The 2023 Women's History Issue - Detroit CEO Magazine

DETROIT CEO MAGAZINE

Shawn Rochelle shares her 3 tips for growing a company and why she has chosen the entrepreneurial path

WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATING THE WOMEN WHO TELL OUR STORIES

CASSY JONES-MCBRYDE, Aria Moody & Tracey baker-Simmons share their stories on our companion podcast, in conversation w/angela t. jones.

Lucrative Unlimited, LLC 10 Steps to Take Before Starting Your Business Part One MARCH 2023

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ANOTE FROM

THE

PUBLISHER There are so many things to celebrate this Women's History Month of 2023. So many have paved the way for the accomplishments we hold dear to our lives. A new wave of female entrepreneur is brewing, and we intend to celebrate every win and learn from every experience.

This year, we are giving ourselves grace as we move along this terrain. We're further than where we've been but have much further to go to accomplish things as wage equality, gender parity and equal treatment in the workforce.

Keep glowing, growing and shining.

Lacretia L. Rogers, Editor-in-Chief

Photography Bunnie Mae Styling Editor's Own

Feature of the Month

March, 2023

Tracey Baker-Simmons Photo credit: Karriem Simmons (kjamaalphoto.com)

What advice do you have for women looking to grow either their own business or within the company they work for?

Tracey Baker-Simmons: As a leader I believe there is room to learn from anyone. I also push really hard to create diverse teams so that multiple voices are represented and heard. If everyone in the room or at the table has the same opinion, then you need to reconfigure the table because no one is growing. (except where morality is involved).

How do you push for systemic change around ideas that are new or not that popular?

What advice do you have for women looking to grow either their own business or within the company they work for?

My best advice would be for women to learn to pave themselves. Nothing happens overnight and although it is key to set goals for growth but don’t place yourself on some superficial timer. Be patient with yourself and the process.

Listen to the full interview on In Conversation w/Angela T. Jones

I don’t like to think that I push anyone because that implies force outside of someone’s will, however I continue to use my voice and my influence to encourage others to open the doors of opportunity for others. In my industry people often lean into what is most familiar, but now we have a unique opportunity to present different ideas and avenues. I challenge myself to ignore my fears and speak up and in the process I have found allies on both sides of the aisle. I credit this to God’s grace and my southern charm.

Feature of the Month

March 2023

Cassy Jones-McBryde, Reproductive Rights Advocate and CEO of The Fuller Woman Network Detroit CEO Magazine: What do you think is the most significant barrier to female leadership?

Cassy: The most significant barrier to leadership is understanding that leadership is always horizontal. You have to empower your people to lead so that there is an investment in the success of others.

When you began your career many years ago, did you ever imagine that you would have a leadership role in this profession/organization?

I always knew that I would be of service in some capacity, I just didn't foresee how. I prayed for a path where all I did was do what I loved. I soon learned of social entrepreneurship, and it was on and poppin!

What advice would you give to young women entering this profession/organization?

My best advice is to always do the work of your soul. Prioritize your psychological safety, it is nonnegotiable.

Listen to the extended interview on In Conversation w/Angela T. Jones, available now.

Feature of the Month

March 2023

Bunnie Mae, Content Creator and Creative Director Detroit CEO Magazine: What qualities does a creative director most need to be successful?

Bunnie: I believe that the most important quality as a Creative Director would be creativity! I know it sounds redundant but it’s honestly the key. Being able to tap into your client’s version of creativity is also very important! Excellent communication and multitasking are also elements to success!

What's one thing you'd want to remove from your daily or weekly work routine?

How do you go about deciding which products to work on or what brands to work with?

Great Question! I tend to work with brands that already show a spark of creativity, they just need help really stepping into and releasing what’s already there! I do research as well!

Yup! I stalk your brand! I need to know what I’m working with and how I can help you maximize your platforms creativity!

Ha! I wish I could just clone a me really… I really enjoy being a Creative Director, so there isn’t much I would remove! If I had to choose anything, it would probably be the technical side.

Sometimes my mind is in GO and I just want to create, but I refuse to complete anything without proper contracts. Sometimes it can be mundane but is absolutely necessary!

What advice would you give to young women entering this profession/organization?

My best advice is to always do the work of your soul. Prioritize your psychological safety, it is nonnegotiable.

Feature of the Month

March 2023

Bunnie Mae, Content Creator and Creative Director Who's on your biggest influencer list and why do you admire them?

Bunnie: Oh this isn’t fair! I have a long list of Influencers that I admire! I am a huge fan of B. Simone! Her energy, her consistency and her ability to move through controversy and come out swinging! I recently discovered @jeamyblessed and I am currently loving her content and consistency!

When you're launching a new creative campaign, what does your research process look like?

I start with a consultation with the client. I get to know them and what they are looking for and ways they have already tried to bring out their creativity. I also analyze their insights, audience and previous campaigns in order to create a unique and personalized plan that works with their platform.

What woman has inspired your journey and what's the biggest lesson you've learned or are learning from them?

Through my journey I have been inspired by a lot of amazing women, and I appreciate each and every one of them! Currently, I am inspired by the owner of Detroit CEO Media, Lacretia Rogers.

I have not seen a woman come close to her work ethic and determination to not only better her platform, but bring others along with her and make sure they shine too! I mean, what’s not to admire? The biggest lesson I am learning from her is keep going. No matter how frustrated you get, how many times you want to quit, just keep going. It’s all going to work in your favor.

Women's History Month and International Women's Day are a time to celebrate and recognize the contributions of women throughout history that often go unacknowledged. Many of the accomplishments of several women throughout history make it possible for society to strive, explore communicate and move forward, today and in the future.

Katherine Johnson, Melba Roy Mouton, Dorothy Vaughn, Mary Jackson and the numerous Black women "computers" at NASA were highly instrumental in space exploration. As in, space exploration either wouldn't have occurred at all or wouldn't have occurred when it did, without them.

Other women have been equally essential to society and technology, in spite of men often being given the credit. Shirley Ann Jackson's work and research are responsible for fiber-optic cables, touch tone telephones (also commonly referred to as a land line), caller ID and call waiting. Marian Croak invented Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). Gladys West created the foundation for GPS. It's safe to say you wouldn't be able to read this without them.

Erasure, is and always has been, an issue in our world. Celebrating Women's History during the month of March is only necessary as a result of that erasure; the same is true of Black History, Latino History, etc., much of which connect to each other. I have spent a great deal of my life recognizing the accomplishments of women in various fields with various degrees of success, who too often are overshadowed. This issue includes some women you may or may not be familiar with. It was a pleasure and honor to include them. I hope their stories and success inspire you to learn more about Women's History overall and outside of the month of March.

Angela T. Jones Managing Editor

Feature of the Month

March 2023

Antionette Logan, Award Winning International Speaker Who are some of your favorite role models?

I rarely use the word role models because you never really know a person and what they do outside of the time you’ve spent with them or the thing you’re admiring or impressed by.

However there are many people who have done some AMAZING things that I truly do admire and not only were inspired by their actions and efforts but more importantly impacted by them to create change that benefited my community. We as people aren’t perfect but those who put forth effort to help others in their community are the people who give me motivation to do more and inspiration to create more ideas that can be innovative to the betterment of us somehow.

What do you think the most important qualities of a successful leader?

IAs a successful leader there are many qualities you should have. You want to be authentic even when it’s unpopular, SELF-AWARE, honest, and REAL. Be respectful and accountable. Have emotional intelligence for yourself as well as the same understanding for others.

You need to be willing to listen to learn and understand and able to communicate effectively. You must master inclusion in collaboration with relationship building and strategic partnerships that are a WIN WIN WIN and mutually beneficial to all partners and those that you all serve.

Feature of the Month

March 2023

Antionette Logan, Award Winning International Speaker (cont'd)

What do you think are some of the biggest challenges facing women leaders today?

One of the biggest challenges that I feel woman face is that we lost our identity with the many titles we’re given, roles we play and the unwarranted expectations from others.

Most often then not when a woman is defined there is a adjective mentioned before woman. At some point she forgot who she was at her core and became known for what she does and not who she is. It is time to step into the essence of she without guilt, unapologetically with grace and femininity while still holding her space as a leader.

What do you think the most important qualities of a successful leader?

I think a lot of women leaders struggle with finding and owning their space without the need to be connected to something others may think is bigger than them. The truth is YOU HAVE EARNED YOUR SEAT AT ANY TABLE BY JUST BEING YOU, and you don’t have to have a seat at every table. CREATE YOUR OWN and make room for the ones coming behind you that are like you.

I think a lot of women leaders struggle with finding and owning their space without the need to be connected to something others may think is bigger than them. The truth is YOU HAVE EARNED YOUR SEAT AT ANY TABLE BY JUST BEING YOU, and you don’t have to have a seat at every table. CREATE YOUR OWN and make room for the ones coming behind you that are like you.

It STARTS WITH I…LITERALLY not just my book title but for anything you want to do, STARTS WITH YOU.

Feature of the Month

March 2023

Antionette Logan, Award Winning International Speaker (cont'd) How do you deal with difficult situations or people?

I don’t but to answer your question, when entering into new ventures, I assess whether or not I’m making the right moves based on the ease and the comfort ability to let me know if this is something I should move forward with or something I need to halt.

I typically go in knowing what I want, what I’m willing to walk away with and/or compromise on or at least where I can help at. If it’s a no go, I simply let it go and release it with love and move on.

I apply this to all aspects of my life including business and my personal relationships. Everything is always about elevation and if it doesn’t evolve me, it’s doesn’t need to be with me.

Who have been some of your biggest supporters throughout your career?

Many people would think my response would be family and friends as a typical answer. To be honest my greatest support that I’ve ever received came from people that I didn’t even know. Some started off being my clients and after nurturing and building those relationships, they were more than just my supporters, they became family.

How do you deal with being underestimated or undervalued?

How I deal with both is by being consistent with how I show up.

Regardless how I’m estimated or valued, MY OWN VALUE NEVER CHANGES, how I see me never changes so I JUST SHOW UP AS ME EVERY TIME. Ready to serve when I step in the room allowing my work to speak for me.

When underestimated, the work will work for me, when undervalued, GET UP AND LEAVE. I have no energy to give nor will I disrespect myself by staying where I am undervalued or not valued at all.

Feature of the Month

March 2023

Talia Foster, Social Media and Amazon Influencer & CEO of Lavish Events by Talia What or who was the influence behind you staring your business?

I was crafty as a child, trying new things, making tshirts, beading, braiding hair. Then I discovered I could earn an income from my creations, my talent and this was the start of something great.

Who is/was the most influential person in your life and how have they influenced you the most?

My grandmother, it was her drive, determination, her guidance and her giving spirit. She was extremely supportive of me and my businesses.

She always wanted me to place my business ad in her church's magazine.

What would you consider the most important characteristic in business?

Having the best work ethic.

What are the biggest challenges you've faced as a woman in business? .

I haven't had a ton of challenges as a women and I thank God for that.

Do you think that every entrepreneur should have a mentor? Why or why not?

I never had a mentor, I had/have other businesses that have poured into me on occasion, but I feel a business mentor would definitely be an asset.

If you can go back and change anything about your journey, what would it be?

I would definitely seek out a mentor in my field. There were a lot of things I learned late.

Feature of the Month

March 2023

Shawn Rochelle, Branding Photographer, VP of MHER & Content Creator What benefits have you experienced by being an entrepreneur?

The main benefit I have received by being an entrepreneur is the reward of creating a business from the ground up, watering it, and watching it grow.

There is no greater feeling! It's one thing to work for someone else, but it's an entirely different thing when you work for yourself. I mean you've built the framework and you start to see that thing come into fruition. It's something special about a dream becoming a reality! It's something you built with your own blood, sweat, and TEARS! The hard work means MORE when you begin to see it! The late nights and early mornings mean MORE when you stay up working on a project for your own company! The gratification means MORE when you're servicing clients that see the value in a service you created! But, another benefit I have received is the FREEDOM! The ability to be able to plan my life accordingly, based on what's priority and what's important to me. Not having to ask someone for a day off to attend something important has been huge for me. Being freely available to move things around to meet the needs of my children and myself is PRICELESS.

Doctor's appointments, school meetings, field trips, and afterschool activities are NOT a problem because I work how I want to work.

Not to mention, your girl has traveled more than she ever has because I can. The benefit of being an entrepreneur is it comes with no limitations or caps. There is no ceiling on how far you can go, unless you place them on yourself.

Feature of the Month

March 2023

Shawn Rochelle, Branding Photographer, VP of MHER & Content Creator

What benefits have you experienced by being an entrepreneur?

Professional photography is an awesome investment that every entrepreneur will need at some part of their journey. Great imagery speaks volumes and being in a digital age we all need content. We can't escape it.

There are a lot of people that don't want to do their own content or need help and that's where my company comes into play.

Stephanie "The Bag Ladie" Badell How do you provide value as a service provider?

I provide value as a service provider by helping entrepreneurs build their brands, tell their stories, and increase online visibility through professional photography and content creation. I provide value as a photographer because people need PROFESSIONAL images. Point black period. Selfies are good until they aren't! Not to mention, everyone needs a great headshot.

I provide professional photography service that allows their business/brand to be seen and heard.

Plus, my many years of entrepreneurial experience also allows me to add value to the marketplace. It allows me to be able to pour into my clients with more than just photography and to help aid their businesses/brands in other ways.

Feature of the Month

March 2023

Shawn Rochelle, Branding Photographer, VP of MHER & Content Creator

Have you ever been afraid to complete a project or show up to a job?

Hell Yeah, LMBO!! I have been in business for 10+ years and I still get nervous/fearful at times. The bigger the job, the bigger the fear! I've had clients contact me from my online business listing from out-of-state requesting photography. One year, I had three clients from out-of-state contact me: a recruiting agency, law firm, and magazine publication.

Because of the fear, I almost didn't respond to their initial request via email and thought it was spam because my fear was thinking I wasn't at that level. I thought briefly that I wasn't worthy. There was another time I was referred by a friend to a high ticket corporate client, they were an out-of-state marketing firm and they needed me to take images of local scenery for bank branches and the cost per image was in the 3 figures and if they selected more than one image the fee went to four figures for two or more images.

Sheridan Beal

It was like the bigger the client, the bigger my fear! Which was nuts because that is exactly what I wanted. I almost blocked my blessings being fearful. But, God doesn't give us the spirit of fear, so I had to push past it!

Feature of the Month

March 2023

Shawn Rochelle, Branding Photographer, VP of MHER & Content Creator

Khalil Stewart

What are your 3 tips for growing a company?

My top three tips for growing a company. Ok, here we go...Outsource, delegate, and build your email list (don't just build it, use it). I can say that being in business for many years and looking back. These are the three things I didn't do in the beginning and while on this entrepreneurial journey I have done or I am doing it now.

Outsourcing will keep you from being overwhelmed and it will allow you to give projects to people who do them best. Just because you can do something, doesn't always mean you're the best at it and sometimes unknowingly your business will suffer as a result of it.

It will also give you access to more time. Secondly, get some people on your team and delegate different parts of your business or different jobs to them. In order for you to expand your business, you will not and can not be able to do everything by yourself. Expansion and growth requires teamwork. Last but not least, build your email list AND use it. I can't stress this enough, it's easier to do it at the start of business but it's never too late to start even if you are already in business. Entrepreneurs leave lots of money on the table by not utilizing an email list. These three tips collectively will definitely help any entrepreneur grow their business.

Feature of the Month

March 2023

Shawn Rochelle, Branding Photographer, VP of MHER & Content Creator

What drives you and why have you chosen the path of an entrepreneur?

Vision drives me! Because vision is much more than sight. Sight is what you can see directly in front of you (surface level), but having vision is the ability to see your dreams in a reality before they happen. That keeps me going and striving for excellence. I know the visions I have, I am capable of executing. God didn't give me those visions for nothing.

Those visions keep me moving even when I slow down and I chose the path of an entrepreneur because it was the path that truly felt right.

I have worked for other people for many years and always complained to myself because to me it just didn't make sense. I felt like I didn't belong and I was supposed to be doing something different. I would be sitting at somebody else's company working for them and the entire time I was there I'd be thinking why the hell can't I invest all this damn time I'm giving them, into me. That feeling just kept brewing... year after year, day after day, and then one day it brewed over and I realized I reached my limit and I quit my job. I don't advise anyone to just quit their job abruptly without a plan, but that was how I chose the path of being solely an entrepreneur. I chose the right path, even though it is a lot of work it is the path for me.

Tune in to Shawnversations w/Shawn Rochelle bi-weelky wherever you listen to podcasts.

Feature of the Month Prestina Glover and Tiffany Greer Co-Owners of Polished Models

March 2023

Feature of the Month

March 2023

Prestina Glover and Tiffany Greer Co-Owners of Polished Models

What made you want to start a modeling and talent agency?

We are both former plus size models that have modeled locally and internationally.

With everything we faced during our time as models we wanted to be a company where models are equipped with the best knowledge and representation that can help them avoid the pitfalls that we didn’t know about. We wanted models to have a safe place to land when the fashion world gets tough.

Feature of the Month

March 2023

Prestina Glover and Tiffany Greer Co-Owners of Polished Models

How do you ensure that your teaching techniques are comparable to industry standards?

We have trained with who we consider some of the best locally and abroad. As models we trained with Runway Rox, one of the best runway coaches in Detroit.

As owners and agents, we took courses with the one and only CoCo Rocha, making sure our knowledge is current and able to go beyond the proximity of our city.

We are always studying the various fashion markets in the US and beyond to let our models know what they are up against, but that no glass ceiling is impossible to break.

We don't sell dreams at Polished. We give them the truth and our truth about the industry and try to guide them to the best of our knowledge.

Feature of the Month

March 2023

Prestina Glover and Tiffany Greer Co-Owners of Polished Models

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment, to date?

How would you work to resolve a client not being happy with your services?

Polished was created in 2016, but we didn't become a modeling and talent agency until 2020. Stretching out into that lane being the support and push that many of our models cherish us for is by far one of our biggest accomplishments.

We love their feedback because it helps us to know that we are doing what we have set out to do, and that we still have a way to go.

First we try to understand their complaint or concern. If it is something we can immediately resolve, we do. And then we try to be accommodating to those who have been unsatisfied. We have provided extra classes, waived fees and down payments, and then we try our best to correct the issues to prevent the same problems.

Feature of the Month

March 2023

Prestina Glover and Tiffany Greer Co-Owners of Polished Models

How would someone prepare to enter the talent acquisition business?

We encourage people to first work on the foundations of what you aspire to do.

If you're a model, do you know what type of modeling you want to do?

Are you researching your field? What are your goals (short-term and long-term)?

Are you taking classes? Anything you do you have to work at it.

Managers and agents can't do it all. You have to work on developing your own talent.