What better way to celebrate Black History Month than to celebrate YOU!
Mindfulness moments in life are very important because we often get hung up on the past and fall into depression. Take a moment to reflect 10 years ago but do not stay there. Allow your mind to drift back and forth. Think about where you are now and where you were then. Remember the decisions you have made and how they have shaped your life today. Regardless of where you are now. You are alive. Be grateful. Exhale.
There are too many African Americans to name that have paved a way to helping minorities of color believe in ourselves and our gifts. Showing the world a strong sense of self and confidence, helped a ton because there was a constant fight to prove equality and acceptance.
One thing is for sure being taught how to stand out among the rest was never a problem. Black Culture will forever dominate any other race simply by being the strongest, most creative, and by being beautiful humans on this planet.
Happy Black History Month
A simple reminder that Yes Black Girl you matter. Your life is Beautiful. You are Worth being here .
Tiara Johnson is a Mompreneur Powerhouse! To many she is Tiara J, to some, she is Sister, to one Amazing Queen, she is a Daughter, Granddaughter, Auntie, Cousin, and Niece, to one special little girl, she is called Mommy, and to a few special people, Friend, Confidant, and shoulder to lean on.
Tiara J is a Washington DC entrepreneur who’s dedicated to uplifting, encouraging, and inspiring the next generation of women to win!
Tiara is a Serial Entrepreneur, an online Boutique Owner, Social Media Influencer, Radio Show Host, Mentor, a Women’s Advocate, a #Metoo Overcomer, an Author, and last but most importantly, God’s Masterpiece. She is a native of Washington DC where she raises her 14-year-old Daughter, the future of the generation and the heir of Tiara’s legacy. Tiara is the Founder and CEO of Women with Vision, Her Seat at the Table, Crowned Glamour Beauty Bar, and Styled by Tiara J where she assists Women bosses in training to find their purpose as well as take the necessary first steps in launching their brands and businesses.
Tiara’s many events, speaking engagements, and interviews all involve Women’s Empowerment and shaping the minds of our youth to have a clear path for the next steps in life. She is currently working on expanding her brand and vision for even more to win at life, love, and the leadership of tomorrow.
Tiara’s organizations are founded on love, support, unity, and women’s empowerment. Her mission is to empower today’s women to reach greater heights for tomorrow’s world. Tiara’s Mission in Life is pledging to make the everyday woman look like she is walking straight off the runway. One of her favorite quotes is: Be the change people hope for. Every win you gain builds others hope and belief in you.
Who is Tiara Johnson in five words? Tiara is: A Woman on a Mission.
What inspired your start in entrepreneurship? What inspired my path into entrepreneurship was freedom. I wanted to enjoy my life, enjoy being a mother, and live without feeling like I’m just surviving.
Tell us about your brand ” Women with Vision, Her seat at the Table, Crowned Glamour Beauty Bar and Styled By Tiara J”? My brands are about what life is like for women. I speak for them. I am a woman and my goal was to foster a plan and create a space for women to be their most authentic selves and to live unapologetically free. Women with Vision started back on Valentine’s Day in 2014 at a time when I saw a decline in women loving themselves or life. Her Seat at the Table is a space that was created for Women in Business to be creative and to just relax and recenter themselves in the rat race of life. Crowned Glamour Beauty is my newest baby. It is my very own beauty bar where I cater to women with beauty services such as Lashes, Body Contouring, and Brow services. Styled by Tiara J is my freelance wardrobe and personal shopper experience I offer to clients that are looking for services for styling.
What message do you hope women take away from your brands? The message that I hope women take from my brands are to go after every goal and every gift that you have. Your gifts can take you places gear can’t.
How can women support your mission? Women can support us by joining our online community Women with Vision as I am looking for more women to build up our community and start hosting events together.
What is next for you? Well, I am wrapping up writing my very first book I’m so excited!!!
What is your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles? My definition of a pretty woman who hustles is a woman that knows what she wants and doesn’t stop until she acquires that very thing she worked hard for!
Social Media Handles: @iam_tiaraj @thetiarajbrand @crownedglamourbeautyllc
Chaos Candle Co creates mainstream scented candles & home fragrances; their mission is to bring inspiration into homes all while empowering the deaf community and customers to go beyond their fears and limits. Founded in 2020, building a brand may have looked effortless, however starting a business in the deaf community with no funding or resources quickly forced S.E. to realize that entrepreneurship was anything but transparent. Nevertheless, she managed to build (and still building) a large following of deaf black consumers and inspired young deaf people to launch their own business.
What inspired the start of ” Chaos Candle Company”?
I created my company in 2020, at the start of the pandemic because I was tired of the daily grind. I was hoping to create a successful business that would allow me to leave my full-time job however that did not work as I learned it is hard work and not as easy as these so-called instagram experts made it out to be.
What has been the biggest challenge of running a brand like “Chaos Candle Company “?
Trying to stay afloat in the time of economic unstability. I had a good two years where I was getting sales almost daily til the third year where sometimes I would go months without a single sale.
How does ” Chaos Candle Company ” impact the community?
We inspired deaf people that it is possible to have your own business through perseverance. When people read our reviews, instead of looking down on us, they look up and want to support us.
Where do you hope to see your brand in the next 3-5 years?
I hoped to see my online business grow and to have my candles in retail stores.
What advice do you have for the next generation of entrepreneurs?
Failure is part of succeeding. It’s a part of growth; learning from our mistakes will allow you to make better decisions. That will lead to great success.
What does being “Pretty and Black Owned” mean to you?
Doing our part to change the narrative of deaf black people, the black community and giving a sense of pride to lift others.
Most businesses fail within the first 5 years because they have a hard time finding their audience. It’s not that the products they are producing are not high quality or they lack good service. Its because the people they are talking too are not interested. Its that simple.
With any business idea, you have to first ask yourself (Who is going to buy this?) Creating a diagram can help with planning and putting your products into categories.
~Race
~Age
~Sex
~Location
These four categories are great starters for a focus target group.
The next best thing is to join product target groups and create one of your own.
Lastly you have to understand everyone doesn’t have an entrepreneur mindset and some are just looking for products. You have to separate the sellers from the buyers. Best advice is to clear up your social media friends list.
Produce Good Business Karma By Supporting Others
“Faith Without Work is Dead”- James 2, is a quote in the bible that explains that manifestation and praying alone will not accomplish your goals. You have to show up. By showing up, you have to do the work EVERYDAY!
“Rome was not built in a day” is a famous quote that explains, when creating great things, it takes time. You cannot rush your success. Walk, do not run. It doesn’t matter if you get there first. It matters if when you get there you can enjoy it. Don’t drain or over work yourself, just to make it to the finish line.
“A strong woman knows she has strength enough for the journey, but a woman of strength knows it is in the journey where she will become strong.” A quote that explains that you have to prepare yourself for the journey and do your part along the way. There will be help along the way, that doesn’t mean pass the load off. Team work makes the dream work.
Casey Ariel Richardson is a published author, tech founder and business coach to Black female entrepreneurs. Casey spent a decade in finance with Bank of America, where she was Vice President managing a $20Bn portfolio of term and intraday credit exposures for pre-IPO, middle market and large corporate technology clients.
In the wake of the global cry for racial equity and systemic justice during 2020, Casey founded BLAZE GROUP LLC. To date, BLAZE has provided more than 5,500 Black female entrepreneurs with access to knowledge, capital and mentorship – resources that this cohort has limited access to, even while they are starting more businesses each day than women of any other race in the United States.
BLAZE GROUP hosts a global, semi-annual Blaze Virtual Summit, offering entrepreneurs powerful access, affirmation, and community. In 2022, The summit was honored for Best in Business & Finance (Virtual & Remote) for the 26th Annual Webby Awards. BLAZE GROUP also offers a Blaze Fellowship program, which gives college seniors the opportunity to aid in conducting and publishing research studies on Black female entrepreneurs in the United States.
Casey does fintech consulting on the continent of Africa as well, having structured the first-of-its-kind inclusive asset financing product for Hello Tractor Inc., called PAYG. This financial solution unlocks mechanization services for smallholder farmers who are traditionally unbanked. PAYG has launched in Kenya, Nigeria and Uganda and will continue to scale across the continent.
Casey is the author of Pain Unseen: The Truths That Lie Beneath My Strength, a beautifully raw memoir that aims to break the cycle of silent suffering. Her book is available in paperback, ebook and audiobook on Amazon, iTunes and Audible.
Casey graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of South Carolina Honors College with a major in Corporate Finance. A native of Gadsden, SC, she now splits her time between Oakland, California and Nairobi, Kenya.
Outside of entrepreneurship, who is Casey Ariel Richardson in five words?
Incredibly free, gifted, and Black.
You spent over a decade in the finance industry, can you share how that position prepared you for BLAZE GROUP LLC?
Working in the financial industry for over a decade prepared me tremendously for the work that I now do through BLAZE GROUP. On the one hand, I have a strong knack for assessing the viability of a business venture. When structuring financial solutions for companies – I would need to understand whether they’d even be around long enough to pay back a 5-7 year debt instrument. I developed strong abilities to assess scale, operational efficiency, gauge the strength of management teams, assess pricing strategy, gauge whether demand for products were inelastic (incredibly sticky through economic changes) or elastic (susceptible to detrimental drops in demand with changes in price, income, etc.). I’ve applied this knowledge to the operation of my own business (of course), but I also apply that same lens to the companies that I consult, leaders that I coach, and partnerships that I choose.
On the other hand, I have a keen understanding of the hurdles that exist for Black women and men accessing capital. There is redlining, elevated perceptions of risk, lack of intentionality around relationship building with minorities, lack of cultural competence and relevance in models used, etc. I take my understanding of these challenges and work to create better opportunities for the Black women that I serve and the global underserved population that I impact through my consulting work. Change is happening too slowly in traditional financial institutions. Rather than wait and hope, I’ve created a firm that can create new solutions at scale for entrepreneurs around the globe.
What is your mission with Blaze, what do you hope female entrepreneurs take away from their experience?
BLAZE means Building Leaders & Accepting Zero Excuses! It is the standard that I hold myself everyday as I show up for the women that I serve. It is the spirit that I encourage Black women to show up for themselves with – understanding the commitment to the process of growth is life-changing – even when we do it scared! Lastly, it is the heart that must be embodied in the partners that come on our turf to edify Black women. It has to be about true edification of leaders who will impact the globe – not merely about quick earnings or positive public relations. My mission is to help more and more Black women transcend the role of “working” – building the product, selling the product, branding the product – and help them to step into the position of leader. Leaders push out stated visions for their industries that change the world. Leaders are 2 and 3 years ahead of where their companies stand today, closing strategic partnerships that usher them into the future. Leaders understand the importance of positioning incredibly smart people within their businesses – allowing them to operate in their zones of genius so that the owner of the company can operate in hers. This is the impact of the coaching, community, and capital that Blaze Group provides for Black women entrepreneurs.
Tell us about your annual summit, what can entrepreneurs expect?
Our global virtual summit occurs semi-annually and they are power-packed!! Entrepreneurs are showered with safety and guidance that feels like home – many times more love than women have experienced in their lifetimes. We have female DJs from coast to coast, coaches who pour into entrepreneurs via keynotes, technical experts who teach Black women how to work smarter (not harder) via workshops, health clinicians who give vocabulary to many of the ailments that we feel in our entrepreneurial journey – but never put words to, and so much more! Our summit was actually named as a Webby Awards Honoree for Best in Business & Finance (Virtual and Remote) this year! Our next summit is occurring December 5-9, 2022 and we are encouraging everyone to attend! Head to our company website and sign up for our email list so that you don’t miss the registration opening!
Pain Unseen: The Truths That Lie Beneath My Strength, What message are you hoping readers take away from this project?
Pain Unseen is a really raw and honest depiction of my experiences with domestic violence, church hurt, chronic depression, and coming to terms with childhood trauma. While saying all of that in one sentence sounds like a ton of bricks – my story is very common among Black women. I was honest on purpose. I understand that a huge part of our culture has been protecting our family name and keeping things that go on in our houses inside of our houses. Given the freedom that I found when I finally walked away from everything that was destroying, I wanted to be unequivocally transparent about what it took to step into such freedom. I watched my Big Mama pour her entire life into supporting everyone else – she was abused, she was denied opportunities, she was incredibly loyal in marriage and family ties. Though, as much as she endured – I never remember her saying what she needed. She was doing what she knew to do – what her mama taught her, what she’d taught her daughters. I intentionally wanted to write a different story – one that most women may have never heard until they read that book. I had never heard such a story until I carved a different path in my own life. The message that I want readers to take away from my book is that freedom is their birthright – and they can hold it with both hands.
What is next for you, what can readers expect from The Blaze Group in 2023?
Blaze Group is doing so many incredible things, and our top priority is making our world-class solutions accessible to the globe. We rolled out our Apple and iOS app, called TablexTribe, in the first half of 2022 – offering it in 176 countries and on more than 14,000 devices. We want to continue to increase the accessibility of solutions – offering it to more and more individuals who deserve direct tools. A woman in any village will have access to pitch decks and email templates, a founder going through a devastating life transition will have access to wellness tools at her fingertips.
It’s not only our apps that we apply the importance of accessibility to. Our Blaze Knowledge Academy, which offers on-demand business courses to Black female entrepreneurs, needs to be accessible to everyone. We are working on strategic partnerships to tack on our capacity building solutions to other practical tools for entrepreneurs – understanding that cultural competence in education is still missing from the largest, blue chip providers of business tools.
Lastly, we’re working on some exciting new fintech solutions that bring critical access to underbanked businesses through the power of Web3! Our offerings are going to be revolutionary!
What is your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles?
A Pretty Woman Who Hustles is one who is deeply centered in purpose and aligned to her passion, unapologetically. That alignment is what causes beauty to radiate from her effortlessly. She did not leave one hamster wheel of cyclical work just to be a slave to another endless cycle of doing – thus, hustling for her has nothing to do with tirelessly grinding. She, instead, develops workflows and scalable schemes that allow her to deliver impact while she maintains a balance that keeps her healthy and whole. She is me. She is the many other women who have radically chosen a life of their dreams, as well.
A woman that has made light in a male dominated industry. Making it her life mission to help women, she has now opened Prosperity University. Helping women obtain their life goals through business.
Her journey has not been easy but she’s made the best of the cards she’s dealt with and turned lemons into lemonade. A Life Learner, Women Advocate, Literary Publisher, Artist, and a Lover of Life. Moni’ Soi is a living witness that anything is possible, she encourages others to “Live your life as if no one’s watching”.
What Inspired your start in entrepreneurship?
I was a young mother and I knew that I had a responsibility that was greater than me. There I was just trying to figure life out and entrepreneurship came naturally to me. I figured out at a young age how to get paid working my gifts.
What obstacles have you had to overcome to get where you are today?
Fear, loneliness, heartache, not knowing. If you aren’t born with a silver or gold spoon in your mouth, you are not prepared for what life as an entrepreneur will throw at you. When you have a vision, you must know that it is way greater than you. The greatest obstacle of all that I’ve Had to overcome was my own selfishness, learning that it is not about what I want. I started building based on what the people needed. I began looking internally for that greatness as a leader.
What message of hope do you have for upcoming entrepreneurs?
You know someone shared with me that it would take five years to build a successful business. I was like “whatever, not me.” I went after the money. I got paid and I thought that was it until I lost everything and had to start over. I wasn’t prepared for that darkness. I was forced to go through it. I knew that if I didn’t that I would not see the woman that I see today who made it out of that very darkness that felt as though it was meant to destroy me. Once you make it through one dark situation, know that you will make it through another one. Lay a strong foundation and build with individuals who do not fear your greatness.
What are your top 3 go-to songs for motivation to keep going after your goals?
Tasha Cobbs, “For your Glory” got me through one of the hardest seasons of my life. I felt so alone and all I could hear were the lyrics in this song and her voice.
A new favorite is Power by Bishop Vance Oldes and Fred Hammond.
I listen to all genres of music. I enjoy different artists anywhere from Beetoven to Arianna Grande to I am Every Woman by Whitney Houston. I grew up listening to gospel music. It became a daily habit. It’s in me! I enjoy tones, sounds, vibrations, and frequencies. I enjoy listening to the sounds of nature, the rain, blizzards, and 423 -763 hertz.
What is your definition of a pretty woman who hustles?
I had to think about this question, there are so many variables. You know beauty is really skin deep. You must have a mission and a vision. You have to have balance. My mission is Global Peace and Global Unity. I want to change how everyone feels about their greatness by empowering them.
Women who hustle are facing challenges in their life that they are seeking to overcome, hurdles that they have to jump over. I know that none of us are exempt from going through this phase to achieve our overall vision
We are all one, let’s embrace that oneness and come together. We need one another. Let’s take this opportunity to win.
“I can teach you what you need but I cant teach you what I know”
Leaders, coaches, teachers or mentors, are the go to persons for people who have questions. Lets be transparent for a second. Customers and clients seek services that only “YOU” have the answer too, that only you can provide. They have researched and found your profile or website and yes, you can assist them. Great!
Now that you have consulted your clients and have conducted business. You make the sale and get the work done. The client is a great listener and fast learner. You advise her on what she should do. Here is where you need to be careful.
Profit Loss Domino Effect
If you teach your client how to do something on their own. You gain her trust but lose her as a returning customer or client. Be cautious when doing business and be careful not to reveal too much of your own expertise and inner workings because you do want to keep your customers coming. Lets be real, the less they know how to do something, the more they will need you to do it. And that is essentially how you get paid. RIGHT?! Yes, I know it sounds strange and everyone is on the new wave of “I’ll just teach you” but don’t realize that the moment you give them the knowledge and tools for them to do it themselves, they will no longer need you. It becomes a profit loss domino effect. They will then do it for themselves and then teach others how to as well. Then nobody needs any help. WARNING …..here are the flashing lights to the close of your business. If the cycle continues there are no more referrals being given out. So what may seem like a quick few thousand dollars for one month to create a class; to teach people how to start a business or create something of value, you are realistically cutting yourself out of making millions by withholding those gems.
Save Something for YOU
To keep your clients as returning clients, YOU DO THE WORK! Don’t minimize your efforts, by saying “Oh girl its easy”. No, its a lot of work and time put into being a leader, a coach, a teacher, business owner, editor, designer etc. That’s why you are needed. To do hard tasks that others cant or don’t want to do. You get paid to help the process go easier for them. The message is that you always want to keep your clients coming back for more.
Being self -taught is more of a FLEXXX anyways if you ask me.
Shawna M. Charles (Charles Communication Group Founder) is a recognized thought leader and strategist providing strategic communications with the goal of helping to protect, promote and evolve their brand. She is a graduate of Howard University and holds a Master of International Business Administration and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology.
What has been your greatest achievement thus far in your entrepreneurial journey?
My greatest achievement so far has been starting my Communications agency and staying consistent even when I wasn’t sure what to do, what was next or how I was going to do it.
What obstacles have you overcome to get where your are today?
A major obstacle that I’ve had to overcome was transitioning from Corporate America to entrepreneurship. For me to be successful, I had to change my mindset and lifestyle.
What role has social media played in your career?
In my line of work, social media has played a major role in my company. It allows me to create a digital presence and reach a lot of people all at once. Social media has allowed me to network with people around the globe and build brand awareness.
What advice do you have for women entering the entrepreneurship world?
My advice for women entering the entrepreneurship world is don’t be afraid to ask for guidance and help. Delegating tasks, collaborating, and outsourcing is okay.
What is your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles?
My definition of a pretty woman who hustles is someone who follows their dreams, isn’t afraid to chase it or ask questions, and someone who knows it’s okay to be scared but not stuck in fear.
Are you looking for new ideas to decorate your home? Check out this list of stores to shop and items to purchase;
WALMART (my go to of course)
TARGET (your going to spend money that you didn’t even know you had)
IKEA (budget friendly)
K-MART (you might like it)
SEARS (home appliances)
VALUE CITY (furniture)
BED BATH & BEYOND (the name says it all)
MARSHALLS (why did I come in here again)
BURLINGTON (its the little things)
CITI TRENDS (don’t sleep they have great pieces)
Accent Pillows, Good Thread Bedding, Bed Frames, Paint
Lamps, Plants, Chandeliers, Curtains, Pictures
A few things to open your mind up and allow you to imagine a new living space when you enter your home.
There is nothing better than change when when you’ve been living in a house for years or if you just recently moved.
Let your thoughts run wild with creativity this year.
Accent Rugs, Tables, Ottomans, Chairs, Bookcases, Fire place, House Benches…
Back Splash Tiling, Islands, Shelves, Kitchenware
The list of stores provided can help you re-create your home and give yourself a new decor for the New Year. Lets Soak up the Holiday Love and Start making your house a HOME.
lifestyle brand photography for creative entrepreneurs
Gloria Ward is an Entrepreneur, Revenue Strategist, Author and New-Thought Leader who has devoted her life to helping women and women business owners around the world discover their own uniqueness and start and build their business. Considered to be the next international leader in self-love, self-transformation and business performance, Gloria has become obsessed with helping women truly understand their worth and value and is the author of the bestselling book Becoming Truly You. Her platforms The I’m Loving Me Project and Girls L.E.A.P. have coached and mentored women from every walk of life. Members enjoy her confidence, humor and down-to-earth approach that has made her the most sought-out female entrepreneur and self-love coach of her era.
Who is Gloria Ward in four words?
Your Best Girlfriend Ever.
Tell us about The “I’m loving me Project”?
The I’m Loving Me Project and Girls L.E.A.P. to be a place for women to come and feel like they belong and also have the tools they need to conquer any chaos life may bring. Friendship and an ear to listen is important and since the Pandemic, many people have felt alone.
How did Girls L.E.A.P. come about?
Girls L.E.A.P. started out as just a place for women business owners to network and since has transformed into a place where career and businesswomen can Learn. Earn. Advance. And Profit in their career or business through events, business deals, and networking.
What inspired your book “Becoming Truly You”?
Honestly, my journey. Leaving New York at 17, going to college, getting married and then divorced. What I thought life was supposed to be and how it turned out taught me many lessons on the importance of knowing who you are and loving yourself.
What message do you hope women take away from your book?
In order for you to truly become that person you’re dying inside to be, you have to make a commitment to choose her first and love her unapologetically.
What can women expect when attending one of your workshops/seminars?
Besides the fun, real life tools and action steps they can take to achieve their goals. Did I mention fun?
What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs looking to get their start?
Work to be a better you every day. Work on your mind and body. Do what’s necessary to stay healthy and choose to be around people that will lift you up and not tear you down. If you can do that, everything else will fall into place.
What is your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles?
One who has swag, knows her stuff, and gets the bag all at the same time.
PRETTY WOMEN HUSTLE ONLINE 