Tag: Pretty and Ambitious

With a calling to uplift others, Indira ”Indi” Felder is making her mark in the industry of women. With a story similar to others, this New York native has overcome an early life of hardships and set herself on a course through the entrepreneurial world. From starting Beauties With Brains, her first women’s empowerment organization in 2017; Beauties With Brains Hair, a luxury hair extensions company in 2019; writing ebooks and resources for her audience and speaking engagements, Indi is well on her way to conquering the business world.

Navigating her way through college at North Carolina Central University, where she obtained her Bachelors in Business Marketing, she simultaneously worked in the legal field. After graduating, she continued her legal work where she often encountered hundreds of women, particularly women of color, struggling with access to prestige networks, and battling with lack of self-esteem. Indi has always been a voice of reason, a caretaker, and an open-armed resource for those that confide in her. She felt it was time to stop wasting what she believed was her lifelong purpose: to positively impact others through all aspects of life.

Starting out, Indi was consistently connecting with others in what became to be a life coach role, but she soon found it to be overwhelming as she wanted to give so much of herself to each person but was not able to equally share herself with each person. That trial birthed Beauties with Brains, which launched in 2017 with the purpose of inspiring, uplifting, and empowering women. This platform allowed Indi to connect with her audience equally on a grander scale.

Expanding her Beauties with Brains brand, Indi has launched a luxury hair collection and developed several business resources for aspiring entrepreneurs. Determined to contribute to the world, Indi has begun public speaking and offering business consulting services.

“I have a light that other people feel in my presence. I allow others to be transparent and share their story. Allowing them to remove the feeling of being ashamed because we are all living proof.” – Indira “Indi” Felder

We had the amazing opportunity of sitting down with Entrepreneur and Beauty Boss Indira “Indi” Felder to discuss her entrepreneur journey.

When did you discover you’re calling to uplift women? 

I discovered my calling to uplift women probably in my teenage years. I would literally meet a stranger and they would start confiding in me & I would find myself giving inspirational advice. As I got older, it continued and I finally realized it was my gift. 

Who is Indira “Indi’ Felder in four words? 

Indi Felder in four words I would say,

Resilient, Inspirational, Charismatic & Ambitious. 

 What has been your greatest lesson thus far in business since starting Beauties with Brains Brand? 

I think my greatest lesson thus far has been there will always be naysayers and doubters, however, you have to refocus that energy and use it as fuel to exceed all expectations! 

What all does Beauties with Brains currently offer? 

Beauties With Brains currently offers business seminars, empowerment events, a hair collection that offers hair extensions and now I have started offering branding services as a branch off of the Beauties With Brains brand. 

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

I hope women take away the message that we all go through stuff in life. ALL OF US! But never give up, keep going, and remember nothing worth having comes easy! 

What is next for Beauties with Brains Brand?

Next for Beauties With Brains is to finally take this organization on the road. I want to continue to spread love, empowerment, and hope all across the globe!

How can readers connect with you? 

Readers can connect with me on my social media accounts @beautieswithbrains@indifelder and of course my websites indifelder.com & beautieswithbrains.com

 What is your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles? 

My definition of pretty women who hustle is all women across the world who are beautiful inside and out, who have the mindset of a winner. Who knows whatever they put their minds to, they can do! 

Tiffany Ford is a dynamic visionary, entrepreneur, consultant, and child development expert who has earned the name “The Childcare Guru ” for her extraordinary work to assist families in urban communities to guide their children towards social and academic success. A native of Philadelphia, Tiffany has worked passionately in the fields of childcare and education for more than 15 years.

She is the owner of Little Leaders Learning Academy, co-owner of Stages Community School, and the founder of Leaders and Legends Performing Arts Academy, which teaches Jazz, Modern Dance, Ballet, Tap, Drama, Karate and vocal classes in southwest Philadelphia. Her curriculums have been proven to improve self-expression, regulation skills, confidence, and academic performance for children and young adults.

As a consultant, Tiffany focuses on training aspiring entrepreneurs in the childcare and youth education fields to start and scale their schools and youth centers. Recognizing the importance of the arts and creativity to the learning process of youth, she plans to grow her programs across the nation, including expanding her performing arts academy.

We had the unique opportunity to sit down with “The Childcare Guru” herself to discuss her inspiration and start into the industry.

 What inspired your start in the Childcare industry?

I started developing the desire to provide quality child care in the inner city. It was important to me to ensure that quality was at the forefront. There is a difference between quality childcare and daycare. Also, it was really important for me to develop a way to connect with our people and provide them with the necessary resources. My passion is education, so I wanted to provide that service since it is my passion. 

You are known as the “Childcare Guru”, can you share 3 components that form a well-rounded child care facility?

I would say communication is number 1. In regards to the parents, your staff in your program, and your children – it is important that everyone understands your business and what you stand for. 

Next is compassion. The staff, the administration, and the parents have to show compassion for one another when working together in such a close, intimate way. We must share passion all around, from all perspectives. 

The third is leadership. Your child care facility must consist of leadership that supports the staff. At the same time, you must have staff that cares about the growth that you want for your company. As long as they understand the goal and their role in the company, that will translate over to the parents and to the students as well. 

How has the pandemic affected the way child care centers run?

The pandemic has affected things from an enrollment standpoint, and it has changed the business approach. I believe that it is challenging for parents to trust other people with the care of their children during a pandemic. As a result, we have to make sure that the safety measures are top-notch. The way I do business now has changed. I was spread very thin due to covid, but because of technology, my business was able to grow in a way I didn’t think was possible. 

What message do you hope families take away from your brand?

That parent involvement is the key with anything you do with daycare, childcare, or extracurricular activities. We promote communication between both parties. Anything the parents want from us they can get, as long as they are willing to communicate their needs and the requests are reasonable. We are more than willing to address them. 

What is on the horizon for “The Childcare Guru”?

As I progress, my goal is to now develop other entrepreneurs, especially in childcare. I like to develop people…Develop entrepreneurs to create businesses that are long-lasting and will stand the test of time. I plan on speaking to larger audiences of women and entrepreneurs and motivating them to not give up and to be innovative. Also, I plan on expanding my dance studio. 

How can one get started in the childcare world?

It is really important to find a mentor. When you are even considering starting a childcare business, you have to make sure that you understand how a daycare runs. Once you get that info, the next step would be to sit down and start creating your business plan. After you properly establish your business and you have your tax paperwork set up, you have to get licensed with the city, the state, and the health department. 

What advice do you have for the next generation of childcare workers?

It is really key to understand that nothing starts big. It is okay to start small. Sometimes we jump the gun and we want huge success right away and we don’t want to be patient. Expect to make mistakes. When I first started out, I felt that I had something to prove to the people that said I could not do it. I was doing too much and skipping the small details. I had to learn that sometimes less is more in business and you have to be patient and go through the process the right way. When you do, the customers will appreciate it and you will ultimately see it reflected in your finances. 

What is your definition of a Pretty Woman who Hustles?

Somebody who is not afraid to go after their dreams. They are willing to make the sacrifices that are necessary to be successful. My rule is “each one, teach one.” When you get into a successful position, you have to be willing to teach others and show them the way. 

Connect with Tiffany Online and learn more about  Her brands by visiting www.littleleadersphilly.com and www.leadersandlegendspac.com

Yaminah Childress, founder of Yany Beauty (a black owned Leaping Bunny certified makeup brand) said no to investors and opted to do the research to find grants to help her business stay afloat during the onset of the pandemic. These cash and service-based grants allowed Yany to continue to pay staff, buy inventory, and minimize some essential bills such as internet and phone services.

In 2020, years of taking the grass roots effort to grow her brand, YANY Beauty became one of the pilot businesses for Amazon’s Black BusinessAccelerator, which provided unique opportunities to have early Amazon Deals that helped sales soar at the onset, and they are the first beauty brand to have an Amazon Explore live shopping page. This along with funding from grants and organic sales growth has positioned Yany as next up in the black owned makeup category!

Not only is the brand emerging in popularity, but recently they achieved 2,465% growth from the previous month. Yaminah, an attorney by trade, has a wealth of knowledge in business management, grants, Amazon, and branding that she’s used to help grow her brand.

We had the chance to sit down with Yaminah and discuss the inspiration behind Yany Beauty.

Who is Yaminah Childress in four words?
Entrepreneur, Optimist, Trailblazer, Motivator

What inspired the start of Yany Beauty?

I started YANY Beauty for one reason, and that was to create safe makeup products that were suitable for all skin tones, especially women of color because at the time our options were very limited.

What products and services are currently being offered within Yany Beauty?

We currently offer a wide range of products. Our shelves are stocked with a full line of cruelty-free makeup from lipstick to bb cream and everything in between. We offer clean skincare products for all skin types and beauty tools. We recently launched makeup and beauty services in our store.

You said No to investors and went on the search for your own opportunities with grants, what was that experience like?

I said no to investors because I am looking to create a legacy business, one operated by family and one that will be passed down generations. I decided to go after grants because they allowed me to get the much-needed dollars without giving up equity.

For me, the experience has been amazing. I have secured tens of thousands in free money, which has helped YANY Beauty survive the pandemic. I think it was easy for me because I’m not scared to take no for an answer. In the grant world, you will receive a lot of no’s. But when I get a yes, it gives me more motivation to move forward even in difficult times. I want to get those who believed in the brand excited to know they made a good choice.

What has been the most challenging part of your journey thus far?

Funding. While I have been blessed with grants and sales, our funding resources are still very limited. And, because of that our advertising budgets are limited, our staff is limited, and we have limited resources to reach the masses and that’s what you need to thrive in the beauty industry.

If you could give advice to the next entrepreneur getting ready to start her business, what would it be?

My best advice is to research and plan as much as possible but also to go for it. Knowing what you’re getting yourself into financially, emotionally, and physically is a must before starting any entrepreneurial journey. However, don’t do so much “planning” that you are wasting time getting started. The truth is no matter how much time you spend researching, you will always encounter something you didn’t know and will always learn something new along the way. I’ve seen many people plan their way out of actually doing it.

What is next for Yany Beauty?

So in the very near future YANY Beauty will welcome YANY Skin a complete line of natural skincare for all skin types. We’re going big on cleansers, masks, serums, toners, and more. We’re also working to bring YANY Beauty to the masses through national retail partnerships and to expand our stores to different regions.

What is your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles?

A Pretty Woman Who Hustles is one that takes charge of her life in every aspect. She is one who strives to be a Boss in her professional life but more importantly one who hustles to take charge of her personal life and well-being.

Connect with Yany Beauty on Instagram or visit them online at Yanybeauty.co

Akuwa Skincare was founded by Precious Gabriel. She is a first generation Nigerian-Liberian with an appreciation for earth’s treasures. Precious completed her Bachelors of Science in Biology at Chestnut Hill College and earned her MBA at Saint Joseph’s University. Her passion for skincare took off while addressing her personal skin concerns.

Akuwa [ah-koo-wa] is a mixture of the word “aku” and “uwa”. In the Nigerian Igbo language, “aku” means treasure, and “uwa” means earth. Akuwa Skincare is a new, cutting-edge natural beauty line that has recently released its flagship product, the Elite Glow Vitamin C Serum.

Akuwa is a purpose-driven brand committed to delivering toxic-free, fragrance-free, cruelty-free, and vegan skincare that is earth-conscious, to make clean and sustainable skincare an effortless obligation.

The Elite Glow Vitamin C Serum leverages the power of sodium ascorbyl phosphate, a more stable version of l-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), Vitamin E, Hyaluronic Acid, MSM, and active botanicals to create a dynamic product that helps fight acne, brighten and hydrate the skin, and reverse signs of aging.

Gentle, luxurious, and perfect for varying skin types, the Elite Glow Serum can be easily incorporated into any morning skincare routine to yield lasting results while championing change and reducing waste for the planet.

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Precious to discuss her passion behind the Akuwa brand and tips we can use to start a solid skincare regime.

Who is Precious Gabriel in five words?
Precious Gabriel is intelligent, creative, business-minded, determined, and thoughtful.

When did you discover your passion for skincare?
I discovered my passion for skincare while working in Macy’s Beauty department in college. I loved testing out different products on myself and my customers. I dealt with oily skin and hyperpigmentation through high school and college so being able to access products that addressed my concerns made me love skincare more!

What inspired the start of Akuwa?
While working on my MBA, I worked on projects that allowed me to build and manage a company. I really enjoyed it and started to think about what I could build in real life? I wanted to start something that I really enjoyed that would not feel like work so skincare was definitely it!

What are the benefits of a solid skincare regime?
I think the benefits of a solid skincare regime are healthier skin, confidence, and peace! It’s so important to not only go through a regime but create a ritual where you are giving your skin what it needs. When you understand what your skin needs and take the time to apply your products, your skin not only absorbs the product and looks better, but you feel better as well.

What sets Akuwa apart?
What sets Akuwa apart is that we are an African -inspired and earth-conscious brand! I wanted a brand that connected to my culture and who I am. Also, I am conscious of the waste that the beauty industry creates so I wanted to make sure Akuwa did not contribute to the enormous amount of waste but contributed to reducing waste by using sustainable packaging options and being a member of 1% for the Planet.

What products do you recommend from your site during the cold winter months?
Our Elite Glow Serum is really great for pulling moisture into your skin during cold winter months because of its hydrating ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and Aloe. It has Vitamin C and E which work great together to protect your skin from free radical damage and heal your skin. MSM is a great ingredient that helps to boost collagen.

What is next for you and your brand?
Akuwa is currently working on a retail strategy and new products! Stay tuned and join the Tribe for updates!

What is your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles?
My definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles is a woman with grace, determination, and resilience! She is constantly evolving and adapting to get the results and outcomes she wants!

Connect with Precious and The Akuwa Skincare Brand here: https://akuwaskincare.com/

Charese John, Founder of Revive Catering Curated by Charese J Chief Creative Officer, SERG. John curates extraordinary catering events under the SERG moniker, leading teams from 20 to 200. As a former Catering Executive for Safeway Corporation and Dean and DeLuca, food innovation and creative dining experiences are John’s innate affinities.

Charese J creates one-of-a-kind, customized catering experiences of effortless opulence that make her the “go-to” around DC’s catering and events scene. From intimate celebrations, Capitol Hill extravaganzas, historical annual social impact events to celebrity soirees.

Charese John is a Culinary Visionary. A native of the DC/Maryland area and an HBCU graduate of Clark Atlanta University.

We had the amazing opportunity to chat with Charese and discuss navigating the holiday season safely.

When did you discover your passion for the Hospitality Industry?

My parents were big dinner party hosts and home entertainers. It seems we were always hosting dinner parties or invited to my Mom’s friends’ homes for one soiree or another. It was a part of our family lifestyle growing up.

As a Marketing major at Clark Atlanta University (HBCU), I often hosted gatherings or “kick-backs.” My circle coined “Food, Folks, and Fun!” Good food, good people, and big fun, it was a vibe before we called it a “vibe.” I was always interested in making things taste and look good in college, and my events feel special. Every December, I was infamous for my Holiday party with friends. It was in conjunction with my Birthday, only a few days before Christmas.

 It would be years before I understood and connected “hospitality” as my passion.

Shortly after college, I studied under the tutelage of Chef Marcus Samuelson in NYC and abroad before starting hospitality businesses. Hospitality is in my blood, and it’s a part of my DNA.

What inspired the start of Revive specifically?

Revive started in 2010 as two divisions; a food take-out division (now the infamous DCity Smokehouse, voted the Best BBQ in DC (Washington, Post) ) and Revive Events & Catering (REC) division. We (both teams) had many growing pains over the years, and unbeknownst to us, the two divisions were thriving but opposing one another simultaneously, under the same roof. Our take-out was simple, delicious comfort BBQ cuisine and REC, catering experiences, Food Done Well, and fun! Today, through SERG properties, we have strategies and tactics to effectively serve all of our customers.

We did a soft launch of Charese J Entertaining (CJE) in 2021, but the official launch will occur in 2022. Charese J Entertaining is my “hustle” and expansion spin-off from Revive Events & Catering. CJE focuses on corporate partnerships, political events, and celebrity tastemakers with my signature approach, VEX® – Visionary Experiences. I elevate hospitality experiences for those seeking greatness and a lifestyle done well!. I’m excited to expand the brand to niche hospitality and entertaining, separate from the catering business (Revive Events & Catering).

How did joining the partnership with Southeast Restaurant Group (SERG) align with your current vision for your brand?

@ReviveEvents has always been a sister to DCity Smokehouse, under the Southeast Restaurant Group (SERG) moniker since our start in 2010. The beauty of SERG is we are Proud Leaders in the DC Hospitality Movement – we offer something for everyone;

The Best DC Style BBQ, Catering Done Well, and Niche Private Events; Political, Government, and Personal Tastemaker events.

Tell us about the work you do with SERG, LLC?

At SERG, I’m the CVO, Chief Visionary Officer (CVO). I oversee our properties’ brand vision and projection relative to innovative cuisine, rich culture, and strong social impact—all-important pillars to SERG DC.

What are the three key components of a great event?

Before every event, we make an effort not just to have a checklist but to understand our client’s needs. Understanding the event host expectations is key. Every client is different, and customization is our sweet spot. Three key components to realize client expectations include; flavorful, innovative approaches to the food menu, beautiful aligned table settings, décor, and lighting, with exceptional service. As a bonus, we strive to insert a fun vibe into all of our events. Food Done Well, Life Experienced Beautifully!

Can you share a few tips on hosting events safely during the holiday season?

– Guest should take a rapid home Covid test before they arrive at your party (and the host should have a few home test available just in case)Be Intentional when you host.

what does that mean? How do you want your guest to feel? From the moment they walk in, to the moment they leave.

– Covid has changed our lives but as a host you can still give your guest an experience. Be intentional with every detail, spacing, signage, every decoration and your attire.

– Be comfortable as the host – with your own sparkle/glam as your host the party. Since we know that Covid has changed things. As the host set the rules, such as hand sanitizer when you walk in and around your home; block off certain areas so that people aren’t wandering around the home. Crack a window for circulation, bathroom hand towels that guest can use and throw away. And remember – It’s ok to razzle dazzle your guest with your appearance and attire. Why not?

– For dinner/treats/dessert/finger foods, make sure you create place cards and note dietary restrictions – don’t want anyone getting sick because they ate something without knowing what it is or what is in it. Keep food and place setting spread out on the table/counters. When people are gathering to get food, don’t let them crowd the food area. (Also keep mask available)- Don’t forget the important signature drink (alcohol and non-alcohol)

What is your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles?

I would define a Pretty Woman Who Hustles as a woman who is confident from the inside out yet maintains her “Pretty.” Pretty in personality, energy, and self-care. Resisting world pressures that turn our pretty inside out can be complex, but required. A Pretty Woman Who Hustles is persistent and relentless in achieving her goals. She hustles hard.

Southeast Restaurant Group

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Instagram – @ReviveEventsDC

Site – ChareseJEntertaining

Site – Revive-DC.com

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Site – DCitySmokehouse

Adrienne Kessler is the Founder and CEO of Leaf’d, an online sustainable and eco-friendly marketplace. It aspires to be the “Green Amazon”, where her team curates exclusively sustainable, fair trade products, educates with blogs and articles about the latest news and information in green innovation and take action within local communities to help educate kids on how to live a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.

After leaving New York City and her own very successful hair salon, Kessler was called upon by the motion picture industry to style celebrity hair for film and television. She then sought a new career after the extensive exposure to the toxic chemicals in hair products caused an autoimmune illness. Her diverse talents became evident when she began to sell real estate to those very same celebrities. In a moment of inspiration, Adrienne decided to create an eco-friendly platform where consumers could educate themselves about healthy lifestyles. Her passion for health without toxins inspired her to participate in making the world a better place through launching Leaf’d.

When did you discover your passion for entrepreneurship?

I was born with an entrepreneurial spirit. My grandmother had a children’s clothing shop when I was a child and I used to sit on the cash register and watch her take payments. That was my first taste of the world of business.

I later had my own hair salon in New York, and Leaf’d is my entrepreneurial dream in the process of becoming a global marketplace.

 Can you take us through the moment you had the vision for Leaf’d?

I was sitting in a hot tub with my extended family, healing my body and soul when the initial inspiration came to me. Leaf’d began as Heal Estate, a platform where sustainable choices were made available to real estate and building industries with the intention of healing the home because I am also a real estate agent. For practical reasons, Heal Estate morphed into Leaf’d our eco-friendly marketplace. It aspires to be the “Green Amazon,” where we curate exclusively sustainable, fair trade products. 

What is leaf’d and what products/services does your brand currently offer?

Leaf’d is an online eco-friendly and sustainable marketplace that curates products from baby clothes and toys, to health and beauty, food and beverage, home products, pets, kids, and fashion, of course! We are the advertisers who promote our vendors’ products to our customers. We also have a blog section that informs, educates, and promotes sustainability in all aspects of our lives, including vegan recipes!

 What has been the most rewarding part of entrepreneurship for you?

As an entrepreneur, I’ve had to learn more than I ever dreamed of about things that were completely new to me. It’s been a huge learning curve in more ways than one. My company is the most rewarding part for me as I watch it grow and become the marketplace and information portal that I envisioned.

What are the benefits of an eco-friendly marketplace?

With Leaf’d, we have the opportunity to expand into a global marketplace, where people all over the world can purchase the best of the best when it comes to sustainable products. All of the products listed on our site are vetted for the conscious consumer. 

Eco-friendly products are the name of the game in our changing world, and now more than ever, the choice for eco-friendly products is necessary if we want to have a home to come home to – literally. We don’t get a planet do-over.

What is next for Leaf’d?

Leaf’d plans on expanding and growing into a global marketplace, as I mentioned, and to keep informing, educating, and inspiring folks across the globe to invest in products that are good for the environment. We also plan on creating community projects that educate, particularly young people, on how to be stewards of the earth. We are in the process of creating more videos and podcasts to promote our brand and the urgent need for sustainability in all aspects of our lives.

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

In five years we plan to have our marketplace in every home worldwide. We’re planning on speaking engagements, e-books, podcasts and other ways in which to inform and educate folks on sustainability. Our community reach has all kinds of plans for the locals, and then to expand outwards to more than just our immediate community.

What is your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles?

A Pretty Woman Who Hustles is a wonderful play on words for woman-power!

Women are now at the forefront of significant and empowering changes that are happening in the world. They know their stuff, what they want, and have a clear vision of how to create dreams for their future. She is confident, hard-working, a hustler, and a person who envisions a better world for all of us.

Connect with Adrienne and The Leaf’d Brand Online at www.leafd.com

Wombilee, which will be soft launched in January, co-founded by C.Nichole and Raffinae LaJuan, is the newest non-toxic, chemical-free, 7-layers of protection menstrual pad to help combat unhealthy and unprotected wombs. 

An estimated 62% of women and young girls in the United States alone use menstrual pads during their menstrual cycle, and most of those pads do not show the ingredients but are chemically made. Wombilee’s mission is to provide a healthier option for women and girls, and to empower them to acknowledge menstruation as strength.

Raffinaé LaJuan – A proud mother of two amazing young men. After a decade-plus of experience working in corporate America as a recruiting consultant and then Chief Diversity Officer in the healthcare industry, she took a leap of faith to become an entrepreneur. Raffinaé is the CEO of the food marketing company, Inspire Brand Management, with clients on three continents. She is also the Founder of Moms for Medals, a non-profit organization that focuses on creating new successful generational statistics in teen mothers and young women. Raffinaé believes that “This life is not your own. Life is a gift, and we are put here for a greater purpose than just to exist in everyday life.”

C.Nichole – A businesswoman, singer-songwriter, non-profit founder, author, boutique owner, and Pan Africanist. Having never worked a nine-to-five, C.Nichole started as a freelancer in TV/Film production before switching industries and starting her own marketing company, emphasizing experiential marketing. Her experiences of visiting 100+ countries before 30 years of age led her to advocate for Pan Africanism through music, education, and entrepreneurship. C.Nichole teaches history through her music, authored books for both adults and children, and is the Founder of Pan African Think Tank, a non-profit pushing for collective work and responsibility and cooperative economics. Her mantra is, “Know your worth. Respect yourself. Keep the faith. Sustain your peace.”

I had the pleasure of talking with both owners to discover the passion and purpose behind this much needed brand.

C.Nichole and Raffinae LaJuan, how did the two of you come to know each other?

We’re sisters, like in real life. We share the same mother.

What is Wombilee and inquiring minds want to know how in the world you came up with that name?

I originally wanted the name to be “Womanly” but when I googled it, I saw it was already taken. I knew the brand would be about a healthier alternative for our wombs so I switched “woman” with “womb”. I left the “ly” but changed it to “lee” because I thought about how the Queen Bee birth the whole colony, and women birth the world. So I checked to make sure that name wasn’t taken, and since it wasn’t, it became the name of our menstrual pad brand.

What sets Wombilee apart from other sanitary products?

Wombilee is the only 100% woman-owned brand in this hemisphere that has graphene in its pads. Graphene is one of the thinnest known materials and also one of the strongest. It’s stronger than steel and lighter than paper. It’s highly versatile, with elastic as well as thermal and conductive properties; vibrational energy. It’s lightweight, flexible, resilient, and breathable. In Wombilee’s pads, Graphene helps with circulatory health, metabolic health, and cell activity, helping to balance the body’s pH. Destroys the bacterial cell membrane and inhibits bacteria. Anti-static and conductive which helps in transferring heat to prevent skin itching.

Wombilee’s pads also have 7 layers of protection which offers breathability, while keeping you dry and odorless. Our Moderate (regular) pads hold up to 150 milliliters, while our Heavy (super) pads hold up to 200 milliliters. Most pads on the market don’t even hold up to 10 milliliters (10 grams).

We also have a giveback feature, so when purchasing with Wombilee, you’re helping fight period poverty by giving back to a womb in need.

Raffinaé you are a force to be reckoned with. CEO of the food marketing company, Inspire Brand Management as well as the nonprofit, Moms for Medals. Tell our readers more about your businesses.

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Inspire Brand Management officially launched in 2016 when an idea turned into reality. I was no stranger to the marketing industry. With over 15 years of executive recruiting and marketing experience under my belt, I noticed a common disconnect between consistent professional individuals and passion in the experiential industry. Inspire Brand Management looks at ways to bridge the gap between people’s gifts, resources, and different opportunities. Connecting professional individuals that are passionate about personal connections is 101 in our relationship-building model. We nurture healthy partnerships while bridging the gaps and connecting the dots in business. We help you WIN AT YOUR TARGET MARKET! We work primarily in the retail food industry with stores like Central Market, Whole Foods Market, natural grocers, H-E-B, Tom Thumb, Kroger, and more. We’re in the relationship-building business.

In June 2021 we received an amazing endorsement from HEB Central Market to become one of their number one third-party vetted marketing company of choice! Stop by www.InspireBrandManagement.com and check us out.

Moms for Medals started as a community outreach of mentoring young teenage mothers in high school. I’ve had the amazing opportunity to literally be what I needed when I was 14 & pregnant. With that means is I was a teenage mom and there were not a lot of groups with empowering uplifting messages when I was younger. I need it extra light at the end of a dark tunnel, my life as a point was filled with a lot of uncertainty as to what my next steps are going to be. The statistic showed that young ladies who have babies early are more prone to having their second and third pregnancies before the age of 19. I did not want to be a statistic. So we have partnered with Dallas independent school district to create a mentorship program, health and wellness sessions with women, we’re able to provide resources for our young ladies to help with trauma and offer therapy. Inspire Brand Management has an internship program that is available for our young ladies. We teach them business-to-business skills, Confidence, empowering confidence, empowering their voice as well as how to build a brand.

C.Nichole, you too are a force to be reckoned with as well. You are a singer, songwriter, author, boutique owner, and also the Founder of Pan African Think Tank. We definitely need to know what Pan African Think Tank is all about.

Pan African Think Tank is a 501(c)(3) international non-profit based in Dallas, USA. Our mission is to bridge the gap between Africa and the African Diaspora through Pan African forums that assist with research as a means to collectively advocate. With a focus on education and entrepreneurship, Pan African Think Tank believes that having those focuses are the most beneficial way to globally have people of African descent become self-sufficient while being communal to advance the next generations. We partner with organizations in Benin, Botswana, Liberia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Haiti. Pan African Think Tank’s work includes:

Giving out education scholarships.

Funding the building of hygiene facilities at schools.

Donating books and supplies to community libraries.

Donating technology to professional youth organizations.

Giving grants to winners of entrepreneurship contests.

Learn more about how you can help and donate at PanAfricanTT.org

How has your other businesses helped play a role with Wombilee?

C.Nichole: From birth I’ve always been a creative person, intertwined with my background in business, things that I’ve picked up and learned over the years played in my favor. I’m also a world traveler, so understanding how other people do business in different parts of the world helped. The manufacturing and design process of the pads, down to how we would brand ourselves, to building the website was instant to me. Being used to handling business in different time zones, having the graphic design and web design skills, with a Marketing background since college gave me the assistance that I needed.

Raffinae LaJuan: Hustle and grind is my middle name! Being no stranger to hard work and building Inspire Brand Management Company ground up has given me all of the foundational tools needed to build and sustain a relationship business-to-business and consumer-to-consumer. At Inspire we help our clients identify their customer base and grow their repeat customer base, in addition to creating the most memorable experience while displaying excellent customer service. This falls in direct alignment with what we are doing at Wombilee! We pride ourselves on excellent customer service, building relationships, and educating our Royal Court. We have a product that is life-changing that, not only keeps you feeling dry but can literally change the way that you view a natural part of life.

What do you have planned for 2022?

C.Nichole: For Wombilee, it’s about getting the name out there. We officially launch in March of 2022, so the focus will be trade shows, expos, conferences, educating women on the health aspects of menstruation and how Wombilee can be of assistance in that process. Encouraging more women to buy our product in 2022 is so important for us so we can able to start getting cartons together to travel around the world with our giveback initiation; helping fight period poverty in places that don’t get a lot of attention such as Africa and Latin America. Getting into retail establishments will be another big push while continuing to provide the best customer experience for those that shop our storefront at Wombilee.com

Raffinae LaJuan: We’re so excited for our official launch in March 2022. Being in the retail industry is in my direct wheelhouse, so this has been an amazing journey going from one side of the business to the other.

As C.Nichole mentioned our 2022 focus will be on trade shows, expos, conferences, educating women, and making an impact in the School Districts & on College campuses are hugely important. Schools and colleges are mandated to provide sanitary napkins and tampons. Why not provide a healthier, safer option for our youth. Our pads are made of organic cotton, with no fragrances dyes, chlorine, or pesticides. Our seven layers of protection are more absorbable than anything else on the market so, it allows our young ladies to stay dry and feel confident and unashamed about a natural part of life!

Finally, what is your definition of a Pretty Woman who Hustles?

C.Nichole: A woman who knows herself in and out, firm in her identity, and confident enough to do whatever she sets her mind to, without worrying about someone else’s opinion. Because a hustler knows that no one will have their back like they will have their back, so it takes a go-getter mentality to be a Pretty Woman who hustles.

Raffinae LaJuan: I would describe a Pretty Woman who hustles as a strong, bold, confident, charismatic, and intelligent woman. Who understands that no matter what obstacles come before you that nothing is impossible. In fact, the word “impossible” when it is broken down says, “I’m possible!” Take every no with a grain of salt and understand that no means not right now and you’re yes is on its way. You can be anything that you want to be in this lifetime. Grit, hustle, and grind is necessary, and remember “It All Begins With You!”. 

Stay up to date with Wombilee by visiting their site here.