Each year, HBCU Dance Corporation, Inc offers the HBCU Dance™ Scholarship for current marching band dancers at Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU.) This scholarship helps ensure the successful matriculation and advancement of dancers through college by assisting them with their academic and performance expenses.
“After scrutinizing multiple applications for the 2015-2016 school year, we’re extremely excited and honored to introduce our newest HBCU Dance™ Scholars – Ms. Amber Prickett and Ms. Imani Clark,” says HBCU Dance Corp. founder, Keelia L. Brown. “In addition to their scholastic achievements and excellence, both of these young ladies have an authentic passion for dance and a strong commitment to serving the community around them. They will represent the HBCU Dance community exceptionally well.”
- Meet Ms. Amber Prickett Alabama State Stingettes
2015 HBCU Dance™ Scholar Hometown: Atlanta Ga
Amber is a sophomore Stingette with the Alabama State University Marching Hornets band. “A natural leader,” “well mannered,“ and “mature” are words that were used to describe her by the team’s coach, Bridgette Williams. As a Dance Therapy major, Ms. Prickett has maintained a 4.0GPA. She will continue to be a positive role model to the youth and dreams of opening her own dance studio one day. “DANCING IS A PART OF MY SOUL.” – Amber Prickett
- Meet Ms. Imani Clark Prairie View A&M Black Foxes
2015 HBCU Dance™ Scholar Hometown: Harbor City, Ca
Imani is a senior and the Head Captain of the Prairie View A&M University Black Foxes. As a classically trained dancer and a Human Performance major, she ensures that the team’s technique and fitness levels are on point. In the community, Imani has been an activist in the voter ID discrimination practices in Texas. She looks forward to becoming a Physical Education and Dance Instructor. “When I dance, every fiber in my being rejoices.” – imani clark
Application Period: February 1 – April 1 Minimum GPA: 3.0 Who Can Apply: Current/Active Members of the Marching Band Dance Team at an Accredited HBCU school. Uses: The funds can be used to cover college expenses including tuition, books, meals, travel and danceline expenses. For more information on HBCU Dance™ Scholarships, go to: www.HBCUDance.com
Section 1 Section 2 Section 3
16
Cover Interview Jesse Collins talks about his crazy, but successful path to being a boss!
24 Young B.O.S.S. Lady Key She speaks about building an empire, from the ground up.
Pure Heat Community Festival Pg: 11 First Year, First Impression Pg. 12 The In - Between Time Pg. 14
Young B.O.S.S. : Lady Key Pg. 24 Keep’n It 100 Pg. 25 The Institutional Racism Behind Reaching Proficient Pg. 26
40
Entrepreneurs to watch for in 2016
DJ FADELF Pg. 42 Jerome Pearson Pg. 52 Sherry Reed Pg. 48
11
Cover Interview: Jesse Collins Pg. 16 Sign Your Own Checks! Pg. 22
Monica
Pure Heat Community Festival
30 J.C. Banks
The one WOMAN who will revolutionize the art of Weddings!
“Women Of Small Businesses” Profile Highlight Pg. 44 Women Winning In The Federal Government Contracting Space Pg. 46 Artisans From South Africa Excelling in American Markets Pg. 50
#BuildAsWeClimb Pg. 28 WebWed Pg. 30 Fvmly Pg. 32 B.O.S.S. HBCU Pg. 34
Magazine Substance In Every Issue
Martin T. Shepherd Esq. EQT Corporation
Dr. Adrienne Booth Johnson CEO - Infinity Global Connections Aisha Felder Principal Marketer of Red Shoe Marketing Group Tiffany Harden-Evens Esq. Linda Clay Chaplain
Founder/Publisher Howard Clay Jr.
Co-Founder/Editor-in-Chief Andrea Paul
Art Director
Emmanuel Johnson
Editorial/Digital Content Manager Cierra McClurkin
Marketing and Advertising Manager Desha Elliott
Media Relations Manager LaTresa “Tree” Cunningham
Promotions Director Jeffrey “Royce” Clay
Contributing Writers: Vincent Cunningham Natyana Robertson Angel Amos Adam Sanders Dr. Gillian Berry Ebbie Parsons James “Jay” Bailey Marcia Robinson Desha “DrDesha” Elliott
South Region Advisor
Cincinnati Regional Ambassador
Gloria Ishman
Myeeah Scott
North Region Advisor
Fort Valley State University Rep
Pamela Thomas
Natyana Robertson
Contributing Editors An Howard
STAFF
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Photography Tristan Ervin Anthony Tyus Larry Person
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LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Please include your name, address and telephone number. Letters may be edited for clarity or space.
Mailing: B.O.S.S. eMagazine, Letter to the Editor, 4820 Walden Lake Pointe Decatur, GA 30035 Subcriptions: www.boss-emag.com Email: editor@boss-emag.com Phone: 678 719 9779 National Distributor: Ingram Content/Ingram Periodicals - 18 Ingram Blvd, La Vergne, TN 37086 (615) 793-5522 B.O.S.S. eMagazine (Library Title # 132-132-300) (UPC #7447029162) is published monthly by B.O.S.S. eMagazine LLC, 4820 Walden Lake Pointe Decatur GA 30035, for the Basic Price of 24.99 per year. Copyright 2011. All Rights reserved. The views expressed by guest writers are not necessarily those of B.O.S.S. eMagazine. Reproduction in whole or in part without the publisher’s express written consent is prohibited. B.O.S.S. eMagazine in not responsible for unsolicited material. Printed at B.O.S.S. Publishing 4820 Walden Lake Pointe Decatur, GA 30035 Address all correspondence, including requests for advertising rates to B.O.S.S. eMagazine, P.O. Box 371612 Decatur GA 30037 or call (678) 719-9779 or Email howard@boss-emag.com
Howard J.Clay Publisher @MR_HowardClay
Howard J. Clay is available for speaking engagements, clinics/ seminars, as well as appearances for organizations, corporate and school events. For Booking howard@boss-emag.com
Editor’s Note Find a way or make one. Even though I went to Clark Atlanta University for one semester, their motto has stood out to me since Fall 2010. Whether you are an entrepreneur or intrapreneur (fill in the following blanks to fit your preference) the CAU motto should speak to you as well. When a person decides to go the entrepreneurship route, most likely, their initial thoughts were to solve a problem in a specific way. To that person, the old ways of doing things seemed obsolete, so they set out to change the game. For intrapreneurs, the same rules apply, but instead of venturing out on their own to build things from the ground, up, they decide to work for a company and utilize their skills to change processes within that company. Whether that means they are looking to get a promotion to a higher position, or even if they find a way to save a department money.
Andrea Paul Editor-In-Chief @Drea_Elizabeth
Andrea Paul is available for speaking engagements, clinics/ seminars, as well as appearances for organizations, corporate and school events. For Booking drea@boss-emag.com
_____-preneurs make a way out of no way. They either find a lane, or they make their own. I know you have come across Facebook profiles, Periscope broadcasts, or even spam mail that introduces you to the world of “coaching” and how you can make 6 figures if you start your own Instagram business… The list goes on. In the back of your mind, you probably see those and think “Coaching? Yeah, no.” But, guess what these coaches have figured out? People have pain and the services the business owners address that pain. Find a lane or make one. As a _______ -preneur, you must sell your solution to other’s issues. That’s how you get clients/ customers. Regardless of which route you take in which ever field you decide, you target a need and fill the void. Do it better than the next person or do it differently. No matter what, _____-preneur or not- you should always find a way to be your own success story at the end of the day. Find a way or make one. - Drea
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Publisher’s Desk Last week, I volunteered at the National Black College Alumni 30th anniversary Hall of Fame Program in downtown Atlanta. It was an amazing, yet exhausting experience. The entire weekend consisted of panels, workshops and ceremonies for our current HBCU students an alumni. Kings and Queens competed for scholarships on Saturday and Chairman of the weekend was one of our former covers, Will Packer! Next to all the pretty dresses and nice suits, there is one image that sticks out in my mind from the event. A young girl, no older than 8 or 9 years old, was walking into the program on Saturday with her mom. All of the college students were lined up in support of their schools’ queen and it was a little chaotic. The girl stood there patiently with her mother waiting for their chance to go into the ballroom. She looked eager and slightly excited, but nothing really too special. And then it happened. Last year’s Queen NBCA Hall of Fame Elisa Thomas, walked by and the little girl's face lit up with JOY. Not just a regular “oh, wow,” but pure, unadulterated JOY. It was like she was staring at an angel or the president or something! She looked back anxiously at her mother, who wasn't really paying attention, and then quickly turned back around to stare at the queen walking by. As she watched the queen’s every step, I could see the little girl’s every emotion. She looked inspired, motivated, and thrilled, all in one. That moment was truly was the highlight of her night. This is what we should strive for when it comes to motivating our children towards education and leadership. We should find out what gives them that hope, that gleam in their eye, that excitement in their face that will help them be a better student, person, and above all, human being. Too many times we put on programs and events to celebrate ourselves or to make someone else look good, but we have to go back to being an inspiration for the ones watching. For the youth, who need someone to look up to, someone to believe in, something to inspire them. We need more programs like the NBCA Hall of Fame Weekend. We need more programs that cater to the youth and not our own, adult agenda in order to capture the pure joy of believing that anything is possible and that dreams do come true. That's what we need. So, as your week begins, or ends, think of how you can change the world. What events can you host or organize that will inspire and make the youth believe again? It is our responsibility as leaders and trailblazers to go above and beyond our own interest and reach the interest and the hearts of the youth. ~
Howard
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SPENDEFY.COM
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If you think college is a scary thought for some high school students, imagine being the “1st First”! What is the “1st First”? It’s the first child from a family who is the first to go to college. Schools and scholarship committees call these youth, “first generation college students.” For a lot of minority high school students this is an unfamilar reality. In this section, you will always find advice and articles to help make the transition to college a little easier for our 1st Firsts.
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Email: contact@ablacklife.cOM
Section 1 - Community
Pure Heat Community Festival Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta, Georgia is currently ranked the top city for newly diagnosed cases of HIV/AIDS in America. Unfortunately, with there being a lack of knowledge and awareness about the disease, this issue has now since become an epidemic. However, in light of this matter, there are an assortment of organizations, clubs, and events that seek to promote awareness and education regarding the disease. The Annual “Pure Heat Community Festival” (Atlanta, Georgia) is one of those entities that has placed HIV/AIDS Awareness at the forefront. The “Pure Heat Community Festival” served as a collection of social events that were centered around the actual Festival that happened on Sunday, September 6th. The events ran from Thursday, September 3rd – Monday, September 7th (Labor Day). The events had a variety of celebrities present, including Monica (singer), LaLa Anthony (LaLa’s Full Court Life), Tiny (T.I. & Tiny), and Honored Guest, Kelly Price (singer), who received a Humanitarian Award on behalf of the festival.
Pray, Proclaim, Prosper, Vincent Cunningham MindPHulAdvice.com Instagram & Twitter: @MindPHul_Advice
In the era of HIV/AIDS being an epidemic, it’s a necessity for there to be an abundance of knowledge regarding this illness, because knowledge and education are powerful. Hopefully, with efforts like “Pure Heat Community Festival,” the term “HIV/ AIDS” will become a distant memory due to the communities increased knowledge of the nature and progression of the virus. For more details and about the “Pure Heat Community Festival”, please check out their website http://pureheatcommunityfestival.com.
11
Section 1 - First Year First Impression
First Year First Impression By: Natyana Robertson Fort Valley State University ‘19
Party over here, whoo whoo! Party over there, whoo whoo! Wait. I have an exam tomorrow. It’s time to be responsible and make some important decisions. I paid to come to school to get an education, so the parties can wait. I came to Fort Valley State University not knowing anyone, but knowing I belonged at the school. That may sound weird, but there’s a feeling I get when I’m on campus, like I belong here. Now, first things first, forget the myths and everything you heard about being a freshman in college. Hopefully, by sharing my experiences, all your doubt and fear will go away. Fast forward to Thursday, move-in day! This was a bittersweet day for me because I was happy to be going off to college, but sad to be leaving my best friend-- my mom. My parents and brother helped me move in and thank God my room is on the first floor! It 12 B.O.S.S. Issue 27
was crazy that day. There was stuff and people everywhere. After meeting my roommates and getting my room set up, it was time for Freshmen Ceremony. This was where we said bye to our parents and I met my friend Mike. Now, not everyone you meet or talk to you is going to be a friend. You have to watch what information you disclose to those you don’t know. Mike became my friend because we have the same major, interests, goals, and we encourage each other. I was hanging out with Mike and my roommates until I found my other two friends that I hang out with now. That seems to happen. If you don’t know anyone at your school, you may tend to hang with your roommates since you live with them. Going through freshman weekend you will start to see people’s true colors since you are the only class on campus at this time. Parents aren’t around anymore, so everyone will be doing what they
want, now that the weekend is over and the freshmen have a feel for the campus. When the Upperclassmen finally move in, that is not the time to start acting like you have no home-training. Upperclassmen are people going to school just like you, so there is no need to lose yourself over them. In my opinion, college is supposed to be a place to grow. You can’t grow if you’re focused on others and not your education. It’s like what people told me before I came to college, stay true to yourself and remember where you came from. Now that the weekend is over and the freshmen got a feel for the campus, it’s time for classes to start. Monday morning came and reality set in for a lot of people who stayed up late the night before. I know I went to sleep, even with all the excitement going on because I had an 8 o’clock class that morning. I tried to schedule all my
Be your Own Success Story
Photo by Angel Amos
“College life is what you make it.” classes in the morning so my day will end early. Every day, I finish classes at 2pm which gives me time to go study, do homework, or even take a nap! Stay on top of your work! I didn’t know professors slipped in pop quizzes, but when I failed one for my English class, I started looking over my notes everyday. Even when you don’t have a class, look over your notes. If you need additional help, don’t be afraid to ask for it. I am getting tutored in math by a student organization on campus. Don’t wait until your grades are suffering to Twitter @boss_emag
get help... it will pay off in the long run.
the point you’re so tired from meetings you can’t stay awake to finish a project for class. Your schoolwork comes first; A big tip: If you’re bored on campus, after that, then you can prioritize with it’s not because there is nothing to do, it’s extra activities. because you are choosing not to do any thing. At my school they post flyers all College life is what you make it and the time for organizations you can join I’m having a great time at my school. or for events happening on campus. It’s Remember, stay focused and stay on the up to you to get involved on campus. right path. Partying is okay every now I’m involved with the campus choir and and then, but that’s not what you paid campus ministries. These things keep your money to go to school for. I hope me busy with meetings and rehearsby sharing some of my experiences, you als. Now, if you’re getting involved on will be excited about your own first campus, don’t overwhelm yourself to college impression! Facebook: /B.O.S.S.emagazine
www.boss-emag.com 13
Section 1 - The In-Between”
The In-Between Navigating between high school and college
By: Angel Amos
“Who would’ve thought?” The question I’ve asked myself constantly over the past few weeks. An honor roll student, honor graduate, multiple scholarship recipient, currently not in any college, at all? I have no idea how to respond when people ask, “How is college going?” or “Why are you still here? I thought you were going away for college..” Who would’ve thought that I wouldn’t be in college right after high school? Don’t get me wrong, I am not trying to boast, but in high school, I knew (along with everyone else) that I had everything together when it came to going to college. I knew where I wanted to go, what I wanted to do, and I had received the scholarships to make it happen, but there was one thing I didn’t have-- control of my stubbornness. By the time senior year of high school began, I had my standardized tests done, college essays, and recommendation letters all ready to submit. When it was time, I had applied to only two colleges out-of-state colleges. The first, a PWI, I applied to because I absolutely loved it and it was my top choice school. The other, an HBCU, I only applied to because I just wanted to have at least one more option in case my number 1 didnt work out. Everyone, starting with my parents, kept telling me to apply to more schools just to keep my options open, but there was nothing inside of me that said 14 B.O.S.S. Issue 27
I could possibly end up going anywhere but where I wanted to go. I was even offered better scholarships from other schools than what mine offered but still... I wasn’t interested in anything else. I was accepted and received scholarships from both schools and that, to me, said it was meant to be. I was meant to go away for college, so when summer vacation began, I was on my way to tour those two colleges. I visited my first choice, the PWI, first. I loved the campus, the people, the weather, the beach, the sidewalks, stop signs, the grass, and everything else that went along with the University. However, when I spoke to financial aid, they let me know in the nicest way possible that I didn’t have nearly enough money in my account to attend their super expensive, out-of-state school. So me, as confused as ever, let it go in one ear and out the other because there was just no way I wouldn’t be going to this school in the Fall. Afterwards, I went to tour the other school, and being the HBCU that it was, I felt like I had never left home. I wasn’t fond of the campus, but the school itself was a good school. I just still could not see myself at that school. However, I had received more than enough financial aid to attend this school, but, I was still stuck on my first choice. I had to figure out a way to get an extra $18,000 to start college in the Fall. Obviously, that didn’t happen and by this time I had wasted so much time “figuring it out,” it was already the end of July
Be your Own Success Story
and most colleges were starting orientation and classes in just a couple of weeks. So, I ended up making the decision that I would stay in-state to save money and then just transfer once I got more scholarship money. It seemed so simple because the only thing I had to do is get accepted to an instate school and start,right? Wrong. Instead, I was denied to my State school because I submitted the application too late. Or at least, that’s what I was told.
Photo by Angel Amos
So, now what? I had missed every opportunity to start college ‘on time’ and it was all my fault. What would I be doing during the ‘in-between time?’ Well, I decided to focus on something I enjoy, and that is photography. I got a job working for a photography company and I’ve been doing a lot of freelance and other photo shoots. I also got certified to be a practicing nursing aide in two states since it would look good for nursing school applications. After all, that was the plan before financial aid and my poor planning took control. But, since my plans were delayed, altered, throwed, deferred, whatever-- I am able to learn so much and prepare a lot more. Someone once told me that my ‘in-between time’ is like my extended break from school. I think that’s a good way to look at it because while I’m on break, I am picking up on the whole ‘adulting’ thing. I am learning about the world, people, and other things that will be essential for me once I start college. I’ve learned that college isn’t a race, it’s more about how vital those 2 or 4 years are for setting you up for the future. I finally figured out that I’d rather not rush to college unprepared and that it is perfectly okay to start late, be ready, and finish strong. So, when I’m not beating myself up about how much of a failure I am for not starting college in the Fall like the rest of the students from my high school who had credentials no better than me, I am learning, photographing, and overall, spending my extended break ‘getting ready’. Anyone who is deciding to go to college should definitely consider if they are mentally ready beforehand. If that means taking some ‘in-between time’ to learn about life and yourself before just diving in, I say, “go for it!” No one should rush to college because if you aren’t ready, it will be very easy for you to fail and that is not what college is for. My ‘in-between time’ and all that I’ve learned so far is what’s going to make me a high achieving college student. Whether I start college in the Spring, Fall of next year, or two years from now, I know I’ll be ready because I spent the time learning and preparing for what’s to come. Twitter @boss_emag
“So now what? What would I be doing during the in-between time?”
Facebook: /B.O.S.S.emagazine
www.boss-emag.com 15
Cover Interview - Jesse Collins
Jesse Collins
Cover Interview
Jesse Collins, the go-to producer for the BET Awards, BET Hip Hop Awards, UNCF An Evening of Stars, BET Honors, Soul Train Awards, and executive producer of the mega-hit TV series Real Husbands of Hollywood starring Kevin Hart, has made a name for himself in the world of television and entrepreneurship. Read about this NAACP Image Award winner’s untraditional path to becoming the B.O.S.S. of his own production company and his life! B.O.S.S.: After high school, what motivated you to get into the entertainment industry? Was becoming a DJ your first choice? Jesse: No, I wanted to be Arsenio Hall! I wanted to have my own talk show or I wanted to work with Arsenio Hall. “Arsenio Hall” was the long term goal. Then, there were plenty of people along the way who were in line with that (goal) and mentored me along the way. When I graduated from high school, I really didn’t know what I wanted to do. Right away, I got a job at a radio station as an intern. I was giving out t-shirts, working in the research department, and doing whatever else I could just to be around the building. My cousin, Melvin Lindsey, was a successful DJ in Washington and he started the “Quiet Storm” with Cathy Hughes (Founder of Radio One and TV 16 B.O.S.S. Issue 27
One). The idea of being on the radio seemed like a great thing and the closest thing to “being Arsenio Hall” that I could do at the time, so I sought advice from him all of the time. Melvin told me, “you just have to go, you have to find a way in and work from there…” B.O.S.S.: How important was mentorship in your growth as a professional? Jesse: I think mentors have been everything for me. I didn’t go to college-it just wasn’t in the cards for me. There were always people who would advise me and help me. I was someone who could sit and listen to people who had done what I was trying to do. I was fortunate that a lot of doors were not closed for me, meaning, I was blessed to have so many individuals spend their time with me and give me that extra 5 minutes. I was never
afraid to ask questions. Whatever I was doing, I was not afraid to learn more. B.O.S.S.: Did you approach these mentors or did they see something in you? Jesse: I feel like I was always the aggressor! (laughs) When I worked at the station, I would call one of the DJs, Donnie Simpson (original host of BET’s first video program, Video Soul), all the time! Usually, it was for NO reason… just to ask him about anything I could come up with. Donnie was the type that would at least answer the phone 1 out of 3 times. He would answer questions about life, radio, developing a voice, or whatever. The questions were ridiculous but, he would always give an answer and was always supportive.
you quit, failure is “Ifabsolutely certain.
Section 1 - Cover Interview
If you keep trying, then winning is a possibility.
“
Cover & Interview Photography: Drexina A. Nelson, Photographer | Styling: Arike Rice Producer: Staci R. Collins Jackson for The Collins Jackson Agency
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Cover Interview - Jesse Collins
Photo Courtesy of BET Networks
B.O.S.S.:You have an unconventional way you reached your success. What would you credit as your biggest break to get to where you are today?
Along with this, there was a series of events that set me up to have the confidence I have to do what I do today. That is what I think is so pivotal to success; the preparation starts way before the opportunity or the moment. B.O.S.S.: You said you thought you could offer more…where did your confidence come from in that moment? Jesse: As we were talking and as I was asking questions about what he wanted and needed the show to be, I realized that I knew some things that brought more to the table than just writing. I had some insight on what the show for the 20th anniversary of BET should be—what needed to be celebrated and what some of the essential elements that had to be a part of the show should be. That’s when the light bulb went off for both of us and realized I can do more. 18 B.O.S.S. Issue 27
B.O.S.S.:You have a certain level of “grind” when it comes to your work. What would you say is the amount of grind or effort needed to reach a level of success? Jesse: I think it’s non-stop. There isn’t a lot of sleep and it requires a lot of focus. If you look at everyone who is great at what they do—doctor, lawyer, business owner, athlete, mechanic, rapper, anyone—the common thread between them all is the amount of effort they put in to being great at that one thing. Money comes when you are great at something! (Laughs) I once watched a documentary with Quincy Jones where he spoke about how important it is to focus on something and be the best at it. The money and the accolades come fairly easily once you’ve become the best. The trick is that it takes a lifetime to become the best at something; a lot of work, effort, pain, and struggle. But, if you focus on being the best, everything else will be achieved. It works itself out. If someone comes to me for a job and the first thing they ask is about the pay rate, that tells me they are not focused on being the best, nor on trying to further
their skill set. They are just thinking about getting paid- which is fine, but then that method of reinforcement gets maxed out, you will reach a ceiling. If, on the other hand, you walk in and say, “What are you guys doing? What can I do to help? Here is what I can offer. This is what I want to achieve,” I can tell they want to aspire to something GREATER than the cash. You have to find that fine line. B.O.S.S.: Through your career, you’ve found a lot of success. I know it was a bumpy road along the way. What motivated you to keep going despite the obstacles? Jesse: Growing up, I witnessed a lot of things. Feast to famine, money in and money out. My parents would grind constantly, in success and in failure because they didn’t really have a choice. What option do you have? Quitting should never be an option, maybe changing direction, maybe doing something else, but quitting should never be an option. If you quit, failure is absolutely certain. If you keep trying, then winning is a possibility. Very successful people have always told me
Section 1 - Cover Interview
“If someone comes to me for a job and the first thing they ask is about the pay rate, that tells me they are not focused on being the best, nor on trying to further their skill set.” that. If you quit you have NO shot. I’d always rather have a shot. Some people have always been there for me in my “down times” and have stepped up to help me. Like, when I lost my job in radio and didn’t know what to do and I was running out of unemployment checks. one of my best friends sat me down with Robert Townsend who asked me about what I was doing next. I replied that I was not leaving LA, but was literally, a week from poverty. He said, “What do you think of writing?” Then, he gave me a script, told me to punch it up, and see if I could put jokes in it and I did that. From there, he put me on the show Parenthood. The first month there, I was just showing up to The Writer’s Room and writing. I was working for free and I knew not to bring up pay because I wasn’t supposed to be there. Afterwards, the studio found out I was working, and they kicked me out. The head writer/producer told me to sit tight because they would figure something out and that was it. That was a tough time for Twitter @boss_emag
me, but the work paid off. People who believed in me were very beneficial and I was just focused on being the best I could be. So, when unforeseen things happen, people will have noticed that you gave your best and you worked hard, so they will look out for you. People are quicker to give you those opportunities when you prove yourself. It becomes a “no brainer.” B.O.S.S.: Should someone who is looking to become a producer/director relocate to make their dreams come true? Jesse: If that is what they believe needs to happen…specifically, in entertainment I think it’s good to relocate. But there are people who are very successful who are not in those big cities. In today’s world, with technology, you can almost be anywhere. It depends more on what you can bring to the market. You do need to come to those cities to build relationships, but that’s the great thing about entertainment, there is no specific road you have to follow. If
you have the passion, drive, ambition and creativity to do it, you can probably live anywhere and make your dreams come true. It can happen. When you are great at something, people are going to find you. B.O.S.S.: What are some main characteristics that people should have to be successful? Jesse: The main characteristic is that you have to be someone who DOES what you say you are going to do, no matter how big or how small. It may be one of the hardest things to do, but you have to keep your promise because that is really what you are judged on. A promise can be as simple as returning a phone call at 4pm. If you stick to your word and you do it continuously, you become credible. So when you tell others you need something, they believe you and are willing to help. If you are consistent and a person of your word, even when things don’t
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work out, they just think it didn’t work out this time. Being able to build relationships and treating everyone fairly are also main characteristics you need to have. Not just being nice to the person you perceive to have the power, but being nice to everyone, genuinely. If you are not a people person, then it may not work for you, but a PA (production assistant) today, could be the president of the label tomorrow. You just don’t know who has the ear of the people in power and what they can say about you when you aren’t in the room. Lastly, you have to be able to deal with failure. You have to able to deal with success and you have to be able to deal with failure. You can’t let the success make you feel like you are invincible and minimize the failures. Take them, learn from them, embrace them, and then figure out how you can build on them. B.O.S.S.:What do you want people to know about Jesse Collins? Jesse: I want them to know that Dez Bryant will retire a Dallas cowboy! (Laughs.) Seriously, I want people to know that all things are possible. You can start off wanting to do one thing and end up successful in something totally different and that’s okay. As long as you want something and keep going, all things are possible. If you have a goal and you are striving towards it, whether you accomplish that goal or not, something good is going to happen. You are going to find out where you are supposed to be. Keep going. B.O.S.S.: What’s next for your company, Jesse Collins Entertainment? BET Hip Hop Awards, which I have been producing for 10 years, is what I am working on right now which airs October 13. We are so excited to have so many fresh faces from the Hip Hop culture to showcase on this stage. After that, is the Soul Train Awards for Centric/ BET in November. This will be our first year producing that show so, we are looking forward to bringing new ideas to that medium. We have an amazing host and some great R&B talent there. Then is the BET Honors in January and I am also producing an original miniseries based on the iconic
music group, New Edition. New Edition members Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Ronnie DeVoe, Johnny Gill, and Ralph Tresvant have all signed on as co-producers for the film. The three-night miniseries premiers on BET in 2016. This is a passion project for me. I have always felt that New Edition’s music is woven into the fabric of our culture. When I brought the idea to BET years ago, I wanted to create a film that would tell the story of how New Edition emerged into one of the most important groups of its generation. I am so grateful that Stephen Hill (BET President)--who is also a mentor of mine—is giving my company the opportunity to produce this and chronicle the lives of these music icons. We start shooting in early 2016. So, as they say “It don’t stop.”
Magazine
Cover & Interview Photography: Drexina A. Nelson, Photographer | Styling: Arike Rice Producer: Staci R. Collins Jackson for The Collins Jackson Agency
Section 1 - Sign Your Own Paychecks
Sign Your Own Paychecks!
I’ve engaged in several conversations/ debates with friends, family, exgirlfriends, and the like in reference to why I picked the entrepreneur lifestyle. The reason why so few people understand it is because (at the risk of sounding trite) “it ain’t for everybody.” The majority of people would happily choose a safe, comfortable lifestyle of mediocrity over the risk of failure, the long hours, the financial strife, lack of social life, and countless other sacrifices that come with building your own business. I mean, most small businesses fail within the first 2 years, right? So why even put up
with that when you could just get a job and be comfortable? Well, personally, I suffer from an extreme amount of pride, self-belief, and optimism; I don’t think that there is a company out there that’s willing to pay me what I’m worth; I hate taking orders (especially from people whom I don’t deem worthy to tell me what to do); and I hate having to ask for permission for anything. Furthermore, there is nothing on this earth that’s more important to me than family and although I don’t have any children yet, I’m certain that there is no way that I could pass my 9-5 job on to my kids. I simply don’t see the logic in going to school for 4-6 years just to get a job to pay for that schooling, get underpaid for 40 years, and turn around and tell my kids to do the same thing. That isn’t life. I would much rather profit from my passion and build it into something that my kids can take over. I have promised myself that I will create a legacy for my family. Think about it. Every business has to make money in order to survive. So if they’re paying you $35,000 a year, what do they have to make off of your efforts in order to turn a profit? I first began to contemplate this in 2003. My part-time job was selling cell phones at the mall near my college and I couldn’t help but to wonder, how is it that I get paid $40 a phone when I’m the one who talks these people into spending $100 every month for the next 24 months. I figured that since I was the one doing the convincing, suffering the rejection, and putting my all into each pitch, my cut needed to be larger and I wanted a piece of that monthly bill. What I developed was a taste for residual income: making continuous money from one transaction. In the same year, I picked up a book from Barnes
and Noble entitled: “Building Wealth: From Rags to Riches Through Real Estate” by Russ Whitney. As I read it, I was blown away by the possibility of a regular person turning himself into a millionaire just by making the right decisions and investing his time and money into his dream of being a real estate investor. My very first job out of college was at a mortgage brokerage in New Jersey. I loved the idea of being able to make commissions from my sales but I still yearned to make residual income. Being that I knew nothing about credit when I graduated from college and had a score of 426, it took me quite some time to improve my credit, save the money necessary, and of course many of my jobs shutting down due to the mortgage crisis didn’t help, so it wasn’t until 2010 that I was able to purchase my first real estate investment property and it was the happiest day in my life. In “Secrets of the Millionaire Mind,” T. Harv Eker said “Poor people work for money; rich people create money.” The concept is so simple but so profound. I chose to invest in real estate because you can create wealth just by making the right buy and you can earn residual income for the rest of your life.You can choose to trade hours for dollars or you can profit from your profit and create ideas that will literally print money for you. The choice is yours. Adam Sanders Realtor Sell Fast Realty 1445 City Avenue Suite 7A Wynnewood, PA 19096 267-312-6852 (cell) 877-404-1969 (fax) www.sellfastre.com
Young B.O.S.S. : Lady Key Pg. 24 Keep’n It 100 Pg. 25 The Institutional Racism Behind Reaching Proficient Pg. 26 #BuildAsWeClimb Pg. 28 WebWed Pg. 30 Fvmly Pg. 32 B.O.S.S. HBCU Pg. 34
Magazine
Section 2- Young B.O.S.S. : Lady Key
Young Magazine
Lady Key Instagram: @ladykeynatural Facebook: Lady Keys Natural Hair Page Youtube: Lady Key Photo courtesy of Subject What is your major? What helped you choose your major? Business with a concentration in marketing at Clark Atlanta University. What helped me choose my major was my passion for business. Laughably, I originally wanted to be a finance major, even though I’ve struggled with counting since preschool! It was a great man, the department chair, Mr. Boyd, who kindly steered me to where I really needed and wanted to be. What organizations were you involved with in college? I am involved in Toastmasters, but mostly with Lady Key LLC, the natural hair and skin care business that I created. What helped you discover your passion? I like selling good products to good people... always have, always will. I even had a lucrative food business in high school. I guess I’ve always known that selling was my passion. Who has been the biggest influence in your life? Teachers? Parents? Mentors? Anyone specifically? People who are highly successful that started, literally, from the bottom have been my biggest influence. Oprah, Tyler Perry, Chris Gardner (I have watched Pursuit of Happyness so many times its saddening!) What are your entrepreneurial endeavors/businesses? I want to continue and expand Lady Key LLC, my natural hair 24 B.O.S.S. Issue 27
and skin care business. What advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs? Find what you like to do and ask yourself the hard questions your friends and family aren’t going to ask.Why should someone choose your product over another? What makes your brand different? How are you going to do it in real life using real money? If you can make it through the stage of hard questions and considerations, you just might be ready for the life of an entrepreneur. What currently are doing to improve your community? I am working with my company interns to raise money for African-American women who have lost their hair to cancer. The event will be held at a local Walmart. We are still working out the details, but are looking for companies to match the funds we raise that day so that we can really make a difference. What is one of the biggest challenges you face as an entrepreneur? Every day is a challenge, so my biggest challenges are taking it one day at a time. Juggling a full-time job, a full-time business, and a full-time courseload, it can be exhausting, but I love what I do! All the components that make it challenging couldn’t work without the other, so I just take it one day at a time.
Section 2 - Keeping it 100
Keeping It
100
with Dr. G. I. Berry Dr. Gillian Berry, MSW, LICSW, LCSW-C is a licensed clinical social worker in the District of Columbia and the State of Maryland, with 25 years of experience. She is Director of Clinical Social Work Services and Acting Director of The George Washington University Mental Health Services.
I’ve just started college after years of hard work at high school. Everyone in my family is so proud of me. I was excited in the beginning to leave home and start my new life. Now that I’m here, I’m lonely, scared, and don’t think I will make any friends. I think I’ve made a mistake and want to go back home, but I can’t because I’m the first in my family to go to college. What should I do? It’s totally understandable to feel the way you do, as transitions can be difficult. I know it may be a strange request, but try thinking about a caterpillar and the process it has to go through to transform into a butterfly. Can you imagine how it feels to be in a cocoon? All by itself, in the dark; it must be frightening and scary, not knowing what’s happening. But when it comes out, its reality will have changed
completely, for it can now fly. I am pretty confident in saying it wouldn’t want to go back to being a caterpillar again after experiencing the joy of flying. Crawling on the ground will be a distant memory. You’re forgetting all the transitions you’ve gone through already to get to this point in your life. So, forgive me for being so direct, but trust me when I say that your college experience is soon going to be a just “blip” in your life! It will go by so quickly! So my advice is to focus on the bigger picture; never forget that life is more than college (check out ‘The power of ten’ on Youtube), the universe is not going to be concerned with whether you get an A+, but rather with your transition to becoming a young adult. The experience of college is a means to an end. Like a cocoon, it’s a vehicle to getting you to another stage in your life. So, try not to get so caught
up in the day to day drama of college life, instead, focus on what you want to get from the experience. Treat each day at college as if it’s an adventure and I am sure you will find many people who would want to join you! Each day you should be finding something on or off campus that excites you, piques your interests, or makes you curious about life. However, if you feel going home is the best decision for you, know it is not a sign of failure. The sign of becoming an adult is being able to make the best decision for you. Why? Because whatever you decide, like the caterpillar coming out of its cocoon, be prepared to fly.
25
EDU
Magazine
The Institutional Racism Behind Reaching Proficient... By: Ebbie Parsons It’s been a great day so far and it’s just 10AM. I had the pleasure of reading to my daughter’s 3K Pre-School class and received an overwhelming applause from the cutest group of children imaginable! All of them displayed mastery of social-emotional skills, along with phenomenal language development. They haven’t been formally assessed, yet, but leveraging my knowledge of assessments and early childhood development, I can ballpark that at least 80% of the class would be considered “Advanced Proficient” if they were to take a standardized assessment now. Hence, the dilemma. As the Managing Partner of Yardstick Learning, I’ve had first hand experience working with high needs urban schools, parochial schools, as well as extremely affluent public and private school systems. The achievement gap across these socio-economic groups is well documented, but no one ever seems to focus on the “expectations gap”. The education reform community is more influential and powerful than ever before and the national lens has been focused on low income communities and getting all students to proficiency. However, in affluent communities, setting the bar for all children to “proficient” would result in the termination of everyone in the school district, including the board. The expectations in affluent communities are far greater than simply getting to proficient and instead, is focused on AP exam scores, Tier 1 college admissions, and Advanced Proficient percentages. 26 B.O.S.S. Issue 27
Few people outside of education actually know what “proficient” means as it relates to the recently implemented common core standards. I’ll pull out a few Kindergarten standards and challenge any readers of this Op-ed to believe that they wouldn’t pull their own kids out of a class if this is were their child at the END of their Kindergarten year. For example, according to Common Core Standard CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.K.1.D, 6-year olds at the END of their Kindergarten year should understand and use question words (interrogatives) (e.g., who, what, where, when, why, how). I mentioned that my daughter just began 3K Pre-K this year and before she completed her 2-year old pre-school program, her and her classmates were proficient at understanding and using question words. The same holds true for any affluent community in the nation. Why then should “proficient” be the target for impoverished kids when kids from higher income communities mastered what’s considered proficient 2-4 years before the standard is even assessed? Let’s look at another Kindergarten standard to help prove my point even further. According to Common Core Standard CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.CC.B.5, 6-year olds should be able to count to answer the question “how many?” about as many as 20 things arranged in a line, a rectangular array, or a circle, or as many as 10 things in a scattered configuration; given a number from 1-20, count out that many objects. Again, my 3 -ear old isn’t a genius, nor are her classmates, but they can all do this,
Be your Own Success Story
at least moderately well. This standard is saying that she will be “proficient” if she can do this in 2.5 more YEARS. Is that not RIDICULOUS? The basic point of my argument is that “proficient” is such a low standard that not a single child who scores “proficient” in all areas according to the standards will actually be College or Career Ready upon matriculation from High School. The expectations are too low for any of these kids to rely on “proficiency” to help them get admitted into a competitive college and there’s nothing about any of these standards that are actually preparing these students to be career ready for any type of position deemed to be on a “career track” by any American standard. These standards aren’t good enough for White students, so why should schools Twitter @boss_emag
be allowed to tout them as success for low-income Black and Brown students? How many times have you seen schools say that they’ve transformed or turned around a school by getting up to 70% proficient? Or, what about the schools that brag about 100% of their students being proficient? I implore you to peel back the onion to find out what percent of those children are advanced proficient. And trust me, if that number is less than 10% and they’re touting 100% proficiency then you should know that the school is nothing more than a testing mill preparing kids for standardized assessments. Affluent communities try to build critical thinkers who are exposed to a vast array of opportunities and curriculum that explores all of the core content areas with a critical eye. They’re not teaching rote
memorization of a standard so that kids can do well on an assessment. They’re teaching kids to actually “get it”. Many of them may even have fewer students that score proficient but nearly all of the students who are proficient actually score “advanced proficient” on an assessment because they have a firm understanding of the material. We must choose our children’s education “eyes wide open” and understand when the wool is being pulled over our eyes. The institutional racism that is “proficient” only continues to keep Black and Brown children from ever experiencing the real American dream. We need to understand the standards in order to challenge the standards. This is our responsibility as this determines our future!
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Section 2 - James “Jay” Bailey
Rinkins Report:
Don’t Allow Excuses to Cancel Your Success
Roshell Rosemond is a corporate professional with nearly a decade of procurement experience at several Fortune 500 companies. Rosemond launched the Liquid Courage brand of lip lacquers and lip sticks to inspire courage in all women through beauty. “Liquid Courage speaks to upwardly mobile women who want “Build As to bring the best out ofWe their lives.Climb” We speak to the women
who are making contributions both in their communities and professional lives.” Rosemond declared. “We also speak to the men who want to purchase beauty products that brings out the best version of the women they love by helping them look and feel great.” The brand is Rosemond’s entrepreneurial foray into a global multi-billion dollar industry. Despite working for some of America’s largest and highly profitable firms, she encourage employees to build generational wealth by starting a small
28 B.O.S.S. Issue 21
business.The emerging company has evolved from its initial two lip lacquer product line to now offering three lip lacquers and nine classic lipsticks. For this Florida A&M University alumna, the three S’s in success stand for sacrifice. “While everyone else is enjoying their weekends, I am on the ground doing research on my competitors and staying up on the latest trends. I pay attention to what the major brands are doing and how they are positioning their products. This research gives me incredible insight that I can use to stay current, relevant and competitive. This information also helps me create unique experience for my customers,” she shared.
Magazine
Phoenix Rising More about the founder of the Phoenix Leadership Foundation
“People matter…period” Committed to living by his personal motto, “Build As We Climb”, change agent, thought leader and emerging philanthropist, James M. Bailey has dedicated his life to serving others. In 2015 he founded one of the nation’s most innovative private equity firms, Greenwood Archer. Through a “Human Capital” approach, Greenwood Archer re-imagines the way America’s most underserved communities leverage assets, establish wealth, strengthen infrastructure and create jobs.
A dedicated community servant, James volunteers as a mentor for the Priority Male Initiative, an advisor for Youth Entrepreneurs of Georgia, the Atlanta Public Schools R.E.A.L. Men Read Program, and most notably serves as Scoutmaster of the Mighty Troop 100 located on Atlanta’s Westside, soon to be heralded as the largest Boy Scout Troop in the world!
Recognized throughout Atlanta and across the Before Greenwood Archer, James served as Chief country for his leadership and dedication, James was Executive Officer for the Atlanta Market of Operation named to both the Atlanta Business Chronicle and HOPE, a global nonprofit organization focused on Georgia Trend Magazine’s 40 Under 40 “Best and economic empowerment. Under his leadership, Brightest Leaders of the Future”. He is a recipient of HOPE’s southeastern region grew from a single person the coveted Whitney M. Young National operation in 2007, to nineteen offices helping more than Community Service Medallion, the Dr. Martin 160,000 youth, adults, and families start businesses, buy Luther King Jr. Drum Major for Service Award and homes, raise credit scores and increase their financial the Morehouse College Alumni Association’s Dr. literacy by 2015. Prior to Operation HOPE, James Joseph Draper Service Award. In 2010, he was served as President and CEO of Landmark Global selected as one of the 10 Most Outstanding Young Corporation, a Georgia based Real Estate investment People of Atlanta, in 2011, James received a firm managing over $7 million in assets by age Presidential Volunteer Service Award from the 27. James' professional experience also includes sales Obama Administration and in 2012, James was Rosemond offers these tips for prospective entrepreneurs. achieve success alone.You must develop a team that can help management posts with Bank of America and Hershey named National Young and Rising Star. you accomplish ayour goals. A mentor canPowerful be a valuable player of FoodsMake Corporation. Don’t Excuses: “A lot of us get stuck and get in the your dream team. Keep them engaged and your company will www.phoenixleadership.org way of GOD’s blessings because of fear and the excuses we tell benefit from their expertise, guidance, and experience.” A nativeStop Atlantan and die Georgia Bulldog, James ourselves. the excuses and hard start executing the necessary steps create your vision.” has to a proven track record of accomplishment. In 2012, Rosemond is seeking to manage her company’s growth and James was one of eight Americans honored at the White eventually compete with the top players in the industry. Done Than Perfect: started with two lip in the Houseis Better as a “Champion of “IChange: Following lacquers on Shopify. As a perfectionist I wanted the thousand Footsteps of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” A recognized For more information on the company, log on to www. dollar e-commerce site with all the bells and whistles. I’ve LiquidCourageCosmetics.com or you can e-mail info@ leader,that James is a make member of the Leadership Georgia learned you must the most out of the resources that theliquidcourage.com Class of 2015, Atlanta of never 2014,know AJC’s are at your disposalLeadership and build from there.Class You will Project Understanding andto your the product Atlantaif you Regional how the marketplace will respond never Zach Rinkins is the Associated Press award-winning host/producer of Commission’s Regional Leadership James launch it. Once you get responses from theInstitute. marketplace, you has the Rinkins Report. For more info log on to www.RinkinsReport.com or can to make adjustments boards to ensureincluding continuedThe growth and on Twitter @RinkinsReport and Facebook @RinkinsReport alsobegin served on numerous Wren’s success.” Nest, Verbalyze, Inc., Safe America Foundation, the Metro Atlanta Chamber Board of Advisors and Secure a Mentor: “Nobody knows everything. We cannot currently serves as Chairman of the Phoenix Leadership Twitter @boss_emag Facebook: /B.O.S.S.emagazine www.boss-emag.com 29 Foundation.
“I learned a long time ago that excuses are tools of incompetence.”
Section 2 - More than a Moniker
TECH
Magazine
Will you marry me ~
When Love Can’t Wait
Allow us to introduce the future of Weddings and the woman who will make it happen! As an entrepreneur, having a lawyer in your corner can be one of the greatest assets to the team of people needed to sustain your business’ longevity. How much better would it be if the entrepreneur was already a lawyer? See how JC Banks has taken a law degree and a lifetime commitment and turned it into a business venture that affects people on a global level.
JC. Banks
1.How has your educational background helped you to get to where you are today in business? Attending law school played a major role in who I now am from a personal and professional standpoint. It normally takes people 3 years to finish law school but it took me 5. I always knew who I was and where I wanted to be, but it took me longer because I had to climb that mountain alone. Discipline was one of the key factors that contributed to my success, and was instrumental in me acquiring a Juris 30 B.O.S.S. Issue 27
Doctorate degree. 2.What is your business that will change the world? WebWed is my way of standing outside of the box, supporting marriage equality and the display of love for the whole world to see both domestically and internationally. WebWed provides an avenue for traditional, same-sex and proxy weddings to be legally married live online all over the world.
3.What inspired you to start your business? My grandmother Lucille Coleman. It wasn’t because she lived an extraordinary life or because she was taught to be business savvy, but it was her work ethic. She worked for 40 years, never missed a day of work and had the ability to move 13 of her siblings from Mississippi on her own to ensure that they to were educated and had a better quality of life. I always thought that if she can conquer any obstacle thrown her way and I came from her
Be your Own Success Story
~ Yes!
R. Banks Twitter @boss_emag
Facebook: /B.O.S.S.emagazine
www.boss-emag.com 31
“WEB WED WILL SET PRECEDENCE BY UNTERLIZES THE TWO MOST POWERFUL SOURCES IN THE WORLD, TECHNOLOGY, AND LAW.” lineage, then I was destined to be genetically great as well. (BOSS) 4.In what ways have you become your own success story? With WebWed, I have pioneered and patented a way to legally wed individuals online for the entire world to view and share in their special moment. Also, my husband and I own and operated the only full service eviction firm in Georgia www.nopaynostayevictions.com. I have earned a reputable business name in the Bahamas, China, and the United States based own my divergent and fastidious approach to business. Basically I win, all the time. 5.Details about your business? WebWed is headquartered in Nevada with a local office in Atlanta, Georgia. www.webwedmobile.com is where you can explore the most innovative wedding experience. We can also be found on the following social media outlets on: Twitter and Instagram: @mobileWedWeb 6.What Steps did you take to get to where you are today? There is a quote that I have tattooed on my arm as a reminder for myself to live by the following words: “From Attorney to Judge, I will stand on the “no” and tell myself “yes”. JC Banks is definitely a beast when I am in my element, I stand among giants and yet they bow because I am JC Banks” 7.What advice do you have for readers who are interested in your field or in pursuing entrepreneurship? Believe in yourself, know your field and the long and short term effects that it has on your business, GO HARD OR GO HOME !!!!! 8.What do you see for the future of your business and yourself?: WebWed will set precedence by utilizing the two most powerful sources in the world technology, and law. I see this way of marriage being integrated with the court systems, I see this being vital to the immigration courts, prison systems, and beyond.
Photography: Dominic Botts Botts Photography Nyema Bennett : Hair/ Make Up Instagram: Webwed mobile Facebook: Webwed Twitter: Webwed
Home Of The Gentleman
www.fvmly.com The FVMLY movement is based on building individuality and confidence in self while also striving to develop unity between people from different cultures. There’s more to a name than just a name. A name can embody a memory, a person, a love, hatred, a movement, etc. It can speak power into a person strip strength from them. Family? To many, it’s a unity force. Family will ride for you. Cry for you. Even give up their life for you. FVMLY seeks to do that on a larger scale. By showcasing an individual’s special talents, we hope to promote self-confidence & self-worth. Further we seek to break down the barriers that are self-created. Barriers that make us believe that we are TOO different. The “family” we are trying to create is unconventional, thus the alternative in spelling. Instead of uniting those kin by blood, we seek to do so for everyone. So like previously stated: there’s meaning in a name. How you doin’, FVMLY?
Coming from a small town and moving away to a big college helped me to define success. What is success? Success is whenever you look at the man or woman in the mirror every morning and you are one word: “happy”. Happiness comes from educating yourself to mentally prepare you for your journey ahead. The thought of college is good. Study! Whether it is a college textbook or trying to understand why you felt the way you did during a encounter you’ve never experienced before. Judge how you reacted, make a note, make adjustments, and move forward. Learn and grow from it. Tre’ Easley Artist http://artistecard.com/ Trefvmly
Section 2 - HBCU Article
HBCU
Magazine
Making
BOLD Career
Moves After Graduation
Marcia Robinson, MBA, SPHR runs The HBCU Career Center and is known as the #1 Job Search & Career Helper for diverse college students and new graduates. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook and use the free resources at her website http://www.thehbcucareercenter.com. You can contact Shaquaya Shelby at shaquaya.shelby@cortlandpartners.com. For the last several years, the US economy has not at all been very kind to new college graduates who have struggled to land that first big job. However, all that could change this year according to the 2014 Job Outlook survey from the National Association of Colleges and Employers. The annual survey results show that hiring will be up 7.8% over last year for new grads. This is good news for students in the class of 2014. This transition from college to career is a very exciting time for emerging professionals who have spent years preparing for successful career launch. However, although commencement is a time of great joy, pride and anticipation, it is also 36 B.O.S.S. Issue 27
a very scary time as new graduates embark on their job search to land that first big job right out of college. This job search is the first big hurdle for getting that career off the ground. What I have found after 15 years as a job search helper, is that new grads can sabotage their own job search and on-thejob success, by falling prey to job search myths and pre-conceived notions. I don’t have to sell myself in the interview since I attended (insert college name here)! This myth is a job search killer and new grads experience a rude awakening when they find they must still compete for a job after graduation, despite the college
or university they attended. Some new college graduates buy into the notion that the reputation of their college will open more doors than they do. To some extent, yes, the reputation of your college goes a long way to attract employers to recruit on campus. However, none of that will make the employer hire you. Recruiters hire you, not your college. I have to find a job in my major! Many new professionals fail to transition their conversations from talking about their majors to talking about their career goals or plans. I often remind new graduates that not all Psychology majors are Psychologists. Once you graduate, you are no longer bound by your college
Be your Own Successs Story
Tips for dispelling job search myths and succeeding in the first year on the job. major when exploring the job market. Understanding this transition from major to career is a critical step. Instead of focusing on college major, new grads should read job descriptions carefully for duties, responsibilities, projects and tasks involved in the work. Internships are only for college students; not for college graduates! Not true. New grads should look at internships as a way to build skills, explore industries and gain work experience after graduation. This is a really good strategy for those graduates who did not complete internships while they were in school. Keep in mind that the National Association of Colleges and Employers data shows that 60% of paid interns get full time job offers from their internship companies. Once you land your first big job after graduation you are well on your way to building your career. But, before you think it is time to slack off and become complacent, remember that you have really only just begun. In fact, once you are on the job, that first year of your professional life will test you in ways that Twitter @boss_emag
college never did. No longer will you live on a semester to semester calendar, get the chance to change professors you don’t like or drop classes you hate. This first year on the job is when you get to establish yourself as a reliable professional. Succeeding in that first year on the job! Shaquaya Shelby, Spelman College graduate who is currently a HR Generalist at Cortland Partners in Atlanta, offers these important success tips for new professionals in the first year on the job. Be Humble! Let go of the ego and sense of entitlement Be a sponge! Strive to learn as much as possible about the culture of your new employer Be resourceful! Know where to go for the answers you need Be visible! Volunteer for projects that are available to you and speak up if you have valuable ideas to contribute Be social and approachable! Network with team members in and outside of your department or immediate work
group Be patient! Mastery of your job function and rewards for your accomplishments will come in due time Be honest! Have integrity and be accountable for your actions and choices Be a good listener! Do a little less talking, a little more listening, and ask great questions Be selective! Pay attention to the company you keep and surround yourself with positive, professional, and motivated peers. No gossiping or participating in office politics Be prepared! Remain as punctual, professionally dressed, and well spoken as you were when you interviewed. Don’t get overly comfortable. Congratulations on successful completion of your degree program with best wishes for a rewarding future of successful career experiences.
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Pretty Lane LLC
"Stylishly Giving for the Gracefully Living"
38
Magazine
Photo Credit Elvet Mobley Instagram @elvetography Contact info@elvetography.com
Instagram @iamprettylane Twitter @iamprettylane Website www.prettylaneapparel.com Email info@prettylaneapparel.com Contact 770-742-9259
Pretty Lane LLC
"Stylishly Giving for the Gracefully Living"
Instagram @iamprettylane Twitter @iamprettylane Website www.prettylaneapparel.com Email info@prettylaneapparel.com Contact 770-742-9259
Photo Credit Elvet Mobley Instagram @elvetography Contact info@elvetography.com
agazine M Section Three
DJ FADELF Pg. 42 “Women Of Small Businesses”Profile Highlight Pg. 44 Women Winning In The Federal Government Contracting Space Pg. 46 Sherry Reed Pg. 48 Artisans From South Africa Excelling in American Markets Pg. 50 Jerome Pearson Pg. 52
40 B.O.S.S. Issue 27
Be your Own Success Story
Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2016 Twitter @boss_emag
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www.boss-emag.com 41
DJ FADELF Magazine
Photo credit: Michael W. Eaton Photography.
Magazine
Be your Own Success Story
The Versatile DJ FADELF,
DJ, Author, Model, Songwriter, Philanthropist, Realtor and Fitness Trainer, has rocked crowds all over the globe from Bahamas, Japan, Paris, Germany, Kuwait, Jamaica, Spain, Kansas, Berlin, Belgium, Switzerland, Brussels, Las Vegas, L.A, Miami, Chicago, Canada, Atlanta, Detroit and hometown New York. Whether it’s a huge concert venue, a small lounge, corporate event or Gala, DJ FADELF has mastered it; not just spinning a record but controlling the atmosphere, knowing that there’s more to an event than just playing music. He’s not just a Dj he’s an entertainer. DJ FADELF, is the official DJ for Three time Grammy Award winning group The Product G&B (known for the hit “Maria Maria” with Carlos Santana and several other gold hits) and a member and an Artist of the HipRokSoul band Guitars N Bandanaz. He has also been the backing DJ for platinum producers The Heatmakerz, HipRock Muzik pop artist Mitsue, Platinum Producer Boola, Ourbit the Label recording artist Shalone and Black Hand Hip-Hop Artist NAT. FADELF is also a songwriter and model, that has had billboards displayed in New York and Munich displaying such work. FADELF is also part owner and lead songwriter for HipRokSoul Music Group. As a member and creator of the A-TEAM DJ’S and A-TEAM LIVE radio show via DTFRADIO.COM, he is one of New York and Atlanta’s hottest, buzz worthy, forces to be reckoned with. DJ FADELF, is a member of the FLEET DJs, a contributing mixer to FITRADIO DJs and FUTURE STAR DJs.
Aside from entertaining and inspiring through music; since the release of “Single Man Married Man” one of the most discussed relationship books in 2015, Fadelf and his fellow coauthors have been invited and appeared on numerous, notable media outlets, panels and universities for speaking engagements that surround the building of relationships and family. Before the release of Single Man Married Man, Fadelf already been in the market of motivational speaking, inspiring, motivating. Giving back is a part of his DNA. DJ FADELF has been spotlighted in Vibe Magazine, Source Magazine, Essence.com, Signature Hits Magazine, Crossroad Magazine, Sheen Magazine, VocabMagazine.com, Heightmagazine.com and CremeMag.com just to name a few, garnering him guest spots with MTV, VHI’S Love & Hip-Hop Atlanta, Late Night with Carson Daly - NBC, New York Radio Stations HOT 97,and WBLS 107.5 FM. He has also been heard on Party 105.3 FM, DTFRadio.com, PNC Radio.com, Xtreme104 FM.com and other notable websites. DJ FADELF is masterfully versatile in all genres of music, from Reggae, R&B, Hip-Hop, Top 40’s, Calypso / Soca, Kompa, Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Reggaeton, House/ Club, Dance, Rock, Dub Step, and “Old Skool” Classics. DJ FADELF masters any environment and embodies VERSATILITY!
photo credit: Aric Thompson of Dream Photography
Section 3 - Profile Highlight
Women
Magazine
“Women Of Small Businesses” Profile Highlight
By: Desha “DrDesha” Elliott Twitter/Instagram: @DrDesha www.drdeshawrites.com Photo credits: Courtesy of B.O.S.S.
8(a) certified, native Cincinnatian, Tasha Reid, CEO/President of Visionary Services has been acquiring private sector and federal contracts since 2010. After the market crash in 2008, Tasha, a then real estate agent, began seeking ways to diversify her income. Taking advice from another real estate agent, Tasha sought out to work in the federal sector. “8(a)” stems from the Section 8(a) of the Small Business Act, and is designed to help small, disadvantaged businesses compete in the general market for federal contracts. Getting accepted and prepared for this program gave Tasha her first set of hurdles, but her determination to enter into the program and her faith helped her set a plan into motion to get her business ready for federal contracting dollars. Early on, Tasha researched and met with businesses that had experience in the 8(a) program so that she could navigate her business once accepted. Tasha’s commercial projects also helped her become a subcontractor under other 8(a) firms, and this helped her to get her feet wet and for her to build relationships with mentors and future business partners. Although 8(a) certification requires firms to remain in the 44 B.O.S.S. Issue 27
program for nine years, most firms begin obtaining a federal contract in their fourth or fifth year. On the eve of her second year in the program, Tasha’s biggest contract to date is for $3.1 million dollars. She’s also been able to receive smaller contracts as well. She uses her team player mentality she gained as an athlete and uses this same strategy to achieve her federal contracting benchmarks. She partners with graduated 8(a) firms and is able to fulfill her contracts, continues to gain more experience and wisdom from her partners, and broadens her ability to win contracts across the nation. She advises those wanting to enter the federal space and especially those wanting to become 8(a) certified to do their homework, realizing nothing happens overnight and developing a strong faith is key. It’s her faith and her continuous work ethic that has opened up the doors for her success. To learn more about Tasha Reid and Visionary Services visit, http://www.visionaryservices.net .
Magazine 45
Women
Magazine
Women Winning In The Federal Government Contracting Space By: Desha “DrDesha” Elliott Twitter/Instagram: @DrDesha www.drdeshawrites.com Photo credits: Courtesy of B.O.S.S.
The U.S. government is the largest single purchaser of goods and services in the world, awarding approximately $500 billion in contracts every year (sba.gov), with 5% of those contracts specifically set aside for Women Owned Small Businesses (WOSB). In fiscal year 2014, according to the Small Business Administration (SBA), 24.99% or $91.7 billion were awarded to small business contractors, resulting in the support of approximately 550,000 total jobs. How can WOSBs get opportunities to have the U.S. Government as a client? Erin Andrew from the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Women’s Business Ownership sits with B.O.S.S. to educate our readers... B: What is one reason why more WOSBs are not entering into the federal contracting space?
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E: A lot of it has to do with educating themselves on the opportunities available if they do get in the government space, like our access to capital and our counseling programs. Really understanding that there are resources out there that can really help them. I think there are some other challenges, but it’s mainly understanding how to get in, and that’s why SBA is here. We are here to help folks as they are starting to think about federal contracting space. B: Are there only certain businesses that will thrive from federal government contracts? E:The federal government buys everything... they need help with any and everything. The government is one of the biggest employers in the entire country. WOSBs do not have to necessarily find a prime contracting opportunity (prime means that they are the initial
business offered and responsible for the contract). The best way to get into federal contracting space is being a subcontractor to begin with, to get your feet wet and to understand what’s there. I would also say the federal contracting space, in most instances, are not going to be for businesses that have just started. It’s (more likely) going to be for a business who understands their payroll, their billing.You have to understand the payments and when they come in and a lot of the requirements that are there. Getting some experience, looking at state and local governments are a great opportunity, as this is another avenue into the federal government space. There are those (new in business) that go directly to the federal government and that is perfectly fine too. B: How can subcontractors develop relationships with prime contractors?
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Erin Andrew from the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Women’s Business Ownership
“The federal government buys everything, they need help with anything and everything. the government is one of the biggest employers in the entire country.” E: Events like ChallengeHer are a great place to look for prime contractors, as well as matchmaking events. SBA holds a lot of matchmaking events (that pair contractors with each other). It helps identify where the primes will be and you would attend the events where they would be. Looking into industry organizations, clusters, and organizations focused on the supply chain help introduce you to those bigger prime contractors. Within the supply chain you Twitter @boss_emag
would be looking for your tier-1, tier-2, tier-3 suppliers and they all need each other. B: Where should WOSB go to learn about federal government contracting? We have online at SBA.gov, a federal government contracting classroom, which has a lot of online resources for the government contracting space. They can get the ABC’s and 101’s of federal
contracting. Also, go to SBA.gov/wosb, where there is a fact sheet and a lot of overview information about women owned businesses and we work with other agencies. Go to your SBA district offices and the SBA resource partners because they are there to help.
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S. Reed
Magazine
Let me introduce the founder of “Sistas inspiring Sistas” which is an online magazine catered towards the uplifting and advancement of African American Women, Sherry Reed! Sherry Reed's personal mission is to inspire, uplift, and encourage other women to never give up on themselves. Sherry wants to be a voice for everyday women who think life is just too tough. Sherry aims to empower women and young girls, so that they know it's alright to fall, as long as you get back up bruised but not broken. She is passionate about giving to others and being a servant. Sherry is able to provide true life testimony of homelessness, rape, teen motherhood, depression and so many other life changing subjects. Who She Is. Outspoken and motivational from an early age, Sherry Reed‘s intrepid spirit has always been her guiding light. A childhood mired by tumultuous and unstable environments, she was thrust in and out of the pot of drug infested places where many things were compromised (including her virginity being taken). Sherry began running away at an early age. She was determined to find more, to be loved and have better. Better wasn’t always obtainable and by the age of 14, Sherry became an empty spirit, residing in foster home, after foster home. One of the low points of her journey she was sexually assaulted at gunpoint for the second time. Sherry was determined to change the vicious cycle that was going on in her life and would always keep a childlike exuberance and a smile on her face. On the darkest of nights, her light of hope would never go out because she had the will to survive. No matter how many foster homes she entered and exited, there was not going to be any person nor situation strong enough to break her. Sherry was determined to do more, be more! 48 B.O.S.S. Issue 27
Sometimes, sleeping in dark parks beneath distant stars while daydreaming and picking up work where she could to make a living. The only thing strangers noticed about her was a beautiful smile camouflaging a never-ending scar. During this time of missing what was familiar, family, friends and a beautiful daughter, she gave birth to a new day; a son. Being nineteen years old and with two kids, made Sherry wonder what was going to be her next move and as depression sat in the answer was the unthinkable; trying to take her own life. She was at an all-time low trying to commit suicide, and to this day relives that moment time and time again. She may have been able to escape the jaws of death but the demons were still lurking in her soul as a reminder and followed her back to Georgia to settle in for years to come. Determined to change a vicious cycle of withdrawn support, Sherry's primary goal is to see women of color support each other aas they all press forward on business, spiritual, philanthropic and social fronts.
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Section 3 - Artisans From South Africa
Artisans From South Africa Excelling in American Markets
As a student, Shannon McCollough spent time in Africa and her love for the land and the natives flourished. Later on, herself and her husband developed a gifting venture, McGlobal Explorers, in South Africa, changing how American buyers perceive global purchasing. When the opportunity came to partner with the Republic of South Africa to have South African artisans sell their work in the United States, the McColloughs knew it would produce a successful and life-changing impact. Here are some of the experiences from the South African artisans: Yolanda Msutwana, creator of Ozzy’s Eco Decor, doesn’t believe in throwing anything away and believes in showcasing the best way to reuse the product. She recalls not knowing who was leaving used tires in her backyard, but because of her ability to turn the tires into furnishings, she was able to become 50 B.O.S.S. Issue 27
an entrepreneur and hire employees. Anikie Mphahlele, founding creator of Tlanggape Upholstery, was raised by her grandparents in an impoverished area. Her uncle inspired her to get into upholstery by showing her how it could change the comfortability of a couch in her own house. She started out with making round ottomans, then advanced to headboards, couches, sofas, carpets using leather and skin hides. Ultimately, Anikie wanted to inspire and help to employ people who would, in turn, be able to eat and take care of their families. Their work and furnishings can be seen and brought from the South African LifestyleHub. For more information go to www. salifestylehub.com.
Be your Own Success Story
By: Desha “DrDesha” Elliott Twitter/Instagram: @drdesha Website: www.drdeshawrites.com Photo Courtesy of Subject
“She started out with making round ottomans, then advanced to headboards, couches, sofas, carpets using leather and skin hides. “ Twitter @boss_emag
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www.boss-emag.com 51
J. Pearson Magazine
When it’s time, it’s time. Following years of covering some of the biggest sporting events through a lense, sports fanatic, Jerome Pearson is now procuring and negotiating employment and endorsement opportunities for athletes.
Magazine
Photo Credit: Alyssa B Trofort
Pearson, Owner of Sports Wire Magazine and Sports Wire Management is the latest Women’s National Basketball Players Association certified Contract Advisor to step into the arena. Such a designation provides Pearson the privilege to represent WNBA players and assist them in negotiating WNBA team and overseas contracts and endorsements. It is a designation many people pay a lot of money to acquire, but very few maintain. Representing pro athletes is a cutthroat business. However, Pearson demonstrates that despite the immense competition, there is still space for newcomers.
Be your Own Success Story
“It has always been a passion of mine to help people and that’s what being a sports agent is all about.” His ability to acquire twotime Olympic Gold Medalist and WNBA All-Star, Angel McCoughtry, as his first proathlete client, proves that to be true. I caught up with Pearson following the 2015 WNBA season, which served as his first year since becoming certified in which he attempted to be the agent of record for a player selected by a WNBA team. He accomplished that goal. Pearson currently co-represents The Atlanta Dream’s, Angel McCoughtry, along with Sports Agent, Boris Lelchitski, who handles Angel’s overseas FIBA contracts. He’s also the sole agent on Point Guard, Rateska Brown’s, Standard Representation Agreement. Brown, a former member of the Temple Owls and Oklahoma City University, was selected 6th woman of the year for the American Athletic Conference and led Oklahoma City University to a NAIA Division I championship.
dreams and aspirations. But, let it be known, that he is here. “It is beyond a blessing to represent Angel and Rateska. They both are incredible athletes and phenomenal women,” explained Pearson. “So far, it has not been a walk in the park wearing the hat of a Sports Agent, but I’m enjoying every second of it. It has always been a passion of mine to help people and that’s what being a sports agent is all about.”
In his first year as a certified agent, Pearson attended 14 of the 17 Atlanta Dream home games. That type of commitment to the team and being around its players went a long way in building a strong relationship with Angel, which greatly assisted Pearson in recruiting Angel as a client. Pearson has been working diligently to arrange WNBA and FIBA tryouts for Rateska and land endorsement deals and a possible reality show for Angel. The Sports Wire Management Agent is actively Less than one year as an agent and meeting with several producers Pearson already represents two and networks to assist Angel in clients. That is something many getting her reality show off the agent hopefuls desire to achieve ground, which will be a platform in the first couple of years after for the All-Star to tell the world becoming certified. There is no her story. Besides dealing with doubt that his inaugural year off-field opportunities, the has been one of Jerry McGuire life of this young agent with
a family (wife, toddler, and a newborn) is consumed by finding a balance between work life and family time. These tasks are not generally made aware to the public at large. “At times I can become consumed in my work, but I always snap back to reality and make sure I find that work-life balance. I always think back to the reason I became a Sports Agent and that reason is to be able to spend more time with my family instead of having a 9 to 5 work schedule. “Eventually, I plan on becoming a certified NFL agent and I would like to sign at least one player from an HBCU every year,” said Pearson. “I also want to continue focusing on women’s sports, because that’s where it all started for me and it’s one of the most challenging and overlooked sports programs . I want to make a difference and help athletes capture their dreams, make a living on and off the court ensuring stability all across the board.” It sounds like Pearson has a set strategy and is executing it quite well. WRITTEN BY: Sytonnia Moore
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