TranaformHER Cont’d The Transformation: Through this sustainable lifestyle shift, I witnessed a remarkable transformation. Over time, the pounds began to drop steadily, but more importantly, I felt an incredible sense of vitality and empowerment. Today, at 188 pounds, I am not just lighter; I am happier, healthier, and more connected to my body and its needs than ever before. It became evident through my journey that the method chosen for weight loss—whether it involved natural methods, professional trainers, meal services, or even surgical interventions—wasn't the sole determinant of success. What truly made the difference was the commitment to a lifestyle change that accommodated the transformation my body was undergoing. I understood that no matter how effective the initial weight loss method, without altering my lifestyle habits, the weight loss was merely temporary. Sustainability and lasting change stemmed from embracing a holistic approach, making mindful choices, and nurturing habits that supported my newfound health. It's this dedication to a lifestyle aligned with my body's needs that prevented the weight from returning and allowed me to truly thrive in my transformation. Throughout my transformative journey, I've embraced a balanced approach to food and exercise. Contrary to restrictive diets, I've found success by enjoying the foods I love while adhering to an 80/20 nutrition rule— making wholesome, nutritious choices at least 80% of the time while allowing myself flexibility for indulgences. Complementing this approach, I've incorporated a consistent workout routine, dedicating six days a week to activities I enjoy, whether it's cardio, strength training, or yoga.
Beyond the physical aspects, I've prioritized enhancing my sleep habits and stress management techniques. Taking time to improve my sleep quality has been instrumental in my overall well-being, while incorporating stress-relieving activities and prioritizing mental health has provided a strong foundation for sustaining my healthy lifestyle. It's this holistic approach that has contributed not only to my weight loss success but also to my overall vitality and happiness. T R A N S F O R M H E R by Caige Phoenix My journey from 348 to 18 pounds wasn’t a result of a shortlived diet; it was a product of embracing a sustainable lifestyle that prioritized my well-being. By replacing diet culture with mindful, balanced living, I achieved my health goals and, more importantly, discovered a newfound sense of self-worth, strength, and vitality. For More Info On How TransformHER Can Support You In YOUR Personal Transformation Contact Caige At: @caigephoenix InfluencHERlifestyle@ gmail.com Caige Phoenix
- @INFLUENCHERLIFESTYLE The turnout was remarkable, with prominent individuals such as Branda Peterson, Terrell Carter, Mimi Faust, Shirley Strawberry, and others gracing the occasion. Their presence added to the vibrancy and significance of the event, making it a night to remember. We were blessed to collaborate with Cashe Arielle, publicist, media host, and owner of Purposely Public Agency, who served as InfluencHER's red carpet host for the event. Her professionalism and charisma added an extra layer of excitement to the evening, enhancing the overall experience for attendees. We were honored to attend the exclusive fashion networking event hosted by Alpharetta Housewives at Opu'lence Style House in Northpoint Mall. It was an exceptional opportunity to cover such a prestigious gathering, and we extend our gratitude to Branda Peterson and the Alpharetta Housewives for their gracious invitation. The Black History Month Mixer held at North Point Mall was an extraordinary event, with Branda of Alpharetta Housewives, Opu'lence Stylehouse, and North Point Mall collaborating to create an unforgettable experience. BRANDA PETERSON, CEO OF ALPHARETTA HOUSEWIVES A Night of Fashion & Networking
BIZ& Lifestyle
ARTICLE PHOTO CREDITS: FIRE MEDIA GROUP & WHAT’S GRITT The support of other esteemed media partners, including Fire Group Media, Becoming Her Magazine, In the Mix Media, and Eleven & 4th PR Co., helped amplify the event's reach and impact, ensuring it received the attention it deserved. The evening featured exceptional artistic talent, with artist Sean Mulkey showcasing his skills by painting on the "Love Black Women" handbag, creating a visually stunning piece of art. Additionally, V'izion Studios Artist Demetrius captivated guests with a live freestyle portrait of Malcolm X, adding another layer of depth to the event's cultural significance. Guests were treated to a memorable experience, including a red-carpet welcome, curated gift bags, delightful lite bites, and engaging music. The atmosphere was electric, fostering connections and conversations throughout the night. With at least 75 to 80 people in attendance, the event was bustling with energy, highlighting the importance of community and celebration. We were delighted to meet so many amazing individuals and look forward to the next event hosted by Alpharetta Housewives. Thank you again to Opu’lence Style House, Branda Peterson, and the entire Alpharetta Housewives team for hosting such a fantastic event. We can't wait to see what the future holds!
MILATTO SHAVELLE Meet Entrepreneur,CEO, Philanthropist, Founder of Boss Babe Awards M I L A T T O Written By:Caige Phoenix
Introducing the visionary force behind the Boss Babe Awards, Milatto Shavelle! As the CEO and founder, Milatto has transformed the landscape of female entrepreneurship, celebrating the remarkable achievements and resilience of women leaders globally. In anticipation of the upcoming Boss Babe Awards in Atlanta, we had the privilege of sitting down with Milatto to delve into the essence of this empowering movement. Join us as we explore her journey, aspirations, and the profound impact of the Boss Babe Awards on women's empowerment and recognition in the business realm. Get ready to be inspired by Milatto's passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to uplifting boss babes everywhere. T R A N S F O R M I N G F E M A L E E N T R E P R E N E U R S H I P In the heart of Atlanta, amidst the vibrant energy of innovation and creativity, there’s a force to be reckoned with – Milatto Shavelle. Hailing from the sun-kissed shores of California, she's not just another entrepreneur; she's a catalyst for change, a maven of empowerment, and a visionary in her own right. Milatto embodies the true spirit of an InfluencHER! Milatto isn't merely navigating the intricate world of event and brand strategy; she's redefining it with her unparalleled flair. Her mission extends far beyond mere success – it's about reshaping the very fabric of achievement within her industry. At the heart of her endeavors lies a profound dedication to nurturing community, particularly among minority women. She's the architect behind a sanctuary where personal growth, healing, and collaboration thrive. Through her annual community give-back events – from back-to-school drives to Christmas toy giveaways, feeding the homeless, and shelter support initiatives – she's sowing seeds of hope and empowerment. Yet, Milatto's influence transcends boundaries. Enter the Boss Babe Awards – her brainchild, a platform that not only recognizes but celebrates women and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs for their transformative impact on both industry and society. It's more than just accolades; it's a testament to resilience and passion. E M B R A C I N G E M P O W E R M E N T : M I L A T T O S H A V E L L E ' S J O U R N E Y T O R E D E F I N I N G E N T R E P R E N E U R S H I P
As the excitement builds for the upcoming Boss Babe Awards at the end of this month right here in Atlanta, our admiration for Milatto's work knows no bounds. It's not just an event; it's a jubilant celebration of resilience, innovation, and the unyielding spirit of entrepreneurship. InfluencHER Magazine is honored to spotlight Milatto's exceptional contributions and to cover this historic occasion. In a world where barriers still stand, Milatto Shavelle is dismantling them, one groundbreaking initiative at a time. Her journey isn't just about professional triumphs; it's about leaving an indelible mark on the world. She's a shining example of empowerment, a trailblazer for change, and the epitome of an InfluencHER. As we eagerly anticipate the Boss Babe Awards and celebrate Milatto Shavelle's remarkable achievements, let us remember, empowerment isn't just a destination – it's a journey, and one we're privileged to embark on alongside her. Here's to rewriting the narrative, shattering limitations, and empowering each other, every step of the way. Milatto Shavelle's dedication to championing women in business shines brightly through the Boss Babe Awards. Her unwavering commitment to empowering and celebrating female entrepreneurs has sparked a movement that transcends borders and inspires women worldwide. As we eagerly anticipate the upcoming Boss Babe Awards in Atlanta, we are reminded of the transformative power of recognition and support in fostering women's success. Let us continue to rally behind Milatto and the Boss Babe Awards, uplifting and amplifying the voices of boss babes everywhere.
BUSINESS & FINANCE"The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority." - Ken Blanchard SPRING ‘24 ISSUE INFLUENCHER MAGAZINE
The first is my mother, who is an absolute force to be reckoned with. With her profile position and a stroke of a pencil, generals and government officials were able to immediately impact people’s real lives. Her professionalism and the confidence she carried within herself as she stepped into her corner office were the ultimate inspiration for me. She ruled with an iron fist but consideration for all she collaborated with. The second is my cousin Dia Simms. I grew up all my life trying to emulate her. She had style and a reputation for being authentic and trustworthy. One night she shared a tactic of success with me. She said, “always look for the person who carries the clipboard. That person is more than likely the most knowledgeable in the room or has access to get in the room.” At many moments in our lives, God gives us divine instruction on what he wants us to do with the gifts he gives us. After 25 years in business writing my name in the skyline of Manhattan, NY, and having a major role in acquisitions, business development, strategy, and leadership, God put a word in my heart to share my experiences. He asked me to share my navigation know-how and the mistakes I made to be used for insights and information with others on their journey to professional excellence. As a small child, I watched two women very closely and intimately as they navigated the male-dominated world of C-Suite life. “Cut, Copy, Paste” April, 2024 With Lea White Young
CONV E R S A T IONS C L I PBOA RD S p r i n g ‘2 4 Inspire, Innovate, and Impact.... As I navigated my path of professionalism, I blended style, confidence, negotiating tactics, authority, and genuine care and concern for my colleagues. Those qualities came to define me professionally as THE BOSSLDY! Now, much like many of you, I was not obedient in God's first request for me to go from it being all about my success to making sure others achieved their success. It has taken multiple opportunities for him to speak to me and through me to recognize my gift for engaging and exchanging information on business strategy and best practices. After sitting still and reflecting on my purpose, I am excited to announce my interactive podcast “Clipboard Conversations” premiering 7/11/2024. Each episode, invites listeners into a dynamic exchange of ideas, strategies, and insights aimed at reshaping the business landscape that you can cut, copy, and paste into your own business structure. From practical advice on negotiation and leadership to thought-provoking discussions on emerging trends and innovations, the podcast serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals alike. @INFLUENCHERLIFESTYLE
I selected InfluencHer Magazine as the platform to share the birth of a new season in my life for a multitude of reasons, but the one that resonates with me the most is a like-minded community. Many of the businesses, features, and subscribers reading this magazine are walking into purpose and have a great understanding of what it takes to bet on themselves. In closing, I invite you to join me on this journey of growth, empowerment, and success. Let's leverage our experiences, learn from each other, and together, make strides towards realizing our fullest potential. Remember, success is not just about reaching the top; it's about lifting others as we climb. So, let's seize this opportunity to inspire, innovate, and impact lives. Here's to embracing our collective greatness and transforming dreams into reality. Boss Lady
I know for a 100% fact that I wasn’t the only one dreading the return of paying my student loan. Now, could I have kept paying while on the COVID Forbearance? Yes, I absolutely could have kept paying, but I took the time to address other financial matters. For me, that was buying a car as mine was on it’s way to the upper room. For others, it may have been paying on credit card debt, personal loans, or to be honest, just buying things that you wanted. Well folks, hope we all enjoyed the ride because our time is now up!! Now, this is unless you are still on some type of other forbearance, but if not….time to get back on the wheel! What has changed with student loans after COVID? I’m sure we all watched the news and heard things like possibly getting up to $20,000 off our student loan debt. We have had our forbearance extended umpteenth times, watched legalities be worked out or thrown out, and plans approved. Among the approvals currently are 2 things. One would be that the U.S. Department of Education announced that automatic discharges will begin for 804,000 borrowers who qualify for $39 billion in student loan relief as a result of fixes to income-driven repayment (IDR) plans implemented by the Biden-Harris Administration since April 2022. In total, the Biden-Harris Administration has approved more than $116 billion in student loan forgiveness for more than 3.4 million borrowers. Borrowers are eligible for forgiveness if they have accumulated the equivalent of either 20 or 25 years of qualifying months. Written By: Kimberly Johnson Back on the Student Loan Rat Wheel
Borrowers will be notified directly by their servicers via email when their loans have been discharged, and all qualifying loans will be discharged over the coming weeks. (U.S. Department of Education, August 14, 2023). If you are one of the lucky people, CONGRATS! This is something I know many have been waiting on. The second thing is the addition of the SAVE Plan. The Biden-Harris Administration today announced that it has fully launched its updated income-driven repayment application tool on StudentAid.gov and that student loan borrowers can now officially enroll in the Saving on A Valuable Education (SAVE) plan, the most affordable repayment plan ever created. Under the SAVE plan, a single borrower who makes less than $15 an hour will not have to make any payments, and borrowers earning above that amount would save more than $1,000 a year on their payments compared to other IDR plans. The SAVE plan also ensures that borrowers never see their balance grow due to unpaid interest as long as they keep up with their required payments (U.S. Department of Education, August 22, 2023). To be quite honest, I’m looking forward to this plan. I feel like this plan will provide me and others with some relief regarding how much our student loan monthly payment will be. Others like me, will get automatically enrolled into this program from the previous Revised Pay As You Earn (REPAYE) Repayment Plan. The SAVE Plan replaced this plan. Here are a few tips to help you get back in the student loan monthly payment groove! 1. Write down current expenses along with income to determine surplus or deficit 2. Determine what expenses can get cut down or out from the above 3. If your payment seems unaffordable, reach out to your student loan servicer for assistance Here are a few tips to help you get back in the student loan monthly payment groove! Remember, stay positive and stay focused! Kimberly Johnson “KDevonne”, The Sophisticated Lady Kimberly Johnson “KDevonne”
@InfluencHERlifestyle For Kayelani, the journey began as a personal quest for freedom and fulfillment. "I was tired of making money for someone else," she confesses, reflecting on her decision to embark on this empowering journey. "I also knew there was a community of women who needed to feel seen and heard and safe to be their authentic selves." What sets Boss Babes & Brunch apart is its unwavering commitment to authenticity and genuine connection. Unlike traditional networking events focused solely on exchanging business cards, Boss Babes & Brunch places emphasis on fostering meaningful relationships that transcend professional boundaries. "When women walk through our doors for the first time, the love is felt at the door," Kayelani affirms. "It's something that is better experienced than explained." In the bustling heart of Atlanta, amidst the gleaming skyscrapers and vibrant city life, lies a transformative movement that celebrates the spirit of female empowerment like never before. Boss Babes & Brunch, the brainchild of visionary entrepreneur Kayelani Vasquez, stands as a beacon of light, inspiring women to dream bigger, connect authentically, and embrace their unique journey towards success. At the core of Boss Babes & Brunch lies a simple yet profound mission: to create a safe and inclusive space where women from all walks of life can come together, share their stories, and uplift one another. Kayelani Vasquez, CEO Empowering W Inside t o he m Vibran e t W n orld of Boss Babes & Brunch Kayelani Vasquez, CEO
What sets Boss Babes & Brunch apart is its unwavering commitment to authenticity and genuine connection. Unlike traditional networking events focused solely on exchanging business cards, Boss Babes & Brunch places emphasis on fostering meaningful relationships that transcend professional boundaries. "When women walk through our doors for the first time, the love is felt at the door," Kayelani affirms. "It's something that is better experienced than explained." But Boss Babes & Brunch is more than just a networking platform—it's a catalyst for change, a springboard for success, and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Countless success stories have emerged from within the Boss Babes & Brunch community, from collaborative ventures and entrepreneurial endeavors to personal growth and self-discovery. "Women leave feeling empowered and motivated," Kayelani beams, reflecting on the positive influence of the platform. Looking ahead to the future, Boss Babes & Brunch is poised to make an even greater impact on the lives of women worldwide. As we bask in the glow of empowerment and camaraderie fostered by Boss Babes & Brunch, let us continue to champion one another, celebrate our achievements, and embrace the transformative power of community. Together, we can rise, thrive, and shine brighter than ever before. Kayelani & Caige Phoenix Connect: @bossbabesandbrunch_ Linktr.ee/bossbabesandbrunch_ [email protected]
THANK YOU SPRING ‘24 ISSUE INFLUENCHER MAGAZINE As we come to the close of another chapter in InfluencHER Magazine, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you. Your unwavering support means the world to us, and it drives us to continue our mission of empowering and inspiring women everywhere. We hope that the stories, insights, and perspectives shared within these pages have resonated with you and sparked meaningful conversations. Our greatest desire is to create a positive influence in your lives, encouraging you to embrace your unique power and share it with the world. Remember, even the smallest act of kindness or encouragement can have a ripple effect, touching the lives of those around you in ways you may never know. Together, let's continue to uplift and empower one another, creating a brighter and more inclusive future for all. With heartfelt appreciation, The InfluencHER Magazine Team