasting connections. To ensure that your connections are for the long term, make notes on things about them in order to recognize them as a parent, promotions, holidays and the like. Store that information in your personal contact manager; this way, if or when you leave the company those connections are not lost. Also, send notifications when you shift careers to ensure they know how to reach you.
Tell others what your goals are. The more you speak them into existence, the more you believe it. Speaking something into existence is not the same being boastful. No one will know you have the desire to grow on your job unless you tell him or her. Likewise, if you plan to open a business you may be missing out on valuable connections by not conveying your plans. June 2013 Issue
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Maximize your current position by cataloging tasks, trainings and achievements. If you have spearheaded or served on a project, documentation of those events can be valuable in moving into management or opening a business. You’ll also want to record the date of promotions, recognitions, raises etc. In fact, it would be wise to create a subfolder in your e-mail inbox for complimentary correspondence or print them to file away. No matter what, do not rely on your memory or references when it comes to validating your professional development because over time details are bound to slip your mind.
If new opportunities aren’t presenting themselves, create them. Take some initiative and ask to be trained in other areas. This builds your character and stability in an organization. This way you learn new skill sets and others are now aware that you can handle more responsibility. Remember to emphasize both teamwork and your professional development when you’re making your request.
If the company offers online trainings or tuition reimbursements consider taking continuing education courses. Be honest with yourself on weak areas and take the necessary steps to strengthen them. One example is Microsoft Excel. If this is not a strong suit for you there are often single courses at minimal cost or free. You can never have too much knowledge. No matter what you desire from your career, you can make the most of where you are. As you transition into new roles, take on new responsibilities, and step out into the depths of your dreams always remember to seize opportunities along the way. Following these suggestions will bolster your personal and professional value, which in the end creates your life. Remember, you are the master developer of your life. June 2013 Issue
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On Sunday, April 21st, 2013 Sweat Everyday celebrated the launch of their new business at the Broccoli City Festival. The Broccoli City Festival was held at Half Street Fairgrounds (across from the National Stadium) from 12pm-8pm. The festival was hosted by Vashtie & Rock Creek Social Club. There were also live musical performances by various popular artists. The Broccoli City Festival was an all-day celebration of living a healthy, vibrant, and more sustainable lifestyle in urban communities. This was DC’s first urban Earth Day celebration. Sweat Everyday partnered with Broccoli City to celebrate green, active, healthy lifestyles. Sweat Everyday hosted “The Park” held at the grassy park area at the festival from 12pm-6pm. There were over one hundred attendees that participated in workouts and fitness classes such as yoga, cardio dance, and Zumba given by Sacha Simmons and April Jackson, co-founders of Sweat Everyday. The attendees enjoyed beverages by event’s sponsor Vita Coco Coconut Water.
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The workouts were filmed by event sponsor Chill Out DC and they also provided live media review to attendees after the workout. Attendees also received complimentary Sweat Everyday tote bags and virtual gift bags. The items inside the Sweat Everyday tote bags were filled with goodies provided by Sweat Everyday sponsors. Attendees were also able to purchase Sweat Everyday t-shirts. Sweat Everyday sends special thanks to the event sponsors: Sisterhood of Natural Hair, Creative De Photography, Vita Coco Coconut Water, Team Beach Body, Grindstone Universal Clothing, TishaRae, Women’s Elevation Magazine, Chill Out DC, Fab Body Factory by Deanna Jefferson, and SociallySuperlative.com. For more information please check out: http://www.sweat-everyday.com/ June 2013 Issue
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See for yourself! Get Kissed Today...visit us at: www.KissedbyKoco.com
By Monique S. House, MS, CHES
Have you ever wanted to start a business,
but weren’t sure how? Think you have a
great idea, but aren’t ready to pursue it full time? You may be able to keep your current job and still pursue your dreams. Here’s how: 1. Pursue a business that you’ll love, but that’s also feasible and sensible. Before you can get started on laying the foundation for your business, you need to decide what type of business you want to pursue. This needs to be something that you enjoy doing, and that you have strong skills in, NOT one or the other. You’ll be sacrificing a lot of your time and money for this new venture, so you need to make sure you’ll enjoy doing the work and have the know-how to do it. 2. Do your research. Define your customer, and know your competition. Gather your resources and connections, and investigate business structures, state and federal laws (including tax regulations), and industry standards. You may need to apply for licenses, permits, EINs, and insurance policies. Also, make sure you know about any zoning requirements, and if you are renting, be sure to check your lease to make sure that running your business will not be a violation. You also need to review the policies with your current employer (or school if you are a student) to make sure that any entrepreneurship activities are legal. Look especially for any “intellectual property” clauses.
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3. Begin with the end in mind. All good businesses start out with a plan, and take into account every stage of your business, including termination. Don’t feel like you need to write a 150 page manual, but you need to have some sort of guide that will direct your business activities. Remember, business plans are live documents—they should be updated consistently. If you’ll be working with one or more partners, prepare your business agreement. Decide early on what your expectations are for each other, how much each partner owns of the business, and what happens when someone wants out. 4. Set your boundaries. Communicate with family and friends about what you plan to do. Try to anticipate what the business will demand of you. Try your hardest to not let your side hustle affect your performance at your nine to five. Determine who will be on your team; you need a support system in order to be successful. 5. Set a budget. You may feel the pinch in your pockets when you first start out. Create a budget early on so that you don’t overspend beyond your means. You’ll want to make a habit of separating your personal and business expenses, regardless of what business structure you choose. Be sure to seek professional help from a tax advisor, accountant, bookkeeper, or lawyer as needed. 6. Keep a schedule and stick to it. Don’t work on things for your business while you’re at your day job. (I know… I know… it’s easier said than done right?!) While you’ll have less time for family and your social life, don’t allow your business and full time job to compromise other priorities. Find the balance that will keep you happy, employed, and financially secure. 7. Know when to take the leap. If you’ve found success and your startup has the potential to replace your full time job, take the plunge into self-employment. Make sure you’ve weighed all pros and cons, padded your savings, and will be able to replace the benefits you use from your employer. Self-employment can be scary, but being your own boss will certainly have its rewards. Whatever you do, don’t burn bridges with your current employer. They may be a major resource for you in the future, or even serve as your reference to potential customers. You may also be able to come to an agreement to take with you some of the products and projects you’ve developed, and even some clients with whom you’ve already developed a rapport. Depending on your line of work, your previous employer may contract you and become your best customer.
Begin your research today on www.sba.gov to locate resources for your business, and find links to federal and state governments to begin the new business application process. Monique is a part-time entrepreneur, and Co-Owner/Co-Founder of Knight Writers Professional Services. Discover more tips on professional development at www.knightwriters.net.
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By Chiezda Washington
It’s 5:45 am
and you’ve just rolled over to hit the
snooze button on your alarm clock!! Why? Because like so many others, you are not SUPER EXCITED to jump out of bed, leave your loved ones and go to an unfulfilling job just to bring home the bacon. Sound familiar? This was me until I FOUND MY PURPOSE. Being a single mom with a PhD in LIFE, I too felt like pursuing my passion was only going to be a dream or, at best, in the very distant future. What I realized is that I am WORTHY of achieving all of the dreams and goals I’ve set for myself and so are you. How do you find your passion? Look within; there is something deep down inside, aching to be born— these are your labor pains. Amazingly, women can bring forth life in so many ways and yet most of us don’t believe enough in ourselves to relentlessly pursue our dreams. If you are like me, you’ve worked countless years, decades even, helping others realize their dreams and putting yours on hold. The time is now. But I don’t have any idea where to start…. This is where your passion will speak to you. June 2013 Issue
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Your start-up capital is located in your paycheck. Often, we budget for things like socializing with friends (aka Happy Hour), entertaining ourselves by attending movies and concerts, and through retail therapy (i.e., shopping habits to fill a void).
When embarking on your entrepreneurial journey, it is important to take small achievable step. The return on your investment will be phenomenal.
The best investment one can make is to invest in one’s self. It’s also important to believe in yourself even when others won’t.
Imagine what your life would be like if money weren’t an issue and you had the time and freedom to do with as you saw fit.
Here are a few questions to ask yourself to get closer to your purpose: 1) Am I willing to lose some people closest to me in order to pursue my dream? 2) What would my life be like if I truly pursued my dream with relentless fervor? 3) What kind of legacy do I plan to leave for my family? 4) What am I willing to sacrifice today to have the future I desire tomorrow? These are just a few LIFE CHANGING personal questions that every successful entrepreneur has had to ask themselves. I want to congratulate you in advance on the launch of your dream business. Should you desire a more meaningful life, PURSUE your passion with relentless fervor. The sacrifice is to do something you’ve never done in order to attain something you’ve never had. The reward is far greater when you’ve stepped into your destiny and have freed yourself from financial bondage. Your goals are real. Your dreams are real. Your vision is yours to birth and you are truly worthy. Make the sacrifice today so that you can achieve your goals. Profits will truly follow your passion.
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When I started my first business in 2012, I did it because I knew it would generate money and it was something I was good at. After working for seven years in accounting, I thought to myself, “Why don’t I earn money for myself outside of my 9 to 5?” I quickly began to realize that working for-profit outside of corporate America is the same as working for profit inside corporate America. I soon despised the work I was doing because it wasn’t my passion. It wasn't until I realized that my true passion was sharing the messages of other women through the world of journalism.
There is a difference between working for profit and working for you. When working for yourself, you tend to put a lot more effort into it. Longer hours, more phone calls, emails, tweets, etc., seem like less of an effort when your work is something you love.
During my walk as an entrepreneur, I have learned that your vision may start out one way, but will certainly turn into something more. I am reminded daily by my peers and women I've never even met that my vision is bigger than me. It's bigger than what I realize; and even when I feel like throwing in the towel, God finds a way of reminding me to hang in there.
My message to those of you who are pursuing your passion is that you are laying the foundation for something greater than yourself. You are laying the foundation for something longstanding and worthwhile because you aren't solely doing it for money, but because you couldn't see yourself doing anything else. June 2013 Issue
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By Sahara Gilmore
Whether you want to design your own clothes, set up an online boutique, or simply blog about the latest high fashion runway show or street styles in your area, there are many practical ways you can make the most of your enthusiasm for fashion. Now is the time to get inspired and follow your dreams. Get Creative Pick up the monthly fashion magazines, read daily blog sites, visit local department stores for seasonal trends, and even scour charity shops or EBay for standout vintage pieces and unusual accessories. It’s always important that you are fully aware and fashion-forward because the world of fashion is always changing. Creativity is making connections and looking at things differently, and this can inspire design. It asks us to look to character traits that foster new ideas, examine our motivations and thought processes, and establish a design-friendly environment. This insight empowers designers. “We need creativity in order to break free from the temporary structures that have been set up by a particular sequence of experience”- Edward De Bono. June 2013 Issue
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Set Up Shop Choosing a name for your company is vital because it is what you will build your brand and reputation on; you don’t want to complicate how people recognize or find you. Starting an online store is hard work, and marketing on a large scale can be costly, but the experience is definitely worth it. Whether you want to sell your own creations or different pieces from established designers, setting up an online boutique is an option to earn money. Remember, when setting up your shop you have to consider your targeted consumers/customers because they are as much important as the design of the site and the pieces for sale.
Networking Many of us attend fashion shows for networking opportunities and exposure. However, the best way to get a taste of the other side of the fashion industry and connect with local designers and retailers in your area is to put on your own fashion show. One of the keys to jump-starting a fashion line is to run in the same circles with other fashion industry professionals. Secure sponsors and rent a small venue (school, hall, or community center). Film the show and upload the content to raise your social profile.
There are many ways to break into the fashion and make a name for yourself the most important thing to do is to start. If you’re unclear where you should begin think about getting involved in an internship with someone in the business. The more you are involved within the industry the more you can learn about yourself and where you want to make your mark.
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By Shannon Henderson
As any business owner will tell you, “It takes money to make money”. This means, that without the necessary capital to fund your dream, your business could flounder before it has a chance to float. Money for your business helps with its growth and provides a sense of security while you navigate the rocky road of entrepreneurship. But what happens when you’re eager to start and grow your business, but your money doesn’t match up? Bootstrapping is an art that all entrepreneurs should become familiar with, even if you have hefty capital to run your business. With bootstrapping, you practice self-financing or reinvesting your customers’ money to manage your business’ needs. The money can come from multiple sources: your paycheck from a job, equity from your home, your savings accounts, etc. In an early start-up stage, bootstrapping is almost mandatory. Most lenders (private or personal), will not let you borrow money without a proven business model and a sales record. Therefore, in the beginning, it’s up to you to create “alternative” financing solutions. If you are a full-time employee with a hobby-based or part-time business, you can finance your growth through the paychecks you receive from your employer. Along with your regular bills and personal lifestyle management, you can set aside money to buy equipment, materials or to build your PR and sales strategy. Think about it this way, if you set aside $200 per paycheck for a year, you’ve financed $4800 for your business without creating debt. Even better, each investment you make into your company using your own money, is money that grows and goes back into your bank account. Another strategy to fuel your business while maintain a full-time job is to use your sales money to grow the company. It’ll take strict guidelines, like not using any of the money for your personal needs, but it definitely creates a cash flow for your business. When I started my business, I had $0 from outside sources, no credit cards and no savings account. But I still started my venture. As a home-based consulting and writing business, I didn’t need major equipment or supplies. I calculated the expenses I needed to grow and effectively launch my business and started seeking customers through networking. My very first client paid me $1600 to write a business plan. I took $800 of that money and bought new software, business cards, built my own website, paid for my legal registration and I was in business! There was still $800 left, from which I spent $200 on promotional strategies and put the rest back into the business. By the end of the first month, I had generated $4800 in sales, of which $2400 had been reinvested into financing my expense, growing my business and acquiring new customers. This cycle continues to this day. No matter the amount my clients pay. I take their money and use it fund the growth of the business. I’ve never borrowed money to run my business. And now I operate it full-time. If you’re ready to turn your hobby-based or part-time business into a full-time prosperous venture, follow these simple, but strict, bootstrapping rules: 1) If you’re starting a business without any money like I did, the money your business earns from the sale of its products and services should be used to sustain your growth. 2) And separate your personal needs from your business’ needs. In the beginning, none of the income your business generates should be used for personal gain. 3) Know what your NEEDS are versus building a substantial lists of wants. In the beginning, you need sales collateral (a website, business cards, etc.), accounting management (for receivables, payables, to collect money from customers and recording) and of course your inventory. Compare this to wanting fancy stationery and luxurious office space & furniture. 4) Once you know your needs, prioritize them. Decide what needs to be done with each segment of a paycheck you set aside. Remember, each expense should be something that helps with generating a new customer. 5) Keep your expenses low. Your business should operate on the smallest possible budget without compromising the quality of your products or services. This makes those lean sales month a little easier to manage versus potentially shutting down your operations. 6) Load up on the free stuff. Whether it’s free classes, secondhand equipment, a few necessary bartering arrangements or volunteer labor, get as much quality free stuff as you can. June 2013 Issue
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5 Strategies to Building Your Empire from Home By ShaChena Gibbs
Did you start a home business doing something you totally love? Are you really making money from it? Or are you just doing it in your spare time? It’s time to learn what it takes to take your hobby into another realm.
It’s time to build your EMPIRE.
STEP ONE: Take your dream and make it a reality.
Envision what you want your business to look like in five years. break those years down into milestones. For example, what do you want to accomplish in your first year, third year etc. Using Vision Journal is really helpful for this task because a Vision Journal is a notebook full of pictures and/or drawings that represent what you want to accomplish within a certain time frame. In a Vision Journal you should also include deadlines and any notes of events that took place during the time of building towards that particular vision. June 2013 Issue
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STEP TWO: Research. From your target market to the permits or licenses you may need to run your business you will need to research to figure out what you need to be success. Researching also helps you figure out if there is a need for what you have to offer. The worst thing you can do is to work so hard creating a product that no one is interested in. Making sure that you have the proper paperwork is often a step those looking to start a business forget. Research what your state requires in order for you to truly call yourself a business. Taking the time to get your certifications and needed permits, shows that you are serious about building on your dreams. STEP THREE: Become your brand! It’s time to match your image to the brand you are creating for yourself. Example: If you are a Plumber, you wouldn’t wear a suit and tie much. If you are a beauty consultant, you may dress up with the latest trends and beauty products. Your face, hair, and nails must be done at all times. You must represent your brand. When you begin to market your products and/or services, the marketing tools, your website, and you must speak the same language. Remember you are your BRAND! STEP FOUR: Develop systems for everything you do. Have you ever visit a McDonalds where the cashier didn’t say “Welcome to McDonald’s may I take your order?” Every successful business runs on systems. A simple system you can start with is how you answer your phone when a potential client calls. Once you have that down, write it down in an “Operations Manual." An operations manual with not only help you run your business more smoothly, but if ever you hire on staff they will have a point of reference. STEP FIVE: Begin keeping records of your expenses and income. Keep receipts and record the numbers in a record keeping system like QuickBooks. Saving your receipts in an folders by month is an easy way to keep track of what you spend while on the go. Make sure keep accurate records of your finances for IRS purposes and to know if your business is generate positive revenue. Being your own boss is not as easy of a task like many may believe it is. The CEO’s that we work for 9 to 5 have already done the ground work that allow them to have flexibility. Remember you are just beginning and it's your turn to grind so that you can earn the time freedom and revenue you dream of. June 2013 Issue
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One word that comes to mind when thinking about our feature is fearless!
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Cheryl Wood is a speaker, author, and motivational business coach. Her compelling journey from childhood poverty in a single-parent household to becoming a mission-driven woman pursuing her passion resonates with men and Women’s Elevation Magazine 32 women globally.
She shares the ups and downs of her transition from poverty to a successful career to launching a small t-shirt business in her basement to becoming an internationally renowned motivational speaker inspiring audiences to live more purposeful lives. Her message equally empowers leaders, executives, career professionals, and entrepreneurs to persist and persevere until they reach their goals even in the face of fears, doubts, challenges, and setbacks. Wood has written two books, How I Flatlined and Woke Up in 45 Days – A Guide to Empowered Living and The GlamourLESS Side of Entrepreneurship – What They DIDN’T Tell You About Being A Woman In Business. She is the Editor & Publisher of Fearless With A Purpose Magazine, and has written expert articles for WISE Magazine, Enterprising Women Magazine, and FAHARI Magazine. Wood has also received numerous awards and recognition for her transformational work including 2012 “40 Under 40” Small Business Honoree, Prince George’s County Social Innovation Fund; 2012 Inspirational Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
...I
no longer wanted to be at my job at 7 am and be the last one to leave in the evening. WE Magazine: Let me start out by saying thank you for being on the cover of WE Magazine this month It is truly an honor. This month we are discussing turning your hobby/passion into a profitable business venture. I know that you have spoken on this topic before because you are so many things; an author, an entrepreneur, a speaker, etc. I want to start out by having talk a little bit about your story. C. Wood: I was a corporate gal for 20 plus years so that is all I knew. I can’t say I wasn’t happy in corporate America because in the beginning I didn’t have a family, and was making pretty good money. I think the turn really came once I became a mom and started my family because I no longer wanted to be at my job at 7 am and be the last one to leave in the evening. That was the turning point because my positions were mostly high profile where they would expect that from you. For me I wanted to lessen my hours, and they wanted me to give more. I began to get the itch to start my own thing and wanted to really have more control over my own time and flexibility. Especially as my children started to grow because I wanted to be there for my children and their activities, and it seemed that my job was really starting to take precedence over my responsibilities as a mother. June 2013 Issue
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I decided to take a leap and start my own business while still in corporate America, and I started my first business Moms R the Best, a t-shirt company. There wasn’t really any rhyme or reason behind starting with a t-shirt business besides the fact that I wanted to say that I at least started something that I was passionate about.
Cheryl Wood & Gabrielle J. Williams
It was a t-shirt line for moms; I created slogans that were relatable to moms and go out to different events in the area to sell the product.
What it did was give me that footing that I needed to understand the hard work that goes into being an entrepreneur. It was a great introduction in to entrepreneurial world for me, and it just so happen that as I sold my product I started to really connect with the customer more, and inspired other people because of the nature of my business. I found myself being a motivational speaker just through selling the t-shirts and talking to different women. It was through casually speaking with my customers that I was offered a speaking engagement at Morgan State University teaching other moms about how to start their own business. I really fell into Cheryl Wood as a speaker by chance because I wanted to do something more in my life. WE Magazine: That is amazing and something I didn’t know. It is amazing to see how by starting one business your talents were recognized by someone else who saw more than just the t-shirts. C. Wood: Yes! I worked my butt off for nearly two years before I got into public speaking. People need to understand the ground laying that sometimes has to be done in order to get to where you are supposed to be. WE Magazine: I want to ask you a question regarding starting your t-shirt business while working your 9-5. As you know, many entrepreneurs are full time workers while they purse their passion. What kind of tips can you offer our readers who work a 9-5? What kind of toll did it take on you to be doing all of those things before you became who you are today? How did you make it through the process before jumping out on faith into your destiny?
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C. Wood: The only way I was able to do that was off of sheer adrenaline, and it was adrenaline from two things: the first was that I wanted to change my circumstances and the second was the belief that if I kept doing something different it would eventually lead to something different. It was not going to happen overnight, but you must make sure that whatever you choose to do is something that will drive you and your “Why” and will drive you so much that you will be willing to go to your 9-5, come home and cook dinner, and then work on your business until 2 or 3 o’clock in the morning. That was my life for the first two years of my business; I didn’t sleep (laughs). WE Magazine: (laughs). Well then my other question would be does Cheryl Wood ever take a break? Do you ever just turn that Blackberry or IPad off and stop? C. Wood: I mean I do, but can I say it’s a regular and consistent thing? No. and you have people that tell you that “You have to take care of you, and you have to stop and unplug,” and all of that sounds good. It sounds really sexy, but is it realistic? I would have to say no because if someone is calling my Blackberry for business I’m going to want to get that contract. I don’t want to be unplugged for four days and non-responsive if someone is calling about my services. Now there are some days that I turn off from my business mode and take some time to myself. I’m not taking my Blackberry to the bathroom with me (laughs). That’s unplugged for me. WE Magazine: Exactly, I completely understand that. I get angry when I leave my phone at home. C. Wood: Right, and even when I do unplug and take family time, I go right back to working once they are settled down because in the early stages of your business most of us don’t have a team. Most people begin to build their team in the second or third year. When you first start out it is just a team of one, and I believe that the people that succeed are those that don’t just say “I only work 9-5, Monday – Friday.” WE Magazine: That is the passion and thought process that a lot of people need to have before they go into business. People should really read your ok “The GlamourLess Side to Entrepreneurship” because it really does tell you about all of the hours that you must dedicate when you start your journey as an entrepreneur. This is a completely different ball game and it is not for everyone.
Most people begin to build their team in the second or third year.
C. Wood: I agree; it is definitely not for everyone. If you know that you will be more comfortable working a 9-5 and getting a check every two weeks that’s fine. There has to be workers in the world because we all can’t become entrepreneurs but you have to know this up front. The dynamics change when you own your own business because as a business owner you realize that if there are things that need to be done time has no limit. There is no getting off at five if there is a project that needs to be completed.
WE Magazine: Whenever I see you or read something about you or your business the word “fearless” is implanted into my mind and more than likely the minds of others. You have been able to use that word so well within your brand so I want to ask what does that word mean to you? How does that word define both you and your business?
C. Wood: You know the word fearless means that you are willing to intentionally put yourself in the path of what’s uncomfortable, put yourself in the path of what’s unfamiliar, and put yourself in the path of what scares you to death in order to get what you really want. That’s how I define fearless, and I feel like I sort of took that on as a part of my brand because when I first decided to purse entrepreneurship, I was scared to death because I wondered, “Do I really believe I can change my life?” I wanted it but when I started I really didn’t believe it. I had to ask myself if I was going to be fearless enough to know that this scares me; knowing that I could spend a lot of time, money, and effort into this business that might fail that scared me to death. Knowing that I could possibly lose friends because I no longer wanted to do the things they wanted to do because I’m sacrificing and not hanging with the girls, instead I’m hanging and trying to make my business work that scared me to death. It was like all of these things that scared me as I began this new journey, but I knew that I was going to do it anyway. That is why I took on that title of being fearless because it’s always about doing something that is uncomfortable, unfamiliar, something that not everyone else is doing and stick with it. When you first start you’re scared to death; you’re shaking in your boots because you don’t know what’s going to happen, but you’re going to do it anyway. That’s fearless. June 2013 Issue June 2013 Issue
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I said to myself even if I fail there has to be something that I am going to learn from this. First thing I’m going to learn is that I’m one tough cookie because I was working full time, raising three kids, and doing a business at the same time. I started thinking about the things that I was going to prove to myself even if the business failed. What’s the worst that can happen? WE Magazine: That’s a good way of looking at it, and I think that’s why you have become so successful. You have remained so fearless in whatever it is that you pursue. So let’s talk a little bit about what you do. Because you do a lot (laughs). You are planning an amazing even that is coming up in August. So share with the readers what the “Create Your Own Sizzle” event is about. C. Wood: I think everybody has a desire to have some sizzle in his or her lives; they want to shine, they want to have something that makes them unique that makes them feel alive. Whether you call it your big dream or goal everyone has the capacity to create their own sizzle. So for me, my sizzle is speaking. I wouldn’t trade that for anything in the world. How did I create my own sizzle? If gurus like Les Brown and Lisa Nichols aren’t knocking down my door to have me come and share a stage with them how to do I create my own stage? How do I create my own dream without waiting on someone to acknowledge the dream or call me and hand me the dream? That is really what the entire concept of create your own sizzle is about. Stop waiting for someone else to give you an opportunity. Get out there and create your path that gives you your own time to shine. Me renting out Showplace Arena is my way of creating my own dream. I don’t have to wait on anyone to call me for the opportunity because I am creating it myself. That’s what we want to share with women and young girls that come to the event; that you don’t have to wait on someone else to create the opportunity for you. You can create it on your own. So you’re not just going to come to this event and sit and hear a 3-hour long speech. No you’re going to be introduced to young girls and women who are creating their own sizzle, and showing you how they created their own path to get to their dreams. It doesn’t matter you come from, how much money you have, what resources you have access to because you can still create your own dream. We are going to have 9-year-old Chi Chi net, who is a singer and rapper, and talk to her about creating her own sizzle, and then she is going to perform. We are going to have Tanya Blount, who is a singer, who starred in “Sister Act 2: Back In The Habit” alongside Lauryn Hill. My daughter will also be showcasing her first book at the event, and she is just gearing up, writing, and ready to show you guys who she is. We are having a comedian who has travelled the world that is going to share her sizzle as well. It’s about demonstrating real live women who are not just talking about pursuing their dreams but are actually doing it. June 2013 Issue
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C. Wood: You know I am one of those people who is always looking for opportunities to shine the spotlight other women. So the magazine was really less about me and really about giving other women a platform to showcase their fearlessness because I am not the only one that’s fearless. There are so many amazing women who are fearless that just don’t get the acknowledgement, and so the magazine for me was about focusing on everyday women who are fearless. This was my way of giving the underdog their time to shine to those who are in the community and giving 150%. We have so women who have a voice but the voice isn’t being heard because there isn’t plan a platform for somebody that nobody knows. And that’s how I have felt going through my journey. I felt like a little fish nobody wanted to really put in their magazine or in their book, and I had to just keep swimming and swimming until I got recognized. So, this magazine is my way of giving back from my journey and helping someone else get exposure. WE Magazine: I think that’s an awesome way of putting it. It is very important that we create these platforms for others because it sheds light on positive parts of our community. I think it great to have magazines like yours and mine and others like Dove Style Magazine who are giving women that feel like a nobody a platform to shine. I want to end this interview by asking what’s next for Cheryl? I know you have so many different projects, but besides the august event what else do you have going on? C. Wood: I will be releasing a book at the August event and it flows right along with motivating people to really get out and create their own sizzle. I will be doing some speaking engagements. I will be speaking at the Mocha Moms national conference in June. I plan on hosting some workshops on teaching others how to venture into speaking. WE Magazine: Well thank you for taking the time out to speak with me. You have an amazing message. Follow Cheryl: Twitter: @cherylempowers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CherylEmpowers Website: www.cherylwoodempowers.com
By Tosh Patterson
The reality is friends want to go out for dinner. And, sometimes, you want to go out for dinner too. Unless you plan on being a hermit, there's just no way around the "let's go to dinner" invitation, so one of the biggest challenges facing those trying to follow a healthy diet is the local restaurant. Here are 5 tips for healthy eating in restaurants...
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One good rule of thumb to use when dining out is to order entrees that are grilled, baked or broiled. Deep fried dishes are best avoided. If you are unsure how a dish is prepared, don't be afraid to ask.
Portion size is just as important at the restaurant as they are at home. That means ordering the petit fillet instead of the full size steak, requesting half size portions of French fries, and maybe even forgoing that tempting dessert. Choosing leaner cuts of meat or fish is also a good way to eat healthier.
When choosing side dishes, ask if steamed vegetables are available. Steamed veggies are an excellent, low fat, low calorie choice. Vegetables that are fried, au gratin, or prepared in cream or butter sauces have more hidden calories, so be cautious or ask for the sauces on the side so you can control the amount poured on your veggies.
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Skip the appetizer! Why? Because you'll eat a ton more calories if you eat an appetizer. Instead, go for a simple salad to start. Use oil & vinegar for your dressing OR use very little of the regular dressing. Also, when ordering soup, choose broth based soups, and avoid bisques or rich soups like cream of crab or cream of broccoli. A simple vegetable soup is a delicious and low fat alternative.
Also, when ordering soup, choose broth based soups, and avoid bisques or rich soups like cream of crab or cream of broccoli. A simple vegetable soup is a delicious and low fat alternative.
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Ingredients 1/3 cup fresh mint leaves, plus sprigs for garnish 2 teaspoons sugar 1 1/2 cups store-bought peach juice 1 can (12 ounces) club soda 1/2 cup bourbon Crushed ice, for serving
Directions In a medium bowl or pitcher, combine mint and sugar. With a wooden spoon, mash leaves until bruised. Stir in peach juice, club soda, and bourbon.
Serve over crushed ice; garnish with more mint.
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What it took for 6 tostadas: * 6 corn tortillas * cooking spray * 2 cups grated cheddar cheese * 2 avocados * 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, plus more for garnish * juice from 1 lime * 2 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil * 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined Taken from BevCooks
* 1 Tbs ground cumin * 2 Tbs chili powder * 1 tsp crushed red or green pepper * 1 tsp garlic salt * 1 red bell pepper, cut into small slices Preheat oven to 350. Lightly coat both sides of the corn tortillas with cooking spray. Bake for 4 minutes on each side. Switch oven to broil. Evenly divide the cheese over the tortillas and broil until cheese is melted and bubbly, 2-ish minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. In a small bowl, combine the avocados, cilantro, lime juice and a pinch of kosher salt. Mash up with a fork until you get guacamole. Go ahead and eat a few bites for your well-being. Toss the shrimp with the cumin, chili powder, crushed pepper flakes and garlic salt. Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium high. Sear the shrimp on one side for 2 minutes; flip and sear 30 more seconds. Remove from pan. To the pan, add the sliced red bell pepper. Saute for 2 minutes, scraping the browned bits from the pan, seasoning the peppers. Sprinkle in a leetle salt. Spoon the guacamole over each cheesy tostada, followed by shrimp and red bell pepper. Garnish each tostado with cilantro and give another good squeeze of lime juice over each one.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
Cook Time: 1 hour, 25 minutes
4 - 8-ounce packages cream cheese at room temperature
Total Time: 1 hour, 45 minutes
1 3/4 cups sugar 1/4 tsp Sea Salt 1/4 cup cornstarch 1 tablespoon Vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon Coconut extract 3 large eggs 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions Preheat the oven to 335 F and grease or butter an 8-inch cake pan. Place a round of parchment paper on the bottom. Spray the pan and the parchment. If you are wanting a crust, now is the time to make it. Place one 8-ounce package of the cream cheese, 1/2 cup of the sugar, and the cornstarch in the bowl of a stand mixer. Beat on low speed until creamy, about 3 minutes, then beat in the remaining 3 packages of cream cheese. Increase the mixer speed to high and beat in the remaining 1 1/4 cups of the sugar, then beat in the vanilla, coconut extract, and salt. Blend in the eggs one at a time, beating only until completely blended. Be careful not to overmix the batter. Slowly mix in the cream and sour cream until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Place the pan in a large shallow pan containing hot water that comes about halfway up the sides of the pan. Bake the cheesecake until the top is lightly browned, about 1 hour and 25 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and center is set. Allow to cool in the oven with the door propped open. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate until it's completely cold, at least 4 hours or overnight. Press the toasted coconut into the sides of the cheesecake. Spread raspberry gelee to within 1/2 inch of the edge of the cheesecake. Place fresh raspberries in a circular pattern around the top. Raspberry gelee – 1 cup fresh raspberries, 3/4 cup sugar. Reduce in small pot over medium heat until thickened. Allow to cool. Toasted Coconut – 2 cups coconut flake. Spread onto baking sheet and toast in 325 oven until lightly browned, stirring every 5 minutes.
Who is Quinn Conyers? Owner of Purse Paparazzi and Quinn Conyers, she is a speaker, media mogul, and an entrepreneur. She is also one of the youngest adjunct professors teaching Speech Communication at Coppin State University and has earned her Bachelor's Degree from West Chester University in Pennsylvania and a Master's Degree from Howard University in Washington D.C. Quinn's goal is to use ability as a speaker and entrepreneur as a platform to motivate, inspire and empower others. WE Magazine sat down to talk to with Conyers to get some tips for those looking to turn their passion into a business venture. Conyers spoke on life while working a 9-5, learning how to say no, and how to use the art of speaking as another form of income for your business. WE Magazine: A lot of us are working full time, while pursuing our businesses part time can you give the readers some tips on how to transition into starting their business while working full time. Q. Conyers: Well the first tip I would say is don’t look at your 9-5 as a hindrance look at it as your investor. Your 9-5 can be used as a vehicle to fund various aspects of your business. Once you become a full time entrepreneur the money does come in every two weeks like a 9-5. It can come once a month, every three months etc. so with your full time job you can use that money to fund your business. You can get your website done, print up business cards, and take care of all those things so that once you become a full time entrepreneur all of those basic things will be taken care of. Because once you jump into that full entrepreneurship pool, and you need extra money it doesn’t work the way that it does when you are being supported by a full time job. WE Magazine: That is wonderful tip a lot of people see their full time as a hindrance because they see it as the obstacle between them and pursing their destiny. Once you’ve you established that your full time job is your investor, and you have begun your passion on a part time basis what are some tips on work-life balance. Because it can be a struggle to go to work five days a week, come home and do things for your business and be a mom, wife, etc. June 2013 Issue
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Q. Conyers: Well I would say two things that are important are scheduling and automating. What do I mean by schedule? Schedule certain days and times in which you devote this time to your business. That way every day you’re not all over the place, and the rest of the time you are taking care of other responsibilities. Sometimes that may involve getting up early or staying up late, and circling it around times when there are no other distractions. The second tip is developing an automation plan. Whatever you can do and set up that you don’t have to do every day is a plus. For example there are apps like Hootsuite that allow you to schedule your post to various social media outlets so that you are doing double the work. And also communicate with your spouse and children to make sure that they understand the times in which you are working on your business so there will be no interruptions. WE Magazine: Often times you must truly schedule around other responsibilities and also realize when to cut your business tasks off. If you don’t have an off switch you can quickly burn out. Especially within that first year of business, I call it the first year blues because it can be the most difficult. People get into business without understanding the amount of effort that goes into owning a business. What are some of the things that you wish that you would have known within the first year of business that you can share with others so that they can learn from it? Q. Conyers: I would say one of the first things I wish I had learned was don’t let everyone babysit your child. What does that mean? That means once you start a business everyone from your boyfriend to your mother is going to have an idea of how you should run your business and what products you should offer within your business. For example I sell purses when I first started out everyone said “You should add jewelry” or “You should add shoes,” and everyone has their own idea of how you should your company. What you must remember is that your business is your child it’s your baby. You birthed it but everyone cannot babysit it, everyone’s opinion cannot matter when you start it. Just be careful what advice you take and from who.
Another tip is learning how to say no. People are going to want free so if you are giving away your product or service for free it can cause you to lose money and time. And that doesn’t work because that person may always want your product or service for free or heavily discounted because that is what they are used to. I tell people all the time you don’t go to Macy’s and ask them for a discount you pay the full price so why should I operate any different? June 2013 Issue
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Quinn Conyers cont’d A third tip is that you should find a mentor that can help you along the process of entrepreneurship. Some that can give you insight because they have gone through some difficult situations, and therefore would be able to give tips based off of facts. And lastly, you have to learn how to difficult conversations. In business everyone is not going to be your friend and you have to learn that business is business and personal is personal. You must learn how to separate the two, and you may have a person that you’ve known since you were three who thinks because of history they are allowed to get things for free or discounted etc. so you have to learn how to be able to have that uncomfortable conversations. WE Magazine: I want to switch gears for a second you are the owner of two businesses. You second business is Quinn Conyers the speaker. Share with our readers how they would go about getting into the field of speaking. Q. Conyers: Honestly, once you become an entrepreneur you become a speaker because those two things go hand and hand. Why? Because once you start a business people are going to want to hear your story, and you have to be able to articulate that. How you started your company? What is your business? Those are going to be some of the questions that you are constantly faced with so I would say first you must embrace that you are naturally going to become a speaker because of the nature of entrepreneurship. The second tip is that once you realize this as a fact you should begin to take measures to hone in on the art of speaking. Take a class, go to a conference, get on a conference call etc. Your product could be the best product in world but if you cannot articulate what it is that your do you’ve just shot yourself in the foot. I help entrepreneurs, authors, motivational speakers hone in on that craft to view it as an extra source of income within their business. I host workshops and conference calls to teach them how to be smarter about using this talent as a means to not only introduce their business but tell their story and get others to care. WE Magazine: What is up with Quinn? What is going on in the future for your businesses that our readers can look out for? Q. Conyers: Well in the summer I will be doing a series of handbag happy hours, Purse Paparazzi TV will be coming back this summer as well, and I will be doing more speaking engagements to help others learn how to use speaking as an advantage within their business. Lastly, I will be forming a company that will teach people how to cultivate their message, how to build a strong introduction, and how to have a strong closing. WE Magazine: Well thank you so much Quinn for what you shared with our readers. We wish you many blessing on everything you have going on in the future. Q. Conyers: Thank you for allowing me to apart of the issue.
Follow Quinn: Facebook: www.facebook.com/pursepaparazzi www.quinnconyers.com June 2013 Issue
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CHEREACE RICHARDS When I started my business in 2006, I was challenged beyond my comfort zone in so many ways. As part of my personal development, I began to journal what I was learning about myself. God revealed to me that what He did for me was not just for my benefit but to teach woman how to rely on their natural gifts and talents to fulfill His purpose for their life. I was inspired to share my life lessons and to show woman biblical truths they could stand on. What I learned about myself along my journey is documented in my book. WE Magazine: What Inspired you to start writing? Richards: Running a marathon taught me valuable life lessons in perseverance, commitment, and self-reliance. It was a monumental shift in the direction of my life. These lessons showed me that I had the power to do whatever I put my mind to and worked hard at. As I applied them to every area of my life, I have been able to create a life that is not only successful but fulfilled. My purpose in life is to show woman how they can use the gifts God has already given them to move beyond their fears and fulfill their true calling using faith, focus, and action. WE Magazine: What is your favorite quote/mantra to go by as you reach for the stars? Richards: Exercise Faith, Have Focus, and Take Action everyday on your dreams. Faith is confidence and belief in who you are in Christ. Focus is being intentional on carrying out God’s plan for your life. Action is faith in motion. It’s moving in the direction of God’s will for your life. I believe that when you apply all three of these principles to your life, your life will change. It’s not enough to have faith but take no action; or to have faith, take action, but to be all over the place and not focused. All three principles are needed to become who you are! WE Magazine: If you could give guidance to those that want to become writers what would it be? Richards: Believe in your story and start writing. If God has placed a vision in your heart to write then He will make the provisions to bring your story to life. It may seem uncomfortable and challenging but the end result will be well worth the struggle when the masses are inspired and lives are changed by your story. Stay focused on your journey and know that everything happens for a reason and it serves us – be open to learn what you need to grow to the next level in your journey. Connect Live with Chereace: I will be speaking at the Extreme Women Entrepreneurs Event on July 26-28th 2013 in Washington, DC. You may visit my website – www.chereacerichards.com - to stay informed on upcoming events. June 2013 Issue
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OWNER & CEO OF LOVE LIFE MEDIA www.lovelifemedia.com Love Life Media aims to bring Positive Entertainment & Inspirational Pop Culture to the forefront. It is our desire to assure that Positive media is presented with better quality, a remarkable presence, and significant coverage in today's media market
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WE Magazine: What inspired you to get into the business/ field you are in? T. Gaines: I realized that there was a lack of positive media that had quality, significant coverage, and presence in mainstream media. I wanted to create a media circuit for inspirational pop culture made available to college students and young working professionals -- a circuit that encourages them to love life in a positive/innovative way.
WE Magazine: How have your entrepreneurial motivations changed since you first started? T. Gaines: My motivation has remained the same since the beginning of my journey. I want to inspire the world to have faith and love using positive media as the vehicle. WE Magazine: What is your favorite quote/mantra to go by as you reach for the stars ? T. Gaines: “Today is great, tomorrow will be greater.” “I am walking into greatness not because I’m great but because I serve a great God.” WE Magazine: What’s your most memorable experience as an entrepreneur? T. Gaines: My most memorable experience so far is selling out my first event in March, “SheROCKS,” and seeing the concept of celebrating women in the ARTS go from a vision to reality. WE Magazine: Where do you see your business in five years? T. Gaines: In five years I see the company owning a television network that seamlessly makes positive media appealing to a mainstream audience while being recognized as an international media empire. WE Magazine: How would you like people to remember you and your company? T. Gaines: I would like people to remember my company as positive influencers who shaped and helped to change the way people view and enjoy their lives. I want people to remember me as someone who is loving, passionate, energetic, and lives and leads by example. WE Magazine: What popular entrepreneurial advice do you disagree with? T. Gaines: I don’t believe you have to write down a business plan before you go into business for yourself. Your vision will constantly be re-structured as you grow. We waste time writing words [when] we can spend time accomplishing deeds.
Connect with Timea... Website: www.lovelifemedia.com Twitter: @LLM_LoveLife
Facebook.com/lovelifemedia
YouTube: LoveLifeMediaTV
As people, we sometimes lose our ability to understand things that we cannot change. We fail to realize that though we all have a starting and ending point, we don't begin and end in the same place. Every situation, every vision, and every thought has a different meaning to each of us. We were put on this earth to lead our own path and pray that we leave a trail of positivity with every movement. We think before reacting; before speaking. Many of us have lost the ability to see through the forest because we are so blinded by the trees. Those very trees seen as scenery are outfitted, admired and ridiculed too often; distracting us from our ultimate goals. You must ask yourself: are you going to continue to be blinded by the distracting factors in your life, or are you going to follow the path to make your dreams a reality? There are rocks, holes, snakes, and other obstacles along your path. But, would it be better to be too afraid to cross those things than stay in place and continue to waste your energy focusing on the trees?
Think about it! June 2013 Issue
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