E is for Eliminate Here is where you put an end to that which has been robbing you of having a fulfilling self care routine. This is vital to your growth, peace, strength, sanity, health and life. There are some things or people that need to go and once you are comfortable with ROCKING the other 4 steps, this part will not be so difficult. Clean House: ● Create your exit list-people things not serving you ● Develop your exit strategy-block, exclude, delete ● Execute-gain peace of mind, stress less This SPACE journey is not a one size fits all. Address your pain points and utilize these prompts to help shift yourself care into the right direction. Get into the habit of showing up for you on purpose and reap the benefits for your emotional, mental and physical wellness. Natas h a Wh i te 5 W A Y S T O C R E A T E S P A C E F O R Y O U C O N T ' D Natasha White is a Licensed Massage Therapist and Founder/CEO of New You Wellness, LLC out of Chicago. She is passionate about helping women to take the work out of self care and utilized simple techniques that make pouring into themselves easy, doable and effective so they can operate at their most optimal level. Natasha is one of the newest additions to the InfluencHER Editorial Team, make sure you connect with her and welcome her to our family! www.new-you-wellness.com P 51
We Outsiiiide! 5 First Date Favs... When planning a first date, it's essential to choose activities that allow both individuals to get to know each other in a comfortable and enjoyable environment. Here are five top first date ideas, high key fun, low key pressure: Coffee or Tea Date: Meeting for a coffee or tea is a classic and lowpressure first date option. It provides an opportunity to have a relaxed conversation and get to know each other without the pressure of committing to a long activity. Choose a cozy cafe or a trendy tea house where you can enjoy a warm beverage and engage in meaningful conversation. Miniature Golf: Miniature golf is a fun and lighthearted activity that encourages friendly competition and laughter. It's an excellent way to break the ice and create a relaxed atmosphere. Plus, it allows you to interact and have fun together while engaging in a light physical activity. P 52
Outdoor Picnic: If the weather is pleasant, consider going on an outdoor picnic. Pick a scenic park or a quiet spot by the lake, and bring a basket of delicious snacks or a light meal. A picnic allows you to share food, relax in nature, and have a more intimate conversation away from the hustle and bustle of a busy venue. Visit an Art Gallery or Museum: If you both appreciate art or history, visiting an art gallery or museum can be a stimulating and insightful experience. You can explore the exhibits together, discuss your thoughts on the artworks or artifacts, and learn more about each other's interests. Cooking or Baking Class: Taking a cooking or baking class together can be a unique and interactive way to bond on a first date. It allows you to work as a team, have fun, and share a delicious meal or dessert that you've prepared together. This type of activity fosters collaboration and can lead to some memorable moments. Remember that the best first date ideas cater to the interests and comfort levels of both individuals involved. Communication and mutual consent are key to ensuring a successful and enjoyable experience for both parties. Do you have some great date night ideas? First date success stories? First date horror stories!!?? Share them with us and have your story published in InfluencHER Magazine... "LOVE IS A CANVAS FURNISHED BY NATURE AND EMBROIDERED BY IMAGINATION." - VOLTAIRE [email protected] P 53
IF BLACK LOVE WINS, WHY ARE SO MANY OF US LOSING Written By: Dr. Kimberly King "In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours. In all the world, there is no love for you like mine." - Maya Angelou P 54
InfluencHER Magazine want it, even though they may publicly profess the opposite. The coining of the term “Black Love” cannot be attributed to any one individual, but it has been represented in our culture across the sands of time. Black Love has been defined in current literature as “a spiritual journey that only people who are rich in melanin can experience…a love that can build an empire… a bond that goes deeper than words, gestures, praise, or adoration…a connection so strong that 500 years of oppression didn't stand a chance…the epitome of opulence, grace, and royalty… a love with such deep roots that it quite literally saved our ancestors from death and gave us life. Black love is longevity, endurance, and the constant replenishment of a well that will never run dry. If you spend any time on social media, you see #BLACKLOVEWINS everywhere. For every post that bears this positive moniker there are twice as many that disseminate toxic messages about love and relationships. outside of their race as a way to win. Still others are choosing to blur the lines of relationships to get their emotional needs met on murky terms nuanced by ever-changing expectations. IF Black Love Wins, then why are so many losing? Why is Black Love an enigma we have to emphasize in order to celebrate love? Let’s look at what Black Love is as a cultural entity and then I’ll unpack why this gift eludes so many who desperately Many women are still looking for their “knight in shining armor” to save, lead and protect them. Tons of men are looking for a homemaker and a “ho” wrapped up in one. Both genders are debunking relationships altogether or vying to vet a future mate This notion of Black Love is a consistent and vibrant thread that runs through the fabric of our history; a cloak our ancestors knit for us when they dared to marry during slavery when it was illegal and life-threatening to do so. P 55
"You are the finest, loveliest, tenderest, and most beautiful person I have ever known, and even that is an understatement." - F. Scott Fitzgerald Black Love was the impetus that spawned families in the 1930’s and 1940’s during The Great Migration. Black Love was Martin & Coretta, James & Florida, Quincy & Monica. Black Love endures, encourages, inspires, ignites, flourishes. Black Love is built on giving, building, bonding and mutual sacrifice toward a common goal. We’ve seen Black Love Win… in our families, in history, in the media, in cinema. Still so many are taking an “L”. Here are a few reasons why. Fear remains a primary reason for the shortage of Black Love wins. Real or imagined trauma blocks every attempt at loving or being loved. Even when we meet someone who checks all the boxes, they seem too good to be true. Fear births self-sabotage that renders ultimatums or impossible demands that no lover could satisfy. So, we test the intentions of our suitors and when they fail, we sulk in expected misery. Selffulfilling prophecies always come true; which is why a renewed mindset is essential to overcoming fear. Self-sabotage also manifests by comparing your perfectly good relationship to others. Not only is comparison the thief of joy, but you're guaranteed to set yourself up for failure by trying to emulate other couples. You can’t build a solid structure with incomplete blueprints. And let's be honest; all we know about other people’s relationships is what they show us or choose to tell us. Relationships are not meant to be cloned. Each pairing is unique and should be celebrated for that uniqueness. Borrow elements of success from the couples you observe, and tailor it to suit you and your beloved. Design your own relationship branding. Black Love cont'd Written By: Dr. Kimberly King 1 Still We Rise. (2017); Terrell(2021); Williams (2022 ) P 56
#BLACKLOVEWINS Skewed narratives have persuaded the culture into believing that real love is an anomaly. Situationships and side chick status have been accepted as a universal reality. So many individuals have never witnessed a healthy relationship, therefore doubting they exist. An overarching apathy prevails, perpetuated by reality tv and popular music where toxic relationships are the norm. As a culture we have adopted a Eurocentric, individualistic way of life. Historically, Black Love has been the product of our collectivist upbringing. Traditionally, goals were set to benefit the family and community at large. Our relationships were a reflection of this value. A “You and me against the world” frame of mind was reinforced with the support of family and friends. However, due to this paradigm shift, many singles have begun to see relationships merely as a means of security and social mobility. Relationship goals are driven by attainment of wealth and outdoing “The Joneses”. Little thought is given to the fulfillment of twoness, reciprocity of affection or building a legacy with a potential partner. The focus is on what someone can “bring to their table”, even if they lack a roof of their own. A dependence on social media and self-help materials as the primary source of education on relationships has become a contributing factor to the demise of modern relationships. Women and men have turned the quest for Black Love into a 12-step process. If you just do “this list of things”, you can find your soulmate. Google “10 ways to bag your partner of choice”. The majority of fodder available tells readers and listeners what they “should want” in a mate or what you’re “supposed to do”; yet never challenge the consumer of this information to look within and be honest about what they want- for real. P 57
Bl ck Love It’s impossible to apply real or digital advice if you don’t know who you are at the most basic level. It is essential that you are aware of your core values; the stuff that really matters to you. The “you” that maybe no one really knows, or you forgot about. Take this moment as a golden opportunity to meet the “you” you were before your family, peers, former lovers and social media coached you into being somebody else. Ask yourself: Who were you before someone told you were unlovable? Too big, too small or not enough to be loved? You’ve fashioned yourself according to everyone else’s requirements for so long your identity is distorted. And when you tried to push back and advocate for yourself, your past mistakes were thrown in your face. So you began to doubt that you really could make decisions for yourself at all. You concluded maybe it’s just better to listen to those who “care” about me. In the process of becoming acceptable to all these external forces, you succumbed to the pressure, and allowed your voice to be drowned out along with your identity. “Hey Black Child, do you know who you are? Who you really are?” 2 How do we propagate Black Love winning? By intentionally preparing ourselves to give what we desire and possess what we require. You can start by considering these gentle calls to action: Learn yourself, for real. Self-knowledge activates your ability to hear your voice, authentically. Having conversations with yourself by yourself provides space for selfdiscovery. After you reintroduce yourself to yourself you will quickly be better equipped to recognize what does not bring you joy. If it doesn’t propel you toward your highest good, your spirit will subsequently reject it. As an added bonus, your social circle will alter itself, as you consistently emerge selfreliant and self-confident. Get back to her. Rediscover that girl you left behind or hid so you could survive and avoid getting your heart broken. Apologize to her, forgive her and extend some grace to “little you” that's screaming to be heard. Find out what she likes, what turns her on, what makes her eyes sparkle. Daydream big, high definition, 3D, vivid fantasies like you did as a child, before adulting and adults forced you to be logical. Replace the soundtrack of unrequited love and heartbreak with mental replays of the love you secretly desire but may be embarrassed or too jaded to admit! 2 Perkins (1975) P 58
Know your worth. Evaluate all the attributes you possess that make you, you. Create a list of your personal assets to calculate your worth. What’s something you do better than anyone else? Own it! When you realize the wealth you carry as a unique life force, you'll dismiss time-wasters unapologetically. Softly. Seamlessly. You don’t have to shout or scream. Authority speaks volumes without volume. Like delivering “No” as a complete sentence. Court yourself Queen. Even if you’re currently in a relationship, slow walk the intimate journey into your core. Replace the negative voices of the past with positive affirmations of the present. Talk to her. Compliment her. Woo her. Celebrate the beauty of your bountiful giving spirit, the creativity you possess from the Divine. Your good, your bad, your ugly. A perfect and complete blend of imperfections deserving to be loved… without explanation. Take yourself out. Dress yourself elegantly. Treat yourself with sensual pleasures. Pursuing yourself with the highest form of care delivers a primer to the world on how to treat you. Prune the dead branches of your damaged emotions, so the living water of love can drench your roots, tips and heart. Face your trauma, minister to your wounds so you’re strong enough to create boundaries to protect you from unanticipated triggers and potential hurt. The reward of shedding and shredding will outweigh the risk of this uncomfortable process. You really want love. It’s a basic human need. It's okay to want love and to be loved. Don’t be afraid to receive love. Don't be afraid to give love. Liberally. Luxuriously. It’s in the giving that we receive. 2 Perkins (1975) "I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine." - Song of Solomon 6:3 As your thirst for love is quenched, first from within, you won’t feel threatened to give love to others without pretense or anxiety. In the words of the iconic R&B group Earth, Wind & Fire- “you can't give what you never had”. Or in this case, what you had, but may have lost. P 59
Cont'd By Kimberly King SUMMER EDITION "BLACK LOVE IS A REVOLUTION; IT DEFIES, TRANSCENDS, AND CELEBRATES ALL THAT WE ARE." -UNKNOWN I’m convinced this is a season of healing, where givers are finding givers, and real relationships are evolving as restitution for past heartbreak…for those who have done the work. The shadow work. The necessary work of being committed to loving who you are unconditionally and showing up surrendered and assured in every area of your life. Relationships are blooming that are thriving and providing emotional security to couples who have only dreamed about what they are currently experiencing. Isn’t it time for you to win too? Black begins with loving yourself as you are, where you are. Today. Black love wins when it is rooted in two winners who love themselves at the core. Black love wins when I want for you what I want for me, unashamedly and unselfishly. Black love wins when we play to win together. "Black begins with loving yourself as you are, where you are. Today." #BLACKLOVEWINS InfluencHER Magazine P 60
Na k ed. Pur e . Whol e . Winning ! Re f e r enc e s Pe r k ins , U s eni Eug ene . ( 1 9 7 5 ). He y Bl a c k Chi ld. S ti l l We Ri s e . ( 2 0 1 7 ). U rban D i c tiona r y . https ://www.urbandi c tiona r y . com/de fine .php? t e rm=bl a c k % 2 0 lov e . Ac c e s s ed 7 / 3 0 / 2 0 2 3 T e r r e l l , D . ( 2 0 2 1 ) The Powe r of Bl a c k Lov e Ac cording To…. 2 1 NIne t y . Wi l l i ams , N. ( 2 0 2 2 ). Wha t He a lthy Bl a c k Lov e Look s L i k e . ma r r i a g e . com B L A C K L O V E W I N S P 61
2023 TRENDS BEAUTY FASHION BEAUTY HACKS I N F L U E N T I A L S U M M E R E D I T I O N | A U G U S T ‘ 2 3 @in flu e n c H E Rlife s tyle " I N O R D E R T O B E I R R E P L A C E A B L E , O N E M U S T A LWA Y S B E D I F F E R E N T . " - C O C O C H A N E L
T H E W I G R O O M " B E A U T Y B E G I N S T H E M O M E N T Y O U D E C I D E T O B E Y O U R S E L F . " - C O C O C H A N E L BEAUTY FEATURE SUMMER '23 It is undeniable that black has long been a favorite in the fashion world. Now, looking all black has become a chic and fashionable thing. In addition to providing a slimming effect and suitable for all skin tones, black also gives an elegant and cool impression. P 63
Janel Nichole Diamond Effectby JN I ' M S E W I N TO YO U . . . Introduce us to Janel Nichole and The Diamond Effect by JN? Take a moment to introduce yourself and your brand to our InfluencHERs & give them a peek into your world! Why did you decide to choose beauty as a way to express your passion and purpose to the world? Diamond Effect by JNichole launched September 27th, 2018. We are the home of top-quality machine-made wigs. Along with wigs, beginner friendly hands on/online wig courses and business mentoring are also offered. Another gem under the Diamond Effect brand is the Ultimate Silk & Thermal Shield. The Ultimate Silk & Thermal Shield is a heat protectant spray that has become a staple in the beauty industry. I am also known for making wigs in under 15 minutes! Yes, 15 minutes or under! (laughs) I’ve been blessed to teach others all across the world my exact techniques. Something I truly enjoy! Growing up in a hair salon had a lot to do with where my passion stemmed from. My mom was a beautician. I picked up on a lot of things naturally. Hair became my passion at an early age. P 64
DIAMOND EFFECT BY JN The most challenging thing I ever had to overcome was doubt, feeling like I couldn’t move forward. A month after I decided to leave my full time job to fulfill my dream of being a full-time business owner, I found out I was pregnant. At that moment I felt like it was the end. How was I going to juggle BOTH at the same time? Two NEW things! Even though in that moment I felt some doubt, there was STILL hope! There was still the voice of God telling me I could do this. In that moment what I may have thought was the end, God was telling me it was just the beginning! That was 2019, here I am going into 2023 which will be 5 years in business! So glad I didn’t give up! Watching women come into the salon, get in that chair and the look of excitement on their faces after they were done.... PRICELESS! I knew that if I could contribute anything to the beauty industry it would be to enhance the beauty that every woman was ALREADY born with! Why did you decide to choose beauty as a way to express your passion and purpose to the world? My love for hair was part of what inspired me to start. My mom was the main source of inspiration. I was taught early that the crown of a woman was her hair. When a woman’s hair is done it gives her a new level of confidence! Share with us some of your journey; what are some of the most challenging things you have had to overcome? "The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mode but the true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul." - Audrey Hepburn P 65
BE-YOU-TIFUL AFFIRMATIONS I AM BEAUTIFUL AND UNIQUE IN MY OWN WAY. MY INNER BEAUTY RADIATES THROUGH MY SMILE AND ACTIONS. I AM CONFIDENT AND COMFORTABLE IN MY OWN SKIN. I DESERVE TO TAKE CARE OF MYSELF AND FEEL GOOD ABOUT IT. MY BODY IS A VESSEL OF STRENGTH AND GRACE. I AM WORTHY OF LOVE AND RESPECT JUST AS I AM. I CHOOSE TO SEE THE BEAUTY WITHIN AND AROUND ME. EVERY DAY, I AM BECOMING MORE RADIANT AND SELFASSURED. I EMBRACE MY FLAWS AS PART OF MY UNIQUE BEAUTY. I AM GRATEFUL FOR MY BODY'S HEALTH AND VITALITY. I TREAT MYSELF WITH KINDNESS AND COMPASSION. MY CONFIDENCE SHINES BRIGHTER THAN ANY COSMETIC. I AM MORE THAN MY PHYSICAL APPEARANCE; MY SOUL'S BEAUTY IS INFINITE. I AM COMFORTABLE AND CONFIDENT EXPRESSING MYSELF THROUGH MY STYLE. I RADIATE POSITIVITY, AND IT ENHANCES MY NATURAL BEAUTY. P 66
What are your 3 best pieces of advice for any woman looking to start a beauty brand? My favorite aspect of business is going back to what I mentioned prior and that’s being able to serve those around me! It brings me so much joy when people tell me how much anything I’ve done has helped them in some way. It means so much! What have been your most rewarding moments along your entrepreneur journey? The most rewarding thing on this journey is being able to serve others! I’ve been able to serve people all around the world. With wigs, classes, mentoring sessions, speaking events, etc. All I ever wanted to do is be a blessing. If I don’t do anything else, I want to be able to encourage and uplift those around me in some way! Entrepreneurship has allowed me to go places and reach people in ways I’ve never imagined. I’ll keep serving, as long as I’m here! Focus on your direction and not your speed. Meaning stop worrying about how fast you’re going to get there and when it’s going to happen. Focus on the real reason why you started! Focus on the goal, the dream, the purpose...not how quick you can get there. Never compare yourself to anyone. Understand that there is a time and season for everything! What’s for you won’t ever miss you! Give yourself GRACE and embrace your journey! Your journey is what makes your story UNIQUE. It’s not the destination, it’s the journey. That’s where character is built, lessons are learned, and more wisdom is gained! Embrace it all! 1. 2. 3. How can you service our InfluencHERs? How does what you offer differ from others in your industry? What is your favorite aspect of the business? What part of your business gives you the most joy? I look to service InfluencHERs by reminding them of their worth! Remember who you ARE is your golden ticket! Yes, there may be others doing exactly what you do but they don’t operate in the same spirit as YOU! Sometimes we have to be reminded of that and reminded of our value. That’s what I strive to do each and every day. It’s not just about selling an item or service but making a positive impact on those around you! What can we look forward to from The Diamond Effect in 2023? I have a lot of new exciting things that I can’t announce just yet, but I can’t wait to share with you all soon! Please be sure to follow us on all platforms to see what’s in store. P 67
JN. How can our readers connect with you? Give your contact, website & social media info so they know how to shop & connect with you. Instagram: diamondeffectjn TikTok: diamondeffectjn Facebook: Diamond Effect by JNichole Website: diamondeffectjn.com Email: [email protected] P 68
"beauty is not in in the face it is light T H E R E I S B E A U T Y I N Y O U R U N I Q U E N E S S I N T H E H E A R T " - K A H L I L G I B R A N P 69
Story Time With the CEO JANYELLE MILTON J.MARIE PREMIUMSNEAKERS FASHION FEATURE SUMMER '23 P 70
Fun, feminine, fly and comfy! Hi! My name is Janyelle Marie Milton founder of J Marie Premium Sneakers! In High School you couldn't catch me dead in "gym shoes ", I LOVED heels! I loved the feminine way they made me look and feel. Graduating from College....not so much. As I settled into corporate America and moved into downtown Detroit, my life became parking structures and A LOT of walking! Then came the health issues, a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and losing vision in my right eye. Quickly a heel that was once the cornerstone of my look became the cornerstone of my pain! Meet the Creator and Owner of J. Marie Premium Sneakers P 71
the constant body aching, weight gain and feelings of uncomfortableness had me looking for an alternative to heels. I tried different gym shoe brands that were either masculine, childish or too athletic and none of them fit the style that I was accustomed to. So, I ditched "gym shoes" for good and created my own PREMIUM SNEAKER brand as an alternative to heels for premium women like myself. I took the first initial of my first name and my middle name and created J. Marie Premium Sneakers! I didn't want to compromise style, comfort or quality! Now you don't have to either! I offer PREMIUM women sneakers that can be dressed up or down. When I think about "walking a mile in someone's shoes." People are so quick to judge a person, you will hear them say things like "Couldn't be me" or "they could just do this" not knowing the full scope of what brought the person to that particular point in life- Walk a mile in their shoes just means put yourself in their position and try to have empathy to understand why, who they are and why they do the things they do. P 72
I'd like to see a subculture of sneakerheads exist where it's not primarily male or sports driven. feel my brand is the caveat to that. We are a SNEAKER brand but it's not your average sneaker or what people have come to expect from a sneaker. We design with our audience in mind and create designs that mirror nothing else on the market! Inspiration Station I have always been into fashion...when I was in grade school, I collected magazines and knew all the high-end designers but couldn't afford it. When I fell ill and began looking for an alternative, not being able to find one is what led me to starting my own brand. INSPIRATION IS EVERYWHERE! I'm always looking out for POPPING colors! This is always the spark that ignites my inspiration. I may see someone with a particular color on and it may inspire me to design. BRANDS THAT INSPIRE ME, Betsey Johnson, Kate Spade, Sophia Webster. I think breaking all the fashion rules is such a relevant trend now- I encourage people to just be free and wear what inspires them, what showcases their mood for that daywhat represents who they want to be perceived as. P 73
BUSINESS SUPPORT FOR HER & F I N A N C E TRANSFORM DEBT START THE BIZ BRAINS BEAUTY BOSS
COVHER SHOWING UP SUMMER ISSUE '23 BE HER SUPPORT PRECIOUS MONET G FOR HER irl P 76
Precious Monét is an experienced and well-established businesswoman, who has mastered the art of planning and execution, which has been a huge asset to her journey thus far. She is on a mission to impact lives with her time and talents. Throughout her educational journey, Precious prepared and planned for the success she has now, equipped with professional roots in Human Resources, Project Management along with her obtaining a BA in Administrative Management and completing her certification to become a certified Life Coach. TO INTRODUCE MYSELF ALLOW ME Precious, thank you for joining us today! Let's take a moment and have you introduce yourself to our readers who may not know who you are. Precious is proud of the authenticity her brand Be Her Support provides by connecting one-on-one with people, and especially connecting them with other useful professionals and resources. Precious Monét also commits much of her life to community work and volunteering for churches and organizations that directly serve the people. Precious plans to continue to move strategically, and grow her own businesses, while aiding in the growth and service of both her valued clients, as well as the community. P 77
WHAT IS YOUR WHY? Precious, What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business? Everyone has a story and Precious Monèt story started when she was a little girl being influenced by her father who started his entrepreneurship journey at the age of 16. She always knew she would become her own entrepreneur one day, but she just wasn’t sure what she wanted to do that would be impactful. Her parents are always her inspiration and as she grew older and continued to see the ongoing strength in her parents and how they would impact their community, it is in her DNA to become who she is. A strong confident woman that loves helping others and impacting the community. Precious journey was not easy but well worth every letdown, disappointment, and challenge she had to face to be the strong person that she is today. P 78
Although she always had support from her parents, it was always a challenge throughout her personal & professional career to gain support from friends, colleagues, and supervisors. Imagine being up for a promotion and the colleague that you went to lunch with every day that you trust goes behind your back to tell the president of the company your are not qualified for the promotion. How about imagining your best friend that you trusted for 10 years turned their back on you when you decided to open a business when you needed them most? "In a world where you can be anything, be a woman who supports other women." - Unknown With some of these challenges Precious had to face, she was tired of trying to fit in and wanted to be a resource for women that lack support. Whether you lack support in your personal life, professional career, or entrepreneurial joinery, she decided to create a platform (Be Her Support) to provide the support and accountability we often are not comfortable asking for. Especially after feeling betrayed, hurt by people we trust, hurt by people that look like you or even just feeling stuck. P 79
BIRTHING THE VISION Be Her Support was birth due to the lack of support from women that look like her. Witnessing constant competition amongst women also plays a part in why she wanted to design an environment where collaboration trumps competition through community events. Be Her Support is the safe haven for women who are ready to experience & demonstrate what true support looks like through community, connections & collaborations. How have you built such a strong reputation? BUSINESS & FINANCE Entrepreneurship is not easy! For anyone that says it is, Precious would love to meet them one day. Entrepreneurship is about being relentless for your passion and your willingness to embrace change. It is one of the biggest risks but so satisfying if you are doing what you love. By continuing to show up in her business authentically is what help build her reputation within the market. P 80
No craft is ever easy, and pursuing one’s passion involves a journey of struggles and triumphs. But as Precious Monèt can attest, when a person is fueled by their vision and armed with dedication, translating their dreams into reality is feasible. Entrepreneurship is about being relentless for your passion and you’re willing to embrace change. It is one of the biggest risks but so satisfying if you are doing what you love. Precious journey was not easy but well worth every letdown, disappointment, and challenge she had to face to be the strong person that she is today. There were so many people that couldn’t see her vision, did not support her, and would rather see her fail. IT IS ALL WORTH THE RISK..... BUSINESS & FINANCE I’m sure it has not been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road? P 81
SO MAYBE WE END ON DISCUSSING WHAT MATTERS MOST TO YOU AND WHY? What matters most to Precious is creating a safe space for women to give and receive support amongst other women. She is committed to changing the world when it comes to women competing with other women, one woman at a time. BUSINESS & FINANCE Some of the hardest parts during this journey were being taken advantage of by her own family, the loss of friendships that she thought would always be by her side, and the fear of losing her home. You will learn as you grow that not everyone is for you. It’s important to surround yourself around positive people and people that can hold you accountable. Precious has finally learned not to always expect your plans to go as planned but to plan for the unexpected. Services: Business Consulting 1:1 Coaching VIP Days Speaking Engagements Website: www.preciousmonet.com Instagram: instagram.com/iampreciousmonet Email: [email protected] Contact Info: P 82
M O N E Y T R A P A friend of mine hit me up a few weeks ago and asked how I managed to get out of my credit card debt. She recalled a previous conversation we had and was trying to get pointers for herself. Let me first start with this bit of information about myself. I was about 20K in debt and had about 10 credit cards. I had store cards, VISA, and Mastercard, I was discovering possibilities with Discover card……it was bad! You know, my parents warned me about having bad habits with credit cards and what did I do??, I did everything they told me not to. " T H E S O P H I S T I C A T E D L A D Y " Y O U C A N G E T O U T W R I T T E N B Y K I M B E R L Y “ K . D E V O N N E ” H U R D L E P 83
You see, at some point in life we all may find ourselves in a “money trap.” What is a money trap you ask? Well, my definition of a money trap is when you have so much debt that you feel trapped and can’t find your way out of it. As I previously stated, I found myself in a money trap of 20K about 8 years back now and made my way out of it. The approach looks different and will always be situational-based. Let’s look at a few pros and cons of consolidation and personal loans for credit card consolidation. S T R A T E G Y I decided that consolidation was the best route for me. While I chose the consolidation route, this may not be the best route for others based on what they’re trying to achieve in life. My friend decided that a personal loan was the best route for her so she could have one payment. C R E A T E Y O U R M O N E Y Point of View Choices Approach P 84
T H E S O P H I S T I C A T E D L A D Y 1 2 1 2 Pros Cons Pros Cons -Negotiate rate and payments for you -May decrease the total amount that you have to pay back -Gives you one payment -Can keep your credit cards if you please -Applying gives a hard inquiry to your credit report -May hurt credit score once the process is complete -May close credit cards that you wanted to keep B U S I N E S S & F I N A N C E Consolidation Companies Personal Loans I hope this has provided a starting point, but before you decide to get out of your money trap, be sure to do your research to see what best suits you. P 85
P 86 “If it wasn’t for the struggle, I wouldn’t have the strength”, Not your average businesswoman! The struggle is REAL, and always has been, let’s start there! From being addicted to Xanax, to making over 1,000 dollars in a night of floor dancing for the City’s Bottom and Elite men, from selling guns in an alley, to watching my padre get murdered in front of me and surviving a gunshot wound myself just to name a few. All these things were part of my humble beginnings. In 2007 after surviving the unthinkable and escaping the treacherous streets of North Omaha, God granted me a fresh start. Indeed, his mercy endureth forever. He snatched me out of the streets, placed me in a place of Solitude, where I could think clearly. That day on I vowed to never go back to the street life ever again. I chose peace. Becoming a Hermit if you will. The voice of the Lord kept telling me to write. My story needed to be heard. Ignoring his voice for years didn’t get me anywhere, my life was still and stagnant. My Extraordinary Life BY: TILLIE PORTER
In 2020 after a separation from my Ex-husband, the voice of the Lord was heard again, “Write your story” The process started, and I begin to write. In 2021 my first Memoir was debuted on Christmas Day of 2021. Honest H.O.E. Honesty Over Everything. The story of my life. Selling internationally sitting at 5 stars on Amazon and sold on over 30+platforms has been incredible. This book has touch so many lives, and many more in counting. Now Owner of Diamond One Book Advisory Services & More LLC, which is a full Editorial Services, and to help other to become first time authors! My passion for nursing still run high, have been a Nurse for over 18+ years. Have been offered to sit on several different North Omaha Community Boards. I am the CEO of AGMI, and Anti-Gang Mediation Initiative, and as of current, Creator and Content creator of an upcoming TV show, and the list continues. He turned my Mess into a message, and my pain into purpose, and can indeed do the same for YOU! You too can do all things through him that strengthens you! Take it from me, it's not about how we start, it’s about how we finish. Entrepreneurs/Business Owners never want to talk about, nor admit the past or daily flaws and the struggles we all face on the daily grind. We must push through these tribulations. “If you can look up, you can get up”. Never give up. Execute your dreams in real time! P 87
BOOK AVAILABLE NOW Tillie Porter is the owner of Diamond One Book Advisory Services & More LLC, which entails an array of services such as Manuscript write up, Editing, Proofreading, and helping individuals become Authors. Moreover, debuted her first Memoir Honest H.O.E. Honesty Over Everything sitting at five stars on Amazon, currently being sold internationally in 10 different countries and on various major Platforms such as Barnes & Nobles, Apple, Target, and Walmart to name a few. Tillie is currently at work on her next project that entails Real Realty TV. Tillie is a Godfearing woman who loves to spend time in prayer, meditation, and with her 8-year-old daughter. In her free time, she spends those days enjoying theoutdoors, or doing community service work. P 88
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