We previously mentioned paying yourself first by setting something aside in your savings account.
What are your savings goals?
Savings for your child.
Saving for a car or a better car
Saving for college expenses
Saving something for an emergency
You can never save enough for your child or children! Enough said about that.
If you are saving for new(er) car, remember the more money you initially put down on the car, the less your monthly car payment will be; unless you are able to pay for the total amount of asking price (hint… after some negotiation).
An extra cushion for college is always wise. One can never predict additional expenses. Financial aid may not always be available as soon as you need it.
Saving for an emergency or a rainy day… as the saying goes, is always wise! Can you stand the rain? Yes, you can because you will have something saved.
Look for next month’s $timulating Tip’s discussion. Until then, Keep your mind on your money!
The Forgiveness Expert is hosting The Healing Incubator Experience – An designed to share the components of healing we need to remove our minds from the fog of COVID. Yes, life is moving on, the world is opening up. But what about those who are stuck to COVID like a mouse caught to a trap. It’s time to remove the adhesive and become free. The process is not like a pill that can solve a headache. It’s a constant medicine of tools that you will need to recharge your life. The Healing Incubator experience allows for you to enter the chamber of healing that will help you forgive and restore your mind. Your destiny is waiting on the other side of forgiveness and healing.
Jump start your future by addressing your past. Your past plays a major role in the outcome of the present and your future. Ignoring yesterday can create a continuous cycle of hurt. If past life experiences and COVID left your future looking bleak, The Healing Incubator Experience may be exactly what you need to move ahead. – Kyonna F. Brown
EVENT HOST & SPEAKER: Kyonna F. Brown, The Forgiveness Expert FEATURED SPEAKERS: Senetra Butler, Founder, “Valor Girl Inc” Topic: Awareness Bradley W.B. Tramel Topic: Attention to the Whole Environment Rennee’ Hubb, Evangelist, Author, & Entrepreneur Topic: VisualizationAssociate Minister Rochelle Cooper, M.Div Topic: Support
This event will share the components of healing we need to remove our minds from the fog of COVID. Yes life is moving on, the world is opening up. But what about those who are stuck to COVID like a mouse caught to a trap. It’s time to remove the adhesive and become free. The process is not like a pill that can solve a headache. It’s a constant medicine of tools that you will need to recharge your life. The Healing Incubator experience allows for you to enter the chamber of healing that will help you forgive and restore your mind. Your destiny is waiting on the other side of forgiveness and healing. Register today for this life changing event via Eventbrite:
Shaqueria Howard’s trendy media company, 5 STAH MEDIA LLC is named after her full initials (S.T.A.H).5 STAH Media prides itself on providing 5 STAR RESULTS to all of its clients. Providing digital services such as graphic design, social media marketing, content creation, image consultation, and business development. In addition, they provide entry-level professionals in this field opportunities to grow their careers.
About the CEO:
Shaqueria Howard has been working in the public relations field for over 5 years with companies like Midori Star Media Group, The Lip Bar, Slip N Slide Records, GoodGirl PR, etc. With that experience, she was able to build a trustworthy company for current and future clients.This business has always been her dream despite the doubts that crept in. Starting this business amid a pandemic she has made it her goal to provide resources for new business owners and help others complete their goals.
What is 5 STAH MEDIA LLC’s primary goal and what are you doing to ensure that goal is met? The primary goal for 5 STAH MEDIA LLC is to provide solutions for startups. We offer services to eliminate the stressful parts of your business that can be taken care of by our business. Such as, getting the word out about you, social media graphics, graphic design, and public relations marketing strategies.
How did you know public relations and marketing was the path/niche you wanted to become successful in? My high school yearbook class put me down the Journalism path. However, after reading more about the levels of Journalism I was sold on Public Relations. I knew I’d be successful in PR because the work became effortless. I saw a lot of my peers struggle, but my passion for this industry outstood the obstacles. As time went on, in my program internships I received many accolades but no money. That’s when I knew one day, I wanted to start my PR firm and had the recommendations to do it. I also want to fill the gap between interns and organizations to make sure students have a beneficial experience.
What are some difficulties you face juggling motherhood and entrepreneurship? One of the major complications of being a full-time worker, fiancé, and mom is balancing it all! I have worked with this issue by building a schedule that doesn’t take me away from my family or strip me of too much of my client obligations. I have enough mommy-daughter time, fiancé time, and me time before I go to bed. Some nights are restless though and up pretty late! It’s worth it though.
What advice do you have for others trying to climb their way to success? Just do it! Stop waiting for the perfect time because it doesn’t exist. If you know your gift, act on it now. Life is too precious to not be doing the things we love to do! The passion and love for your career will outweigh the stress that sometimes overbears us with our jobs and lives. It’s worth it to be happy getting paid for what you love to do!
Is it difficult to remain bubbly and happy during all seasons/enduring difficulties in the business? How do you bounce back from those speedbumps? It can be difficult when you think you can handle everything on your own. Spread the wealth, and find little ways to make yourself happy. Find a sisterhood or brotherhood that supports you in times of need. Spend time with loved ones! Take 15-minute breaks and lunches just like you would at your job! Client successes always make me happy to share too, that picks me up too!
How essential was your educational background to your business? Fingers crossed if it was not for my education at FAMU some of my public relations experience would be slim to none or what I learned from YouTube videos or webinars (those options are so broad). Having a degree in Public Relations is not necessary to be in the industry, however, each class at FAMU taught me a skill that was valuable enough for me to use either in the corporate field or freelance. FAMU even prepared us for some of the harder lessons in life when it came to Journalism and PR. Even some prerequisites helped us get ready for the real world too! I am forever grateful to my alma mater for laying the groundwork for the PR professional I have become today!
What is your favorite vacation memory? I wish I had some fun and cool way to answer this question. I have some girl’s trips lined up this year y’all promise! My most favorite vacation memory is probably Panama City Beach with my best friends laughing uncontrollably at the beach while trying to take photos. I hold on to this memory because one of my best friends that shared this memory passed away.
Paris Monae is Entrepreneur originally from Flint, Michigan. Motivated with a passion to break generational curses Paris set out to own her own piece of the pie and there emerged Eight22 Paris Avenue, a boutique style jewelry store that has made its presence known in the world of online shopping. Like so many businesses, Eight22 Paris Avenue had to adopt an online shopping model during COVID-19 and boy did it thrive. Eight22 Paris Avenue combines Paris’s love for spirituality and (you guessed it) Paris. This elegant boutique carries hand made bling for every consumer type. Whether you’re trying to protect your energy or find that luxurious piece to compliment your outfit, Eight22 Paris Avenue has got you covered.
Why is your business a business to watch in 2021? Our presence is out there! We continue to evolve as a company and a brand proving to our consumers that their support matters. We speak to the beauty and strength of the black woman, and we do it in style.
What inspired you to start your business? Wanting to live in my purpose, on purpose.
How did 2020 change your business? Was it for the better? Eight22 Paris Avenue actually took off in 2020. I was in my creative zone and our shoppers allowed me to be free. We received a lot of custom orders in 2020.
What lessons did you learn in your business in 2020? You fail 100% of the chances that you do not take.
What kind of impact do you want your business to leave on your client or customer? Black women are the more creative beings on this earth. We can accomplish anything that we won’t and if we want it bad enough, no one can stand in our way.
Do you feel your product or service meets the needs of the market? Yes, we deserve to spoil ourselves while connecting to our ancestors. Jewelry is something we all use.
What hurdles did you personally face in getting ready to open your business and how did you overcome them? I was my biggest hurdle. I simply had made the first move and my ancestors handled the rest.
When did you realize entrepreneurship was right for you? When I realized I had so much more to give the world.
Why did you choose entrepreneurship? Entrepreneurship chose me.
What would you say is your most driving motivation to keep doing what you do? My desire to break generational curses. My desire to change our narrative. My desire to forever be free!
What are you most excited or passionate about? (In both business and life or both) Living !!!!! We seem to just exist in this world. I want to actually live.
What are the goals you most want to accomplish in your business? What are the goals that you hold personally? I want to turn on an award show and see inspirational women wearing my pieces.
What’s next for you in your brand? What can readers look forward to from you? We are bringing in new pieces frequently. Watch us continue to group.
Over her twenty-five-year career in education, Veronica has worked to help young people and their families learn more about the importance and value of the acquisition of knowledge. In addition to serving as a college admission officer at three liberal arts colleges, Veronica has tutored, coached and encouraged students to learn many of the soft skills required in order to be successful in school and in life. As a consultant, Veronica has taught young students how to successfully interview for admission to independent school and college as well as provide instruction on dining etiquette. She has also tutored students for the SSAT, an entrance exam for admission to independent school. She currently serves as Assistant Director of Alumni Relations for Affinity and Identity Programs at Colgate University. Her primary responsibility is to develop events and programs that build affinity and deeper relationships between Colgate and Alumni of Color, LGBTQ+ Alumni, alumni of Greek Letter Organizations, alumni of A Capella Groups, and former International Students. In 2020, Veronica published a children’s book, “A Visit to The Bahamas from A to Z”. The story centers on three cousins who embark on an alphabetical adventure that explores the history, culture, and people of The Bahamas. The book was created as a tribute to her father and mother who are both native Bahamians, and is a recollection of many summers spent in The Bahamas visiting with her late grandmother and extended family who still reside in The Bahamas. As a Mellon Fellow at Teachers College, Columbia, University, she earned both a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction and a M.A. in Bilingual-Bicultural Education. She earned her B.A. in Spanish, with honors, from Colgate University.
Why is your business a business to watch in 2021? Knowledge is Capital Publishing and Educational Programs is an educational omni media corporation that focuses on providing learners of all ages with upbeat and interesting media and educational programming that focuses on multiple aspects of teaching, learning, and knowledge acquisition. Additional products and services that focus on learning will be developed over the next three to five years, to help meet the growing demand for diverse learning materials and opportunities.
What inspired you to start your business? I created the company after the passing of my father. He was an elementary school custodian in a nearby town, and he always encouraged us to learn as much as we can, because his parents could not afford to send him to high school after the 8th grade. I decided to create a company that provided kids with access to opportunities to learn about the world around them, in honor of his memory and to encourage my children to have a passion for learning.
How did 2020 change your business? Was it for the better? As many families with school-aged children juggled multiple responsibilities, including homeschooling children, we accelerated our efforts to complete the book so that it could be available for purchase. Despite not being able to make in-person connections to sell my book, we realized that social media is a powerful way to market and sell merchandise.
What lessons did you learn in your business in 2020? To be adaptable and discover unique ways to sell your product in the absence of in-person opportunities to generate sales.
What kind of impact do you want your business to leave on your client or customer? As a woman of color, and parent, I want my customer to know that they are purchasing a high-quality children’s book that has been well researched and vetted. As a publisher, I want my customer to know that I created this product and company because of the lack of books written and published by people of color. I also want my customers to know that you too can create and sell your own products if it is not readily available in the marketplace. If you decide to pursue entrepreneurship and be the first person in your family to be an entrepreneur, you will be a great role model to those who may consider entrepreneurship. I also want them to consider the challenges small business owners face in creating products for the marketplace and support small business owners whenever possible.
Do you feel your product or service meets the needs of the market? I created the book and the company because of the lack of children’s books that had children of color as lead characters. I loved to read as a kid and remember how few books there were about kids like me so I created my characters to show that children of color are adventurous, curious, and love learning. I also wanted to empower young people and make them realize that they have the freedom to express themselves in any way that they choose. I also decided to create the company because we need more minority-owned and women-owned businesses.
What hurdles did you personally face in getting ready to open your business and how did you overcome them? Having enough time to manage the business and a full-time job. I had to learn how to manage my time so that I could make time to work on my book and manage the business side of selling books. To complete the book project, I invested lots of personal funds and had the financial support of a few good friends and my eldest child who was an early investor. Funding is a huge challenge for small business owners and especially for women of color. Finding an illustrator was the greatest challenge as I was searching for many years to find someone who understood my vision. Luckily, my illustrator is a former colleague who is an extremely gifted artist who was interested in the project and shared his talents with me and subsequently the world. I am most indebted to him for his patience and the time he invested in the book.
Why did you choose entrepreneurship? I started my company over a decade ago as a passion project and as a way to generate extra income. Entrepreneurship is in my blood. My maternal grandfather was a tailor who immigrated to The Bahamas from Barbados. My parents owned a small catering company when I was growing up, so we always helped in any way we could when my parents had catering opportunities. Watching my parents and hearing stories about my grandfather made me realize that entrepreneurship is for anyone who wishes to share their product or service with others who have a need for their product of service.
What would you say is your most driving motivation to keep doing what you do? There are many histories, perspectives and stories about the black diaspora that need to be heard and seen. I created the book and the company to provide a platform to encourage others to share their stories and diversify the children’s book market.
What are you most excited or passionate about? (In both business and life or both) Passionate about helping young people reach their full potential. I also love helping people learn about The Bahamas – its culture, history, and people.
What are the goals you most want to accomplish in your business? What are the goals that you hold personally? Initially, my goal was to write and publish a children’s book about The Bahamas. I will write more books for children and adults to enjoy. Because education comes in many forms. I have provided services that help young people with interview skills, etiquette, and how to structure their college admission essays. I will continue to provide these services in order to help young people achieve their goals.
Did you have any key mentors or people who deeply influenced who you are, what you believe in, and what you’re committed to in your work and life? Tell me about them. My mother. She trained as a registered nurse and immigrated to the United States in her mid-thirties. She is a wise and kind woman who had great hopes for me and my siblings. She was also very tough, but as a parent myself, I am glad she raised me the way she did. She taught me the value of exposing kids to various activities at a young age (reading, music, sports, travel), and she and my dad made a lot of sacrifices to make sure that we participated in activities outside of the classroom which gave us the confidence to go anywhere and do anything we set our mind to achieve. Two of my professors in graduate school, Dr. A Lin Goodwin, and Dr. Jennifer Robinson were instrumental in my development as an educator. As women of color, they are outstanding educators who worked hard to provide educators with strategies on how to improve instruction for children of color. I am very lucky that they were my professors as well as mentors and friends. My children are the reason why I created the book and provide help to young people through other means. They inspire me every day to do more to help other children learn more about the world around them.
Did you have any life-changing experiences that put you on the path that led you to be doing what you’re doing today? Tell me about them. As a woman in my mid-fifties with three children of my own, I realize that parenting is an incredibly difficult job. I appreciate the sacrifices that my parents made for me and my siblings now more than ever, especially as I watch my children come into their own as young adults. A lot of my parenting skills are adapted from how I was raised, and my kids got a mix of old school and modified new school values. Also, having had exposure to travel and the opportunity to learn Spanish at a young age made me realize that you can travel the world, meet different types of people and learn anything if you put your mind to it and make an effort.
What’s next for you in your brand? What can readers look forward to from you? More books for children and adults about other parts of the world and potentially a memoir about my experiences as an educator and parent.
How did you come up with the name for your company? The first time I took my eldest child to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NY, NY, I remember standing in front of Van Gogh’s “Irises” with my kid in a forward-facing harness. I just stood there and realized that even as an infant, the colors and the shapes fascinated them. This was back in the mid-1990s when parents did not take infants to the museum. I remember the unwelcome stares I got from museum-goers for bringing an infant to the museum. It did not bother me because I was determined to expose my child to art and music at an early age. I also started doing research into the importance of sharing the arts with children at an early age, and was fascinated by the impact early language development, and visual stimulation can have on a child. Also, because I studied bilingual/bicultural education, I wanted the company name to reflect my belief in the power of understanding and appreciating other languages and cultures other than your own. Additionally, I wanted the name of my company to reflect how the acquisition of knowledge or education can help to increase your ability to earn a living wage.
Actress Bresha Webb is celebrating her engagement to Nick Jones Jr. Jones proposed to a surprised Webb at Wally’s Restaurant in Beverly Hills on July 3rd. We know Bresha from such shows as, “Run the Starz”, “Marlon” and more. Jones is the head writer for the Netflix series ‘Yasuke’
While Deborah tends to be a “Jill of all trades,” you could consider her a Serial Entrepreneur that is better know as The Billionaire Brewer. Deborah loves launching and nurturing new businesses so much that she’s made it her life’s mission to help other women with their own hustles. Deborah spends most of her working hours as an Author, Speaker, and Business & Book Coach. At home, she is a Believer, a Wife, a Mother to the Fantastic 4, and a lover of shoes.
Why is your business a business to watch in 2021? I am a trailblazer for billionaire beauties. I help women activate their hidden talents and gems that produce multiple streams of income and add value to the community they serve.
What inspired you to start your business? My motivation comes from wanting more out of life than working a traditional 9-5. I thrive best when I am controlling my vacation, finances, and the ability to watch my children grow. Because of this same freedom, I believe in empowering other women to do the same.
How did 2020 change your business? Was it for the better? 2020 allowed me to grow tremendously because people learned that an employer isn’t always a reliable source when it comes to income. Many businesses shut their doors which essentially left people scrambling for income. This was my moment to assist people who had no business build a business and profit. For those who had a business, they wanted assistance with thinking outside the box to generate consistent revenue in their business.
What lessons did you learn in your business in 2020? 2020 taught me consistency for sure. I used to think I could lack off from business and bounce back in, however with the uncertainty of 2020, I learned that people need consistency and resources to learn how to generate money outside of their normal 9-5 which was at stake.
What kind of impact do you want your business to leave on your client or customer? I want my client to always leave with the attitude that they can be financially stable while enjoying their freedom in life. I want my clients to know that sky is not the limit because there is more beyond the clouds.
Do you feel your product or service meets the needs of the market? I feel that my products meet the need of the market and my target audience. I always try to be a one-stop shop for my clients.
What hurdles did you personally face in getting ready to open your business and how did you overcome them? I think the biggest hurdle was locating clients and funding. To overcome these obstacles I learned how to build my ideal clientele, speak their language that allowed me to generate income to put back into my business.
When did you realize entrepreneurship was right for you? I realized entrepreneurship was right for me when I understand that I did not want anyone in control of how much money I spend when I can. take a vacation as well as seeing other women like myself who wanted out of the traditional 9-5 job setting.
Why did you choose entrepreneurship? I chose entrepreneurship to make an impact. My life goal is to help as many women as possible live their dreams without limits with the understanding they can be in control of every area of their life.
What would you say is your most driving motivation to keep doing what you do? My most driving motivation is when I see my clients live out their dreams and make an impact. I also look to my husband and children to be proud of the work that I do and know that my impact is greater than any tough moment.
What are you most excited or passionate about? (In both business and life or both) I am excited about my future and my family’s generational wealth that I get to be a part of. I’m excited because I grew up in a poor neighborhood and to have this level of success was once only a dream.
What are the goals you most want to accomplish in your business? What are the goals that you hold personally? My goal is to help over 5,000 women achieve their goals and dreams. Personally, I want to be sure I’m known for uplifting women.
Did you have any key mentors or people who deeply influenced who you are, what you believe in and what you’re committed to in your work and life? Tell me about them. I looked up to people such as Oprah, Maya Angelou, Phylicia Rashad, Michelle Obama
Did you have any life-changing experiences that put you on the path that led you to be doing what you’re doing today? Tell me about them. My life-changing moment came when I was working in corporate and my oldest ask about a memory of hers from 5th grade. I felt terrible because I was gone, enjoying the height of my career in banking making excellent money. I didn’t realize how much my time away affected my children. From that moment on I vowed to be present and worry about money later. I learned that there were other ways of making money outside a traditional job which birthed my very first business.
What’s next for you in your brand? What can readers look forward to from you? Right now my focus is on growing more outside of the U.S. I am currently partnering with some amazing women in other countries to expose them to my offerings. Currently, I am also heading up a life-changing weekend experience for women happening in Scottsdale, AZ September 24-26. This weekend was inspired by my latest Anthology entitled “Do It Scared.”
Meet Eugenia Davis, a Dallas Texas native, is the Owner of up-in-coming cosmetic brand, Dymanz Glaze and self-published book author. Dymanz Glaze, headquartered in Dallas, offers a full line of high pigment and cruelty free lip glosses designed to compliment every shade and tone. In addition to serving the cosmetic industry with a bold new take on “shades for every shade”, Eugenia has also published a new e-book highlighting her mental health awareness experience in, Therapy Saved My Life. Since its debut in December 2020, the e-book has achieved raving 5-star reviews from customers ranging across the country. By inspiring every individual to seek mental health support, Eugenia hopes to empower the role of self-care within every lifestyle and reduce the stigma associated with seeking guidance. Through her story, Eugenia wants to encourage others that it is never too late to start over with a little help.
Why is your business a business to watch in 2021? Dymanz Glaze is dedicated to making people feel beautiful and push them out of their comfort zone with bold metallic shades and that’s something I want women to experience.
How did 2020 change your business? Was it for the better? My business started during the pandemic so it was challenging to make people feel like beautiful was still possible, even though we were all stuck inside. The pandemic made it easier through social media to build that audience.
What lessons did you learn in your business in 2020? The power of social media made a huge impact on building awareness of Dymanz Glaze. You had to be creative because of the limitations of events or social interactions. You couldn’t simply go out handing samples or attend expos, so it required me to adapt and work quickly with expanding my audience digitally.
What kind of impact do you want your business to leave on your client or customer? I want my customer to feel beautiful and feel like they discovered something new with my products. Many people feel like certain colors and shades are not for them and I’m here to prove that they are.
When did you realize entrepreneurship was right for you? I realized entrepreneurship was the right space for me after having difficulty finding products that complemented my deep skin tone. I wanted other women to feel empowered in their looks, not hidden, so I designed the line to compliment every shade and tone. Since then, we’ve grown the brand and consistently receive positive feedback from our clients on how confident they feel with our lip colors.
What would you say is your most driving motivation to keep doing what you do? My children are what drives me in every aspect of my life and business. I am a proud mom of three beautiful daughters, so it’s important for me to show them that you can do anything.
Did you have any life-changing experiences that put you on the path that led you to be doing what you’re doing today? Tell me about them. I didn’t start wearing lipstick until I was 26, I was very much one of those “oh my lips are too big or that color isn’t for me” personalities. I had to see that I was wrong and too often I hear beautiful people make comments like that. We want to change that concept and through my line, I wanted to show people that those things are not true. You are beautiful no matter your shade or size of your lips.
July 3rd is National Crown Day – Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair.
Presented by Dove and the CROWN Coalition, National CROWN Day is returning on Saturday, July 3rd, with the inaugural CROWN Awards. Hosted by media personality Tai Beauchamp, the CROWN Awards will honor Black women paving the way with contributions to culture, community, entrepreneurship, entertainment and the advancement of Black beauty. The CROWN Awards will highlight the extraordinary strength, grace and perseverance of notable Black women, whether at the forefront or behind the scenes of change, whose talents and leadership help advance the legacy of Black excellence and beauty. Award categories will range from business to sports, to activism and the champions of The CROWN Act legislation.
The CROWN Act, which stands for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair,” is a law that prohibits race-based hair discrimination, which is the denial of employment and educational opportunities because of hair texture or protective hairstyles including braids, locs, twists or bantu knots.
Confirmed guests and honorees for the CROWN Awards include:
Esi Eggleston Bracey, COO & EVP of North America Beauty and Personal Care at Unilever
Tabitha Brown, Actress and Entrepreneur
Tashara Parker, Journalist and Activist
Tina Lifford, Actress and Founder/CEO, The Inner Fitness Project
Holly J. Mitchell, Los Angeles County Supervisor (former Senator)
Honorable Bonnie Watson Coleman, U.S. Representative (NJ)
Brittany Packnett Cunningham, Activist, Educator and Writer
Dr. Kizzmekia S. Corbett, Immunologist & Scientific lead for the COVID-19 vaccine
Michaela Angela Davis, Writer and Image Activist
Beverly Smith, National President CEO for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Dr. Kimberly Jeffries Leonard, National President of The Links, Incorporated
Curly Girl Collective
Maya Penn, Environmental Activist
Joy Holmes Harris, Former WNBA Player
Haley Jones, NCAA Basketball Player
Naomi Wadler, Student and Activist
Adjoa B. Asamoah, Social impact and legislative Strategist
Michelle Thornton Ghee, CEO, EBONY Magazine
Jeanine LaRue, Activist
Faith Fennidy, Student and Activist
Yomi Calloway, Co-founder of Justice Now
Nae Nae Twins, Social Media Influencers
Spotlights on ‘Young CROWN’ with Alana Gay, Selah Thompson, ZaZa, Alejandra Roy and DJ Sophia Rocks
Leading up to the CROWN Awards, CROWN Day will also include a morning wellness workout with fitness professional Ashley Joi at 10:30am ET, live streaming on Instagram pages @ashleyjoi and @thecrownact.
Immediately following the awards will be an afterparty with DJ Olivia Dope and DJ Sophia Rocks with each DJ sharing a live set on each of their Instagram pages, @oliviadope and @djsophiarocks.
Also beginning on CROWN Day, Dove and the CROWN Coalition will partner with actress Tina Lifford’s The Inner Fitness Project for a 90-day wellbeing program. The free 90-day Inner Fitness Circle Program supports women in proactively building personal and community inner strength and resilience. As many as a thousand women will be chosen to participate in this groundbreaking wellbeing initiative. Women who are interested can learn more and sign up at thecrownact.com/tifp.
National CROWN Day is a special holiday commemorating the inaugural signing of the first CROWN Act legislation in the United States in 2019 to “Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair.” In 2019, Dove and the CROWN Coalition partnered with then State Senator Holly J. Mitchell of California to introduce The CROWN Act legislation to address the disparate impact of hair discrimination on Black people in workplaces and in schools. California Senate Bill 188 (SB 188) was introduced in January 2019 and signed into law on July 3, 2019, making California the first state to prohibit discrimination based on protective hairstyles and hair texture associated with race. To date, thirteen (13) states and thirty (30) municipalities have enacted The CROWN Act, or laws inspired by The CROWN Act. A federal bill was introduced in both chambers of U.S. Congress in March 2021. This year’s National CROWN Day will mobilize the Black community and allies to call on federal legislators to pass The CROWN Act in both chambers of Congress.
As a founding member of The CROWN Coalition, Dove has championed The CROWN Act movement, created and driven by a team of Black women leaders working with a village of women who share a desire to end discrimination including Esi Eggleston Bracey and Erin Goldson of Dove, Los Angeles County Supervisor, Holly J. Mitchell, and JOY Collective agency leaders, Kelli Richardson Lawson, Orlena Nwokah Blanchard and Adjoa B. Asamoah as lead legislative strategist.
For more details on The CROWN Act and National CROWN Day, please visit www.thecrownact.com.
About The CROWN Coalition
The CROWN Coalition is a national alliance founded by Dove, National Urban League, Color Of Change and Western Center on Law & Poverty, to end race-based hair discrimination in America. The Coalition, now consisting of more than 80 supporting organizations, is the founder of the CROWN Act movement and was the official sponsor of the inaugural CROWN Act legislation in California in 2019. For a full list of CROWN Coalition members, visit www.thecrownact.com.
The CROWN Coalition is proud to have supported anti-hair discrimination legislation to address unfair grooming policies that have a disparate impact on Black women, men and children and has drawn attention to cultural and racial discrimination taking place within workplaces and public schools. The CROWN Coalition members believe diversity and inclusion are key drivers of success across all industries and sectors.
True is an all American R&B/Pop recording artist, musician, model and actress. Born and raised in Youngstown, OH, the young starlet was introduced to her talents at the tender age of 3. Officially launching her professional career in 2010, True kept herself active in the local scene, performing at lounges, community events and opening for national acts such as Jeremih, August Alsina, and Mario. To date, the ambitious artist has performed for many notable regional events such as the Ohio Hip Hop Awards, Ohio Entertainment Awards and the Cleveland Film Fest. With a resume that started at the age of 9, True has credits of opening for and working with the some recognizable names such as Clarence “Dr. Bob” Ross (Saxophone player and Musical coordinator for “The Isley Brothers), J-Stylez (Member of Blackstreet 2), James Worthy (Grammy Award Winning Producer), K. Camp and many more. She has released “No Fucc Boyz” and “Blow It” singles. Now that True is signed to Sky’s The Limit Entertainment’s label, expect to hear more from her and Sky as a joint effort starting with her single “W.T.F.Y.M” being released this April. With her sights set on national success, she is in the studio preparing to release her debut EP/Album and continues to stay busy with modeling and acting opportunities.
Why is your business a business to watch in 2021? Honestly I want to bring something different to music that’s “out” now. I think most of the music that is popular now isn’t Timeless. I want to make timeless music. Something that can Resonate for years. Positive music with good Vibes. Like Beyoncé said “ I was here, I lived, I loved, I was here I did, I’ve done, everything that I wanted And it was more than I thought it would beI will leave my mark so everyone will know I was here”
What inspired your to start your business? I grew up in a family of singers lol. My sister and my mother were the first inspirations when it came to singing. I once lost at the Apollo To my mom. My dad played all types of instruments. As far as my sister, we’re in a girl group (Prevail) at 11. It’s pretty safe I was made to Sing.
When did you realize entrepreneurship was right for you? I realized it when I was in college and I said I wasn’t doing music anymore . By the end of my first semester I ended up playing piano and singing in the school choir . When God says yes no one can say no. Not even yourself.
Why did you choose entrepreneurship? I didn’t it chose me.
Is there anything else you would like to share with me? Please stream My new single “WTFYM” (A Ladies Anthem). The radio version is now available on all streaming platforms. The explicit version will be available on all streaming platforms.
PRETTY WOMEN HUSTLE ONLINE 