Love M-uah
Designed with Melanin in Mind
Impressive Acts
Artist & producer Southside Miko reminds us that nothing is as it seems.
Pressure
Vincent McFarland shows us you can achieve anything you set your mind to
T H E M I S S I O N
The Impressive Magazine platform is dedicated to showcasing small businesses, entrepreneurs, nonprofits and creatives who have yet to receive the recognition they deserve. In addition to allowing them to tell their stories, we offer valuable information, tips, and resources that will help us all succeed. We share the belief that regardless of genre, niche, or success level, each and every one of us has a story worth telling and deserves to be heard. It is our desire to open this opportunity to as many people as possible and we will work endlessly to achieve this goal. We are so grateful for your support, kindness, and generosity and look forward to inspiring you with many amazing stories to come.
E D I T O R ' S N O T E
Greetings Beautiful People!
I am Denika Lashae, Editor-in-Chief of Impressive Magazine. It is my pleasure that you have taken the time to browse the pages of this publication. I hope it will inspire you and provide you with insights that will assist you in your respective fields. These humble beginnings have taught me so much about myself, other people, and business. This project has left me elated, disappointed, optimistic, and discouraged within the same hour, but viewers like you keep me going.
The hardest lesson I learned is that you may not always receive support from those you expect to, and I am fine with that. It makes room for people who are ready and willing to support. On this journey, I have met some amazing people who have contributed so much just by participating, and that has meant more to me than anything else.
I can't thank each and every one of you enough for supporting our growth and expansion and we can't wait to share this ever-evolving project with you. In the meantime, be prosperous, positive and whatever you do make sure you:
Mind, Body & Soul
OVERWHELMED?
HERE ARE 5 TIPS THAT CAN HELP YOU IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH INSTANTLY
TAKE A DAY OFF & REST.
We get it. Bills don't pay themselves, but if you're not careful, you could end up in the hospital or worse due to mental burnout
Let your body and mind rest for a day and they will thank you. It serves neither you nor your family to grind your way to a premature grave or a psychiatric hospital.
Believe us when we say, days off pay off.
UNPLUG.
Heaven knows most of us would keep our cellular devices attached to our hands if he could. There is so much to see and so little time. Often times, we compare our lives to others and worry that we aren't doing enough. Not only is that bad for your self-esteem, but it is even worse for your mental health. Embrace screen-free time by reading, journaling, or spending time outside each day.
PLAN A TRIP.
Nothing alleviates stress like planning a future vacation. While it may be weeks or even months away, the idea of having a reward in place for your hard work will make a huge difference in your ability to handle stress.
Boss Buggin'? Clients Trippin'? Work load on ten? When you have a vacation planned, each of these situations will be easier to handle. We recommend www.airfordable.com to those who might find payment arrangements helpful.
MEDITATE OR PRAY.
While it may sound cliché, these two activities are notorious for their ability to make even the busiest of bees find solitude. Simply taking the time to sort through your thoughts and feelings through the vehicle of faith or self-empowerment can make a world of difference in what happens in the long run
GO FOR A WALK OUTSIDE.
It's so simple yet so underrated. If you're feeling overwhelmed taking a walk around the block can give you a much-needed moment to cool off. Not only will it get fresh air circulating throughout your being, but you will also be squeezing in a mild workout which has great long-term benefits on the brain.
MATTER$
BAG! BAG! GET IN YOUR GET IN YOUR
3 WEBSITES THAT PROVIDE 3 WEBSITES THAT PROVIDE BUSINESS GRANTS FOR BUSINESS GRANTS FOR PEOPLE OF COLOR PEOPLE OF COLOR NOW NOW
IT'S TIME TO GET BACK TO THE MONEY.
Nowadays, it is not surprising that more and more people are ditching the traditional 9 to 5 lifestyle to pursue their own entrepreneurial ventures. U.S. entrepreneurs account for about 16% (31 million) of the adult workforce, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor. With this steady increase, more funding will be needed to launch these businesses. This is especially true for minorities in general. Many people of color, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals are less likely to be able to get the financial assistance they need from larger companies, but there is still hope. These three organizations offer grants to assist businesses within these demographics in growing and expanding.
1
1863 VENTURES' 3R'S GRANT PROGRAM
The Recover, Rebuild & Resilience Grant Program was created by Melissa Bradley, a tri-sector leader with more than 20 years of entrepreneurship, investment and leadership experience. With this grant, she is aiming to help small businesses undo the racial and/or genderbased structural barriers faced during the uncertain days of the COVID-19 Pandemic. With $500,000 in grant rewards to distribute, this program is gifting $5000 to top performing teams that qualify.
AMERICAN EXPRESS’ COALITION TO BACK BLACK BUSINESSES GRANT
The Coalition to Back Black Businesses will award 25 Black-owned small businesses from the Coalition’s 2020 grant program an additional $25,000 enhancement grant to support their long-term success and resilience. Approximately 60% of the grant recipients were Black womenowned small businesses and 75% were Black-owned businesses with six or fewer employees.
SoGal Foundation has teamed up with Winky Lux, bluemercury, twelveNYC, Twilio, Walmart.org’s Center for Racial Equity and other sponsors to make a small step towards progress by providing several $10K and $5K cash grants to Black women or nonbinary entrepreneurs. Awardees will also receive tactical help navigating the fundraising environment at large so that they will have a more equitable opportunity at scaling the next billion dollar idea.
S H E D D I N G L I G H T O N
B U S I N E S S E S T H A T
D E S E R V E A L L T H E S H I N E !
VASQUEZ VASQUEZ AMIRA AMIRA
UNASHAMEDANDUNAPOLOGETIC UNASHAMEDANDUNAPOLOGETIC
THE WORK OF THIS ATLANTA-BASED THE WORK OF THIS ATLANTA-BASED
ARTIST ELECTRICALLY EXHIBITS HER ARTIST ELECTRICALLY EXHIBITS HER CRAZY FAITH AND INSPIRES US TO CRAZY FAITH AND INSPIRES US TO BELIEVE IN THE POWER AND BEAUTY BELIEVE IN THE POWER AND BEAUTY OF THINGS UNSEEN OF THINGS UNSEEN
Needless to say, I ran across your profile on social media and was IMPRESSED! Please give us greater insight into who you are and what it is that you do.
Painter from Dallas, TX and currently based in Atlanta, GA, Dejanaé Vasquez offers artistic gifts to commemorate weddings and other special occasions. Owner Amira Vasquez creates custom handmade artwork that can be used as home decor, or as thank-you gifts for the wedding party. She's happy to work with couples based in Atlanta, as well as in Dallas, TX, Los Angeles, CA, and New York City.
Recall a moment when you almost abandoned your ambitions. Who or what inspired you to press on? How were you convinced it was worth the trouble?
makes us happy; "ART". Although my faith may get weary from things I can not see, I carry on because I know my God is faithful regardless of my circumstances and his love is unfailing.
What are 3 traits you believe make a person successful in their area of work? Explain why.
I believe a person who has "great character, room for learning, and faith", makes a person successful in [their] field of work.
A hopeful person presses on and remains faithful despite their circumstances, because they see the bigger goal. A person with great character who has room to learn, will never assume they know everything because we can learn something everyday in order to improve ourselves or something; which to me, makes a person extremely successful.
What's a tip you would like to give those who have doubted you along your journey?
1. Recognize this is my journey and not yours.
As an artist who's doing it all by themselves with no help, I believe we've all had many days of doubt and the feeling of wanting to give up, but we press on because we strive to do the one thing that you do it.
2. If it were so simple then
3. Instead of telling a person what they need to do in order to be successful, offer to help take some of that weight off.
-If a person is not willing to help you make it to your goal on the road to success, then their opinions are invalid.
What word of advice would you give someone who is just starting out in your field or experiencing a rough patch as they make efforts to reach the next level?
Breathe. Just stop. Relax... and take a breath. Everything is going to work out, just remain faithful in the vision and keep the perseverance.
Are there any projects in the works that your supporters should be on the lookout for in the near future?
I'm currently working on a beautiful wedding collection for soon to be married couples.
"If a person is not willing to help you make it to your goal on the road to success, then their opinions are invalid."
T H E S E B E A U T I F U L B E I N G S W I L L L E A V E A M A R K O N
Y O U R L I F E W I T H T H E I R
I N S P I R A T I O N A L S T O R I E S A N
WILLIAMS WILLIAMS KETURAH KETURAH
GIVES A FRESH NEW PERSPECTIVE GIVES A FRESH NEW PERSPECTIVE
THIS EVER SO ELOQUENT, OREGON-BASED THIS EVER SO ELOQUENT, OREGON-BASED PHOTOGRAPHER INVITES US TO PHOTOGRAPHER INVITES US TO REMEMBER THAT BUSINESS MAY BE REMEMBER THAT BUSINESS MAY BE IMPORTANT, BUT IT IS AN AUTHENTIC IMPORTANT, BUT IT IS AN AUTHENTIC CONNECTION WITH OTHERS AND YOUR CONNECTION WITH OTHERS AND YOUR ART THAT ENSURES SUCCESS. ART THAT ENSURES SUCCESS.
PHOTO CREDITS: KEWIMAGE PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTO CREDITS: KEWIMAGE PHOTOGRAPHY
Needless to say, I ran across your profile on social media and was IMPRESSED! Please give us greater insight into who you are and what it is that you do.
I am a creative freelance photographer. Art is my passion and I would like to challenge people's perception of art and life. My choice of subject comes from my interest in ideas about beauty and emotional connections. I enjoy photographing anything that captures
the attention of those that are willing to use their minds to their fullest potential. I am inspired to create by the knowledge I gain as time moves forward and more opportunities are given. I take pride in photographing pictures that resonate with people.
What would you say is your greatest challenge as an entrepreneur? How have you overcome this challenge so far?
My greatest challenge a as an entrepreneur is
showcasing a new perspective numerous of people haven't thought about or [experienced] before. So far I have overcame this challenge simply by doing a lot of self journalism. The best way I can do my work is to have a sense of connection between the environment and myself in showcasing an authentic experience at its natural state.
Knowing what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently when you were first starting out?
Most definitely, I would have had more confidence in showcasing my work earlier than later. I didn't think my work would resonate with so many people, until I finally [gained] the confidence to just shoot for the moon realizing even if I miss I still land amongst the stars. What have you enjoyed most about starting your own company?
I've enjoyed the experience of traveling, meeting very awesome and down to earth people, listened to so many stories full of nothing but precious history, and most importantly embracing the moments through my camera lens.
Are there any projects or events in the works that your supporters should be on the lookout for in the near future?
be told, it's best to say just stay in tuned and in touch, you never know I might be in your area taking photos.
What are 3 general tips you would like to give those who have doubted you along your journey?
Three general tips I would like to give to those who have doubted me along my journey are: Always trust the process, everyone has their own path and you can either help or move along, and finally let anyone be their true self regardless if you understand or not you might learn or see a different perspective.
Always trust the process, everyone has their own path and you can either help or move along...
There are numerous of projects and stories to
H E R E W E G I
I N T O T H E W O R L D O F
P E R F O R M E R S W H O T R U L Y
K N O W H O W T O R O C K T H E M I C A N D T H E N S O M E .
MIKO MIKO SOUTHSIDE SOUTHSIDE
EXPECTTHEUNEXPECTED EXPECTTHEUNEXPECTED
THIS NORTH CAROLINA ARTIST AND THIS NORTH CAROLINA ARTIST AND PRODUCER TEACHES US THAT WE PRODUCER TEACHES US THAT WE SHOULD NEVER JUDGE A BOOK BY SHOULD NEVER JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER. ITS COVER.
Needless to say, I ran across your profile on social media and was IMPRESSED! Please give us greater insight into who you are and what it is that you do.
Southside Miko is one the HARDEST Artist/Producers in the World. The 23 year old young legend out of Browns Summit, North Carolina is on his way to becoming the next United States international icon. Since a child , his soul purpose has been to enlighten the world with entertainment that people can truly feel not just see and/or hear.
Recall a moment when you almost abandoned your ambitions. Who or what inspired you to press on? How were you convinced it was worth the trouble?
Last year I almost gave up on music because my life was at the worst its ever been. I was homeless , living in my car , and I barely had a friend or family member to call on. I ended up finding the strength to change my situation through reading books about those who
have obtained success at a high level and started from nothing. People such as Andrew Carnegie , Henry Ford, and Napoleon Bonaparte became a huge part of my life. Those stories left such a profound effect on my consciousness and motivated me to utilize and harness my own inner power. Till this day , I'm convinced that all of that happened for a reason because of the fact that I'm still teaching the things I've learned to others who need that information.
What word of advice would you give someone who is just starting out your field or experiencing a rough patch as they make efforts to reach the next level?
Make sure you are actively learning the business side of the music game. The Music Industry is 70% about the BUSINESS and 30% about the music ( the talent) People have to understand this. Many artists are getting crappy deals , missing out on money they were supposed to get , and not getting into important positions they could've been in because of the
fact that they do not understand the business side of things. DO NOT MISS OUT ON OPPORTUNITIES OR GET FINESSED BECAUSE OF A LACK OF KNOWLEDGE , WE ARE IN THE AGE OF TECHNOLOGY....PLEASE EDUCATE YOURSELF OR FIND SOMEONE TO HELP EDUCATEYOU!
What are 3 traits you believe make a person successful in their area of work?
These aren't in order but:
1- -Self - Confidence because if you don't believe in yourself , nobody will .
2-- Persistence because there will be a time when things don't/aren't going the way you planned them or wanted to see them go. You must continue on continuing on in these times to even come close to reaching the wanted goal of success
3--Being easy to work with because the easier or more pleasant it is to work with you , I personally feel like the more people will want to work with you.
"We are in the age of technology... Please educate yourself or find someone to help educate you!
What are 3 general tips you would like to give those who have doubted you along your journey?
Tip Number 1 : I would say watch how you treat the next man , life is a game of chess not checkers! When I was in elementary school my teacher always told me , watch how you treat people because you never know who someone is going to be...so that would be my tip #1.
Tip Number 2: Stay in your own lane before for you crash your own whip. Energy goes where
attention flows , put that same energy directed towards me into yourself and use it to grow you.
Tip Number 3: I want to give a genuine Thank You for those who doubt me & have doubted me, I use that doubt to fuel up on motivation. Since a child , doubters have never bothered me for some reason , it actually helps me a lot because it just makes me want to go harder.
Are there any projects in the works that your supporters should be on
the lookout for in the near future?
100% Most Definitely! After I'm finished promoting my newest single " 5600" (which everyone should go checkout) I am definitely about to drop another fire single called " FouL."
FouL is an Upbeat, High Energy , Party song that is sure to have everyone in the party lit! It is self produced and self engineered , I cant wait for you all to hear it!
A B O U T T H O S E W H O A R E R A I S I N G T H E B A R T O A N E W S T A N D A R D I N T H E I R F I E L D S .
MCFARLAND MCFARLAND VINCENT VINCENT
THEFULLYFOCUSEDEXTRAORDINAIRE THEFULLYFOCUSEDEXTRAORDINAIRE
THIS BOISE, IDAHO RESIDENT WON'T BE THIS BOISE, IDAHO RESIDENT WON'T BE SLOWING DOWN ANY TIME SOON AND IS SLOWING DOWN ANY TIME SOON AND IS WELL ON HIS WAY TO REACHING GREAT WELL ON HIS WAY TO REACHING GREAT HEIGHTS WITH A HEIGHTS WITH A MULTITUDE OF SKILLS MULTITUDE OF SKILLS AND TALENTS THAT WILL MAKE HIM AND TALENTS THAT WILL MAKE HIM UNSTOPPABLE. UNSTOPPABLE.
Needless to say, I ran across your profile on social media and was IMPRESSED! Please give us greater insight into who you are and what it is that you do.
As an Entrepreneur, networking is important so I sponsor/ host concerts and events in various industries. Both in person and online social media promotions.
As a Business Owner I have started 4 of my own companies 3 of which are still active today. Each of the remaining businesses can be operated from my phone with less than 20 hours a week. While maintaining a healthy profit margin.
As an Independent Agent I partner with different businesses to offer ANY service they may be needing. Through my network as an entrepreneur I can deliver from a previous partnership whatever the current business needs. I specialize in turning any business into passive income, even taking on day to day operations if need be. Then leveraging money from new streams
of income to give me my time back and repeat.
As a Banker I work in the Corp Hq of the largest community bank in my state. I work in the lending department which allows me to offer financial funding options to businesses I network with.
As an Artist I songwrite, release, promote, my own works of music. Through my partnerships I can do graphic art, album covers, music videos and more for my own projects. Available on all streaming platforms.
What would you say is your greatest challenge as an entrepreneur? How have you overcome this challenge so far?
My greatest challenge has been deciding what tasks/ businesses are worthy o my time and where I should place the most of my energy.
Knowing what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently when you were first starting out?
Absolutely!
y1) Stay out of the middle of "waring" businesses
2) Track spending early as possible to maximize write offs
3) Have the business generate even a little money to prove feasibility prior to moving forward.
4) Take advice from those who have been where you want to go and done what you hope to do.
5) Take risks and play up to the level of your competition.
What have you enjoyed most about starting your own company?
Networking within my community and being able to add value in the lives of my customers. I offer a holistic approach to success by providing an ever changing range of services while always maintaining the highest level of professionalism.
Are there any projects or events in the works that your supporters should be on the lookout for in the near future?
My curren Instagram new partnersh month.
What's a would lik who hav along you
Spend le magnifyin time with mirror.
Spend less time in the magnifying glass & more time with the "man" in the mirror.
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