FEMI Magazine November/December 2021

N/D 21 $11.00 US

AVAILABLE UNTIL JANUARY 31, 2022

BRANDS WE LOVE FOR THE HOLIDAY’S!

Skinergy skinergybeauty.com

Herb N’ Eden www.herbneden.com

COTA Skin www.cotaskincare.com

GLAM Body iamglambody.com

Hollywood Hairbar hollywoodhairbar.com

P

ublisher’s Note

TANISHA DAVIS

Photography By: Calvin Howard Make-Up By: Breana Tyshe Scott

It’s that wonderful time of the year again! The Holidays have arrived and everyone is planning to travel and see family and friends. As you gather together, make sure that you are paying close attention to your surroundings. This is one of my favorite times of the year because I get to sit back and watch all the Holiday movies with my daughter and of course join in the shopping experience for loved ones. Our Holiday Issue of FEMI Magazine features Britni Ricard who is the CEO of COTA Skincare. You’re going to love her story along with many others who are featured!

FEMI Magazine wishes you the best New Year and Holiday Season!

Tanisha D. Davis

Tanisha D. Davis, Publisher

CONNECT WITH ME @TanishaDDavis

2 | FEMI MAGAZINE

Britni Ricard

Photography By: Will Sterling Styling: Ryan Christopher Hair: Alonzo Arnold Makeup: Lauren Sinclair

3 | FEMI MAGAZINE

CONTENTS CONTRIBUTERS 5

Sarah Busby

7

Shakeema Bouyer

10

Ivan Thomas

12

Shauna Lamore

15

Single For the Holiday’s

17

Cover Story: Britni Ricard

19

Jakeem Smith

20

New Years Resolutions

22

Artist Spotlight: PMJ

23

His & Her Gift Guides

Managing Editor LaTrice Strong

Andrew Joseph Kimberly Scott Amanda Miller Victoria Moulterie Jatelia Lewis Jazmyne Byrd Jules Lavallee

Founder Tanisha D. Davis

Email info@femimagazine.org

Website FEMIMAGAZINE.com

Instagram & Twitter @femimagazine

SARAH BUSBY SPEAKS ON B the Buzz Agency Written By: LaTrice Strong There’s a new Beehive on the scene, and I am not talking about the legendary Queen B’s Beyhive. Instead, the buzz is all about “B the Buzz Agency,” A firm specializing in Public Relations, Branding, Marketing, Event Planning, and Social Media Management. Founded by Chief Executive Officer Sarah Busby, the multi-hyphenate marketing guru, personal coach, and motivational speaker who possesses a surplus of black girl magic and empowerment. FEMI Magazine was privileged to connect with Sarah to chat and get a sneak peek into her rise as a leading public relations and marketing industry entrepreneur.

Oftentimes people misunderstand what Public Relations is, in your own words define what it is to you?

“Many people believe that Public Relations is a “popcorn result” or “ quick fix” to shape their brand in a publicly pleasing light. Public Relations is the medium you choose if you desire media attention in different forms of press.

Additionally, Public Relations should be seen as a strategy tool to increase public facial recognition through strategic streamlined campaigns that will generate a public connection. I believe PR is a field that breeds a rewarding payoff for those who are seeking to increase their leadership or brand awareness in the media.

However, there must be a newsworthy angle and fit for the journalist and or media outlet. Lastly note, it’s something that people must understand it needs to be a “build-up” buzz as you continue with your PR campaign.”

“Many people believe that Public Relations is a “popcorn result” or “ quick fix” to shape their brand.”

-Sarah Busby

5| FEMI MAGAZINE

What is a typical day in the life for you like?

What is a typical day in PR? No day is the same. I normally wake up meditate, pray, fix some coffee and begin to map out my day. The majority of the time, I know what I’m going into the day before because I’m usually a night owl. I check my emails and prioritize the emails that need an immediate response. I then begin the fun part, the PR process. I’m either drafting a press release, writing a bio, creating pitches, and or pitching the top of the morning. I try to keep my pitching in the normal pitching hours. I keep my meetings on Tuesday and Thursdays so the other three days I can focus on the job itself. However, some meetings or interviews can happen any day of the week. I always incorporate a pause hour and a half to do errands, eat lunch or just relax to refresh. In my world, it’s needed.

Developing your own brand and business outside of such a demanding career can be difficult, how important is it for you to ensure that the things you want to do and create get done?

In 2021 I said I would market myself more. I started in small increments by hiring a photographer and videographer to document myself in a “lifestyle” way and the day in life. I started getting more “hipped” to create more reels. Editing the reels is a different story, but shooting them has been a fun way to be creative and show who I am in my career. At the endof the day, a brand is how people feel when they see you and I want people to like the person behind the brand which is me. I like to be as relatable and human as possible. I must include, I also hired a creative director to help me with content and to brand me in the way I want to be branded. I would say I’m more in the client seat that way.

Mental Health is often overlooked in busy and ever-changing fields, do you make mental days just to clear your mind and escape, if so how often, and what is your routine?

Mental health is a much-needed priority for me. After being someone that doesn’t know how to always turn it off. I find myself not being as creative and sane if I don’t unplug for a day. If I don’t have work, Fridaysand Sunday’s mine. I have two ways I celebrate my mental health. I have a girlfriend that she and I will dedicate a workday in a month, where we go have lunch together, do a fun activity or go to the spa. My second option is turning my phone off and tapping into binging shows I haven’t had a chance to catch up on. It’s my way to tap into Sarah and at that time I’mthe most important person.

A lot of students are now entering into the Public Relations and Marketing field, what advice do you have for them?

I would advise them to get their hands on as much as possible. If you’re going to be in this field, you need to be aware of different fields of PR and different types of marketing.

Volunteer yourself on different projects and take initiative as much as you can so you can have a variety of portfolio examples. Since the pandemic, there are quite a few online certification programs that are created for students and recent graduates to continue their learning. The students that show more initiative always go farther quicker than most.

Stay Connected to B The Buzz Agency Instagram @BtheBuzzAgency Website: www.bthebuzzpr.com

Images Courtesy of Sarah Busby

FEMI MAGAZINE |6

Shakeema Bouyer Shares insight into the world of a Branding and Public Relations Professional

Photography By: Amber Thompson| Golden Jewel Media

Written By: Andrew Joseph Based in North Carolina comes a Brand strategist, Public Relations Professional, Author and an Innovative Thinker who lives by the tagline “You are a voice in this world and it needs to be heard.” Shakeema Bouyer is the owner of Mattie Clay Branding & Public Relations and Agency Director at RedHeadCreative Media Group who is committed to helping BIPOC brands establish brand identity and increase brand awareness. As a digital publicist in the areas of Beauty, Health & Wellness and Lifestyle, her ability to craft stories for her clients to share with the entities that need to hear it, is something that puts her in a strong position in working with top companies.

Instead of sharing the stories of her clients, now Shakeema is able to finally switch roles in her interview with FEMI Magazine to share her story.

7 |FEMI MAGAZINE

Photography By: Amber Thompson| Golden Jewel Media

What inspired you to get into Branding and Public Relations and then branch out into your own agency?

My original career goal was to be an investigative journalist but I had the opportunity to complete an internship at a PR & Marketing agency and it changed my mind. My first major campaign was for a nonprofit organization called Christmas in July - which completed home renovations for the elderly in the lowcountry of South Carolina. While working on the campaign, I realized I could still be a part of the communications industry but from a different side of the lens.

Everything that was a big part of who I am, community service, organizing, watching it all unfold - made me realize that I could have a better impact as a publicist.

As I transitioned from college, things didn’t go as planned but I never lost sight of that goal. A few years later, I was reintroduced to PR through a random request from my Pastor. He asked me to write a press release and when he read it, he was like “Oh, you know what you’re doing!” When I explained to him that I had a degree in Communications and had done few PR things here and there, I was tasked with some assignments for our church’s community outreach as well as some PR and social media duties for him as well (he is a very well-known gospel artist).

I definitely consider that to be divine intervention because it allowed me to reconnect with the PR industry and learn some of what had changed since I graduated from college. It was like having another internship but I was the intern and the employer.

After a few years, I decided it was time for me to take what I had learned and spent time developing and do it on my own terms. I launched my agency in September 2012. It was initially launched as a Public Relations agency only but as I came in contact with more individuals and brands, I realized that too often people skip the branding piece of putting together who they are, who they serve and how can their identity be achieved and maintained. So I started to integrate branding into my retainers or offer it as a separate project based service.

What has been the most difficult and rewarding moments in the industry thus far?

One of my most memorable and rewarding experiences was being recognized by a nonprofit organization that I have worked with for years. As the person over communications and knowing who was being honored, it was a COMPLETE surprise when my name was called for a special award for my dedication to the Charge Up Campaign, Inc. When you work with nonprofits, to me, the reward is in being able to see the targeted community be able to benefit from the message(s) that you have managed and sent out. So you don’t think about the organization giving you a special recognition to thank you for what you signed up to do. That will always be a moment near and dear to my heart.

What has been difficult? This is a hard question but also a not so hard question - I know that doesn’t make sense. What I think has been more difficult for me is overcoming the obstacles that I placed in my own way. For my entire PR career, I have worked full time and mostly in call center management. So I often placed my agency focus on the back burner to deal with the demands of work. So while I know what I can bring to the table, I haven’t always had a consistent output. In this industry that can be a sure block to obtain new clients, especially when you know you can execute on the same level or better than some of your peers that have a more consistent portfolio. Now that I am in position to change the balancing scales with a larger focus on my agency, in some sense, I feel like I am playing catch up.

The pandemic was a blessing in disguise for me. It allowed me to identify the gaping holes in my business, create plans to close them in and better allocate my time to really focus on obtaining and providing the best of me to my clients.

Within recent times (Covid19 Pandemic) how did you have to adjust to continue in your business?

When the pandemic started, I was actually in the process of redefining my agency’s target client as I transitioned back into beauty from primarily nonprofit/cause based where I had been for about four years. While the beauty industry did not suffer, some of the brands that I had been in communication with were not prepared and it caused me to refocus.

I spent the first few months taking courses and certifications that would help me with my agency in the long run. And with the surge in entrepreneurship, I wrote an ebook (Dear Entrepreneur) that focused on the branding elements of business. I wanted people to start off with the mentality of doing it right and not start the business and do ‘XYZ’ later.

I also rolled out a new service for small businesses - Get Your Assets Together - that would provide them with their media assets and teach them how to pitch themselves until they can add PR services into their budgets.

While running your own business we see you're a wife and a mother. How do you juggle the roles?

That plus working full time has been my life for the last 9-10 years! Whew…life has not been a crystal stair (lol). I have always had relatively strong time management skills and that has really been my biggest asset. Before the pandemic, when we could go outside, I would make sure that I blocked off at least one weekend per month just for family time. When it is really busy, I let my son know what I have going on and we make plans so he has something to look forward to.

With a 10year old, I am very involved in his school work so my evenings are definitely on a schedule. Homework, dinner/bed time and then client work for 2-3 hours. Everyday has a schedule for me and it makes life so much easier.

FEMI MAGAZINE |8

Instagram @ShakeemaMichelle

Photography by Godisable Jacob

IVAN THOMAS

Ivan Thomas is the President and CEO of Intrigue Media Group and a highly sought after entrepreneur, celebrity publicist, author and motivational speaker. Over the course of the last 15 years, Ivan has worked with and represented many of the nation's top companies and individuals - helping them to garner media coverage, establish powerful collaborations and ultimately solidify their positions as leaders in their fields.

Among those he has worked with have been Nielsen, the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Ursula Burns (former CEO of Xerox), Actor Darrin Henson, rapper/actor Waka Flocka Flame, Rev. Jesse Jackson, NBA player Michael Beasley, multi-platinum producer and entrepreneur Kevin "Khao" Cates, Celebrity Credit Guru James Hunt, music mogul Devyne Stephens, rapper Supa Peach and many others.

While he works with high profile figures, he is also known for elevating emerging brands and influencers into the limelight and coaching them to success. Ivan has secured press in outlets ranging from Forbes, Associated Press, CNN, Black Enterprise, Essence, Chicago Sun Times, BET, Hype Magazine, Blavity, The Root and the list goes on.

His work as a contributing writer has also been documented in national entertainment and lifestyle websites like EURweb, The Hype Magazine and National Black Guide. The rising mogul has interviewed many of the nation's top stars and covered the biggest cultural events, ranging from the BET Awards, The BMI R&B/Hip Hop Awards and One Music Fest . With the goal of helping thousands of entrepreneurs, aside from running his agency, Ivan focuses his time on educating others and equipping them to activate their dreams and realize massive success.

Learn more about his company Intrigue Media Group by visiting www.intriguemediagroup.com.

You can also follow him on instagram at @ivanth3great and @intrigue_media_group.

FEMI MAGAZINE |10

11| FEMI MAGAZINE

Photography by RODNAE Productions

SHAUNA LAMORE A Woman on a Mission

Written By: Kimberly Scott We got a behind the scenes look at what life is like as a public relations expert. From working with celebrities to waking up early Shauna Lamore gives advice on what it takes to be a celebrity publicist and how she does it.

Shauna is showing her black girl magic as an incredible rising star in the public relations world, and things are only getting better!

What led to a career in Public Relations?

Several years back I owned a completely different business and reached out to a few companies to help me with visibility. After not gaining the results I was hoping for or any results at all, I decided I could do my own public relations. I knew I had great relationships and I knew what objectives I had so I took the time to make it happen. At the time my daughters owned a business too. I implemented all the visibility strategies I knew of and ended up getting them 18 media placements within a few months. When my friends who were entrepreneurs saw that many of them wanted me to do the same for them. I’ve always been one to plug my friends anyway so it came naturally. I realized I was passionate about it and I enjoyed doing it more than anything I had ever done as a career so I started as a single publicist and now run a full firm.

What have you learned the most about working in this field when it comes to dealing with peoples personal lives on a regular?

Confidentiality is key! I treat my clients as if I’m their lawyer. Whatever they tell me that they don’t want out to the public, will not get out to the public. In addition to that in our field it’s important in a crisis management situation to always lead with your expertise and not emotion. Some clients can become friends but never let that cloud your professional judgment. For example, if your client is in a public dispute STAY OUT OF IT unless you’re making an official statement. No one trusts the messy publicist.

Instagram @lamorelifestylepr

FEMI MAGAZINE | 12

Who are some of your clients?

I represent some amazing clients! We have clients in several different industries. Right now on my roster I represent celebrity drummer Wes Watkins from Maryland, restaurant client Jamacia Pon Di Road in Houston, Vicky Cakes out of Dallas, Cherry Martinez from New York and several others.

What is a typical work day like for you?

A typical work day for me is busy. Out of habit I’m up around 4am.

This started when I realized the morning show producers were most responsive around that time. I check my email, check all my socials and then get to work pitching clients. Throughout the day there are calls, emails and meetings and my day usually ends around 6pm. If there’s a crisis management situation or a large event the schedule is completely unpredictable. A few years ago I did an international fashion show where I arrived at 9am and didn’t leave the venue until 2am the following morning.

How do you toggle between work life and personal life?

Over the years I’ve learned to do this much better. At the beginning of my career this was truly a challenge. Being an entrepreneur allows me the option to make my own schedule and having a staff allows me to delegate tasks when I’m unavailable to do them personally. For that reason I don’t have to miss out on school functions or quality time with children. In addition to that I have the luxury of having a partner who supports me with everything in life including the PR firm. He not only runs his own business but is committed to helping me grow mine. To wake up in the morning to someone who says, “what’s on your to do list today, let’s knock it out” is a blessing. You don’t feel torn between work and your relationship when you work with your better half.

How do you help draw the line between “me time” when clients spill over into your personal time?

Boundaries are something you have to learn quickly in business if you want to remain sane! In our industry there really isn’t a such thing as business hours. For example, if there is a crisis or urgent matter you have to be on it immediately. But outside of a crisis situation there is no reason for clients not to respect boundaries when contacting you. A lot of business owners work long hours and so sometimes they may have a thought at 2am. My clients know to either email it or hold that thought because I have to be up around 4 waking me up at 2 for anything other than an emergency is a no no.

13| FEMI MAGAZINE

Photography By: Lydia Williams

What’s some information you wish you had known before becoming a Publicist?

Before becoming a publicist I wish I had known how important networking is. I learned quickly that public relations and media relations is heavily based on relationships. I also wish I had realized to outsource much sooner. The first couple of years I don’t think I slept. News never sleeps so I was going nonstop and ended up in the hospital. I remember waking up in the hospital one morning and having an important call because I was partnering a client with a major retailer. I put a do not disturb sign on my room door and told all of the nurses to not bother me for the next half hour. I closed the deal but in that moment I realized I needed help. In no scenario is it healthy to have to work from your hospital bed.

What advice do you have for anyone interested in this industry?

Make genuine relationships. Relationships can open more doors than you think. Other publicists are your network and not your competition. Also research is key! You’ll waste a lot of time if you don’t properly research the companies and platforms you’re reaching out to.

What’s your daily motto that keeps you motivated?

Every day I tell myself, "Opportunities don't happen. You create them." that’s one of my favorite quotes by Chris Grosser. Also on days I need a push or a little motivation I turn on Push It by O.T Genasis and blast it while I’m getting ready for the day.

Works every time!

What’s next for you?

Expansion and elevation. This year has been amazing. We recently moved to Houston and opened a location. Also this upcoming year I’ve decided to come from behind the scenes and accept more speaking opportunities to position myself and the firm as a recognizable name in this industry.

Photography By: Adrienne Anderson MAKE-UP By: @kaleidoscopeaddiction

FEMI MAGAZINE | 14

SINGLE FOR THE HOLIDAYS?!

Written By: Kimberly Scott Hallmark movies can really make everyone feel like they will find love for the holidays. But, life isn't a movie and some of us are going to be navigating this holiday season solo.

Here’s 5 tips to keep this holiday season cheerful even if you don’t have a significant other this year.

1. Treat Yourself Put yourself first this holiday season. You won’t have to splurge or stress about getting your boyfriend or his family the perfect gift. Most of your favorite stores probably have deals so now is the time to get something you have had your eyes on. Treating yourself can also mean getting your nails or hair done. Whatever makes you feel happy and less stressed, go for it!

2. Embrace Family and Friends ​This could be your last holiday single, which means you can show your friends and family more love. Does your mom love Christmas eve shopping? Offer to drive and help her shop. Does your nephew love legos?

Spend time building a new set together. Throw a holiday party with your bestie! The holidays are a great time to make memories with the ones you love!

3. Create your own traditions Just because you see your friend and her partner post pictures doing their annual Christmas decorating or couple pajama photo shoot together doesn't mean you can't do traditions of your own. Make your home something fun for the holidays by decorating in a way that makes you happy. Don’t be afraid to post your cute holiday pics to the gram! Make the holidays your own this year and have fun!

4. Have Your Responses Ready Friends and family don’t always have the proper respect for boundaries. If they ask about your relationship status, have an auto response ready so you do not need to stress at the moment.

5. Stop Comparing Yourself In the days of social media, it can feel almost impossible not to compare. But, comparison can be a thief of joy. Everyone is on a different journey, so enjoy your journey for what it is. If following celebrities and influencers gets you down and make you feel like you have to compare yourself, just unfollow. Do your best to focus on what you have this year and take time to be thankful for your personal life path that you have had so far. You might not be in a romantic relationship this year but don’t let it take away from the joyful season.

15| FEMI MAGAZINE

Photography by KoolShooters

Photography By: Will Sterling Styling: Ryan Christopher Hair: Alonzo Arnold Makeup: Lauren Sinclair

FEMI MAGAZINE | 17

COVER STORY Written By: Andrew Joseph

Skin-Care Redifined with Britni Ricard

Presenting Britni Ricard, the self-taught CEO based in New Orleans with a passion for healthy skin. She has a drive to recreate the skincare routine shared to her by her late brother. To commemorate him she named her company using the abbreviations of his musician stage name, Chev Off The Ave (COTA). In under two years she turned her skincare company into a booming multimillion-dollar business. Cota Skin is redefining skincare standards by adding CBD to your beauty regimen. While CBD has been known to past its high times of puff puff pass, it is still new to skincare. CBD is an incredibly effective ingredient that is a powerful antioxidant that offers anti-inflammatory and anti-aging benefits. CBD is also great for regulating oil production in oily skin while hydrating dry skin.

What has 2021 taught you the most about yourself as a business woman?

2021 has taught me how to be more patient and organized.

Have you had any difficulties along the way and how did you overcome them?

By the grace of God I have not run into any road blocks. I think mostly because I’m not learning as I go I’ve already educated myself and my team so we’re are overly prepared for things.

What message do you have for Black Women who are running businesses in a male dominated society?

It’s no longer a male dominated society women are killing the game.

What inspired the launch of Cota Skin and what new products will we see for the Holidays?

Dealing with my own personal skincare problems is what sparked me to create my one products. Yes we have a new Hyaluronic acid mask dropping on Black Friday.

Self care is important, what does your “me time” routine look like?

I start my day using my deluxe bundle and grab me a cup of hot tea. I don’t drink coffee.

Do you have a New Years Resolution and if so what is it?

To no longer bring up the past. I want to continue to move forward and build newer memories.

What advice do you have for those planning to take that leap of faith and quit their day jobs? Is there a process you recommend before the leap?

I’d say simply believe in yourself. Keep that drive and hustle. Never give up!

What words describe Britni Ricard?

Loyal & Ambition

Learn More about COTA Skincare by visiting www.cotaskincare.com

FEMI MAGAZINE | 18

“In this field relationships and connections are very much important, and as long as you have that you will be good.”

Public Relations in the Entertainment field can be challenging, how do you manage?

JS: For me , I pray, mediate and I allow God to lead me and direct me. On any project or assignment I work on.

Sometimes the days can be long or researching can be super hard.

JB: Mental Health is often overlooked in such a busy and ever-changing field, do you make mental days just to clear your mind and escape, if so how often and what is your routine?

JS: I actually go and get massages, as well as get a manicure and pedicure done. I go to the movies or go to the park to escape and regroup so I can recharge. I learned sometimes we continue to wear pain and not realize it because we are so busy healing others.

JB: Life outside your clients can be tough, how do you balance?

JAKEEM SMITH Written By: Jazmyne Bryd Balancing life with a demanding career and running multiple brands can be very hectic, however, when you are passionate about what you do it can make it all worth it. Jakeem Smith has mastered the art of public relations and being an entertainment publicist. His journey has taken him from LA to Texas, and from being a publicist to one of the leading families in the entertainment industry for some of the top reality stars on TV today. From crisis management to the reality world, Smith has experience in area of public relations. Smith is one of the most sought-after publicists today and a big time go to who has a great history of client retention. With clientele ranging from Porsha Williams to Yandy Smith (Love and Hip-Hop), Smith is a proven publicist with a perfect track record.

Jazmyne Byrd: How did you get started ind PR? Jakeem Smith: I got into Public Relations by accident. I was working for A2S magazine as a photographer and I wanted to expand and do more outreach. Chanita Foster at the time hired me to be her Assistant/PR so I had to learn a lot fast and understand the assignment. In this field relationships and connections are very much important, and as long as you have that you will be good.

JS: For me I simply set boundaries and time limits to respect my peace and mental so that there is a balance.

In the beginning I really didn’t have that. I was just answering the phone when ever they called because I thought that was my job, but later on through trial and error I learned that’s not even the case.

JB: Often times people misunderstand what Public Relations is, in your own words define what it is to you?

JS: We are the people that keep the client in the public eye through various articles, and keep them in the know of events and things that they should be apart of .

JB: What is a typical day in the life of you like?

JS: For me it’s emails, texts and calls through out the whole day. I have recently joined the production world so now I’m a Segment producer on a new show with Vh1.

So, working 12 or more hours per day on top of running my agency and tending to my clients is definitely a roller coaster, but I finally found the formula. I have an amazing Senior Pr Tammy Reese who handles a lot of the day to day handling with clients and sending out emails now.

Instagram @jakeemsmith FEMI MAGAZINE | 19

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS Written By: Victoria Moulterie

Who would have even thought we would recover after the year 2020. That year brought in a new reality for a lot of people. It brought in a drastic wind of change that we needed but also didn't even expect. Setting your goals for the new year is a great way to go in with a plan of attack to get to the next stage of your journey.

The job market is drastically changing as companies are facing a mass exodus from fed up employees. The pandemic babies are showing us the benefits of others being able to work at home. Additionally the benefits of spending more time with your family. What are your goals going to be heading in the year 2022 in this new reality we are living in?!

According to wikipedia, new year's resolutions are traditions most common in the western world, but also found in the eastern world, in which a person resolves to continue good practices, change an undesired trait or behavior, accomplish a personal goal or otherwise improve their life at the start of the new year.

We not only want you to keep up with your new resolutions this year, but we also want you to be SMART about them. Specific. Measurable. Attainable. Relevant.

Time Bound. We just don't want to set unrealistic goals that we are only going to think about through the month of January. THen, here comes February and we already fell off the wagon. This year we will have a different approach for whatever goals you have for the year 2022. This year you step into your full power whatever that may look like for you.

How do we set our S.M.A.R.T New year's resolutions?

Be specific. The most common resolutions you hear are losing weight, getting more organized or getting a new job. Dig a little deeper when it comes to what you are actually trying to achieve. I want to lose 30 pounds by the end of the year by staying on a consistent workout plan and change in diet. I want to create a schedule that outlines my priorities for each day of the week to help me stay more organized throughout the year. I want to obtain a new job in a career field that I am more fulfilled and have adequate compensation. You have to know exactly what you want in order to get things accomplished. Also what other factors are you going to need to accomplish these resolutions.

How do you plan to measure your progress? Keeping track of the progress you make is another way to keep yourself motivated throughout the year. Tracking your weight loss through pictures, keeping your goal of how many times you go to the gym.

Is this something that is truly attainable? We all have different lives and everyone’s circumstances may be a little different. Making sure that the resolutions that you have set for yourself or truly attainable are vital in your journey. This is something that may take more time. Changing careers is something that may require obtaining certifications or undergoing additional training. Conducting research to fully understand the time commitment and workload that goes into it, will help determine if this goal is attainable in your set time frame.

Is this something truly relevant to bettering your life? Taking the time to truly figure out what is going to improve your life is something only you can do. In a society where pushing a certain image on you doesn mean you need to go out and lose weight. Just because everyone else is out here finding new jobs, doesn't mean that's right for you. Do these resolutions ultimately align with your purpose and goals for your life?

At some point in your life you should be looking at the bigger picture. Each year you set a new year’s resolution it should already be aligned with the bigger picture goals. Your bigger picture goals. The American dream is dead, I'm sorry if no one informed you. Your dream however is not. How are these goals that you are setting ultimately aligning with the full betterment of your life.

In the works of Yo Gotti, “Put a Date on It”. When do you want to accomplish this goal? How much time do you want to dedicate? What are some important dates to keep in mind?

New year's resolutions have received a bad wrap. Most people set them and even have faith in themselves to achieve them. By using the S.M.A.R.T method it gives you a better outline to help you stay on track. Another thing to keep in mind this upcoming year. Keep your resolutions to yourself. Focus on the process and not the acknowledgement.

FEMI MAGAZINE | 20

Photography by Cottonbro

FEMI MAGAZINE | 21

PMJ

Artist Spotlight

AVAILABLE NOW! PASTOR MIKE, JR. WAS AWARDED 2 STELLAR AWARDS FOR BEST NEW ARTIST OF 2020 AND BEST RAP/GOSPEL ALBUM OF THE YEAR!

Instagram @pastormikejr FEMI MAGAZINE | 22

GIFTS FOR MEN

Apple AirPods Pro for $197

Sony WH-1000XM4 Noise Canceling Headphones for $248

Brita Plastic Water Filter Bottle for $20.48

Potensic T25 for $154.99

FEMI MAGAZINE | 23

GIFTS FOR WOMEN

Titanium Curl Genius $50) Sally’s Womens Satin Lined Winter Beanie ($16)

Armani Beauty Sì Passione Eau de Parfum ($76)

24| FEMI MAGAZINE

Ugg Slippers ($110)

FEMI MAGAZINE | 25

26| FEMI MAGAZINE

FEMI MAGAZINE | 27

Social Media @Starrdom100Radio Schedule Interview: Starrdom100Radio@gmail.com

28| FEMI MAGAZINE

Photography by: Akintomide Akindele

FEMI MAGAZINE | 29

Faith Ministries P.A.W. Church

Come Worship with Us!

Sunday Service: 11:00 AM CST Bible Class: Wednesday & Fridays at 6:00 PM CST

LOCATION

1108 Chinquapin St, Mobile, AL 36603

District Elder Charles R. Austin, Pastor First Lady LaTanya Austin

Photography by Monstera

Photography by Jairo David Arboleda