To be a woman who makes “Pretty” moves you must first understand the gift you hold within and next understand how to utilize it.
Geralyn McNeil is a Mobile, AL native licensed cosmetologist, lash artist, and body contouring, expert. She is a wife, mother, entrepreneur, and birth doula. She graduated from Empire Beauty School in 2016 and has worked in the beauty industry for 5 years. She is licensed with the state of Tennessee and Alabama. She began lashing at a local lash studio 2017 located in Nashville, TN before advancing her career and opening her own salon GP LASH & BEAUTY BAR in 2018. Her go-getter attitude and attention to detail led her to many opportunities.
She has touched many people, turned frowns into smiles, built self-esteem, and poured joy into many lives over the years. Geralyn has a keen eye for detail and creating art. She’s known for her freestyle lash technique and her ability to lash in a timely manner. She is also known as “The butt grower.” In 2021 she released her butt enhancement product “Plump Posterior.” Specially formulated to grow the butt and hip area naturally. Whether you have a surgical BBL (Brazilian butt lift) or natural it works for all.
Outside of the beauty industry and her lash career, Geralyn donates to the homeless. The Brown Paper Bag movement started in 2019. She offers discounted lash services in exchange for items to fill at least one brown paper bag with much-needed essentials for the homeless. Items such as water, non-perishable items, sanitary items, fast food/ grocery gift cards, bible scripture, motivation quote, and a list of local resources.
She is very passionate about what she does and is well on her way to the top.
Outside of entrepreneurship and beauty, Who is Geralyn McNeil in five words? fashionista, athletic, mother, wife, foodie
What inspired your start in the beauty industry? Being able to transform women in multiple ways. Mentally, physically, and spiritually
You have worked many years in the beauty industry while mentoring, what lessons were you able to carry with you from entrepreneurship to mentorship? Staying consistent, never giving up, focusing on the positive, organization
Tell us about Gpinthecity lash & beauty bar. We are located in Mobile, AL where we offer a variety of services. Luxury lash extensions, lash extension courses, body contouring, retail products and so much more.
Can you share your 2022 journey with us? The 2022 journey has been a rewarding roller coaster. This year was about getting organized and figuring out what I wanted out of my business. Rebranding this year was very important to me. I’ve overcome some obstacles that were much-needed life lessons.
How did your business excel, what major moves are you proud of? I’m proud that I took and completed phlebotomy school at Herway training institute. Doing so is going to set me up for many opportunities to come. My raw hair collection (G-Code Extensions) will launch later in October 2022. I’m very excited about that.
What is next for you in 2023? 2023 I plan to fully launch my lash supplies! I want to have a full-stock lash supplies store. Just Walk in and shop!
What is your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles? Not just pretty on the outside, but inside as well. Going after all things that matter to you. The art of many different hustles
To be a woman who makes “Pretty” moves you must first understand the gift you hold within and next understand how to utilize it.
Brilliant, thriving, passionate, and successful are just a few characteristics of Kristina Peck. The impactful wife and mother of two has professional expertise in nursing but found her true love for digital marketing and entrepreneurship through her award-winning brand of KP Business Marketing. Kristina began her entrepreneurial pursuits through Avon and the Pretty Women Hustle Network. Her nurturing spirit allowed her to assist hundreds of women find their voice through products, events, books, and much more. Despite this, Kristina was faced with some life challenges. With the help of her family, she quickly preserved to achieve her ultimate goals and by finding her inner sense of self-love. Today, she is proudly a 3X award-winning entrepreneur, author, digital magazine owner, and CEO of living life on her own terms! She enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends; making connections; being creative, and fellowshipping with her illustrious sorority sisters.
Outside of entrepreneurship and business, Who is Kristina Peck in five words?
Resilient, funny, inquisitive, energetic, and outspoken.
What inspired your start in Marketing and Business Consulting?
When I started helping the PWH network with marketing, it was just for fun. Within a month or two I developed a passion and love for marketing. I enjoy educating and helping others set up their business for success for years to come.
You worked many years in the health industry, what lessons were you able to carry with you in your entrepreneurial journey?
Be careful who you trust, work harder than everyone else in the room, and always strive to learn something new every day.
Tell us about your company KP Business Marketing (Give me the new name if it has changed).
KPM-soon to be the KP Kollective is a 3x Award Winning Marketing agency based in Charlotte NC. We specialize in creating and implementing strategies for businesses to engage with their target audience that aligns directly with their brand message. KP Marketing first launched in November of 2020 after I decided to leave my Nursing career for good. What started as a small business has quickly developed into an agency servicing not only small business owners but celebrities and corporate accounts.
Can you share your 2022 journey with us?
Whew-it’s been a journey! I did a lot of personal and professional growth in 2022. I restructured KP Marketing into a full-blown agency, overhauled our service, and improved our client intake process. I stopped thinking “small” and started really focusing on aligning myself with “bigger” opportunists. Like working with corporate accounts, and celebrities, and attending more events across the nation. KPM grew A LOT in 2022 and I couldn’t be happier!
How did your business excel, what major moves are you proud of?
In 2022, I really hopped out of my comfort zone. I stopped thinking of my business as just a “small business.” I hired a COO, Alicia Stevenson, a CFO, Nique, and an Assistant, Sarah Rossetti. Having a staff really helped me grow to the level I’ve been dreaming of. While paying employees/contractors was overwhelming and scary, my CFO took over and made everything a breeze. I learned to utilize a village because you can’t possibly do it all!
What is next for you in 2023?
We are getting a makeover in 2023! We’re revamping the way we do things, and our services, and offering the option for me to travel to YOU and work 1:1 together during a VIP Day.
What is your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles?
She is a woman who is confident in her abilities, strong enough to hold her own, and outspoken enough to pave her path while creating her legacy.
Award-winning beauty therapist to the stars of the big screen and to British royalty Deborah Mitchell began her career as a beauty therapist, creating her own all-natural organic product range to accompany her beauty treatments over twenty-five years ago. Her most prominent clients are King Charles III and Queen Consort, Camilla.
Throughout the years, Heaven’s award-winning skincare has amassed a celebrity following for its range of products and treatments, including Victoria Beckham, Cillian Murphy, Dannii Minogue, Emilia Fox, and Michelle Pfeiffer.
Now the winner of more than 25 Stevie Awards and patent owner of Bee Venom ‘Abeetoxin®’ products, formulated for any skin type, Deborah has created products that offer the potent power of nature in perfect harmony with the latest breakthroughs in beauty technology.
Deborah is famous for creating her own all-natural organic product range which incorporates the all important and unique ingredient, bee venom.
You are a renowned inspirational speaker. Can you share your journey with us?
I suffered from severe acne as a teenager and struggled to find products that were suitable for my skin. When I left school I did a beauty course at my local college and became a mobile therapist. I used what I learned on the job to start mixing and blending essential oils into various creams for me and then my clients, and Heaven Skincare was born from there
It was important that right from the start my products were not only results-driven but completely natural so I used organic ingredients whenever and wherever I could. Back then, most products contained chemicals but luckily, I have always been able to think outside the box. So long before it was a “thing”, I was one of the few people in the industry trailblazing the move away from nasty chemicals and instead opting for organic formulas. At the time I’m sure many people thought I was crazy!
Tell us about Heaven and how you built your multi-million pound brand from your kitchen table?
I never saw myself on a journey, instead I focused early on my destination. It didn’t happen overnight and I had to make a lot of sacrifices, but it was worth it because I was building a future for my children, and I don’t regret that for a second. I’ve had many challenges, but that’s life and I see them as an obstacle that needs to be tackled to get to a more positive place. Many might have seen my dyslexia as a challenge, but I don’t think I would have achieved everything I have without it – my brain has to work harder than other people’s but this has always helped me see things that others miss. Now I enjoy every bit of my journey, the ups and the downs.
You have amassed a celebrity following. Take us through your luxury skincare products:
It all starts when I know a client who has a specific skin complaint and my first reaction is “how can I fix that.” I’m constantly researching, I see it as my hobby and I love learning new things and gaining new information. But research alone doesn’t help me actually come up with the ideas, it tends to be the other way round. The idea comes first and then I have to work out how to make it a reality. This involves lots of problem solving as sometimes the ingredients I imagined may not work together.
Over the years I have created so many amazing products, but I would say my Bee Venom Masks are my most famous. It may sound funny to most people when I say I had a dream about the bee venom but it’s true. I remember going to bed one night and I dreamt of bees; the next morning I knew just what to do. I started mixing the venom with fresh honey because this had been used for centuries for its healing properties, but it was very sticky to begin with, and that’s why I called it a mask rather than a moisturizer. But with few tweaks to the recipe, I made it more like a face cream and now most of my clients use it as a moisturizer.
Tell us about your new Collagen Body Face Mist?
It’s a top-to-toe spray that works as a skin firmer and refiner, energy booster and make-up setting spray all in one – I’m a great believer in creating products that have a multitude of uses. It contains my exclusive Collagen Drops so you’ll feel a tightening effect when you spritz. There’s also additional hyaluronic acid to leave skin looking radiant, as well as essential neroli oil, known for its antibacterial and rich antioxidants properties.
What is your recipe for success when it comes to skincare?
I’m probably not your average industry boss, I’m very hands-on and I still work on counter and carry out treatments. I have the privilege of meeting my customers day to day and I love seeing how my products or therapies really make life better for someone. My skincare is best known for being innovative and instant, and the fact that I have a long list of celebrity and royal clients is testament to this. I take a holistic approach and combine my facials with visualization and relaxation techniques. Busy lives can make our skin and mind health worse, so I love to help my clients stop the world spinning, even if it’s just for an hour. This can have amazing results on their skin.
Holidays are around the corner, how can we get holiday-ready?
While there’s no doubting that Christmas can be a magical time, all that additional prep can really play havoc with your complexion – from dark circles under the eyes to breakouts. So the sooner you can start prepping your skin the betters as this will give it enough protection ahead of the party season.
TACKLE THOSE UNDER-EYE BAGS: My Nettle Venom Eyes contains NETTATOXIN® which works in the same way as my famous bee venom but uses only vegan-friendly ingredients. When applied around the delicate eye area the body’s natural defence starts to heal; of course there’s no damage or pain but the skin is tricked into thinking there has been. By using it daily, it will tackle those tell-tale dark circles and fine lines that we all get as we age.
BEAT THE BREAKOUTS: Treat unwanted spots with my Willowbee® Mask & Cleanse that not only detoxes your skin, but heals imperfection. It’s the first Heaven product to contain bark from the willow tree, a natural and organic alternative to aspirin. Because of these anti-inflammatory and healing properties it is ideal for those who suffer from acne.
REACH FOR THE SOS: My SOS Oil Serum is designed to balance oil levels, hydrate and feed the skin while its vitamin content can help to repair acne, scars and damaged skin. It is also proven to shrink warts, spots, blackheads and even stretch marks due to its antiviral properties, and can even be used on dry hair and nails to soften and repair.
GIVE YOUR SKIN A BEAUTY BOOST: To rebalance skin, Heaven’s Peppermint Hydrogel minimises oil secretion, balances the PH levels, refines pores and diminish blemishes, leaving your skin feeling fully hydrated. Added to that, it can help remove the shine on the T-Zone, works as a cooling eye gel to alleviate bags and puffiness.
FOR AN INSTANT LIFT: If you don’t have the time to fit in a well-earned spa facial, reach for my Silver Bee Venom Mask. As one of our signature products, it contains revolutionary ABEETOXIN® – renowned as a natural alternative to Botox – that controls facial muscles to tighten, firm and lift, penetrating fine lines and wrinkles. Apply after your cleansing routine, layer on top of your usual moisturiser or combine with a serum.
Can we expect to see any new products this holiday?
I am constantly thinking up new products. I’ve recently launched my Collagen Drops and they have inspired me to create a new range of collagen products so you can expect to see more of those very soon. I’m very excited to be working on a new collagen cleanser – it’s utterly amazing!
To be a woman who makes “Pretty” moves you must first understand the gift you hold within and next understand how to utilize it.
Mary McCray owns a Travel Agency called, Ashly’s Paradise Travel the agency was established in 2012, and she has a recreational golf chapter called, Ladies Tee Golf Chapter this chapter was created to introduce black females to golf and help create diversity in the game of golf, all levels are welcome to join the chapter. Mary McCray is an LPN of 30 years. Mary McCray is a mother and grandmother who loves to travel and ride motorcycles in her spare time, she got her 3-wheel motorcycle license. Social Media Handles- Ashly’s Paradise Travel. Ladies Tee Golf Chapter.
Outside of entrepreneurship and business, Who is Mary McCray in five words?
Mom, Nurse, Grandmother, Spiritual, Loving.
What inspired your start in the Travel Industry?
I grew up traveling with our parents as kids, and the love for traveling stayed with me, my siblings and I did the same with our kids, so it made sense a side hustle outside of my Nursing Career book our travel and get paid a commission.
You worked many years in several different industries, what lessons were you able to carry with you in your entrepreneurial journey?
The lessons, I have learned as an entrepreneur are to stay true and focused on your passion for what you are trying to accomplish and learn from your ups and downs.
Tell us about your company Ashley Paradise Travel.
Ashly’s Paradise Travel is a company with the ability to book online 24/7 at your own pace and discretion and make payments as well as a book in person with an agent.
Can you share your 2022 journey with us?
My journey in 2022 is to continue striving for the best in all my adventures in life personally and in business.
How did your business excel, what major moves are you proud of?
My biggest accomplishments to me were being able to secure an advertising market space with a Professional Bellator MM Fighter and the advertising I do on the Golf Course when I purchase a Hole and my company is listed on that Ad.
What is next for you in 2023?
In 2023, I am working on several adventures purchasing my motorcycle a 3-wheeler, and striving for my company to be a household name in all homes with great reviews.
What is your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles?
A Pretty Woman who hustles means to me, a fierce woman with that go-get-it attitude, drive, passion and is Beautiful on the inside and outside with her own style and grace that sets her apart as a furious woman.
Ma’Sheka Thomas, like most of us, became more focused on self-care after experiencing a series of personal healthcare events in 2018. Stress was the cause of extreme hives and breakouts that Ma’Sheka was suffering for. After being prescribed various medicines she was inspired to take an alternative holistic approach to treat her conditions. On her journey to wellness, she found yoga was a great benefit as it has helped her with anxiety and managing stress. She quickly fell in love with the practice and wanted to share its benefits with others. Feeling that she had found her true purpose she became a licensed yoga instructor teaching in Prince George’s County, MD.
Her wellness journey led her to create The Ultimate Self-Care Sunday. A full-day event that will provide adults with tools and resources to help individuals address, improve and prioritize their whole health and wellness journey. Ma’Sheka believes that an individual’s whole health is composed of both their physical health, as well as their mental, emotional and spiritual health.
Speaking with Ma’Sheka she shared with me the definition of whole health and what attendees can expect at her inagural event.
Define Whole health.
I use this term interchangeably with holistic health, which approaches health and wellness in a way that includes the physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual factors of an individual’s health.
At A Healthier You, we consider all of these components as part of our strategy and approach to improving one’s health. We believe that health is much more than just the physical. Mental, emotional and spiritual well-being is just as important. Everyone deserves to be well and feel happy. Ironically, these things can also even impact our physical health as well if left neglected.
What can participants expect from Ultimate Self-Care Sunday?
Attendees can expect a full day of learning, new experiences, self-care, networking, quality vendors, brunch, and fun! The Ultimate Self Care Sunday will provide attendees with the necessary tools and resources to address, improve and prioritize holistic health, including physical, mental, spiritual and emotional aspects of their well-being. Attendees will receive expert insight and services from professionals across the health diaspora, including guided physical mindfulness sessions, yoga, meditation, group sound healing, acupuncture sessions and individual reiki massages. Mental and emotional health professionals will teach attendees how to properly connect with their emotions via journaling, implement healthy lifestyle tips on stress, anxiety and depression management, and create more positive outcomes. Full brunch and snacks will be provided; vendors and giveaways will also be available.
Learn more about Ma’Sheka Thomas and her organization A Healthier You, Inc by clicking here.
In 2020, Michelle Scerbo and Carrie Weiner founded The Little Black Box® to make meaningful gifting easy for all while giving back to the communities around us. The vision of The Little Black Box® is to redefine the gifting industry by ingraining giving into gift giving while providing the highest level of quality of products and services. Unlike other gifting companies, The Little Black Box® is a truly bespoke service, really elevating what it means to give a meaningful gift. “The Little Black Box® places uplifting other women and small businesses at the center of everything we do, sourcing primarily products that cannot be found via large distributors and donating a portion of each purchase to Alternatives for Girls. However, as The Little Black Box®’s brand grew, it was paramount that our community impact grew along with us. To widen this impact, we created Citizen Society – our sister brand and product line – to further the philanthropic arm of our company. Through Citizen Society, we work with unique grassroots nonprofits around the country, like The LEWIS Registry and The Trevor Project, not only through donations but also through active engagement with the causes they bring to light.”
“Our ultimate vision for the Citizen Society brand is to become a larger hub of meaningful conversation across many diverse communities, promoting engagement and involvement with key issues, and making giving back to others the norm in the context of a society that tends to value consumerism more than activism.”
What led to your partnership and launch of The Little Black Box?
In 2020, what started as a passion project between two moms with autistic sons, has turned into a growing business with our sights on becoming a force in the customer/employee loyalty space. We founded The Little Black Box® to make meaningful gifting easy for all while giving back to the communities around us. The vision of The Little Black Box® is to redefine the gifting industry by ingraining giving into gift giving while providing the highest level of quality of products and services.
Can we build our own boxes?
We recently launched our Build Your Own Box (BYOB) to give each customer the ability to tap into their creative side and build a custom box for a loved one or to treat themself by selecting from our amazing bespoke products to create their very own Little Black Box®, and then we will make it gift-ready for you.
You’ve experienced significant growth since your launch. What is your secret to success?
In almost two years, the business has more than doubled, and we are expecting that upward trajectory to continue with the addition of our VIP Gifting Services which is the most exclusive, custom-tailored box we offer. Each one of these luxury boxes is curated by one of our white-glove Concierge shoppers to make the perfect gift or extravagant party favor. Full of only the most elegant, indulgent items – think that limited edition Hermes scarf, those initialed Baccarat crystal whiskey glasses, that La Mer face cream, or that new iPad Pro – these boxes take personal shopping to the next level. Each box is delivered with unique, custom packaging and a note of your choice, and our Concierge can even order unique wrappings personalized to your company, event, or individual. We offer VIP boxes in three sure-to-impress tiers: Diamond, Platinum, and Centurion. As with all of our boxes, a portion of your purchase will be donated to charity In addition to scaling with the explosion of corporate gifting programs and remote events, LBB continues to service an increasing demand for gifting that is both convenient and customizable without sacrificing quality while helping the client focusing on employee retention and customer loyalty with gifts that creates an emotional connection between their brand and the recipient.
One of the secrets to our success has been to listen to our customers and provide them with the most exquisite and fun shopping experiences without ever having to leave their homes or office. The other secret is to curate boxes containing products that specifically encourage relaxation and a healthy work/life balance (blankets, books, bath, body, etc). As single moms, both Carrie and I continuously struggled with finding that balance so we found it so beneficial to be able to speak firsthand to our corporate clients on the importance of giving these boxes to their employees. They, as a company, are making an explicit statement that work/life balance matters to them (as it should) during a time when it is increasingly difficult to separate home life and work life, a statement we are proud to encourage.
Share your top-selling boxes for Men, Home, and Kids.
There are so many incredible pre-curated boxes that we offer but there are a few standouts that are customer favorites! For men, the All about Dad Box, the Men’s Travel Kit Box, and the Ultimate Men’s Spa Box. For Women/Home, The Girl’s Night In Box, The Ultimate Spa Box, and the Savory Box. For kids, the Perfect Baby Shower Box and the Bon Voyage (kid’s edition) Box.
Are you ready for the holidays? Tell us about the customized gift boxes for corporate and events.
We are already starting the pre-preparations for the holiday gift-giving season. Our approach is quite simple: we help our clients create bespoke, meaningful, purposeful, and story-driven gift boxes to move the hearts and minds of those customers and employees that deserve to be recognized, increasing loyalty and motivation in the process. Whether it’s a holiday event or client/employee gifting, our Concierge shoppers will work with you to choose from one of our pre-curated gift collections, or collaborate with you to design a custom gift – either way, we will go the extra mile to make the holidays extra special. We are also able to incorporate your color themes, logo, or that unique luxury product that will be sure to elevate your guests’ experience.
Your Citizen Society Monthly Book Club is getting rave reviews. How is it promoting positive change in communities?
The Little Black Box® created our monthly Citizen Society book club to promote conversation around important topics such as how to foster positive change in your community and become a better ally within your community which is in line with our sister company, Citizen Society’s mission to inspire the power of community and encourage public discourse around meaningful issues. We feel it is so important to bring reading back into the home and read together with our kids and have these conversations.
What do you love the most about The Little Black Box?
What we both love the most about The Little Black Box® is that we are able to offer a truly bespoke service, really elevating what it means to give a meaningful gift. We place uplifting other women and the small businesses we work with at the center of everything we do, sourcing primarily products that cannot be found via large distributors and donating a portion of each purchase to Alternatives for Girls. It’s so important to us both that we use our platform as a place of positivity and encouragement for other women entrepreneurs.
Hello everyone! Allow me to introduce to some and reintroduce to others, the visionary behind Royal 4 Publishing Presents & Royal Creations…
My name is Danielle Bigsby and I often wear many hats as I am a student; a mother of four ranging in age from 8 to 16; a homemaker/innovator; an entrepreneur; a poet; an advocate; a self-published author and a publisher.
I have currently released fifteen solo projects with one of those set to re-release in 2023 and the other currently being prepared for re-release. I am also a contributing author in two anthologies and a co-author/publisher of two books written by my children Te’Ontez and Danterryia Bigsby.
I have been publishing since 2015 and I’m still going strong at it!
All of my books are on Amazon under Danielle Bigsby and my pen name The Erotic Specialist “Nasti D”. A new website is also in the works.
I can also be found on social media sites such as Facebook (Author Danielle Bigsby), Instagram (BigsbyDanielle), and Twitter (Danielle Bigsby).
My catalog includes:
Hood Love: Ain’t No Loyalty In It
Hood Love 2: The Streets Still Ain’t Loyal
Hood Love 3: Take Heed To The Warnings
Hood Love 4: Warning Before Destruction
Hood Love 5: Destruction
Hood Love 6: Resurgence
Hood Love 7: Burying Treasure
Hood Love 8: Open Wounds (2022)
Braving The Storm: Life’s Cleansing Moments
Nasti Desirez
Desire 2 Be Nasti
Vickie’s Secrets- Novella
The Gift We Didn’t Want- Novella
Colorful Expressions – Affirmations Journal
Deadly Pride: Loyalty Holds No Weight (2023)
From A Rock To A Diamond (Under Reconstruction)
Holy Is The Ghost (2023)
Our Book Of Poetry (Anthology)
Betrayed By Love, Adored By Lies (Anthology)
T is For Trying (Co-Author/Publisher)
D is For Drama/Diva (Co-Author/Publisher)
RENEE’: Danielle. Tell us more about YOU. Outside of the authoress/creator. (Home life, growing up, etc) DANIELLE: “Well, I was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. I’m the middle child of seven girls maternally and the oldest child paternally. As a child I was quiet and reserved, loved getting good grades and reading books. My teenage adolescence came with some troubles and I spent those years in a group home formerly known as Tennessee Preparatory School (TPS). While that in itself was a learning experience, it also helped to enhance my creativity as a writer. It was actually during this time that The Erotic Specialist “Nasti D” was born (lol)! After leaving the group home began the journey into adulthood which eventually came with four children; my daughter Eniyah (16), my son Te’Ontez (14), Danterryia (13), and Da’Nae (8) (. Parenting as a single mother has been a challenge, but I’m definitely up for it. Aside from that, I’m also a student and an advocate against gun violence.”
RENEE’: How long have you been writing and what inspires you to get started? DANIELLE: “I have been a published author since 2015. My first release was on January 16, 2015. Writing has always been a form of release for me during my years in the group home and my late brother, Juan Bell affectionately known as Butch used to always insist that I pursue writing a book. I always told him that I didn’t know when, where or how to get started and it was until he passed away in September of 2014, that I began pursuing writing as a career in his honor and because of the vision that he saw for me.”
RENEE’: Who is “Nasti D” and how do we “meet” her? LOL! DANIELLE: “LOL! Nasti D is Danielle’s erotic alter ego. She has no filter and she loves serving it real, raw and maybe even nasty a time or 2! She definitely pops out with my man (lol) and also in my books: Nasti Desirez, Desire 2 Be Nasti and Vickie Secrets. Check her out and tell me what you think!”
RENEE’: Who do you write for? Who is your avid readership? DANIELLE: “I write for the transparent reader. The reader that may need a little more uplifting and encouragement. The reader that wants to see real life painted vividly through words and art. I also write for families that have experienced gun violence and need their loved ones to be remembered as more than a hashtag. I also seek to educate on all forms of gun violence and the raw issues surrounding them. Lastly, I write for the readers that may be afraid to free the sexual vixen inside. I seek to empower them to be sexually free but to also always remember to protect themselves in the process. All of my books will include a message.“
RENEE’: Tell us about your writing process, and what you’re willing to share. Maybe it can help someone to just get started? DANIELLE:“When it comes to writing, I handwrite all of my work before typing it up. This keeps me from being distracted. I tend to always have honey buns and a slushy Pepsi on hand which are an ode to my late oldest adopted sister Betty Bell affectionately known as Dinky as those were her favorites. I try to schedule time to write but I write best late at night or early in the morning when there is no one to distract me.”
RENEE’: What was your most challenging book to create characters for and why? DANIELLE: “This was a hard one but I would say that they’re from two unreleased projects that I’m working on titled “From A Rock To A Diamond” and “That’s Not My Daughter” because they are based on real life situations.”
RENEE’: Where can we find your titles? How many do you have published? DANIELLE: “All of my titles can be found on Amazon under either Danielle Bigsby or Nasti D. Paperbacks when available can also be purchased on my website (Royal4screations.com) and I currently have roughly 16 titles available. I’ve also listed them in my bio above.”
RENEE’: Tell us about the first time you got published. Where were you when you found out? Who were you with? What did you do? DANIELLE: “Honestly, I remember the first time I held my book in my hand. I was at work at Krystal’s on Harding Pike in Nashville, TN. I smiled from ear to ear because I had done what my brother knew I always could do. I also smiled because my co-workers at the time didn’t believe that I had actually been working on a book so when I held it in my hand, it served as proof that I was truly pursuing the dream. Now that I reflect back on that moment, I now know why I’ve always gone so hard in my career. It’s because I have always had to prove myself and to this day, I won’t stop proving that I live for the dream my brother saw for me and that I deserve to live this life!”
RENEE’: What’s the one piece of advice you wish you had before you published your first piece? DANIELLE: “Truly know what you’re getting yourself into and always so your research!”
RENEE’: Do you offer any sort of coaching for new writers or other services that could benefit them? DANIELLE: “Not currently, but I have considered it. I’m open to discussing it in the future.”
RENEE’: Any parting words of wisdom? DANIELLE: “Always stay true to your authentic self. This is a process, and no one becomes a success overnight. As long as you are growing from book to book then you’re doing exactly what you need to be doing. Trust the process!”
TaVia Wooley-iles is a Business owner, and Executive Director of a non-profit organization based in Los Angeles County CA The EmpowerTHEM Collective, but mostly she is proud of being a woman who deeply believes in empowering women.
Tavia is the owner and principal of Tavia W. Iles Communications LLC a Strategic communication agency that provides comms services to entrepreneurs, business and non-profit organizations, optimizing their reach through innovative and authentic strategies.
Tell us about your background and what led you to launch The EmpowerTHEM Collective.
I founded the EmpowerThem Collective out of my own experience of feeling dis-empowered after the death of my son at birth. In the traumatic experience I didn’t have anyone to advocate for me, I was unable to stand up for myself and due to a lack of resources I was unable to seek a resolution to the treatment I received. The more I asked questions and listened to other peoples stories, I realized that there is a gap, or at the very least not enough training on leadership, specifically community leadership, and advocacy and policy, getting communities from under-seen and heard demographics to the table and economic empowerment, building business in communities of color. So I wanted to do my part to help reshape the narrative. The EmpowerThem Collective was born.
How is The EmpowerTHEM Collective empowering the community to be seen, heard, and to act?
We designed several community focused programs that will empower the community by teaching leadership and the value of community leadership and development, educational trainings and call to actions surrounding public policy and advocacy efforts that support social justice movements and through entrepreneur training, in which members will work through a series of modules that will support the development of a business idea, to a plan, to a successful launch.
Our beliefs is that when we provide community members these skills rooted in ownership of community, policy and economic empowerment we can begin to see the shifts needed to change a community for the better.
As a society we are enthralled by Film, Theater, and Music. How does your organization provide advocacy through storytelling?
Storytelling is everything!! We have a framework that is grounded in the three C context, communication and community. We work with participants to identify the pivotal moments in their own story, identify what their call to action is and how to move the viewer from inspiration to act on the call to action. We are partnered with the City of Hope to provide storytelling with regard to Homelessness and mental health concerns that are impacting northern los Angeles County.
Our goal is to allow people to tell their own story, their own narrative, and move from victim to victor.
What can we find at the Build-A-Business Academy?
The Build-A- Business Academy teaches foundational business building principals. Participants will start with their idea, and brainstorm the fruitfulness of such an idea by way of conducting market research, identify competitors and modify as necessary. They work with business owners in the community to develop their skills and increase their circle of influence as well as engage in coaching sessions to expand their business idea. From there participants begin to build the framework of their business relying on resourcefulness and developing a plan that has thought through potential barriers so that they can successfully launch. The participants end with a shark tank style investment panel, where business owners listen to their pitch and pledge their financial support. The next cohort will be open for application January 2023.
Tell us about the resources and programs offered.
We offer Leadership and policy training
Advocacy through storytelling
Build a business academy
We will be launching soon a junior version of Leadership and entrepreneurship program for kids that families can use to teach their children.
What do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy the absolutely most seeing people have the aha moment, that moment when they finally believe that they can, or when they finally dismiss those old negative narratives. I am a firm believer in affirming people, so I am intentional about pouring into people positive thoughts and words of encouragement. I love to see people feel empowered and grow.
Tell us about Tavia W. Iles Communications LLC, a Strategic communication agency and how you are helping entrepreneurs, businesses, and nonprofits optimize their reach.
We work with our clients to identify their authentic voice. Our page line is Have the Audacity to be seen. Take up space. There is an audience waiting to hear from you as you are. We do work with our clients on identifying their Power statements and position and then work to develop a plan of action that allows for increased exposure organically and aligned with their beliefs and principals. From there we move into developing their branded content and connecting them with other organizations or businesses that will provide a fruitful partnership that leads to M.O.R.E Money Opportunities Resources and Experiences.
To be a woman who makes “Pretty” moves you must first understand the gift you hold within and next understand how to utilize it.
Michelle P. Jones is “The Writer’s Coach” and helps writers birth their literary masterpiece, which brings their story to life through the Authorpreneur Academy’s course offerings, personalized strategic plan & coaching services and offers publishing services through her company, Bledsoe Publishing Company, LLC.
As an Amazon international bestselling author, literary award-winning author, ordained minister, writing and copywriting strategist, confidence consultant, workshop/seminar facilitator, podcast executive producer/host, blogger, and inspirational/motivational speaker, Michelle is uniquely positioned to ensure you offer an exceptional literary masterpiece to the marketplace. It is her belief that her life’s purpose is to use her skills, talents, and abilities in service unto God, with mankind being the direct beneficiary.
Michelle is the Founder/CEO of the Authorpreneur Academy, and Bledsoe Publishing Company LLC, an independent publisher who offers professional services, through inspiring, empowering, and equipping entrepreneurial creatives, authors, and professional writers to structure and view their writing as a business set for exponential growth while introducing an exceptional literary masterpiece to the marketplace. As a published author, Michelle has self-published two (2) books for national distribution: Grasping Your Success: Six Steps to Starting and Legitimizing Your Business (published 2017), Walking on Water in My Stilettos: How God Strengthened My Faithwalk (published 2018), and published 2021 ABF Best Book Awards Finalist in Christianity Desperate Housewives of Biblical Proportions (November 2020) with Enhanced DNA Publishing, and is a contributing author in the anthology As for Me and My House: Stories to Help Onboard Households for Entrepreneurship (published December 2019).
Michelle is a writer’s writer and believes in sharing her gift with the world through her monthly First Friday blog, Purposeful in Stilettos, Brown Girlz Readz Book Club on Clubhouse, and the bi-monthly writing clinics she facilitates.
Michelle is also the executive producer and host of a weekly podcast, the Unapologetically Michelle Show, where she discusses real, relevant, raw and life-changing topics that can positively influence its listeners’ choices and decision-making process positively. Michelle believes life is a series of life-happening moments, and it isn’t about the fact that you went through them, but that you overcame each of them and stepped back into your community to share intentionally, unapologetically, and purposefully those learned life lessons with others to help them traverse their journey called life. Michelle enjoys reading, writing, listening to good music, and watching action-packed and Sci-Fi movies. Michelle believes that information is power and she can be found sharing the information she holds with others to empower them to live their truth, their purpose, and their life OUT LOUD and in living color. Michelle currently lives in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Outside of entrepreneurship and writing, Who is Michelle Jones in five words?
A service-minded Kingdom Entrepreneur
What inspired your start in writing and sharing stories?
I have always loved reading and writing since childhood. It began with me sharing business tips and tools with my clients and others. To write about my life, being an entrepreneur, and introducing readers to the Bible in a relatable way. Writing has always been my way to express myself and my feelings. I just now have the opportunity to share it with the world.
You have crossed over into the journal-making industry, what has been the most rewarding part of creating different journals to impact people? I believe that knowledge is power and that when we know better we can do better. Journals are a way to introduce information and for the reader to interact with the information immediately to affect change in their life intentionally. What most people don’t realize is that trauma can be healed through our writing. It gives the person an outlet to put on paper what is informing their decisions and choices. Once on paper, it loses its power and its ability to negatively impact the author’s life.
Tell us about your company’s NEW Journal Line the Unapologetically Blacknificient Intentional Living Journal.
This journal is all that and a bag of chips. The journal first and foremost celebrates the richness and beauty of the African American culture. The reader will find historical facts, the celebration of our culture and journey to freedom, and relative information that can change their life. The journal has 3 sections: How Am I Living, Intentional Living, and Journal Pages. In the How Am I Living section, the reader will take an honest look at where they are in life. They will share their deepest fears, hardest struggles, biggest dreams, etc. In the Intentional Living section, the reader uses the 31-day journal to intentionally live each day when utilizing the guides provided. They will write out their daily affirmation, share what they are grateful for, who they need to forgive, and objectives (goals) they want to accomplish, etc. All of these are designed to help the reader use the tools they learn to develop the skills they will use to intentionally and unapologetically live a happy, healthy and whole life. This is accomplished by them choosing themselves daily. The journal pages section is where the reader will chronicle their journey by sharing their experiences as they apply what they learn each day while completing the Intentional living section. A link to an introduction video will accompany each journal to ensure the reader understands how to best use the journal. It is our desire for people to have the best possible experience with the journal. We have created a separate journal for men and one for women, and the reader can select between two different covers when ordering.
Can you share your 2022 journey with us?
2022 started off with me starting my publishing company, Bledsoe Publishing Company LLL and ghostwriting a client’s book and associated workbooks. I have since published his book and workbooks, published another client’s book, began creating book covers for clients, created the journal, and am ramping up to begin designing an Unapologetically Black Coloring Book. I am also putting a call out for contributing authors for our Morning Glory anthology (which will be published in 2023). As a socially conscious business, Bledsoe Publishing created the Bledsoe Family Legacy Foundation with their first order of business to provide scholarships to graduating seniors who show a need and meet our criteria. Applications will be released for consideration in the fall of 2023 with notification of awardees being announced in the spring of 2024. As if that isn’t enough, currently, we are writing gender-specific programming for nonprofits to use as their specialized internal programming and teaching them how to structure it to be an additional stream of income for their organization.
How did your business excel, what major moves are you proud of?
2022 has been a year of transformative change and growth for both myself and my company. I am truly aligning my faith with my business and using Bible principles to serve mankind with services, programming, and/or products that equips, inspires, and empowers mankind to intentionally live a life of purpose unapologetically. This year we are kicking off our Unapologetically Write a program with two writing clinics per month. One will be virtual and the other will be in person. The program is designed to ensure its participants will have the necessary information to introduce literary masterpieces to the marketplace while understanding that presentation does matter. As previously mentioned, I am excited about the foundation, the work we are doing with nonprofits, and creating the Reformation Project which is also a part of the foundation. For me personally, my greatest accomplishment is when I invited God to be the CEO of my business. I check in with Him daily to see what’s on my to-do list for the day and what action steps I need to take that honor Him and keep my businesses growing.
What is next for you in 2023?
In 2023, the kick-off of the scholarship program, the publication of the Morning Glory anthology, the introduction of the Grief Journal anthology, finishing up the Restoration Project (re-entry program to help to return citizens re-acclimate in society with the tools needed to intentionally live a life of purpose based upon the transformative change process), and publishing books for clients. We are currently accepting new authors interested in publishing a book. Bledsoe Publishing is equipped to take an author from concept to publication while the literary award-winning and international best-selling author and coach, Michelle Jones coaches them through the process. It doesn’t matter where an author is in the process, Bledsoe Publishing has the right publishing package to meet their needs.
What is your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles?
Growing up I was always told that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. I no longer believe that statement as it was taught. I believe beauty is an outward expression of the inner condition of an individual’s heart. It is a reflection of who they are and who they see themselves being. With that being said, a Pretty Woman Who Hustles is a woman who knows who she is, knows her worth, and has realized she is not in competition with anyone other than herself as she strives to be a better person today than she was on yesterday. She doesn’t have it all together and that’s ok with her because she is growing into who she is created, destined, and purposed to be intentionally and unapologetically. She is the woman I look at in the mirror every day and whom I encourage to keep going especially on those days when nothing seems to be going right. She is ME and every other woman who refuses to give up, give in and not live life to the fullest. She is the sister-friend I collaborate with and check in on to make sure she’s ok, and whose successes I celebrate. And, whose tears I wipe when she’s experiencing the growing pains from failure. She’s not every woman, she’s the woman who has decided to see each new day as an opportunity to accomplish her objectives (goals) and be of service to someone else.
Ja’Kyia Horn embarked on her journey when she was only 16 years old. She started off strong by expressing her charismatic personality with her fashion across several social media platforms. Naturally, brands began contacting her to offer a multitude of brand ambassador opportunities sparking the take-off of her own personal branding and rise of following. Horn took advantage of the given opportunity to become a registered dental assistant in order to gain experience for her later created teeth whitening and cosmetics business, Luxury Smiles, in Northport, Alabama.
When did your passion for fashion begin?
I started young! When I was about 5 years old, anytime I went out to the store with my mom or family they knew where to find me in the cloth aisle! I never was a big fan of toys. It was always clothes, shoes, and just anything dealing with fashion. I LOVED IT !!! And until this day it stands.
You have over 11K followers on your social media platforms and have a multitude of brand ambassador opportunities. How do you keep your content fresh and followers engaged?
I try to stay very social and give as much content as I can when it comes to that. It’s like the internet/social media is used every day so I want to give them something every day even if it’s something small just to show I’m active.
How would you describe your fashion style?
My fashion style is almost a direct derivative of my personality. Vintage, Dramatic, Edgy. I try to give a bit of everything when dressing and coming up with any outfit I’m wearing for the day. I want to always give a statement.
Which brands are you working with today? Who would you like to work with?
I’m working with a lot of different brands locally from where I’m from or close to me. I’m very interested in working with PrettyLittleThing, Fashion Nova & Shein just a lot of different globally known companies and businesses.
You are an advocate for mental health. Tell us why this is important to you and share your initiatives.
It’s a situation I feel as if everyone should take more seriously! It’s very important because so many people are dealing with it and don’t really know what route to take to get help or help themselves or the people around them who may be dealing with it. I just want everyone to know, especially if they are dealing with a hard situation that it gets BETTER! You can overcome it and life will get easier. I’m here. I’ll always be here to help in anyway that I can. I truly mean that and want them to know that.
What does it take to be a successful social media influencer?
A LOT .. lol but seriously it takes being a people person, showing your versatility to everyone that’s watching you, and definitely giving them what they want as far as content, fashion…etc. Being a social media influencer is amazing though I love it, especially because my intentions are PURE and I want to be a great role model to the younger generation or anyone who’s watching me.
Tell us about Luxury Smiles.
Luxury Smiles is my baby! It’s really a part of me. I started my business when I was 20 years old and have been going hard at it since! My granny was definitely the root and reason why I became interested in the dental industry. I promised myself I would make sure I gave it my all so that everyone could have a good experience with dental visits. I know so many people that are afraid, nervous, and scared and it’s like that’s not okay. I want everyone to feel confident coming and leaving my workspace.
What’s next for you?
I’m still working on my upcoming novel that I’ll be releasing next year 2023. Many more brand opportunities & deals! This time around next year I’ll be super BIG!!!! I’m claiming that!!
Instagram: thejakyiahorn
Snapchat: thejakyiahorn
Facebook: Ja’Kyia Horn
TikTok: thejakyiahorn
Photo Credit: InFocus Photography based out of Tuscaloosa, Alabama Photo Credit: InFocus Photography based out of Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Hood Love: Ain’t No Loyalty In It 
. Parenting as a single mother has been a challenge, but I’m definitely up for it. Aside from that, I’m also a student and an advocate against gun violence.”
PRETTY WOMEN HUSTLE ONLINE 