Harris-Oguzor Magazine Summer Issue 3

HARRIS-OGUZOR SUMMER 2021 ISSUE 3

Learn the ins and outs of selling products See what it's like juggling Motherhood & Entrepreneurship 5 Things you must do to Establish Business Credit

Angela Reed

Harris-Oguzor Magazine: Summer 2021. Copyright 2021 by Spice Publishing & Sonya N. Harris-Oguzor. Manufactured in the United States of America. All rights reserved worldwide. No other part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer, who may quote briefly in a review. Published by Spice Publishing & Sonya N. Harris-Oguzor, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A.

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Sonya N. Harris-Oguzor

This is our third 2021 issue and I am still as excited now as I was in March to share this with you. Our goal is still to provide women of color options in urban areas that will grow the community, boost our overall wealth and advance our children through storytelling and business tips.

In our Winter issue we spoke to entrepreneurs in the fashion industry, online entertainment industry, insurance industry and many more. We also touched on how to create a business. Our Spring issue focused on reproductive health and explored education virtually. In this Summer issue we are still sharing stories of entrepreneurs who are figuring out how to juggle parenthood & business as well as how to build business credit.

-Sonya N. Harris-Oguzor

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Table Of Contents

Simple Fashion & Beauty Tips

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More To Love: How to juggle Motherhood & Family Expenses

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Business Checklist & Establishing Business Credit

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It's Never Too Late: A story about resilience.

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DID YOU KNOW? Did you know that throughout Southern United States and throughout the Caribbean enslaved people were required to cover their heads in public. This was created to shame Black people in those regions but this turned out to help with issues caused by the sun like scalp dryness. Though, there are currently no laws that require the practice, anymore, the tradition continues in order to show heritage and is used as a fashion accessory.

Photo courtesy of @fanmdjanm by @findingpaola

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FASHION & BEAUTY SPOTLIGHT

THO Magazine

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Fashion & Beauty Tips Sonya N. Harris-Oguzor

The summer time is here and for many the pressures of looking snatched and flawless is weighing on their shoulders. When juggling a hectic business schedule it may not allow much time to workout so here are some tips to help.

When attempting to look summer fine simple adjustments can do the trick. Want to have an curvier figure? Wear high waisted pants, skirts or bikini bottoms. Another tip is to tuck in your shirts to showcase your instant curves.

When looking to apply flawless foundation with little shine, powder may help but there are other ways to tone down shine. Before you put on your makeup wash your face and add a toner to your skin to keep the shine down.

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Healthy Hair's A Click A Way

By Sonya N. Harris-Oguzor

Oluchukwu Jennifer Odunze is a force from the West African country of Nigeria. She was influenced at a young age to value her skin and to care for it properly. She would often mix up her own skin products and later in life she began caring for the scalp and hair. At the age of 30, Odunze found herself balding in the middle of her head.

Odunze knew that she was too young to have balding so she created a mixture to help combat her balding and regrow her hair. After many tries she finally found the right combination to regrow her hair. Once her recipe began working the word soon spread amongst her friends and co-workers.

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Odunze’s product soon became a hit in her workplace.

After a co-worker’s hair grew inches in a few months unlike ever before Odunze decided to sell her products professionally. Her best friend, Brittany Gena Smith, owner of Eventures by Brittney, had always encouraged her to become a business owner and her boyfriend, Gary Frazier, supported her vision so Odunze pursued her business. Odunze’s coworker Jaylann Rice also encouraged her to launch her products that resulted in her first product being sold professionally June 2020.

Odunze began to do research to see how she could better perfect her recipe and add related products to her hair care line. To her surprise, people really loved her products.

I began to wonder about how Odunze chose to name her business. I was told that Odunze’s baptism name is Claire but she goes by St.Claire. She also has a online name of Jennifer St. Claire. She usually spells her middle name with a G on social media. I next asked about why Odunze chose to work for herself instead of getting a job. She answered that she had a job before covid struck but then she decided to put her efforts into her cosmetic brand.

I once again became curious about her business and the obstacles she faced bringing it to fruition. Odunze responded by telling me that funding was difficult at first.

She was unsure where she would initially get the money to create her products but she made the decision to use her credit card to start. Odunze’s boyfriend also helped where he could to help her fund her dreams. She encourages others to, “Keep on pushing… I had to buy a little at a time and a little more when I could afford it..” 10

Speaking of boyfriend, I wanted to know about her support system’s importance for her business. Odunze expressed that her support system was very important and that she could not have done all that she has done without them. Her best friend pushed her to start her business.

Her boyfriend, Gary Frazier, and parents, Larry and Francisca Odunze, supported her once her business was created. She added that Francisca, her Mom prays for her and in her culture it’s important for parents to pray over their children.

I asked Odunze about what she learned since being an entrepreneur and she said that, “I learned about empathy...I’m the type of person who will tell it like it is honestly.” She also mentioned learning customer service as she’s been running her business. She lastly said that she learned that, “That I can do it and that I really can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” She often creates and labels her own containers and it is humbling. I asked about what made Odunze feel most honored and she expressed the fact that she “accomplished something” and “My product is an extension of me and I’m in people’s houses. People have my production in their houses. Something I made. I made something that people want.”

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In five years she plans to continuously be rebranding and making her business better. She also hopes to have her products in every store.

She really aspires to have products in Nigeria, in the United States, in the United Kingdom and in Israel where her customers are now. She concluded the interview by saying, “If you have a dreamUlochukwu Odunze above. don't give up, keep praying Source: Odunze and keep pushing.”

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By: Sonya N. Harris-Oguzor

Have A Scavenger Hunt At Home Make A Plan Gather supplies.

Stage The Activites Draw a rough image of the space that you wish to play in. Add landmarks or stops to discover things at.

Add as many as you wish then add an ending place with a spectacular prize.

The prize can be a food items like dinner, another food item like chocolate or something different entirely like another game, jewelry or clothing to change into.

Have fun with it, add surprising , enjoyable things along the route towards the grand prize.

Enjoy.

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All the Buzz By: Sonya N. Harris-Oguzor For many there are few activities to do with COVID-19 lingering around and some may be looking for something to peak their interest. When it comes to climax Meciah Speed is the one to get you there with her adult toy company, Toys Before Boys. Her company burst onto the scene in 2020 after Speed quit her job in search of mechanical passion. With her brother as her entrepreneurial muse, choosing to follow in his footsteps was an easy decision. With few hurdles in her way and family to support her, Speed was well on her way to success. She thanks her siblings, Mom and child’s father for purchasing products and providing their support.

Meciah Speed above.

When asked about why she chose to sell adult toys she mentioned her love and comfort for adult toys. Speed is most proud that she did it, she created her business and it’s hers. She concludes the article by encouraging other business women to keep pushing. She advises Black women business owners specifically to count inventory and to be smart because people do not take Black women seriously until you show them.

OUR CHALLENGE WINNER JUNE 2021

No winner claimed the prize.

WINNER'S RECEIVE: A CONTAINER OF GOLI NUTRITION APPLE CIDER VINEGAR GUMMIES ONE FREE DAY OF VIRTUAL PERSONAL FITNESS WITH THE VISUAL QUE FITNESS TRAINING AND COACHING COMPANY HAVE A PHOTOSHOOT & BE INTERVIEWED ON THE PROCESS OF LOSING WEIGHT WILL BE FEATURED IN OUR NEXT MAGAZINE ISSUE. QUALIFICATIONS: (DAY 1 THE BEGINNING, DAY 15 THE MIDDLE, DAY 30 THE LAST DAY

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REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH & FITNESS

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MORE TO LOVE DISCOVER HOW TO BUDGET

By: Sonya N. Harris-Oguzor

Running a business can be expensive so it makes sense to want to keep businesses expenses down but what about home expenses? I had a chance to talk to Mom's who are also entrepreneurs to see how they managed their household budgets.

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For some growing a family is biological only and through adoption for others but for Tia Regular’s family they chose to grow a different way. Tia had a son and her husband had two daughters, they came together and made two more to complete their blended family. Their kids are 14, 12, 11, 3 and 2 years old.

I asked about the expense associated with a large family and was told that budgeting must be done.

Regular discussed her oldest son’s growth spurt and how it can be expensive to buy shoes that double in size within a school year. She mentioned her older daughter’s biological Mother and step Dad helping to cover the cost of the girl's growth spurt. (Tia Regular to the right).

I questioned, Regular, about family time and she said that they had it when they could. It’s not all of the time that they are together, sometimes a child is with their other parent which makes it difficult to have family bonding time. When they all are together they go to arcades and play places for the kids but it’s difficult to find places all ages can enjoy. I became curious about when Regular took time out for herself and husband.

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I wondered about who watched the kids when they wanted time alone. Regular explained that her In-laws are retired and love to help out. She paused as she remembered a time different from now. Regular, expressed that before getting married to her husband things were very different.

She told me that she often had to have her son in daycare or latchkey after school. She even shared that she used to bring her son to work with her but her boss was understanding. She advises single mothers to budget well to have money for childcare.

Regular remembers a time when she owned a salon and had to modify her schedule to be present in her son’s life.

She recalls self-employment being tough because she could not get a lot of assistance like childcare. She was barely able to get insurance. When she married and her family blended a lot of adjustments were made, one being time management. She shared that shopping also changed. She still shops at stores like Macy’s but also Forman Mills and Burlington’s. Before she goes anywhere else in the store she shops the clearance section and suggests others with multiples do also.

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As far as advice for entrepreneurs who are Moms goes, Regular, advises to not compare yourself and business to others. While she works to build her business, Milk Pimp, she reminds herself that not having the lifestyle that you want shouldn’t lower your self worth. She also suggests scheduling time for your kids. Regular, created Milk Pimp when nursing her younger children and was inspired by them. To purchase Milk Pimp and learn more, go to shopmilkpimp.com.

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JD above.

JD is the mother of 6 girls. She raised them to adulthood with her husband of 20 + years. She worked part-time when they were younger and managed to spend time with her girls daily.

She scheduled family time where they would eat pizza and play games together. They would also go on camping trips. I asked why she chose to have 6 kids and she said that she always wanted to have a large family.

I asked about the expense of having a large family and JD said that it was not expensive and that, “You have to make it work...you need to budget differently.”

JD expressed that she was always looking around for free programs and offers for her kids' benefit in order to keep the cost of raising them down.

She suggests Moms make connections and engage in networking to find deals. I asked if finding childcare was as easy as finding free and discounted resources and JD said it was.

She says that her mother-in-law was retired and helped out. We concluded the interview with her advice, “It actually got easier with each kid because they would entertain each other and you could leave them together to play.”

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Darlene Waller is a mother of three girls ranging from 27 to 8 years old. She raised her children without a spouse but that doesn’t mean she raised them alone. Now that there is COVID, she says that, she doesn’t plan family time per se but she sees her 8-year-old every day and her grown kids regularly. She used to plan family time every weekend.

I asked about the cost of raising three girls without a spouse and Waller expressed that her first two children were not expensive until they Darlene and daughter above. were in high school. She continued to say that her youngest is expensive because she has special needs. To lower the cost of clothing she shops at Value Village and the Salvation Army and completes outfits by buying new accessories. She shared that she recently became a subscriber to KidBox, an online clothing subscription company, to save money and it is worth every penny. (When buying for one kid).

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Waller went on to explain that she previously tried to clip and collect coupons but she did not have the organizational skills to keep it up. “As an older mom, I cook more fresh foods than I used to, so I like to shop farmer's markets and stock up, cut up and freeze foods for easier meal planning.

Here in Detroit, Eastern Market and many other quality stores accept EBT and will even double your food bucks on produce, so we eat like queens. I also like Aldi, Western Market Ferndale, Fresh Thyme Market, and Randazzos.”

We transitioned to talking about childcare and babysitters. I wanted to know about the ease or difficulty levels of having babysitters for multiples. Waller shared that, “Finding a sitter has been very hard over my 27 years of motherhood because you never know who you can trust. I've given up jobs, school, and my passions because I couldn't find someone I could trust to keep/pick up/drop off my kids.”

I asked about her worries regarding her kids being babysat and she expressed that, “It's hard on mothers who have to make this decision to allow someone to watch your child, only to worry the entire time because you just never know what will happen. Family isn't always available and even if they are, as in my case with a special needs child, they often keep the kid for a day or two then say they ‘just can't do it’.”

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To make the conversation a bit lighter I asked Waller about vacations and if she ever took her kids on them.

She told me that she never went on vacation due to the expensiveness but that she sent her kids to family members.

Waller concluded the interview by saying, “I raised two neurotypical kids in high school & college, then had my beautiful autist daughter and she's taught me so much more about life.

Please talk to your neurotypical children I asked Waller about any about differences in advice she would give to people's mental mother’s raising multiple capacities. It's easy to kids and she said to be make fun of someone gentle with yourself and to, because you don't “Remember that you are understand them and growing as you raise them we've all done it, but it's and be open to apologizing time for the cycle to end for your mistakes, it goes a and for everyone to be long way when they get better educated on older. And be gentle with Special Needs. When you your child when they get don't expose your out of line. Think of what children to differences, it you needed as a child, and often leads to them give that/be that to your becoming bullies. child.”

Especially if they overhear gossip and ignorance at home.” " ...my oldest is going for her Master's Degree and my middle daughter started her own business, Rosewood Cosmetics." - Darlene Waller

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Kathleen Hurd is a mother of 3 adults. She became a mother at the age of 17. She married into a toxic relationship and had 2 additional children. Though she was married she felt like she remained a single mother.

She decided to send her oldest daughter to live with her Mother pon marrying her husband. She worked during the week and had babysitters but mostly spent time with her kids on the weekend when they were younger. They spent family time playing video games together, reading books and going to the mall.

I asked Hurd, why she chose to have multiples and she told me that it wasn’t her decision. She had an abortion right before she conceived her third child, he was a surprise.

She said that her children did not cost her much because she had hand-me-downs for her girls but her son was heavyset and grew a lot causing his clothing to cost a lot.

She now raises her Grandchildren and has hand-medowns for them.

Extracurriculars came up in conversation and Hurd shared that she found free programs to put her Grandkids in. She also said that Mothers must, “Sacrifice to make sure they have what they need.”

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Hurd makes time for her children and Grandchildren these days because of what COVID-19 has done to her family. Her daughter, the ones whose kids are living with Hurd, had contracted COVID-19 before it was known to be COVID-19. This is the reason Hurd has been taking care of her Grandkids. Hurd also runs a non-profit called, Damsel Take Your Crown, that caters to women who have survived traumatic events.

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Qiana Abrams 28

Make Time For Selfcare with Qiana By: Sonya N. Harris-Oguzor Visual Qi Fitness owner, Qiana Abrams, also known as Q to her clients, is a personal trainer and nutritionist from Saginaw, Michigan now living in Dallas, Texas. She became a personal trainer in 2019 after five years of interest in the craft. She attended the International Sports Science Association where she became a personal trainer and certified nutritionist. We sat down to discuss ways that entrepreneurs can become more active and take care of themselves as well as their businesses.

Abrams explained that she is a business owner, has a husband and children to take care of and still manages to take care of herself and others can too. She expressed that the reason she decided to work for herself was to be in control.

While working for herself she can control not only what services she offers clients but also how she manages her time.

Abrams says that for entrepreneurs diet is half of the goal.

She explained that proper nutrition is what causes people to make or break their weight goals. She recommends that business owners first cut back on their meat intake and replace it with greens and other colored vegetables.

Once the diet is addressed Abrams recommends just making time to move. She says that if you only have 15 minutes in a day to move then use it!

She also mentioned that business owners could start walking, running and or jumping rope. Normally in her practice she assesses her client but for the sake of the article just getting up and moving will do.

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FINANCE & INCOME STREAMS

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Make Money in Your Sleep Ideas for Passive income Sonya N. Harris-Oguzor

Active businesses are great for those who love being hands-on but sometimes it's necessary to have businesses that do not require much work for emergency or leisure purposes. For instance, if you get ill and cannot physically work your passive business will continue working for you.

Passive income is also good for long vacations, you can make money while out of town or distracted with living life. There are other reasons to have passive income but those are the most simple. Here are a few ideas for passive income: Create Ebooks Create Audio books Teach a online course Host a YouTube Channel Purchase a Vending Machine and have it filled by an employee.

Purchase real estate and place a tenant in it.

Rent out your car with a company like Turo.

Rent out a room in your home with a company like Airbnb.

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Words In Action By: Sonya Harris-Oguzor

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Anyabuike above.

Odingas Anyabuike is a Washington D.C native who was raised in Nigeria and attended college in the United States. He found a love for writing after picking up a book of poetry by Shakespear. He wasn’t sure what it was at first but soon he came to recognize a passion for words.

He immediately made it his mission to increase his vocabulary and use written words to express himself.

In college, Anyabuike, was placed in an English as a second language class because he had come from a Nigerian educational background. There his like for words grew into love. Though he spoke English as well as any other American-born person he stayed in his class and made A’s. In 2010, Anyabuike wrote his first book and another in 2018, and two in 2020. He wrote mostly poetry but decided to make a change and write for others' benefit.

Anyabuike knew he wanted to write professionally in 2018 after writing his first book. It just so happened that his book, “Ghost Of The Universe,” fired well at his job and from then on he was off into his writing career.

I asked him about his latest book, “Nine Money Pills That You Should Swallow,” and his motivation for writing it. Anyabuike answered that the idea began on his phone’s notepad and turned into a journal. His journaling transformed into a book.

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He wanted to tell his readers about ways to obtain wealth and pass it down to the next generation. He continued to express the importance of money and how he had not really been taught financial in school.

He says that, “I was taught to go to school, get good grades so I could get a job… You’re not told that you will wake and say I’m tired of living like this.”

We transitioned to talking about how Anyabuike wrote his book and obstacles that may have been in his way. His first obstacle was doubt in his own ability to write. His second obstacle was time to write and time to edit. He wanted to get his writing done but had to figure out how to juggle that and family time. He added, “What would take me 3 hours to do without family would take me 8 hours because I am a husband and father.” He shared that editing took him a long time.

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He expressed that he could have gotten an editor but did not want an editor to change what he's trying to say. He concluded his thought, “Don’t get discouraged because great things take time.” Instead, he suggests authors, “Submerge yourself in that craft.”

I questioned, Anyabuike, about whether or not he created an outline for his book, he expressed that he did not use an outline. He continued, “Whenever I have a thought I jot it down...When the thought comes I don't let it go to waste.” He expressed that, 9 times out of 10 he has no outline when writing. When and if he does create an outline he begins with a title.

He added that he loves the number 9 and it has influenced his book titles. He continued to explain that he loves 9 because nine multiplied by anything added up will equal nine.

We transitioned to speaking about teams and support. I asked if a team was put together to write his book and he said, “He believes in teams but I am an advocate of going it alone sometimes. Only know your inner desires and thoughts... People aren't inspired by your dreams most times... only if it benefits them. People sometimes discourage you.

People sometimes take your ideas.” Basically, he’s for teamwork but encourages you to start alone first and copyright your ideas.

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Anyabuike shared that his wife is his biggest supporter. She homeschools their kids and he gives her credit for being a pioneer. After work he’s home and she supports him in his craft of writing. She often reminds him that, “The book is not going to write itself.” He becomes motivated by her and knows that, “If I die tomorrow I have a legacy that I left behind.”

He encourages aspiring authors saying, “If you have a dream, start today.” He thanks his customers for buying his book and considers his customers to be his greatest supporters. Lastly, Anyabuike thanks his Sisters and Dad.Their support pushes him. He wants to push others by further encouraging, “Ideas are like seeds and you have to water. You water it by taking the first step.”

I concluded the interview by asking about why Anyabuike chose to self publish and what makes him proud about his latest book. He decided to self-publish in order to explore and didn't want anyone telling him how to write the book. “I don’t need anyone telling me how to sound...You're going to have critics anywhere you go in the world.” He continued to say, “All my books were funded from my own pocket and I used Fiverr and worked with a guy from Nigeria. I printed with a book production company called Black Classic Press to print books.”

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Anyabuike says that he’s most proud of the whole process of writing and editing his book because he had to get over doubting himself. The process gave him a different perspective about life and the power that he has. He encourages, “If I want to build muscles by looking at the weights I wont build it...so you must stop procrastinating and get started.”

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ENTREPRENEURSHIP

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Business Checklist Sonya N. Harris-Oguzor

You've created your business, congratulations...now what? You need to ask yourself a few questions like how you intend to fund your business if you have not already planned that. You need to let people know about your business and have ways to be contacted. Don't forget that you need to have a social media presence and or a website at least. Some businesses choose to have a business plan, others do not but you need to know what you want your business to do either way.

While you're thinking let's review what you should have as a business owner: Registration with your state.

Employment Identification Number (EIN or FEIN).

Sale Tax License if applicable.

Business bank account.

Business phone number Business e-mail address Business website DUNS Number to establish business credit.

Do you have all of the following except a DUNS number?

Are you unsure of what a Duns is? Oh dear, let's discuss.

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What is a DUNS Number?

A DUNS number is a number that is given out by Dun & Bradstreet (the oldest business credit bureau). It's like a social security number for your business like an EIN.

Why is a DUNS number needed?

It establishes creditworthiness and credit history.

What can a DUNS number require for?

Applying for Federal grants Acquiring D&B Credit Report Opening credit cards with very high limits Borrowing large amounts of money DUNS numbers are free like EIN numbers, though, you may be asked to purchase a monitoring package when applying just opt out. Go to DNB.com to get your DUNS number.

DUNS Vs. EIN Duns numbers are used for business credit reporting and EIN are used by IRS for tax identifying purposes.

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Let's discuss Business Credit What is business credit?

Business credit is similar to personal credit but for your business. It reports whether you pay your bills on time or not. If you pay your bills, your score will go up and if you do not it will go down. The higher your score the more credit lines open up.

What is a credit line?

A credit line is the amount of money someone can borrow from a business.

How do I get business credit?

Make your business legal (Register your business with your state, obtain your free EIN from IRS.Gov, get a free DUNS number at DNB.com , open a business bank account, get a business e-mail address and business phone number).

Acquire a Net-30, Net-60 or Net-90 vendor relationship (Purchase from select companies that report to business credit bureaus in order to build credit. Pay off your bill within 30 days) Ex. Uline is a Net-30 company.

Always pay bills off early.

Open a business credit card Check your credit monthly on NAV.com

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For the love of Nigeria A Spotlight on a New International Nonprofit

By: Sonya N. Harris-Oguzor

I had the pleasure of interviewing the owner of an organization that set out to help boost Nigeria’s economy and overall morale. Tracey Gordon is the Founder of Shine Nigeria, a program whose mission is to educate, provide clean drinking water & health supplies, provide educational scholarships, business loans, assist in job searches, and provide skills for the youth.

She is a New Yorker with a dream and she doesn't mind if others cannot see it with her because she’s making it happen regardless.

The idea came to Gordon not too long ago but the Tracey Gordon Above. vision is well supported. She has They plan to hit the ground a team in place running early January of 2022, with from various volunteers working in the places in Nigeria orphanages. Lagos, Nigeria will be who have heard their new headquarters but all of the vision and will Nigeria will be positively impacted soon be working to in the next 3 years and will know put it into action. the name Shine Nigeria.

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Gordon’s original plan was to visit Nigeria and go home but her heart had other plans, you see Gordon has been down this road before. She employs many as a restaurant owner in the U.S but has been passionate about helping others worldwide for a while. She’s worked with companies in the past that allowed her to assist strangers in Asian, Latin American and African countries with acquiring jobs; that, however, was not enough for Gordon. Gordon’s heart was big and needing to positively influence more people and help more than just adults, she needed to lift up children as well.

Gordon needed someone to give to but who? An Ancestry test answered her unspoken question and gave her just the push in the right direction. Nigeria would become the new destination of where Gordon’s help would saturate. Now all she needed was a team. Gordon met talented Nigerians throughout her time doing research in her ancestry and noticed a select few who could see her dream.

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She reflected a bit on what caused her to have her dream. It was a sickness that she acquired in 2020. She recalled being a workaholic who enjoyed the money but as her sickness almost overtook her money no longer mattered. She now has grown stronger and wiser because of what she went through and intends to give back to Nigeria with the passion she once had for her restaurant.

Now that you know where her passion is, let’s discuss the team members that will help make her dream possible: Bernard I, will work with the youth to acquire scholarships and fill out the applications. Joshua B, will handle business loans and assist business owners to fill out applications. Caleb O, will gather volunteers that will go out into the churches , orphanages, and schools to organize events.

Lawal, is the social media manager, blogger and plans events and fundraisers. I asked the importance of having a team and Gordon told me that, “Their my team and my friends...if it wasn't for the team I may have left the charity online.”

We concluded the interview by Gordon telling her final thoughts.

Shine Nigeria is still new but plans to grow as fast as a plane can fly with the help of word of mouth, fundraising and their YouTube channel.

Gordon says that even in the short time that the nonprofit has been formed that she’s learned that she can be giving.

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Steamers Making A Splash By: Sonya N. Harris-Oguzor

When looking for bath bombs and custom bath products look no further than Bomb Innovations and More, LLC, a business created by Angela Reed of Southfield Michigan.

She’s a teacher by day and entrepreneur by night so you can be Angela Reed sure that her products made grade Above A’s before being sold to you and have Source: Reed passed all inspections.

Reed is all about quality and precision but you may be wondering about how her business became what it is today. In late December 2020, early January 2021 Reed began her craft.

She had been teaching for 17 years and realized that she wanted more for her family and the pandemic provided the opportunity to do more. While watching a video of celebrity gospel artist, Ericka Campbell, making bath bombs Reed got inspired to do the same just professionally.

Reed’s husband purchased what was needed to get her business going and from there creativity flowed. Soon more products would be made and more machinery would be bought to help create products faster.

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Reed would soon have a list of products on her roster to sell. Everyone in her family pitched in to make her products fulfilling her unspoken dream of wanting to have a business to pass down to her family. Her family efforts paid off with Facebook sales and pop-up shop successes.

Reed explained to me that in her family they teach the value of having multiple streams of income and that Bomb Innovations And More, LLC was not the only business she had. She also runs a tutoring business.

I became curious and wondered about the differences between Reed’s businesses. She expressed that her bath bomb business and steamers require recipes.

Figuring out the perfect recipe was just about the only hurdle Reed had when it came to her bomb business being that her husband provided the tools needed to run the business. I asked about her planning and if her business plan had changed since starting her business. Reed told me that she did not have a business plan but did write a few things down.

Bomb Innovations And More bath bomb's above. 47

Bomb Innovations And More Apparel Reed feels proud of her business and the feedback that hse receives from those that have supported her. She says, “I thank God everyday for putting this on my heart,” when speaking about the business idea. She concludes the interview by encouraging entrepreneurs to, “Stay humble, don't be scared to be a risk taker, network with other people in your field. Do your research... Pack your patience.”

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Flashing Lights

By: Sonya N. Harris-Oguzor Kell Myrick is a Detroit Michigan native who has worked in his craft for 5 years and has been in business for 3 years. He is a graduate of Specs Howard School of Media Arts and his business is Eyegauge Media. His entrepreneurial spirit came from his Father who is also a businessman. Today we will be discussing Myrick and his business Eyegauge Media.

Kell Myrick above When Myrick was young he sold candy at schools, perhaps not knowing that he would grow up and have his own business, however, he did know that he found the person running the media center at church fascinating. He discovered at a young age that there was something about media that made him want to know more but never pursued it until a friend named Chantel Hicks reminded Myrick of his creativity and how it could be 49 used.

Myrick’s Father and Granddad would often have conversations with young Myrick and teach him how to use what he’s got inside to talk to anyone about most topics. He did not know that his bubbly personality and chats with his Father and Grandad would make him into a great businessman.

He probably could not have fathomed it but it’s one skill he says that comes naturally now.

He recalls his Grandmother raising 10 kids and cooking for neighbors who also had 10 kids like they were family.

He believes that everyone is connected and should be treated like family. He is grateful to his mother, who is a makeup artist, for sending him business because they become his family. He is also thankful to his church family for their support.

Speaking of support, I asked Myrick about the Myrick’s business importance of teamwork currently specializes in in a business. Myrick wedding photography & answered that teamwork videography but also is important. He does sports photography mentioned William White, and short film directing. his assistant, and how he He is blessed and often does a lot to get honored because of the props and things where people he works with. He they need to go. He also sees his customers as mentioned his co-workers, family because that’s how at C.O.T.S Mission in he was raised.

Detroit,

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who have supported him and his business. Myrick’s church play a large role in his business as well because they provided a space for his business inside their facility.

He’s learned from being a business owner that no one can pay you your worth because you are too valuable essentially, saying, “Man cannot give me what’s inside of me because man did not create me.” I asked about advice Myrick would give new and aspiring Entrepreneurs and he said, “Do your research.” He went on to add that he studies a lot to know the answers to questions that he has and that research can be done from free resources like YouTube. He jokingly said, “I’ve learned a lot from YouTube University.” Myrick added that he also made a short film called, The Stalker.” Implying actual practice makes a good lesson as well.

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It's Not Too Late By: Sonya N. Harris-Oguzor

For some people fashion is a hobby but for Jennifer McCray it is a lifestyle. Since the second grade McCray knew that she had a knack for fashion and use to give her friends makeovers in school. In her 20’s friends would ask her to help them dress but it was not until she reached her 30’s that her dream came true and she began dressing people professionally. Around that time her friend from New York would send her beautiful pieces of clothing, so much so that she decided to open a boutique and sell them.

McCray opened J.McCray Style and began styling and selling clothes. She chose to open her boutique at the time not solely because of her friend who gave her clothes but also to have control over her time. At first she didn't think of herself as a fashionista capable of making her love for fashion a career but her boyfriend suggested she monetize her passion. She encourages readers to do what they are passionate about because,“You can make money off of playing with toys so whatever your dream is take it to the next level.”

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Initially, she dealt with She added, “When you disbelief in herself because truly believe in yourself she did not go to fashion no one will stop you.” school or know how to build When questioned about a website. She warned a business plan she said success only came once she that initially he did not became confident, have one, just a “...believing in myself came notebook with ideas. in levels.” Another setback She shared that hse was in finding inventory. She used to be a suggests new business perfectionist and had owners do their own therapy sessions research. She also found it because of it so a plan difficult to find a select price would have been her point for her products. She inner perfectionist expressed that she found coming back to life. She people on YouTube to help wanted to break free her believe in herself. from that.

McCray later went back to school around the time that she had a newborn child and learned how to create all her marketing and graphic design for marketing campaigns at Specs Howard School of Media Arts. She learned a lot and was able to cut her marketing cost.

Some time while working on her business she was able to acquire a small business loan.

After some success she hired a team to get a business plan going. She chose a Black woman owned business to help with writing a plan.

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McCray encourages readers and aspiring entrepreneurs saying, “You don't need a business plan just do it. You don't need a business plan to get a llc. Before a business plan can be created you need to know who your customer is.” Her biggest customer is not in Detroit she confessed and mentioned that reality was a huge part of her business plan.

Speaking of teams, I wondered how important they were to McCray. She expressed that teams are, “Very important. Several aspects need a team effort for things that need continuous updates.” She continued to say that search engine optimization is how you are found on google and that you need specific keywords in order not to lose your spot in searches. That requires constant work and teams help with that. She continued to say in regards to teams that, “You only have so much energy. Teams help you focus on the product quality and vendors.

You can start off doing it by yourself but eventually need a team.”

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My next question was about her supporters and mentors. She mentioned her Aunt Pam who owned a boutique for 18 years. She reflected on her Aunt Pam hosting brunches and teaching her how to connect with customers. McCray questioned herself out loud, “How do you create a connection online?” Her Aunt Pam taught McCray how to shop at unique showrooms to stand out and to travel to faraway showrooms to shop for special pieces.

McCray mentioned her parents as supporters who also help with her son Joshua. She mentioned that it was important for her family to see her serious about her dream. Her Grandma also supports her by buying from her regularly. She thanked her higher power, “My strength and my rock is Jesus Christ...he always provides.”

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The conversation transitioned back to her startup and I asked if she had a difficult time acquiring funds being that she had a loan. She answered enthusiastically, “Yes girl!” While working for a magazine she did editorial shoots and her boss did not want to pay her. She got a check eventually and decided to start over as she found she was pregnant with her only child. She called her Aunt Pam for help and was sent to work virtually with her nephew who was in Los Angeles. After making $1,000 she bought a set of leather jackets, sold them and put the money back into buying more because she wasn't working and needed income. She shares, “I just kept flipping it.”

She then got smart and used some of the money earned from the jackets to buy flyers for jackets in a catalog style as a ploy to invest in herself. She took her flyers to her hair stylist who bought her jacket on layaway. McCray was flexible and used Paypal to setup layaway payments.

McCray advises, “You have to delay gratification.” While on her journey some of her family members passed away and left lump sums of money for her to use for her business. She was well on her way.

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We concluded the interview with more advice. She says to, “Have Humility and ...stay humble and live in reality. There's one thing to have affirmations but live in reality as well. Energy is huge and transcends. Money can't buy people. Be resilient.

Believe in yourself.”

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Flourishing in ATL By: Sonya N. Harris-Oguzor

Jackie Dior was created in 2019 as a unisex graphic T-shirt and women’s clothing brand. The owner Jackie Dior had been trained since young about the importance of business ownership.

She moved to Atlanta as an adult to explore just what entrepreneurship meant. She first did her research. With various talents fashion was not the only avenue to take but she settled into fashion nicely.

Jackie Dior above.

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Dior works a 9 to 5 job and works Jackie Dior the store online in her free time. I asked Dior about her passions and why she settled on a business in fashion. She shared that she sketched outfits and made hats when she was younger and that this business is her dream.

Despite her, passion Dior was hesitant about going for her dreams. She secondguessed herself at first but knew she needed to go for her goals. The pandemic really heightened her nerves and because of it she did more research to help her stay open during the pandemic. She focused her energy on pop-up events and online sales in Atlanta.

The only setback Dior seemed to face was doubt. She asked herself, “Why would people buy from me” but quickly realized that, “People buy because of my story...my journey not the clothes.”

The question was raised about the importance of a team and Dior said that she can do it by herself now but eventually she’ll need a team. She expressed, “Im excited about having an intern like she interned.”

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Dior is grateful for her family in Detroit and San Diego for supporting her and her mentor Latoya Charae in Atlanta.

Charae showed her how to work in the background and how to “prosper with it.” She advises those needing funding assistance to have your paperwork prepared.

Taxes and things like that will be requested because, “You don't want to miss out because you're underprepared.”

Dior is humbled and honored when seeing people wearing stuff from her store and seeing people like her products.

Word of mouth is the best marketing tool. She mentioned, “Had I done this earlier I don't think I would have lasted because I have more support now.” She says that she’s honored to have a customer base that varies between 2050 years range and that is phenomenal. She built up that confidence at pop up shops and now enjoys speaking to customers and letting them know they are going to look good.

We concluded the interview with advice for our readers.

Dior said not to be, “afraid and don't second guess yourself.

You're human and will make mistakes but that wont end it all. Try different things if you don't know where you want to sell before you make it legal.”

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Island Ready Apparel Sonya N. Harris-Oguzor

Esterline Ve is a She says that she Haitian raised in went on to study Florida with a business in knack for creativeundergrad which set apparel. From as her up for business far back as she success later. can remember she’s been artsy. Ve created her She recalls her business My creativity Queendom Apparel flourishing in her to sell clothing and teenage years tote bags that when her and inspire. She siblings had to originally launched share one TV, her business because instead of of a saying she kept fighting over a in her mind, like channel she’d go affirmations she had create something. for herself. She calls The it her mental entrepreneurial mission to bug bit her when queendom and she was younger stepping into herself. in Haiti as she She also noticed watched people people wearing more everywhere affirmations and selling and thought that it was a making their own good time to launch. businesses.

For some people, opening businesses are tough and scary so I asked Ve about her experience. She shared that she was hesitant to open her business because people would think it as being hotep.

People’s responses and her getting used to how her money tracking systems worked were her biggest and only issues she faced when starting her business. I asked Ve about the importance of having a team in business.

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Ve’s most proud of seeing her business created from her imagination to a full website. The birth of the business in general makes her proud of it Esterline Ve Above We conclude the interview with a little She expressed that advice for new and teams were very aspiring entrepreneurs. important for businesses Ve shared, “Just go for it. though her small business The worst that can did not have a team yet. happen is it doesn't work My next question was out. You learn a lot about about her support system business. and mentors. Ve expressed that her family Was a business major in and friends supported her undergrad.” Lastly I asked and that mentors were about what she learned people she viewed on about herself and she said places like Instagram. that she relearned herself and remembered that Our conversation she's a go getter. transitioned into talking about funding, some businesses need funding but with the way Ve’s business is set up the customers pay for the cost to make the products My Queendom ahead of production.

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Fitness With a Kick By: Sonya N. Harris-Oguzor

Tina B. Above.

Pretti’ Girl Fitness is a company created by military trained Floridian Tina B. She created her business at the beginning of the pandemic as a backup income after she is retired from the military. Her company does not only focus on fitness training but also nutrition. So far the company only has one apple cider vinegar gummy product but will be launching more within the next year.

Tina launched her company to not only create an income but to help those she saw online struggling to lose weight and get into shape. She saw many people online selling products and swearing results though they may have had surgeries to get their results. Tina wanted to train and show real results and help people get fit inside out.

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Tina doesn’t currently have a team but as she grows intends to get one because teams are needed. She has plenty of support despite her lack of team, beginning with her husband and ending with her other family members and friends. Her friends are all talented and provide beneficial advice and opportunities for her business to grow with their help. She says that she’s an introvert so her friends help to spread the word about her business. She advises other shy people to talk to family and friends about their businesses to get the word out.

When it comes to things Tina is proud of her business is one of them.

She is happy to have imagined her business and gotten it started. She's proud that she did not quit despite slow days.

She recalls going some months without having customers and still sticking with her business and not giving up on it.

Not everyone can say that they have that same testimony. She can honestly say that she is stronger than she thought. She advises other business owners to do their research and believe in themselves.

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