Issuu

In This Issue Meet the Team

Thank You From NaTeneshia Renee New Year, New Me, Old Ideas First Issue From Editor In Chief Why Start Up? When to Change Excuses Into Solutions Dreams Do Come True The Many Hats of A Parentpreneur Social Media: Does It Help or Hurt Marketing Your Business?

8 10 11 12 14 16 20 23

Cut From A Different Cloth

Bridging the Gaps

What Does Your Brand Say About You?

B. Rich Story

Paper Chasing

House of Cards

After the Ice Bucket

///Run 24

The Pursuit of Entrepreneurship: How High are the Stakes Zoom: A New Way of Communication Posh Professional by Sheena Spring Issue From the Editor

54 57 59 62

LLC or Not

Business Plans

From Favor to Reward

Let’s See Other People

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130

116

107

178

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You are Your Product

LivLane

Marketing for Small Businesses There Will Be Name Calling!

84 86

Moguls on the Rise: Baller Kidz

Trademarking Made Easy

What is Your Brand Archetype? Posh Professional Summer Issue From the Editor Believe It. Behave It. Become It. About the U in St. Louis

97 100 102 104 105

From Overlooked to Overbooked

107

What’s Your Secret Ingredient?!

112

Balancing Life While Executing a Dream

114

The Grow Giver

116

What exactly is “Me Time”?!

126

Urban Beauty

128

Beauty & the Beat

130

Through the Wire

137

Are you a Control Freak?

140

Posh Professional

143

Fall Issue From the Editor

146

Work, Life and Business Balance

148

What the Web?!

149

The Rising Phoenix: The Jeanita Porter Story Hire Learning Desire vs Reward of Entrepreneurship Chef Simone Bridges: Walking in My Purpose Recipes

152 158 160 162 172

Are You in Good Hands?!

174

The Purpose of Networking

176

The Cupcake Experience Business Conflict Resolution

178 184

Let’s Get Social

186

Posh Professional

188

modestlyboldmag.com| MODESTLY BOLD® MAGAZINE | 5

SPECIAL EDITION 2018 Editor In Chief NaTeneshia Renée

Editorial Assistant Martina S Fleming Sheena N. Holmes

Creative Director Sheena N. Holmes

Associate/Copy Editor Senisha J. Parker

Advisor

Melissa Wright-Henderson

Posh Professional Columnist Sheena N. Holmes

Executive Photographer

Capturing DREAMS by NaTeneshia NaTeneshia Renée Photography and Design

Editor In Chief Photographer Rayvon Griffin

Editor In Chief Hair Stylist Diamond M. Gaffney

Editor In Chief Make Up Artist Shimaka Bracey Sheena N. Holmes

Editor In Chief Stylist Christian Amore

Marketing Director Gwendolyn Mydell

Contributing Writers

Kia Reese, Misbah Fathima, Chandrakala Battula, Amalia Abbar, Martina S. Fleming, Sheena N. Holmes, Gabriela Marquez, Alejandro Rojas, Nancy Pierko, Nyla Smith, Anderson Uzcategui, Brittany Richardson

Contributing Photographers B.Rich Photography Fraiche Images + Design

Assitant Artisan Jessie Smith

Advertising

e-mail: b2b@modestlyboldmag.com

All rights reserved. Modestly Bold® is a registered trademark of NaTeneshia Butler. Modestly Bold® Magazine is a division of Capturing DREAMS by NaTeneshia and NaTeneshia Renée Photography and Design. Materials may not be reproduced without written permission. Address copyright inqueries to hello@modestlyboldmag.com. Every effort is made to ensure that content appears correctly. Modestly Bold® Magazine cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused directly or indirectly by the contents of this publication. All material is intended for informational purposes only. The views expressed in Modestly Bold® are not necesarily those of its editors or contributors.

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a thank you from the

Editor

Wow! Where has the time gone?! It feels like just yesterday that I was sitting down thinking of the way I wanted to execute this magazine, that God has given me, and what in the world should I name it. I went through so many different names but none of them hit me like Modestly Bold! I wanted a name that described me as an individual and as a business person. I’m a walking oxymoron both modest and bold and because of my behind the scenes type of personality but the love of helping others achieve their dreams, that helped me name this magazine. Modestly Bold® Magazine is God’s gift to me that I can use to bless others to achieve their dreams. Each issue is customized to the features and their businesses. I’ve been so blessed to meet some amazing business owners and community leaders and they have taught me a lot along this journey. I’m so excited about meeting the future businesses to come. When I was given this gift, I had no clue of the journey God was taking me on but I’m so glad that I’ve been obedient and going on this ride. Although Modestly Bold® Magazine is fairly new, each issue, each feature and each article is evolving to help more entrepreneurs either reach their dreams or help maintain their dreams. Words can’t express enough of how grateful I am that I’ve been trusted enough to share these amazing entrepreneurial journeys since 2018. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and I pray you continue to support my dream and the dreams of others!

Boldly Yours,

NaTeneshia Renée

New Year, New Me, Old Ideas Despite what’s going on in our nation, it’s still a new year. Are you still claiming a new you? Do you have old ideas or projects lingering? How can I be a new me if I still have old ideas that I haven’t tackled? That’s a question we all ask ourselves. Nevertheless, we can either claim it as lost luggage or pick it up from the baggage claim. After reading this article, you will be able to make a choice on which to choose.

learned. Through prayer and getting in tune with God’s word, I realized that everything said in the information given wasn’t true for me. I became free when I understood that I had a different way of doing things, and it’s not the most popular way. However, I won! I won the battle over discouragement. I won the battle over disappointment. I won the battle over being overworked. And I won the battle over being overwhelmed.

How did I win? I took things one step at a time. I stopped allowing people to rush me. The first thing I did was scratched off and tear up the ideas given to me by other people. I didn’t ask for it, and it was not needed. They meant no harm, but either way, it was distracting (which got me off track in the first place from my ideas). Then I went back over all the ideas I had, prayed about it, asked God about it, then scratched off the list what was no longer relevant for me to work on and put things in order of high to the lowest priority. I only felt overwhelmed because I was doing it to myself. When you’re free to work at your After many years of this revolving door, I own pace and know what is purposeful for became overwhelmed, overworked, discour- you to do at the time, you win. aged, and disappointed and felt like a failure. Reading social media posts and thoughts of Don’t get rid of your old ideas or projects. the entrepreneurial community made me They still may be relevant for this time and believe I wasn’t measuring up and needed to if it’s not, scratch it off and don’t worry about do more. That did nothing more but send me it. However, if it is, then keep it, prioritize it, and make it a goal. You can still enjoy being a deeper into discouragement. new you in the new year with old ideas, and We must be careful not to read too much into rock it! Be Free and Go Win! the type of information put out over the social media waves. We have to know what’s for us and what’s not for us. You can only know that for yourself. It was a valuable lesson I WRITTEN BY KEISHA LAPSLEY I’m an author, so needless to say, I have a lot of journals full of writings, ideas, and planned out projects. I wasn’t sure how I would do it all, but it was going to get accomplished. Yes, you can go ahead and say, “It didn’t get done,” and you’d be correct. I planned out most of the ideas I had, but not all of them. When the following year arrived, I said I would obtain that goal, only to fail myself. This happened every year. I had to figure out what was happening. It wasn’t that I wouldn’t do it; by the time the following year had come, I had more ideas. It was a vicious cycle.

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From the Editor-In-Chief

welcome to the first issue

can’t believe that this is a reality. I’ve always wanted to be a photographer since the 7th grade. I took a class in photography and we had to develop our photos in a darkroom. We learned all the steps to developing and making sure the photo was not over developed. I was so excited about the photography class that I went home and told my mom that I wanted to be a photographer. Her response was “photographers don’t make any money!”. So I put that dream to the side and set out on a career that would make me some money.

ODESTLY

bold

MODESTLYBOLDMAG.COM

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF NaTeneshia Renée

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Martina S. Fleming Sheena N. Holmes

Years went by and the opportunity came around again for me to start a photography business. My cousin was graduating high school and since at every function I had a camera in my hand, she thought “why not ask Renée?”! So I graciously agreed to do it. This was in September of 2015.

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

As a little girl, I was always quiet but was always writing and thinking. I always had a journal with me. I would write down my thoughts, visions, and dreams. I was always the inquisitive, opinionated but quiet child, even into early adulthood. I always wondered if I had a magazine what would I talk about or a photography business what would be my signature shoot.

Melissa Wright-Henderson

So when the opportunity presented itself, I said “WHY NOT do both?”! With my photography I love seeing the smile on the person’s face when they see the photos and say “Wow that’s ME!”. Photography to me is about capturing a moment and having evidence that it happened. With a magazine, what would I talk about? I love helping people and starting and maintaining a business is hard work. If I could take my mistakes or successes and tell people about them, then maybe that can stop some heartache that happens in business. With telling my story, I could showcase the small business, and maybe it can help more people put their dreams into action. Showcasing businesses like “Paying It Forward” as well as teaching, and entertaining and get my photography out there, makes it a plus for me. Ok, so I have the idea and concept, now I need a name. I need something that describes me but catchy. I’m a contradiction within myself so I need the title to be an oxymoron! So I did word play. I’m shy but outspoken at the same time so I went to my handy-dandy thesaurus. What means shy so I saw the word “modest”. Ok I like that! I had a friend that used to call me “Sassy”. So I toyed with “Modestly Sassy” but that sounded too feminine and I didn’t want it gender specific. So I went back to old faithful, the thesaurus. And then birthed “Modestly Bold”! Every time I say it, gives me chills because that is so ME! I am NaTeneshia Renée and I AM MODESTLY

BOLD!

NaTeneshia Renée NaTeneshia Renée Editor-In-Chief WE WANT TO KNOW Tell us about a small business that is deserving of having their story told. Drop us a biography between 500-750 words about the owner(s) and why and how the company started with the subject line “Feature Me” and we will let you know if we can share your great story with our readers. You can reach us at B2B@modestlyboldmag.com

™

P.O. Box 851 Rincon, Georgia 31326 hello@modestlyboldmag.com

Senisha J. Parker

ADVISOR

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kia Reese Misbah Fathima C h a n d r a k a l a B a tt u l a Amalia Abbar M a rt i n a S. F l e m i n g S h e e n a N. H o l m e s

MAIN PHOTOGRAPHER

Capturing DREAMS by NaTeneshia

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS B.Rich Photography Fraiche Images + Design

SALES

b2b@modestlyboldmag.com

ACCOUNTING

accounts@modestlyboldmag.com

Thank you to my support system! All though there are too many to name, I have to name three: Tychaun, Xayvier and Anthony. Because you three are watching, I’m going to make sure I’m going to try to make things happen. All rights are reserved. Copies or reproduction of this publication in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein.

Let’s Connect! @modestlyboldmag

WHY START-UP?

by:

Misbah Fathima

nemployment is an issue not just in over-populated countries such as China and India, but also in those that are scarcely populated. It isn’t one that has developed very recently either, it has been around since the end of the World Wars and continues to grow. Sadly, there exist almost no permanent and definitive solutions to the monster that has scared every adult living in the 21st century. Unfortunately, one can’t even establish what created this monster in the first place. Formal educational qualifications seem to be the conventional weapon used by every Tom, Dick and Harry to battle unemployment; but as per recent trends, educated unemployment has seen a steady increase. There continues to be a lot of people competing for the same jobs and nearly every position is replaceable. It is almost as if innovation, technology and recent developments have rendered human resource worthless. What then are the masses left with?

Upon looking back, we see that until the recent past, every society, big or small, as well as, every empire in the world has had a strict hierarchical structure. The majority were made to follow one leader or a small powerful group. While such a structure helped maintain order, over the centuries, it is the reason behind the deeply engrained herd mentality found in most of us today. So conditioned are we, to being told what to do, to have our choices made for us, that this newfound freedom to dream big and pursue our desires has created more problems, rather than giving us the liberation we sought. Let alone out-of- the-box thinking, even having trivial, unconventional tastes gets a lot of attention; so enamored are we by the black sheep within our obedient herds. Could these black sheep be our defense against the boogey-man that has caused many potential employees sleepless nights? The need of the hour is a revolution, but unlike in the past no single leader or empire is going to start one. It needs to come about as the result of the conscious efforts of all. We must free ourselves from the limits set by convention and think beyond the obvious and monotonous solutions. Unorthodox thinking, creativity and new ideas should be a norm not something that 12 | SPECIAL EDITION 2018 | modestlyboldmag.com

is lauded. This brings us to one possible nemesis of unemployment: Start-ups. There has been a boom of Start-ups in the recent past and a few of them have garnered unfathomable success. Upon observation we realize that a lot of the most successful business empires today are a result of start-ups, that were created by hard-working and persistent people ages ago when every other attempt at a decent livelihood yielded dismal results. Startups allow us to be our own boss and create jobs rather than look for them. Start-ups give people, with ideas that can solve problems that persist in the society, an abode. A place that will nurture such an idea and allow it to flourish into a full-fledged solution. Start-ups give the average Joe a great deal of independence and authority. And as the saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility, one must be prepared to invest. Not just finances but effort and time. While the feeling of not being the subordinate of a senior, of not being answerable to anyone has its own charm, one must be aware that they are utilizing the resources (whether human or otherwise) of their society and hence are indebted to it. They not just have to make good this debt but also provide for it and make it better. Start-ups, unlike regular jobs, allow one to embrace their own personality. The usual forms of employment require us to be social, interactive, work in a group and many a time suppress our individuality. Jobs today treat people like products and expect potential job takers to fulfill a certain checklist. They are the present version of the hierarchical empires that existed in the past. Obey or you’re out. Although to flourish, a start-up as a whole requires good networking skills and an individual associated with one is allowed to be whatever they want to be. Start-ups add color to the present-day world. Most occupations directly or indirectly contribute to providing the population with their basic needs and a little more. Start-ups add color to this system, by giving something new, by creating a fresh set of demands. This, other than giving the common man more to choose from,

would add more dimension to their life. This allows even vague and lesser known fields to become popular and lucrative. As it creates value for uncommon fields, it acts as an incentive for people to pursue their dreams. It functions as an outlet for those who have atypical skills. The outcome of a prosperous start-up would not just help those directly and closely related to it, but enrich the lives of the masses in general.

than those required for our work and hence, are forced to face a burn out sometimes even early in our careers. With start-ups, a person can have a career in more than one field in the span of his life. We delegate what bores us and pursue that which interests us, whilst continuously expanding our knowledge.

Since an employee in a start-up is required to fulfill the duties of a lot of positions, they can While existing enterprises attempt to cater to empathize with their coworkers more, however the masses, start-ups can tackle the needs of menial their job might seem. This leads to a systhe unheard minorities. This other than creat- tem where everyone is given more freedom and ing a sort of monopoly, helps cater to society comfort and is allowed to execute their tasks as by solving a likely major issue even if suffered per their comfort, in turn increasing their productivity. by a few. It also gives more job satisfaction, as your contribution is greater and far more impactful. To be able to witness how your efforts have come to fruition and how they are helping in making the world a better place beats getting any pay-check, however high the amount. You also aren’t constantly in the fear of a lay-off or unemployment, as you have built your own arena. Caution must be exercised. Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart. One must lose many battles before the war is won. While the highs are exhilarating, the lows are outright depressing. Resilience is the key and having a steady Since an entrepreneur is the captain of his or job at least in the beginning stages is highly recher own ship, he or she is far more invested in ommended if not an obligation. Being heedless his or her work. The start-up is the equivalent of in such a position can cost you everything. And his or her child and working for it begins to seem risks should be taken only after thorough conless of an obligation and more like a passion. sideration. And since it is a much smaller pool of workers, each one has a considerable share while reap- Media has always allured us, through science ing the benefits. This possibility further increas- fiction, of a future so extravagant and larger than life, that we are taken away just by catches the dedication of the people involved. ing glimpses of such a life. A start-up is a way we At an individual level, being part of a start-up can build such a future. It is a system that calls requires a much larger skill-set than that of a a tone of creativity and out-of- the-box thinking, conventional employee. Start-ups general- not just in what it aims to be but how it is goly have limited resources to work with, hence, ing to put together scarce resources to yield the a single person should be able to take up the necessary results whilst remaining profitable. It roles filled by multiple people in a usual orga- gives each person associated far more freedom nization. This makes people more dynamic and but also considerable responsibility. It opens instills a greater sense of respect for the work of up new avenues and listens to even those who others. An entrepreneur is constantly required have been hitherto unheard. It allows you to be to update their knowledge, learn new skills and more dynamic and multi-dimensional and take be well aware of market trends to sustain their up a wide range of professions within a single business. life time. It fosters a greater sense of culpabilTraditional professions care little for the profes- ity and compassion. The reward? Triumph and sionals, as they don’t really allow them to ex- contentment, besides the money of course.  As start-ups are generally small entities, they do away with the complex and opulent structures of regular institutions, thus, bringing about a closely- knit group of individuals not inhibited by superior- subordinate relationships working towards the same goal. Each individual is allowed (rather required) to voice their opinions, lead others, and take action. The absence of a complex social stratum, also facilitates quicker action and easy implementation of radical changes. The entire entity will thus be more competent in the face of adversities.

pand their horizons. We don’t learn skills other

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WHEN TO CHANGE EXCUSES INTO SOLUTIONS

By: Amalia Abbar

xcuses, excuses, and excuses. The dreaded buying more and more packets, success runs E word. Let’s call it that, shall we? out and there would be success-rotation (works like crop-rotation), landlords are bought out Why do you make excuses? Are you and then what? There is a famine. The people... afraid of what you might become if you freed will they die? If success became that important, the soul within you? Do you fear the power maybe they would all die. that resides within you? Are you scared of handling a household or a business empire if Success isn’t so important. If you stop at your in case you achieve success? Does popularity failure, and you can’t take another jump to save frighten you? Do you really want to tie yourself your life, don’t sit there and cry saying, “I can’t to the bedpost all day like that silly man from do it”. For one, have you even tried? Have you the folktale we all know so much? For those even taken the time to calculate the distance who don’t know the tale, he was algophobic in between the top and the bottom? The distance nature, was apprehensive of death in general, is Fear centimeters. Your fear is the biggest couldn’t bear to think of rejection from a distance between your determination and the woman he loved, of a car that might run him unknown. You don’t deserve the chance to over while crossing the road, of a banana peel calculate the extent of your injuries without that might make him skid over, and thereby taking that fall. There are countless people out lead him to his death by bashing his skull open, there, who take the fall each and every day. They and of anything that crossed his mind on any break their knees, they bleed, they tear apart, warm day. He was basically terrorized by all the their heart shatters with every fall, but do you t h e y things in the world and was even more worried know what They Getting the worst p i c k about pain and death. He stayed in his cottage do? broken 24/7 in perpetual fear and can you guess what up all the out of the way and stitch caused him his demise? A piece of art hanging pieces, they on the wall, above his bed, that had the most themselves digging out treasure b a c k t a k e unfortunate timing in the universe to fall right up and they fall, is the true meaning o v e r on his head, as he was getting ready for sleep. that again His excuses landed him nowhere but a sad and over, of success. That’s life and ultimately the ending every human is and again. That’s entitled to. Death! How ungracious of a death is s u c c e s s . the way to attain success. Getting the worst that for a common man, anyway? out of the way and digging out treasure is the So, if we know death is the verdict, we must true meaning of success. Success isn’t an end keep it aside. We shouldn’t fear death because result, it’s a continuous process that doesn’t it will come to all of us on different days. What’s stop. Blaming others for your failure is the your next fear? Failure? What’s failure? When cheapest form of unfavorable judgment in you can’t make ends meet with your desire and the world. You are responsible for your own the outcome is entirely different from what you mistakes and making mistakes is a part of life! expected to happen? You call that failure, don’t You can’t expect to have an easy life, smooth you? But is it the end of the world? That’s death sailing, cool hair days and drool free pillows. for you. So failure is not a full stop, it’s an ellipse’s This world doesn’t work that way, and if it did, point waiting to be continued. Failure is only the imperfections wouldn’t exist. beginning, my dear reader. If you succeed on the first try, consider yourself very lucky and try We are all born with some type of talent or the not to fail. Because success doesn’t transport other. Have you ever wondered which one is it from your neighbor’s door to yours which you that you possess? Imagine them as eggs waiting open when it knocks confidentially. That sort of to be hatched. Imagine how, if you nurtured it, stuff does not happen in life. If people achieved let it grow, cuddled it in your warmth and then success in neat little packets, this world would one day, just let it go. You let it grow so much, be even more competitive. People would keep it will take you away next. Why don’t you try? 14 | SPECIAL EDITION 2018 | modestlyboldmag.com

Try, try, and try. End excuses and begin “try”. it so much. You would prove how you are not The new T word. The hope in the chest (or, incompetent and how you aren’t going to back is it nest?). Money is not anything, talent is. If down. That’s the spirit we all need. We need to you lost your money, you can earn it with your hear bullies because this can work out in our talent! Your talent never dies and if you make favor! You would hate a bully because there is excuses like, “she draws better than me”, “I can’t nothing positive about a bully. You will go against use watercolors”, “my paintings don’t ever make their sentiments to make sure you aren’t what sense”, and so on, do you know the magnitude they make you out to be and this is how we have to be with our attitude of of damage you are dealing to your own brain? These excuses If you can invest all your beckoning people to listen to our excuses. You should not get buried deep under your negativity in starting limit yourself to your mental skin, eating you thin, feeding you lies, and filling you with something for yourself and inhibitions and expect others to agree with you just so they malice. Malice at what? Malice at then for others, you may can validate your cause of others, malice at their success, not even realize how you dropping out from a master while pining for overflowing bank accounts but doing that overcame all your pessimism! brain of an idea. Taking chances is everything and with a bucket of ice cream in making excuses has to be comfy pajamas. Could you be nothing. You can’t restrict yourself to sentences more wrong? that damage your self-worth. You are so much Why don’t you turn your objectivity around? more than just a sentence. Perhaps, you can try aiming all that hatred at your negatives instead of looping it at oblivious If J.K. Rowling stopped at the first publisher who pedestrians who cross your path. All they’ve done rejected her first Harry Potter novel in the series, is catch hold of their success, not yours. First off, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, we you need to understand how success doesn’t wouldn’t have ever known about a school called go to healthy, wealthy and intelligent people Hogwarts, or the people there, or the kind of life only. Success visits hardworking, dedicated, they lived, or the sort of competitions that ran and passionate people. If you can invest all your popular among the witches and wizards in the negativity in starting something for yourself and land of magic and spells. Instead, she took her then for others, you may not even realize how work to eleven other publishers, was outright you overcame all your pessimism! Pessimism rejected by all, yet she persevered. And, when and despondency are the biggest hurdles in her work got selected, she was paid an advance starting an enterprise. Later comes investment, of $1,500 and did that stop her from continuing employment, and printing business cards. If the saga? No. This is rock-hard courage and you’ve got a dream, you have to get hold of it. determination! Imagine, if she had stopped at You need to make it yours, you need to slice it the first rejection... (I would feel terribly sorry first, take it whole next. Your passion is enough for my childhood). to name your dream as yours. It takes only Fear centimeters to push open the door of success, Let’s talk about another story. Don’t we all just and there is nothing, nothing else that can love Walt Disney or rather, his characters? matter except for your occasional bathroom How can we not? If he had cut off his affair with animation after his first business venture break (duh)! that he had started at twenty-two years of age, just because it went bankrupt... you know the Stop explaining and start learning! rest. But no, he never lost his sight, he kept This is another dreaded E word. We always want going forward even after his first major success to explain to someone or the other why we “Oswald the Lucky Rabbit” faced gloom with aren’t most suited for a job. We are looking for some contractual issues. These were so trivial people to understand us, just so others confirm to him because he created Mickey Mouse for what we really think of ourselves. If you label people like you and me (yes!) to receive an yourself as a dummy, you are a dummy for life. accolade for the same in 1932, and went on Whereas, if anyone else other than you have to establish The Walt Disney company. That’s addressed you as a “dummy”, you would hate success. In neat little rows. Wow!  modestlyboldmag.com|MODESTLYBOLD®MAGAZINE|15

Dreams Do Come True

y name is Brendreka Leach and I am the owner of Dreams Come True Learning Center.

Dreams Come True Learning Center was founded in 2015 however, the name came about in 2014. Growing up if no one else believed in me, my mother believed that I could do and be anything that I wanted to be. So in starting my company after the death of my mother the name was originally A Blessing from Above. After talking to my son’s father whom actually was the one that encouraged me to step out on faith and open the center he thought that the name should have more meaning. Since my mother played a key factor in my heart I realized that this center was my dream coming true and that is how I came upon the name. I’ve always taken care of children since an adolescent, so I knew what it would take to operate a center that was family oriented. I had already completed half of my childcare courses needed and graduated from college with my AA majoring in Business. I then set out to continue my courses needed to obtain my Directors and Staff Credentials. I previously worked as a head start sub teacher so I also had experience in childcare. Whether my center remains at home or achieves the greatest potential of being a franchise, I always want it to feel like home to both the children and parents. This helps to provide a nurturing atmosphere. Life for me has not always been smooth sailing, as I have endured a lot of hard times. I began searching for a building while at my current place of employment and even advertising for future care. I also held fund raisers and submitted several request for sponsorship which were all denied. Then my greatest failure happened when I lost everything like my job, car, home, furniture etc. All I had were my kids and our clothes and we slept in a twin bed in my cousin’s

2 bedroom apartment. I made a promise to my 2 children, at the time, that I would never allow them to endure such pain ever again. Has it been easy? It took a very long time but because I was persistent I finally received my credentials in April of 2015. No it has not been easy and with the addition of my son, things got even tougher but I never gave up. I graduated from college with a 3.5 GPA. I’m a successful business owner, and I’m currently sending my oldest child to college. Losing my job turned out to be a blessing in disguise. One of my prior co-workers needed care for her 3 kids so I began caring for them at home. From there, I added 3 more children. I then began the process of getting licensed for care at home. Once again I ran into several obstacles. I later moved to another home and was finally able to set up my in home center to be licensed in February of 2016. I will never give up on my goal of one day franchising my child care center. Life will always throw a curve ball or two, but I plan on giving it my best swing in order to knock the ball out of the park. Nothing comes to sleepers but dreams and with my center being 24 hours I’m constantly woke, working on making my dreams come true. Since being licensed at home, I still have not given up my hopes and dreams of having a center. I know it may take time but I refuse to give up. I’ve held several major events which has given my center more attention. This year was my second year hosting a back to school drive. Each year over 100 book bags were given away to needy families. I received a downpour of donations from many of my friends via social media as well as my daycare parents and family. Two other events hosted were Mother and son superheroes dance and an Alice in wonderland mother daughter tea party. Both events sold out!

Brendreka Leach

Daily I receive calls regarding care for someone’s child however by the grace of God I am at capacity for in home care. Currently, I’m working 7 days a week and 6 of those being 24 hours straight. As I stated before I refuse to give up because I’m destined to get my building. My hopes are to eventually franchise to North Carolina where my sister lives who currently also works in childcare. Many think of my center name as just that, a name. To me, it’s more than a name. I’m living proof that dreams do come true!! NR: Who or what inspired you to start your company? B: I was actually inspired by the fact that I lost my job. It was at that point at which I lost my job that I realized that I didn’t want to work for anyone else anymore. NR: Now what is so unique about your company? B: Well...I am a licensed 24- hour child care center. It is inhome, but just the simple fact that it is inhome, it’s like all of my kids, I treat more like family than just my daycare kids. They’re my babies. What makes me unique, is that also I host outside of just regular activities within my daycare. I’ve hosted several events. We’ve done two back to school drives, in which those are for the entire community. They come out...each year we’ve had over 100 book bags filled with all types of school supplies, such as notebook paper, pens, pencils, folders, you name it, filled to give out to those families in need, you know...the less fortunate. Growing up I always had, but I know what it’s like to see others who didn’t, so I’m pushing my parents and other friends via social media to help contribute to the cause and to get those book bags out to those kids. As well as, we’ve hosted a Mother-Son Super Hero dance. It’s just giving the parents, the mothers, and again it’s not just the parents within my daycare but people all over the community an opportunity to come out and have a good time with their sons. They dressed up and it was so cute cause it was like a competition as to me and my son are dressed better than you and your son but we all had a good time. Same with the Mother- Daughter Tea Party, Alice in Wonderland theme. We had a plan, that every mother and daughter had a flower pot that they decorated together. At the end of the tea party we all planted a seed and with that seed you made a pledge. What you would grow in flower, no matter what was going on you would always come back to water the flower, and you would talk to the flower. It’s your time to talk 18 | SPECIAL EDITION 2018 | modestlyboldmag.com

to the mothers and daughters together because as parents we’re busy but we need to find something, some time to set out with our kids. Now, I am also working on a Christmas venture. A Christmas giveaway for.... we used to have as giveaway for....we used to have Dorcas Drake here and we don’t have Dorcas Drake anymore, she retired. Even though there are a number of places in the community that give out gifts to the less fortunate kids, I wanna do that as well. I wanna call it Brendreka Drake or Ms. B. Drake or whatever, but I plan on getting toys and if no one contributes. Whatever I have to contribute, I’m going to do this to give back to so many kids in need that don’t have Christmas. They don’t know what Christmas is basically. That’s what makes me a little unique. NR: What made you push past your fears and the negativity of others and decide to go ahead and leap and start your daycare? B: My children...my children motivate me and I just wanna show them that I can do...you can do anything, that you put your mind to regardless of what people say. There’s going to be plenty of no’s but you have to show them there is a yes. NR: Who is the one person that has influenced you and influenced your way of thinking when it comes to business? B: Alacia Jordan. She is my mentor. Well, she is more, she is my life coach as well. She has her own childcare facility in which she houses over 100 children. NR: So, if you could give advice to a person who is scared to step out and fulfill their dreams, what would it be? B: In biblical terms, I would say that the Bible speaks that you have to have faith the size of a mustard seed. So as long as you have that faith then you can do it. You take one step, you gone take two. NR: Who would your ideal client be? B: Mainly single parents that have a hard time finding child care outside of normal business hours. NR: What’s so special about those single parents? B: There’s a lot of nurses and people that do stock and so forth, they work extended hours or they work overnight. I have kids that come to me that are military, as well. They come to me from 10 o’clock at night to 7 o’clock in the morning.

NR: What is your motto and how do you achieve it? B: The saying goes that, “the sky is the limit, but It’s footprints on the moon.” So, I’m shooting for those footprints on the moon. NR: When will you know that you have reached your dream? B: Once I have franchised out, and there is a Dreams Come True Learning Center over Jacksonville, as well as, North Carolina. I state North Carolina because that’s where my younger sister is and she’s currently working in child care. But I want her to be able to be part of what I have going on as well. NR: How do you manage business and everyday life? B: Business is taking over everyday life, but I have hired a sub and she is wonderful. She helps me out, she is part- time, but during the time that she is here I try to get everything else done that needs to be done while she’s here. NR: Tell me a little bit more about how it feels to have an employee? B: I feel like a boss, but it’s good. It basically, she helps me out to be a better steward, so to speak over my money because it’s preparing me for when I do branch out and I have my own building and different franchises. So, I’ll be able to learn to

allocate my finances towards staff that I have to pay. And, I mean, it also helps me to be more of a boss. To learn how to be a boss, so it’s like when I do get that building. It’s not like, oh, what am I supposed to do? How am I supposed to treat my workers, so on and so forth? NR: The last question...I’m going to describe it a little more. The question is...what makes you Modestly Bold? Now the reasoning behind the magazine is...Modestly Bold is being shy but bold at the same time. I’m a contradiction within myself, sometimes I’m shy and sometimes I’m bold. What makes you Modestly Bold with your business? B: I do more than what your average day care does. I try quarterly to host several events. I’m a people person, but I’m not a people person. So, it’s like, with those events, I’m meeting people all over Jacksonville and it’s like I’m nervous about meeting those people but once I get around them, it’s like, ok, I’m about to be me. I’m about to show these people, ok, this is what my parents see every day when they come drop their kids off or when they come pick their kids up. This lady that’s just, she gone tell it like it is, and that’s just that and we love her and accept her for that because she’s going to keep it real with us. So, I think that’s, if that’s what you’re itching for, I think that’s more or less like what it is.

Connect with Dreams Come True Learning Center @dreamscometruelearning

modestlyboldmag.com|MODESTLYBOLD®MAGAZINE|19

THE MANY HATS OF A PARENTPRENEUR

By: Amalia Abbar

magine you are in the middle of a business dinner with your client, your daughter is seated with her nanny at a different table in such a way that you can see her in your periphery, your earlier words to your daughter ringing in your head, “I have an eye on you”, pretty clearly. You contemplate over the tone in that which those words were delivered and you cringe inwardly. You realize your daughter has a tarnished image of you. Enthused, you turn your head to give your sweetheart a wide smile while your client is in the process of wild gesticulation only to stop mid-sentence. Bemused at your response, he turns to see what’s caught your interest that had the audacity to cut him off rudely. He sees a three-year-old girl, opening her mouth in what he presumes is going to be a tantrum. But that, which surprises him. “I want Mommyyy!!!!” With a frown, he looks at you with some concern in his eyes to see you turning a fire engine red in the face. An understanding dawns on him. With a smile, he bids you a good night and tells you he will get in touch with you soon. Bewildered and ashamed to the end of this century, you wipe your hands with your hanky and look sadly at the unfinished spaghetti. What a waste. Got any idea how you should’ve breached the gap between your smile and his confusion? How should you never be a parent and a PA at the same time? Or, how you are in actuality a parent and a PA at the same time but can only wear one dress at a time and all that for appearance’s sake? And how for the record not to ever eat spaghetti in public if you can’t stop the stubborn sauce from dripping onto your best suit? I want a day off!!!! No, that’s not what you want. You need some time alone, you need to relax and you need to think. What is it that you want? Are you up for holding client meetings in public knowing your child is within five feet radius of you? Is it okay for a client meeting to end unexpectedly because of that and are you looking forward to answering your boss for it?

20 | SPECIAL EDITION 2018 | modestlyboldmag.com

I think, not. Now, you know you need to reconsider your options. You cannot give equal precedence to both your job and your child with a confused heart. You can only wear one hat at a time dear reader, and this is exactly why I introduce you to this subject. As William Faulkner said, “you cannot swim for new horizons until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore” and you need to drop this idea of an illusion that you are fine with your life. There is nothing fine about handing off your kid to the nanny at eight in the morning, running to the office, listening to your boss’ swearing and witnessing his carnal behavior with your reports i.e. tearing your work of two sleepless nights into shreds and coming back home at eleven to see your child fast asleep, already tucked in. This can’t be a “fine” life. Did you know, how your absence alters the brain development in your child? They need your constant touches of care, your smiles to heal their insecurities and your warm gazes to lift their spirits. This is a particular requirement for children in their early years of growth, when they are at a stage, learning and understanding about life and people in general. Now, this is only the scientific aspect of the issue. Getting to the emotional facets of it, we see how this has damaging effects on the child’s emotional capabilities. They tend to be sensitive, vulnerable and get scared of trivial matters all too easily. It is never easy to be a parent and a worker at the same time. You have to think about your child first and work next. You definitely need an income but you want to be with your child too. How can you achieve that? The solution is as clear as daylight. Start your own business. Not easy to get one going when you are jobless and living on cold pizzas but it’s still a tepid idea, isn’t it? You have got an Internet connection and it’s time for you to do a little research and narrow down your list of options to those that appear credible to you. You will conduct some immense Google searching and learn about the possibilities of getting to the bottom of it to come up with your conclusions, won’t you? Here are a few ideas to propel you into said motion1. Consignment Shop Are you up for selling some “pre-owned” clothes? Re-

cycled clothes have begun to make a reappearance in the market, motivated by the latest recession so that consumers now know the new method to save their bucks! You can make this work through online too. Sounds interesting, eh? Old clothes hold so much appeal now! 2. Grant Writing Business Now that would be a new term to most of you. What does a grant writer do? A grant writer is a crucial nexus between a funder and a grant seeker. Grant writers take up the job of independent contractors, full or part-time development officers, and freelancers. A few websites that will assist you in investigating funders are www.fdncenter.org, www.tgci.com, www. fundsnetservices.com. 3. Freelance Writing We are all familiar with the wonders of freelance writing. Freelance is MONEY. If you are a talented writer, what have you been doing all your life serving your boss coffee? You can always start by writing about subjects which you know like the back of your hand. If you are okay to waive a byline, Ghost Writing is what you are looking for. If you are willing to promote your freelance writing business, launch your own website. 4. Gift Basket-Making Business If you have creative hands that can weave colorful baskets to tickle a customer’s taste, then go for gift basket-making. Gift basket entrepreneurs need blessings in the natural endowment department concerning brilliant creative ideas and the ornamentation ability to purchase gifts and pleat them into baskets, decorative tins, boxes or bags. You can always market your gift business by preparing brochures and listing the contents of each basket and its respective prices. Then, there is the option of selling your baskets online, to corporate offices, through mail order, and in local shops. 5. Graphic Design If designing flyers, informational pamphlets, product catalogs and advertisements are just your thing (or can be, let’s face it, we are jobless at the moment!) let’s take a look at Graphic Designing. Trade your work to ad agencies, publishing companies, small magazines, product manufacturers and individual entrepreneurs. Now you need some inspiration and a few tips to lather your newfound confidence, yes? Here you go with the success storiesmodestlyboldmag.com|MODESTLYBOLD®MAGAZINE|21

From 10 single mom entrepreneurs share their business voice by Kate Taylor 1. Lisa Stone is the mastermind behind BlogHer. With a hoi polloi of 100 million, BlogHer also initiates the greatest U.S. events for women who blog and use social media. BlogHer taught Stone how to bring home the bacon as an entrepreneur while she was three scary adjectives- young, divorced and single! She is now the proud working mother of a three-kid Brady bunch.

traveling, the other has to tune the work-life balance solo. As we progressed on parenthood, my husband and I were ready to face these hindrances. What we weren’t ready for was life as an entrepreneur parent. Forget maternity leave: I was back to work, three weeks after my daughter was born. When you own a business you can’t command others to take all the work, even if you want to.”

So, if you end up doing more working hours than parenting hours, it’s understandable how this entire billet is similar to a tug-of- war. You She advises: “Get rid of toxic people from your are stuck in the middle of responsibilities and a life. It’s not like you have got enough time, right pull from both the ends will only end up in Sansingle mom or dad? If you are living around a ity Demise. Another parent Angela Harless adds toxic person or people who crowd your confi- her comment, “There’s a constant tug of wishdence, you MUST remove them from your life.” ing to spend time with my daughter, attend her functions, and monitor field trips versus 2. Lauren Thom established New Orleans-brand school the tug wishing to run a business that I’m Fleurty Girl making use of $2,000 from her 2009 proud ofofand not let my partners, employees, tax return. That year, her t-shirts quickly turned and clients down”. into a must-have item for every New Orleans fan. Fast forward five years, the single-mother No one ever, opinionated that parenting is a facof three now is the owner of five locations and ile state of affairs. Sealing a deal with a business administers 30 employees. contractor was never one of those either. It’s a mix if you end up in their blend (no un-notShe advises: “Make family a part of your busi- lucky ed sarcasm, assured) but it’s going to be ness… to me, my kids are my board of directors. one big life if rest that is the case. Two of the world’s Make them one of you. Our kids show us why most scary necessities collide to freeze you to we need a better life.” death but know, it’s only temporary. The initial 3. Melissa Kieling, a mother of three, had wres- dark moods, the constant irritation with your tled to research a product to keep her kids’ schedule, the hair ripping and face scratching is lunches cool and safe until lunchtime. So, she all a part of it. But you should take into account, branded the idea for a lunch bag with a freez- how your child is waiting for your smiles, how able gel built into its lining – an idea that ex- she wants to plant her head on your lap, drain panded into PackIt Personal Cooler. Five years the heat emanating from your body, cuddle in into the major success, PackIt has matured into your warmth and ease your frowns. At times, a $14 million business with products that en- your child knows you better than anybody else compass lunch, wine, baby, picnic and shopping and you have to let in their affection and give and distribution stretching more than 40 coun- some right back. This can be cathartic for your ill-feeling life and help you achieve your goal. tries internationally. Do that which makes thou happy and do so that She advises: “Take notes, for inspiration, is ev- makes thy child happy. It’s that effortless if you erywhere. Research creative ways to address set your mind to it. Don’t worry about the earlilittle inefficiencies. What you require is an idea er suit, sauce stains are washable but lost time and an Internet connection to manufacturing a is never found. Prioritizing smile at your child product that changes the world.” instead of a client “babble” is okay too because smiles make an impression that last, unlike cliIt’s crystal clear how parenthood/motherhood ent meetings which are only a fifty-fifty probanever stopped these inspirational women from bility anyway. chasing their dreams and how every little idea can be your road to success. Get your brain Let’s wrap it up tonight, with a salute at your cogs moving, ladies! boss after signing a lovely resignation letter and ride into the sunset with your stylish Ray-Bans To be a working parent is hard, to be an en- on and your daughter in your arms. Let’s toast trepreneur and a parent is entirely another to waking up as New Successful Parentpreneur ballgame. According to Susan Lamotte, “When of the Decade and to cool employees!  a baby is sick, there’s a war of who can more easily leave the office. When one parent is out 22 | SPECIAL EDITION 2018 | modestlyboldmag.com

Social Media: Does

it help or hurt marketing?

By: Chandrakala Battula

ack in the past, marketing is the scenario where the ultimate goal of the then marketing peers was to make an optimum profit and be contended with it lest the minimal competition. However, it isn’t the same set-up in today’s world since those days of operation of a new market on same-old wheels is long replaced by the importance given to the contemporary marketing. Now, it is all about that tipping sensational marketing innuendo that can make or break an entire organization. In the field of Business Marketing, being a pioneer in terms of resourcefulness and ingenuity, knowing the audience and engaging them, is no walk in the park. The effort that needs to be put forth in order to bring the product into the limelight using new-fangled notions is a hardship any business would have to endure inevitably. The reason points to the fact that many of the commodities that are capable of persuading an audience and pleasing the demands are in multitude numbers. The once advertising and communicating practices that were critical aspects of marketing are acquainted with yet another purpose of uplifting the organization to reach out to hundreds of thousands of customers out there in the world. Instead of settling as a mere tool that communicates one’s product or service to potential consumers, essential marketing is now the driving force of an organization’s existence. Henceforth, to be on par with the growing competition and to increase the marketing effectiveness, one needs to be vigilant, inventive and most of all, one must give their best at how well one can ‘do’ the Marketing via a powerful platform - Social Media. “The goal of Social Media is to turn customers into a volunteer marketing army,” as tart as these words might possibly reverberate, Jay Baer’s insightful words would only strengthen the conception that Social Media has it all. Therefore, with the widespread of social networks, it would be outlandish to ignore them as a medium for marketing. This is further established by the fact that social media is no longer a technology but a platform to impress as well as impact people. So the question-at- hand is

– what’s a better way to promote your product or service than a medium that can command 100% of the user’s attention? Social Media has the knack to embark the start of a little effort that goes a long way and is an exclusive potent tool if utilized strategically, can help the organization to excel inexorably. Below is the list of pros that are transpired upon employing Social Media as a platform to promote business, however, unavoidably, the list ends with the start of a few cons. PROS 1. Cost-effective: Running a business is expensive but as of now, the only area in the process that would not demand high expenses is marketing through social media. The reasons are many as Social Media is nearly free, available 24/7 and can reach out to people effectively. The paid-advertisements may appear costlier than other sources online but are cheap when compared to other modes of marketing. 2. Return on Investment (ROI): Over 90% of marketers stated that work for about 6 hours a week on Social Media garnered the necessary attention. Since it is much cheaper than other methods of marketing, it frees up more funds to be used elsewhere. At present, in many cases, social media is the only source, which has the maximum reach so one can reap much more than what they sowed. 3. Larger reach: Studies show that nearly 94% of Social Media users share to pass valuable info out of which 49% influence action about products by sharing. The conclusion is that the gadget technology is demonstrating a crucial role in shaping the impact on Social Media Marketing. Many people’s jobs involve staring at a computer screen for hours. As time passes, even the people who show a version to technology are sadly going to be sucked into this lifestyle of staring at a phone screen. Thus, the young, old and the tech savvy audience that is gathered are wide and diverse. It brings consumers from different backgrounds, socio-economic classes, nations, and ages on a single platform. modestlyboldmag.com|MODESTLYBOLD®MAGAZINE|23

Social media overcomes the barrier of distance, 9. Web traffic: If done properly, social media social strata, and many others and makes mar- marketing can even generate uncontrollable keting easier than ever before. web traffic. Search Engine Optimisation is a goal of nearly everything that exists online. Everyone 4. Customer satisfaction: Since organizations wants his or her website/blog to pop-up first have direct access to the public, they can dis- upon hitting the enter key. Social Media Marcern their needs. It helps all along to examine keting would help access to new potential cusshifts in demand and tastes, gather statistics tomers and in turn increasing the organizations and address precisely what is required. Con- earning capacity. ducting online surveys and gathering feedback is an important aspect while promoting the 10. Use of various forms: Social media allows product. This course keeps the business on its advertisement using diverse formats. One need toes and facilitates its progress relentlessly. not restrict to words or jingles; try images, videos, gifs, infographics and what not. There is no 5. Loyalty: The result of constant interaction limit to creativity in this arena! In addition, it is with the audience and offering quality brand necessary that the marketing is made engagproducts is the establishment of a sense of loy- ing and not just catchy. People scroll through alty. Many people complain of being lost in the their feeds out of boredom. To make the mesmasses, of feeling “unheard”. By leveraging on sage truly effective it is important to entertain this feeling and providing a little more than the the respective audience and offer them a bit of product itself, one can gain repeat customers incredible they have not seen before. The interand in the end a loyal consumer base. This in to- net gives access to innumerable resources, it is day’s time and age is an irreplaceable asset and important they be used wisely. having a loyal consumer base is akin to having a monopoly. In consequence, it is evident that Social media marketing is a key element in success and has 6. Reputation: Warren Buffet says that trust is a many advantages. It can help a business with matter of reputation. In the past, it would take limited resources flourish in a short time. It decades for an enterprise to create an image gives the producers and entrepreneurs direct for itself. Now with social media, this can hap- access to their consumers; gathers useful conpen overnight. Although social media marketing sumer data without the use of sophisticated may seem impersonal and automated, it gives tools or the need for experts. It is sort of a oneroom for a lot of creativity and skill. By dedicat- stop solution to all business problems. Before ing time and resources to manage online re- using such a resource, it is necessary we examviews and social media, the style of advertising ine the associated risks as well. (witty, thought-provoking, brief, conversational etc.) guarantee groundbreaking success. CONS 7. Credibility: Marketing online is a sure and easy way to show consumers that ‘we are here to stay’. The internet never forgets. Once a brand is out there and its reputation is launched, the modern saying goes along the lines of - ‘What happens on Social Media stays on Google forever. Having such a permanent existence really helps consumers take the matter seriously. The brand’s virtual presence adds another layer to its existence. At present, this is as real as it gets. 8. Personification: Considering how an enterprise’s credibility and the image are shaped by its role on social media platforms, the enterprise seems more human to its consumers. No customer would like to feel like a number, a mere sales figure. By carving an identity online, the business becomes more relatable and thereby an entity that people can associate easily. It seems less like a profit making corporate and more like a go-to problem solver. 24 | SPECIAL EDITION 2018 | modestlyboldmag.com

1. No access to offline consumers: Although the internet so far has been the only platform that has united a vast number of people, there still exists a significant part of the population offline. They could be people in underdeveloped or war-ridden countries or those people who are not tech-savvy and make a conscious effort to stay away from social media. They could even be working professionals who have busy lives outside of their computers. Nonetheless, a business is missing out on a possibly huge market. 2. Ignored easily: The constant bombardment with ads not only on phone screens but on the radio, on hoardings, and even in the middle of conversations, make it all the more possible to ignore a new entry in the list. When there are millions of ads out there and every idea has been tried and tested, it is hard to engage the customer. Thus, a majority of ads just blend in

the background and viewers only pay attention to what they like. 3. Negative publicity: Like how an organization can make a reputation overnight, even a possibly false rumor can spread like wildfire. When this happens, it is almost impossible to mitigate, since it is online. A hard-earned image could be ruined. 4. Mockery: Huge part of the marketing is putting oneself out there and getting attention and so it is easy to be made fun of deliberately or unintentionally. People like to feed off other people’s misfortune. A business enterprise is even more susceptible to something like this because it is not a real person and hence, cannot retaliate. Through social media, it is difficult to be taken seriously. 5. Constant Pressure to think out of the Box: Every business has only a few areas where it specializes. While the main objective of every business is to fulfill a need or solve a problem, it might not necessarily be able to market its goods as efficiently. Due to this, many products of inferior quality have a larger set of consumers than those of good quality. Some enterprises do not have access to the right kind of personnel or likely to be focused on creating a good product than advertising it. Social Media Marketing requires skills in fields other than the sole focus on the business. Both the advantages and disadvantages of social media marketing have been successful in shaping the way business interacts with customers and is both a boon and a bane. It is up to the entrepreneurs and business personnel to use various forms of marketing to their advantage. Advertising or any kind of promotion needs to be done after careful consideration. Marketing helps build goodwill and considering the reputation of the company, marketing should be done wisely. Social media so far has given various brands a good social standing. It is imperative that all kinds of businesses engage in it to create a positive attitude within the society. At the end of the day, a business exists because of the goods or service it provides. A few mistakes can be overlooked if the receiver-end is pleased. Social media is probably the most useful and profitable tool for marketing out there and its benefits far outweigh its flaws. It is as Erik Qualman says, “We don’t have a choice whether we DO social media, the question is how well we DO it.” 

modestlyboldmag.com|MODESTLYBOLD®MAGAZINE|25

Cut From A Different

Cloth

develop a cohesive design and was able to assist with sourcing and inspiration resulting in the culmination of P. Diddy’s, I Am King, 10th Anniversary Fashion Show at New York Fashion Week.

As a student of the ever-changing world of fashion, LaTricia has worked in the field of fashion since 2002. In 2000, LaTricia was decidedly focused on a career in Fashion and made her first strides in doing so by interning in Cincinnati, Ohio with Just Jackie Designs. Teaching herself basic sketching, sewing, and construction techniques, she decided to further her classical fashion education by attending Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Ga.

Leaving New York to finish earning her degree, she has done editorial and video styling for artists such as P. Blakk and Bosco and continues to pursue styling and design endeavors.

aTricia, the third eldest of a mixed family of 11, has ventured off into the world to permanently stamp her name in the fabric of design and fashion history. Being a graduate from the Savannah College of Art and Design is just one of the few accolades LaTricia Brown has to disclose about herself, but the story doesn’t end there.

Taking an interest in fashion critiques, LaTricia submitted two essays critiquing John Galliano and Proenza Schouler collections and landed herself an internship with the assistance of Neil Gilks. Before the completion of her sophomore year, she had served as an accessories intern for W Magazine of Conde` Nast Publications, and interned at Sean John Clothing. While there, she learned the basics of mood board development, sourcing fabrics and notions to

26 | SPECIAL EDITION 2018 | modestlyboldmag.com

In addition to assisting the designers of the brand, she also interned with Diddy’s personal stylist Derek Roche of Bad Boy Entertainment Worldwide and had daily interaction with Diddy on his wardrobe selection.

LaTrica earned her BFA in Fashion with a minor in Accessory Design in 2009. She was also the recipient of the Abercrombie and Fitch Scholarship and was selected for the Jepson Center for the Arts Graduate Show; here her menswear was put on display among other graduate works completed for the year. She currently resides in Pooler, Georgia and currently works for herself as CEO and Lead Designer at Trish B. Stylin’ Design and Alterations. She has recently begun focusing on a line of handbags, clutches and accessories for both men a and women to enjoy. Her greatest inspirations include her designer muse John Galliano, and she is most driven by mother’s

LaTricia Brown

determination, her daughter’s directness, her son’s curiosity, and her husband’s patience. For now she is still working on determining the path she wants to take but lives by the famous Bruce Lee quote, “…be like water.” Her advice to others is not to get set into one form, adapt it and build your own. There is no ONE way to achieve you dream except to keep going. 1. What attracted you to fashion design? Honestly rebellion. My parents told me I could wear whatever I could make. This lead me to ask for a sewing machine because I had clothes I wanted to wear but they showed a little too much skin. I asked for a sewing machine and that was that... 2. What is unique about your company? I design CUSTOM handbags and accessories in addition to doing alterations. I don’t think anyone has ordered a custom handbag from an alterations person... Except my clients. 3. Tell me about your childhood and how has it molded your adulthood? Well, growing up I was in the middle I always wanted attention, I wanted to make my parents proud and stand out for my own reasons... And here I am! 4. What is your purpose for wanting to be your own boss? My family is my lifeline. Building someone else’s dreams is only going to get us so far. I want to be my own boss to ensure there is something that will perpetually provide for my family long after I’m gone. It’s not about being my own boss, but it’s

Words from the designer: I would like to say my journey as been a straight shot and I know exactly what I’m doing, but I’d be lying. I jumped into retail, at Target saying to myself, “This isn’t my dream, but I’m going to work here and watch buying trends and then apply for an internship and then design for Target. I got into retail, and got stuck, the money was good, but I didn’t have kids yet so working ungodly hours wasn’t a problem. Well, then I got married and had my daughter and I said, “Ok, I’ll become a softlines executive and work my way up the corporate ladder and become a Buyer for Target” (notice the shift in my goal) but this was ok, because I still had plans to be in the fashion industry.

about bringing my dreams to fruition and giving my children more than what I had. 5. What has been some of your challenges or hurdles and how did you overcome them? Trusting people without the stability of a contract. I have trusted numerous people who I should’ve had contracts with, but did not. That’d be the only thing I’d say. 6. Who is the one person that has influenced your way of thinking when it comes to business? I would honestly say Greg Walker, he’s constantly discussing growing your finances and saving and investing to multiply your savings. 7. When will you know you have reached your dream? I don’t know that for sure I would say when I’ve had multiple successful collections debut at New York, London, Milan, and Paris Fashion Weeks 8. If you could give advice to a person that is scared to step out and fulfill their dreams, what would it be? It’s ok to be scared, if you’re not scared or at least nervous you’re probably not pushing hard enough. 9.Where is your brainstorming place that you go to create your next design? My work room. The thing is my music is what inspires me, not my surroundings. I usually turn on Pandora and set it to “What You Waiting For” radio. 10. What makes you Modestly Bold? My ability to edit and take it down a notch but be right on that cusp of modest, and Bold as Hell.

and husband. I toiled away in retail for two more years, Belk and Sears and then one day it just hit me that this path was the least likely to happen. I am only just now deciding the true directions I’m going to take and I’m making it In a way I hadn’t anticipated. Being the Alterations manager at David’s Bridal for a year taught me a LOT about how I really wanted and could manage my OWN business, so that’s what I’m doing now. I gave birth to my son and finally decided being IN someone else’s shadow or business would NEVER work. I quit my last job for someone else on 12/31/2017 and FINALLY, began working for myself and ONLY myself on 01/01/2018.

The best advice I can give is don’t get stuck. ANY progress is STILL progress, but don’t waste time Fast forward, almost TEN GRUELING years later because that’s the one thing you’ll never get I finally said the hours and pay was not enough, back. I wasn’t happy, and I never saw my daughter 28 | SPECIAL EDITION 2018 | modestlyboldmag.com

Connect with Trish B. Stylin’ @trishbstylin modestlyboldmag.com|MODESTLYBOLD®MAGAZINE|29

the

BRIDGING GAPS Written by: Kia Reese

any of us will gladly support the efforts of those in our immediate family, we might even be willing to invest in the fly by night ideas of our second cousin twice removed on our daddy’s side. Unfortunately, as of late we aren’t supporting our “brothers” in the community. African Americans rarely patronize businesses owned by other African Americans If they do support such businesses services are usually requested for free or at a deep discount. So why should we support black owned business? We must first recognize that it takes a lot of courage to step out on one’s own. Statistically sole proprietors start their business due to extended stints of unemployment, lack of jobs in their field chosen field, or having a vision that can’t be fulfilled working for someone else. Being the boss also mean there is rarely the safety net of a 9 to 5. The hours are longer, and your income is based solely on what you do. Supporting black

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owned businesses in theory support black communities. I say in theory because the dynamic of the community has changed. Meriam Webster defines community as a group of people with a common characteristic or interest living together within a larger society. In the early part of the 20th century, O.W Gurley, a wealthy African-American from Arkansas purchased over 40 acres of land that he made sure was only sold to other African-Americans. The area was used to give refuge to those running from the harsh oppression of Mississippi. The 36-block district was dubbed Black Wall Street and was home to physicians, attorneys, and scholars. The intentional creation of this community created its own economic cycle. Money for goods and services were provided by African-Americans to African-Americans. This allowed the dollar to be circulated 36 to 100 times in the tight knit community. A report by sfbayview.com says a single dollar might have stayed in Tulsa for almost a year before leaving. More recently, the rate of circulation in Asian communities is about a

month, within Jewish communities about 20 days and white communities for 17 days, but it leaves the modern day Black community in a mere six hours, according to reports from the NAACP.

election of African-American mayors in major cities in the 1970 and 1980s.

Today we may have a neighborhood that may be predominantly black but the corThe disparity within these numbers is partly ner store is owned by someone of Middle because there are not enough black owned Eastern descent. The hair store which is part businesses to recreate the economic model of a multi-billion-dollar industry is owned by provided by Black Wall Street. For example, a Korean family, but they have the best 1B Yaki in town. The black currently my lawn care community filled with services are provided by a More recently, the common looking people black family owned business. When I pay said business, rate of circulation in with common interests dead. This issue exists he then pays his employees Asian communities is is partly due to the ecowho are mostly black. This is about a month, within nomic shift from urban where the cycle ends because Jewish communities to more suburban areas those employees now must distribute that money for about 20 days and by businesses and citiservices that mostly likely will white communities for zens. The repercussions of the increasing suburnot come from a black owned 17 days, but it leaves banization go beyond business because there are the modern day Black merely restricted access none. So, we must not only support black business we community in a mere to choose housing for minorities. Just as immust expand the services six hours... portant as the housing and products we offer as market shift have been well. Among states, Georgia the movements of prime had the largest total number with 256,848 black-owned businesses and job markets and choice schooling to the accounted for 9.9 percent of the nation’s suburbs. The combined loss of these three black-owned businesses, followed by Florida, elements (housing, jobs, and schooling) has with 251,216 black-owned businesses (9.7 ensured a comprehensive disadvantage for minorities left in the inner city. The result percent). has been concentrated urban areas of black Over the past 40 years, black businesses Americans living in regions of economic staghave grown rapidly and into a wider array nation. of industries, from tech and food services to engineering and financial services, than So how do we get back? According to the at any previous time in American history. most recent study by the Nielsen CompaThis is due in part to barriers to capital, cor- ny, African Americans will have $1.1 trillion porate contracts and government contracts in collective buying power by 2015 (increasbeing lowered or eliminated by anti-discrim- ing to about $1.3 trillion by 2017), making ination legislation and equal opportunity ef- “us” more relevant than ever as a consumer forts because of the triumphs of the 1960s block. Now you would think that we are really Civil Rights Movement, and the subsequent getting somewhere. I mean if we just redirect modestlyboldmag.com|MODESTLYBOLD®MAGAZINE|31

a portion of this money to African-American business this will solve the problem, right? Well I’m glad you asked, in researching for this article I came across a imixwhatilike.org and a piece written by Jared Ball. In it he breaks down why he believes the black spending power is a myth with no economic logic or data. I highly recommend that you read it. So, if black spending power is a myth why is it being used. The Nielsen Company is an independent measurement and data company that analyzes fast-moving consumer goods, behaviors, and media. In English, they are the company that tells other companies (for a fee) who and what to market and to whom to market it to. So in essence they are telling Big Business hey the black folks have 1 trillion dollars they can spend, figure out how to get it from them, we are spending money making others rich instead of those in our own communities. Nielsen and Big Business know that if we can ever get together and effectively leverage or money they are in serious trouble. We just need to figure this out. The key element in rebuilding the community is supporting the black financial institutions. In 1987 there were 91 African American owned banks in America. Today there are only 24. Harold Black suggests that the role of financial institutions in the processes of urban revitalization and economic development can be addressed from two perspectives. The first involves discussion of the institution operating within the urban environment. The second considers the role of the government on the local, state, and federal levels in encouraging financial institutions to actively participate in urban redevelopment financing. We must consider the role of minority institutions, majority institutions, and the government in the area of urban revitalization.

and our local black organizations. Studies have shown that the black church remains the most powerful institution in the black community. The informal financial and spiritual support and care giving assistance offered by African-American churches is second only to the support by the actual family. The importance of continuing to invest and pour into faith based and social organizations has and will continue to be more reliable than government assistance. Once our communities are financially stable we can then start effecting change on political levels. As proven by the use of the Nielsen surveys companies and government responds to all mighty dollar. Currently because we spend such a large portion of our money with companies that do not look like us we do not have to power to effect the change that is necessary on the local, state, or federal level. When there is a problem by banning together and withholding our money in the form of protect change will come. We must stop waiting for someone to rescue us, and be willing to rescue ourselves. If they are not willing to give us what we are owed, we must be willing to take it.

Organizations like Empowerment Experiment, the Black Owned Business Network, and Recycling Black Dollars are hoping to encourage African Americans to patronize Black businesses, but there is still more work to do. That work can begin with you. Find a black business directory or use one of your many social media platforms. Attempt to support one black owned business a month, if you like the service or products promote them to your friends. Word of mouth advertising is the best kind. A good friend once said that if everyone does a little it is not necessary for anyone to do a lot. Although, the old idea of community is dead, we are not and we When in need of immediate financial assis- are more than capable of building something tance, what organizations do black people turn new and better. We can carry out the vision to? Small black owned businesses, churches, that our fore-fathers dreamed if we are just our brother’s keeper. 

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WHAT DOES YOUR BRAND SAY ABOUT YOU? by:

Misbah Fathima

ll of us who are reading this are doing so on some kind of media. We come across several such sources of information in a day. With the widespread of technology, we have very few moments in a day to ourselves, the rest is spent intentionally or unintentionally on various media. Besides getting information, we are constantly bombarded with ads each promoting miscellaneous brands.

convinced us that we need everything. Brands have successfully created demand for goods and services we never even needed before. A lot of times, the utility of these products exists purely in the consumer’s mind. This is how branding has made all the difference.

With proper branding, you can literally sell anything. A company even managed to sell “Diet water” that claimed to be low on calories when normal water, in general, has no calories. What does brand actually mean? On the flip side, even good ideas achieve the At present, the problems we face as a world success they deserved because of inadequate go far beyond basic needs like food, shelter, brand placement. clothing, safety and the like. Not to say that these problems don’t exist or are insignificant. Your brand, in turn, tells a lot about you, your They do and they are the most serious of all. But organization, and what you sell and here’s how: today, as opposed to just a century ago we are in a much better position to solve such problems. 1. Your products and services: Effective implementation and logistics are our only obstacles to overcome these pressing This goes without explanation. Brands are basically a name given to a range of products matters. and/or services so that they can be differentiated If you think about it, with our basic needs met from similar goods in the market. It helps you to with ease there is actually little markets and set yourself apart from other organizations in businesses could sell us. However, in reality, the same industry. we are witnessing the exact opposite. Despite having our needs met, consumerism is at its A good brand name comes with an attractive logo, a catchy tagline, and basically any other peak. feature that could ensure it stays in the memory There could be no better period in the history of a casual onlooker. Appropriate brand of mankind for business ventures to flourish placement ensures that people get an idea of because we are never satisfied and always want what the company has to offer, by looking at more. Despite rising prices, the tempestuous the brand itself. economy, and the constant rise and fall in the value of every currency, people are always Toy brands use bright primary colors and playful purchasing and looking to upgrade their way fonts to attract children and give others an idea of life. What could have brought about this that the brand caters to children. Electronics have monotonic logos with dull colors hinting unexpected trend? at their utility in an office environment. Brands that work towards saving the environment The answer is branding. generally use green. We associate a brand with various products or services we avail, although the concept of a 2. How you see yourself: brand is abstract and much larger than that. A brand is basically the reputation of a company, A brand is a clever and subtle form of an expression of what it aims to achieve, its communication. How an enterprise views itself ideas, its quality amongst many other things. is reflected in their brand. Many enterprises Today it is the brand that sells and rarely the have flourished by advocating themselves as product, even if this product solves a problem the best in the market. Popular brands like Apple with their design, their pricing, and most or adds value to someone’s life. of all their advertising made Apple products People are always buying because effective elite. Now the mere logo conveys quality and branding and advertising activities have wealth. modestlyboldmag.com|MODESTLYBOLD®MAGAZINE|33

Similarly, many electronics have minimalist logos and simple brand names despite being multi-functional. This conveys an image of an enterprise that is more concerned with substance over form. That prioritizes functionality and utility over a fancy product.

constantly interacting with the target market through more and more personalized channels make the customer feel like a part of the organization, rather than an entity external to it.

Also in order to truly fulfill a need or solve Also, brands that advertise through sarcasm, a problem, you need to be approachable. humor, or wit have a tough time in supporting Traditionally, there was little communication between companies and the customers they social causes as they aren’t taken seriously. tried to serve. Companies were viewed as 3. Your credibility: impersonal profit-seeking conglomerates. This worked as the competition wasn’t as fierce. A lot of brands have a reputation of remaining the best in their industry for years if not ages. Today it is imperative that companies create Even if a customer has a bad experience with more and more customized products that solve one or two products of a brand, their loyalty a variety of needs. This is only possible through towards it doesn’t waver. A brand thus ensures effective communication which will only happen credibility. if the entity is approachable. People are more likely to interact and explicitly list out their A Brands that walk the talk, that stay true to demands if they can relate to a brand that is if their word are trusted and thus preferred over they feel the brand is also on their side and is their contemporaries. Brands that have such working towards the same goal. a reputation find it easy to sell new products and diversify into different ventures as the faith 5. Are you responsive? people place in them helps them prosper. In recent times there have been numerous Despite minor setbacks, brands with good issues to battle, several causes to fight for, credibility have been able to bounce back while and infinite injustices to tackle. There are few incurring negligible losses. Their goodwill that who actually make a substantial effort towards has been accumulated over the years ensures setting things right. By being responsive in times their continued success. of need, by speaking up on behalf of the public brands can show that they actually care. 4. Are you relatable? Responsiveness shows the service-motive of a Let’s face it, businesses function with a profit company. It shows that the enterprise considers motive. At present, there are few enterprises itself a part of the society and is functioning that function with a socialist perspective and to make the world a better place. Even a little are thriving. Brands and advertisements are all effort goes a long way. The moment the public sales pitches to ensure conversion and in turn sees you as responsive, you are seen as more high returns. relatable, it greatly boosts your goodwill and strengthens your credibility. Nevertheless, you should never make your customers feel like numbers. Brands by

A brand in a way personifies the company. It shows its uniqueness by highlighting the Brands, in order to maintain their popularity, in features that set it apart, it gives an otherwise the long run, have to keep up with the times. inanimate entity life. A brand is the soul of a Advances in technology have taken advertising business. At present it branding is integral to to a whole new level. Popular brands incorporate the basic survival of companies. Since all basic recent trends, common lingos, and well-known needs of people are satisfied there isn’t much references to attract young audiences. one can do to sell a product. Through a brand, a business can create a need. Attracting the youth helps a brand beat time. The more in touch with the trends you are the A good brand has to satisfy the basic longer you stay in the market. Think of any requirements, that is to give customers an idea established brand you know that has been of the products sold and the service provided. around for a while. Despite changing times Additionally, it should slowly but surely build a and fickle consumer preferences they have good reputation and distinguish itself by being retained a large customer base by staying up to credible, relatable, responsive, and keeping date. Product design and marketing techniques with the times. are two tools that companies can use to showcase their modernity. These aspects are It is the brand, the public image, of a company also something that is very fluid, that is, they that ensures long-term success. Customers change even in the short-run. By developing individually can’t and will not interact with a newer products that accurately meet customer business’s personnel. It is the brand that creates an environment conducive to communication demands, a brand is viewed as “trendy”. that flows naturally. Companies generally outlast their customers and it is very easy for a brand to be perceived as Effective branding can shape consumer outdated or ancient. Businesses have to make preferences rather than respond to it. This conscious efforts to keep up with the times and would give the business unprecedented power as it no longer has to seek opinions, keep up cater to what the public wants at that time. with the times, or spend time and money on In conclusion gathering data. 6. Are you à la mode?

A business is an impersonal entity that is generally viewed negatively as it works with a profit motive. The brand that a business creates makes it more relatable, more real. Traditionally, enterprises have always considered customers as external to the organization but now customers are considered part of the system, that facilitate the progress of the company.

With the experience that comes with good branding, businesses can get an upper hand by subtly influencing trends and preferences. This way they can establish themselves as big market players not just at present, but in times to come as well. 

Brittany W. Richardso

B.Rich B. RICH STORY

here do I begin? As long as I can remember, I have been “that girl with the camera.” At family functions, school days, events… I’ve always been the one to capture the memories. I can remember in grade school when my siblings and I purchased my mother a Canon point and shoot camera for her birthday. I was so excited! Why? Not because we chipped in and bought her a really nice gift but after taking a few test shots with it myself, I was instantly amazed at the quality of the picture I captured. This was back in a time where digital cameras were first beginning and I was in complete amazement that I could instantly see the photo I had just shot and it looked soooo good.

Fast forward my life a few years to 2005. I was attending the University of South Carolina, Columbia, and majoring in Early Childhood Education. All of my life I thought that I would be a great teacher. I loved working with children and inspiring their little minds so this seemed like the perfect career choice for me. This was my 3rd year and I began to get burned out. I enrolled into a photography course just for the heck of it. I loved every single minute of that course! We used film and developed our photos in the dark room on campus. Even though being in the dark scared me (because I’m a bit of a scaredy cat), it was like magic watching my images appear on that photo paper. I think this is when the real “love” for photography began. Years later, we moved to Atlanta and a friend of ours asked me to take some family photos for her. My husband and I had just purchased a Nikon point and shoot camera because my nephew, Tre, had been born and I wanted to get some really nice “Auntie Brittany” pictures. It was at my friend’s family session that something sparked a flame within me. I decided that I would continue to pursue photography as a hobby but I also knew that there was something much larger brewing with this craft for me. I remember the first big gig I booked. It was for a graduation party in Co-

lumbia, SC for a family that had been pretty close to me in my hometown. I called my mom up and told her about my gig and I was panicking. I couldn’t imagine showing up to this all-day shoot with my little point and shoot camera. I had to really get my story together to convince her that there was a NEED to upgrade to a much nicer camera. Without any doubt or hesitation in her mind, she agreed to fund my very first DSLR. It was a Nikon D90 and I grinned from ear to ear when I picked it up. She believed in me then and still does to this day. I loved that camera so much and I actually still have (and use) it frequently.

I started out shooting everything. Anything that people would hire me to do, I did. I also learned quickly that you burn yourself out that way. Over the last few years,I have really narrowed down my specialties and I have come to know what IS and what ISN’T for me. This craft is ever changing. There is always a new product or new technique that comes out for you to learn and master. Although that can sometimes be the most challenging piece of it all (keeping up with the changes), it is also part of the beauty in photography. It is hard to get bored. For a creative, that is fascinating! Our minds work in ways that non-creatives would never understand. We are always craving a new challenge, a new way to put our spin on things, or a new skill to master. In photography, that ever-changing element is always and will always be there. Over the last few years, some amazing things have happened to me. In 2011, I married the man of my dreams and then in 2015 and 2016 I was blessed to become a mother to two beautiful children, Samuel Khi and Avery Skye. My life and journey to where I am today has not always been easy. I get burned out, I get frustrated, I get disappointed, stressed, excited, nervous…. All those things. But the biggest lesson that I have learned is that when life and business seem to be too much for me, it’s ok to take a step back. It’s ok to put the camera down and just be mommy. It’s

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“I can do anything through God who strengthens me.”

alright to put the phone away, shut the computer down, and cuddle up on the couch with my husband to watch our pre-recorded shows (because we never get a chance to watch them live anyway). I have also learned what is NOT ok. It isn’t ok to let people, friends, or family use you and talk down to you when you are doing your best. It is not ok to accept less than what you are worth. It is not ok to be over looked and underrated when you are most definitely a great candidate for whatever task is before you. I have developed tough skin and have surrounded myself with people who genuinely love and support me. I say “no” when I need to. I listen slower than I talk. I love to have a good time and tell myself on a regular that “I can do anything through God who strengthens me.” Truth is.. when you have a purpose, it doesn’t matter what Man says, never will. It’s ok to block out the negative things and focus on what is important. What makes me unique is my personality and the way I have learned the importance of creating real, genuine relationships with my clients. When sessions are over and the work is done, most feel more like friends than clients and I’m ok with that. It is my goal to ensure that they have the best time when they are with me and that we create memories that will last a lifetime. Children grow up fast, old age catches up to most faster than they ever imagined it would, life throws you curve balls, people lose their lives unexpectedly. At the end of the day, there is one thing that will matter most when all those memories fade and those are the pictures that tell the story of the best years of your life. This is my intention and it is what inspires me to pick up my camera and continue shooting day after day. NR: What has been some of your challenges or hurdles and how did you overcome them?

B: I would say the biggest challenge...ummm... for me has been just in the beginning stages of this journey, I’m on. Not really knowing where to start and reaching out to people and them not being very receptive to me. I would reach out and ask for advice or just want to get some information about where to start or what I should do and it seems like people; I don’t know if they were intimidated or they just didn’t want to give me information, but I walked the journey alone for a long time and...ummm...yeah that was the biggest hurdle, just figuring out how to start without know where to start and then I feel like once I connected with the right people to give me just that little push of what direction I need to go in, that helped me a lot, for instance, I didn’t really know many photographers before I started, the only one I really knew of was my wedding photographer, so I reached out to him after reaching out to so many people and they would send back a price tag for advice or say nothing. But he gave me good information about what starter camera would be good for me, and also gave me some information about what books might be good and to this day I still own the books and the camera and that was just a great start for me. NR: What motivates you to continue your dream after a tough hurdle? B: Well...that’s pretty easy, my children and the need to want to leave some type of legacy for them. I believe honestly that every individual should try to tap into some outlet that offers the opportunity to leave a legacy for their children. I really believe that my hustle and drive come from my mother, who not only worked a full-time job growing up, but she also always kept a side hustle; and it wasn’t photography, it was type-setting. So, she would do programs and work odd hours of the night to get programs done and work with the printer and she just had the grind,

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that was just out-of-this- world. And even though I didn’t necessarily take on that trade, I took on the hustle. So, if all I do is leave that hustle mindset, that go-getter attitude to my children, I think they will be alright. They motivate me, as well as just wanting more for myself. I’m too creative to just sit still, why waste it? God gives us gifts, and if we don’t use them, he’ll take them away. NR: What made you push past your fears and the negativity of others, and decide to go ahead and leap? B: I had to realize that I can do whatever I want to do as long as I put my mind to it and not listen to the nay- sayers, not listen to the negative comments, and not worry about people’s opinions. I think that the minute I realized that I have something that I can offer to this world, that people need to see, that they need to feel when they see it, it became a whole lot easier to just not even worry about other people. Now, don’t get me wrong, I do look up to certain people in this industry, and even outside of this industry because I admire their drive or what they are doing in business or whatever contributions they are making to the world. But I kinda feel like once you start focusing on yourself and really keying in on what it is you do well all the other stuff doesn’t even matter. NR: What do you believe are some must have traits that an entrepreneur should have? B: Discipline is number 1, because when you’re an entrepreneur you are moving; most of the time you’re working in a sole proprietorship kinda situation where your success depends on your drive so you have to be disciplined in order to be successful because you have to stay focused. You have to be open- minded because you have to know your industry, and all the changes that go on in the industry you need to stay on top of it. You also have to be professional, in every aspect of that word, meaning even on your social media, everyday conversations because you never know who’s watching, you never know who’s listening or who is really paying attention to your moves. You never know who is going to be a potential client or a potential blessing. So, I really feel like as an entrepreneur you have to possess those key things in order to be a success. NR: What is a success story that has recently happened? B: A goal for me this year was to plan a styled shoot. Not for anybody else, but for myself. I’ve done it twice. The first time was with the Queen Photographers when I worked with the other area leads for

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Atlanta and we planned our Afro-Shriek style shoot. Which was a lot of learning but it was also to put together, and then I stepped back to continue my goal for myself and plan my own shoot. So, that will be released in a little bit. Hopefully I get it published. It was a lot of hard work...ummm...I’m proud of myself, because I stepped out on faith and I followed through even when I think I should quit. I’m really proud of the end result, I think it was a success. NR: If you could give advice to a person that is scared to step out and fulfill his/her dreams, what would it be? B: Jump! Do it! Don’t listen to anybody else, if you have it in your heart, and your mind, and your spirit to do something....do it! Don’t wait on anybody else to approve on it. Don’t wait on anybody else’s opinion, because what is for you, is for you. Jump...That’s It...period. NR: When you’re relaxing, what are your must have items? B: Coffee, and good music. It’s not my normal trap music when I’m relaxing. So it’s more of a...either like a Jill Scott kind of vibe or I like Solange, definitely not that ruckus that’s playing in the background right now. I like quiet because my life is so noisy with two toddlers running around and acting crazy like they ain’t got no home training. Normally, if I’m home by myself on my me- time, I have TVs off. I might have music playing or not. That’s just how I kinda wind down, because the world is so...we’re in the day and age where it’s always stuff coming at you. You got social media coming at you, it’s always something going on in the news, you always got people in your ear. Sometimes you have to just drown all of that out and just focus on nothing. Which is hard to do...so...but yeah, I gotta have my coffee too. NR: What animal best describes your business sense? B: A lioness. Thanks to my hubby, he helped me with that one. I’m a go-getta, but I also wait for the right time for me to jump. Meaning...I’ll sit back and take in everything I need to take in before I act on what I need to act on. So just like the lioness does, sit back and watch her prey. And then she goes for it then she brings it home, that’s kinda like me. NR: Where is your brainstorming place that you go to create your next product/service? B: It’s always when I’m driving around in the car. I do a lot of traveling from Georgia to South Carolina

because I have family there so that’s usually the quiet times. And when I’m on the road that’s when my brain is just going, I guess because you have no choice but to sit still, and when you’re still, you start thinking about all the things you are supposed to think about or you’re not supposed to think about. And that’s usually when I start making calls and making moves or planning things out. When I’m riding or I’m driving, even on my commute to work or from work, that’s 30 minutes each way. So, during that time is generally when I start brainstorming and stuff and send text messages, once I stop of course, I don’t text and drive and stuff.... you know... or make my phone calls, so yeah that’s when I move stuff pretty much. NR: So, the magazine that you’re in is Modestly Bold, which means you’re shy at times, but you’re a go- getta and you’re bold to go after what you want. What makes you Modestly Bold? B: Ummm.... I guess I kinda feel like all of my life, I have been overlooked but not necessarily because of other people all the time, primarily because of myself. In my younger years, I’ve been the one where opportunities would come up and I would be a good

2012

fit and I would doubt myself and my abilities and I would always think that someone else should do it because they will be better. When in all actuality, if I would have just jumped, if I would have just volunteered, I could have been good at whatever it was. Same thing now except I’ve tried to remove that “push responsibilities onto other people” factor, and not be as shy and just do it. Speak up, lead, speak my mind, give my opinion, offer advice, offer a hug... ummm...because you know in business you have to build relationships and sometimes it’s more about personal relationships than just business, a lot of times it is. Bold...because I’m Brittany. I’m going to be Brittney, I’m going to laugh, I’m going to smile. When I enter a room, I’m going to introduce myself and you’re going to see all of my teeth. Even though they’re not perfect, I don’t care, I was blessed with them so you’re going to see them. It’s just me, you know, it is what it is. If you’ve ever met me, you already know I’m going to be bubbly, if I’m down, I’m down. That means I need my friends to step up and do what I do. That’s just me I guess, I can be quiet and I can be really loud with it, if I need to...and turn on this trap music every now and then.

2017 Photos on this page courtesy of B.Rich Photography Connect with B.Rich Photography brichphotography modestlyboldmag.com|MODESTLYBOLD®MAGAZINE|41

PAPER CHASING

By: Kia Reese

n life we seem to always be on the paper chase, trying to run down the all mighty dollar. Now that you have started a business that chase now includes actual paper. How you start your business will determine how successfully it runs. You may still be working a full-time job as you get this business off the ground and may only be able to dedicate yourself to it part-time. Still, it’s yours and you want it to flourish. The organization of not only your finances and files, but of your company itself is extremely important. Knowing where to start or even where to re-evaluate is sometimes overwhelming, however doing so insures your business will run more smoothly. Implementing a business plan is a great way to keep your business organized. So, what exactly is a business plan? Business plans are documents used for planning out specific details about your business. They can range in size from a simple few sentences to more than 100 pages with formal sections, a table of contents and a title page. The primary purpose is to define what the business is or what it intends to be over time. Businesses evolve and adapt over time, and factoring future growth and direction into the business plan can be an effective way to plan for changes in the market, growing or slowing trends, and new innovations or directions to take as the company grows. Clarifying the purpose and direction of your business allows you to understand what needs to be done to accomplish forward movement. Clarifying can consist of a simple description of your business and its products or services, or it can specify the exact product lines and services you’ll offer, as well as a detailed description of your ideal customer. According to Entrepreneur Magazine, typical business plans average 15 to 20 pages. Comprehensive business plans have three sections--business concept, marketplace and financial--and these are broken down into seven components that include the overview or summary of the plan, a description of the business, market strategies, competition analysis, design and development, operations and management, and financial information. Even small one-page business plans have importance and purpose for the success of the business. There is no need to worry if you

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started your business without a plan, take the time to sit down and work on one. My personal belief is that a Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) is also a necessity of every business. A SOP details exactly how each task is to be performed and in some cases who should perform them. Now, you may feel that this is overkill, especially if you do not have employees. I however feel that it not only sets a standard but gives the business a level of accountability. A SOP is a living document that can grow, change, and be amended as needed. When your business does grow to have hundreds of employees your SOP is already in place, your expectations for services or products are already being met, and your brand can continue to grow at the same level of quality your customers know and trust. Another one of my business must-haves is a retention schedule. Again, some may feel it is not needed, but I disagree. A retention schedule is a list of how long you should keep certain documents, whether they are vital records, and how they should be stored. Items should be broken up into categories and if necessary can be further broken down. It is important to consult with your CPA, attorney, IRS, and local government when implementing this document. They can provide you with an idea of how long certain documents are required. A good resource for a comprehensive retention schedule is available on the Secretary of State website in your respective state. It will give you a wonderful free template and ideas about how long things should be kept. If you are still wondering what the documents I have just mentioned have to do with how you properly file your taxes, it is very simple. Taking the time to construct these documents, details what is important to your business. When you know what is important to your business it becomes easy to decide what is important to hold onto for your business. Now that you have the structure of your business together, it is time to set up for filing and a financial organizing system. There is no reason to recreate the wheel, so following the model of those who are already doing it the right way just seems to make sense. When creating a file system your goal with the file system is retrieval in the future, there is no need to file paper you will need later. Unfortunately, most of us don’t quite know what we will need so we keep everything! The one suggestion that

I can say I have unanimously seen everywhere is not to create a miscellaneous file. Just like that junk drawer you have in the kitchen, your miscellaneous file will collect, useless and unnecessary junk. The one element to organization is the need to maintain it on an ongoing basis. This is not a once-a-year or even once-a-month activity. It’s something that should be maintained each day. If a new category comes up, create a new file or file drawer for it immediately. • Gather all loose paperwork in one location • Create broad categories first (Administration, Clients, Financial, Insurance, Legal, Marketing, Sales, Service, Vendors), then fine-tune each category into smaller files, as needed • Create folders for each active project • Unfold papers before filing, and discard envelope • Use staples not paperclips • Leave 3 or 4 inches of “breathing space” in each folder You’ll need plenty of hanging and manila files and a simple label maker--all of which you can get at any office supply store--so every file has a clearly visible label using the same conventions for alphabetizing, etc. It is important to store all vital document in a fire-resistant book, safe or bank safe deposit box. Keep a list of the contents. Your business may be starting out small, but with any luck you will eventually grow. If your business is not incorporated, consider doing so or forming an LLC to shelter you from some of the financial risks you may face and to protect your business liabilities from spilling over to your personal finances. If you are not fortunate enough to have an office or space in your home that can be dedicated just to your business, it is important to file your business and personal finances separately. It is easy to mix the two when you are running a small business. If you have not already done so, set up a checking and savings account to be used only for business purposes. Make sure to have a clear way to keep track of your business expenditures, like using only a debit card tied to your business account. Finance software is a must for medium and large-

sized businesses. The days of keeping receipts in shoe boxes and filing each transaction away separately are far behind them. No matter how early you are in the process of building your business, do yourself the favor of investing in finance software. I have always been a fan of Quickbooks by Intuit. If you have any accounting or bookkeeping knowledge the software is easy to set up and even easier to work with. The software allows for invoicing, reconciliation of bank statements, bill payments, and payment of liabilities just to name a few options. You will still need a place to keep paperwork and receipts that accumulate throughout the year, says Dummies.com. Be mindful that the IRS now accept scanned copies of receipts. This is great for two reasons. Receipts fade over time making them hard to see and even harder to remember what they are for, and it is just less paper to file. If you are one of those people that feels a digital copy is not as reliable, it is easiest if you create a system. Make a separate file for everything you will need, so that you can quickly find whatever you’re looking for. If possible, purchase a file cabinet and create files for each distinct part of your business. You will need files for: • Accounting and bookkeeping records • Bank records • Contracts, including leases and purchase agreements • Intellectual property, such as trademark applications and patents • Marketing material, like brochures and coupons • Permits and licenses • Standard forms, such as purchase orders and employment applications • Correspondence • Employee records Successful entrepreneur have goals, and the most successful entrepreneurs review goals frequently. Keeping your goals front and center allows you to weave through the chaos. It’s an introspective process that helps you hack at extraneous details. It can reveal what is important, what is a waste of time and what you should do about it all. You will only get out of your business what you put in. Following these simply suggestions will allow you to continue to chase green paper, instead of searching for misplaced papers. 

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hen was the last business meeting you had attended? Or, was it your PA who represented you in neat slacks during the aforementioned meeting (which you can’t recollect at all, by the way) when you were busy munching on annual sales figures? Or, have you ever showed up for a business meeting in essence instead of hosting meetings on Skype, adorning your pristine suit, a dearly-won haircut, and a glittering face (please, have some respect for your nervus facialis, facial treatment can get villainous!)? Do I have to remind you of how the camera was slightly angled to that side where it shouldn’t have and your meeting had to be adjourned because you realized a little too late how you hadn’t paired your ensemble right (or at all, oops!) What makes a businessperson a businessperson? It’s not just success, it’s most definitely not appealing looks (if you look at it, all the successful, and popular businesspersons in history are not all that bad looking, hmm...), and it’s not money either. By definition, a businessperson is anyone who owns a business, employs, and deposits a check on his/her employees’ desks at the end of a thirty day period, throughout the year. Don’t you think this definition is very much lacking?

If they say that they live in a house of cards, it’s by all odds not the euphemism rearing its ugly head but a wonderful metaphor to say, yes, I have a stylish business card to keep me going. How important are business cards in the Social Media era? To answer that question in bold, very important. They are sort of forgotten but they stick around like puppet strings behind the curtains. When I say they, I don’t necessarily mean the cards themselves. Its idea is forgotten, its utility is forgotten and au fond all things business cards are forgotten, period, because you like to flash your thousands of dollars phones in the face of a probably interested client to show you’ve got money not just in your wallet, but also in your style, looks, haircut, and not to forget how you can afford a facial treatment. You want to make a show of your impeccable tastes. Have you ever wondered how showing off your wealth never takes the cup? Modesty is a talent and playing wafture with big-ticket phones won’t land you in a multinational plate by a long shot.

You feed the number of your prospective customer into your infamous phone, smile at the dimpled guy (it suspiciously looks like... a plastic surgery), do the same with your For a businessperson to be addressed as a number which he (I don’t really think that...) businessperson, he/she must be passionate. saves on his phone, cue farewell and cue Passion is a wretched little thing. It’s a Dementia. Good luck with that call. monster that kills, it’s unforgiving in nature, and it reeks of hope. It’s also a balloon Reality swap - imagine the same meeting in that deflates with a sigh so loud, you will a different setting, or with slight changes in want to burn the needle that pricked it. the surroundings but mostly you. Humbly Passion must be one of the most transient dressed but professional looking, equally things to walk this planet, and that’s what enwrapped with your maybe-customer, makes it highly challenging to conquer. If a pushing down the urge to look at the businessperson is passionate, he/she will consistently pinging phone, and this is what I work hard with an immortal dedication that am talking about my friend. You have to avoid puts the determination of a cheetah racing your phone at all costs during any meeting, for a poor deer to shame. A dedicated be it your grandfather or your son. Attention businessperson will explore ways to ensure is everything. You can show your client that that his/her methods in running a business you are attentive and that you really care are followed with aptness and smoothness. about your business by pulling out this To them an occupational hazard isn’t the end sorcerous looking bewitching thing called of the world, it’s only a hurdle waiting to be business card. In this tech-gen, if you can crossed. There is no fear, only courage, there draw out one of these from your pockets or is no hopelessness, only resoluteness, and wallet, you are undoubtedly the pot of gold. there is also no jotting down of numbers on Business cards are facing extinction these napkins or waving one like a flag in the face days where communication is limited to the of a potential customer, only business cards!

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borders of social media networking, live videos, video conferencing, and tech-infused document signing. Technology has overtaken almost everything in this universe, serving it to us in goblets, as sands of time slide in faster, letting us connect with even more people. The surprising thing about technology is that it’s not yet capable of replacing a good ol’ business card, and it’s not going to happen anytime soon either. Why any businessperson should love a business card: You can’t set out to command a company to sign a contract and print business cards for you just for the sake of it. You need to know why it’s such a big deal in the world of any ambitious business tycoon and what makes it so special! 1. They showcase your creativeness The main idea behind the yielding of business cards must be to stand out. It’s vital to have a card that speaks volumes about the kind of personality you’ve got, about your aims, and plans for your company. Your company logo must be designed in such a way that it is remembered even after your client (by chance) misplaced it. It can be a simple curve or anything that will appeal to your consumers instead of throwing in a complicated patchwork (that’s not creativity) no one can figure out. Uniqueness matters, so make it as unique as possible. While choosing the material for your card, don’t worry about the investment figures. There are a variety of options like metal, plastic, wood, and now marble is quite popular. Stop being a bore and take the dive for something special, something not easily thought out! 2. Be a part of the business-tradition Passing out business cards in a client meeting is a norm followed from time immemorial. Our actions

The House of Cards by:

Amalia Abbar

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are harangued by technology so much so that we have forgotten the traditional way of sealing the deal. It’s a ritual that is slowly slipping away from the minds of young business persons with the presence of powerful structures or golems in their palms. When establishing a connection through a click is made possible, who’d want to spend energy to design a business card, huh? But, it’s expected. The moment of meeting up with you is easily associated with your card in your client’s pocket, and this could mean hope for you. If your client wants to get in touch with you, he/she won’t have the patience to scroll through their phone (if he/she even remembers you, for that matter...). For this reason alone, it is expected and it also shows them how you are prepared, and how original you are. If you’ve got a card, you are easily one step ahead of your competitors! 3. Casts a spell For building sturdier business relationships, handing out a business card is a sure catalyst. Especially in a period where a business card’s very mien is losing its grip, having hold of a business card will put you in good shoes. Connecting offline is altogether different from connecting online. There is eye-to-eye contact, handshakes, and a liveliness involved in an offline meet-up unlike the relations grooved online. It will certainly put your client in a good mood and keep him/her engaged as you talk about your business. Don’t underestimate the power of a business card! 4. First impression is the... As the saying goes, the first impression is the best and the everlasting impression. While taking care of your appearance and brushing off any invisible lint on your suit, you may also want to slip in a few of your recently printed business cards into your magic pockets. It’s one of the most effective marketing tools to date, and it has the noesis of executing a strong influence over a collective audience. Social media is designed to do the same like a good debater would counter, but have you ever thought about how fugacious every chance convergence is on social media? A good business card sharpens a good connection to great extents. You don’t know when you leave your deluxe, whom you would encounter, it could either be your girlfriend, or your latent client! You can’t test thy fate, ye of

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little faith! 5. Within your palm It’s no secret that there are plenty of Internet services available which facilitate text message “business cards” but it is also no secret that they are easily terminated without a second thought from the user’s gadget. Memory over company for them and that equals loss for you. This is why it’s highly recommended to print business cards beforehand, because it’s your own fashion statement (or business statement!) through which you show your style. Your efforts will make the experience memorable for your client. 6. Helps you pull off the look of professionalism Most of the businesspersons invest millions of bucks for a high-profile vehicle, facial treatment or for several meals to treat their clients, in order to impress them (do you really care about their appetite?). If you spend a portion of the same money to print a few business cards, you might be holding the trophy of Effective Entrepreneurship in the next season. It puts you above your competitors and if you’ve got a catchy card, double win for you. Wave the card instead of that horrid napkin in the face of your client and take the broom to greater heights! With the growing number of companies and startups, marketing options are also topping the level of potency to name victory for the former. Business dealings are confined to the four corners of cyberspace, while human interaction is pocket-sized to SMS language and emoticons. The nitty-gritty essence of the process of exchanging business cards is facing a slow degradation and that makes it indispensable to carry forth a custom which was second nature to businesspersons in the former decades. So next time, along with updating your website, blog, shooting live videos, attending video conferencing (with a paired ensemble hopefully...) and drafting checks, make sure you have got a neat business card in your breast pocket while you go out, be it for an airline trip, or for your date (who knows!), or it could be a night out at one of the malls, really. You don’t know where your potential client is lurking. Let your business card decide your state of affairs for you! 

AfterBy:the Ice Bucket Kia Reese

he one thing we all have in common for sure is that we were born to die. Everyone will eventually die, but for most we expect to live long healthy lives. Receiving a diagnosis of ALS that interrupts that healthy life plan can be challenging, overwhelming, and devastating but it does not have to be a death sentence. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease received national attention with the Ice bucket challenge, but many of us still have no idea the disease is. ALS is a progressive degenerative neurological disorder; the disease gradually paralyzes a person, as muscles breakdown the ability to walk, talk, eat, swallow, and eventually breathe will be lost. Motor neurons in the brain send electrical impulses to the spinal cord which are then sent to muscle telling it to contract. As the muscles break down due to lack of nourishment it wastes away. This means the brain can no longer communicate with the muscle. Diagnosis of ALS is done by tests at the discretion of the physician, usually based on the results of other diagnostic tests and the physical examination. ALS is a difficult disease to diagnose. ALS is often confused with several diseases that have some of the same symptoms as ALS, and most of these conditions are treatable. It is for this reason that The ALS Association recommends that a person diagnosed with ALS seek a second opinion from an ALS expert - someone who diagnoses and treats many ALS patients and has training in this medical specialty. The ALS Association maintains a list of

recognized experts in the field willingly undertaken out of love and devotion to the person of ALS. with ALS and can be a source ALS is not contagious, however of great personal satisfaction. it can be genetic. Familial ALS Primarily, caregiving is affects approximately 5 to provided by family members. 10% of ALS cases. The more Family caregivers provide care common form is Sporadic day and night, over weekends ALS, which means it can affect and on demand. Caregiving anyone regardless of gender, can include personal care, ethnicity or age. The disease assistance with mobility in most often affects people the home, transportation, between the ages of 40 and housework, and grocery 60. There are no known causes shopping, along with looking of ALS. It is recognized as after other family members’ having multiple interacting needs. Caregivers are often causes that are likely based on employed outside the home gene mutations, and perhaps and may be the primary source environmental factors. of household income which Research done by the ALS adds even more demands, Association states that military responsibilities and stress. veterans are twice as likely to It becomes necessary for be diagnosed with ALS as the the caregiver to make sure general public. that they take proper care of themselves. There is currently no cure, but in recent years new Tips for caregiving understanding regarding the disease have been made, and • Educate Yourself there is an FDA approved drug to slow the progression Knowledge is empowering. Get of the disease. Physical, and as much information about speech therapy, nutritional ALS and caregiving as you can. and breathing support as The more you know, the better well as medications can help prepared you will be in proving extend and improve the care and support. quality of life. There can be significant costs for medical • Take care of yourself care, equipment and home health caregiving later in the Caregivers often do not get disease. It is important to be adequate personal time. It knowledgeable about your is important to take care of health plan coverage and other yourself both physically and programs for which you may emotionally. Taking time for be eligible, including Social yourself is not selfish and Security Disability, Medicare, will improve your capacity to Mediciad and Veteran Affairs care for your loved one. Make your needs known and create benefits. time to do the things that are ALS not only affects the person important to you personally. with the disease but also Continue relationships and affects the person’s family and activities that are important to friends. Additional assistance you. will be required to perform normal tasks. Caregiving is • Manage Your Stress modestlyboldmag.com|MODESTLYBOLD®MAGAZINE|47

Caregivers can strengthen their coping and stress management skills by communicating their feeling and needs, setting limits and making decisions to do things for themselves. Identify one or two people with whom you can speak freely about your needs and feelings. Professional counseling can be very beneficial for caregivers who are trying to not lose their own sense of self in the role as caregiver. It is appropriate to set limits and expectations with your loved one, family and friends. Physical exercise, creative activities, humor and social/ family events are effective strategies for countering caregiver stress. •

Be Aware of Depression

Depression can strike anyone and caregivers are especially vulnerable - it is the most common healthcare condition reported by family caregivers. Be aware of the early signs of

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depression and see your healthcare professional if you think you are becoming depressed. You do not have to live with depression. •

Develop a network and ask for help

Establish a care network, which can be as simple as a list of family and friends that are willing to help and as well as days and times that they are available. Have a “wish list” available when people ask what they can do to help you. Most people want to help, but do not know what to do. Accept help when it is offered. Recognize the limits of your own endurance and strength and help your loved one accept care from others. •

Utilize Assistance Programs

Take advantage of local, state and federal programs that support and assist caregivers. 

NR: So... ///Run24, where did it come from and where did it originate? What was the purpose behind it? S: ///Run24 actually originated from a childhood friend of mine that passed away from ALS a few years back. His name was Larry Davis and he was famous and infamous for running very fast. I often tell people Larry didn’t run as fast as he could, he ran as fast as he wanted to. I mean, a lot of times the speed and the things I saw him do. I’ve played against NFL players, Olympic athletes, and world class athletes and to this day, I think Larry is like probably the top athlete I’ve ever seen that people don’t know about. And ///Run24 because Larry wore number 24 in high school, he died on March 24th, his son was born on the 24th, and I believe he was married on the 24th. So, I just put all of that together and just thought, man, how can I do a tribute to Larry and keep his legacy alive by putting something out there with ///Run24, so I just combined them all. The three stripes stand for Larry, Fellowship, and Brotherhood. Q.: Tell me a little bit about the man behind ///Run 24? A.: I am Shannon Howard, a native of Glennville, Georgia. I was a four- star athlete at Glennville High School and Tattnall County High School. I lettered in football, basketball, baseball, and track and field. I graduated from Savannah State University, where I played receiver for the Tigers. After graduation, I moved to Jacksonville, Florida where I have been enjoying a career in Financial Services. I have always been into fitness, even from a young age. My goal is to have a Performance Training Center one day. I also want to help single mothers, who have no idea how the college recruiting process goes. NR: What motivates you? S: Actually, what motivates me is I have a 5-yearold son, and my biggest fear is not being able to see him graduate. To see all the milestones in life that he is going to achieve because of health issues, things that are within my control. NR: Now, with Larry being your childhood friend, what about his personality and what about the things he did inspired you to start fitness and to make a foundation pretty much honoring him? S: Well...growing up I was like...I ain’t gone say I was exceptionally gifted because of genetics. My dad was a great athlete, played all sports and

he was big in fitness and that’s what motivated me to continue with fitness. But Larry moved to Glennville, Georgia from Indiana and me being one of the top athletes in the community and Larry came there and we developed a friendship and a bond but Larry was just faster than me. And I wasn’t used to having someone faster than me, and I was...I wouldn’t say envious but I admired that. And then that inspired me to train harder and just seeing him being gifted but Larry had a work ethic like no other. Like we would go to track practice and come home, and then Larry would come home and then go run on his own without anyone telling him to do it and having coaches to tell him to get out there and run. He would do it on his own. And one day, I was driving on one of the back roads and saw Larry back there training after we came from practice, so, I was like...wow... he’s taking it to the next level, so that inspired me to go to the next level and hopefully I inspired others to go the next level. NR: So, what is, with Larry being your childhood friend, what is one funny thing that y’all, I know y’all go into some mischief, so what is one thing that no one would know that you and Larry did? S: Man...Larry was a humble guy. He was quiet. He wasn’t very vociferous or talkative. He would...ummm... have a quick temper though, if you got on his bad side, He was one of those guys who was the nicest guy in the world, but if you crossed him, he became the meanest person in the world. There was one time, we combined with Reidsville to form Tattnall County High School. That was my senior year and Larry’s junior year, and one night after practice, it was on Halloween, we went up to Reidsville and previously Reidsville was our rival. Glennville and Reidsville were like mixing oil and water together and it would blow up. So, we went to Reidsville, took some of our teammates home and we stopped by the store. There was a lot of people up there; classmates mainly from Reidsville and there were a lot of guys who weren’t in school but they were from Reidsville and they tried to keep up that tension and we pulled up and some of the street guys surrounded the care and started beating on the car, trying to open the door and get us out and beat us up or jack us up or whatever. So, Larry just pulled off, and they kicked his car and put a dent in his car. So, as we got down the road, we stopped and looked at his car. He saw the dent, hopped back in the car, closed the door and headed back. He modestlyboldmag.com|MODESTLYBOLD®MAGAZINE|49

was going to run over the entire crowd, so I had to talk him out of it and calm him down. We got back to school the next day like nothing ever happened, he just went back to being himself. He always kept a smile. The biggest thing I remember about Larry is not the things he did athletically, but his smile and his spirit. It’s like when we walked into the room, I don’t care if you were having the worst day ever, once he started smiling, you couldn’t help but to smile. It just lit up a room and became contagious. So... I truly miss my friend, I often drive with the radio off and just think about our conversations and the things we did. Because Larry had a Delta 88 and I swear we put 100,000 miles on that car but we only went two blocks, so we just rode around two blocks with the music wide open, sometimes. So, I definitely miss my friend, I definitely want to keep his legacy and his memory alive. One of the slogans or mottos for ///Run24 is to Live Legendary And Leave A Legacy. So, we’re all going to die one day, and we all have three things that will be on our tombstone; the day we’re born, the dash, and the day we die. What’s most important is what the dash involved, so I wanna live legendary, leave a legacy, leave an inheritance for my son, leave insurance for my son, and have him to pass that on for generations to break all generational curses that my parents went through, some of the curses I’ve gone through, and hopefully the next generation behind me won’t have to go through it. NR: The question that I have to ask you is.... what makes you Modestly Bold? And when I say Modestly Bold, in business we can’t be too shy but we can’t be too bold either, and the name of my magazine is Modestly Bold. I’m an oxymoron, sometimes I’m shy, sometimes I’m bold...what makes you Modestly Bold when it comes to business? S: What makes me Modestly Bold is the confidence that I have in myself. The inspiration to inspire others, motivate others, and help them achieve their goals. Cause I thrive on happiness by seeing other people happy. I mean attitudes are contagious and I have to ask myself is mine worth catching, so I always ask people is your attitude worth catching so I can be Modestly Bold to inspire you to inspire me in reverse.

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Photos on this page courtesy of Shannon Howard of ///Run24

Connect with ///Run24 i_run_24

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THE PURSUIT OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP: HOW HIGH ARE THE STAKES

By Amalia Abbar

ears ago, my dad had narrated to me the story of a fisherman, Javed. Javed wasn’t a fisherman by passion or choice but he was placed into the job slot by circumstances. His origins were primarily that of the Indian subcontinent and to pinpoint his birth-place, he belonged to the Southernmost tip of the country. Everyone knew about the rough waters and harsh climate of the Indian Ocean, but Javed was a man of courage and was popular for his danger streak from birth. He braved the waters of Lakshadweep with no fear whatsoever and brought in a really good catch every day back to the coast. This could mislead any listener to expect him to have followed this path because of an old passion but that’s not the case at all. His father was suffering from Leukemia when he undertook the responsibility of feeding the family after his elder brother vouched for earning money to treat their ailing father. Javed, only eighteen when this tragic circumstance sent the orderliness of their lives flying into the abyss, sought comfort in the blue of the vast seas and the oceanic skies that stretched into the horizon. He found a love for fishing by chance and he learned all the maneuvers to qualify himself as a skilled fisherman through experience. His education had to die a cold death, and his unquenchable thirst for knowledge persisted even after he spent his quality time earning money and providing two square meals for his dying father, mother, and his siblings. His sadness was a balloon that floated right behind him, but on the seas, the balloon burst, and with it, his sadness. It was around this time on one fine day that Javed got a call from the shore from one of the other fishermen. “Makaane, ninakku visa kittiyeda!” (My dear boy, you’ve got a visa!). Confused, he trudged back to the shoreline with his nets on the clumsy wooden boat and looked at the man who had called out earlier expectantly. The latter explained how he got a Saudi Arabian visa and how his benefactor wished to be anonymous. Poor Javed thought the man was talking loose, so he mumbled something about lunatics and early return from the corner of his mouth, returning home dejectedly. The sight at home only bewildered 54 | SPECIAL EDITION 2018 | modestlyboldmag.com

him more as what welcomed him were crazy sized balloons and worn out banners. Nammade makanu visa kitti! (Our sweet boy got a visa!) Again, that word. He narrowed his eyes and passed a cursory glance at his siblings running around in petticoats and boxer shorts. With time and infinite patience, his elder brother and mother explained to him about his current status and all Javed felt was growing horror. He couldn’t imagine parting with the friend he found in those darkest moments of his life. Seas and infinities. He was too scared to visit a world he was unfamiliar with, and this boy, who braved the seas day in and day out, was frightened of an inevitable flight journey. He feared for his pride as he wasn’t sure if he knew how to read and write anymore. Javed’s elder brother reassured him how he would be accompanied by an older uncle, but this hardly eased Javed’s worries. Finally, the day was here for the most dreaded trip of Javed’s life. But, like the determined spirit and the boy with the danger streak, he fared the skies and made it to the other end of the world. He thought there would be a job waiting for him but circumstances betrayed Javed once again. Stranded in a desert, he came across gibberish speaking Bedouins who seemed to take pleasure in his ignorance, taunted him and took him to an outhouse where he had to slave for the merciless Arab tribe. This went on for some months, and Javed decided to stop one day. He wrapped himself in the hay for camels and hid in the truck that would transport the hay to elsewhere. He was desperate to hear his mother’s voice and his desperation made him take this step. Next thing he knew, he passed out, catching up on nights of sleeplessness and, homesickness. Fortunately, he woke up when the driver made a pit-stop, and immediately escaped the truck, clueless about his whereabouts and wary of difficulties. He was surprised when he realized he had landed in a fish market, of all places in the world! The light at the end of the tunnel Javed had learned a little Arabic from his time serving the brutal Bedouins, and this came to his aid in the hour of need. He asked for a phone and the kind man easily delivered it to him. His hope in humanity and Saudi Arabia was restored. After the delirious phone call, he thanked the man in a daze and inspected his surroundings. Was it...sea? His legs moved on their own as if possessed by an unseen power, and he surrendered to the call of his soul. But, unlike the sea back home, this sea had a red

tint to it. He remembered from his sixth class geography classes... The Red Sea. He breathed in and the air smelled crisp, the thick salt penetrating his nostrils. It didn’t smell like the air back home. The smell he has associated with the seas back home had always been of happiness and the smell he now associated with the Red Sea was that of relief. New beginnings Javed certainly captures our interest. His story has an ending but we will find that out later. Let’s press the pause button and sift through some facts, or rather try to answer a few questions. 1. What makes a successful entrepreneur? 2. Can I be as successful as Mark Zuckerberg? 3. Will my investment tear the roof? 4. Should I go all out? 5. What if my efforts go in vain?

To answer the questions one by one, successful entrepreneurs aren’t born; they are made. If success took birth with a head and a pair of legs, this world would be a tough place to live in. Success doesn’t drop on your lap from the skies, you have to aim high and snatch it. Comparing success is like counting pomegranate seedsinsane and impossible. Success isn’t a magic potion prepared with varying consistencies, but a term used to address the feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment. And now, that’s immeasurable, isn’t it? Investment is an important ingredient for success. Going all out shows that you are risky and adventurous, but if you cannot handle the aftermath like a pugnacious soul, there is a chance you might give the feels of an irrational and senseless person. Instead of sizing up the success in your horizon, write down your objectives and a string of what-ifs. Not just what-ifs but what you would do if it became your what if.

Work hard and you will be rewarded. There is nothing like efforts going in vain. The central meaning of the term “effort” is a series of 7. What if I lose hope? actions gaining on a principle. Your success lies in realizing your own worth and working toward It’s always about success. We like to count our your passion with your determination intact. chickens before they hatch, outline our success rather than being hopeful. We always take two Now, hope is a beautiful thing. Hope is the steps ahead in our head when in actuality we Copernican element and if hope dies, you die. are at a point plotting ideas or ways to start a It’s as simple as that. For every beginning, there new company. Success has become the favorite is an ending. word of every aspiring folk, sweating to climb up the employment ladder. We are always on If your company never saw the light of success, the lookout for a promotion and working so it’s not the end, but only the beginning of passionately for our employer, trying our best another tale. to impress him, fishing for compliments at every passing second when they would be so Why entrepreneurship? busy slurping coffee. Humph. Where are the Entrepreneurship is not just about being a fruits of satisfaction? freedom of expression or buckets of steady When we don’t get the encouragement we income for you and for your company but it’s seek, we lose our spirit. We lose our sense of all about innovations that can last a lifetime. direction and we turn to walls seeking solace, Developing ideas to suit public’s interest must late in the night. With “I QUIT”, some of us will be a priority only after you ensure or take into begin our letters of resignation, but never find account that you are doing what you like. That’s the courage to post it. What will I do? How will the only guarantee for your business empire to I earn? And, what’s a compliment anyway, so go on for centuries. TEAR THE LETTER. This is sticking your foot in the mud. You and I know it’s slippery but it’s The end either the fall or walking through the mud. So, There comes a time when you would sit in your you walk with your dreams as a crutch and turn armchair, cradling your hot cup of coffee, and a shade darker of hopelessness one day after smiling about your employer of once upon a the other. Look at your employer, he is too busy time who loved coffee too much for their own re-watching Fifty Shades of Grey (whoa!) to good. Look where that landed you! It saved you, notice your discomfort. 6. Can I do it alone?

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didn’t it? You got what you wanted, you earned your success and you didn’t get it as easy as it appears to be. But, it was worth it, wasn’t it? If you are at a point where you are looking for solutions to kill the current cash crunch, keep in mind that’s it’s only the tale in motion. You haven’t reached your end at all, but only doing the first scene! You can’t lose hope when you run out of time. Patience must be your guest and you have to not let it go. If you keep working your sails right, the tides will turn in your favor. Harsh weather is the trend so don’t panic, just yet. Javed adds his comment, “It’s no easy feat to run a company. I learned that the hard way. I had to do so many business dealings in my time and my difficulty lied in my inability to communicate. I have rectified this error by taking up ESL classes in my free time. My education was so backward, so there were times I felt absolutely useless. After all, what do I own? A company that imports fish from the other end of the Red Sea and exports the same fish for profit. But then, I sit back and think...it’s my kingdom and I am the king! I provide employment and I have treated my employees fair. That must make all the difference, mustn’t it?” I, my dad and Javed laughed. 

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Zoom: A New Way of C o mm u n i c a t i o n

By: Misbah Fathima

an is a social animal and it is thus our inherent nature to constantly interact with one another. Communication facilitates interaction and with the boom in technology, we are now able to interact more than ever. Exchanging all kinds of information whether in the form of words, audio, video and what not, is being made simpler and simpler as technology evolves. Each new application, new upgrade supersedes the existing versions by providing more to the end user. With the rapid progress of technology came globalization, which allowed businesses to expand their borders and provide for people irrespective of their location. In turn, more demand was created for tools that could help information to be conveyed across long distances. Here long distances don’t merely imply within a locality or city but across countries. A major issue other than the funding was that connectivity is not feasible at all places. Communication, not the private kind which is done at leisure, but the important one done with your boss, clients, and colleagues was in great demand. It was also an absolute requirement that such channels be reliable, do not falter when required and are easy to use. Here is where Zoom comes in. Zoom is a video conferencing tool for businesses, large or small. It can be seen like a fancier, more formal version of Skype. A software which permits B2B (Business-to- Business) interaction. It was founded in 2011, as a result of the joint efforts of Cisco Systems and WebEx. It has garnered a lot of attention and positive feedback from the business community. Since its inception, it has collaborated with various other companies to provide more features and enhance usability at low costs. While more popular and familiar applications like Skype or Google Hangouts are convenient for the common man that requires limited interaction, Zoom is for large organizations. As of now, Zoom allows video-conferences of up to 50 people and meetings that can host up to 500 people. Unlike other applications that also were made for the exchange of information in large enterprises, Zoom can work across many

platforms (Mac, Linux, and Windows). The older apps were solely compatible with the Linux Operating System. Even in phones, it can be installed on Android and iOS phones. Some of its products are: 1. Zoom Video Conferencing: An app for video conferencing that runs on the cloud. 2. Zoom Video Webinar: An upgrade on Zoom Video conferencing which can host a meeting of up to 50 people and can be viewed by 10,000 spectators. 3. Zoom Meeting Connector: This runs on the customer’s private cloud and enables the users to share voice, video and other content. It although might not be common amongst the masses but is very popular amongst the targeted audience. Although it may not be common amongst the masses; it is very popular amongst the targeted audience. During its first year, it struggled to provide good quality if too many users were using it simultaneously, however, it was gradually upgraded and is now able to handle all of its traffic. Customers attested that they had no trouble shifting from their existing apps to Zoom. It was also popular amongst smaller private circles and smaller business enterprises that gained access to large scale and reliable communication channels, earlier in their business life cycle. Its advantages over other software are as follows: I. Ease of Use: Customers who were hitherto satisfied with other products had no trouble upgrading to Zoom. Even users who were not as tech-savvy were able to use it without much trouble. A guide and videos that provide additional help to new users are also available. Clients became so accustomed to the product that some claimed to use it to exchange information even before they thought of sending a message or making a call. II. Runs on multiple platforms: People no longer needed to install and work on older, less user-friendly and thus more complicated operation systems like Linux. Zoom is available on multiple platforms on personal computers as well as hand-held devices. modestlyboldmag.com|MODESTLYBOLD®MAGAZINE|57

III. Simple installation and access: Since it is largely a cloud-based platform, storage issues are no longer a concern. The client doesn’t have the additional responsibility of updating the software or deleting files to clear space as all this is outsourced. This makes it easier to access on multiple devices, as it is located on a cloud, not on any device.

sumers of a product had trouble complaining about it. Zoom has been successful in meeting demands even before they arise and enhancing the whole video-conferencing experience. Users that began using Zoom had difficulty using any other software. A few issues that did come to light were caused by faulty hardware or slow internet connection, Zoom is fulfilling its duty efficiently. Upon probing a few users mentioned IV. Scale: Zoom allows a large number of peo- minor setbacks. One of them was the video call ple to interact and work together. Other exist- taking the entire screen by default or that the ing apps had an unreasonably small number of user interface is tricky. Another one was specific participants or allowed only passive audiences. personnel needed to be contacted whenever a Zoom’s scope is large in both the aspects, par- new license was added. Connectivity at remote ticipants that are allowed to interact as well as locations is still in progress. spectators. Overall it is a product with above average reV. Allows screen sharing: This feature lets mul- views. Most of the ratings given are 4 or above tiple participants, in a meeting or conference, on a five-star scale and 9 or above in a ten-star view and work on the same screen. This allows scale. It has proven very useful for the targeted people to work in a group and can be very help- customers. It is a software that although it may ful for training new employees. seem like an enhanced version of existing applihas managed to create a large market VI. Quality: A major and probably its strongest cations, of its own. It is a monopoly of sorts. With its adadvantage over its competitors was that the ditional features, it is able to create a new set of system was very reliable and the video-confer- demands. The creators have made all the right encing was of superior quality. A large number moves by expanding and collaborating with the of people could interact from the comforts of right enterprises. They have constantly sought their home without any trouble. to ensure quality, provide extra services whilst VII. Saving resources: One user claimed he keeping costs minimal. had saved several hundred dollars a year on The business industry has greatly benefited travel thanks to Zoom. It allowed him to have from this. Other than its obvious utility: comhigh-quality interaction with his colleagues and munication, it has greatly reduced costs of runemployees while on the go. Also costs like elec- ning an organization. Since most functions in tricity, infrastructure etc. that are incurred to nearly every industry are automated or in the hold traditional meetings were eliminated. process of becoming mechanized, they can VIII. Provides more opportunities: With Zoom be done through a computer. With a tool like even small scale businesses have access to Zoom, several people can work together and a high-quality communication, a resource that whole complex process can be conducted by was the monopoly of larger, more affluent or- the workers at the comfort of their home in an ganizations. They can broaden their horizons ordinary hand-held device. with limited finances, and provide goods and Many software in the same domain have had services to a wider range of consumers. very short-lived success and became obsolete IX. Low cost: As it is hosted on a cloud, a lot of in no time. This is characteristic of products in costs related to owning and updating the soft- the IT field. Zoom, on the other hand, seems to ware are eliminated. It also provided toll-free have a very traditional business life cycle and is dial-up numbers that enabled customers to expanding its base steadily. Right now, despite make calls and hence, was preferred over alter- the success and the positive feedback, it is yet to natives. As it is partnering with various services reach the peak of its prosperity. Zoom could be it can continue lowering its costs and providing the new face in communication; a revolution for businesses world-over. If it retains its monopoly a better product. Zoom is sure to become the next big thing.  It might be the first time in history that con-

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POSH PROFESSIONAL

Beauty for the business professional

A Timeless Tip

by Sheena

Whether you’re applying for a managerial position at Fortune 500 company, or it’s your first day as an intern, you want to look and feel your best. With all of the latest fashion trends, it can become difficult to achieve that perfectly polished look. However, there is one timeless tip that never goes out of style. The secret… keep your skin healthy. The truth is, no matter how much effort you put into achieving that perfect look, not having a skin care regiment can cause you to look older, tired, and not put together. So, what steps can you take to make sure your skin looks as great as your wardrobe?

Sheena N. Holmes Sheena N. Holmes is an up and coming beauty expert. She has worked with some of the top photographers in the world. Her work has also been internationally published in Surreal Beauty Magazine. After 15 years of experience, in 2016, Sheena decided to open her own company called SNH Artistry. Her business entails hair and makeup services for weddings, modeling sets, fashion shows and more. Sheena stays abreast of current market trends and the latest techniques by attending continuing education classes with professional makeup companies as well as, attending hair shows.

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1. Great Skin Starts Within Good skin starts with good nutrition; drink plenty of water, eat lots of fruits and vegetables, and avoid sugar. Make sure you are getting the proper amount of sleep. At night, your body is recovering from a hard day’s work. Not getting the proper amount of rest can make you look tired and effect your work performance. Exercise is essential. Taking care of your body will help you feel better physically and mentally. See your doctor before beginning any type of exercise routine. 2. Know Your Skin Type It can be difficult to determine what type of skin you have. See an aesthetician or a dermatologist for professional classification. You can also reference the chart provided to give you a better idea about your skin type. 3. Home Care Recommendations: Purchasing the Right Products For most people, a basic skin care routine includes four simple steps: 1. Cleanse: There are an array of skin care products for every skin type. Cleansers that contain aromatherapy scents such as lavender or a citrus fragrance are great for enhancing your mood. 2. Tone: Toners, also called astringents, help to rebalance and calm your skin. 3. Exfoliate: These products usually contain a gentle, abrasive scrub that help to remove dead skin from the surface of the body and can help you achieve a nice glow. 4. Moisturize: This is a very important step. These products help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Also, remember to use sunscreen. The sun emits potentially harmful UVA and UVB rays. Overtime, these rays can create free radicals in the skin and cause premature aging. Follow these steps twice a day, and in no time, you’ll start to see results. What is My Skin Type? Skin Type

Look for these Signs

Type of Products to Use

Oily

Larger visible pores all over the face. The face can tend to look “shiny”.

Use products that are help to reduce pore size and control shine. Avoid oil based products.

Dry

Pores tend to look very small Use products that contain additional moisturizers and or may not be visible. Skin emollients. may also look dehydrated.

Normal

Very soft and smooth skin with even pore distribution.

Combination Dry

Combination Oily

Normal skin is very rare, use products that are for normal to combination skin. Visible pores throughout the Use product that contain additional moisturizer and center of the face, that get emollients. These are usually smaller toward the outer heavier and thicker creams. edges. Larger pores down the center of the face, that usually extend to the outer area of the cheeks. Pores tend to be clogged.

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These products will usually contain a very light moisturizer and pore reducing agents.

from the

Editor

I know a lady that was in school and one semester she decided to challenge herself and take 2 classes at the same time. Now if you know anything about school, online classes are harder because there is more reading and you have to learn it on your own. So the lady took these classes and her second week she was failing one of the classes with a 40% average. She was so discouraged because she has always had passing grades. So she went to her advisor and asked to drop the class. Well because of the timing, she would still receive a F if she dropped the class because it was after the drop/ add time frame. She was told by her advisor that she could stay in the class and see if she could pull up her grade and if not, she has a few weeks and she could drop the class and receive the F. So she consulted her family and friends to ask what she should do. One person told her, “If you drop the class now you’re going to get a F so why not try and see if you can pull up your grade. By the time the deadline gets here, then you can see what you need to do.” So the lady was doing everything she could in the classes. The lady was so focused on passing her classes that the deadline to drop the class with a F came and went and she didn’t even notice.

change your focus! Everything is possible if you change your focus from the negative to the positive. Take the word IMPOSSIBLE for instance. This word means not possible, unable to be, exist happen. Now move the focus from the negative and look at the word again. Put a little space in between the word and you will see I’m Possible! So I say to you to, Change Your Focus and achieve your dreams. For everything that seems IMPOSSIBLE, know that you are possible but it can be hard. Nothing worth anything is easy, so strap up your boot straps tight and go to war for your dreams. Changing your focus can help redirect your purpose. Even in business or starting a business, the focus is most of the time on how successful you will be or who is supporting you. I have my hurdles as well in my businesses but because I’ve changed my focus, I’m focusing on producing the best product I know how and I pray the rest will fall into place. Oh yeah....the lady finished the semester with an A in both classes! Here’s to changing our focus, achieving our dreams, living well and taking time to enjoy it!

NaTeneshia Renée

Rayvon Creates

don’t see the life you want .... create it!

LLC or Not?! LLC is the acronym for limited liability company, which is one of the four business organizational structures in the United States. This type of business provides its liability coverage against the company’s stock and debt similar to a corporation. However, the management of a LLC can be configured as a corporation or partnership for the flexibility of management and tax effects. Characteristics of LLC The owners of a LLC are called members. To be integrated by people, foreign entities, companies or other limited liability companies. One or an unlimited number of members can own a LLC. Another feature of a LLC is its flexibility to become a corporate corporation structure. This is considered when the designation of the LLC company no longer results in the growth of the company and the need to expand and have shareholders that invest money. And vice versa, a corporation can become a LLC. Benefits of a LLC One of the benefits of a LLC is its management flexibility, which can be created and managed as a company, where its members run the company as a corporation. When being managed as a corporation, a LLC can elect a president, a board of directors and observe the formalities of a corporation with a board and member meetings. However, you may decide to leave the formalities required by the regular corporations. Establishing and maintaining a LLC has general and specific benefits according to the use that it gives to the company. Some companies are created to operate in the business world, while others simply keep the estate in a safe way for a person, family or group. Many other specific uses are also advantageous. According to your perspective, some benefits may be more important than others. In general, the Delaware LLC is the most flexible type of entity offered by any state or county in the world. Since the management structure can be specified to suit the situation and the purpose, it has become the preferred entity option for lawyers, accountants and business executives alike. The management of the company, or the standards, are created in a contract called the Partnership Agreement. You can draft the terms and regulations in any way you want in the partnership agreement. This is the greatest benefit of a LLC compared to any other form of entity. It is called Contractual Freedom. The second general benefit is greater protection of the estate against the creditors of the members. If the member of a LLC has a judgment against him, the creditor can not take action against

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the LLC or take a portion of the estate. This protects all members of society. The third general benefit of the LLC is the limitation established by law on the personal liability of the members. If a LLC fails and leaves behind a large debt, the members are not responsible for their reinstatement. The maximum limit that a member of a LLC can lose due to the failure of the LLC is the amount that said member has invested in it. The fourth general benefit of the LLC is the tax treatment that the IRS gives you. Single-member LLCs are not recognized by the IRS and, therefore, do not pay any taxes. Instead, the fiscal responsibility is transferred to the member, and the income and expenses become part of his personal tax situation. The LLC with several members can select the fiscal treatment they prefer when requesting their EIN. They may be subject to taxes such as partnerships, partnerships, trusts or other forms of business. The fifth general benefit of the LLC is the simplicity of its constitution and permanent annual maintenance as the entity performs its contractual duties. Very little information is required to create a LLC in Delaware and only a small registration fee. It is not necessary to hold mandatory assemblies or voting, except when your structure wishes a vote. The sixth general benefit of a Delaware LLC is that it is not necessary for you to disclose information about the beneficial owner of the LLC to the state of Delaware to create or maintain a LLC. . Not all states have this flexibility, and in Delaware you must have a contact person and an authorized Representative. How a LLC is taxed A LLC may choose to tax as a corporation or corporation. If the LLC operates under a corporate structure, the corporate profits are independent of the corporate income and those taxed by the corporate tax rates established by the Internal Reve-

nue Service. The corporate tax rates are lower than the individual tax rates, which means more money for the corporation. However, when the profits of a corporation are shared with its shareholders, they are taxed again when it is reported on their individual tax returns. To avoid double taxation, a LLC can choose to pay taxes as a partnership and corporate profits are passed on to members and their taxable once on their individual tax returns. This method is called passing through taxes. Why consider opening a LLC The members of a LLC are protected against the financial and legal obligations of the company. This means that your personal assets do not confiscate if the company goes bankrupt or is found financially liable in a lawsuit. This is not the case for companies incorporated under individual companies and companies. It also costs less to open a LLC than a corporation and has the advantage of operating as one. Exclusions However, the members of a LLC are not excluded from the responsibility of yes or yes they can devote various illegal activities. They are responsible for this, although they have discovered that they have used the company to commit fraud or have personally endorsed a debt. You are also responsible for the negligence or supervision of a manager, employee or other member that causes harm or injury to a third party. Also, due to the protection it offers to its members, certain businesses, accounts such as insurance companies and banking institutions, are not eligible to be formed as limited liability companies.

by Gabriela Marquez

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Business Plans

A business plan is a document in which we shape, in an orderly manner, how our business will work. The objective of the same, the potential market, the competition that we face, our added values and the products or services that our company will contribute. It also shows the initial investment and how we are going to finance it, as well as the way we think about positioning ourselves in our target market. But perhaps the most important thing is that it includes an estimate of the sales (revenues of our business) and of the expenses (water, electricity, cost of sales, etc.) that we will face in the first 12 months, as well as the projections to 3 and 5 years. Which in turn, will allow us to give a good idea of the profitability that our business will have and how long it will take to start generating profits. It is important to mention that a business plan can contain a different level of detail. For a microenterprise, maybe a two-page document is enough. But for a business that will employ other people and will need to obtain external financing, it is necessary to elaborate a much more extensive document. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO MAKE A BUSINESS PLAN? First, because it allows us to understand from the beginning what will be the expenses and costs that we will face. In this way, we will be able to know how much we need to sell in order to reach the point of equilibrium (that is, to get out “tables”) and for the business to start profiting. Launching us to start a business without having this clear, is like taking a big leap into the void, blindfolded. Also a business plan is an indispensable document in case of requiring financing, either private (look for partners that come with us) or through a financial institution. No serious person would invest in a business that does not have a well-done, detailed business plan that demonstrates potential profitability. WHAT DOES A BUSINESS PLAN INCLUDE? A good business plan should include the following items: Executive Summary. Although it goes to the beginning of the plan, this is the last thing that should be written and it must be done very carefully, since it is the Company’s description. What does it do, what differentiates our business from the competition and the target market when we go? Market analysis. Before opening our business, it is essential to understand our industry, the market and competitors. Organization and Administration of the Company. The way the company will be constituted, the partners it will have and what its structure will be. You can also include an organizational chart as well as the curriculum of the partners and / or the main officers that will manage it. Products and services. What do we sell? How does it benefit our competitors? Let’s tell our story. Sales and Marketing. How do we plan to sell our product or service? How do

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we think about positioning our company in the minds of our potential consumers? What is our sales strategy? Financing Needs If our company needs external financing (either partners or loans to start) we need to include all the necessary information. Financial projections. This is where we put our initial expenses, both the fixed ones (local, electricity, water, etc.) as well as the cost of sales (for example the cost of the merchandise we will sell or the cost of generating the service we offer). But also our estimated revenues (sales volume, unit price and total income) as well as profit. It is important to include some main financial reasons, such as profit margin, return on capital, among others. Appendices or annexed documents, if necessary. BENEFITS OF MAKING A BUSINESS PLAN 1. You will stay in strategy. It is difficult to maintain the strategy with the day-to-day slopes. Use your business plan to summarize the main points of your strategy and to remind you what is included and what is not. This also helps you to work for goals and not simply ‘putting out fires’. 2. Business objectives are clearer. Use your business plan to define and manage specific and measurable objectives, such as visits to your sites, sales, profit margins and product launches. Define success on the basis of objective terms. 3. Your projections are more assertive. Use your plan to refine and update potential market data, sales, costs, sales generators, conversions and business processes. Having your plan up to date also helps you notice the changes and trends in the market. 4. Priorities should make more sense. In addition to the strategy, there are also priorities for other factors such as business growth, management and financial health. Use your plan to establish

the basics and then to review the evolution of the business. 5. You will understand the interdependencies. Use your plan to monitor what needs to happen and in what order. For example, if you have the time to launch a product with your marketing efforts, the plan can be very valuable to keep you organized. 6. You will keep up to date. Use your business plan to keep in a place, events and important dates. This is recommended even for one-person businesses, but especially for work teams. 7. You will be better at delegating tasks. The business plan is an ideal space to clarify who is in charge of what. All important tasks must have someone in charge. 8. Directing teams and monitoring results will be easier. Many people know the importance of periodic evaluations of their equipment, although sometimes they fail. The plan is an excellent format to write and follow up, according to the difference between expectations and actual results. 9. You will better manage the cash flow. No business can afford to improperly manage cash flow. Having a cash flow plan is an excellent way to join the projections in sales, costs, cats, assets and debts. 10. Corrections on the fly prevent your business from stagnating. Have a business plan for a way to be proactive (and not reactive) in the business. Do not wait for things to happen; plan them. Follow up by monitoring the results and making corrections. It is a myth that a business plan can predict the future, but it does set expectations and assumptions that you can handle. You do not need a long and serious plan; rather, think of this as a collection of lists and tables.

Written by: Alejandro Rojas

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FROM favor – – to REWARD

B.Rich Photography

BY TAKIA LAMB

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B.Rich Photography

TK Consulting & Design LLC was officially formed after I completed the branding for my church’s first women’s conference, The Ellipsis Experience. I was originally contacted to make a t-shirt design but once I got in the marketing meeting, I realized there was a lot more that I could do to help. Once the conference was over, the first lady of the church suggested that I “make my side hustle, my main hustle.” I thought that was hilarious but she planted the seed. I’ve wanted to be a business owner for as long as I can remember. My mother is amazing. She works hard and she created a life for herself that allowed her to give us what she didn’t have growing up. I wanted that for myself and I wanted to create something I loved and although, I’d tried something else before — this was different. The company’s name, TK Consulting & Design LLC, was inspired from a name that an old friend I worked with used to call me. My name is Takia and he called me TK. I wanted the company’s name to be personal to me but not so personal that other people couldn’t stand by it and take ownership in it. I decided to emphasize Consulting because ultimately, I want to be known for being a great business mind. Making businesses look good will be evident through our work but consulting is different. People sometimes don’t know they need it until they are two hours into the conversation. Ultimately, our mission is to help business owners develop business solutions and marketing tools that most effectively communicate their unique mission and services. Long-term, I would love for our clients to create successful business practices that generate wealth for themselves and their families.

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B.Rich Photography

In my first year of business, I worked with about 40 clients and tripled my projected sales solely through word of mouth and referrals from previous clients. I consider that successful — for someone starting from scratch with little to no relationships. Moving forward, I hope to build a team but I believe that there is still more to be developed on the organizational system and procedures side of things. I am committing to working at a slow and steady pace. One of my biggest mistakes in business has been under-selling myself. Clients have literally told me that I don’t charge enough — verbatim. My goal is never to be “unaffordable” but I do want to ensure that I price my work both competitively and to sustain my business over time. Additionally, pricing can determine the value your clients place on your services. It’s a delicate balance to find. I am a social worker at heart, so community is a huge thing for me. Community is about building relationships and making exchanges that can be rewarding in some very tangible ways. My own personal community has always been black people, women, and the church because I happen to be a Black Woman who identifies as Christian. Recently, my community has grown to include mothers, entrepreneurs and those I’m connected with through college and past work experiences. My contribution to my community is lending a helping hand — when possible. Two of my challenges with black owned business have always been the lack of attention to customer service and resistance to “free.” There is a reason why major businesses ascribe to the sentiment that “the customer is always right.” Clearly that’s not true, but the idea that the customer is valued enough to ensure that no matter what, they have a positive experience translates into revenue. I’m not sure why black people seem to be so resistant to that concept. It’s difficult, I get it, but it’s more difficult to fix your reputation after dealing with a disgruntled customer. Then the idea of free being blasphemous is arguable. In my opinion, it’s marketing. Although I had about 40 clients in my first year, I worked with just as many people that did not pay me one cent. Why? I needed to build a portfolio and I needed to create consistent content. I remember my friends saying things like, “I see you out here working.” And I thought how making it look like you’re working is part of the hustle.

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What is your purpose for wanting to be your own boss? I grew up surrounded by powerful women. They did everything. They cooked, they cleaned, they organized, they provided. . . they did everything. It was something that I always knew was in my DNA. My mother, most specifically was this powerhouse. She was beautiful and kind and she was successful because she was smart and she went after what she wanted. I wanted to be like her in that regard. Now that I’ve started a business, my purpose has evolved from its foundation. I have a skill set that can benefit small business -- especially minority owned business -- who are ready to present their great ideas to the world. What have been some of your challenges or hurdles and how have you overcome them? My biggest challenge in starting a business have been myself. I honestly think that’s the biggest challenge that most business owners face. There are times when I make a decision to do something that is detrimental to my business because it requires too much time or it isn’t within the scope of my service offering and I’m left trying to figure how to make something work that I shouldn’t have taken on. Recently, one of my biggest challenges has been that I don’t have the support I need to create the space I need to grow. I’ve figure out how to do a lot of things well, but designing a team is challenging because your team can have such a drastic effect on your business. Your team has to operate as an extension of you and as a start up, it’s difficult to have to spend a whole lot of time managing others. What made you push past your fears and the negativity of others, and decide to go ahead and leap? My fear is actually my biggest motivator in doing most things that I do. I hate feeling scared. I absolutely hate it and I realized at some point in highschool, that I would rather experience my fears than live in fear of them. I am not fearless. That would be misleading. I get scared all of the time but when I feel myself experiencing fear, I decided that I will always looks for the solution to that fear. In starting my business, I tried to make the business has low-risk as possible until I had to begin taking risks and I just took every choice, one step at a time. I never want to look back at anything that I didn’t do and realize I just didn’t because I was afraid. What is unique about your company? What’s unique about TK Consulting & Design LCC is that we are a small business design hub that is proficient in Customer Care. We really want to connect with our customers to get the best understanding of their hopes and dreams for their business. We want to know their motivation and how we can show their personality through their work. Although everything we do is very technical -- we are still personable. What is your motto and how do you work to achieve it? We design with you in mind is our slogan. As I mentioned previously, we aim to be amazing at caring for our customer. We offer one free hour of consultation to help

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our clients share their business and their needs. Then we follow our consultations with documentation to summarize and support their needs. Once the project begins, we attempt to make ourselves as accessible as possible to design and review and change because ultimately our goal is to create something that both our agency and the client can be proud of. How do you manage a business and everyday life? OMG. Honestly, I have no idea. I run my agency full-time, but I also work full time for a community development organization in Atlanta, GA. On top of that, I am married with three boys who are ages 4, 2, and 1. So, it’s a grind. I’m tired a lot. I think it’s mostly due to having small children but it’s a big sacrifice. Many times, I considered quitting something -- anything really-- to create space in my life, but I’m still out here. I manage my time by making lists and working with an admin to follow up on tasks. I used to hate meeting but not they really help me to get a better sense of where I am in my crazy to-do list.

If you could advise a person that is scared to step out and fulfill their dreams, what would you say? Just start. It’s one of the simply complicated things, right? Starting involves so many moving pieces but you can’t control all those pieces at once. You have to start somewhere so you can begin to grow and manage and evolve. Even if it’s as simple as writing down names, or brainstorming what the business might be. Starting gives you something to work with. Fear can be used as a means for protection, like “I’m afraid of that bear, so I should run.” but nowadays it’s mostly a crutch. What makes you Modestly Bold? (In business sometimes it calls for you to be shy and modest and sometimes it calls for you to be bold.) What makes me modestly bold is my philosophy on fear is my desire to meet the need. I hope that somewhere in this thing that I’ve created, I can change the world for the better.

Where is your brainstorming place that you go to create your next product/ service? I do everything at home -- mostly. I create my business strategy at home. I hate having to get up and get dressed and drive somewhere to be productive. I will say that there are lots of times that I need to run away to Starbucks but that had more to do with my children than anything. When you’re relaxing, what are your must have items? Will I be judged if I start with a Margarita? Seriously, relaxation for me involves great food, great drinks, and great food. I love getting out of my normal, everyday hustle, and eating myself silly.

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B.Rich Photography

Just like the animal kingdom your business has a circle of life. Now if you have finished playing the Lion King scene in your head, picture your product or service, next is your customers, then you will receive payment for those products/services, and finally you use that money to reinvest into your business. Well, without customers you don’t have a circle you have a flat line, and anyone who has ever watched one of the many medical shows knows, that means your dead. Your customers and clients are not all the same and you will have to adapt and recognize the differences. A sales tactic that works for one customer may turn off another, and not all customers deserve your company’s best efforts. How many times have you had to grit your teeth, take a deep breath and silently repeat to yourself, “The customer is always right”? This is a motto that’s drilled into business owners. The problem is, the customer isn’t always right, and always thinking otherwise can result in a serious disservice to you. A much more accurate motto is “You can’t please everyone”. Occasionally, you’ll run across customers who make your life miserable. There comes a time when no matter what the acclaim for the work, no matter how good of a relationship in the end, no amount of money makes it worthwhile. When that happens, is your only option to put up with whatever these customers dish out? Not at all. Sometimes, however, you must take drastic measures and fire a customer. Of course, firing a customer is not a decision to be made lightly, and before you do your best Apprentice impression and start firing everyone let’s look at who you should let go. Unreasonable customers eat away at your resources. You only have limited resources available to you; don’t allocate a disproportionate amount of them to customers who repeatedly cause problems. You only have so much time, money and energy to dedicate to customer service, or to your business, and an unreasonable customer or client can quickly eat away at the majority of it. Every customer has times when they need a rush order, extra work on a job, or some other special treatment due to unforeseen circumstances. Customers worth firing, however, regularly make a practice of demanding the impossible and showing no appreciation for your efforts to deliver it. The lesson here, is to allocate most of your valuable resources to your good customers and stop trying to please everyone all the time. Dissatisfied and angry customers arrive at their feelings from different circumstances, but neither is good for your business. Soothing unhappy customers might enhance your small business’s image -- as one that cares if customers are happy -- giving it a competitive advantage. If you’ve tried your best to address a complaint and the customer still isn’t happy, it’s time to move on from that customer. Use your limited resources to address the concerns of customers who are willing to engage in reasonable dialogue with you. When you focus on meeting

By Kia Reese the needs of your reasonable customers, you build loyal brand ambassadors, and the free advertising they provide. I’d rather have a bunch of these customers than throw all my resources at customers who are impossible to please. I know that everyone gets ready to run for the hills when someone mentions multi-level marketing businesses. If you stop and think about it these businesses are built on word of mouth advertising. So, if your auntie wasn’t recruiting or trying to get you to buy a service you would probably not know they exist. Since I have already mentioned family let’s establish that most of the time your family and close friends make the worst customers. The expectations of discounted goods or services, never ending lines of credit, or promises to support someday, make my list of reasons that it is better to not mix business and family. Some customers are all smiles with you, the business owner, but treat your employees like dirt. If this comes to your attention, take it seriously. If an employee hates working with this customer, he or she is going to have trouble delivering excellent work. This could seriously affect your company’s reputation, not only among your customers, but also among current and future employees. If you’re lucky enough to have found employees who you trust and respect, don’t risk losing them by siding with the customer. If you want to keep your employees happy and effective, back

them up. Prove to them that you respect their judgment and opinions, and when faced with siding with your employee or an unreasonable customer, always choose your employee. Customers who don’t pay can be a tricky situation. Often, your biggest customers will be the slowest to pay, particularly if they are government clients that have slow payment cycles. However, if you get the feeling that you are getting the runaround from a customer and payment may never be forthcoming, you need to take steps to handle the situation. Be honest with the customer about the issue. Ask for the reason behind the delayed payment and offer to work out some type of payment plan. You should also institute a new payment policy for the customer going forward, such as asking for a deposit upfront before any work is done or not doing additional work until the current tab is paid by default. If this doesn’t resolve the issue legal action may need to be taken. As your business grows, sometimes the customers you had when you started out, are no longer a good fit for your business. For example, if you originally targeted small business owners but now primarily sell to corporate clients, your early customer base of small business owners may pay too little and take up too much time to support the current profit margins you need. Talk to these early customers to see if you can either raise your rates to an amount agreeable to both of you or cut back on what you do for them while keeping your rates the same. If you can’t come to a new agreement you will find that letting, go of these type customers will be hard. Feelings of guilt may cloud your judgment. You must remember that it is just business, and your main goal is to grow yours. What to Say When You Fire a Customer: In spite of your best efforts—or an absence of theirs—there will be times when you have to part ways. Firing a customer is, without question, a last resort. When letting go of a customer, for whatever reason, be tactful. After all, your reputation is on the line. The worst thing you can say when firing a customer is insult them. Never use general statements that can be taken as a personal attack like “our team finds you difficult to work with,” or “you’ve been asking for too much.” When you’re sure all contractual obligations on your part have been met, prepare and send a termination letter. If the contract has not been fulfilled offer a full or partial refund. Organize everything you have on the client, place in a file, and store securely. Always better safe than sorry. Bet your still thinking, still easier said than done. Below are some examples of reasons to part ways that can be expanded to fit your specific situation. • • • •

Your business model has changed so you are no longer the best provider for this customer. If your customer has certain expectations that can’t be met following a business model change, then it might be time for them to find a new provider. Due to ongoing payment problems you’ll have to stop doing business with this customer. Non-paying customers represent time and money you won’t get back. Let them know that you’ll be happy to reinstate their account if they resolve the issue but beware of repeat offenders. Your company has so much new business that you no longer have the bandwidth to serve all your customers and need to let go of some accounts. Expanding your business with some customers means that you have to cut back business from others. Because of ongoing personality conflicts, you’ve decided that it’s best if your business no longer works with this customer. There are times when personality conflicts become more trouble than they’re worth. Learn to recognize when your sanity and time are worth more than your pay, then move on.

The business/consumer relationship should be based on a “win-win” or mutual value premise: providing a valuable service in exchange for compensation, usually in the form of payment. No client in their right mind would want to hold onto a provider who did not perform their agreed-upon service. In this same light, there are times when the words and/or actions of a client lead to a significant loss on the part of the provider, and continuation of a business relationship cannot be justified. This is when it makes good business sense to set these clients free. 7 4 | S PEC I A L E DI TI O N 2 0 1 8 | m od estl y b ol d ma g . com

You are Your

PRODUCT Let’s say you’ve got a brand new company in the stages of its making. Financially, you’re doing great. You invest more than necessary, you choose your employees wise, you conduct your research well, and you scrupulously know which are the marketing strategies you need to make use of to push your new company moving on the rails. Your spirit is higher than the skies and your smiles would put the moon to shame. Your excitement is alive, breathing and you’ve got no clue what to do with all your enthusiasm except for using it to your advantage to cook a nice meal of Lasagne or a homemade Bacon Vinaigrette and impress your partner in the forthcoming happy, hopeful days. Not to forget, the sun is shining bright and your love is a pole star. The jury is still out on whether it’s the love for your ‘bae’ or the love for this new business that’s got you, well, more or less ballistic. Have a free peep into a cup of tea leaves that may or may not be the best oracle interpreter in the world, or fast forward to some months later and find out how it is going for yourself. Your company isn’t progressing like you thought it would. Losses are piling up and you never saw that coming. Gone are the days when you cooked meals for the love of your life, gone are the days when smiling was almost involuntary like breathing. Everything has gone wrong and you find your partner to be really condescending or just plain annoying because they can’t seem to shut up about your failure which is giving you a distressing headache. Even eating or drinking has become pointless when the wallets have become pretty much empty and there’s nothing you can do about not wanting to watch a round of Netflix because you’ve got enough and more drama in your life. Instead of rubbing your mind over the rocks and crushing it into pieces, and purchasing some delectable mental disorder before you know it, take a few moments to think. Or to question yourself. Where did I go wrong? Did I invest too much? Was I careless? Did I let my employees too loose on the chain? How will I make up for all the loss? Do I sell the company? Or, do I earn from selling some really nice Lasagne or Bacon Vinaigrette and call myself the chef in the town? That doesn’t sound half bad... That’s how your line of questioning has to go, give or take a few. Doesn’t matter if you are doing the right level of questioning as any sort of questioning would do. It can also go like, “do I need a haircut?”, or “do I need to hit the grocery store?”. The aim here is to kick-start the process of healing and acceptance. When step one is out of the way, we know you are ready to face up to your demons and raise from the pits of despair with a fight and slay the enemy, otherwise known as defeat.

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Now you know the world wasn’t made in a single day. And so, you can’t expect to get your company on a vinyl banner by the time the village rooster readies itself for an annoying crowing session. Getting out there in the world of startups and finding a slot to fit yourself and all of your ideas in it is no easy feat. With the kind of education and experience every entrepreneur is sporting, there is some room for self-doubt. Self-depreciation is not very far on the horizon either. Low confidence levels and high ambitions don’t create the best concoction in town and you know what they say about arrogance and shallow minds... Maybe you need the best strategy that can help you ram your company into the perfect vortex. The kind of thing that happens in dreams and sets your sails high before you know it. The sort of newfound (or trendy) plan that will propel your business up the roof. And that might be... turning your faceless brand into a brand with a face. What is a brand with a face? We all know Mark Zuckerberg, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of the social media king, Facebook (although, there are plenty of other things playing hooky in the world of the Internet). You have seen him appearing in news and on social media handles pretty much since the time Facebook was born. Do you get it? This is the brand with a face. And that being Zuckerberg’s. You know Visa. Or even Adidas. American Airlines too. But do we know of their faces? I mean, have they even got one? Maybe they do, but we never got the message (unless you ran a Google search and you forgot to tell us). We never cared for the faces, all we did was pay the money, take what we were looking for and chase the next store (we forgot the brand too soon). This is the difference. Perhaps, this multitude of difference can be your kryptonite. Just look out for brands that are faceless out there. You can count on every green tree covering this part of the earth. But if you start counting the brands with a face, you’d be in for a major shock. Apparently, most of them aren’t very willing to put themselves out there under camera lights, or their smiles on the company’s blog, or their social media pages. It’s disappointing news because you won’t find enough inspiration to get you back up on your feet. But you know what? Maybe, taking this bait will give your brand the exposure it seeks, for the ultimate reasons like fame and success. Fame can be a pain in the rear but who ever hated it? What’s the huge deal about a brand with a face? It’s not rocket science, but since you are waking up from your slumber and we don’t want you to stumble your way through it, we hope you would go for baby steps. Whatever product you are going to fill your corporate mantelpiece, you need to decide on the logo first, of course. But what most of them fail to realize is the necessity of a face. A face validates anything. This is why in our wild found imaginative scenarios, we like to attach faces to everything including emotions. Envy is a green pixie monster, anger is a red hot devil, and happiness is a girl in yellow who is all

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smiles. So, how is having a face for your brand going to help you? • • •

This can help people come to terms with the common knowledge that your company has got a face. It becomes easier for them to trust you, that’s what. They know you aren’t just profit-driven. So if something goes wrong with the same, people know where to put the blame! (Kidding) You get to stand out in a row of startups. As said earlier, anything with a face becomes easier to remember. It increases your chances of one-upping your faceless competitors. Your brand gets the personality it was lacking all the while. The face would make sure of this. Your passion comes to live, people can’t help but see and accept your zeal for what it is worth and take the plunge they must in order to find out whether your words carry the weight like you’ve proved.

How to humanize your brand? 1. Entrust the job to someone who isn’t deficient at all in the confidence department. Someone who can face the crowd and inject your passion for your enterprise into their words and gestures. Could be the CEO, a celebrity(!), your PR representative, or the co-founder himself. Take a chance and see if you were always a public person! 2. The spokesperson gotta maintain blogs, appear occasionally in public and show faces in events. This is one way to embark the importance of why people should follow your brand and not just any other. 3. Go all in. One tweet a year, or one photo a year won’t cut it. By the time you click another photograph (which would take forever because you are too busy looking for the best camera on the market), your customers would have sashayed to the next best brand. 4. For Pete’s sake, stay genuine. Better not shoot a video if you had one too many to drink the previous night. 5. Be friendly and cheerful. Do not boast and talk all about the greatness of your brand and the profits you made in the stock market this season in the shoot. You would mostly look like an idiot and people want to see the fun and edifying stuff. Also, things that would give your brand a more “credible” appeal. 6. Having a PR can be quite helpful if you can’t choose a face. You are most definitely your product. Sell yourself first and eat the people-love out next. While you are at it, you can also try giving the leaflet of your special Bacon Vinaigrette recipe your face. Who knows who would or wouldn’t want to try it out for their own sake? Hmm? Written by Amalia Abbar

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LIVLANE BY SOMAYAH O. MCKINNEY

IT WAS NEVER MY IDEA – I NEVER WANTED TO PLAN EVENTS, BUT I WAS GOOD AT IT !” Somayah McKinney,

CO-OWNER AND CREATIVE GURU LIVLANE ENTERPRISES 7 8 | S PEC IA L EDI T I O N 2 0 1 8 | m od estl y b ol d ma g . com

In its totality, it is an event design and professional crafting business, owned by Somayah McKinney and her sister, Kacey Collins-Nixon. The two sisters began the business in June of 2014 at the request of Kacey, the eldest sister, who recognized their capacity to work well together and complement one another in areas of design and planning – thus LivLane was born! The name derived from portions of each of the sisters’ daughters’ names – “Liv” being Somayah’s daughter Olivia and “Lane” being Kacey’s daughter Delaney. While the business began to take off nearly immediately, Somayah, being the ‘freespirited’ sibling, was hesitant because she felt that starting a business would take the joy out of her creativity capacity – and to some extent it did. A year or so into the business, Somayah began handcrafting some of the event décor, to cut back on costs and utilize another aspect of her creative reign. Her natural knack for crafting propelled her into the vendor’s market as a “vendors’ vendor” of the sorts, and she soon found herself creating event décor for other planners in the area. The

LIVLANE SOON SPUN INTO A business THAT BECAME KNOWN FOR handcrafted PRODUCTS AND unparalled CUSTOMIZED PIECES. sisters specifically engaged in this opportunity because of their capacity to complement one another – Kacey was the more grounded and detail-oriented one, with Somayah being the counterpart that was visionary and could easily bring to light ideas. LivLane soon spun into a business that became known for handcrafted products and unparalled customized pieces. Present day, the sisters are still in business together, however the handcrafted products encompasses about 75% of the annual revenue. With an educational background in Healthcare and Human Resources, Somayah has a Bachelor of Sciences degree in Biology with a minor in Mathematics and a dual Masters degrees in Public Health, as well as Health Education and Promotion. During her sector in the corporate sector, Somayah spent 11 years in Healthcare Administration, with the last 4 being focused on Human Resources. Happily married and a mother of a very vibrant 5-year old, Somayah believes in working hard and hustling to ascertain lofty goals. m od e s tl yb ol d ma g. com| MOD E S T L Y BOL D ® MA G AZI NE | 79

MB:

Tell me about your childhood and how has it molded your adulthood?

SM: So, I had a decent childhood, I don’t have a lot that I can complain about. I think, though, that being responsible for taking care of my mother at such a young age has taught me heavy independence. But it also kind of hinders me, so I don’t allow people to help me as much as I should. So, I think that’s one of the things I carried over from my childhood to my adulthood that can kind of be a negative. MB:

Do you still work a full-time job? If so, what does your calendar look like?

SM: No. I stepped out on faith on July 21, 2017. Jesus, and I am so happy that I did. But I feel like now that I don’t work full-time, my calendar is fuller than what it was when I was working full-time. It’s almost like I work 10 to 12-hour days now, because being an entrepreneur is like 24/7/365, you never get any breaks. So, my calendar is jam packed, plus my husband has a crazy calendar, my daughter has a crazy calendar, so I never have any time to do anything. MB: What do you do to revive your business when it’s in a slump? SM: I get on social media and go crazy on ideas and activities. So, like if I see something that’s coming up or if I find out that somebody is going to be in town. I’ll do like some promo stuff for them, and that always helps me out. I know Lil Boosie is coming to town and I get to do a couple of promo t-shirts for him, so I’m slick excited about that. But whenever I hit like a slump, I usually just go like to Savannahnow.com, find something interesting that’s going on, throw a couple of freebies out, spend some money to make a little bit of money. MB:

What motivates you to continue your dream after a tough hurdle?

SM: My daughter. So, even when like I hit rock bottom or I feel like I’m having my worst moments, Olivia is always kind of there to push me. She is like my guardian angel. So even though she is a child, it seems like she always understands when I’m having a bad time or if my moments aren’t as great as they should be, and then I’m reminded that my dad is the reason that I’m an entrepreneur. So, Olivia is looking up to me, so I hope that she is going to one day be able to do the same things I’m able to do and do them comfortably and live in a happy space, because of who she is and what she wants to be. MB:

What is a recent success story?

SM: A recent success story….so, right after, you know my grandmother passed in September and my mom got put in hospice no long after that and I decided I was going to go play bingo at the nursing home. It just so happened that one of the guys whose parents is in there playing bingo, owns this antique car company. And so, he ended up ordering like 500 t-shirts from me, which that’s the biggest order I’ve had to date. It took me like 2 months to get them done, but I’m still getting income from those shirts, because people see them, and they want to order them from him. He could just go to a manufacturer and mass order them, but he doesn’t. He never has a problem paying me on time. Soon as I send him an invoice, I get that money back. So, I think that was one of my most recent success stories. And I was in a bad spot, so I’m excited that I get to work with him. MB:

What do you think are some traits that entrepreneurs should possess?

SM: Patience. Because you never know how your day is going to go. You can have a great month, you can have a great quarter, you can have a great year, then suddenly…nothing. Everything is dead, so you have to kind of trust the process. Patience, and I would say, heavy independence. Being a headstrong person, kind of sets me apart from some of my counterparts. I have one of those brass personalities, anyways, so I don’t take a lot of BS from a lot of people. So that works in my favor a lot of the times, because I have clients who are indecisive and I’m not looking for you, you’re looking for me. So, the thing is either you’re going to pay for services or you’re not going to pay for my services. You will find a lot of times, especially working with weddings, the groom will be like my wife may not like you, but I feel like you are going to keep us in line and keep this budget in 8 0 | S PEC IA L ED I T IO N 2 0 1 8 | m o d est l yb o l d ma g . com

line. So, I’m going to go ahead and book you anyways just to make sure we are taken care of, and to prevent her from kind of being all over the place and getting out of line. So, I think that a strong independent foundation and patience are the two things that I think entrepreneurs must possess. MB:

What is so unique about your company?

SM: The thing that’s unique about my company is the fact that we are kind of like a jack of all trades. I’m a firm believer in different expertise, if I can’t do it, I’m telling you right now I can’t do it, but I will send you to someone else. But I think that the one thing that sets us apart is our capacity to do so many different things. I’ve always juggled a variety of hats as a child. So, when it comes to pageantry or event planning or customization or branding or public speaking, I think we’ve kind of encompassed all those things. If I can’t do it or I can’t figure out how to do it, then I can get you the person that can get it done. MB: Who is the one person that has influenced your way of thinking when it comes to business? SM: My daddy, Sam Murphy. My dad is one of the most difficult business persons I’ve ever met in my life. Regardless of whether it’s my business, his business, our business, because we have a little bit of business together sometimes, I hate working with him, but I love working with him. You’re going to get a no-holds bar with Sam, that’s for certain, but he is in it to make money. It doesn’t matter if he is doing it for five minutes, if it ain’t making money then it ain’t making sense. He takes all forms of cash, credit, debit, pennies, nickels, IOUs, my daddy is a stickler about money. He is a man of his word, so if my daddy tells you in 2020 he is going to give you a free haircut on March 10th, he will remember in 2020 on March 10th to give you that free haircut. He is the same way with me, he is like my own little profit guy. So, he coming in, he sees my t-shirts and say that nice, but why did you do XYZ it looks so simple, why didn’t you do whatever, or whatever? And if he doesn’t know about it, he is going to figure it out and give you a responsible response to it. So, my daddy is certainly the person who is molding me in business and the person I can’t stand sometimes. MB: If you could advise a person that is scared to step out and fulfill their dreams, what would you say to them? SM: When you’re…if you’re on your deathbed and there is something that you haven’t done, there is not a reason that you couldn’t have gotten it done. Once you die, its gone. So, it shouldn’t take you that long to

figure out what you want to do and how to step out, so just do it. The worst thing that’s going to happen is that you’re going to fail. You’re going to fail regardless, you’re going to fail when you’re trying to get a good job, you’re going to fail when you’re trying to get a promotion, you’re going to fail when you’re trying to tie your shoes, sometimes you fail when you are brushing your teeth. I mean…**Interrupted by a client to conduct business *** Look at God, come through!! I’m sorry, what were we talking about… MB: If you’re on your deathbed… SM: Yes, so if you’re on your deathbed, and the thing is, if you’re on your deathbed and you don’t die, then of course you have the motivation to get it done. But it shouldn’t take you to be on your deathbed to get those things done. Just do it. I mean, you’re going to fail. Like I said, you’re going to fail regardless of what you do. In life, that’s what teaches us, failure is the motivation that we all must have to achieve success, that’s what I believe. So, just step out on faith, don’t wait til tomorrow, don’t wait til next week. Amazon started with $25 in 10 years in the back of a house, and it’s a billion dollar, almost trillion-dollar organization now. So, do it or don’t but don’t complain about it if it doesn’t get done. Don’t be hating on people who out here being great, achieving their dreams when you didn’t do it yourself. MB: What make you Modestly Bold? When I say Modestly Bold, that is the name of the magazine, but in business sometimes you’re shy and sometimes you must be bold. What makes

you Modestly Bold in business? SM: The funny thing is, until I had a child, I didn’t even know what the word modestly meant. I’ve always been kind of arrogant and a bit cocky, everybody who knows me, knows that. But as you said, in business you have to kind of take that modest approach, so I think that now that I’m a business owner and now that my family kind of depends on that additional source of income. When you have a full-time job, you have a little bit backup, the hustle isn’t the same. But once you’re riding on this, like my money pays for our insurance, so I mean we’re okay, but if I don’t make money then we don’t have insurance essentially. Like that’s the mindset that I take, so I feel like the modestly aspect for me is insuring that I’m not rubbing people the wrong way and I’m a little bit more p.c. (politically correct) than I used to be, just because you never know who you are offending, you never know who you are talking to, and you never know how much money you could be taking away from your family. The bold part has always kind of been there. I feel like I woke up like this, I don’t know if it came when I started walking and talking or what it was, but I’ve never really been afraid of things. Now I get nervous, you know, but I don’t ever really get shy, but I just kind of do it, I don’t know where it came from. I don’t know why because my daddy ain’t like that, my momma darn sure ain’t like that, I think I took a little bit of what they weren’t and created whoever I am. MB: Modestly Bold Interviewer SM: Somayah McKinney

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M AR K E T I N G for S M AL L

businesses It is true that we live in an increasingly global and mediated world and both new technologies and strategies are invading the markets with more force, however there is still the belief that in small companies do not need marketing at all and this is serious. Every company, no matter how small, must use both internal and external tools that allow it to reach maximum profitability, but this can be a double-edged sword depending on the case and the situation of the company as such, as well as the market in which it operates. Many small companies do not really give the marketing value that they should give, they do business in the most traditional way without even realizing that they are marketing in the most rustic way that exists. However every time we talk to them about a marketing strategy, they think that this is not very profitable and we do not see it from the monetary level, but rather the wear and tear of time that this may entail. The marketing in any company is small or large ranging from considering the short and long term objectives, making an analysis of its internal and external reality, delimit the market well and know how it is that we want to be perceived and with all this develop work strategies to be able to achieve everything that we are plotting. I know it sounds very easy, but it really is, making a marketing plan does not depend on the size of the company but on the scope of it, using the means it has and with which it can meet the objectives that have been proposed . Being afraid of the word marketing is something that is slowly being eradicated but that is constantly heard among small business owners.

Using more and more often the tools that marketing gives us, is something that we see more frequently, but unfortunately, this use is sometimes excessive and without a specific end. Communication as such is one of the greatest tools that marketing provides and the worst used of all, in many cases you do not even know what the message you want to give is. Entrepreneurs have not started to think what is really what they want to say to their audience and unfortunately they are not clear about which public they want to reach. We understand that creating and starting a business is obviously because there is a need to cover both geographically and materially, but rarely do we really study and analyze the real need, the market that has that need and if our company will be able to cover that need. Again, it is so easy to do marketing, is to lose the fear and is to take advantage of the use that we can give to our company to be more profitable, have much more presence in the market, that we meet the goals we set ourselves from the beginning and that we are eventually forging. Let’s plan, develop strategies and tactics to create and develop markets, regardless of the size of our company, taking into account and being aware that all those who sell something or offer a service do marketing. Benefits of Content Marketing • • • • • • •

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It’s cheaper than other marketing formats Sometimes it helps to reduce the cost per lead This technique focuses first on the consumer and then on the brand It allows to exploit the curing of contents to obtain better results If the generated content is good, it has a good chance of becoming viral organically Connect better with users to have good audiovisual media, such as love, everything comes through the eyes The contents can easily be combined with

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

other marketing or advertising actions that have a brand Content marketing is ideal to reinforce the efforts made in blogs and social networks It helps you connect with your audience and not the public It helps you to become the leader of your industry, as long as you have good content and perseverance Improve your brand’s web positioning It influences the decision making of your audience, as long as your content is good With good content your brand can wait like in the market A brand with good content inspires confidence in its users Increase brand visibility in online and offline media (word of mouth) It’s cheaper than other marketing or advertising techniques It’s an opportunity to be connected with your audience constantly It is ideal to educate your audience There are many different formats to create content that is difficult to repeat in a short period of time Content stays forever, advertising campaigns have a beginning and end Help increase sales Help to beat the competition or at least I will pass Increase online interaction of the public with the brand It attracts other audiences that may be interested in your brand, this is great, because you do not limit yourself to the ones you have stipulated Help in your customer service management, if you have contents that answer questions, your work is easier and the customer experience is better It is one of the most effective methods to get BBDD (subscriber acquisition) Benefits of Content Marketing for startups and medium-sized companies It does not require much initial investment, I think it can be free in money, but expensive in time. The important thing, even at the beginning, is the investment in promoting content and especially in optimizing them. A good content strategy can notoriously help achieve good results without much advertising investment. As at the beginning they are few known, the contents help to position the company on the Internet. It is an ideal way to treat the public in a more personal way. It’s a good way to improve a user’s experience with your brand, to better experience, better connection It’s great to get your audience’s attention.

Benefits of Content Marketing for large companies •

Improves the connection between the brand and the public. Sometimes, companies are so large that they lose the connection link, through the contents of this device can change completely.

•

Because of the budget they manage they can create great content strategies, this not only helps to improve their positioning, it also saves them money.

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It is another way to increase sales volume.

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It is an interesting technique to improve the brand image.

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Help a brand in the association of other territories (industries).

•

It helps to show the most human side, this for large companies is important.

by Alejandro Rojas

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THERE WILL BE NAME CALLING Unless you have been living under a rock you have at least heard of Shakespeare’s famous play Romeo and Juliet. Here the question is posed what is in a name, he asks if a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. Well the answer is it would smell as sweet, but probably wouldn’t be as appealing or sell as they do if it were call Thorny prickers. The same is true with choosing the name for your business. Your product and services can be excellent, but the wrong name can doom your business. So how do you pick the perfect name. I’m going to be honest researching this subject has led me to believe there is no “right way” to pick a name. Thankfully for you, I have wadded through all the conflicting opinions and catchy sales pitches to provide you with what I feel is a comprehensive and workable list of suggested steps. • Remember that your business first impression so take the decision seriously. The moniker that you choose can make your business the talk of the town or catapult it into the realm of obscure undefinable businesses. • When many first decided to start a business the name usually the last thing thought of, I myself got caught up in the visions of world domination. Define your business. Take the time to make a list of products, services, and customer base that you want to service. Include what will make your business unique, and how you would like the name to communicate your vision. In the excitement of starting a new company many choose to use their city or state as part of the company name. While this may help in the start up stage as the business grows it will be troublesome. Customers may assume this is your service area, stifling future growth. It also makes things awkward if you re-locate the company. When I moved to Effingham County many moons ago Springfield Ford was located, you guessed it in Springfield. Well as they grew and needed more space they moved to the center of larger Rincon. Don’t be like the now longgone Springfield Ford. • Names with special meanings or personal significance are great. They allow a personal connection and a story that can be used as the company message. The drawback is if the meaning is to hard to convey, hard to understand or pronounce you will never have the opportunity to explain it to customers because they will pass you by. • When your name communicates to consumers about your business the less you must explain. Let’s face it, if I have to pull out the dictionary to figure out what your name means (which I will never do) it is safe to assume you will not get my business. • Use your resources. Look through the dictionary, magazines, books, and a catalogue of business names to find words that stand out to you, or to look at the names of successful companies and figure out what makes their names work. Why do

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the brands Nike, Sephora, Old Navy, or Victoria’s Secret stand out? What can you do to make your business stand out in the same way? Use the internet to google search potential names to see if they are already in use. • Eliminate the names that aren’t web-ready. Once you’ve narrowed down your search a bit, you should eliminate any names that don’t have available URLs. You don’t want to pick a website name that is slightly different from your company name, or to have to buy an existing website from a customer who already owns it. It’s easier to start fresh. Just do a simple web search to see if the name is available online. • Avoid the dreaded awkwardly constructed, purposefully misspelled, or family initial business names. This is where I found a lot of mixed reviews. Some believe that a cleverly spelled name draws in clientele. I’m simple and I like this the same, so for me it is a no. Furthermore, we appreciate that you want to honor the love you have for your wife or your children but save the initials for your next tattoo. • Say each name aloud. Saying each name aloud will help you see which name rolls off the tongue the most smoothly, and which name sounds the best when said aloud. This can give you an idea of how the name of your business would sound if you heard it over the radio or over the phone. • Go with your gut. If you’ve narrowed your list down to two or three names that meet all of your criteria, but you just can’t settle on one, just think about the one that will feel the most right. Which name would you love to have representing your business? If you really aren’t happy with any of the names you’re left with, keep brainstorming. If professional naming companies can take months to come up with the perfect name, then you should certainly spend more than a day or two on this difficult decision. • Enlist help. Many large companies depend of focus group input to make the big decision. Gather a group of trusted friends, and family together bride them with food and drink if necessary. Have them give their honest opinions about your choices. • Go with your gut. If you’ve narrowed your list down to two or three names that meet all of your criteria, but you just can’t settle on one, just think about the one that will feel the most right. Which name would you love to have representing your business? If you really aren’t happy with any of the names you’re left with, keep brainstorming. If professional naming companies can take months to come up with the perfect name, then you should certainly spend more than a day or two on this difficult decision. • Consider investing in a professional naming service. Though a professional naming service can be costly and can take from six weeks to six months to find the best name for your company, the value that the company brings to your business may be worth it. If you’ve tried brainstorming and have come up with nothing you like, this may be an option. • Be willing to admit you were wrong. Many business owners know they have a problem with their name and just hope it will somehow magically resolve itself. If you find your first choice is not getting the job done, take the necessary steps to fix it. No matter what you decide to name your business remember, that just like a relationship the more you put into the business the more you will get out. If that doesn’t sell you remember what we used to say as children, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me”! By Kia Reese

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BALLER

kidz BY SHAWNTA’ JAMES

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Mario James, born October 9, 2007, began his journey into the basketball world at the age of 4. With spiderman shoes that lit up with each step, he took to the court. Having this being his first time playing organized sports, Mario never made a basket that season, but was always the first one up and down the court, he would even run from the ball when it came his way. “That kid is fast”, people would say , but Mario was more excited about wearing the uniform and getting the post game snacks than the game itself. He eventually started asking to watch basketball games on tv, and asked if he could have a basketball goal of his own. His dad went out and purchased a basketball goal and began to work with Mario in the back yard. The following season Mario took to the court, but with a different attitude, he said “Mom, Dad….I need some real basketball shoes if I’m gonna be a basketball player”, we laughed, but dad went out and bought him some basketball shoes. Here he is, he’s now 6yrs old and actually learning the game of basketball. The first game goes by, the second game comes along and Mario is now getting more involved, well. Later in the game, the ball ends up in Mario’s hands on offense, all we could say was “shoot it”!, Mario shot the ball and it went in, he actually made a basket, he did it! After the game Mario was on cloud 9, he went home and immediately got his iPad and began looking at basketball training videos. Day in and day out from that moment on, basketball was his passion. Mario’s dad began skill training with him, everyday it was something basketball, something to not only make him a better player but Mario was beginning to develop character. By this time, Mario had a player that he wanted to be like (Steph Curry) and probably watched every video and read every book he could in order to gain knowledge as to how Steph became great. Mario really locked in and became a student of the game, workouts became intense, and we were really seeing him grow before our eyes. At the age of 8, Mario led his team to it’s first undefeated season and championship where he earned MVP honors. He made the Allstar team and they competed at a high level but fell short of the State championship. The following season at the age of 9, Mario led his team to another undefeated season and again to the championship and won where he earned his Second consecutive MVP honor. As an allstar at the age of 9 he recorded his first state championship. This current season, Mario now 10yrs old, on a new team, not only led the league in points and steals, he also recorded his third consecutive championship and MVP Honor. Currently playing allstars, Mario hopes to bring home another State Championship. 10yr old Mario James walked into his parents bedroom a few weeks ago with a vision, the vision was to design his own basketball gear, something that he could call his own. When asked why he wanted to create gear of his own, Mario responded that he wanted to sell his designs to help pay for extra training sessions and camps because he was going to be the next big star, Henceforth BALLERKIDZ was established.

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DAY IN AND DAY OUT FROM THAT MOMENT ON, BASKETBALL WAS HIS

passion. 9 0 | S PEC IA L EDI T I O N 2 0 1 8 | m od estl y b ol d ma g . com

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MJ: My name is Mario James and my company name is Baller Kidz. MB: Ok. Mr. Mario, what inspired you to start your company? MJ: Because me and my brother love basketball and we wanted to start our own brand. SJ: What inspired Mario to start his own Company? For many years I owned an event rental company. Mario saw the days that I would sit at the table and go over the financial aspect of the business and was in awe of what he thought was a whole lot of money for a small amount of work. I believe he really thought that the money I made was very easy to come by and no work was needed; money was just given to me and I in return would just give it to him. Mario was really in for a rude awakening. As he got older I would take him with me to different events and had him help out and and work for whatever it was that he wanted. He learned early that nothing was going to be given to him, just like nothing was given to me. The difference was, Mario’s passion was basketball. He would stay up at night designing different shoes and sports apparel. MB: What is your purpose for wanting to be your own boss at such an early age? MJ: Because I want to make my own money, so I can be able to attend training and camp sessions. SJ: Mario wanted to be his own boss at such an early age because he really admired Stephen Curry and the Under Arrmour brand. He too wanted to start his own brand so that he could have something he could call his own but also have a way to earn his own money so that he could attend camps, training, and become a member of that traveling basketball team. He had dreams becoming the next greatest basketball team on the planet. MB: Who is the one person that has influenced your way of thinking when it comes to business? MJ:I can’t name one person, but my parents influence me. SJ: When it comes to influencing Mario’s way of thinking when it comes to business, I don’t think he can just name one person. Myself as well as his father both have played a role. I was into the events and his father was the DJ. Together we collaborated on a lot of things to be successful.I think the main thing is to have a dedicated team and or support system because during the journey you can’t do it all by yourself. Our job as parents is to Inspire, motivate, and support him as much as we can. MB: And how have your parents influenced you? MJ: Because they help me like with the company. They were helping me…giving me ideas. So, I could be able to put this company together. MB: What animal best describes you as a businessman? MJ: I would say a lion, because a lion never backs down to any challenges that comes its way. SJ: The animal that best describe his business sense is a Lion. He is very brave, and not afraid to try new things. When he sets his mind to do something he goes after it, MB: So, the name of my magazine is Modestly Bold. What that means is, sometimes in business you’re bold and sometimes you have to back down and be kind of shy. What makes you bold and shy? What makes you Modestly Bold? MJ: Because when I play basketball, I feel like I have what it takes to be a great player, so I feel like I can’t back down to any challenges that come my way. So, I feel like I’m brave just like a lion. SJ: What makes Mario Modestly Bold is going after a dream and not stopping until he attains his goal. He is not a crowd pleaser but a self pleaser. Nobody is harder on him than he is on hisself. I guess as far as the marketing, as far as business. We basically come together as far as the marketing. He is only 10, so we are trying to make things affordable for people his age and his generation. Being positive…so Baller Kidz brand is basically based on being a motivator, a supporter, and geared towards inspiration. You don’t necessarily have to be playing sports to support the brand, because

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it’s geared towards kids who are doing great things. They are good, but they just want to be great. That’s basically the brand. He is the inspiration. His platform, I Got Next, is saying I have the next best thing of what it takes to be great. Like I said, it doesn’t have to be sports. It could be a doctor, it could be the teacher, if you got what it takes to be the next best thing.

Baller Kids, Its not just about basketball. Its about you being the best at what you do! MB: Modestly Bold Interviewer MJ: Mario James SJ: Shawnta’ James

Connect With Baller Kidz

Facebook Instagram YouTube BallerKidz803

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Trademarking Made

EASY

A trademark is a word, symbol, design, phrase, logo, and a combination of letters, numbers, or other device that distinguishes and identifies a company’s product or service in the marketplace. The Nike swoosh symbol on the side of their shoes distinguishes their shoes from other shoes enough that all the purchaser has to see is the swoosh symbol to know what kind of shoe they are getting, or what section they are in. Types of Trademarks ™ is the trademark symbol in superscript that is used to promote brands and goods. SM is the symbol in superscript for an unregistered service mark used to promote services. A R with a circle ® around it is the symbol for a registered trademark. An application for a trademark can be denied for many reasons. 1) If it is too generic. For example: kidney beans is too generic of a name to be trademarked. 2) If it is immoral, deceptive, or scandalous 3) If it falsely suggests a connection with people living or dead, institutions, beliefs, national symbols, or it brings about contempt or disrepute. 4) If it had any association with the flag, coat of arms, or any other insignia of any country 5) If it contains the name, portrait, or signature of any living individual without their written consent, or if it contains the name, portrait, or signature of a deceased president while the widow is still living except with the widow’s written consent. 6) If it resembles a trademark all ready registered at the Patent and Trademark Office. The proposed mark is descriptive or deceptively misdescrptive of an applicant’s goods or services. 7) The proposed mark is descriptive or deceptively misleading of an applicant’s goods or services. What Sources of Law Govern Trademarks? Trademarks are governed by state and federal law. State common law was once the main source of protection for trademarks.. However, the first federal trademark law was enacted in the late eighteen hundreds. Since then, federal law has frequently expanded, allowing it to take over much of the ground that was formerly covered by state common law. The Lanham Act is the main federal statute for trademark law. It was enacted in 1946, and amended in 1996. The law provides the most extensive source of trademark protection, though some state and common law claims are still available. What Prerequisites Must A Mark Have To Become A Trademark? In order to become a trademark, the mark itself must be distinctive. The courts group marks into four categories based on the connection between the mark and the product, to determine if the mark is distinctive. The categories are generic, descriptive, arbitrary/fanciful, and suggestive. The amount of legal protection for a trademark depends upon the category that it falls in. A generic mark is a mark that describes the overall product to which it belongs. For example, using the term “soda” when describing a Pepsi product. Generic marks are offered no protection under trademark law. 9 4 | S PEC IA L E DI T I O N 2 0 1 8 | m od estl y b ol d ma g . com

A descriptive mark is a mark that describes rather than suggests certain characteristics or qualities of the product. (E.g.its purpose, color, odor, ingredients, and dimensions). For example, “Hotel 6”, “All Bran”, and “”Vision Care”give a description of the product or service. (Hotel rooms, cereal, and eye care). Descriptive marks are not generally distinctive and therefore, are only protected if the have obtained the secondary meaning. It obtains a secondary meaning when the public associates that mark with a specific producer rather than the product itself. For example, the term “Hotel 6” has obtained secondary meaning because the public connects the term “Hotel 6” as a provider of hotel services and not the amenities that the hotel provides. It isn’t necessary for the public to be able to identify the producer; just that the product or service comes from just one producer. To determine if a term has obtained secondary meaning, the courts will usually look into the following factors: how much advertising it has received, the amount of sales it has generated, how long the term has been used, and the results of consumer surveys.

view includes making sure the applicant’s goods or services are identified properly, making sure the mark isn’t likely to cause confusion with another mark, and to give the applicant a chance to address any issues should problems arise. Although registration with the PTO is not required for a trademark to be protected, it does have a number of benefits. It gives the party the right to use the trademark nationwide, it makes it known to others that the trademark is owned by a party, it allows the party to bring an infringement suit to federal court, and potentially collect damages, attorneys fees, etc.... Lastly, registered trademarks can become incontestable, at which point, the trademark owner obtains the exclusive rights to the mark established.

Arbitrary/fanciful marks are marks that have no connection to the product itself. For example, Citgo and ASUS have no connection to their products (gasoline and computers). Their marks are generally distinctive, therefore, they are given a large amount of protection. Suggestive marks are marks that promote or suggest a particular characteristic of the product or service. For example, the use of the word “Coppertone” is suggestive of suntan lotion without specifically giving a product description. However, the word itself suggests a connection to suntan lotion. As with arbitrary/fanciful marks, suggestive marks are generally distinctive, and given a large amount of protection.

Can Trademark Rights Be Lost

What Does It Mean To Register A Trademark?

Within thirty days of filing the application, any third party that feels that they will be affected by the registration of the trademark, may file for an Opposition Proceeding. Once it is filed, the case will go before The Trademark Trial and Appeals Board to determine if the grounds for the opposition are valid, as well as the applicant’s ability to register the mark. The rights of the trademark owner can be lost if the mark is not actively used for a certain length of time (Usually five years or more), improper licensing, and genericity. Failure to use a trademark for this length of time could result in abandonment of the mark, allowing another party to use the mark. An abandoned mark may be used by any party. Genericity is when a term has become so commonplace that the product has lost its uniqueness. For example, mustard. The term itself has become generic because people no longer associate it with a particular brand. It isn’t at all like Apple with the iPhone. When people say iPhone, they automatically connect it with Apple. The rest are just smartphones. When people say mustard, it isn’t automatically connected to a certain brand, as there are many brands of mustard.

If the applicant wishes to register a trademark, the applicant must file an application with the USPTO ( The United States Patent and Trademark Office). Approximately three months after the application has been submitted, an examin- What Constitutes As Infringement? ing attorney from the USPTO reviews it. The re- The owner of a particular trademark can sue for

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trademark infringement when there is a high probability of confusion. To determine whether or not public confusion is likely to occur, the courts will look at a number of factors. They are: how strong the mark is, how similar the marks are, anything that proves that confusion has all ready occurred, and the defendant’s intent. For example, if a computer company sold computers under the mark “Apple”, the buyer may then think they were buying an Apple computer. If the marks are close enough in sound, appearance, or meaning, an infringement case can be brought before the judicial system. What Is Trademark Dilution? Trademark dilution is when another product or trademark weakens the selling power of a particular product all ready in the marketplace. Under federal law, the product must be famous to be brought before the federal court. To determine whether or not a product is famous, they will look at the following factors: the strength its distinctiveness has obtained, how long it has been used, how much publicity it has received, the channels of trade, its notoriety or amount of recognition it has received, and if it is a registered trademark. If the mark at issue reduces a company’s selling power by “blurring or tarnishment”, a dilution case can ensue. Blurring occurs when the identification of goods weakens the power of an existing trademark. For example, Pepsi brand potato chips. While it is not likely to cause confusion with consumers, the distinctive quality of the mark has become diluted. Tarnishment occurs when the mark paints an existing mark in an unflattering way. For example, a tarnishment case was won by Toys R Us when they successfully sued a pornographic company for naming their site adultsrus.com. In a trademark infringement or dilution case, two types of affirmative defenses may be used. They are fair use and parody. Fair use occurs when a descriptive mark is used in good faith for a product’s primary meaning rather than the product’s secondary meaning. For example, a cereal company could say it was made with all bran without infringing upon the rights of Kellogg for their cereal “All Bran.” In this case, the mark was only used to give a description rather than a label. Some courts recognize nominative use as a defense in fair use defense cases. Nominative use happens when it is necessary to identify another person’s product instead of the user’s own product. For example, a poll was conducted by USA Today to have its readers vote on their favorite member of New Kids on the Block. U.S.A. Today was sued by the New Kids on the Block for infringement. The courts held that the trademark “New Kids on the Block” was a privileged nominative because it wasn’t possible to identify the group without it. The thought behind it is that trademark use is sometimes necessary to identify and talk about the other party’s products or services. Parodies of trademarks may also be allowed as a defense if it is not too closely tied to commercial use. Artistic and editorial parodies (as is also the case with USA Today vs New Kids on the Block), has to some extent a certain amount of protection under the First Amendment. What Remedies Can Be Sought For Trademark And Dilution Cases? Finally, when plantiff’s are successful in their cases, the awards may vary. They are: the granting of an injunction to prohibit further use of the trademark, monetary relief including the defendant’s profits, damages, and the cost of litigation. As you can see, we have learned and discussed the ins and outs of trademarking, and why trademark law is crucial. It is there to protect consumers from about who provides, endorses and is associated with a particular product.

By: Nancy Pierko 9 6 | S PEC I A L ED ITI O N 2 0 1 8 | m odestl y b ol d ma g . com

People relate to brands as if brands were people. We give brands meaning and form relationships with them based on how they interact with us and how they make us feel. It’s no surprise then, that having a relatable brand is critical to a business’s longterm success! One way to set a solid foundation is to anchor your brand against an archetype – a symbolic idea or character that is universally understood and easy to connect with.

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There are 12 classic brand archetypes. Do you know yours? Take the mini-quiz below to find out, and visit www.brandpersonalityquiz.com for the complete quiz and detailed results.

1. What are people attracted to most about your brand? a) Being unconventional b) Wisdom c) Courage d) Being revolutionary e) Optimism f) Finding positive outcomes g) Joy h) Leadership i) Intensity j) Inclusiveness k) Creativity l) Compassion

3. If your brand were an animal, what would it be? a) Adventurous wild horse b) Wise old owl c) Valiant lion d) Rowdy Tasmanian devil e) Gentle lamb f) Beautiful butterfly g) Clever fox h) Majestic bull i) Fiery flamingo j) Loveable Golden Retriever k) Colorful peacock l) Protective mama bear

2. In five years, how will you have measured success? a) Discovered a new way of doing things b) Became the go-to expert that people turn to for information c) Helped people who were unable to help themselves d) Turned our industry on its head e) Simply made people happy f) Helped people transform a negative in their lives into a positive g) Provided a way for people to laugh despite all of the negativity in the world h) Dominated the market and prospered financially i) Enabled people to have more passionate sensory experiences in their lives j) United diverse communities k) Saw our vision fully formed and impacting the world l) Saw those we cared for thriving

4. What best describes your philosophy for success? a) Encourage curiosity. Be inquisitive and take risks. b) No rush decisions. We follow the data and make smart choices along the way. c) Remain strong. If obstacles come, ride it out. d) Constantly be shaking up the status quo. e) Do things the way they should be done and we will be rewarded for it. f) Don’t let today’s reality limit us. With the right formula, anything is possible. g) Live in the moment and don’t take life too seriously. Be boldly original. h) It’s all about effective leadership. Success starts from the top. i) Follow our passion and form real relationships with our customers. j) Find common ground that we can all stand behind. k) Imagine the possibilities. See the potential in every idea. l) Put people first, fulfilling a need when we can. Adhere to the Golden Rule.

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ANSWER KEY Did you answer… Mostly A’s: Your brand is an Explorer The Explorer yearns for the freedom to discover the world and experience a better, more authentic, and more fulfilling life. Example brands: Jeep, NASA, The North Face Mostly B’s: Your brand is a Sage Guided by the discovery of truth, the Sage uses intelligence and analysis to understand the world. Example brands: CNN, Oprah, Google Mostly C’s: Your brand is a Hero The Hero strives to prove worth through courageous and difficult action and to exert mastery in a way that improves the world. Example brands: Nike, FedEx, The Red Cross Mostly D’s: Your brand is an Outlaw The Outlaw is all about revolution and seeks to destroy what is not working. Example brands: Harley-Davidson, MTV, Virgin Mostly E’s: Your brand is an Innocent The Innocent wants to find and experience paradise — pure, simple, and supreme happiness. Example brands: Coca-Cola, Dove, Evian Mostly F’s: Your brand is a Magician The Magician archetype wants to make dreams come true through knowledge of the fundamental laws of how the world works. Example brands: Disney, La Mer, AXE Mostly G’s: Your brand is a Jester The Jester wants to live in the moment with full enjoyment. He only wants to have a great time and lighten up the world. Example brands: Old Spice, GEICO, The Onion Mostly H’s: Your brand is a Ruler The Ruler wants to create a prosperous and successful family, company, or community. Example brands: Verizon, Microsoft, Rolex Mostly I’s: Your brand is a Lover The Lover wants to attain intimacy and love life intensely, as experienced through the five senses. Example brands: Godiva, Hallmark, Victoria’s Secret Mostly J’s: Your brand is an Everyman The Everyman wants to belong, fit in, and connect with others. Example brands: Wrangler, IKEA, Budweiser Mostly K’s: Your brand is a Creator The Creator’s core desire is to create something of enduring value and give form to a vision. Example brands: Adobe, LEGO, YouTube Mostly L’s: Your brand is a Caregiver The Caregiver’s aim is to protect people from harm and help others. Example brands: The Salvation Army, Allstate, Campbell’s

Learn more about each brand archetype on the blog at www.nvision-that.com. The brand personality quiz was created by Nyla Smith, owner of n-Vision Designs, where she partners with small businesses to elevate their brands through brand strategy and creative services.

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Posh

PROFESSIONAL Beautiful Mind-

Change Your Mind, Change Your Life Take a moment to stop and think about your day. Do you feel accomplished and ready to take on the world; or was your day a complete blur and you feel like you’re spinning your wheels and getting nowhere fast? If you are anything like me, sometimes life can become overwhelming and it feels like every day is a never-ending to-do list of impossible tasks. Well, no one ever said adulting was easy. Sometimes life can completely drain you mentally and physically. For years I lived in a constant state of mental stress, had severe anxiety and I was physically fatigued all the time. It was so bad that some nights I didn’t even make it upstairs to my bed and crashed on the couch. Then I realized something, I realized I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. It was time to do something different. So, I made a changed; I changed my mindset. I changed my way of thinking so that I was working smarter, not harder. I started to visualize my success and focus on what I could do instead of what I could not. I took some time and reflected on where I was in life, where I wanted to be, and what steps I needed to take to get from point A to B. In the end, all of my goals led back to one thing, helping and serving others. However, how was I going to pour into others when my glass was always empty?! I came to this conclusion; defeat starts in the mind. How many times have you not applied for a new position, or sat on an idea because “you thought” you weren’t good enough or the idea was too small?! How many times have “you thought” you had too much on your plate to get anything done, so you didn’t even try?! Sometimes we’re our own worst enemy and we stand in our 1 0 0 | S PEC IA L ED I T I O N 2 0 1 8 | m od estl y bol d ma g . com

own way. However, when you focus on changing your mindset, the things that you can accomplish are truly beautiful. Over the past year, I have learned a few tips and tricks that help me to stay focused, organized, and productive in both my professional and personal life: • Carve out some “Me Time”: I would recommend taking at least the first 30 minutes of the day to spend time by yourself. The start of your day sets the tone for how the rest of the day will go. Use this time to mentally prepare for the day ahead of you. Spend time in prayer, meditate, or read an uplifting passage in a book. Then, focus on what you truly need to accomplish that day, and prioritize your to-do list. You may not be able to get everything done, and that’s okay. But pick three tasks to complete and follow through. I actually use a paper plannerand check off my tasks as I complete them. This helps me to feel accomplished and stay on track. I am more productive when I’m physically able to look back at my list and see that I am actually progressing. • Set realistic and measurable

•

goals: It’s easier to stay on task when you actually know which direction you’re going and what is realistically achievable for you. It’s great to have ambition, but make sure your time frame for achieving your goal is reasonable. Take some time and write down your long and short-term goals. The key to being successful is to be able to measure your progress and make adjustments when necessary. For example, if you want to increase your Instagram followers, be specific. Say, I want to increase my Instagram followers, 20 % by October 1st 2018. Then, set mini goals to help you achieve your primary goal. Exercise: This is a great stress reliever. After a long day at work, I go to the gym at least 3 to 4 days a week to burn off some steam (and a few calories). When you exercise, your body releases endorphins. This is a chemical your body produces that causes positive feelings. Exercising helps to reduces stress, strengthens your heart, and can help to boost your self-esteem. Talk to your doctor before beginning any type of workout regimen. Learn to say no: My mom has been telling me this my entire life and I finally get it! I used to have a problem wanting to please everybody and put everything I needed to do for myself on the back burner. While it’s okay to help people, you cannot be productive if this is a routine habit for you. If someone needs my help, unless it is an emergency, I actually schedule time to assist them. Also, I’ve learned that sometimes instead of helping people, always being there for them can actual enable them and keep them from reaching their maximum potential. My rule of thumb for helping people is this… Ask them, if I wasn’t here, how would you handle this situation and have them do that instead of always relying on you to bail them out. People can be very resourceful when their options are limited.

All in all, everybody’s life style and routines are different. You have to do what works for you. The bottom line is to take care of yourself first, so you have the ability to take care of others and accomplish what you have set out to do. We tend not to talk about mental health a lot, but it is just as important as taking care of yourself physically. Changing your mindset is never easy, if it was everyone would do it. There are going to be times when you backslide, there are going to be times when you fail, but stay consistent and determined. Each day you keep going and working on accomplishing your dreams is always considered a victory in my book. Find the beauty in your journey.

by Sheena N. Holmes

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from the

Editor

People laugh when they ask me “did you hear what happened on the radio” and I tell them that I don’t listen to the radio while I’m driving. I bet you’re wondering the same thing….WHY not?! I don’t listen to the radio because driving is one of the times that I pray and thank God for all His many blessings that He has bestowed upon me and also the time I plan out my own dreams. You see the people on the radio have already achieved their dreams in one way or another and I’m trying to do the same thing. Answer me this, how hard is it for you to complete your thoughts when someone else is constantly talking? To me it is a little difficult because I’m trying to make sure I hear everything that they are saying and try to visualize their concept. That’s why driving and thinking about my plans for my next move is my way of Investing in ME! I’m the lady at the red light that you look over at her car and see her with a pen and notepad in her hand writing. I take my notebook and pen with me everywhere I go. Have you ever thought of a great idea and said to yourself, “I’m going to write that down when I get home!” and then you get home and have forgotten what the idea was?! Then this bothers you that you knew it was a great idea but now you can’t even think of what it was. Having the opportunity to write it down when you think of it helps you come up with a plan of how you can get it done. By no means am I telling you to be driving and writing, because that is dangerous, but what I’m saying is have your notepad handy so you can write down the idea sooner rather than later. I’m never done anything that people told me that I needed to do. I’ve always known I’ve been given my own mind and that’s what I’ve always followed. Most people want to be successful but fall short sometimes when it comes to drive and determination. Being an entrepreneur is a very hard task, and you have to be steadfast and want it more than the fear of failing at it. Every new beginning has that fear of failing and every new beginning also has the possibility of being successful, which one will you let win? With my photography, I sign up for all kinds of events that will allow me the opportunity to capture a person’s memories and learn new techniques as well. Investing in yourself doesn’t take a lot of time, it could be doing research on the internet about a topic, enrolling in a class to enhance your skills or sitting in a quiet place and thinking of all the things you want to accomplish for your business. Whatever you think it takes to get you and your business to the next level is what you need to try and see where it takes you. When will you

INVEST IN YOURSELF?!

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Believe It.Behave It.Become It Article By: Teico Dean

Business developers, franchise owners, platform artists, and product developers, if you recognize your title or talent amongst the greatness of this amazing industry then I am talking to you…Yes you! The Beauty and Fashion industry is an amazing industry to represent. Your gracious participation has brought distinction to our industry. Every one of us are in a different stage of making a mark in the beauty industry. Along the way, many times, we will hit major bumps in the road. We have delays, denials, and disabilities. However, through all the challenges, you must continue to persevere. During this process, there are some principles that I want to share with you. This is done in hope that they will help you advance and assist you in getting closer to achieving your goals. The following 3 principles shape every area of my life: Believe It. Behave It. Become It. Believe it. This simply means to accept something as truth. Believing you are successful can be the hardest principle of them all. Especially when it goes against everything you are currently seeing and experiencing. A failing business, employee issues, financial distress, and low client retention can all play a part in making you think you will never be able to succeed. These are all legitimate struggles that may have caused you to pause or even just throw in the towel. I want to nudge you, challenge you, provoke you to mentally go beyond what you are

seeing and experiencing and begin to believe that you are going to establish your salon; believe you will open your barbershop, believe you will have your own product line; believe you will have a franchise and make your mark in this industry. Change the way you think. Accept that you are successful. Accept that that you are an amazing entrepreneur. Behave It. When you believe something about yourself, it ultimately begins to shape your behavior. If you believe you are a great stylist, act like it. Let your creativity flow without reservation. If you believe you are an entrepreneur, take steps toward your dream. Read about it, take a business class, take conscious steps towards reaching your goal. If you believe your products are going to be on the shelves of many retail businesses, study your pitch and marketing strategies. Behave it, practice it, transition out of your current head space and begin to take action. Become it. After consistently enacting the first two principles, authentically, things will fall into place and you will become it. You will become that amazing entrepreneur and make your mark in our industry. It does not matter what stage you are at in the process of establishing your goals and dreams, every stage has its challenges. But remember, once you believe it, you behave it, and ultimately you have the potential to become one of the greatest professionals in the beauty industry. Our industry is an amazing empire, and you are helping to build it. Ultimately, you have the potential to become it.

teicodean

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About the U in St. Louis

hen someone mentions traveling we often think of Paris, the Bahamas, or the new hot spot Dubai. Now, I must admit Dubai is on my bucket list, but most of us don’t recognize the amazing locations right here at home. Local trips also simulate economic growth, and consumer demands are what shape tourism development. St. Louis, Missouri is a picturesque culturally diverse city is situated on the bluffs of the western bank of the Mississippi. From the Missouri Botanical Garden, that houses a Japanese garden and conservatory to the St. Louis Symphony you shouldn’t be bored. If luxury is on your menu, stay at the Chase Park Plaza, or the Ritz-Carlton. It’s a city that truly has something for everyone. The Blues is our history. It’s the fabric of who we are as a people, were we came from and where we are going. It’s influence, whether it’s jazz or folk, country or pop, rock or rap can still be heard in all today. Throughout its existence, the essence of the Blues has remained constant, reinforcing basic elements that connect artists from different eras, geographies, and stylistic approaches. That’s because, above all, the Blues is a feeling as much as a form – and as universal as life itself. The National Blues Museum includes over 15,000 square feet of highly interactive technology and artifact-driven exhibits, a theatre, special event space and classrooms. In addition to offering visitors a venue through which to explore the various regional styles of the Blues and learn about the musicians who created this music, the Museum regularly hosts a variety of public programs, including music performances, lectures, and films. The Museum’s educational programming, a major component of our mission, focuses on providing on-site curriculum-based music education as well as outreach to schools. The Museum hosts an array of events that can be found on their online calendar. The Gateway Arch is a 630-foot monument in St. Louis. Made of stainless steel and built in the form of a weighted catenary arch. It is the world’s tallest arch, and the tallest man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere. Civic lead-

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er Luther Ely Smith conceived the idea of building a memorial to help revive the riverfront and memorialize the story of the nation’s westward expansion. The arch and surrounding area is home to activities that include: the journey to the top, riverboat cruises, helicopter tours and the Monument to the Dream Movie. Your experience will begin at the Old Courthouse, where tickets for activities can be purchased. While you are there, explore the historical landmark where Dred and Harriet Scott sued for freedom from slavery and Virginia Minor fought for women’s right to vote. Nothing else unifies the people like sports. St. Louis is home the Cardinal. In April 10, 2006, the Cardinals opened their new 46,000 seat retro-style downtown ballpark with a 6-4 win over the Milwaukee Brewers. In Busch stadium the Cardinals became the first team in almost 100 years to win a World Series Championship in the inaugural season of a new ballpark. Busch Stadium tours are offered year-round and provide a unique look at the home of the Cardinals. Take in the view from the Radio Broadcast Booth, see the World Series trophies in the Champions Club and imagine yourself as a big leaguer in the Cardinals Dugout. Diehard fans can even join the Redbird Nation fan club. Busch Stadium is located next to Ballpark Village the newest dining and entertainment district in St. Louis. This is the first ever sports anchored entertainment district. Eat at the Budweiser Brew House, or The Fudgery, grab drinks at The Drunken Fish, or listen to live music at the St. Louis Hall of Fame and Museum. Having an event, there are amenities and activities unlike anything your guests have ever experienced. Ballpark Village offers incredible flexibility for private events of any size or budget for 20-10,000 guests. Accommodations can be made for corporate groups meetings and banquets, or sports themed weddings. I don’t know about you, but I can’t think of anything better. With the wide variety of spaces including

incredible restaurants, bars, lounges and entertainment venues they really have your event covered. Phase 2 of Ballpark Village is in the works. The 550,00 square foot project will create thousands of jobs and will include a 29-story luxury residential high-rise, office and retail space, and much more entertainment and dining. The Fabulous Fox Theatre is a must see, I mean it is fabulous. The former movie palace, is now a performing arts center in the arts district of the Grand Center area of Midtown. The design boasts eclectic Asian decorative architectural motifs, while it interior is richly inspired after Hindoo Mosques as a tribute to his wife, who decorated the interior with furnishings, paintings and sculptures she had bought on her trips overseas. Tours of the Fabulous Fox Theatre are conducted every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 10:30am except on holidays or when a private event is scheduled. Tickets are available at the Fabulous Fox Theatre Box Office beginning at 10am. Tours will include a visit to, “A Tribute to Stan Kann,” located on the 4th floor of the theatre. Stan Kann was the Fabulous Fox Theatre organist for decades. On this floor you will also find “Peacock Alley”, which provides a photographic montage of the fabulous entertainers and productions that have played the Fabulous Fox since its reopening in 1982. When a show is not appearing on the Fabulous Fox stage, your tour will also include a look at our backstage area, including access to the stage. To complete your experience the following dining experiences are recommended and are within walking distance. Curtain Call Lounge is the first Champagne bar in St. Louis offering craft beers, wine and small plates and shared menus. The Grand Center houses the Baiku Sushi Lounge, Fieldhouse Pub & Grill, and the Contemporary Art Museum (CAM) Café. The next time you are looking to book a trip, or just need a little cultural excursion, put the U in St. Louis, you won’t be disappointed.

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by Kia Reese

From Overlooked to –OVERBOOKED–

BY PRECIOUS SANDERS

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In my senior year of high school, I was asked what did I want to do and my response was to work with women and children. I googled “jobs working with women and children” and I came across a spreadsheet that listed all these jobs. Naturally, I scrolled down to the highest paying job on the sheet and it turned out to be an OB/GYN. I took that and ran with it! I thought, “a doctor sounds good and making $200k a year sounds pretty good too.” Little did I know that was the start of a long, crazy journey of figuring out what I was not! I spent 5 years in college trying to convince myself that a doctor sounds good, I need to stick with it. My gpa was terrible but if I could force myself to study and learn this stuff, I need to stick with it. My parents would be proud, I need to stick with it. I’ve been in school this long, I need to stick with it. Until it was my senior year and I was pregnant with my first son, preparing to face a new life as a single mom. I then decided, if I’m going to do this and if I’m going to provide for another human, I need to do something that I will enjoy and stick with. This was fall 2012. I graduated from UAB with a degree in Psychology, because Psychology courses were the only classes I took and did well in, so I figured I could hurry and graduate with this. By spring 2013, I booked my first paid job as a makeup artist and after about a 6 hour shoot, I only got paid $50. Crazy thing is though, I couldn’t believe someone wanted to pay me for something I would’ve done for free. Then I remembered something about, “If you’re willing to do it for free, it might be your purpose.” Fast forward 5 years later, I’d still do it for free but thankfully, I don’t have to! But I can’t help but wonder, what if I would’ve known this sooner and not have spent so much time in school trying to convince myself that getting a degree is the only way to get a good job. I do believe that it had a lot to do with my surroundings and that kids these days are drilled to go to school and get a good education versus figuring out what they are good at, passionate about and educating themselves on their skills versus there ability to learn useless material and be tested on it. Education makes you more well rounded for sure but for me and others like me, it made us take the longest route to finding out what we are truly meant to do and that your purpose, your gift can make you money. So now, I travel to career days, church events or take any opportunity to pour into women and children that you don’t have to have a degree to be successful. But if you focus on what you’re good at and try to maximize on that skill. Do every creative thing you can think of with that skill and you can be successful because you are being purposeful. One struggle that many people aren’t aware of, is the hard work that came into being a makeup artist. A few years ago in Alabama, people weren’t paying a whole lot for makeup. My first wedding, I was 6 months pregnant, working with a party of about 12 ladies and only made $15/person. Obviously, I couldn’t make a living, working 6 hours and only making $180 a week. So until I was able to charge what I thought I was worth, I worked 4 jobs, 7 days a week. I worked as a full time organist at a local church, a freelance makeup artist for MAC putting in minimum of 20 hours per week, 40 hours a week as a paraprofessional/special education aide and still running my own business doing weddings and special events. There were times where I would work 17hr days and the only break I would get would be driving from one job to the next. I sacrificed a lot of time away from my family, my son, my friends. But I was determined to provide, show myself and my family that I could do this! That, my job title will one day only be Makeup Artist. I remember hearing Tyler Perry say one day, if you truly want to be successful at something, focus on one thing. I initially thought that was the dumbest thing I ever heard. I was like dude, I’m bring in multiple streams of income, why would I only want to do one thing. But after working those jobs for about 2 years, I was becoming burnt out! And I noticed that although even though I was working, I wasn’t able to give my very best to each job because I had spreaded myself so thin. So then I looked at Tyler Perry and saw how he was able to maximize one being a play writer...,to be a movie producer....to television shows and so on ALL because he put his all in to one thing, writing plays! He maximized his talent and eventually monetized it into different avenues. So I figured, if he could to that with play writing, I could surely 1 0 8 | S PEC IA L ED I T I O N 2 0 1 8 | m od estl y bol d ma g . com

do that with makeup! Fast forward present day, I quit every job that didn’t have anything to do with me being a makeup artist and limited the time working for other people, so that I could focus more on working for myself. And now I can say, Hi my name is Precious, I’m a Professional Makeup Artist.

Tell me about your childhood and how it molded your adulthood.

I was a scaredy-cat as a child and often allowed people to tell me what to do. I wanted to be fun, cool and accepted, until I realized trying to be like everyone else got me into trouble. As I got older, I chose to be uniquely me, I don’t allow anyone else to think for me and tell me what to do. I have my own mind and I think it’s pretty awesome and I want to share the world from my perspective with others. It took me a while but I finally realIzed inspiring others begins with me being true to myself.

What have been some of your challenges or hurdles and how have you over come them?

Becoming a makeup artist, making enough money to make a living was not easy and it’s still not. It takes a lot of sacrifice. A lot of time. One of my biggest challenges was believing that I could actually do it. Once I made up my mind, I did it and now I believe there’s nothing I can’t do!

What made you push past your fears and the negativity of others, and decide to go ahead and leap?

My first born...my son Jace. Something about becoming a parent, for me, made me want to focus and do right in life. When I had my son, I was not married and that came with a lot of negativity. But my faith taught me that children were a gift and since they are, I shouldn’t be guilty for car-

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rying a gift! After having him, honestly I initially just wanted to shower the negative with positivity and become a successful single mom, but I eventually realized I had nothing to prove to others. In stead I only needed to prove to myself that I am something special and to show my son and now my daughter, what being a person, a woman of integrity and strength looks like.

what is your ideal client?

The everyday woman! The woman who works hard, takes care of her family and still finds a way to treat herself.

what is your motto and how do you work to achieve it?

My motto for this year is, “YOU do it so THEY know it can be done.” Im working hard to achieve every goal. My goals are big and the things I want to do with my career, a lot of people don’t see it where I’m from. I want to be a light of hard work and success...doing all the things that people said I couldn’t do just to show them what may seem impossible isn’t impossible at all! It can be done!

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Oh that’s a daily struggle! Haha! I couldn’t do it without family. I have a very supportive family that sacrifices their time, work schedules and so much more to help me with my children and business. It’s truly a blessing and I’m lucky to have them. I also keep a nice stack of neon colored sticky notes to help me keep my head straight. I write everything down and stick it on the wall. Kind of like a real life Mary Jane Paul!

When will you know you have reached your dream?

I don’t think we ever stop dreaming! I hope when I’m in my 50s, 60s, 70s I’m still doing things that I never could’ve imagined I’d do. Positive things of course!

When you’re relaxing, what are your must have items?

The remote! I’m a sucker for a good movie. Not really heavy on tv shows but a good movie and a blanket = relaxation.

If you could advise a person that is scared to step out and fulfill there dreams, what would you say? I would encourage them to let go of the safety net. To put themselves in a position to where they can’t depend on anything else but the belief in their dreams that they can achieve them. Fear comes when you have options to either runaway or stay. Once you realize you can’t run, you’ll stay!

What makes you Modestly Bold?

I believe what makes me Modestly Bold is my personality. I come off super kind and sweet and I really am but there’s a Sasha Fierce inside of me that drives me to go after my dreams!

psandersmakeup

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What’s Your Secret Ingredient?! This type of article is based on the need that this term is not so common but it is of vital importance. A niche market is a marketing term that is used to refer to a portion of a market segment in which individuals have homogeneous characteristics and needs, and the latter are not fully covered by the overall market supply. The niche markets are based on recognizing in the segmentation, a new business opportunity arising from unmet needs and then be economically exploited by a company, but it may also be because there are not enough companies to supply that need. In terms of a niche market, we must understand certain basic things in order to have a fruitful activity, one of these is that it must be broad enough to derive a business from it and another aspect to keep in mind is that we must know if there is something of competence. This last one is not necessarily something negative since we will know that there is already an audience and therefore a demand. Main characteristics of the market niches: • •

•

• •

It is a small group: It is made up of people, companies or organizations (compared to the market segment to which it belongs). They have specific or similar needs or desires: In general, they consist of very specific needs or desires, and also have their degree of complexity; Therefore, this group is willing to pay “extra” to acquire the product or service that meets their expectations. There is a willingness to satisfy their needs or desires: That is, they have a “good predisposition” to acquire a product or service that meets their expectations, and in the case of companies or organizations, they have the “ability to make purchasing decisions” There is economic capacity: Each component of the “market niche” has sufficient economic capacity that allows you to incur the necessary expenses to obtain the satisfaction of your need or desire. They are even willing to pay an additional amount to achieve better satisfaction. It requires specialized operations: When there are needs or desires with specific and even complex characteristics, the market niche requires specialized suppliers capable of meeting their expectations. There are very few or no supplier companies: In those niche markets where the particularities and complexity of their needs or desires require a high specialization, it is normal that there are no more than one or two supplier companies, it can even be that there is none .

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It has enough size to generate profits: According to Prof. Phillip Kotler, an ideal niche market is one that has the necessary size to be profitable.

we live advances, new needs are created, we need products and services that we did not need before and therefore, others become obsolete.

But even before starting this process of creating a blog, you must select your target audience, ie the Market Niche to which you will direct all your content.

How to find a profitable niche market, based on your experience and your day to day.

This is a very common mistake that many (novice) entrepreneurs make (and commit) to believe that we can sell everything to everyone, and the reality is that this is NOT the case. At first, it is advisable that you specialize in a single segment, or niche market. What we have to take into account: That the niche you choose should be related to a topic that you like, something about which you have some experience that may be relevant for your readers. It may happen that the niche you’re passionate about is not the most profitable, what to do in that case? You can select another profitable niche for which you are attracted by several possible options. Today we could highlight the following 4 market segments as the most apt to do profitable business: • • • •

Health & Wellness. Business, make money. Couple relationships. Hobbies, sports.

Within each segment in turn you can find more specific niches, for example in the case of the category “Health and well-being” there may be people looking for information about: • • • • •

Lose weight. Give up smoking. Nutritional supplements. Vegetarianism. Among others.

It is curious but many of the great business ideas, and the largest companies of today, have been born to solve a problem of entrepreneurs. The professional experience of each person is a great source of ideas. Many things happen to entrepreneurs, many, sometimes more than they would like, but that also means that their minds are constantly boiling, hunting for profitable business ideas. We never tire of repeating that the success of a business idea lies in finding a problem worthy of being solved, so in your day to day, what problems do you encounter? It does not matter if you are a nurse, teacher, engineer, director of a multinational or sweeper, you are sure that in your day to day there are a lot of things that you would like to improve ... and they can be the seed of a great company. Importance for the company. Detecting a niche market can bring a lot of profitability to your business. You can focus all your campaigns in a much more effective way and your target audience will be better segmented. Importance for consumers. Consumers will have the opportunity to satisfy a need that up to now nobody was satisfying or taking into consideration. By underestimating the strength of the specialization many companies prefer to continue competing in markets with little value generation, low profitability and fierce competition. So do not hesitate and achieve your market niche with the mentioned techniques. Writer: Anderson Uzcategui

Well, we go in parts, in the first place there are market niches little exploited, they have existed and they will always exist. As the society in which

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Balancing Life while executing a

Dream

by Precious Sanders

In today’s society, just about everyone has a “side hustle”. And if we’re honest, that is the job we REALLY wish we could do full time. But without the means, cash flow, steady clientele, and the ability to commitment full time, it can be pretty difficult to really live the dream. Or is it? Is there a way to actually work a full-time job, spend time with family and friends, take care of the kids, keep a clean house, clothes washed AND pursue your dreams? The answer is YES! Before I get into specifics, it always helps to have a bit of inspiration. I always say, find someone who’s excelling at what you want to do and “copy” them. And who better to look at than the Queen herself, Beyonce! Beyonce recently shook the internet with her history making performance at Cochella. Her performance left the world in awe and many of us questioning how does she do it? How is it that Beyonce is able to accomplish so much and be, as she says, “a triple threat.” I’m sure some would say, she has money or she can pay others to help her, and they

would be absolutely correct. She’s using the resources that she has and guess what, you can do the same. We have everything we need to balance and be successful in achieving and maintaining our dreams! We may not have millions of dollars or other luxuries, but we have what everyone needs to be successful…we have a dream! Here are a few steps for balancing your life while achieving your dream: Time management We’ve all heard it before and it’s easier said than done, but the best way to tackle your dream without draining energy is by making the most of your time. Have you ever paid attention to videos on Instagram? How can a video that lasts ONLY 60 seconds completely capture our attention and leave a longer lasting effect on us than scrolling through a picture? It’s because the person who created the video literally made every second count! We’ve seen full makeup tutorials, hair tutorials, and inspirational messages all in a matter of seconds. The creators have mastered the art of maximizing time. Think of some of the activities you do that may cause you to waste time. Maybe it’s scrolling on Instagram and watching too many videos.

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Maybe it’s watching tv or playing Farm Heroes. Whatever the case, think about the example I gave and see how you can take a task and maximize your time! Perception One of the things that I have struggled with the most is getting the idea of doing something out of my head and putting actions behind my thoughts. I believe the struggle with maintaining balance comes with our perception of it. We “think” a lot about the things that we want to do along with our long list of things we have to do. We become so overwhelmed by the thought of it, that nothing really gets done. Chasing our dreams, along with many other things we feel are important, get pushed to the side. But life is all about how you view it. If you see this busy life as a positive one, it will help you to maintain a positive outlook and minimize stress. I often found myself feeling extremely overwhelmed when so many things were demanding my attention at one time. From taking care of kids, to answering emails, to preparing contracts and invoices, all while trying to answer phone calls. And then there’s the dishes that had to be washed, the clothes that needed to be folded, and I still had to find a moment to rest. The best thing I could do was simply handle one thing at a time, the very thing that needed my attention at that specific moment is what took priority. I changed the way I saw my schedule, instead of doing everything at once, I did everything one at a time. If you focus on one thing at a time, you are able to give it your best and truly live in the moment! Self care It’s hard to give your best when you’re not feeling your best. Maintaining a proper diet, exercising, getting sleep, and finding time to do the things you enjoy are all apart of self care. I try to find at least one hour a day to have a moment to myself. Watching Netflix or eating at my favorite restaurants, are just a few ways I take time out of my day to relax. What causes the imbalance is when the down time outweighs the work time. Building dreams take hard work and sacrifice. To keep the balance, set goals and celebrate small wins. Focus My last tip for maintaining balance is to stay focused! Chasing your dreams can have its rewards, but it also has its setbacks. It’s inevitable! The goal is to not lose focus on the things that are most important. Chasing your dream is a part of finding your destiny…your purpose in life! Doing what you were created to do is the fulfillment of life and it’s worth the work! I challenge you to chase your dreams! I challenge you to go after the passions you have burning inside of your heart. I challenge you to do the things that you would do for free. I challenge you to do what makes you happy. There’s purpose in passion and if you dare to want it, you can have it! Cheers to living your best and balanced life!

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The Grow Giver Opportunity can sometime come without warning; and what we think is a curse, turns out to be our destiny. Tyrik Jackson, now a world-renowned Master Barber, educator, and mentor, never thought that this would be his calling. His original dream was to become a singer; but life had different plans for him. One day, while taking a math test, young Tyrik started singing and could not stop. Because of his behavior, he was sent to the Dean’s office for disrupting the class. What started as a punishment, turned into a dream come true. Because of his behavior, the Dean instructed Tyrik to sing. After some rebellion, Tyrik sang and was given two choices: to be put into the talent show or to be suspended for 3 days. Tyrik knew he would be in trouble if he was sent home, so he chose to perform in the talent show. While leaving the talent show, Tyrik was approached by a gentleman named Champ Hall, who offered to take him home. On the way to Tyrik’s house, Champ drove by his barber shop, which introduced Tyrik to a world he never knew. He was so grateful for Champ’s hospitality; the next day, Tyrik went by Champ’s shop to see if he could be of service. He didn’t know it at the time, but this was the beginning of Tyrik’s career. Tyrik would frequent the barber shop; and help Champ by cleaning the facility. Every day, he would learn a little more about the industry. As he watched the barbers, he would pick up new techniques and skills. Champ even

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took Tyrik under his wing and begin to show him some of the tricks of the trade. One day, Tyrik was given the opportunity to share a station with his mentor. Tyrik worked every day to improve himself and be the best barber that he could be. Most people seem to think that starting your own business takes a lot of money. For Tyrik, it took $300, huge sacrifices and a massive desire to succeed. During his journey to become a successful businessman, many challenges came his way. He sacrificed his phone, car, and countless hours of time to achieve his dream. While on his way to the top, after experiencing heartbreak, he battled against depression; dealt with his biological father’s drug addiction, which eventually led to him dying of AIDS; all while growing up in, what Tyrik describes as a “dysfunctional and loving” family. With the limited amount of male role models, life wasn’t easy. But with determination, Tyrik strapped up his boots and persevered to become the first male high school graduate in his family. He was the first to succeed as an established business owner, and first to marry in his family. Tyrik believes in the Bible verse, “…your gifts will make room for you” Proverbs 18:16. After many attempts, the phone rang with the opportunity of his dreams to be a partner in his barber school, Premiere Barber School. With the personal philosophy of “Serving your needs by serving the needs of others first”, Tyrik lives this everyday. Especially every Tuesday with #TyrikTalksTuesdays. These podcasts give people the opportunity to learn “secrets” about entrepreneurship, barbering and life lessons.

SH: As far as someone who’s coming from our position as a start-up company, what did you do to create your business model? TJ: What I didn’t do was pray the process away. I think some people want all the accolades, they want the success, they want the glitz and the glamour but they don’t wanna get their hands dirty. So they try to pray the process away! “Oh God this is killing me, please, do I gotta do this?” And they don’t really wanna do it. What I would say to an entrepreneur is you gotta get dirty. Somebody is gonna have to learn the information. There’s no way around the hard work, it’s just not possible. Yea technology makes it easier. But if you don’t understand technology, then that makes it harder. So you can’t pray the process away, you have to go through the process. That’s where you get the gut, that’s where you get the nerve, and that’s where you get the stamina to withstand anything coming your way. Now when you can learn from other people’s mistakes, by going to pick someone’s brain,that can help you learn. That can help you to minimize some errors along the way but if you don’t and have the mentality like you live and you learn. “Oh I lost a $1000. Oh well you live and you learn.” Verses talking to someone that can really help you so you can learn and then live. I’d rather learn and live then to live and learn. There are times where you just have to go through stuff so you can live and learn.

SH: What would you say to a person that doesn’t have access to a lot of resources? You actually started your shop with just $300, how do you know where to put the money and what would you say to that person who says that you have this shop and I don’t have that to get to where you are? TJ: They’re making excuses! You know it’s like in a relationship, if you’re man don’t text you, your first response is, “You make time for the things that are important to you”. That’s just a comment but it’s so real. If you want to do it, then you do it. If you don’t want to do it, then you

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don’t do it. So for the person who says well you started with $300…..you know people have money for nails, hair, and for their cellphone. People will not cut their cell phones off but have an empty refrigerator. When I started my business with the $300, I cut my cell phone off, sold my car that I had and I went and got an Oldsmobile 98. It didn’t have a muffler from the catalytic converter back. You could hear me from three blocks away because it made so much noise. But I made sacrifices. I sold my Infinity and I didn’t have any more car payments and I got a $500 car, that I didn’t put any money into for maintenance. I was only using it for a season of my life. I cut my cell phone off, because they could call me at the barber shop because that’s where I was. I cut my phone off and stop eating out and started packing a lunch. So $300 went a really long way when I started my business. And i didn’t have the other added expenses. That’s the process! I wouldn’t have been able to open a shop with $300, if I kept my Infinity and my lifestyle and ate out every day. I was willing to make the necessary sacrifices to do it. So for that person they just making excuses and not being creative in how they’re approaching their business.

NR: What motivated you to continue your dreams after a tough hurdle? TJ: Perseverance. I wanted something better. I didn’t have any uncles that graduated high school. My mom or dad didn’t graduate from high school. I was the first male to graduate from high school. I was the first male with a professional license. I think I’m the only one in the family with a business established. First homeowner. First married. It’s hard because I don’t have grandma to go to and say I’m having a rough time at home, what do you do and how do I handle it. So I’m the first of many, so hopefully I can be that person for them, that they could go to when they need guidance. I think the reason I decided to continue going is I’ve had 3 uncle die of slorocious of the liver in about year and a ½. And within that same year my real father died of AIDS and so you know the drugs and alcohol wasn’t the way to go. It wasn’t the thing to do and so I had to just get over it and get through it. And I’ve gained so much more character, strength, and encouragement that when other things happen, I can get through them. It’s like well I’ve been through that and definitely can get through this.

SH: Can you define what a “Grow Giver” is versus a “Go Getter”? TJ: So I actually got this from Eric, the guy who builds my apps. And he said it to me. It was a statement mod e s tl yb ol d ma g.com| MOD E S T L Y BOLD ® MAGAZI NE | 119

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that he made to me that it made so much more sense. So you have givers and takers. You have people who will go to a show and get information and they’re going to keep the information from themselves. And that’s a “Go Getter”. You have people who give, give, give and they’re constantly giving information and emptying themselves out. If you don’t get poured back into you, then you can’t offer anything else back out. So those are 2 concepts that we understand right. You also can’t reap where you’re not sewing. You can’t expect to get something from somewhere you have not planted. What Eric says to me is, “Tyrik you’re a “Grow Giver”. You’re an educator, you’re successfully and you’re an entrepreneur. Obviously people will look at your story and watch your page and they see how successfully you are and they aspire to do that. But what they don’t see is that you’ll go to a show and you’ll learn information but instead of hoarding it for your own personal growth, you give it out. So you go, you grow and then you give. So you constantly get poured into”. I don’t think I’m somebody who knows it all. I got all this information. You know you can read a 1000 books, but if you’re not applying what you’re learning then you’re just a brilliant fool.

NR: What morning?

gets you out of the bed in the

TJ: A lot of things. I have an obligation. You hear people say, “if I didn’t have these kids or wife, man do you know what I could do with my time, if I didn’t have to do all of the other stuff”. And it’s easy to say however, it’s also the thing that motivates and pushes you. You got a responsibility to take care of family. So when I get up and I have to travel an hour and a ½, I got 38 students at a school that are relying on me to be there to help educate and prepare them for their future.That’s important to me. So I think it’s an excuse but that’s why you’re getting up because you had those responsibilities. So that’s what

motivates me to get up in morning. I don’t have a choice. I signed up to teach students and i gotta get up and make sure they’re being taught. So if nobody else shows up, I gotta show up anyway. SH: When you look back on your life what is your ultimate goal that would make you feel like you’re happy because you accomplished this?

TJ: Impact! The one thing is that information was hoarded from me. I worked at a shop and they didn’t teach me about taxes. Which held me back from being able to grow. When i was first working in the shop, I didn’t learn how to invest my money or store money away. It was a financial illiteracy. That held me back from growth. People say you make money and you only live once. Then they spend their money and then they die and someone else has to bury them. So I didn’t learn that type of information. And so one of the big things for me is I had to first empower the people that work at my shops, so they wouldn’t experience the same thing that I did when I was working in the shops. And really help them with their finances and really invest in their futures. That way they could retire, provide for their families and not just for today. I wanted to be able to leave a legacy behind. So the legacy is being able to impact people’s lives in a way that they’re educated, so they can be productive and continue to elevate the culture of the beauty and barbering industry. When I started in 1995, right out of high school, barbering was the armpit of the hair industry and it’s no longer that. I didn’t open the school to get rich, I opened the school to impact and change people’s lives.

NR: What would you tell a person that’s scared to step out on their dreams? TJ: It’s definitely Fear vs. Faith. How do you teach someone that, when they don’t understand that dynamic? I would encourage them to do little things to overcome them first. Because it’s real hard to see something that’s not there and believe it’s there. For

example, I think real estate agents that sell you a plot of land are very creative in how they do it. Because you’re looking at a piece of dirt and they say, “do you see the baby’s room, and this is your living room right here and the kitchen”. They’re selling you a thought in your mind and you’re envisioning it.Verses saying you can build your dream house right here. But I dont see that. But if I start being descriptive because I took some notes and

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I start to paint that picture for you, you begin to visualize it and you say “Yea imma buy this property”. But there’s nothing there. So you’re believing in faith that a contractor is gonna build your dream based on the land that you purchased. So I think I would challenge someone with faith issues over fear to give them something simple to accomplish first. You have to train your spirit to identify faith over fear. If you haven’t trained then it’s hard to explain it to somebody. A boxer has to go through training before he gets in the ring and fight. Athletes have to go to the field and gym to train. But it’s through repetition so when an important moment comes, you just fall back on what you’ve done routinely and believe in that. So there’s no longer a fear because you do this all the time and you just gotta make that moment happen. So it’s training and conditioning somebody through repetition and you have to attack that fear. Because they’re not going to overcome it, if they don’t understand it. “You’re nervous….good. Remember that time you did this and you were afraid then too. You’ve got this. I know you can do it”. Giving a little bit of encouragement gets them over that fear and they begin to believe in faith because they’ve done it before. The more they repeat that positive thinking, fear doesn’t outweigh it. My mom used to say this to me, “The monster you feed is the one that wins”. And I would look at her and say “I don’t want to do that because of blah, blah, blah.” And she would say, “The monster you feed is the one that wins”. And one day she took me to the side and said, “You have two dogs. You have one dog that you love, feed it, spend time with it and you play with it. And you do all the stuff you would do with this dog. What you’re dog’s name?” “Sheba and the other dog’s name is Cindy”. So she goes, “You don’t feed Cindy, you don’t play with her and you don’t even pay Cindy any mind. Put them out to fight against each other, who would win?” And I was like, “Well the one that’s the hungriest.” She replies, “They’re probably gonna put up a good fight because they’re hungry but they don’t have stamina, energy, or the muscle because you haven’t exercised that dog. The other one loves you so much that it doesn’t want to disappoint you but it’s been feed, nourished, trained, groomed. It has the muscle and the stamina to withstand the fight. So that’s the one that’s going to win. The monster you feed is the one that win. Let’s change their names, one’s name is Faith and one’s name is Fear. Which one’s gonna win?” The monster you feed is the one that wins! That helped me learn to become an overcomer.

NR: What makes you Modestly Bold? Sometimes you can be real hungry in business and sometimes you can shy away from it.

TJ: The interesting thing is, I’ve always been a shy person. My gifts positioned me to be confident. When God called Aaron to speak. He had a speak impediment and he questioned, “You want me to speak? Because that’s not who I am”. God called him to do a job and he had to step out of his comfort zone. When I was a kid, I was behind the camera because I didn’t want to be in front of the camera. Most people don’t believe that because I’m very comfortable in front of the camera now. I think what makes me Modestly Bold is, I’m confident that anything that I put my mind to and I believe in it and I do it, I become good at it, if not great. I’m not a photographer but you’ve seen some of my photos. Because I put the energy into creating a good photo. You’ve saw some of the haircut and you’ve saw me teaching class, because it is important to me, so I focus on doing it well. My mom told me if you’re going to be a bum then be the best bum. I was crying and saying, “I don’t want to be a bum”! But those are the things she said to me. So whatever I do I try to do it with a level of excellence. And I think that’s what makes me Modestly Bold.

NR: NaTeneshia Renée SH: Sheena N. Holmes TJ: Tyrik Jackson

iamtyrikjackson

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what exactly is

“ME Time”?! writer: Anderson Uzcategui Most of today’s most successful business leaders wake up before 7 in the morning. This helps them to find more time for themselves during the morning and to be more prepared for the tasks that lie ahead. As they take their time to check email, no matter if you need to do it once a day or once every two hours. If you do not pay enough attention to your inbox, your communication will be neglected and this will make you lose business opportunities and gain more than one headache. Whether at fairs, congresses, or your local coffee shop, you should always be looking for new leads, friends and potential partners. He never knows who he’s really talking to. Executing ideas through your partners, spouse and friends can help you process the thoughts in which you are stuck, and lead to new ideas that you did not even know existed. Take care of your diet and do some exercise, swimming or jogging not only give you the physical stamina to work 18 or 20 hours a day, but it helps to stimulate your mind. If the statistics are true, most entrepreneurs

fail in their businesses. The fact that you are doing something different and not just what everyone else does does not mean that it is wrong. Follow your instincts, and do not be afraid to take those little daily risks by doing things your way. All the mentioned generates a time expense that difficult the coexistence with your relatives. Plan your tasks during the day, converting free time into a gift, rather than a space to waste time, here we will tell you some of those techniques: With the innumerable applications that there are for planning and organization, there is no reason not to have a solid strategy for your week or for the day ahead that awaits you. Ask yourself a series of questions and try to answer them, questions that will help you plan as: What do I want to do? How will I do it? Who do I have to talk to right now? In the midst of all that crazy chaos and schedule, finding time to escape even just for a little while, to be able to think will help you sort out your ideas. What are the different activities that are carried out in the free time that also generate

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that you have less time to share it with your family: Reading is a common characteristic among successful people, and it is an activity that we must always cultivate. They do not have to be books about business, you can also read novels, in the same way you will increase your capacity to understand the world around you. At the same time, reading regularly will help you improve your vocabulary and your ability to communicate (something fundamental in our industry, right?). Training must never end, we must be in continuous learning. Successful entrepreneurs are continually incorporating new skills and learning new aspects of the world. Nor should we restrict our education to mere institutional education but we can investigate through the network and find places to acquire new skills. It seems that focusing too much on work is a quick path to success but it is not like that. We must take care of stress and its effects and find a good hobby that we like is essential. Also, if it’s a social hobby, you’ll have new opportunities. Networking is fundamental and is well known to all of us. We have many possibilities to do networking outside of our working hours, we just have to look for them. It is important that we leave our comfort zone to meet new people that allow us to expand our network of contacts and discover new opportunities. Recommendations that we can provide: How many times have you felt bad because you have your family or friends abandoned? The life of the entrepreneur is hard, but to concentrate too much on work is self sabotage. You must prioritize your personal relationships, no matter how much you want to be successful and reach the top. The key to personal success has to do with the ability to know how to organize and have time to perform all your activities. And although it seems an easy task, it often seems that time does not reach you and it gets out of hand. For the various activities already mentioned. To make the most of your time, try not to get distracted by things you can do at another time or things that are not so important. Analyze what you spend your time, record everything you do and the hours you spend. In this way you will find the best tools to optimize your days and achieve more time with your family. If you have ever experienced the feeling that time does not reach you, it is important that you consider modifying your daily habits to change your life. Remember that the only person who has control over time is you. Thanks to the technological advances of the time, the expansion of markets and the emergence of large needs of capital, appear for the first time large companies, in which various owners jointly finance the company. With the arrival of this corporate form, the objectives of the entrepreneur and the capitalist begin to be separated for the first time. A successful entrepreneur loves what he does. Whether you like what your business does or simply the idea itself does not matter, a good entrepreneur should enjoy and feel satisfied with his work. You must feel that you are confirming your strengths and helping to improve your weaknesses. The passion of a successful entrepreneur should shine in their level of confidence. They trust that their businesses are good and they are not afraid to promote themselves. They take their business seriously and see it as an investment opportunity both in the short and long term.

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by Kia Reese

Urban Beauty

Tourism has become an important, even vital, source of income for many cities; they often spend billions of dollars to become “special places.” Philadelphia simply is a special place. Blessed with the glamour and culture of a big city, ‘Philly’ as it’s affectionately known, delights visitors with its small-town charm, thanks to its rich history, its willingness to keep to tradition, its diverse economy, and its centralized geography. In the 20th century, the city slipped into economic decline, but nothing lasts forever. While some areas of Philly remain blighted, urban beautification and neighborhood regeneration projects, such as the marvelous Mural Art Program, have transformed the city into a dazzling outdoor gallery of street art. The glory of Philly’s early days is preserved in the redbrick terraces of Society Hill through to the areas around the hallowed campus of the University of Pennsylvania. Sprawling Fairmount Park ensures nature and greenery are both within easy access, and the bicycle and jogging paths of the Schuylkill River Trails are prime urban resources. Philadelphia boasts some outstanding art museums, including the Rodin Museum, the Museum of the American Revolution, and The Franklin Institute Science Museum, which is one of many area attractions, honoring the life and work of Benjamin Franklin, the city’s most famous ambassador. The ‘City of Brotherly Love’ cherishes and protects its earliest days within the Independence National Historical Park of the Old City. Now after digesting all of that history, be sure you save room for a classic Philly cheese steak sandwich. It has been proven that we American’s love our food. Eating is a highlight in Philly; with two of the city’s most loved attractions – Reading Terminal Market and the South 9th Street Italian Market – placing food front and center. The city’s culinary scene is nothing if not democratic, embracing everything from artisan

pizza and vegan creations, to the blue-collar heartiness of a cheesesteak sandwich or a soft, salty pretzel. Philly’s ethnic and cultural diversity is also reflected on the plate: in one day you could tuck into an Amish breakfast, lunch on spicy Asian noodles and enjoy Mexican tacos for dinner. One of the best warm-weather spots in Philadelphia, Spruce Street Harbor Park will celebrate its fifth season in 2018. The beloved temporary park — which welcomes 750,000 people each year- is basically one large beer garden. The open-air hangouts are perfect for a night out with friends, a happy hour with co-workers, dinner and drinks with the family and friends. Spruce Street invites visitors to lounge on colorful hammocks, enjoy delicious food from its floating restaurant and play games — ping pong, shuffleboard and more — along its waterfront boardwalk, all while enjoying beer, wine or cocktails. From the relaxing waterfront oasis at Spruce Street Harbor Park, the energetic roller-skating rink and carnival at Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest, and the Philadelphia Night Markets, pop-up beer gardens, outdoor music and arts festivals, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in Philly during the summertime. The geography, climate and growing conditions that mirror those of the Bordeaux Region in France, southeastern Philadelphia and the surrounding area emerges as a major force in America’s wine industry. In fact, Pennsylvania wines as a whole are making steady gains in quality, quantity and recognition. The Commonwealth ranks fifth in the nation for number of wineries — more than 200. Sand Castle Winery will ring in Bucks County Wine Month with a Cornhole Tournament. They also offer a Golden Girls Murder Mystery dinner and an Archive Tasting of its older varieties from 1992 to 2010. The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival returns for a third year of illuminating Franklin

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Square with grand, artistic creations. For two months, the square at 6th and Race streets comes alive with 15,000 LED lights strewn across 28 different displays featuring 1,500 works of art. The dazzling 200-footlong Chinese dragon and whimsical panda constructions from previous years are back, but all of the other creations are brand new. Also, on tap: cultural performances, the Dragon Beer Garden and more. This summer, visitors to Philadelphia’s Historic District can enjoy 50-plus live musical performances as part of Summer Sounds in the Historic District, a series of long-popular concerts and new programming curated by VISIT PHILADELPHIA. Jazz, DJ tunes, Latin grooves and even the sweet sounds of symphony will fill the parks. Patios and plazas will be filled with visitors at more than a dozen locations from FringeArts, located along the Delaware River waterfront to the Philadelphia History Museum, located at the Atwater Kent on 7th Street. For a kid friendly outing nestled in nearby Langhorne, only a short trip from Philly is Sesame Place the perfect all-day excursion. If you grew up on Sesame Street like I did, you should be feeling the same excitement I’m feeling. Kids and parents alike love to whirl on rides, splash down slides and hug everyone’s favorite furry friends. Sesame Place is the nation’s only theme park based entirely on Sesame Street® and the first theme park in the world to be designated as a Certified Autism Center. The park opens seasonally from spring through the holiday season. Philadelphia is one of just a few cities with a professional franchise in five major league sports. Although this year’s Super Bowl Champs will not be taking the customary visit to the White House, you should be sure to visit them at their stadium located at Lincoln Financial Field. I barely touched the surface of all the amazingness that is Philadelphia. With all of the history, culture, and activities there are to experience in Philadelphia, why are you still home?! Happy traveling.

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BEAUTY

the BEAT Written by: Lashanna Brown

Princess M Cosmetics is owned by 17 year old Madison L. Poole. Princess M Cosmetics was birthed out of passion and love for makeup as well as her dream to see women be able to wear healthy cosmetic products. At the early age of 13, Madison knew she wanted to be in the beauty industry. There were times, when she struggled a little with her weight because of allergies to foods and watching beauty influencers on YouTube was something she took solace in. In March of 2014, Madison decided to share her dream of being a celebrity makeup artist with her parents and it was her mom, that asked her, the question that led up to starting her own business. Lashanna Brown, Madison’s mom, asked her “what are you going to do, to set yourself apart from the rest?”. It was at that moment, Madison knew, she was going to be challenged and pushed. They decided, it was best Madison came up with a product and since she wasn’t allowed to wear lipstick at the time, she decided on nail polish. Madison began researching and decided she wanted a non-toxic nail polish that would benefit all women. Once she found the chemist/company that would help her bring her vision to life, it was time to pick a name. Madison’s parents have given her quite a few

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nicknames, but the one her dad gave seemed to stick out the best, “Princess”. It was the perfect fit for her company and so, Princess M( for Madison) Nail Polish was created. Even though, it was for princesses all over the world, she was also formulating her product for “Queens” as well. When you think of Princess M Cosmetics, know that it’s Made for a Princess but fit for a Queen. In May of 2014, branding and production had begun and Princess M Nail Polish, was started with 13 colors. The business had grown so much, by January of 2015, a complete rebrand was done and 12 new colors were added to the collection. Fast forward to March of 2016, the name of the company was changed to Princess M Cosmetics and the production was on the way of adding lipsticks and lip glosses. Madison always knew, one day she would turn her company into a full cosmetics line, it was time to change the name to Princess M Cosmetics. In September, 12 liquid lipsticks, 5 lipsticks and 5 glosses were added. Her line now consists of 40 fun, funky, natural yet vibrant non-toxic nail polishes and over 50 cruelty free lipsticks & glosses. This year, she added mink lashes and is working on eyeliner, mascara and eyeshadow palettes. Being in cosmetics came new to both Madison and her mom, therefore, like every new and thriving business; she’s experienced some highs and lows. During this 4 year entrepreneurial journey, Madison has dealt with several issues. Copywriting infringement, being one of her major issues. She also experienced complete order mishaps which has resulted in delayed shipping to her customers as well as hundreds of damaged goods. With that being said, she’s also had some pretty amazing accomplishments, such as, being published in 2 magazines and 1 Newspaper (Teen Boss Magazine, VVC Magazine and The Baltimore Sun), maintained her grades and graduating early from HS (June 2018), spoke at several conferences and completely sold out events with her lipstick collection. While being a teen entrepreneur has not been easy, she loves every minute of it and doesn’t plan on quitting. 2018, will be an exciting year for Madison and her family. She’s graduating this year, and taking the extra year to attend Esthetician school. Hopefully, by then, she’s made her decision on which college she wants to attend. Temple University or Clark Atlanta, either one, her parents will be supportive and proud of all of her accomplishments and look forward to seeing her embark on her new journey. mod e s tl yb ol d ma g .com| MOD E S T L Y BOL D ® MAGAZI NE | 133

SH: So it looks like your line is growing and doing very well. Congratulations! MP: Thank you!

SH: At

this point, who would you say is your target market and how do you figure out how you’re

going to market to them?

Whether its social media or what do you do to determine that?

MP: Originally when I first started out my target market was to young girls and then I realized that a lot of older women like what I was doing. They appreciated that I was young and I was starting my own business, so I say from sbout 15 and up. That’s my target market and I just figure out well a lot of my customers that come back they’re very vocal about what they like and they don’t like so if they say they like a certain color and more than one person says that I remember that color for the next time I need new something to come out. Or depending on the season I’ll see what colors are in are in style and pick from that.

SH: And how do you determine what colors are in style? Do you use the Pantone color chart do you look more at television, magazines? MP: More so television, magazines, what’s in the media, what colors people wore to the red carpets and stuff for the lipsticks and eye shadows.

SH: Now how do you stay ahead of the trends like as far as let’s say you see there’s a trend in a magazine or on television and then you jump on board with that. How do you determine OK this is where I’m going in with my next launch as opposed to waiting for the next trend to come out and jumping on board? MP: Personally it would have to be what I think will stick around for the longest.

SH: So you’re looking more for longevity? MP: Longevity, yes!

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SH: And

as far as your marketing strategy, what

or how do you determine how you’re going to market? Is it purely Instagram or how else do you market your products?

MP: I market through social media mainly but I do go to vending events and I vend at different events just to meet people and get my business out there.

SH: So networking events as well. someone who is younger and even my-

self like time management is kinda hard.

how

did you go to school, keep your grades up, run a business and still stay successful?

is it more

of a routine or is it like you had a lot of support behind you?

cause you were different and if there was how did you overcome that?

MP: No not really! Kids always ask me questions about it but they never bullied me. It wasn’t like they were trying to be malicious or anything they were just curious and asking questions.

SH: Ok that’s perfect. Is there anyone in the beauty industry that you look up to and why?

MP: Umm hmmm

SH: For

was there every a time when you were bullied be-

Or a combination of both.

MP: A combination of both. I just knew that if I had an event coming up that weekend, I figured out what I need to do for that week to get myself prepared and then I would like ask my mom for help or ask anybody else to help me just in case I needed help.

SH: Ok, now if you have another young lady let’s say who is trying to start her own makeup line, how would you advise her to try to manage her

time to be able to keep her grades up.....like do you

MP: Yes, Jackie Ina, who is a youtuber and beauty influencer. Mainly because she speaks about how different companies they don’t always look for and look to cater to Brown women or people of my ethnicity because it’s not common or its what they don’t feel is common. So she always speaks out about and she makes videos about how that needs to stop.

SH: What are your 5 to 10 years?

long term goals for the next

MP: My long term goals will be to get my esthetician license, and in 5 to 10 years I will be a college graduateand hopefully open up a shop. So that I can start doing my facials and doing makeup and really starting to fully be in the business long term or more long term than I already am.

Because a lot of people they don’t un- SH: And I know you started with nail polish, and you gradually added to your line. How do you dederstand that when you trying to start your own lose sleep?

business there are some things that you have to sacrifice.

So what are some things you felt like you had to sacrifice to get yourself to this point?

MP: I will say that I mainly just always go out with my friends. But sometimes I did have an event on the same day my friends needed to do something, and I just had to determine which one was more important.

cide what is going to be the next product that you add?

MP: Well I guess it just depends on because I was young when I started I wasn’t allowed to wear like lipsticks and stuff, so once I was able to wear it, I was trying to pick and choose what colors that would look nice. So I guess as I started like really fully getting into makeup that’s what I decided.

SH: And the group of people that you hang SH: I guess I’m trying to figure out, so after you went from the nail polish, let’s say you went to around, let’s say your friends,were they underthe lipsticks and lip glosses and now you’re doing standing of what you were trying to do? the lashes. What makes you decide OK let me do MP: Yea very understanding. let me not to the lashes now, let me do this is it SH: I also know in school a lot of times kids could when you get comfortable with the product? be kind of cruel especially when you kind of stick out or you’re a little more successful than them,

MP: Ummm hmmm. I wanna know how to fully use the products so I can tell other people how to use

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it.

SH: Now also in your bio there was a bit in there about a slight issue with copyright infringements. You don’t have to go into a lot of detail about that but was it more intellectual rights, product rights and then what would you suggest for the next upcoming person to kinda avoid that more research or

what would you say?

MP: It was more so of not products but how I was branding my products and what I was doing as far as social media. That was a big thing! I would just say that to make sure that you stand out from everybody else, because other people will want to do it. Make sure that you brand yourself a specific way, so people know that it’s yours or make sure that you get everything done like trademarking to make sure that if it does happen you can get a lawyer or someone to make sure that whatever they took, is taken down or you can get back.

SH: So you definitely recommend professional legal and not necessarily a team but have someone who works in this industry understand copyright laws before you actually start putting your information on social media.

MP: Ummm hmmmm

SH: Have you had any truly major setbacks and if someone else its easy to look at someone in your position and say oh she’s doing this she successful what is the time where you felt like giving up and how did you overcome that? MP: In the beginning I did feel like giving up a lot because it was hard. No one really believed in me because they didn’t think that I could do it because I was so young. I was trying to more so provie it to people that I have what it takes to be a business owner and to really fully understand my own business.

SH: Is that what kinda kept you going like you wanted to show people that you could do it. And as far as your the companies you use how do you decide who you’re going to go with? Is it more about pricing, is it more about their reputation, is it more your chemistry with that person? MP: Personally I like to talk to my chemist and I made sure that I like what they were saying and that they were gonna take care of what is essentially my baby. Because it meant something to me so I wanted to know that it meant something to them too. So someone who shares a passion for what I’m doing. Yep!

SH: And the last and the most important question What makes you Modestly Bold? What makes you that sticks out? What is your “It” factor? MP: I think that I have the drive to show other people that Im serious and I have what it takes to be a business owner and to be a professional makeup artist and do celebrities makeup and make a difference and show other young girls that they have what it takes to be a business owner as well.

SH: Let me ask you this is there anything else that you want to put out there in your article that you want people to know about you, any encouraging words or anything like that? MP: Just to mainly focus on you and remember that it’s your brand, and you have to be true to your brand, so don’t let anybody else tell you how to brand yourself!

SH: Sheena N. Holmes MP: Madison Poole

princessmcosmetics

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Through the

WIRE

Baltimore’s vibe is what makes the people who visit fall in love. With the world-famous Inner Harbor, renowned museums and attractions, award-winning restaurants, a locally loved music scene, and hip and historic neighborhoods, visiting this truly authentic, American city is a must. Baltimore was established by the Constitution of Maryland and is an independent city that is not part of any county. With a population of 611,648 in 2017, Baltimore is the largest independent city in the United States. The city is officially divided into nine geographical regions: North, Northeast, East, Southeast, South, Southwest, West, Northwest, and Central, with each district patrolled by a respective Baltimore Police Department. Founded in 1729, Baltimore is the second-largest seaport in the Mid-Atlantic. The city’s Inner Harbor was once the second leading port of entry for immigrants to the United States and a major manufacturing center. Once a predominantly industrial town, with an economic base focused on steel processing, shipping, auto manufacturing, and transportation; you will find that many old factories and mills have been turned into multi-purpose building that promote housing and businesses. Baltimore’s neighborhoods reflect a tapestry of cultures from around the world. A walk through Little Italy and Greektown reveals delicious old-world cuisine. Jewish culture and history are celebrated and preserved through rare books, oral histories, and fine art at the Jewish Museum of Maryland. At the Irish Shrine and Railroad Workers Museum, you can hear stories of the brave Irish-Americans who mi-

grated to Baltimore in the late 1840s to escape the “Great Hunger” in Ireland. Journey through centuries of African American culture and learn of the great Americans who called Baltimore home, from the nation’s first African American Supreme Court Justice, Thurgood Marshall, and revered abolitionist Frederick Douglass, to musical pioneers like Eubie Blake and Cab Calloway. Central Baltimore was originally called the Middle District, it is situated north of the Inner Harbor up to the edge of Druid Hill Park. Considered the heart of Baltimore, the Inner Harbor is home to the shops and boutiques of Harbor Place, Fells Point and Harbor East, amazing restaurants, and renowned attractions like the National Aquarium, The American Visionary Art Museum, The Maryland Science Center, Port Discovery Children’s Museum, Ripley’s Believe It or Not and The Baltimore Museum of Industry. Explore the area by water taxi or walk the 7-mile brick Waterfront Promenade that connects all the action. As the city’s main commercial area and business district, it includes Baltimore’s sports complexes: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, M&T Bank Stadium, and the Baltimore Arena. The University of Maryland, Baltimore, the University of Maryland Medical Center, and Lexington Market are also in the central district, as well as the Hippodrome and many nightclubs, bars, restaurants, shopping centers and an array of the city’s cultural opportunities such as the Maryland Institute College of Art, and the Peabody Institute. A must-see for me would be Edgar Allen Poe’s House and Museum. Regarded in literary histo-

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ries and handbooks as the architect of the modern short story, Poe was also the principal forerunner of the “art for art’s sake” movement in nineteenth-century European literature. Poe’s home is in an excellent state of preservation with much of the exterior and interior original fabric from the 1833-1835 period. He lived there with his aunt, grandmother and two cousins. While the house is not furnished, visitors can walk on the same floors, stairs and wander within the original plaster walls and woodwork that Poe lived with. Exhibits tell the story of Edgar Allan Poe’s life and death in Baltimore and significant artifacts such as his portable writing desk and chair, a telescope, as well as the china and glassware used by Poe when living with the Allan family in Richmond, Virginia. A change in the exhibits and tours are scheduled from time to time. East Baltimore, located below Sinclair Lane and Erdman Avenue, above Orleans Street. This region is mainly made up of residential neighborhoods, and is home to Johns Hopkins Hospital, as well as Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine on Broadway. You can also visit the Great Blacks in Wax Museum, a dynamic cultural and educational institution. The museum is committed solely to the study and preservation of African American history through the presentation of life-size, life-like wax figures highlighting historical and contemporary personalities of African ancestry. Each display is presented chronologically, highlighting ancient Africa, the Middle Passage, the Antebellum and Postbellum periods, Reconstruction, the Harlem Renaissance, and Civil Rights era, and the present. This area was the on-site film location for Homicide: Life on the Street, The Corner and The Wire. I made up my mind that this piece would not just skim over the less desirable portion of Baltimore like most of the internet did. I mean really, Google West Baltimore and not all that much comes up. West Baltimore is the reality that was depicted on the show The Wire. This region is located west of downtown and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and is bounded by Gwynns Falls

Parkway, Fremont Avenue, and West Baltimore Street. Here, a lifetime away from the museums, upscale restaurants and charter boat tours of Baltimore’s tourist-friendly Inner Harbor area, is a network of neighborhoods plagued by drugs, poverty and violent crimes, as police and young blacks clash on the streets. This clash resulted in the death of Freddie Gray, whose spine was severed sometime after he was arrested following a police chase on foot. Originally a predominantly German neighborhood, by the last half of the 1800s, Old West Baltimore was home to a substantial section of the city’s African American population. It became the largest neighborhood for the city’s black community and its cultural, political, and economic center. Coppin State University, Mondawmin Mall, and Edmondson Village are located in this district. Local organizations, such as the Sandtown Habitat for Humanity and the Upton Planning Committee, have been steadily transforming parts of formerly blighted areas of West Baltimore into clean, safe communities. Festival and events are always a draw. Colorful costumes, creative crafts and live performances delight kids and grown-ups alike at Baltimore’s annual festivals. In January, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Parade travels down the Baltimore City boulevard named for the American civil rights leader. In springtime, fire dancers, larger-than-life light sculptures and dramatic art exhibits glow with excitement in the annual Light City festival at the Inner Harbor. The summer months bring the African American Festival to Druid Hill Park, the Latino Fest to Patterson Park and the Baltimore Caribbean Carnival Parade and Festival to Lake Clifton Park. Art lovers make the trek to Baltimore each summer for America’s largest free public arts festival, Artscape. These outdoor events present an eclectic combination of the visual and performing arts, along with food and kid’s entertainment. In the fall, the Cadillac Parade rolls down Pennsylvania Avenue in West Baltimore during the Pennsylvania Avenue Homecoming Weekend Festival. In

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addition to year-round events, Baltimore celebrates Black History Month and Hispanic Heritage Month with special events and programs each year. In Baltimore, several outdoor spaces are adorned with murals representing the joys, struggles and stories-past and present. Public spaces provide places to meet, connect and opportunities for expanding our understanding of culture and diversity. The artistry shares our stories, so that we may come to a better understand of who we are. Through poignant and colorful murals displayed throughout Baltimore’s Station North Arts & Entertainment District, Baltimore-born artists, along with others from Europe, South America and beyond, explore themes of family, heritage and hope. Baltimore has more public statues and monuments per capita than any other city in the country, here you can find the Black Soldiers at War Memorial Plaza, Holocaust Memorial and Statue, Jose Marti Monument, and Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower just to name a few. If you have ever lost a friend by strategical monopolizing railroads and utilities and strategically buying property playing Monopoly you must visit Baltimore’s B&O Railroad Museum, the world’s biggest museum devoted to locomotives. There are historic trains galore at the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad collection, along with artifacts, railroad buildings, railroad track and 250 examples of rolling stock. The country’s first passenger train service rolled out of the roundhouse here in 1830; and you can learn more about the Birthplace of American Railroading on a tour of the immense complex. Everyone knows that Baltimore just might be the crab cake capital of the world. Nationally recognized by definitive culinary-travel outlets, Baltimore is a must-visit destination for food lovers. Baltimore attracts some of the greatest chefs in the country and boasts an emerging food scene that delights locals and visitors alike. With cuisine that features flavors from Italy, the Mediterranean, the Middle East and beyond, food enthusiast will enjoy the variety offered here. The neighborhood restaurants, and diners are sure to get an authentic culinary experience. The city’s hip, historic neighborhoods feature an array of dining spots, from casual pubs to lavish waterfront restaurants offering full five-course meals – and everything in between. If you’re wondering where to start your food adventure in Baltimore, don’t worry: we’ve got you covered. Baltimore’s ethnic grocery stores are also worth the visit. Like many other destinations, Baltimore mixes the good with the bad, but we must learn to embrace and learn from both. This mix makes B-More a destination that is not to be missed.

by Kia Reese

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Are you a CONTROL freak?

Written by: Anderson Uzcategui

n today’s busy world, we are pressured to follow many directions at once. We have responsibilities at home and at work, and sometimes it just beats us. Our body begins to let us know that we are feeling the stress of our daily life. The sensations of stress are caused by the instinct of our body to defend itself. This instinct is good in emergency situations, like when we have to get out of the way of a vehicle approaching at full speed. But stress can cause unhealthy physical symptoms if not handled properly. Our body works overtime when it faces daily challenges. The reality is that we are not prepared to face all that extra energy. We can begin to feel anxiety, fear, worry and tension. If stress is not kept under control, it can cause serious health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. You may also have to face important events in life that can cause stress. These may include: • • • • • • • • •

The loss of a job (or the beginning of a new one). Your child leaves or returns to the family home. The death of your spouse. A divorce or a marriage. An illness or injury from you or a close family member. Money problems. A move. The birth or adoption of a baby. Path to greater well-being.

Stress can cause health problems or worsen existing problems. Talk to your primary care doctor if you think your symptoms may be caused by stress. It is important to make sure that they are not caused by other health problems. Learn to recognize when you feel stressed. The first signs of stress include tension in the shoulders and neck, or clenching of the fists. Try to avoid the fact or situation that causes you stress. If that is impossible, change the way you react to stress. Workout. It is a healthy way to relieve the accumulated energy and tension. Exercise releases brain chemicals that make us feel good, called endorphins. It also helps to get in physical shape, which allows you to feel better. • • •

Eat well. Stress can affect your appetite. Make sure you are eating regularly and balanced. Sleep as necessary. It is important to get enough sleep so that your body has time to recover. Meditate. Meditation is a form of guided thought. It can take many forms. You can do

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it with exercises that use the same movements over and over again, like walking or swimming. You can meditate practicing relaxation techniques, stretching or breathing deeply. There is a very direct connection between the stressful life you have to live and the symptoms you feel in your physical body and the development of diseases. The constant changes in the direction of your company or company, in the economy makes fears and insecurities arise constantly. When the individual does not know how to deal with those changes or challenges, stress arises. From Neuro Linguistic Programming it is held that there is no stress if the person manages to find the problem and feel that he is capable of solving it. So from this perspective, stress only affects people who believe that their problem is greater than their ability to solve it .... If you identify with a life full of stress and worries and can not find a solution to this difficulty ... it is necessary to make a decision because otherwise the symptoms and illnesses will appear as a consequence. The disease is not a problem, it is a symptom that your mind generates to manifest that there is a problem that you are not knowing how to solve or find a solution. And when I say solve or find a solution, it has to do more with your interpretative capacity about what is happening. If you consider that you can solve that problem, you interpret that you can and that way you will be able to solve it. On the other hand, if you think that this problem is too big for you, that it surpasses you and that you will not be able to solve it ... this will be the case and stress will generate multiple symptoms and diseases ...

The solution From my professional perspective ... every symptom is a “wake-up call” to develop the resources to get out of the difficulty and move on to a better possibility. If your life is characterized by being full of symptoms of stress ... in you are the abilities to achieve change in your mental state, resources to be able to solve any challenge that comes along and taking care of your health. How can you achieve it? Techniques such as Neuro Linguistic Programming and Ontological Coaching, allow people in the XXI century to awaken to new abilities, speed up their mind, develop their emotional intelligence and then feel able to solve any challenge that comes their way in this changing world. It is considered healthy individuals, those who adapt to changes and continue to live in harmony with their environment regardless of what happens. If you need to achieve that harmony ... you can achieve it by learning the steps of the Serenity System that Coach Patricia Uhrich can teach you through private coaching sessions 1 to 1 you can solve your problems, release your stress and thus achieve your success without getting sick. As a businesswoman, I know that you have no time to lose, that you need a solution already and that this solution works where you need to apply it. That is why today companies and those who direct invest in a mentor or coach that teaches them the precise formula that allows them to quickly learn how to lead, discuss and solve all the problems that arise daily at the business level. The coach knows the strategies that work and saves time and the steps to get to the solution faster. If you need this type of advice, you can request it by entering my COACHING section. It will be a pleasure to be your private coach.

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Posh

PROFESSIONAL

Dress for Success We all know you only get one chance to make a first impression. But do we really take the time to think about how much our image represents our brand? Does your attire emote confidence, not arrogance? As a business owner, do you stand out in a crowd or tend to blend into the background? On the show Undercover Boss, have you ever noticed the lengths the owners of these companies go through to disguise themselves, in order not to be recognized by their employees?! Have you ever paid attention to the clothing the owners wear when they are trying to blend in with the employees, versus the clothing they wear at the end of the episode?! More importantly, do you see the change in the employee’s attitudes and their interactions with the owners based on the owner’s dress and demeanor? Now of course the owner’s wardrobe is not the only factor as to why people’s attitudes change towards them. But if you notice, the owner’s now have a commanding presence that was not there before. When you first walk into a room, based on your appearance, people will make an assumption about your economic level, social position, education level, occupation, as well as your credibility. It is important to portray what you want the people to know about you. One major factor is to dress the part. You could be one of the most intelligent people in the room and have some of the most innovative ideas, but your wardrobe could keep you from being able to convey that message to your audience effectively. Studies show that 93 percent of communication is non-verbal, which means that before you mod e s tl yb ol d ma g. com| MOD E S T L Y BOL D ® MAGAZI NE | 143

even have an opportunity to speak, a person has already formed a pretty strong opinion about you, and what you say will only have a very small influence on their opinion. So, how can do you project a professional image? The great news is there is no cookie cutter standard for projecting a professional image. I always advise people to start with what professionalism looks like in your industry and add your own personal flare. For example, I am in the beauty industry. In my field, it’s customary to wear all black. However, I may enhance my image by wearing a colorful shoe or customize my makeup look. Before, you walk out the house in the morning, really take a moment to access your wardrobe to see if you are representing yourself and your brand in a manner that is pleasing to you. Whatever you choose to wear, make sure it’s stylish, comfortable, and functional. Remember, you don’t need a lot of clothing, just be creative and accessorize! You’ll be amazed how different the same outfit can look by pairing it with various watches, belts, or shoes. With all of that being said, realistically we are all going to have people prejudge us. The most important thing is that you are happy with yourself. The image you project should come from a place that reflects who you are, your self-worth, and what you stand for. Never let anyone make you feel like less than the masterpiece you are. Let your outward appearance be a reflection of your inner beauty.

by Sheena N. Holmes

snhartistry

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a Note from the

EDITOR in CHIEF TAKING A STEP BACK! Recently, I had to take a step back from my businesses because I felt myself losing my purpose! Have you ever had to do that? Have you ever felt you had so many projects and nothing is getting completed? I blame it on being a true Virgo but in reality, we all feel that way sometimes. I get so wrapped up in always having to do “something” that I end up completing nothing. I have so many ideas in my head that I can’t complete any of them. The thing is, I’m a helpful person and I don’t know how to say “no” and I really don’t have time to devote to your project so I try to cram it into my already over worked, stretched too thin calendar. Well guess what? It’s time to take a step back! I have been challenged to stop and organize my life from the ground up. Plan out my days to the minute, know my full availability and most importantly, take a day for myself to rejuvinate and spend time with my family. Taking time for yourself doesn’t mean that you’re being lazy, it just means that you value yourself and you want to give the best YOU that you can. So I challenge you, to take a step back and build your business and yourself from the ground up. Try to schedule your day from the time you get up to the time you go to bed. Make sure to include time with your family, breakfast, lunch, dinner and any activities you do on a regular. Do this for a month and then see how it feels. It will be hard in the beginning to stick to it but this is to help with your stress levels and to give you some much needed time for yourself. Why?! Because you are worth it! Sincerly,

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What is balance? If you ask any entrepreneur, they just might laugh at that question. It is something that we are always seeking and sometimes frequently feeling like we come up short, all too often with keeping up our juggling acts. Life, relationships, parenthood, and business. It seems like a neverending cycle of things to do and if you don’t get a grip on your time management skills, you can easily find yourself stressed at not meeting your own expectations. As a mother, wife, and photographer, I constantly feel the pressure of mastering time management. It seems like every day I have a “To-Do” list a mile long and sometimes I only accomplish one or two items. How does that leave me feeling? Like I wasted time that I will never get back. It’s a horrible feeling especially when I’ve been so busy handling business tasks all day and can’t be mommy 100%. Luckily, I have been blessed with a husband who is my “help” mate and he understands the hustle. We alternate tasks so that we both get needed breaks and can be supportive parents to our very busy and actively growing toddlers. Last year after I kept feeling like my days were being wasted and nothing was being accomplished, I discovered something... the beauty of planning. I never thought I would be the person who writes down her every move and has to know things weeks in advance just to maintain some stability in my life but guess what? That’s me. I bought a Passion Planner and committed to block scheduling my time every day for 1 month. At the end of the month, I would decide whether or not this was a beneficial practice for me to keep going forward. I began to utilize something called “block scheduling” where I would schedule tasks in chunks so that I designate all my attention to that one item for a specified amount of time before moving to

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the next item. I also started blocking out certain days of the week for specific tasks which began to help me tremendously. I found that knowing what comes next and what to expect started helping me keep my sanity and be the active parent and wife that my family needed me to be. The key to balance is that you first have to realize that this is a neverending task. Life will move on, changes will come, more things will be added to your workload, and in the meantime, expectations still have to be met. You simply have to learn how to operate in “harmony.” This means placing your time and attention intentionally on the things that matter most. For me, my family will always come first so I make sure to plan my business and extra activities around them. I’m not going to lie, getting on a consistent schedule takes discipline and dedication. Grooming my clients and other colleagues to my working hours was a task at first because I was once the type of person to answer calls and emails whenever they came. Not any longer. I had to learn that spending quality time reading bedtime stories while cuddling up on the couch with my husband and kids should be uninterrupted time. I no longer pick up my phone or check business emails during those designated times of the day. Doing this simple task has helped to relieve the stress of balancing family and business. In closing, as entrepreneurs it is easy to get caught up in our passions and lose focus on what truly matters, the relationships we have to maintain, our health, our sanity. The biggest piece of advice that I can give you is to decide what is most important in your life and center everything else around that. At the end of the day, those relationships and priorities will always be there. The extra stuff is just a bonus!

work, life, & business A

BY BRITTANY RICHARDSON

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WHAT THE WEB?! SEO (search engine optimization) or search engine optimization is the set of techniques that allows occupying the position and organic positioning of a website in the search engine results lists. This improvement in the positions of a web page (within the lists of organic results of the search engines), is obtained through a set of actions that the administrators of that site are responsible for implementing. These practices or optimizations, include a series of techniques On-page (SEO within the same web) and Off-page (SEO outside the web), stories such as: • • • • • • • • •

The user experience. Improve the loading speed. Take care of the structure or architecture of the site. The quality of external and internal links. Create relevant and quality content. The strategic choice of Keywords. The headers H1, H2, H3 and H4. The authority of the website. The CTR, among others.

In short, if we had to read in a few words the previous definition of what SEO is, we start with just one. And this term is basic to understand this discipline: “POSITIONING”. What is the ultimate goal of SEO positioning? We have said that the objective of this discipline is the change of our positions in the search lists, to try to be higher possible in the results offered by the search engines to the users. But, this SEO positioning optimization of our site has a deeper and more important purpose than simply improving visibility. And this final goal is to also increase the quality of the organic traffic we receive, so that in this way it enhances the conversions of our web-

site. SEO as a pillar of Online Marketing Most people usually find it hard to see things together. Therefore, also when talking about digital marketing strategies, they believe that everything goes separately. Inclusive, marketing itself. There are many who see marketing as one piece of the board, when in fact it is the whole board. And the SEO? He is only part of a Digital Marketing plan, which also includes promotion in social networks, email marketing, video marketing, Adwords campaigns and other activities. What are its benefits? Most users tend to visit some of the first preferred sites on the search results pages. Therefore, appear in the top positions is a guarantee to direct a much larger number of visitors to a website or customers to an online store. SEO can have a better return on investment (ROI), than more traditional forms of advertising or print ads. This can be attributed to the fact that it attracts people when you are looking for the products and services offered by a company. Now that we understand better the bases of this discipline, we also try to understand which are the most important concepts to take into account when talking about positioning. Concepts that you should understand better when talking about SEO positioning There are certain concepts, which can be considered as basic in this topic of Search Engine Optimization and that you should try to understand better, before directing the design and strategy.

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SEO On-Page: On-Page optimization, are all those techniques that are implemented within our own website or blog to get better positioning in search engine results. Here come into play aspects on which we can have greater control, such as loading speed or WPO, keywords, site architecture, structure of internal links, page code, etc. SEO Off-Page: The Off-Page, on the other hand, refers to everything that "is not inside" our website and, therefore, when taking place outside our site is not completely under our control. Here we talk mainly about the quantity and quality of the links that point us "backlinks", social signals or shares, the percentage of CTR or the performance in the search results, etc. Tracking: Search engines scour the Internet with their bots, scouring the web for fresh content. These bots explore all the pages that they find in their path and go from one to the other, following the links they have, that is why a good hierarchy and structure of links is so valuable. Indexing: As we explained before, the bots track the network and when they find pages with the necessary information, they are included in an index where they are sorted according to their relevance, theme and authority. It is this indexing, and its subsequent organization according to the relevance of the data, which allows the search engine to easily show us the results most related to our queries. Organic results: The organic traffic is the one that comes from the non-sponsored results (AdWords) and that are obtained in the search engines by means of the techniques of Web positioning.

Therefore, the organic results are those that appear in Google thanks to the SEO practices of which we spoke previously, such as the quality of external and internal links, or the good structure of a page, among others. Relevance: For an engine to return the results of a search, it must first analyze the web pages, index them by their subject (Keyword) and then order them decreasingly for their "relevance" and authority, as I have already explained. There are hundreds of factors that influence the relevance of the contents of a page. And that position (or relevance) is determined using complex mathematical algorithms and with numerous measurement variables. The authority: When we speak of authority, we basically refer to the notoriety on the Internet that a website has, that is, the more popular a page is, the more valuable it is considered in the eyes of search engines the information that it contains. In very general lines, this authority takes into account a couple of premises: the more linked a URL is and the more its content is shared, it is understood that more users find this page relevant or useful. Amount of traffic: It could be said that, the more quality traffic we have, the better positioning we will achieve and, in turn, the more visibility of the website. Traffic quality: Attracting traffic for the traffic itself does not help us. Because it could attract all the visitors of the world, but if you are not really interested in the content that I offer, we will not be able to increase the conversions. In short, we could say that quality traffic is the visitor who is really interested in our content and who interacts in some way with it. User experience (UX):

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For a website to have a better positioning in the search engines, it is necessary to make it easier to use, faster and accessible for all types of people and users of different devices. This is where the user experience (UX) comes into play. Without wanting to go too far in this topic, which gives a full article, we could say that everything we do in our website for the user to get a better experience, benefits us at the SEO level. Internal links: The internal links are those "links" that we use manually within our pages and that in turn redirect us towards other internal URLs of our same website. As we have already said, the bots follow the links, so it is also advisable to link the relevant and related contents within our website. In addition, these internal links are another way to transfer authority and carry traffic from one content to another, to favor the time of the user's stay among other issues. Backlinks: The backlinks are the external links that derive or direct the traffic from other websites to the pages of our own site. The search engines value positively the backlinks or external links pointing to a website, especially when they come from domains with a good authority and a related theme. Non-natural links: The great impact that backlinks have always had in the organic classification of the results, generated a subculture of exchanges or sales of links. That is why, nowadays, algorithms have become increasingly intelligent in this topic and now they are able to identify these practices. And websites that do not worry about the quality of their incoming links, could be penalized.

to better understand the whole world that surrounds keywords, I recommend reading: what is a keyword and what kind of Keywords are there? Content: The pages must contain a main keyword that has a thematic relevance to that content and have a semantic structure of at least 300 words (preferably, more than 600). Any URL that contains content with less text than what they recommend (+300 words), runs the risk of being understood by search engines as a scarce or low quality content. Duplicate content: Search engines such as Google, penalize or understand as low quality to a web page that borrows part or all of the content of another page, either on the same site or another domain. Therefore, it is recommended that around 70% of the content of our pages be as original as possible. Conclusion Taking into account that most of us use Google to find content that answers our questions, SEO is a fundamental piece of any digital strategy that we implement in a website. Without it, our pages will be almost invisible and, therefore, non-existent in the eyes of your potential clients or readers. Therefore, I recommend you to continue training in everything related to SEO and continue learning to optimize your site to make it more visible and accessible to users and, in this way, improve their positioning.

by Alejandro Rojas

Keywords: Each URL or page has a more or less specific objective. And the use of keywords, reveals the theme of the same and conveys the purpose of that page to the search engines. If you want

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The Rising Phoenix: The Jeanita Porter

Story

m a small-town girl who has always inspired to live BIG City Dreams. I was born and raised in small southern town three hours from Atlanta, Georgia. I was raised by a hard-working grandmother just like many grandchildren from my era. My mother was in and out of my life and my father died tragically before I was born. My childhood wasn’t the worse because I survived but it wasn’t easy either. I was displaced in foster care a few times due to abuse and negligence on my mom’s behalf. It was always hard to adjust to new living conditions when you just wanted to be home. On top of all those challenges, I lost my grandmother in a tragic accident flipping my world upside down. I learned early in life the meaning of tragedy.

best friend who planted the seed after reading few poems. She said” Now what do you plan to do with these?” She asked that question every time I sent her something to read. She watered my garden.

I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. The first poem I wrote was a Mother’s Day poem to my grandmother. I won 1st place and it was placed in the newspaper. Even though, she’s gone to heaven, I’m glad she was able to influence my writing and see the beginning of my fruits.

I have learned through trial and error to be unapologetic to the views of others, and it’s a great place to be. Through this process, believing in oneself is hard, believing it will work is EVEN harder. I am believing even if things don’t work, I was brave enough to say, “I tried.”

My baby, my first book “i Cry Alone…” has been a therapeutic process to help me deal with a detrimental point in my life, my divorce. I’ve lost a lot of love through different stages of my life, but my divorce hit me like a ton of bricks. I started writing three years ago with the sole purpose to release emotions and random thoughts, so I wouldn’t drown. I literally could barely hold my head to see God’s vision. I had no pattern to write poems, no expectation to yield a book. I just needed to get the rage on paper and out of my head. I have always wanted to write a book, to tell my story because we all have similar stories yet the light bends in a way that details a different view. My first attempt to writing a book halted and currently resides on writer’s block lane. However, with pain and God’s plan, life was reborn through poetry. This path has been daunting. I never imagined my thoughts were poetic, especially not worthy for anyone outside my inner circle to read. Yet, I continued to write, continued to surpass my insecurities to reach euphoria. I must thank God for amazing friends and family who pushed me to write this book, especially my

So, for two months I wrote every day, sometimes my view points, sometimes I channeled other people’s emotions. Once, I finished writing doubt sashayed in. I fought through doubt, complacency and the murmurs in my head and in the end, I won the war against all the negativity of voices I allowed in to hinder my progress. Even when the book was finished, I didn’t know how I was going to publish it. I finally decided to self-publish, and here I am now with my first book.

In life you must create a path to fight for YOU and all YOUR ideas. No one will believe in you unless you do. Today, I’m a woman who’s divorced, who’s endeared a few horrible relationships but still trying to figure life out, yet I’m a self-published author who’s manifesting her dreams into her reality.

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My name is Jeanita Porter but everybody calls me Gigi.

NR: Tell me about your childhood and how has it molded your adulthood. JP: I would have to say I had a rough childhood. I lost my dad before I was born in a domestic violence accident while my mom was four months pregnant. And it was just a downward spiral for my mom. She just depended on drugs more than family. So it was pretty rough. My grandmother raised me until she passed away. We were in a really bad car accident and that took her away. And between then, I was in foster homes at least twice. I say that our past molds us to who we are, so we can't be a victim all of your life. You got to be able to move forward and take what you've been through to make you who you are. I don't know where I would be if I wasn't who I was as a kid. I may not be who I am today. Which I think is pretty cool.

NR: What inspired you to write your book? JP: I always loved to write. I started writing well before this book, which was 3 years ago. I went through a rough spot where I just couldn't write any more. I went through a divorce and writing was just an outlet for me to get those emotions out because I didn't go to therapy and I was going crazy. It was just a release to get it out and I just kept writing and writing and writing and writing. And my best friend just said what are you gonna do with all this writing and I was like I don't know, it's just therapy. Eventually I started writing it into a book and then added short stories of kind of my life and try to blend the spoken word into the short stories to try to make them make sense.

NR: What's the story behind your books name? JP: i Cry Alone. I think everybody cries alone. We all get in our feelings. We all sit back and think that nobody understands what we're going through. And at the end of the day, when you're going through stuff you just feel like you're alone and I think I've always felt alone my whole life. I know sometimes I don't vent, I don't share with people because I don't think they understand and I don't want to burden them with my problems so I just cry alone.

NR: What has been some of your challenges or hurdles and how have you overcome them? JP: Not coming from a two parent home, which a lot of people don't. Not really having my own mother to be there. I had a great support system, my aunt and uncle raised me after my grandmother passed away so that definitely helped. I always felt like I was alone. I'm a big sister so it's hard to try to guide two young sisters to the right direction. Just hurdles. Divorce. And being a black woman in this society. It’s hard being a woman with a strong personality. Men and other women don't understand, other cultures don't understand but you have to stand for who you are. You're a black woman, you have to be able to speak your truth. That's hard. That's a hurdle all by itself. And I want kids one day and I'm almost at the point where my eggs are hard boiled. I want kids but I have to deal with I may not have kids at my age. I’m 38 and anything over 40 you may have a child that has down syndrome and it's just so many different things that I have to deal with. Right now I'm playing with nieces and nephews.

NR: What made you push past your fears and the negativity of others and decide to go ahead and leap? JP: Oh it took a lot because I didn't know if everybody was going to understand what I was writing. I would send my writings out to just family and friend and they would be like “oh this is good”. And I would be like oh they just saying it because it's me. But is it really good?! I would send it to strangers and they would be like that's good. “But what's behind this? Well I felt like this is behind it.” After i got finished writing i felt that it wasn't enough. Or this is going to be too much and I don't want to share this. Maybe I should hold back on that, but I just jumped. Sometimes you just have to jump and worry about the

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consequences later. Don’t worry because God has you in the end. It took me 3 years to write this. And it's not a lot. It's like 70 pages but it's 3 years of 70 pages. I didn't have an editor, I just kept going over and over and over it myself. I just wanted to say one day, at the end of the day, I did it. I was an author. And that means a lot.

NR: What do you think will be your next venture? JP: I would like to write another book, maybe not just spoken word. I think I would like to write more of a story. But I just want to really be able to push this book out there and see how far it will go. But I do want to write books, maybe write children’s books. I eventually would like to write songs but I can't sing a lick. But I want to be able to write songs like the O’Jays, Gladys Knight and Erykah Badu. Songs that have meaning. Songs that's going to 50 years down the line, have people saying this young lady knew what she was singing about. Not some hip hop rachet stuff or don’t have any meaning. But some soulful stuff that people can really listen to 50 years from now.

NR: What sense?

animal best describes your business

JP: I'm a butterfly in every aspect. I love butterflies. I love the transformation, the whole renewal process. I think that is me. I'm always trying to start over. I have started over so many times in life that sometimes I don't think I have roots because I can up and go somewhere and just move at the drop of a dime. But I'm a butterfly. I always wanna go into that cocoon and be a new person every time. So that’s me.

NR: When have items?

you're relaxing, what are your must

JP: My phone! Because we are in the era of social media. I don't even know what we did without our phones when we were growing up. So I guess reading used to be my technique. I used to just read but now I'm on other people’s social media sites looking at what they write. And of course I love tv. I watch tv a lot.

NR: If you could advise a person that is scared to

step out and fulfill their dreams, what would it be?

JP: Just do it! At the end of the day you have to be satisfied with how you feel. We all are scared and I totally get that because if you have something that you are doing and you feel like someone else is doing it. I saw something probably a month or so ago, somebody took a picture of the grocery aisle of bread. And it's like a 100 different brands of bread but somebody is going to buy that bread. So you may write, you may do hair, you may make clothes, you may do nails, whatever it is don't worry about it, just do it. If that's what you're passionate about just do it. Nike sums it up just fine because you'll feel so bad about yourself ten years down the line and didn't do what God may have put in you. That might have been your purpose so if he planted it there then he will water it and it will grow.

NR: What is your ultimate dream and how would you know that you've reached it? JP: My ultimate dream is, you know I don't think author was my ultimate dream. But my ultimate dream is just to be happy in whatever I'm doing. So to being an author was a big accomplishment for me because that was never on my to do. This was something that I always did secretly. Whatever I do, I just want to be happy in doing it. I currently work at hospice and it's definitely humbling. It makes you opens up your eyes. To be able to provide compassionate care to somebody that never asked for it and is at their last stages of life, is a very humbling position. We take life for granted. Them sitting out in the garden and enjoying the flowers and a cool breeze. We walk by a garden and don't even look at a flower or enjoy the butterflies or the breeze but they do. I just want to be happy in whatever I'm doing. Not being depressed, not worrying about I should have done this and that. My ultimate goal is to be happy wherever the road takes me.

NR: What makes you Modestly Bold? JP: Sometimes i'm very reserved and laid back and sometimes I have this big personality. And I prom-

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ise you, I don't know where it comes from. I do know that I have a very strong personality and what makes me Modestly Bold, I don't have a problem with telling you how I feel, what bothers me, if I don't like something. I'm not malicious or vindictive but if it doesn't suit me, then I'll make sure I tell you. Because a lot of people go around and they gripe and they complain and then they let people treat them however. But you have to go home with yourself at night and you have to be happy with that decision. “Did i really just let that person talk to me like that? No I didn't!” But you don't have to be rude and you don't have to be real ratched or country. You know we from the southeast Georgia. You don't have to be country but you do need to be able to say, “I don't like how you treating me and that's unacceptable”. And you be fine with that and they may say, “well you're real bitter or that's that black woman mentality”. No, that's just me sticking up for me. Because if I don't, you're not going do it, so I gotta be satisfied with it at the end of the day. I guess I just have a strong personality and that's what makes me Modestly Bold. I have to be happy with me at the end of day.

NR: Anything else you like to tell the readers that would help them through their journey? JP: Keep going! Don't give up! It may take you 5 years, may take you 10 years, it took me 3 years, just keep going and keep praying about it. At the end of the day, it’s what you're passionate about, its your project. Whatever you’re pushing for, you may want to start your own business, it’s not going to be easy. Just research it and keep moving forward. Make a dream board. On my dream board January 1st, it was my book. Making sure I published my book. And to start on another book. I have been writing but it may not go towards the 2nd book but check things off. Faith without works is dead. So have faith in yourself, faith in what you want to pursue and keep going. Just don't give up. Crawling is better than not doing anything at all. Everything is not running or walking fast, sometimes you may have to crawl, take a break but just keep going. Because it's your dream.

NR: NaTeneshia Renée JP: Jeanita Porter

jeanita_p

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Hire Learning By: Kia Reese Hiring an employee(s) can be an overwhelming experience. Hiring decisions that result in bad hires waste your organization’s time, training resources, energy, and halts productivity. Below is a compiled list of suggestions to make your hiring experience successful and stress free….yeah okay, maybe not either of those but at least easier. Know the kind of employee you need to get the job done. It is important for business owners to understand their options regarding the different types of worker classifications. Knowing their options allows business owners to select the legally appropriate choices while remaining cost-efficient. While some options may be less expensive or require less management than others, the most important factor when hiring is finding a person who fits your culture and taking the necessary steps to protect your business in the process. Employee classifications are often based on the number of hours worked and job duties performed and typically determine eligibility for benefits, since federal and state laws generally do not define these terms. Employers usually have a lot of flexibility when categorizing employees.

As a result of the short-term nature of their employment, temporary employees generally do not receive any benefits, other than those required by temporary employee laws. The independent contractor, or freelancer, classification is used for nonemployee workers who typically perform specialized work that your employees do not do and are retained for a specific period of time. Since they are not considered employees of the organization, these workers are not covered by the laws for minimum wage and overtime, payroll taxes, workers’ compensation, unemployment compensation, or employment discrimination and are not eligible for any benefits. Come out, come out where ever you are!! We are living in the age of the computer, so finding employees can just take a few keystrokes. Sites like monster.com, indeed.com, and ihire.com allow job seekers and employees to find each other using keyword searches. Utilizing local technical schools, colleges, the Department of Labor, and the old-fashioned newspaper ads are also ways to let people know that you are hiring.

Take the time to build a candidate pool with several candidates who meet the needs of your organiA full-time employee generally is defined as one zation. Don’t settle for someone if you don’t have who works a normal work week for an indefinite the right person with the skills and experience you period. need. It’s better to reopen your search. Part-time employees also are employed on an The work of reviewing resumes, cover letters, job ongoing basis and typically receive some benefits, applications, and job application letters starts but work fewer hours than the normal full-time with a well-written job description. While many schedule. Part-time employment may mean workbusy executives use standard job definitions, a ing irregular hours, regularly scheduled hours savvy business owner will try to customize their every workday, or full workdays but fewer than job descriptions to fit the flavor of the organizafive per week. tion. Sometimes splitting a set of tasks into two Temporary employees may work part-time or full- part-time positions will make much more sense, time hours and may be hired through an agency especially if the skills involved are highly specific or directly by the employer. What makes their and/or opposites. If you need a well-rounded hire, status “temporary” is that the worker is hired for be sure that he or she has successful experience in a particular project or for a finite period of time. 1 5 8 | S PEC IA L ED I T I O N 2 0 1 8 | m od estl y bol d ma g . com

each aspect of the job. It’s very helpful to rank your hands-on ability. Have a documentation or writrequirements in the order of importance to you. ing candidate write a description of the steps in one of your work processes. See how quickly Screen all applicants against this list of qualificaa person learns a task. Ask how the candidate tions, skills, experience, and characteristics you would approach improving the quality of a given desire. Time is money, spend your time with your accounting process. most qualified candidates when hiring an employee. If you use tests and tasks that are directly related They’re here.. Now what! to the position for which the individual is interviewWhen you hire someone, you are bringing their ing, you will earn reams of relevant information character and personality into your business. Re- to use in your selection process. search shows that approximately 46 percent of new Trust your gut. hires fail within the first 18 months. And while 11 percent of these failures are due to a lack of skill, When you instinctively like someone, there’s almost 89 percent of the failures are due to attitudinal always a good reason. A smile can tell you how reasons, such as low levels of motivation and a confident, stable and friendly a person is, naturally. lack of coachability. While you need to allow for “interview jitters” to some extent a poised and pleasant manner implies Checking previous employers gives you some a well-grounded person who is confident about insight into a candidate work style, attendance, their skills. If the potential hire does not make eye attitude, and skills. contact, gives you a limp handshake, or otherwise In my research, I have found that many suggest gives you the creeps, probe some more. Perhaps talking to someone’s best friend, aunt, neighbor the candidate is withholding important details or other personal references. I don’t really agree about their previous work experience or has failed with this because who wants you to get a job more to mention a blow up with a previous employer. than your family and friends. I’d say my lazy no If you still feel uncomfortable, they are probably good brother was the best thing smoking if it kept not right for your team, even if their resume is him from borrowing money from me. (Note: I don’t the best of the lot. have a brother lazy or otherwise.) If you choose Introduce a new hire formally and informally. to incorporate this step, tailor questions that will Set the tone of your office atmosphere by making truly help reveal their character. the introduction of a new person feel important. The job interview is a key tool utilized in hiring. Make this action a way for you to show respect The job interview questions asked are critical in for them, and for your existing staff. All change is magnifying the power of the job interview to help somewhat threatening, and people in a work setyou in hiring the right employee. Interview questing can’t help but assess a newcomer against their tions that help you separate desirable candidates own skills and experience; therefore, it is crucial to from average candidates are fundamental when explain the new hire’s role in your company. This hiring an employee. With a more diverse work means a formal person-to-person introduction force, and jobs consisting of multiple skills every with everyone at their level in the organization, interview needs to have components other than as well as anyone they will report to or work for. questions, answers, and discussions. Walk the This small investment of time and energy can be candidate through the company. Ask about his the best way to integrate and welcome new hires or her experience with situations you point out and allow all your staff to celebrate the end of the during the walk. In a manufacturing company, workweek together. ask how the candidate would improve a process. At the end of the day, you know your business and Watch the candidate perform a task such as septhe goals that the employee you need. Happy hiring. arating parts or components to get a feel for their mod e s tl yb ol d ma g. com| MOD E S T L Y BOL D ® MAGAZI NE | 159

Desire vs Reward of Entrepreneurship As people we have the need to get ahead in life, that is, to have a source of income, which allows us to have what it takes to provide for our own. Normally, there are two options for doing this: the first one is being employees of a work center where we perform some activity that will be remunerated, and the second is having our own business, in some extraordinary cases both, but let’s focus on the second option “have our own business”. There are two reasons why the decision is made to start a personal business, one is by necessity and another is by the desire to do so, but both push us to carry it out, however, there are people who do not feel able to undertake it , others feel apt but do not know how, and in other cases they feel suitable, they know how but they do not have the time, no matter what the case, in all the constant is the purpose of doing it; One of the phrases that Napoleon Hill (writer, journalist and American professor) quoted was: “Thoughts are things, very powerful things when combined with the accuracy of purpose, perseverance and an imperious desire to turn them into wealth, or in other material objects. “ These thoughts (ideas) can land them and turn them into wealth, and here is the question that all those who seek to start a business are asked. How can I start a business? In a statistic made by the newspaper El Financiero, it is shown that 75% of the companies created close after two years of operation, among the main causes weak finances, lack of objectives and poor planning. This is not to discourage, but to understand the causes and put emphasis on them, so that our business grows and has more opportunity to remain as a business in motion. Next, we discuss some of the most basic steps to create or start a business, which will not keep our business:

First: We must have a motivation to start our business, if there is no real and genuine motivation we would be starting with no solid foundation. Second: We must have an idea and to the extent possible to have it well analyzed, that is, be clear about what you want to create or do in your business. The next thing is to determine the service or product that you are going to offer to your clients knowing well who you will sell it to; do not launch without a direction, before detecting the needs of the market. Third: Generally we start alone or we start alone, and surely the time will come when we should look for a good team. You can have an excellent idea that is viable and consolidate it, however, it is healthy to get people who can contribute to your idea, it is important not to be afraid to share or make known your idea and / or your project, remember better are two that one. Fourth: After having defined your idea (what you are going to do to do) and who could contribute more to your project, it is important at this point to ask yourself: How can I make it work? We must have a scheme or as it is commonly called “Business Plan” in which we have clear key elements, with the intention of focusing on them, these key elements can be: the technical issues of my project, the way in which I will financially operate (have the resources), the market that I will serve (the people or companies to which I will sell them), commitment of the people who will support me to carry out the project, the utility I hope to have, etc. There is no flight plan, the plane can take a different direction to the one we were looking for. Fifth: It is very important to consider the necessary funds to start working and not only to start working, but to keep it operating until we can observe that there is constant income, to reach

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the point where we say “The business is being maintained alone”. There are sources of financing, same that you should consider in your business plan, since in all there are pros and cons, same that you will have to value, and consider the most convenient for your idea. Sixth: Do not wait any longer, take the flight, the best time to invest is today, do not let your ideas stay like that, how ideas, dare, and know that there is much potential in you. The reward of entrepreneurship 1. The opportunity to grow with new challenges One of the best things about being an entrepreneur is that you get out of the monotony of checking with a clock, and doing the same monotonous work every day. As a business owner, you face new challenges and tasks on a daily basis. In fact, it is rare that you do the same thing two days in a row. The best part of carrying out new activities is that it gives you the opportunity to grow and learn, which will eventually make you a better entrepreneur. 2. You surround yourself with great people Although it is very pleasant to receive an always constant payment, working on a regular schedule has its disadvantages. Perhaps the biggest one is that you have to work in an environment that you do not choose. That means you can not say anything about the companions that touch you. Therefore, a common complaint is that you can not get along with your supervisors or your colleagues. When you are the boss, you choose who you want to work with. If it turns out that you contrast someone you do not take with you, you have the option to let it go. 3. Make your own way The ability to determine the success or failure of your business is a great incentive for many entrepreneurs. In fact, many business owners cite this as the only reason to start. Since the entrepreneur tends to attract those of a specific mentality, the business environment is a great place for you, if you enjoy making big decisions. 4. Flexible agenda Although we commonly associate entrepreneurship with long hours at unpredictable times, there is another side to that. Starting a new business sometimes gives you more flexibility than you would as a full-time employee. For example, many business owners have more time to travel and participate in various activities. 5. Financial potential There are many different motivations to do one thing or another. For example, some are motivated to help others, while others are motivated to find new challenges. But what you get going, surely is accompanied by the financial rewards that awaits those who can overcome the risks of undertaking. As a business owner, you're usually one step away from making big profits. By: Alejandro Rojas

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CHEF SIMONE BRIDGES:

Walking In My Purpose Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I believe that I am definitely hand-picked by God to do great things here on earth. I’m only 12 years old and I’m the true definition of going for the gold and walking in my purpose. As a baker, entrepreneur, author, motivational speaker and youth STEM/ STREAM advocate, I knew at the tender age of three that I had a passion for baking.

MY STORY. I’ll never forget the day that my grandmother, Phyllis Williams, allowed me to assist her in the kitchen while she baked cakes. I would stare at her for hours while she added ingredients and mixed the batter. After I stood in one spot and watched her every move, she gave me the spoon. I thought it was the best treat ever. The batter was so delicious that I didn’t leave one speck. My grandmother is an old-school cook, who is also a caterer; needless to say she can cook anything. One day, I finally mustered up enough courage to ask her if I could help. She looked at me and responded, “Girl, you’re not going to burn down my house.” I didn’t give up and asked her again. This time, without hesitation she pulled a chair from the dining room table and positioned it so that I could stand on it to see what she was doing. She proceeded to hand me a cup of milk and told me to pour it in slowly while she stirred the batter. I smiled at her and followed every instruction given. Yes, this was the beginning of living my dream out loud. From that point on, I never missed an opportunity to help her bake. Baking soon became my niche. I distinctly recall one fond memory when I was five years old. My sister Jasmine Bridges was approaching nine. It was Mother’s Day and she was preparing a meal for our mom. I pleaded for her to let me assist with the preparation. Her response was for me to go cook something on my Easy Bake oven, versus the conventional oven that she was using. Prior to that single moment in time, my Easy Bake oven had been nothing short of a slice of heaven since I was three years old. Every Christmas, I just had to have the newest version. 1 64 | S PEC IA L E DI TI O N 2 0 1 8 | m o d estl y bol d ma g . com

However, in that very moment, it was no longer my prize possession. Now, the shining spotlight was on the conventional oven. I wanted that “feeling” of baking like my grandma. I craved more. I always desired to cook on the “big” oven. More importantly, I admire my mom, so I definitely wanted to be a part of making something for her special day. By the time I was seven, I was so focused on baking daily and improving my craft. I would daydream at school about what I desired to bake when I arrived home. Anything and everything surrounding me appeared as inspiration. From commercials to food in the grocery store, and basically anything that displayed food, had my wheels turning on original dishes that I could create. I absolutely love making anything with apples. They are one of my favorite fruits to use when baking. Apples have such a refine flavor that can be manipulated in a million ways using various techniques. My most popular apple origination is called, “Apple Supreme.” The key ingredients are peanut butter, walnuts, pecans, cinnamon, brown sugar, and of course apples. I gave myself praise for inventing that dessert. LOL! My family and friends can’t get enough of mouthwatering inventions. Everyone complimented me on how delicious and unique it tasted. My mom, Arica Bridges, is the household “taste tester.” Once she approved it, I knew that I was on to something huge.

Kids all across the world are showing that they are creative, confident, and natural leaders. What better time to be a Kid Entrepreneur than now? Being young, doesn’t mean that you can’t have BIG dreams. I speak at a lot of engagements and I often tell kids and adults that they can be anything that they aspire to be. If you are innovative and have an idea on how to make something better or to invent something unique, go for it. Even if you fail over and over again, don’t give up. I’ve had plenty of recipes that weren’t successful and that was okay, because it taught me lessons. I learned which ingredients didn’t pair well together. I actually call those my success stories, because those experiences enabled me to have many more successful recipes. THE BIG DAY. On January 28, 2017, I opened Goddess Food Factory. Inspiring chefs of all ages, come to learn how to make sweet treats.

As time went by and I grew older, I begin to ask everyone and anyone to allow me to help them in the kitchen. My dad, Elgin Bridges can make anything from southern comfort food to Caribbean delights. He loves cooking and I love baking, so we became kitchen buddies. The kitchen has always been my safe haven to talk about anything that I wanted with him. If I felt defeated after trying to master a new dessert, he reminded me that I was born to win and never give up. Until this day, I still remember all of the motivational chats that we had and I still apply them for various situations today. It’s so important to have someone that you can go to for moral support. mod e s tl yb ol d ma g.com| MOD E S T L Y BOLD ® MA G AZI NE | 165

Most of the time, I facilitate the classes, but with the growing success of the business, many local bakers and chefs have offered to help instruct classes to adults and children. Birthday parties at Goddess Food Factory are such a pleasure for me, as well as the guests. I get to meet a lot of new people and I’m not quite use to being thought of as a local celebrity yet. When birthday guests see me in person for the first time, some kids scream, jump up and down, or get really bashful when I go to greet them. I give them a huge hug and let them know that I’m equally excited to spend their birthday with them. If loving hugs come with fame, I humbly welcome it. EXS.T.R.E.A.M. BAKING. Word quickly began to spread like wildfire about my unique twist on traditional pastries. I received visits by master chefs, celebrities and people from everywhere; both local in Jacksonville, Florida and beyond. Due to an overwhelming number of requests for my recipes combined with my love for STEM, I created the ExS.T.R.E.A.M. Baking Program. Shortly after the program, I added ExS.T.R.E.A.M. Baking Subscription Boxes which are monthly baking subscription boxes that infuses baking and cooking with Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics. As a student at Darnell-Cookman School of the Medical Arts, my love for Science and Mathematics has also coined me the nickname of the “STEM Chef.” Today, my subscription baking boxes has reached the homes of 46 states and 3 countries. The lesson that I learned was to be a continuous learner and to be creative with my business. This allowed my company to endure and expand. MAJOR MOVES. On October 30, 2017 I was featured on Steve Harvey’s new talk show, Steve. He kept me laughing the whole time while we baked my famous Snicker Brownies. My business was on a new level of success and I was so proud. Although my mission is to empower and inspire youth to dream the I’m Possible, it felt really good for me to get recognition for

my hard work and perseverance. With my new fame, I was being booked to speak to children all over the United States. I was truly making an impact of the lives of so many other youths. I love encouraging kids to find their passion and to use their gift to make great changes in their communities and the world. Just when I thought that it couldn’t get any better, LeBron James emailed me. On May 28, 2018, I became one of ten kids who are a part of LeBron James, “Always Believe” campaign. Although I ran around the house in pure joy, I humbly accepted the honor. I was chosen because of the work that I do with kids to increase the importance of STEM/STREAM awareness, education, and careers. We should all be the light that shine for others, especially if we have a platform to do so. AUTHOR. With notoriety, comes responsibility. I felt a strong need to tell my story and share the recipe for my success. Along with a group of other mini moguls, we co-authored a book, The Science Behind It: Formulating Success at Any Age. In the book, I share how I overcame challenges, provided business literature suggestions, tell the benefits of having a mentor, give recommendations for business must haves and more. Recently, I started a kidpreneur start up class titled, “How to be a Mogul”. I teach other kids everything they need to know about starting their own business. I plan to have a series of workshops that teaches them how to expand their business as well. GOD’S PLAN. This year, God led me to create The Simone Bridges Foundation. It’s a nonprofit organization for kids. They’ll learn about good moral citizenship, STEM/STREAM careers, and entrepreneurship which is vital in order for them to be able to compete on a global scale in the future. My plan is to have community and business partners who would pour into the children and show them how much the community cares. I want to be able to donate to other organizations, sponsor trips for kids who never get to experience traveling beyond their

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local neighborhoods and to have various toy and food drives. There is so much that is possible. My dreams and goals are huge. Why shouldn’t they be? I’m here to change the world. And hopefully, the kids who attend the classes and activities offered by my foundation, will pour back into the community as well. WHAT’S NEXT. Although, I still feel like I’m dreaming at times, I know that God has placed this gift in me. I can’t wait to see what He has

NR: Tell name.

me about the origin of your company’s

CS: Well I always wanted to be a goddess. But my first name was Angel Food Factory. I looked it up and I saw that Angel Food Factory was already taken. So I said, “well let me see what else describes me”. And I was like “oh goddess”. I just didn’t want pastries. And I didn’t want to name it dessert factory so I named it Goddess Food Factory. And that’s where the name came from.

NR: What’s your specialty baking food? CS: I think my speciality would be my snicker brownies because I am really good at making them. They are super duper delicious and especially when you’re breaking apart the brownie the caramel just starts dripping and the chocolate melts in your mouth. It’s so good.

NR: What inspired you to start your own company? CS: Well my mom has her own company called Lavish Moments and that is what inspired me to have my own business. My grandma inspired me to bake. So why not put both of them together and make a business out of baking and doing what she does? I wanted something that was different and not just a regular baking business. So I decided to include STREAM in it. STREAM stands for: Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art and Mathematics. Through baking and cooking, I infuse

in store for my future. My Earthly desires, are to create a series of cookbooks, own a chain of bakeries and to bake delicious delights for the Obamas and Oprah. In the meantime, I’ll continue to encourage everyone who desires to learn, to step out on faith and pursue their dreams. Sharing my love for baking is me walking in my purpose. I am the poster child for “Dreaming Big and Never Giving Up.” by: Arica Bridges

STREAM so it can be an educational baking fun experience.

NR: How

do you incorporate

baking educational?

STREAM

to make

With my extreme baking boxes it breaks down the STREAM standards and infuses it inside of baking. For example, for science, mixing some liquid ingredients and solid ingredient, like flour or sugar, to make some type of batter form. It would either come out as a liquid or a solid depending on how much the proportion size of the ingredients you put inside of the bowl. When you mix it together you'll never know, until you finish.

NR: Who

is the one person that has influenced

your way of thinking when it comes to business?

CS: Well my mom, she's a reading coach and she knows a lot about the school and STREAM concepts. She is the person that breaks everything down to me. It helps me understand why it is so important to put it in there. She and I came up with the idea of infusing STREAM inside of everything. Who would have thought that technology would be so important in everything? Who would have thought that art was so important? And a lot of people didn't pay attention to that. And at first, I didn't pay attention to it either. So my mom is that person.

NR: If

you could advise one person that was

scared to step out and fulfill their dreams what

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would you tell them?

CS: I would tell them to go for their dreams and don't let anything stop you. It's one thing if you would like something and it's another thing if you love something. I went through that phase where people were telling me, “Simone there's a lot of bakers out there and you're really good at dancing and singing. You should dance or sing”. Those are two things that I like to do but those weren't two things that I love to do. Liking is like. You can do it and you will have fun doing it but you don’t want to do it every single day. You would probably get tired of it but if it is something that you love, you will never get tired of it. You never want to stop doing it. You're always keep doing it and would never find it hard or anything. Because it's something that you love to do. So that's where baking comes in. It's something that I love to do and never get tired of it.

NR: What do you think are some must have traits for an entrepreneur? CS: You must be unique in your own type of way. You must have something that's different about you, something that makes you pop something, that makes you stand out in front of everybody. So for me that would be STREAM. There's not a lot of bakers, I don't even know one baker, that includes STREAM inside of everything that they do. I wanted something that was different. I didn't want to be an original baker, just making some regular pastries. I wanted something different to educate kids and teach them STREAM and make them realize how important it is to infuse stream inside of everything. And I do that by infusing that inside of baking.

NR: What

motivates you to continue your dream

after a tough hurdle?

CS: Well I always have my fans to motivate me. Their nice comments when I'm going through a tough time always cheer me up. But most importantly, I have my family. You share everything with your family, like tough times so when I feel overwhelmed I always look to my family and talk to them about it. And they say, “Simone, you just keep being you, you're doing so well.” Just talk to

them and they'll keep you going. So most importantly is my family.

NR: When items?

you relax, what are you must have

CS: I must have some food. I love food and it makes me happy. Just eating food makes me happy. If I'm in a bad mood and I get some food, I'm happy again. I love to watch movies. I love to cuddle up inside of my bed with the covers surrounding me and watch movies. That's a great relaxing day for me. Just eating me some food and watching movies is just wonderful and it calms me. It makes everything clear in my mind.

NR: What is your ultimate dream and when do you know that you have reached it? CS: My ultimate dream is becoming a successful baker and I knew that I have reached that goal when, it is just that feeling that you feel. I don't know how to describe it. When you feel like you've been waiting to accomplish a goal forever and ever and when you finally accomplish it, it's like you realized when you first started I was just a regular person that was just trying to become a baker. At first all I wanted to do was just bake but now it's so many things I do now. And I never knew I could do all of this. I have my own products. I have my own subscription boxes. I've been on TV, the news and all that. It's like I've done a lot. And for me to notice and see that, is really great. So I know that I have reached success.

NR: Tell me about your non-profit organization. CS: I am starting my non-profit organization called Goddess Girls. I really want to teach all things girly. I want to teach them about the importance of being yourself and how to stand up for yourself and to be the great person they are meant to be. Goddess Girls will be having a lot of fun doing some sleep overs, some parties, doing some culinary classes, some baking classes and just having a lot of fun hanging out. So I’m starting my non-profit organization. So if you want to attend make sure you stay tuned. Check out my website goddessfoodfactory.com for more details.

NR: What makes you Modestly Bold?

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CS: Well those shy points was in the beginning when I really didn't know how to communicate with people. I was having a hard time doing that and I was really quiet. When I went to places where you could connect with other entrepreneurs, I was really, really quiet and I felt like I didn't really belong because most of the time I was the only child. I was around all of these adults and I didn't know what to do. But what mades me Modestly Bold was when I took a stand and was like you know what I'm not going to get anywhere not talking to people and not connecting. I decided to talk to other people, look at some videos on how to come out of my little shell. Immediately when I came out

of my shell, I met a lot more people. I was so happy that I did that because if not I wouldn't be where I am now. So that's what made me Modestly Bold.

NR: Is there anything else that you would like to tell the readers, entrepreneurs or other kids? CS: Shoot for the stars and to make sure that your future job is something that you love to do. And make it different and something that will make you stand out in the crowd. Make sure to follow me on my social media sites @goddessfoodjax and all orders can be placed on my website goddessfoodfactory.com. Just always live life to the fullest and spread shimmery sweet fun everywhere you go and be the great person you are meant to be.

NR: NaTeneshia Renée CS: Chef Simone

goddessfoodjax goddessfoodfactory.com

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Chocolate Chip and M&M Cookie Photos and Recipe provided by Chef Simone

Preheat the oven to 375 Fahrenheit.

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and the brown sugar together until it’s light and fluffy.

Then, beat in the two eggs and add the vanilla extract.

In a separate medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda and salt. Then, blend the dry mixture into the creamed mixture.

Stir in M&M’s and chocolate morsels.

Using an ice cream scooper or a tablespoonful, scoop the cookie dough and place it 3 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets or parchment paper on pan.

Bake the cookies for about 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Let the cookies sit on a cookie sheet for about 2 minutes. Remove the cookies to wired racks, until it cools completely.

Eat and enjoy.

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Ingredients 1 Cup Unsalted, Softened (2 sticks) Butter 2 1/4 Cup All-Purpose Flour 3/4 Cup Brown Sugar 3/4 Cup 1 TSP 3/4 TSP 2 1 TSP

Granulated Sugar Baking Soda Salt Eggs Vanilla Extract M&M Chocolate 1 1/4 Cup Candies Nestle Milk Choco1 Cup late Morsels

Grandma’s Pecan Pie Photos and Recipe provided by Chef Simone

Preheat the oven to 350 Fahrenheit.

In a medium saucepan, mix the cornstarch, sugar, corn syrup, butter and water.

Then, bring to a full boil and stir. Once heated, remove the syrup mixture from the heat.

In a large bowl, beat eggs until foamy. Gradually add and beat in the cooked syrup mixture.

Stir in vanilla, salt, and pecans.

Then, pour mixture into the pie shell.

Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until filling is set. Let the pie sit on a cooling rack for about 20 minutes or until it cools completely.

Eat and enjoy.

Ingredients 1 3/4 Cup White Sugar 2 TSP Cornstarch 1/4 TSP Salt 1/4 Cup 1 TSP 3 1/4 Cup 1 TSP 1 1/4 Cup 1 (9 inch)

Dark Corn Syrup Vanilla Extract Eggs Butter Cold Water Chopped Pecans Sheet of Crust

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AR E YO U I N

good hands?! Types of commercial insurance:

An insurance company offers protection against risks for individuals and companies. In what it consists, you pay a regular fee (called premium) for a policy that describes the damage or loss against which you are insured, and the damages and losses against which you are not insured. There are two types of insurance companies: life insurance and general insurance. The most popular forms of policies include health, life, automobile, home, property and responsibility. When a damage or loss occurs, a claims adjuster determines if your policy covers it. The main function of commercial insurance: Insurance companies take risks based on actuaries that use statistics and probability to determine the general exposures assumed in a policy. Once your company determines your risk, subscribers write a policy and calculate your premium. They also define what is not insured. The premiums are charged to the insured and are invested. Insurance companies reserve money for the claims they expect to be made. Choose and acquire some of the insurance for companies that exist in the market, is not an easy task, since it requires an analysis to determine the basic needs of the organization and based on them, find the ideal product. One of the best ways to choose the right product to protect the assets of your company, is to find an option that suits the commercial sector that your organization is dedicated to.

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Fire: In this type of insurance, all assets that could be damaged and that are specified in the policy are protected, either by replacement or repair. Even in this type of coverage, damages that may result from an earthquake or volcanic eruption are also covered, it never hurts to protect oneself against natural disasters. Civil Liability: In case the company suffers damages caused by a third party, or in case the insured generates damages to other people due to a loss or eventuality, this type of coverage will cover the costs derived from it. Credit type: With this type of insurance, you will be covered in the event that the insolvency of a debtor client is presented for commercial credits. So the company may have this benefit in their favor by taking out insurance with this type of coverage. Pharmacist: There are insurance for companies designed specifically for organizations in the pharmaceutical sector, where potential risks that respond to different natures are analyzed, some of them are: • • • •

Civil liability for clinical trials. Product contamination risks. Environmental responsibility. Material damage.

For this sector, for example, analyzes and

constant updates are carried out in the policies of the policies according to the continuous dynamics of the sector. There are many other types of insurance for companies that can respond to the needs of the sector and size of your company, however, the only way to detect which is the best or most suitable for you, is contacting an insurance adviser capable of dissipating all your doubts about it. Professional liability insurance Business owners who provide services should consider having professional liability insurance (also known as insurance against errors and omissions). This type of coverage protects your company against illicit practices, errors and negligence in the provision of services to its customers. Depending on your profession, the state government may ask you to obtain the policy. For example, in certain states, doctors must have coverage against negligence as a condition for professional practice. Insurance for home-based businesses Contrary to popular belief, insurance policies for homeowners generally do not cover the losses suffered by businesses that develop in the home. Depending on the risks to which your company is exposed, you can add conditions to your homeowner’s insurance policy to obtain coverage against common risks, such as property damage. However, the policies of homeowners only cover certain points for businesses that are developed in the home, so you may need to purchase additional policies to get coverage against other risks, such as general and professional liability insurance. What we have to take into account: Insurance plays a key role in modern economies, providing adequate means to replace the loss or destruction of material goods and guaranteeing a minimum purchasing power in case of illness, accident or death. In addition, the huge capital reserves that insurance companies need to pay compensation payments are invested, making them a source of funding for the industry to increase its investments or capital assets. Insurance companies constantly expand their scope of competence by insuring people against new risks. In previous years it was normal for home insurance to protect against catastrophes such as earthquakes, wars, the risk of nuclear explosion or radiation and other similar events. However, during the 1980s insurance companies have expanded their coverage, so that now almost all possible risks can be covered. Finally we have that the policy, is the evidential instrument par excellence of the contract celebrated between the insured and the insurer. It is advisable before celebrating, read all the clauses contained in it, to have a complete information of its terms and conditions. It reflects the rules that in a general, particular or special way regulate the contractual relationship agreed between the insurer and the insured. The fact of having contracted insurance does not exempt the contracting party from taking the necessary precautions to avoid the damage, and it is advisable to adapt the conditions of the insurance to the real circumstances of each moment. Writer: Anderson Uzcategui

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The Purpose of Networking by: Alejandro Rojas

A network in general can be defined as the set of network devices physically interconnected either wired or wireless that share resources and communicate with each other through rules communication protocols. Similar to its own network of contacts, suppliers, partners and customers, a computer network is simply a unified connection of your computers, printers, faxes, modems, servers and, sometimes, also your phones. The real connections are made using a wiring that can be hidden behind the work tables, under the floor or on the roof. The computer network allows its technological resources (and, therefore, its employees) to "talk" to each other; It will also allow you to connect your company to the Internet and can provide you with many additional benefits such as teleconferencing, multimedia activity, transfer of video files and graphic files at high speed. • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Network devices. Workstation (Workstation) A server (server) Printer (printer) Hub (Hub) Switch packet (Switch) Router (router) Access point (access point) CD console (Jukebox) Satellite modems Analog modems Earth stations via satellite Telephone switches Among others.

Parameters that define a Network Topology: Physical arrangement in which the network device connects to the medium Physical medium: Physical cable (or frequency of the electromagnetic spectrum) to interconnect devices to the network

Media access protocol: Rules that determine how devices identify each other and how they are incorporated into the communication medium to send and receive information. The fundamental purposes of a network are the following: A computer is a machine that is used to manipulate data. Human beings, as communicative beings, quickly understood why it would be useful to connect teams to each other to exchange information. A computer network can have different purposes: • • • • •

Exchange of resources (files, applications or hardware, an Internet connection, etc.) Communication between people (email, live discussions, etc.) Communication between processes (for example, between industrial equipment) Guarantee of unique and universal access to information (network databases) Multiplayer video games

Networks are also used to standardize applications. The term groupware is generally used to refer to tools that allow several people to work in a network. For example, group agendas and email can be used to communicate more quickly and efficiently. Below is a brief description of the advantages of such systems: • • •

Lower costs due to shared data and peripherals Standardization of applications Access to data on time

More effective communication and organization Currently, thanks to the Internet, we are witnessing a unification of the networks. Therefore, the advantages of installing a network are multiple, whether for a trade or for private use. The objectives of the network are the following: The primary objective of a network, in general,

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is to share resources among the teams that are part of that network, regardless of the physical location of each team.

communication rules (better known as high-level ones), capable of providing services that are useful.

These resources can be of different types, depending on the plan for which the network was set up. For example, you can create a home network of 2 or 3 computers to share files with each other, share the printer (which is only connected to one of those computers), share the internet connection, among others.

The protocols are a concept very similar to the languages of the people. If two people speak the same language, it is possible to communicate and transmit ideas.

Internet is, in itself, a network of computers and devices that allows sharing information worldwide, using various types of devices (cell phones, PCs, televisions, among others). A computer network must comply with the objective of being RELIABLE, that is, that the connection is stable. How the network works: As in any communication process, a sender, a message, a medium and a receiver are required. The main purpose for the creation of a computer network is to share resources and information in the distance, ensure the reliability and availability of information, increase the speed of data transmission and reduce the cost. An example is the Internet, which is a large network of millions of computers located in different parts of the planet interconnected basically to share information and resources.

The most important reason (maybe the only one) about why there is differentiation between the physical layer and the logic is simple: when there is a division between both, it is possible to use an almost infinite number of different protocols, which facilitates the update and migration between different technologies. To be able to form a network, elements are required: Hardware, software and protocols. The physical elements are classified into two large groups: end user devices (hosts) and network devices. The end user devices include computers, printers, scanners, and other elements that provide services directly to the user and the latter are all those that connect with each other to the end user devices, enabling their intercommunication.

The purpose of a network is to interconnect the hardware components of a network, and therefore, mainly, the individual computers, also called hosts, to the computers that put What must be considered: the services on the network, the servers, usThe communication through a network is caring the wiring or wireless technology supried out in two different categories: the physical ported by the network electronics and linked by wiring or radio frequency. layer and the logical layer. The physical layer includes all the elements that a computer uses to communicate with other computers within the network, such as network cards, cables, antennas, etc. The communication through the logical layer is governed by very rudimentary rules that by themselves are of little use. However, making use of these standards, it is possible to build the so-called protocols, which are more complex

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The Cupcake Experience I am Ginger Taylor and the owner of The Cupcake Experience. I specialize in alcohol infused cupcakes. Two years ago, if you would have told me that I would be living in Dallas and baking cakes, I would have told you, you were crazy! I was never a baker, and I don’t even drink. So the fact that I bake cakes on a daily and have bought more alcohol in the last month than I’ve bought my whole life, is funny to me.

I started baking 2 years ago when I was still living in California. I have been a hair stylist for over 20 years and owned a salon. There was a guy that would come into the salon and sale praline candy. I was addicted, and then he stopped making it. So I had to figure out how to make them. I found the right recipe and started whipping up batches. It was so good that my clients would ask to buy them. Then I had this bright idea to make some red velvet flavored ones. “Make a red velvet cake”, one of my clients told me, so I did. I took it to the salon and ended up selling 30 cakes by the following weekend. Then I thought, I’ll stick with cakes! I learned how to decorate them from watching YouTube, ‘The school of Youtube’. I started making cupcakes with alcohol because a customer asked for them. I posted a pic and then 90% of my orders turned into alcohol infused cupcakes. I’ve been in Dallas for a little over a year now. Haven’t really made any friends. I’m always telling myself, “girl you’ve got to get you some friends.” Then last month it finally hit me. I don’t really want friends, I want businessminded people around me like a mentor, someone who loves the hustle just as much as I do. So at that moment, I decided to start a organization that helps small business owners find the people that they need to grow their business. I will help place them with the 4 most important people that they need on their team to help take them to the next level. I use to love attending networking events, then it started to feel like kindergarten. I outgrew it. I was getting what I needed from it and I was inspiring more people at the events with my story then the people they paid to see. I’m in the beginning stages of this company, but I am excited for the greatness I know it will bring.

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NR: Tell me about your childhood and how has it molded your adulthood? GT: Both of my parents were entrepreneurs and I guess I learned a lot from them because I've never had a real job so to speak, a 9-5. I've always had my own business. So I guess from seeing them have their own I never even really thought about having a 9 to 5.

NR: What is the purpose of you wanting to be your own boss? GT: FREEDOM! Being able to work when I want. Basically do what I want, wherever I want, and charge what I want.

NR: What's the story behind your business name? GT: I eventually want to open a cupcake and wine lounge. So the whole cupcake experiences was because it would be a whole different experience than just going to a bakery picking up a cupcake and leaving. Where you would come and you can have a cupcake and glass of wine, have open mic night, poetry and all that. Just a different experience.

NR: Who is the one person that has influenced you way of thinking when it comes to business? GT: Everybody probably says this but it's probably Oprah. Just from being younger listening to her and being like I want to be the hardest working women in the business.

NR: What are some must have traits that an entrepreneur should have? GT: You should be good with finances because you have to know how to budget your money because you're not getting paid a regular check. So I'll say finances and being a people person. Because you have to deal with the public.

NR: How do you manage your everyday life and business? GT: Usually I will bake during the day. Like during the school year. I have 2 kids. So I'll bake while they're at school and then after that I should be done by the time they are out. And then i can just dedicate the rest of that time to them.

NR: If you can advise a person that is scared to step out and fulfill their dreams, what would you tell me?

GT: You have to just do it! If it's something that you really love and you feel like this is really your passion and you can't live without doing it, then Just Do It! When I moved here to Dallas a year ago, I didn't have a job. I wasn't doing cupcakes full time. I was still doing hair. And I just got up one day and said I'm moving to Dallas. And I moved and started my cupcake business. And I think this business within the last year has been better than my 20 years of doing hair.

NR: What makes this business different than being a hairstylist? GT: With hair, I really loved it and I didn't understand why everyone didn't want to do hair. And then one day, I just didn't like it anymore. It became a job. And maybe it's because of the 20 years or maybe it's because of the new hair stuff that was coming out that I didn't really want to deal with. So I just started baking one day and I really 1 8 0 | S PEC IA L ED I T I O N 2 0 1 8 | m od estl y bol d ma g . com

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liked it. It's something new so it's always something different to do with it. And everybody likes to eat and everybody needs a cake.

NR: What is your brainstorming place that you go to create your next product or service? GT: It's crazy but the shower. I get all my ideas when I get in the shower. If I get stumped, I'll be like let me go take a shower. Maybe it's because I'm all alone and I can just stand there and think. But I get all of my great ideas in the shower.

NR: In your bio, you spoke of networking events as becoming kindergarten. How did you eliminate that childish feeling of networking? GT: There are certain networking groups that I think do a really good job at helping you like pairing you with mentors and things of that nature. I just felt like a lot of them were just the meet and greet and that's it. Where they don't really introduce you to anybody. And I don't think they are different now, it's just a meet and greet and that's it.

NR: What makes you Modestly Bold? GT: Because if I get an idea and I want to do it, then I'm going to do it. And if someone tells me it's not a good idea or I shouldn't, then that's going to make me want to do it even more. Just to prove them wrong.

NR: Is there anything else that you would like to add that would help a fellow entrepreneur or someone scared to be an entrepreneur to take that step? GT: I would say if they are scared to take the step, to keep your regular job but pursue your passion. And if your passion becomes greater than your 9-5, then finally let go of your 9-5.

NR: NaTeneshia Renée GT: Ginger Taylor

thecupcakeexperience1

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Business Conflict Resolution WRITTEN BY: ALEJANDRO ROJAS All, as living beings that we develop in society, we are destined to coexistence and we have the need to communicate, it is obvious that conflicts are an element of active presence in our day to day. But it is important to clarify that conflicts can originate in any detail and that it is not necessary for more people to enter into a discussion, there are intrapersonal and interpersonal conflicts. The intrapersonal conflicts, as the name explains it, are all those we have with our interior, that is, with ourselves. Surely there is something about you that you do not like and that causes you a conflict. Like this example, there may be many others. But on this occasion, we will not talk about this type of conflicts but about the interpersonal conflicts that arise within our work space. Interpersonal conflicts are those that arise from the interaction with more people, whether with our family, friends, partner, co-workers, etc. Obviously many of these problems are due to our social, cultural, ideals, values and all other aspects that define us. So, looking at it in this way, who has not had a conflict at least once in their life? No one! It is impossible. Although many people see conflicts as something bad or that should be avoided, the reality is that this is not the case, problems are opportunities for growth. Think about some conflict that you have had and that you were able to solve effectively, how did the relationship with that person change? Did communication work better? Surely the answer is yes. Within a company, maintaining good relations with colleagues is essential. But saying “maintain” does not mean that conflicts are unnecessary, on the contrary! The differences are what make companies so successful and teams so versatile, especially nowadays, that every time teams become multicultural and more diverse. THE SOLUTION OF CONFLICTS IN MULTICULTURAL COMPANIES The reality in companies today is multiculturalism. We find many transnational companies that, within their logistic processes, have the sending of some of their elements to different countries. In many occasions their stay is short but

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in many others, they can stay for years. This, added to the migration and to the change of residence that many people decide to do, originates that there are work teams with different nationalities, cultures, languages, religions, etc. This is a reality that has reached us, therefore, the ability to negotiate and solve conflicts in companies is essential within the members of the teams. But how do we learn to negotiate? There are several strategies that help us in the resolution of conflicts, however, a lot depends on us and our social skills. Next I will give you some tips to consider to achieve the solution of conflicts in companies: Understand the context: Each one of those involved in the problem has a different context and to be able to find a solution it is necessary to first understand their environment to give us an idea of what their thinking, tastes and way of being are like. With this it will be easier to “speak in your language” and be able to negotiate to solve the conflict, which is the objective. Inform yourself: Much of the negotiation and conflict resolution in companies is based on persuasion and to be able to persuade information is needed. That is why gathering as much information as possible can be decisive in the resolution process. For example, if you are in conflict with your boss about productivity and work hours, you can look for information and statistics that help make your argument more valid and fully persuade. Creativity: Many times finding solutions depends on the creativity of those involved, that is, looking beyond the obvious things or the processes that you have always done. Applying creativity can give you great results and better solution opportunities. The important thing is that none of the parties involved are closed to negotiation or to maintain an open communication. Negotiate: We must understand that to negotiate is to reach an agreement where all the involved parties come out totally benefited, that is to say, we are not the only ones that we are going to win. You must find a consensus to achieve a win-win. Something very important to reach the solution is always to tell the truth, not cheat opens the doors and also creates a climate of trust, so the other parties involved in the conflict will feel calm to be negotiating with us, it will be easier to get there to a solution. After following these tips, you will surely be able to negotiate and give a solution to conflicts in the companies. The most important thing is that you develop this skill inside and outside the companies, because conflicts will always be present.

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Let’s Get Social By: Anderson Uzcategui

For companies that are beginning to see that the Internet can be an important communication and marketing channel, one of their main concerns should be to position their product on social networks and seek greater visibility in search engines. A person or company can have a great website or blog but if nobody finds it they will not get anything. That is why it is imperative that small businesses start using social media marketing to reduce their dependence on search engines and to gain new sources of traffic to their websites or blogs. There are many social sites dedicated to your business being recognized, although with different approaches, which we will mention below are some of them: YouTube, Mister Wong, Facebook, Delicious, Digg, Meneame, Fresqui, Bitácoras, Google bookmarks, Linkedin, Instagram, Yahoo Anwers. Then, it is necessary to test the ones that seem most suitable to your target audience. And very often the best option results from a combination of several of these sites. Here we present ways in which entrepreneurs can take advantage of the benefits of marketing through social networks or interaction: Have your own blog or website: This seems to be very obvious but most of the small companies or independent professionals do not have it or do not know how to use it to boost their ventures. A blog is an excellent opportunity to connect with your current and potential clients. 1. A platform like WordPress.org is widely disseminated and is free. There are lots of templates ready to use, so the investment in money may be less: a domain, a hosting and ready. You can even use wordpress.com that provides you with free hosting, although with some restrictions; but it is an excellent way to start, put in the weather and then if you see that the medium is you can go to your own domain and hire a designer to make you an exclusive design for your company. All the content you have on one platform can be passed without problems to the other. 2. Comment on other blogs of the same or complementary theme: Blogging involves creating relationships with other members of the blogosphere, participating in conversations. For that it is necessary to investigate a little and see other blogs related to your topic to be able to participate by giving your opinions. Of course, that participation demands an investment of time but keep in mind that leaving useful and intelligent comments in other blogs, increases your authority in the matter and attracts traffic to your blog. Always think before pressing the "send" button if what you are thinking is of interest to someone or is just self propaganda and comments without utility. 3. Participate in Yahoo Answers in Spanish. If you want to position yourself as an expert in your specialty, share your experience answering some questions in Yahoo Answers and you can establish a direct connection with a potential client. But keep in mind that if you do not have a blog or website you will not have where to attract those prospects, so the first point is essential.

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4. Use the video as a marketing tool. YouTube is the second search engine currently. Video cameras are increasingly cheaper, you do not need to be a movie star to make a small video demonstrating your knowledge, even a very short video can be very effective from the point of view of marketing. And you should know that YouTube is the biggest site to share videos, but it's not the only one, there are many other places where you can upload your videos and increase the points of contact. 5. Take photos of your products and share them on Instagram. The Instagram site can also be a digital marketing tool. There are many active armed groups on Instagram around brands or themes. Do some research and join to share photos of your business. 6. Subscribe to groups or mailing lists. This social marketing involves finding potential customers in the places they frequent. It's like in traditional marketing. If you are an architect working in private neighborhoods, then you will want to appear and show photos of your work in specialized decoration magazines and not in sports magazines. Below we share five tricks in social networks: Social networks offer various benefits to business owners. The evolution of different social platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn means that you need to be updated on both the general aspects and the specific aspects of each channel to meet your objectives. Know what is fashionable: If you can publish information that is current and relevant to your niche, and more importantly, for your clients, you will give the audience a reason to read your publications on social networks and then visit your site. Social networks speak a new language: And the language is that of images, videos and infographics. This type of media is generating excellent numbers for businesses that have made it a standard practice to use creatively. Grow your base: Reaching followers, subscribers and friends is key to creating a successful and enjoyable social media campaign. Save time: Whether you are running a one-person company or one that uses consumer information through customer relationship management systems, you need to automate certain processes. If you do not, then these will become slopes that you will start to avoid, which will diminish their effectiveness. Accept the change: When a social platform changes its guidelines, you have two options: Adapt or give up. When you bet on the first option, you give yourself a chance to occupy the space left by someone who abandoned the battle. With these diverse techniques you will be able to boost your business in a positive way, with the different recommended pages your business will reach a high recognition, do not hesitate and do these techniques.

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Posh

PROFESSIONAL Fall Flair:

How to Transition your Wardrobe from Summer to Fall We all have a brand. The question is are we managing it properly?! We spend so much time worrying about clientele, inventory, and marketing, but tend to forget, we are our biggest marketing tool. You are a walking billboard for your business. You want to make sure your appearance is purposeful and giving off the message you want to portray. As the seasons change, it can be difficult to transition your wardrobe. That fire red, power blazer you wore to get that contract this summer, may be a little too overpowering for the subdued colors of the fall. And if you’re anything like me, as a new business owner, most of my money is being used for other things rather than building an entirely new wardrobe every season. So, the question then becomes, how to take your summer pieces and make them applicable for the fall? No worries, I’m here to give you a few basic guidelines to help you carry those “power play” summer piece into the next season. A great guide to assist you with your transition into this season is the Fall/ Winter 2018 Pantone Color Guide. This guide is created by the team at the Pantone Color Institute, which studies the color trends of top designers from New York Fashion week. You can use this guide to help you mute some of those brighter colors you loved to wear during the summer. For example, you may have paired that power play, red blazer with a white skirt, which may be a little out of place for the fall. You can still use those pieces, but to give them a feel for the season, you may want to try pairing your red blazer with a Sargasso Sea colored pant, or pair that white skirt with a Quiet Gray top. Now, when choosing your colors, you want to make sure you are mindful of your undertones. An undertone is the pigmented color that you can see through your skin color. There are three classifications of undertones: warm, cool, and neutral. If you have warm undertones, you can usually see hints of peach, yellow, or gold in your skin. If your have cool undertones, you will usually see hints of pinks, reds, or blues. If you have a neutral undertone, you may have a hard time distinguishing any particular color, which means you have a wider variety of colors to choose from, when putting

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together an outfit. People with warm undertones tend to look more appealing in warmer colors. When picking colors for warm tones, think about fire. So, you may want to look at browns, yellow, oranges, and warm reds, etc. The opposite is true for cooler tones. When you pick out colors, think of a snowy day. You will lean more towards colors such as purples, blues, light pinks, etc. If you are a neutral tone, you may be able to play with warm or cool tones, it is your personal preference. All-in-all, there is only one real rule when it comes to fashion do’s- and-don’ts. Do what makes you happy! If you have a warm tone, but want to wear a lime green shirt, if you look in the mirror and have a smile on your face, that’s all that matters. At the end of the day it’s your business, your brand, your vision. These are just a few suggestions for those people who do not know where to start or want a little bit of advice on how to put an outfit together. The bottom line is be your own kind of beautiful.

by Sheena N. Holmes

snhartistry

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