Black Women Mean Business - Issue 2

W W W . B L AC K WO M E N M E A N B US I N ESS . C O M

ISS U E 0 0 2 | W I N T E R 2 0 2 1

Fund your business without your

It's time to Ditch the Pandemic

Clutter

FICO

a k i M

TIPS TO GET ORGANIZED

MANIFESTING MILLIONS! MIKA SAUNDERS ON MONEY, LEADERSHIP AND MORE!

More resources to start and grow your business

S

s r e aund

IDEAS & ACTION SCROLL-STOPPING GRAPHICS

S T R AT EGY, D E V E LO P M E N T & D E S I G N

www.elleseandco.com

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contents 0 8You're Slacking...

Shanicia Boswell on How Neglecting Self-Care as a Mompreneur Can Lead to Burnout

16 30Raising A Mogul Built to Last

Upclose with Mika Saunders, Mom, Financial Coach and Leader

Incorporating Entrepreneurship into your Homeschool Curriculum

34Money & Movement 46Pandemic Clutter

Learn How Movement Can Impact on Your Money

5+1 Tips to Get You Organized For

Success

THE SQUAD TAYLOR HONORE - Deputy Editor MARIA HARRIS - Senior Contributing Editor JASMINE WILLIS - Senior Copy Editor STACI MOORE - Senior Project Manager STEPHANIE ROSA - Senior Art Director

THE LEGAL STUFF:

The information contained in this publication is for informational purposes only and is subject to the terms and conditions found on www.blackwomenmeanbusiness.com. BWMB Magazine assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. The information contained about each individual, event or organization has been provided by the respective subject or contributor with no verification by us. Further, the opinion expressed in each article is the opinion of its contributor and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of BWMB Magazine, therefore, we carry no responsibility for the opinion expressed thereon.

All rights reserved copyright BWMB Magazine 2021

Contact: editorial@blackwomenmeanbusiness.com Advertising Inquiries hello@elleseandco.com 626.536.1227 WWW.BLACKWOMENMEANBUSINESS.COM 3

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Founder From the desk of the

What do you really want (more and less of)?

This past year has been all about perspective. I’ve made so many changes in my life, and until sitting down to write this message, I’m not sure how much real thought I put into how life-changing these events really were.

ENISHA LIGON-GARRETT Founder & Editor-in-Chief Black Woman Mean Business Instagram: @BWMBMagazine

I recently left my 9-5, and it was not planned the way many experts, and as we have even advised in our magazine.

I knew that I wanted to leave my job to pursue entrepreneurship full-time, but to be honest, it never felt imminent… until it did! You see, I worked in the legal profession for over 20 years.

During these same 20 years, I also started so many businesses. I knew even if I became a lawyer, the fire that I have inside of me for entrepreneurship would never die.

Truth be told, I never really hated my job, except for that one time; well, that’s a story for another day.

But honestly, I never really loved it either. At some point, I realized that I was not willing to be just OK another day. I wanted more time to grow my business and spend less time growing someone else’s dreams.

Fast forward to today, I want more of some of the things that we loath when we work for others, SOPs, staff meeting, and catered lunches; and less of the things that far too many entrepreneurs face, long days, sleepless nights, hiring the wrong people and grabbing quick unhealthy lunches.

I’ve gone down the path of really asking myself what do I want more of and what do I want less of, and more importantly, what changes am I willing to make to ensure that my desires are achieved. What are you willing to do to have more of and less of?

From our incredible contributors to the ever so fabulous Mika Saunders, who is gracing our cover and sharing her perspectives on motherhood, leadership, finances, and more (Built to Last); to Shanicia Boswell’s real-life GEMs on Self-care (How Neglecting Self-Care as a Mompreneur Can Lead to Burnout), this issue is all about finding perspectives and strategies that will help you get that perfect balance of more and less of.

Remember, sometimes less is better than more.

ENISHA LIGON-GARRETT

Enisha

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THE BEST KEPT

SECRET

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FUND YOUR BUSINESS WITHOUT YOUR FICO

BY REGINA BUCKLEY REGISTER FOR THE FREE

Business Credit Decoded Masterclass

Imagine having the ability to access $50,000, $100,000, even $250,000 for your business. Now imagine doing this with NO personal credit check and NO personal guarantee. Your business success will be determined based on your business credit profile and score. With a good business credit profile, you will have near unlimited borrowing power.

Without having a good business credit profile, it may be a steep path to success because it may limit your access to working capital and funding, which is why almost all Fortune 500 companies use their business credit to secure financing. It’s not that they need the money to operate. Successful companies use funding as leverage to grow their business.

Business credit also adds more value to your business and gives your business credibility.

Stakeholders, partners, lenders, even potential buyers of your business will see more value in your business if you have a strong business credit profile built.

Most important, by having a good business credit profile built, you have security.

It is much easier to run your business when working capital is easy to come by.

Now is a great time to get your business ready to qualify for funding so that you can start building your business credit. When this pandemic is over, banks and lenders will put money back into the economy to build up what was lost.

I’m going to let you in on a little something; business Credit is the best-kept secret in business. Over 90% of all business owners know nothing about business credit or business credit scores. But when you do discover the power of what business credit can do for your business, you will be floored at how easy it is to get money and grow your business.

Want to connect with other motivated members of the Dominate Your Business with Business Credit group? Join here:

One of the many benefits of business credit is obtaining funding with no personal credit check. Strong business credit profile lenders will lend you money based on your business credit, not your credit. This is excellent if you have personal credit issues as you can still qualify for funding.

REGINA is the founder and CEO of K.A.B. Business Services LLC, a company dedicated to providing comprehensive bookkeeping, tax assistance, and business planning services for various organizations and individuals. She dedicates her services to finding and creating innovative solutions while encompassing an unwavering commitment towards development as a whole. She implements the lastest financial procedures & processes, being sure to use this knowledge in every effort to monitor and mold positive financial outcomes.

Even with exceptional personal credit, business credit gives you DOUBLE the borrowing power. You can get approved for much higher funding amounts using your business credit than you would if you used your credit to qualify.

Another great benefit of business credit is there is no personal guarantee required for much of the funding you obtain. This means you can be approved with no personal liability. So, if you ever do default, the creditor can’t pursue your assets like your home or personal bank accounts.

www.facebook.com/groups/kabbusinesscredit

For more info: www.kabbookkeeping.com

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g’s o l B s m o Black M oswell on How B a i c i as n e a r h a S C elf S g n i t c ead L n Negle a C eur n e r p m a Mo ut o n r u B to

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BWMB: What do you do for a living?

Shanicia: I am a serial entrepreneur. I am the founder of Black Moms Blog where we talk about parenting culture and lifestyle from a black mom's point of view. It's an online community platform. We focus on different initiatives that are related to Black maternal birth and breastfeeding. Our current events include the Period Party and the Menstrual Wrap, [which both] focus on menstrual normalization in the homeless community.

structure to put it all together so that things aren't getting lost.

How do you create boundaries between your personal and professional life?

Shanicia: I think a person that understands how to gain the audience is making sure your audience feels like they're a part of your life while also keeping some part of your life private. I don't talk about my love life on the internet. I don't share where I am in real-time.

I don't share the details.

You wear multiple hats. What's the most stressful part of your job being a serial entrepreneur?

Shanicia: I think it's just that right there. It's trying to figure out how to juggle it all. It's trying to get organized. It's trying to find the

“I operate in this way so that people can know that there is a real person behind this brand, but this is also a person that requires peace.”

Shanicia Boswell is a thought leader, CEO, mentor, and mother. As the creator and founder of Black Moms Blog, Shanicia inspires and encourages more than 600,000 women across her social media platforms everyday and she recently sat down with Black Women Mean Business to break down the importance of self-care as a business owner.

This serial entrepreneur wears many hats as she continues to create new, innovative ways to uplift women of color. Shanicia is the curator of the Self-Care Retreats, where she not only gives women impeccable self-empowering experiences, but she prides herself on making women aware of their power and self-worth.

The Black Moms Blog creator, who spends her downtime moonlighting as a freelance writer, has graced the pages of The New York Times, The Washington Post, The HuffPost, and Parents Magazine. As a single mother, she wants women to know that finding your lane as a mompreneur doesn't mean that you have to lose yourself in the process.

In this segment of The Wind Down, we discover Shanicia's perspective on self-care and how she prefers to wind down after a very hectic workweek.

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e h t m a I . r u e n e r p e r t n e l I am a seria e w e r e h w g lo B s m o M founder of Black culture and lifestyle talk about parenting point of view. from a Black mom's What is your work schedule like these days?

Shanicia: My work schedule is very intense because I am doing the period party and menstrual drive this month. I'm working 10 to 12-hour days. It's a lot of planning. Working 12-hour days as an entrepreneur is still on my schedule.

You mentioned the Period Party. Can you briefly explain how you think this type of conversation shapes your daughter's perspective of her body?

Shanicia: My daughter is eight years old now. I've been hosting the menstrual drive since she was six years old. As her mother, I started to see her changes. It was more of an energy shift or a mood shift. I knew that it was time to start talking to her about her menstrual cycles.

How do you keep yourself fit and healthy during crazy on the go work hours?

Shanicia: I re-signed up from meal planning with Hello Fresh because I don't have time.

My diet is the least healthy when I have a lot going on because it's easier to pick up something fast or order to go.

Do you use any hacks or apps to help manage your schedules?

Shanicia: I use my calendar on my iPhone. If it's not on my calendar, it doesn't exist. I also use the Microsoft app for my to-do list.

How do you fit dating into your busy schedule?

Shanicia: I always make time for pleasure.

How do I fit it into my schedule? I'll write it in.

Speaking of relationships, in a recent article, you opened up about how your relationship

with your daughter's dad helped you level up your mindset and catalyze your hustle. Can you tell me how that relationship made you better as a person, a mom, and an entrepreneur?

Shanicia: When things didn't work out, I moved out. I had been a stay-at-home mom for three years at the time. I didn't have a job or any money. When I finally decided to do so, I was upset, angry, and bitter. One day I just said I'm tired of being upset so it forced me to level up and forgive him.

Let's get into the whine down. Are you a morning or a night person?

Shanicia: I'm a seasonal person. When it's cold outside, I'm a night person. I don't do well in cold weather. When it's hot outside I'm a morning person.

How do you spend your off days and your weekends?

Shanicia: On my off days, I spend them doing things that I love to do that I don't necessarily want to share with other people. I think that is a part of having a balance.

Do you practice self-care? And why is that important to you?

Shanicia: I practice self-care in every part of my life but also understanding that self-care is a privilege. We have to normalize self-care as first starting off as survival before we start to thrive.

What are the dangers of not having a selfcare routine?

Shanicia: I think the biggest part of not having a self-care routine is losing yourself and whatever it is that you're doing or that you are. When you become a mom, you tend to give up all of your goals to be there for your

family. That is the biggest consequence of all!

What's your nighttime routine?

Shanicia: After I put my daughter to bed every night around 8:00 p.m. I tend to my self-care — that self-care could be catching up on a Netflix show or it could be having a glass of wine. I am a notorious bather so I take baths all of the time. I don’t crack my computer open after a certain time. If it’s not something that's pertinent, I will get it done the next day.

What are your must-have self-care essentials?

Shanicia: Epsom Salt for my bath, good music, my friends, and a nice chill playlist are my must-haves. My mentors and my friends are people that I look up to. They're a huge part of my self-care because they're the people that I get to take off the shield for.

And lastly, what advice do you have for on the go women who don't have time to wind down?

Shanicia: My advice would be to redefine what it means to wind down so that you can start to incorporate it into your life so that you have longevity in being successful.

There's no way to be consistently successful if you don't understand what it means to wind down. You'll be successful for a little while, but then you'll burn out if you don't figure out how to find that balance.

To learn more about Shanicia visit: www.instagram.com/shaniciaboswell

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BY STEPHANIE D. MCKENZIE

FOUR SIGNS YOU MAY BE OPERATING FROM

Woundedness (and NOT Worthiness) in Your Business THE FIRST SIGN

YOU GET STRESSED OUT BY COMPLAINTS, CRITICISMS OR QUESTIONS

Sometimes we don't see ourselves as worthy to do the work that we do, or that our work is worthy. And the fact of the matter is that we are and it is. Each of us is uniquely gifted to contribute positively to those that we serve inside and outside of our business.

Overcome by: Rewriting the narrative that says anything different than you’re doing amazing work. Silence any and all voices that do not support your efforts. Lastly, realize that often the complaint, question and even the criticisms that you might receive may have little or nothing to do with you personally. Do your best to resolve any issue encountered from a place of integrity and regardless of the outcome, you'll always win.

THE SECOND SIGN As owners, we are often tasked with many, well, TASKS. We take on more than we should, and we are all driven to accomplish the goals we set, while exceeding the expectations of many.

But how do we do it. Are we aligned within ourselves; carefully balancing our internal needs with external demands on our time and talent? Or, are we navigating the life of an owner, with the wounds of seasons past in tow? Often times, we haven't made the intentional, deliberate effort to heal from the environments that may have distorted our worldview and now they are leading our organization. We deserve a wholeness and abundance, and to receive these things, we must take a look at the possibility that we're doing all that we do from woundedness and not worthiness.

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YOU’RE HESITANT TO MAKE a CASE FOR YOUR OWN GREATNESS

Often times we don't realize the value of our story. If we've been taught to not brag or be humble, sometimes we will interpret this as the need to work quietly.

However sharing your successes your triumphs, trials and tribulations is how others will connect with you and your business.

When we are concerned about sharing our

GET YOUR FREE It's Time to Do it Worthy (Not Wounded) Guide success stories and client results because we don't want to seem arrogant, that is merely our Unhealthy Ego attempting to hold us back. It is your duty to “show up, show out, and show results” because it’s your right to spread your light out and blind the world with its brightness." When you do, those who are seeking you may, and will, find you.

Overcome by: Realizing there is value in both the gory and the glory of your story. Develop a comfort in sharing what you have accomplished and what you have encountered in the process by sharing it, sharing it again, and sharing it often.

THE THIRD SIGN

A WORKAHOLIC BECAUSE YOU THINK YOU HAVE TO BE

As Black women we are often programmed to work harder than everyone else. In business, these beliefs often permeate the way that we work and feed a ravenous need to be over-productive, AKA “owning your business like a worker.”

However the need to always be busy is often correlated with seeking validation. That being said, the truth must be accepted is that you are valid and worthy--not in your doing, but in your being. What does that mean?

That means that the work that you do is not what validates your existence. The fact that you exist is what validates your existence.

Overcome by: Developing a sincere and personal understanding of what worthiness means. Acknowledging that you are worthy in your being means that you can allow yourself the time to recharge, to reflect and to regroup. You can indeed step away from that major project for two (just two) minutes and ground yourself by way of meditation, breath work or putting your feet into the grass outside, when the weather allows. It means that you don't have to work a 12 to 16-hour day to show how committed you are. It means that you can put your needs above others’ demands and that is completely okay.

If you shudder at the thought of taking a moment for yourself, then this article is expressly for you. You are better for everyone that you love—personally--and serve--professionally and entrepreneurially--when you are making time for and taking great care of yourself ritualistically.

THE FOURTH SIGN

OTHERS’ SUCCESSES CAUSE YOU TO THINK YOU’RE A FAILURE

We can all be little jealous of someone that has achieved something that we want.

However, what happens next determines if the Healthy or Unhealthy ego has the upper hand, so brace yourself.

“Healthy Ego” will encourage us to use that moment of “green eyed envy” to fuel our own fire. The announcement read or livestreamed on social media, the text or email that shares the “good news” simply becomes evidence of what is possible. Unhealthy Ego will demand that we use the information received to recount our own failures and begin to see our goals as hopeless. THIS IS NOT TRUE! Overcome by: Making no sudden moves.

This means STOP! Take in the information and celebrate them deliberately and with a response. Then, immediately begin to practice gratitude, if time allows, if not the later. There’s a quote that says “when you are present in gratitude, you cannot

be anywhere else.” You cannot be in fear, guilt, shame, blame or envy. There are other ways to cope with the emergence of the Unhealthy Ego; however, focusing on what you are grateful for can often be the fastest way to shift that energy and reclaim your truth.

In conclusion, the entrepreneurial and professional journey of Black women is full of twist and turns, often taken at Mach speeds with the weight of 10 people on our backs. Re-learning and unlearning cultural programming, social norms, and our own boundaries are the first steps to rendering those old wounds powerless. The beautiful being that you are is destined to achieve many phenomenal things. Plan your work, work your plan, stand in your power, shine SUPER bright and ALWAYS take care of you first, best and most!

STEPHANIE D. McKenzie, MBA, MA, CPC, CRC, CSSC is a multi-certified "Super Coach," healer, spiritual counselor and educator. She empowers those who feel overwhelmed and undervalued to heal and shift so they can show up boldly, live abundantly and be their own superhero. www. stephaniedmckenzie.com

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7 THINGS NO ONE WILL (EVER) TELL YOU ABOUT STARTING A BUSINESS

BY ENISHA LIGON-GARRETT

I am all about the unicorns and rainbows, but we must also face some of the challenges in our business. Most people you talk to don’t want to be a “Negative Nelly,” so, they’re just not willing to give you the real on some things that go on in your business that will not be covered in the brochure.

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Starting a business is an incredible journey, but there are things no one told me to look out for! Here are 7 Things No One Will (Ever) Tell You About Starting a Business.

Not every business idea is going to be a home run (or even a base hit).

When you start your business, you will be super excited about every idea that pops into your head, and you will feel crushed when they don’t work out. As you grow, you will come to understand and even appreciate that not all ideas are right for your business.

B O N U S

DO NOT SET YOURSELF UP FOR THAT MENTAL TRAP!

I encourage you to take time away and give yourself some grace! You deserve it. Build up the habit of quoting positive affirmations to yourself and creating a supportive community that works for you. Write in a dedicated business journal highlighting the challenges you face and the rewards of starting your business—Indulge in things that keep you in the right mindset. It could be as simple as grabbing a coffee or taking a walk. the yes by putting yourself out there.

It can get lonely at times.

Unless your friends are entrepreneurs that may not understand what you are going through. In all likelihood, you want to talk about your business all the time. Your friends and family will get sick of hearing you talk about your business. Find a business best friend and join some Facebook groups to find people with similar interests that you can talk shop.

Sales aren’t the only or even best measure of success.

When you first get started, you want to make sure that you have several benchmarks and analytics that you are tracking. Don’t ever lose sight of the numbers, but other metrics can be related to impact and actual profit margins.

Be OK with being uncomfortable, feeling awkward, and getting rejected.

You must be willing to get out of your comfort zone and do things you have never done before. Hate going Live on social media because you don’t know what to say? Do it regardless. Not sure if that prospect is going to say yes? You still have to ask. Make room for

JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP Black Women Mean Business www.joinbwmb.com

Even if you make money on day one, don’t spend it.

Your business is always going to need “stuff,” especially if you intend to grow it. We all know that a rainy day is coming, and you want to be as prepared as possible when it does, so create good money habits on day one.

Creating a money mindset.

PS: You may also want to cry, and just so you know, that’s normal.

Finding and keeping a business partner is no easy task.

(profit sharing, responsibilities, termination, etc.). This step is critical, so speak to a legal professional, it’s well worth the cost in the long run.

A business partner is not always the answer. It can even be more trouble than it’s worth. Partnering with friends and family adds additional challenges, and you must be precise with loved ones that business is business. If you decide to partner, then be sure to document the relationship with a contract that outlines all expectations

At some point, you will question everything you have ever accomplished. Imposter syndrome is a psychological term referring to a behavior pattern where people doubt their accomplishments and have a persistent and often internalized fear of being exposed as a fraud. It plagues a countless number of new and established entrepreneurs. Once this negative mindset kicks in, you find yourself chasing perfectionism and needing to be a superwoman.

Keep your eyes on what matters because emotions can be misleading. Establish KPIs and other guidelines to influence the decisions in your business.

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LAST B U I LT T O

BY STACI MOORE

UPCLOSE WITH MIKA SAUNDERS, MOM, FINANCIAL COACH, AND LEADER

I thought she had a bright future ahead of her when I met her four years ago. But to see a Black Women in Business empower hundreds of families at a time was something that she was ready to walk into. Mika is, an experienced National Sales Director with a demonstrated history of working in the financial services industry, exercising her knowledge as a Licensed Financial Professional. She holds Life Insurance and Securities Licenses and has mastered Recruiting, Sales, Business Building, and Public Speaking. Mika is not just building herself. She has trained and developed six strong-willed and determined black women to positions of Regional Vice President, on her road to over $1.4M in income.

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Mika: The biggest hurdle I had to deal with was adjusting my mindset from the job seeker to an entrepreneur. See, we had always been told that success involved you going to school, getting a degree, finding a job, and start living the American dream. I was surprised when that formula didn't work for me.

I was burdened with student loans after my first degree and was almost tempted to go back for a second to increase my chances of getting better pay. It's a vicious cycle. I didn’t want to be like anybody else; I wanted a particular lifestyle that employment couldn't give. I had to challenge the norm.

Staci: Hey Mika, it's great talking to you again. Please tell us a bit about yourself.

career, where I became registered to practice nursing.

Mika: Thank you for having me, Staci. Well, I'm Mika Saunders, a financial coach, and I have been at it for the last six years. I've had quite an exciting career shift from working as a registered nurse into the world of finance, which I love. I'm a proud mother to one, and another one on the way—also a fiancé to an amazing man.

Staci: Interesting. Just curious, what inspired you to go into modeling? And did being an entrepreneur cross your mind then?

Staci: That's awesome! What was your upbringing like? Where did you grow up, and which part of the country are you currently living in?

Mika: I'm currently in Chicago, Illinois. Regarding my childhood, I have very few memories, unlike most people. I think it’s partly because my environment then forced me to grow up faster. I was raised by my grandmother in Chicago and attended schools in the neighborhood but went to NIU University, outside Chicago. At the age of 20, I moved to California, where I pursued a career in modeling, then moved back to Chicago three years later to finish my nursing

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Mika: Being an entrepreneur was never on my mind. To some extent, this was influenced by my family background and my perceptions as well. No one in my family had tried entrepreneurship, and besides, I thought an entrepreneur was just someone without a job. I loved the spotlight, and that’s precisely what modeling brought my way.

But I wanted more, therefore, pursued a career in nursing. I was lucky to have most of the things I wanted, but amidst it all, entrepreneurship was the last thing in mind. However, I wanted multiple jobs that would bring in multiple income streams, which I believed would guarantee my family and as well as my own future stability.

Staci: What do you think are some of the biggest hurdles you faced as a new business owner since entrepreneurship was not forecasted?

Staci: I love that! Concerning your mindset shift, we noticed that you've delivered numerous speeches and training as a financial ambassador and educator. One of the things you mentioned was not to allow ourselves to be prisoners of our past. Was that concerning the mindset issue? If so, can you speak about navigating into and through business from that mindset?

Mika: Absolutely! We all have a past, some more difficult than others. Either way, past experiences have a way of building a certain mindset in us. History plays such a significant role in influencing your future. However, we have a choice to make, whether we want to live in our past or use those experiences, however unpleasant, as a springboard in creating the life we desire. I was raised by my grandmother. My parents were drug addicts and unavailable to play their parental roles. My grandmother, who assumed the parental duty, always did her best in ensuring that we never slept on empty stomachs.

Having such a difficult upbringing with no parents to go to when in need, I had to figure out a lot of things for myself. But most importantly, I made the decision that I wanted a different life. I refused to be imprisoned by past experiences, and I refused to turnout as most people in my neighborhood who lived a life of crime. I wanted to be a present parent. I wanted to make my own money and live the best of life. And this involved a lot of boldness and hard work to break away from a negative mindset and to boldly pursue my dreams. I took my education seriously and

had very supportive teachers along the way.

Notably, my sixth-grade teacher, Ms. Krell, my second-grade teacher, and my kindergarten teacher, Ms. Scott and Ms. Baker, respectively, pushed me to do more.

Staci: Perfect! So, you've been a vision caster. I can say that from personally knowing you. How important is it for you to build a tribe? A group of people that not only follow you in your career path but share your vision.

Mika: Yeah. I think it's important to build the tribe, and to make sure you have people in your inner circle who are going the same direction as you. It doesn't necessarily

mean the same field, but definitely people who have the same mindset. I have a huge chain of people that I lead. In motivating and inspiring them, I get inspired as well. As I teach and educate them, I'm teaching myself and becoming a better leader. I believe that has played a huge role in my success.

Also important to me is building that tribe of friends. I’ve observed that one thing that takes a lot of people out of the game of entrepreneurship is being around people who pull you down and hold you back: the naysayers and dream killers who don't share your vision.

Mika: Entrepreneurship has strengthened my faith. Thanks to my aunt, who introduced my sister and me to the Church at a young age. She knew a lot of negativity surrounded us, so she committed to picking us up every Sunday morning for Church. And the faith I was introduced to years ago has become such a significant part of my life. Entrepreneurship is largely driven by faith, you never know what's coming next, but you have faith it will turn out well. That's why an essential part of my daily routine is saying a prayer every morning, thanking God for what He has given me. That has kept me going.

Staci: How has your faith impacted your perspective as an entrepreneur?

Staci: You are currently a seven-figure earner. It's fantastic to have you here as an example and inspiration to other black women that it's possible to be a high achiever. Please share some tips on big money mistakes to avoid as you strive towards the seven-figure mark.

Mika: Oh yes. I can touch on that. I see people make money mistakes all the time, and to each their own. What I would say is, as you build your empire and grow your revenues to the ranges of six and seven figures, always remember to save and invest in those things that bring you more money. Be cautious about how you spend your money. A

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The other thing is that you have to keep learning. Invest in growing your mind to come up with better ideas. The business can only grow to the level of your mental prowess. Subscribe to a podcast; watch that video on YouTube, read a book. Never stop learning.

Finally, watch your circle. Associate yourself with people who are better than you because they’ll challenge you to grow. If you are the best in your circle, then it’s time to decamp.

"THE TRUTH IS, IT TAKES HARD WORK AND INTENTIONALITY TO FIND BALANCE." treat here and there is okay, but don't overindulge in lavish spending. Secondly, learn to pay yourself first. In as much as entrepreneurship has its challenges, it should be rewarding.

It is also essential to be goal-oriented. It is in setting goals and achieving them that you keep growing your empire. I also encourage people to have a long time outlook of their business. For instance, are you building a legacy business? If that is the case, then be keen on setting structures, e.g., funds or custodial plans that will ensure sound transition when handing the company over. Finally, and most important, pay your taxes.

The more your earning grows, the more you need to be on top of your tax game. Learn how taxes work and learn how to pay them; hire a CPA if you can. You can spend a life-

time building an empire but lose all that because of trouble with IRS. Staci: What were some of the keys you found to building your seven-figure business?

Mika: One of the keys to building a seven-figure business is making sure that you get a great team. You want to create a team around you that will allow you to continue to do great things. You need great managers and staff who have bought into your vision and are focused on the mission. Treat them well, appreciate their input, and compensate them appropriately. Happy employees will move heaven and earth to make your business work. For instance, my office manager is my right-hand woman; I doubled her salary once I made my million.

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Staci: I love that. You have a very balanced life, and I've watched you get to that point after going through this shuffle. You were having those long hours out in the field and the sacrifices that you've made. Now that you have settled down, how did you create that synergy between your personal and professional life? How often do you evaluate that to see if you are going in a direction you want to with your personal life?

Mika: That's a great question. It's weird to hear you say I have a balanced life because that was not the case for a long time. It's normal to struggle with balance, especially in the formative stages of your business. It's even more challenging for women who have to play wife and mother during that period.

There will be days where you feel that you are neglecting your family, and the guilt can affect many women resulting in total disorientation. I experienced that season in life where my fiancé was away and had a baby who required my attention and a business.

Thank God for my mom, who helped take care of my baby during my season of imbalance.

The truth is it takes hard work and intentionality to find balance. At some point, I was working as a nurse from 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM. He was working from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. And that was just crazy. However, I found that honest communication really helps. By letting your family appreciate the season you are on is always the right place to start.

Staci: The final question for you is, what's up next for you? What can we expect for Mika Saunders?

Mika: I have a few things going on right now.

Growing my business to eight figures in the next 12 months remains a priority. As I did mention, I have a planner coming out; one is a 90-day planner, and the other one a yearly planner. The 90-day planner is all about boosting productivity, dealing with procrastination, and being accountable. Eventually, we're looking to have a whole stationery line for business people and entrepreneurs.

Mika: I’m big on empowerment because I believe no one gets to the top unaided; we all need a hand to ascend to our next level. And as my best friend always says, when you get to the top, send the elevator back down. It's still amazing to witness these women grow. I find deep fulfillment when I see these women making six figures and driving their businesses to phenomenal heights!

Staci: Do you have a roadmap or any strategies to become an eight-figure earner?

Mika: It’s all about MORE; more clients,

Do you practice self-care or therapy?

I do, and I love it. I have a whole formula for my self-care, and I am creating a planner that will be coming out soon. It's called the VAAMPP method – my morning routine.

V stands for Visualization. To make sure that we visualize when we wake up in the morning to have a perspective of what we see precisely and where we want to be. Asking ourselves the question; what do I want in life? How do I want to live?

A is for Affirmations. Speak positivity to yourself, pour into yourself and tell the universe exactly who you are.

You may not be where you want to be, but tapping into the power of affirmations will keep you going in the right direction. The other A is Appreciation, the M is for Meditation, and the two P’s are Prayer, which I spoke about earlier, and Prepare, which involves telling yourself/saying out loud what’s exactly going to happen.

I cannot stress the importance of daily self-care. You must wake up with the determination to be in charge of your day and not otherwise. Unfortunately, people allow data to control them, and they end up being at the mercies of what the day brings their way.

Staci: Although we said that was the last question, I think this is important. It’s about the empowerment of black women in business that you've done right now. You currently have some noteworthy women in position, if you could speak about leading those women.

more sales, and more people who win and make money. Generally, my strategy for this year, at least for this one business, is making it to eight figures by showing more people how to make six figures and then raising the six-figure earners to seven figures—all about adding more people to that pot.

FOR MORE INFO:

www.mikasaunders.com Instagram: @mikasaunders YouTube: Mika Saunders

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The Prosperous Ones MIKA SAUNDERS' DREAM TEAM

DANIELLE & ISAIAH WIGGINS

Danielle and Isaiah Wiggins are formerly executive HR and NFL player respectively. They are Regional Vice Presidents and business leaders who aspire to build a legacy for their three boys while showing others the way.

CASSANDRA CORTEZ

Cassandra Cortez, a $300K income earner, is Regional Vice President and also the leader of the Hispanic American Leadership Council. Casandra is formerly the Dean of Students with the Chicago Public School system.

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DAMIRRA & DAMIEN BOLDEN

Damirra and Damien Bolden currently serve as Regional Vice Presidents and in the senior leadership. Being $500K earners, they have their purpose set on helping many people gain financial freedom for their families.

CHRISTINA BLAIR

Christina Blair is a former bus operator turned Regional Vice President. Her pursuit for financial liberation landed her in the financial services industry; a decision that she is very proud of.

TYANN & PRINCE COAKLEY

Tyann and Prince Coakley have had very successful careers in the audit and music production industry respectively. They are now Regional Vice Presidents, members of the African American Leadership Council (AALC), Sr. Leadership Counci, and full ownership at $300K.

MARIE OBICHERE

Marie Obichere, previously a math teacher, is now a Regional Vice President. Her quest to live life in her terms led her into owning her own business - a move she encourages others to take.

Beauty & Brains Conscious, Curious, and Confident Citizens of the World

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Scrolling through parenting and shopping websites, entrepreneur Trudy Susan noticed a trend. Many companies lacked diverse options, and they rarely represented the full spectrum of ethnicities in educational toys and games. She decided to blend her deep passion for learning with her sharp business acumen to design a one-of-a-kind product. Susan recently launched the Brains and Beauty Matching Card Game, where kids learn to embrace their natural features and respect other cultures.

“It’s a fun and powerful twist to a classic game. We feature positive affirmations alongside gorgeous illustrations of a full spectrum of Black children,” said Susan, creator and founder of the Ruby Rae Society. “Similar to a typical memory game, Brains and Beauty Matching cards help to improve concentration and can increase short-term memory.”

From “Intelligent Ijeoma” to “Mindful Michaela,” the game includes 36 sturdy, glossy cards that reinforce culture, character, and confidence. Kids from age three and up can enjoy fun rounds of matching alone or with a group of players.

“It’s been wonderful watching the reaction videos. Parents are sending us clips of their littles opening the game for the first time.

Not only are they excited to see someone who has hair like them or resembles their skin tone, but the game gets their imagination going and takes playtime to a different level,” added Susan.

develop language and social-emotional skills. By also layering in diverse nuances, children can also gain an extra boost of cultural awareness and confidence. Research has shown that when kids experience stereotypical images repetitively, it can influence how they see themselves and others’ social roles.

“As a mom, you can’t help but think about the kind of society you want your child to grow up in. I want my daughter to thrive in a world where she’s affirmed and told, ‘you are loveable, you are hardworking, you are beautiful, and you are smart’ because it’s true,” said Susan.

The Brains and Beauty Matching game is just one way the Ruby Rae Society fulfills its mission of creating a world where underrepresented kids see themselves positively represented everywhere, especially in gifts and games. Besides shopping for diverse learning games for children, conscious parents can also take advantage of resources and articles to help them be more intentional.

For more information, visit RubyRAESociety.com or follow on Instagram: @rubyraesociety

Parents and children alike are raving about this new addition to the toybox.

“We jumped right into it, and my son said, ‘Daddy, we are playing the most awesome game ever!’ My daughter pulled out cards and said people’s names we know. Representation SO matters!” said mom Busola Akinbote.

Games like the Brains and Beauty Matching game are an essential part of early childhood education. Playtime helps kids

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U

P

S

C A

L

E

ESCAPES FOR THE LUXURY-LOVING

BLACK

WOMAN POWERED BY:

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Girlfriend, you are the definition of resiliency. And in a year like 2020, there’s no doubt in our minds that you’ve held up your end of the bargain to pour into others and do whatever you can to allow the world to lean on your more-than-capable shoulders.

But amid the global pandemic, mental stress, social unrest and political craziness, who’s been pouring into you, sis? You see, even the strong ones like you need a sec to relax and get your mind right. And an upscale escape is the perfect way to hit the reset button so you can refuel, reflect and recover mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

Not sure where to go to do that?

Here are 10 upscale, luxury escapes you’ll absolutely love.

Luxury Escape #1

MILAN

Fashion meets your fabulousness in this shopper’s paradise. Treat yourself to the finest wears, the most contemporary art and Instagram-worthy shots of you sipping fresh Italian cappuccinos or handcrafted Italian wine at Milan’s upscale cafés and bars.

Did we mention you can cruise Lake Como on a private boat too if you join us during our 2021 shopping tour?

Luxury Escape #2

BALI

Floating breakfasts, superb spa treatments, dazzling colors, and diva-mode all day, every day. Sis, Bali is EXACTLY what you think it is … a lush green, royal paradise where beauty, calm and sophistication meet you the moment you step off the plane.

It’s the perfect getaway for a diva like yourself to explore pampering like you never have before.

Luxury Escape #3

ST. TROPEZ

Girl, you know you made it when South of France is on your bucket list. Well, lucky for you, Saint Tropez doesn’t come to disappoint. There’s a reason all your celeb favs vacation here after they’ve been bossin’ up all year round. Luxury yachts, breath-taking garden scenery, beautiful beaches, sip-worthy wines and mouth-watering cuisines make this upscale European vacay a must-do.

Luxury Escape #4

PORTUGAL

Laidback vibes are on deck when you visit this Southern European enclave. Bordered by the sea, you’ll feel like royalty sipping on Portugal’s

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finest wines as you gaze into the deep blue Atlantic Ocean.

Luxury Escape #5

LONDON

When you think of classy… it’s hard not to imagine England. Tour the land of one of the most famous royal families in the world, relive history and experience exclusivity, luxury and tradition with a cup of afternoon tea in this elegant city.

Luxury Escape #6

ROME

When in Rome… do like the Romans do, right? This ancient city is the definition of Italian romance.

Whether you’re touring the cobblestone streets or gazing at the modern, architectural buildings or being pampered like the diva you

are at one of Rome’s luxurious hotels, Rome is undoubtedly a bucket-list-worthy experience.

Luxury Escape #7

GREECE

Island hop like a true diva from one deep blue sea to the next with Grecian paradises Mykonos, Santorini and Athens. Stunning sights, fresh seafood and ’Gram-ready photo ops await you in the Mediterranean.

Luxury Escape #8

SINGAPORE

Luxury Escape #9

The home of the ultra-luxe, ultra-rich, ultra-abundant set of “Crazy Rich Asians,” you’ll think you’re a crazy-rich, celebrity-melanated BOSS when you step foot onto the charming Singaporean and Malaysian Islands.

DUBAI

The definition of upscale glam, Dubai is where you go when you want to live like a millionaire. This super chic, modern yet traditional city will turn your Arabian nights into breathtaking days.

Luxury Escape #10

PARIS

Who says you need a partner to experience romance? All you need is to pull out a bottle of your Black girl magic and drench yourself in the romantic vibes of Paris. From Disneyland to croissants to the Eiffel Tower and more, you’ll be the classiest, most sophisticated lady in town when you escape with Travel Divas to Paris.

Whether it’s Paris, Greece, Dubai, Rome or one of the other luxury escapes, don’t go another year without basking in some much-needed relaxation. You see, vacations are fun and exciting, but taking the time to reset is necessary IF you want to level up in both your personal and professional life.

So, book a trip, have fun, get your mind right and return home with the fuel you need to level up even more. Explore all of our upcoming vacations at www.thetraveldivas.com/trips.

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RAISING A MOGUL Incorporating Entrepreneurship into your Homeschool Curriculum

BY TAMARA ZANTELL I firmly believe that we as parents are responsible for the education of our children.

Even if they attend a traditional school, it is our responsibility to ensure they receive the guidance they need to obtain the skills and knowledge to help them experience their desired success. If you are a homeschooling parent, you have a particular advantage

because you have much more flexibility and authority over your child's learning.

Homeschooling has now become our new norm thanks to the pandemic. This has challenged us as parents in many ways. For those parents who had the help of teachers in our children's education, we have had to adjust the content we expose ourselves to, which in turn becomes the content we expose our kids to. And to those parents who have been doing this homeschooling thing way before the pandemic, I take my hat off

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to you and say, "Keep up the good work."

However you came into the homeschooling space, you, as the educational leader, now have an incredible opportunity to bring entrepreneurship into the curriculum. It is prudent that we seize the opportunity and include this subject in our academic structure. Why, you ask? Because for a very long time, formal education dictated that we go to school to get the papers we need to go out there and get a job. Employment. But

we are in the year 2021, where our kids are doing amazing things — building businesses from the ground up and making money we only made as adults. They are making a change in society, and you know what?

It's our responsibility to support them one hundred and ten percent.

So what do you do if you know nothing about entrepreneurship? Take a course and put in the work to self-educate even though it may not be you who teaches it to your child. Then find parents that have a support group. Raising A Mogul is always open to walk with parents who are raising little entrepreneurs. Once you have familiarized yourself with the entrepreneurial education process, give your child a valid entrepreneurial course. And by valid, I mean shop around for an age and content appropriate entrepreneurial course for your child's needs.

It is so essential to include entrepreneurship in your child's homeschool curriculum.

If your child is already a practicing entrepreneur, then all the information they receive is practical, and it goes towards building your child and their business. If your child is not yet an entrepreneur, knowledge is power. By including entrepreneurship education into your child's curriculum, you are giving them the ability to have a choice between employment and entrepreneurship.

It does not need to be a formal inclusion in their homeschool curriculum. You could suggest that your child volunteer for a local entrepreneur on the weekend or have a conversation with a business owner regarding their work. If you are a parent that is

an entrepreneur, put your kid to work and empower them with the skills they need for their business. More importantly, show them the hard bits of entrepreneurship too.

You are Raising a Mogul, and because you are raising this little person, that has begun changing the world. It would help if you nourished them intellectually. By incorporating entrepreneurship in their homeschool curriculum, you are creating a world of possibilities, and in that, there is a great power!

LEARN MORE ABOUT Tamara Zantell Instagram: @raisingamogul_

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Are You Professionally

BY SHELLIE R. WARREN

Codependent?

I wouldn’t be surprised in the least if you read this title and wondered how it is even possible to be professionally codependent. After all, usually when that word is used, it’s in the context of romantic, platonic or familial relationships, right? But trust me, as someone who comes from a long line of codependent people, it is very possible to be this way in your line of work. That’s the bad news. The good news is once you are able to spot the flags, you are well on your way to correcting your behavior so that you can thrive in your professional space.

So, just what does it look like to be a professionally codependent individual. Let’s see...

You (constantly) do tasks that you weren’t hired to do. Listen, it’s one thing to be a “team player” and offer to go above and beyond, every now and then. While we’re here, it’s also a good idea to do all of your work in excellence. These two things can definitely take you pretty far on the professional tip.

At the same time, one of my favorite Aristotle quotes is, “The excess of a virtue is a vice”. That basically means that even good deeds can become problematic when there is no balance—for instance, when you’re not taking care of yourself in the process of serving others.

I can’t tell you how many people have told me, shoot, just this month alone, that they feel taken for granted at work. Mostly it’s because they are doing a billion things that have absolutely nothing to do with their job description. Constantly succumbing to this isn’t admirable; it’s low-key professional abuse because you’re allowing your boss or other employees to utilize certain skills that

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you weren’t hired to do—and they’re getting away with it for free. We all have salaries for a reason. If you are doing 2-3 jobs right now that you aren’t being compensated for, that is definitely a sign of being professionally codependent.

You’re always letting others take credit for your work. Former president Harry S. Truman once said, “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.” When it comes to altruism, I agree. When it comes to a job, this sounds like someone who used to hustle his staff.

While yes, a ton can get done without you getting the credit, the side of the story that he didn’t address is when you don’t get the credit, someone else will. And when the impression is given that the one who took the applause and accolades is the one who is qualified to do even more work—guess who gets to move up the ladder while standing on your blood, sweat and tears? When things are a team project, collective credit is fine.

But when something came solely from you, you need to let that be known. A lot of media companies steal Black Twitter posts all of the time. If it triggered you, just to hear that…good.

You fail to communicate your professional needs and expectations. While it’s not fair (or realistic) to expect anyone to read your mind, let me tell you one place where you need to totally let that expectation go—at work. There is simply too much going on and folks have too much on their plate to be trying to figure out why you might not be feeling as satisfied and fulfilled at your job as you used to be. You’ve heard that closed mouths don’t get fed. You know what else? They typically don’t get as recognized, promoted or end up with an increase in salary. Watching everyone else succeed because they weren’t afraid to state their needs and expectations is no way to live.

Be professional. Don’t be rude or demanding. At the same time, be comfortable about being quite clear about what you would like to see happen for you personally, on the professional level. If your boss adheres

to your requests, you’ve just moved a few steps ahead. If they continue to ignore you, then you know it’s time to do some shifting.

Right?

You enable more than actually help. It’s one thing to have a job where there is no opportunity for growth (which pretty much sucks, by the way). However, that is not the same thing as putting yourself in the position that prevents employees—and perhaps even your boss—from professionally developing because you are always catching their slack.

This is why it’s so important to have healthy boundaries in the workplace. While it’s great to cultivate an amicable atmosphere and perhaps even have a few “work friends”, don’t get so attached or involved that you keep doing things that they should be doing, believing that you are being a good buddy or you are merely helping them out. You got hired to do one thing. They got hired to do something else. There are clear lines for a reason. It’s so important that you honor them.

Your self-esteem is wrapped up way too much in your job. The late and great Lucille Ball once said, "Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world." Your job is no exception here.

Yet here’s the thing that I want you to remember about this particular point. It’s so important that you not only understand what your gifts, talents and abilities are but that you affirm them too. That way, you’re not reliant on praise from the people in the office; that way, esteeming you is something that you appreciate without it being something that you are totally dependent on. Because, believe you me, if folks start to take note that you are needy for their approval or that disappointing them will devastate you on some level, they could start to use that to their advantage and emotionally manipulate you to get what they want without factoring in what you need. Being recognized by others is awesome. But it should be a bonus, not something that you require on a daily basis, just to feel good about yourself.

You no longer have solidified professional goals or plans. What do you want? What do YOU want? If you’re staring at your computer screen with a blank look across your face—yeah, that’s not good. A surefire way to feel stagnant—or, if you let it go too far, totally frustrated—with your life is if you get to the point where most of your waking hours are all about doing whatever you need to do to collect a check so that you can pay your bills. Geeze, what a drab existence. The reality is codependent people are oftentimes underachievers because they are so busy doing for others that they forget how to care for themselves; this includes professionally.

It’s hard to evolve without clear goals and plans. If you can’t remember the last time you had some, you already know what I’m about to say. Yep. That’s a professional codependence issue too.

So, now that you see what it means to be professionally codependent, what are you gonna do to change it? Set boundaries? Say “no” sometimes? See a therapist/counselor/life coach? Create a professional vision board? Pamper yourself (so that you can feel better about yourself)? What? There’s no time like the present to break the cycle of codependency in your life. You’ll only get better if/when you do. Personally and professionally. I promise you that.

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I make

WHAT DO MONEY AND MOVEMENT HAVE TO DO WITH ONE ANOTHER?

Money Moves

BY JAMELLA STROUD

and tired), which is energy. I was under the weight of that energy, and it was impacting my whole life mentally, emotionally, relational, physical, financial, social, and spiritual. One day, during my yoga practice, I finally understood the meaning of the phrase "money is my natural energy's yield." Even though I was a go-getter, an action taker, and about my business, my energetic internal landscape was not in alignment. My actions and efforts to get more money was coming from a place of frustration, anxiety, and tiredness, and those emotions were driving my actions. Despite my desire for more money, my natural energy of frustration, anxiety, and tiredness was being yielded back. The harder I worked, the more I felt FAT because I wasn't achieving my goal.

While attending a workshop in 2017, I heard the statement, "Money is my natural energy's yield." When I first heard this statement, it didn't resonate with me; there was internal resistance. I recall thinking, "the amount of money I earned has nothing to do with my energy. I'm a go-getter, action taker about my business, I exert a lot

of energy, and I'm still struggling to earn at the level I desire. It can't be my natural energy coming back to me."

Flashback to October of 2018, I began my yoga journey and quickly fell in love with the practice. At the beginning of my journey, I was FAT (frustrated, anxious

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I began practicing yoga, and it changed my life. I then became an instructor. In my studies and through practice, I learned that there are movements and poses that help brings your energy and body into alignment. When your body is in alignment energetically, your external actions will come from a higher frequency like love, abundance, ease. When your money-making actions are taken from the place of love, abundance, and ease, the money will flow according to your energetic state.

Here are three yoga poses to help bring your body's energy in alignment so you can receive the money you desire.

LEARN MORE ABOUT Jamella Stroud Instagram: @jamellastroud

This pose helps align the root chakra, which is the chakra that helps you get to where the money resides. When you are rooted and grounded, you will draw the energy up from the earth, which allows you to attract what you desire.

This pose helps align your sacral chakra. The sacral chakra is the chakra that helps you get to where your sexuality and creativity reside. When this chakra is in alignment, you can embrace your feminine energy and express yourself creatively without inhibition.

This pose helps align your solar plexus chakra. The solar plexus chakra is the chakra that helps you get to where your authentic, audacious, confident spirit resides. When this chakra is in alignment, you can go bravely into the world with a sense of self, knowing you are enough.

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DEALING WITH

UNSUPPORTIVE FRIENDS

BY JELIA HEPNER

WHEN RUNNING A BUSINESS

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not feel comfortable face to face, the next FIND NEW FRIENDS Not every business best thing is a phone call. At this time, both My aunt always said that sometimes new parties can get everything out on the table owner will deal with friends could teach you things that some of your old friends cannot. As your move support issues, but what with honesty and proceed from there. forward in your business, you will evolve, if the problem is not with EVALUATE WHETHER and sometimes, your mindset will jump on a different path from where you were YOU SHOULD KEEP THE strangers? What about when you first started. As you grow, you FRIENDSHIP the fact of getting little Once you have discussed it with your friend, need your support system the most beto no support from your it is time to evaluate whether you should cause you will begin to have new ideas on keep the friendship or let go. An unsup- how to invest in your brand and how to very own friends? get to your next level. If your circle is not Yes, I am talking about those best friends, also known as besties, those individuals you call "sis" and "bro." Below are a few signs that you may have some unsupportive friends in your tribe.

portive friend can have issues of jealousy, insecurities, or they may be having personal problems themselves and do not realize they are coming across as a non-supporter. There

Signs That You Might Have Unsupportive Friends In Your Circle.

■ Whenever you try to tell your friends about new ideas you have for your business, they blow you off or always have something negative to say.

■ Whenever you have events, they never show up or always have excuses for not attending.

■ They never share any of your products, promotions, or events on any social media platform.

■ When someone asks about the service or products that you offer, your friend does not take the opportunity to share your information with that person.

■ They have not once purchased any of your services or products.

These are some gestures when evaluating if you have unsupportive friends, and if you do, here are ways to help you deal with them.

SIT DOWN + DISCUSS THE ISSUE

No, I do not mean via text or email. I mean, sit down with your friend face to face (on Facetime or Zoom) and express how you feel and your concerns. People can misinterpret text messages or emails. If you do

right, the wrong people may discourage or distract you from proceeding to new levels.

It's essential to have like-minded friends, entrepreneurs, or other women who are success-focused. New connections can lift you and have a substantially positive impact on your journey.

Every choice is yours to make, but remember, the wrong people in your circle can distract you from your mission or may even negatively impact your business. Real friends want you to succeed in life, in which they will help you in any way they can, even if it's just encouragement.

So, evaluate your friends and drop those negative/non-supporting individuals who are only dead weight. is a saying, "the same people who started the journey with you are not necessarily the same people who will be there at the end."

That statement is powerful and real. I cannot tell you how many businesswomen I know who have a toxic friendship, but they continue to deal with that individual because they have history. A successful businesswoman will have a solid foundation, and if someone in your camp doesn't support your dream, vision, or want to see you win in life, it's ok to let them go or love them from a distance.

JELIA Hepner is an award-winning journalist from Fayetteville, NC. A former newspaper reporter and radio personality using her creative-informative writing talents to give the spotlight to various topics in the black community. Instagram: @jclive99

JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP Black Women Mean Business www.joinbwmb.com

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achievers that have excelled in different spaces but are looking to start their business ventures. As a master level coach, Monica leads them through the ideation stage to setting up thriving and successful businesses.

She is passionate about mindset transformation. Being a certified hypnotherapist, Monica has a unique ability to understand the subconscious mind and to tap its ability to transform her client’s view of life within and outside of themselves. Using that knowledge, she helps people break away from their limiting beliefs, particularly around money and success.

As a Military Veteran, Monica understands transitions better than anyone else.

From her experience, she helps other veterans in their transitioning journey to being productive community members. She has supported many retiring servicemen and women through her programs, allowing them to start and grow their business to six-figures.

“It’s gratifying to see those who attend my sessions experience transformation and begin to live their best life,” Monica says.

She offers one-on-one consultation and group coaching services where she takes her clients through an online program followed by transformative coaching sessions.

On the MOVE Monica M. Bijoux is the founder and CEO of DECIDE TO MOVE, LLC (DTM). As a licensed psychotherapist and business strategist, Monica uses her decades of experience to help high achievers, aspiring entrepreneurs, and veterans find the “ jewel” inside to have financial freedom and live a life of purpose.

She has created a systematic, personalized strategy using her 12-step model, Decide to Move, which focuses on transformation, transition, growth, and development to help her clients obtain financial freedom and live a life of purpose.

Monica has built her solutions for high

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“I do workshops and masterclasses as well.

I’ll also be adding more courses in my membership about mindset and confidence,” Monica concludes.

For more info, visit: www.decidetomove.com

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BY CHANELLE HAYES

Dazzling With Debra photos printed, and it took off from there. I needed something to go with the crossbody messenger bags, so I found another manufacturer and had double-sided earrings made to match the bags."

Due to the pandemic, Debra hasn't been able to attend events. "It's been very hard to sell," she said. "I'm now promoting my website through Facebook and Instagram."

Although 2020 was a setback, Debra's not letting it stop her business. She has plenty of goals she wants to accomplish in 2021. "I'm going to go live on Facebook to showcase my jewelry and products. I'm also going to do YouTube videos. I want to be like HSN." Debra is also making new jewelry with natural and semi-precious stones, which she says will be "one-of-a-kind pieces."

If anything, 2020 has taught us to look within and find a side hustle. For Debra Hayes, she's had this mentality way before the pandemic. "COVID-19 has changed our lives in so many ways," said the owner of Dazzling With Debra and Black Cultural Shop. "It's now a requirement for me to have multiple streams of income. Although my position has not been affected, 9-to-5 jobs can go away at any time, which is scary."

By day, Debra works as a loan production analyst for Mutual of Omaha Mortgage. When she's not working her full-time job, she puts most of her time into growing her self-made businesses. "I've always enjoyed attending galas, banquets, and luncheons, and loved accessorizing my outfits with flashy statement jewelry," she said. "That's when I fell in love with jewelry and decided to start my own business."

In 2016, Debra launched her Los Angeles-based company Dazzle With Debra. The best way to describe Dazzle With Debra is "jewelry that has the power to make you feel unique." And indeed, it does. Within a couple

of years, her business grew into a recognizable name. Debra went from mainly selling online to becoming a vendor at events such as the Carson Jazz Festival, Taste of Soul, Black Business Women Rock Expo, Los Angeles Women's Expo, and the 2018 United State of Women Summit with Michelle Obama.

"The best thing about doing events is that these events are annual," she said. "You see the same customers, and they purchase from you. It's also a way to get your brand out there." Her statement pieces even caught Rebecca King-Crews' eyes, Phaedra Parks and Kandi Burruss from Bravo's The Real Housewives of Atlanta.

In 2019, Debra renamed the company Dazzling With Debra and launched Black Cultural Shop, an online store featuring African American jewelry and crossbody messenger bags. "I always knew that I wanted to have something cultural. I kept seeing photos of beautiful black women and thought about having T-shirts made, but then I thought they would fade eventually. I took this idea to a manufacturer to see if he could have the

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Besides her day job and running her online businesses, Debra enrolled in Epic University, a university for forex trading. "I'm building a team, and I'm most excited about this because of its financial potential." Debra is also a Grind Pretty member, a network of entrepreneurs who help motivate women to build their empires.

For those looking to turn their passion into a profit, Debra has some advice for you. "Just go for it," she said. "Stop procrastinating and make your move. Now is the best time during this pandemic to get your plan in order."

"If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be."

-Maya Angelou To learn more about Debra: www.dazzlingwithdebra.com Instagram: @dazzlingwithdebra www.blackculturalshop.com Instagram: @blackculturalshop

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CIVIL The legal angle of the Capitol insurrection that could transform civil rights litigation Civil rights lawyers are likely looking at the now-infamous Capitol insurrection as potential grounds for legal action based on unequal treatment or due process of law. The domestic terrorists who stormed the Capitol were treated differently than the peaceful protestors in the Black lives movement following George Floyd's death. But there's another angle here worth exploring, as well: Fear.

January 6th's events are some of the most decisive refutations of the fear justification we have seen today.

Capitol officers were outnumbered and outgunned by an angry mob that had been incited under the authority of the former President of the United States himself and seemingly given carte blanche for chaos. Many officers failed to show fear, and several seemed calm, taking selfies with the terrorists and letting them

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through barricades. Yet, officers claim fear in much less threatening situations, and in recent years, they've used fear to justify using excessive and sometimes deadly force in highly controversial arrests and killings.

Take a look at cases like those of Michelle Cusseaux, Terence Crutcher, Malaika Brooks, Tamir Rice, Walter Scott, or Philando Castile—Black people killed in absurd situations. Still, officers escaped accountability based on their claims of fear.

Castile, a 32-year-old black man in Minnesota, was in a car with his girlfriend and her four-year-old daughter when Officer Jeronimo Yanez fatally shot him in July 2016. Yanez used fear to justify his use of deadly force, saying that he "thought, [he] was gonna die" in the moments after Castile disclosed to him that he had a weapon in his vehicle.

To be clear, the officer said that he feared for his life. Dashcam footage and footage of the incident, streamed live by Castille's girlfriend, showed that Castille was polite and compliant, even going so far as trying to avoid raising the officer's fears by disclosing to the officer that he had a weapon in his vehicle. This was a tactic he had learned in a gun safety course the year before that taught him how to handle law enforcement interactions when a firearm is in the car. In a trial for second-degree manslaughter, Yanez was acquitted.

And consider that just the day before the Capitol insurrection, the Kenosha County district attorney refused to charge officers involved in Jacob Black's shooting because an officer claimed he was "afraid" Blake was going to kidnap a child.

If an officer has an objectively reasonable fear that he or someone else is in imminent danger of grievous injury or death, he is justified in using deadly force. Moreover, his justification for shooting (whether it be fear for his life or another reason) is relevant to both the merits of his case

and any considerations of qualified immunity.

In criminal justice, officers are rarely convicted of homicide for killing someone while on duty.

In fact, according to an NPR data analysis published in June 2017, 2,400 people had been killed by an on-duty officer in two and a half years. (See Martin Kaste, Cop Shooting Death Cases Raise Question: When Is Fear Reasonable?, NPR (June 30th, 2017, 10:37 AM). In the vast majority of those cases, the killing was found to be justified. In only 20 of those 2,400 killings, officers faced charges, and of those, just six have been convicted or pleaded guilty.

While the justification of fear should continue to be available to officers because they face life-threatening situations, courts need to scrutinize such a motive because officers use it in circumstances where a reasonable officer having fear would be questionable.

Additionally, for the officers who fear for their lives in the absurd situations mentioned earlier, the insurrection confirms what we already know: fear is racially biased. Officers indeed do, subjectively speaking, fear Black people more. That is the other half of the problem because it shows that their fear is not objectively reasonable.

Yet, to the extent that officers deploy fear in disingenuous ways and/or are more likely to feel fear when encountering Black people, the conclusion is the same: An officer's subjective fear is not a reasonable basis on which to decide what's lawful.

That Wednesday, the officers who protect America's most prized possession, our democracy, and thereby would likely have even more heightened senses of danger and greater sensitivities to threat than do officers on the streets were not afraid. They have set a standard, and we should try to mark it as one. Suppose we

can find a way to present last month's riot as a tangible contra comparator, showing that a dispositive differentiating factor in the fear justification is race. In that case, we have a chance to kill a giant that's been used to help the guilty escape accountability for decades.

I call on every person to amplify by posting the article on their social networks and tagging the New York Times, MSNBC, The New Yorker, and The Washington Post. I ask you to further the work of justice by helping to fund it. You can donate at julianlegal.com/act-now.

We also need to acquire ambassadors to have conversations about these cold cases.

Join me at www.julianlegal.com. You can also reach me at jillcollen@julianlegal. com or call me at 601.323.6586.

JILL COLLEN JEFFERSON is a civil rights and international human rights attorney who grew up the racism and de facto segregation of rural Mississippi. Prior to her legal career, in brief, she researched civil rights cold cases, was one of four speechwriters on President Barack Obama’s 2012 campaign, and served in various roles on Capitol Hill, The White House, national and state political campaigns, think-tanks, and advocacy nonprofits.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in English and History with a minor in French at the University of Virginia and her J.D. from Harvard Law School.

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Created For More EXASPERATION - EXHAUSTION Nothing in her past would have convinced Frances Bailey that she’d be a wife, mother, philanthropist, and an award-winning certified coach and Christian counselor someday.

“I was battling addiction and mental illness,” Frances says thoughtfully. “As if that wasn’t enough, I was leaving an abusive relationship loaded with debt. Too much was going on!”

DESPAIR - DEFEAT “It was clear in my mind I was created for nothing. I had no zeal to realize that everything I was going through was going to work out for my good,” Frances reminisces.

Plagued with feelings of a purposeless existence, it didn’t take long for Frances to begin battling suicidal thoughts.

It was rock bottom!

Yet ground zero is where she needed to be to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

“People rallied around me. They helped me to see that I wasn’t created to stay down.

Someday, I was going to use my story to help others.”

TRUST - TRIUMPH Today, Frances is the CEO of Frances Bailey Enterprises, LLC, where she runs her coaching program and publishes her solo and collaboration book projects. She also serves in the governing body on the Board of Directors for the Eastern Shore Center for Independent Living. When she’s not coaching or writing, you’ll find her pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration.

As the Founder and President of her nonprofit organization, Red Door Empowerment, Frances recognizes that it took others to help her soar. In turn, she rallies beside other women to help them overcome situations that hold them hostage.

Her tools of choice? Mindset transformation, accountability, and a life blueprint.

“I help educate, equip and empower my sisters to understand that a transformed heart will positively impact the mind. With a renewed mind, nothing or no one can stop them from achieving their dreams,” she explains.

A day at a time, Frances began to rise energized by the encouragement she received.

And with new strength, she began to slay the giants. And victory gave rise to a new vision of herself.

A purposeful woman. An unbeatable warrior. A sold-out follower of Christ.

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“Powered with a strategic plan, new skills, resources, and referrals, every woman can attain their next level of life and purpose,” she muses.

“And in telling their story, they, too, can lift others as they climb.”

To learn more about Frances, visit www.francesbaliey.com

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Pandemic Clutter 5+1 Tips to Get You Organized For Success

BY TANISHA LYONS-PORTER

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One of the direct consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic has been a long and extended stay at home, effectively turning houses into schools, offices, and more!

The unintended consequence? Stress and clutter.

Unfortunately, the more mess, the more the stress, and this vicious cycle can leave even the best of us feeling helpless.

Organizing has been a passion of mine since I was a young child and a skill that comes as second nature. I desire to see women succeed in their professional and personal lives by creating order out of disordered environments.

Whether the pandemic or other factors have caused the clutter, I'm here to help.

No judgment. So here are some tips to reclaim your favorite spaces for good.

1. One space at a time.

Choose one room/space to focus on at a time. Start with the area or room that gives you the most angst about storage, and start there.

REMEMBER One space at a time, but one space every time.

2. What’s in there?

Evaluate your existing storage and what's taking up space. Take out what you know to be unused, rarely used, broken or missing pieces, out of date, expired, and just plain and simply trash.

Make room for what you use by getting rid of what you don't.

REMEMBER

space by adding shelves, hooks, and racks to create more flat surfaces to hold your stuff.

REMEMBER

Maximize vertical space.

5. Think outside the box.

It's okay to use an underutilized space in another room for creating zones and place specific items together.

REMEMBER Say yes to using extra room but be careful about transferring the mess.

6. Get empowered!

Yes, I can organize things for you, but I prefer my clients to participate. Longterm success comes when you learn the skill too.

REMEMBER If I can do it, so can you, because "organization" is NOT perfection.

It's efficiency!

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3. Use the un-usable.

Everyone has an ill-placed storage space.

That corner cabinet that's too far at the back or so high you can't put anything in it.

To use those areas, purchase trays/bins that fit into that space and fill them with items you need to store. Pull the entire tray when you need something, then put it back once you have what you need.

REMEMBER

fresh eyes.

See un-useable spaces with

4. Look up

TANISHA LYONSPORTER is Tanisha is a professional organizer and owner of Natural Born Organizers, LLC. Her mission is to help her clients get rid of the stuff they don't need, so they live, nurture, love, create, and make money in spaces they love. For more info: www.naturalbornorganizers.com

Do you have a cabinet/pantry/closet with floor-to-ceiling space? Create instant

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