She’s Making Herstory: Meet Jasmine Phinex

Leave a little sparkle wherever you go.
Jasmine Phinex, a Queens Native is enthusiastic about impacting the lives of those around her and making a difference within her community. She is a community leader, a social justice educator, wife of a veteran, and mother to her five-year-old daughter, her CO-CEO.

Jasmine often volunteers in her community to deliver food items, lead girl empowerment activities, or sits on panels to share her experience and expertise with others. Her greatest educational strengths include creating a positive classroom culture, implementing data-driven instructional practices, family empowerment initiatives, and community engagement.

Jasmine is determined to serve as the liaison to strengthen the home-school connection. During the pandemic, Jasmine was inspired by her daughter and along with her husband founded Serenity Nail Polish. They provide access to vegan nail polish which is safer, healthier, and chemical-free. The business also serves as a platform to inspire girls and women around the world.

Jasmine and her CO-CEO daughter have been featured in Black Wall Street, Stardom Magazine, Amsterdam News, and most recently appeared on the nationally syndicated Drew Barrymore talk show. Serenity Nail Polish is also sold in Wal- Mart. Jasmine’s goals are to continue to grow her family business, obtain additional funding, and diversify her business portfolio. She looks forward to establishing a nonprofit organization that empowers girls and women to be successful.

Being able to sit down with women making Herstory in their lane of expertise is always amazing to us. We had the pleasure to catch up with Jasmine and ask her a few questions about her journey thus far.

What inspired your start in entrepreneurship?
Every entrepreneur has that moment–an experience, an epiphany, getting fired, getting desperate, getting fed up; getting lucky enough to have the right mentor–that inspired them to someday become an entrepreneur. For me, it was my mother. Seeing how hard she worked and her instilling the value of hard work in us from a young age was my greatest inspiration to want more, and do more and I pushed myself to do just that! My husband and I wanted to create more opportunities for our daughter.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?
Our biggest highlight has been getting our Nail Polish up and running and off the ground. We founded Serenity Nail Polish during the pandemic, through a lot of uncertainty and fear. There have been several highlights for us such as: Being on the Drew Barrymore show, Official Black Wall Street, Amsterdam News, Walmart online, and our Newest partnership with Sweet and Sassy!

If you could tribute your success to any in your life who would it be?
I tribute the success of my life to my mother. My Mom has inspired me since the day I was born. She truly has the biggest heart in the world and has a way of making everybody she encounters feel so special. When I think of her and her contagious energy, I’m inspired to sprinkle her positivity on the people around me. She has taught me that even the smallest acts of kindness can go a long way. Hard work, dedication, and kindness will take you a long way. Thank you mom for instilling such values in me!

What message do you hope women take away from your platform?

“Always aim high, work hard, and care deeply about what you believe in. And, when you stumble, keep the faith. And, when you’re knocked down, get right back up and never listen to anyone who says you can’t or shouldn’t go on.” “Don’t let anyone speak for you, and don’t rely on others to fight for you.”

What is your go-to quote for motivation?
You are allowed to slow down but you MUST keep going! Life has its way of presenting its challenges but stay the course and walk in your purpose, you will never falter.

What does being a woman making Herstory mean to you?
Everyone has a story to tell. Everyone has a passion or a unique skill set and quality to share. The courage of women in past generations and to celebrate how their efforts and bravery afforded women the opportunities and freedoms they have today. It is the reason why I have the ability to do what I do! Making Herstory / My story is not only paving the way for generations to come but also inspiring others around me to do the same.

She’s Making Herstory: Meet Marquita L. Sikes

 The same way an ordinary caterpillar transforms and emerges as a beautiful butterfly from its cocoon is much similar to the way the CEO of Caterpillars to Butterflies Life Coaching, Marquita L. Sikes has transformed her life. 

The certified Master Life Coach has lived a hard life, from growing up in a dysfunctional family to escaping a violent marriage. But these hardships were preparing Marquita for the future work she would do, coaching survivors of intimate partner abuse and those who are battling with addiction. At Caterpillar to Butterflies Life Coaching, Marquita teaches her clients to shift their thinking, make better choices, and live happier, more fulfilling lives by pulling from her wisdom and resources and incorporating them into strategies. Established in 2018, the organization is driven by progressive ideas, bold actions, and a strong foundation of support. Their top priority is making sure they provide the highest quality service and that their customers are happy. 

Marquita aims to have a positive impact on society through her business and recently released book, “Rescued”, which tells the story of her past and her breakthrough. The empowerment and personal development coach dedicated the book to all victims of abuse and hopes that it inspires individuals to free themselves. 

What inspired your start in entrepreneurship?

There are a few things that inspired me to start my own business. Firstly, I wanted to be in control of my own destiny and create something that was truly my own. Secondly, I saw entrepreneurship as a way to have a positive impact on the world around me. And finally, I was motivated by the challenge of building something from scratch and seeing it thrive. These reasons continue to inspire me today and keep me driven to grow my business.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?  

The highlight of my career thus far has been the opportunity to help women achieve their goals and reach their full potential. As a life coach, I have had the privilege of working with clients and helping them make positive changes in their lives. It is truly gratifying to see my clients succeed and reach their goals, and I am grateful to have been able to play a role in their success.

If you could tribute your success to anyone in your life who would it be?

Many people have contributed to my success, and it would be impossible to single out any one person. However, if I had to choose, I would say my husband Kenneth Sikes Sr. and my children Ayana and Christopher. They have always believed in me and supported me through thick and thin. Without their love and encouragement, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

What message do you hope women take away from your platform?

There are countless messages that women can take away from my platform, but some of the most important ones are to be kind to themselves, to be grateful for what they have, and to never give up on their dreams. I also hope that women will learn to embrace and love and celebrate all that makes them unique. Lastly, I hope that through my platform and my being an example, women will come to know their own power and their own strength.

What is your go-to quote for motivation? 

No alarm clock is needed my passion wakes me- Eric Thomas.

What does being a woman making Herstory mean to you?

Women making Herstory means that women have broken barriers and achieved great things, despite obstacles and challenges.

For too long, women have been underrepresented in history textbooks and other forms of documentation. This has led to a false perception that women have not played a significant role in shaping our world. We can help to correct this misconception and show young girls that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.

Being a woman making Herstory means standing up for what you believe in and paving the way for future generations of female leaders. It’s about proving that nothing is impossible when you put your mind to it.

Website: https://www.caterpillars2butterflies.com

IG: @coachmarquitalsikes 

FB: https://www.facebook.com/MarquitaLSikes

Meet Author Shanté J. Adams

Shanté J. Adams is a published scientist turned published children’s book author with many stories to tell surrounding her daily experiences as a mother to a lively toddler who has changed her world! Shanté enjoys guiding her daughter each day with the help of her loving, supportive husband. She feels compelled to share her fun stories with all those interested in good reads for the entire family!

When did you develop a passion for writing and sharing stories?

 I wrote my first children’s book in the first grade. I was recently inspired by motherhood to share my experiences through children’s stories.

What inspired your book “Mommy says so”? 

Motherhood. I never have a dull moment raising my kid.

What message do you hope readers take away from your work? 

I hope readers take a way positivity and a feeling of warmth because my stories are truly full of feeling.

Where do you hope to see your work in the next 3-5 years? 

Maybe in some book stores and libraries. It’s such a fun read for kids.

What advice do you have for upcoming writers?

 Just take a chance and do it! Your story is unique so feel free to share it!

What is your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles? 

A woman who recognizes her limitations will never limit her success if she isn’t afraid to try something new.

Social Media Handles: 

LinkedIn profile: http://linkedin.com/in/shanté-hinton-adams-b31ba558

Facebook group: What Mommy Says Next: Topics to Inspire

Instagram: @authorshantej.2022

Website: 

https://bit.ly/authorshantej2022