Martha Elmore of I’MarE Boutique is very familiar with the need for self-care as a business owner. In honor of Women’s History Month on March 23, 2024, she partnered with and curated a Spa Day at Camellia Alise for five female entrepreneurs to unwind and recharge. Through this heartfelt gesture she wanted to honor the resilience and achievements of fellow female entrepreneurs, especially given her own experience of having to rebuild after losing her business to a tornado in 2022.
Left to Right: Natalie Christopher, Hermika Profit, Martha E., Miracle Williams, Keshia Wells, Martha w/Chef Brandy Hinds-Boone
The honorees were Natalie Christopher of Hair by Natalie Michelle, Keshia Wells of Elite Spectrum ABA, Miracle Williams of Miracle’s Nail & Lash Bar, Chef Brandy Hinds-Boone of Consuela’s Kitchen, and Hermika Profit of JWYN Custom Designs.
The ladies enjoyed indulgent facials and massages, complemented by champagne, and delicious custom charcuterie purses courtesy of Chef Brandy Hinds-Boone’s Consuela’s Kitchen as they exchanged inspiring stories of entrepreneurship. The CEOs shared advice on overcoming challenges and discussed their visions for the future. The event truly celebrated self-care and community, leaving participants feeling refreshed and inspired to continue their journey as empowered businesswomen.
As the proud owner and inventor of the world’s first smart talking inventory management keeping cabinet systems, Clever Cabinets LLC, Lenekka prides herself as being a not just a designer but one with an aesthetic sense. She’s invented one of the world’s soon to be most unique and innovative products! Because her unique and custom design of Clever Cabinets LLC, her product boasts of being able to eliminate most paper inventory, it enhances consumer and industrial filing routines and systems, as well this product talks in several languages which more will be added as the product continues to grow. Lenekka was also very proud to have obtained her very first two patents & trademarks for her product in 2011 and later on in 2013. Her primary goal is to to provide as many people as possible with her smart talking inventory and management systems. Which in turn will help them manage their daily tasks more efficiently. She has worked with multiple sectors like medical, social , ecommerce and now in software development. She loves new and innovative technology and she’s glad to have a small part in helping to bring about new and smart components of the technology we use today. She as well as her development team are looking forward to bringing the world a new and unique technology that will not only bring longevity to businesses but also help assist the deaf and the blind communities.
Lenekka, as the proud owner and inventor of Clever Cabinets LLC, can you share the inspiration behind creating the world’s first smart talking inventory management keeping cabinet systems?
My inspiration behind creating Clever Cabinets LLC, was I simply became frustrated with having to make several trips back and forth to the grocery because I kept forgetting items that either myself or a family member needed. So I sat down one evening after my sister had told me about a company she had found that helps people who invent ideas/products to bring them to market. So I started thinking of ways to enhance grocery shopping. Hence Clever Cabinets LLC was born.
Your product is described as eliminating most paper inventory and enhancing consumer and industrial filing routines. How does Clever Cabinets LLC contribute to efficiency in managing daily tasks, and what makes it stand out in the market?
Clever Cabinets contributes to efficiency by way of its smart intelligent coded programming to keep an accurate count/information of any and all that have been scanned into its database. So any business or consumer can efficiently keep up with an accurate count of their current inventory. So as items are scanned into the database you have the option to input the quantity currently being scanned in and then once an item is scanned out you have an accurate accounting of what’s currently available in your Clever Cabinet smart system.
The unique design of Clever Cabinets LLC includes the ability to talk in several languages, with more languages planned for the future. How did the idea of incorporating multilingual capabilities come about, and what impact do you envision this feature having on users?
As an inventor and creative I’m always thinking of ways that people of all backgrounds and nationalities can benefit from my product in some capacity. So as I started thinking about other products that are currently on the market I started thinking about how for the most part most product instruction manuals come in English, Spanish, and French. Well I thought that in order for everyone to have an opportunity to enhance their filing routines my product needs to be in a language that people can understand. So I started having discussions with my software developer about beginning the process of programming the device to speak in multiple languages. The impact that this will have on users is that it will be in their native tongue and that they can understand how to use the product because they know and understand what it’s guiding them to do as they use the product.
Obtaining patents and trademarks for Clever Cabinets in 2011 and 2013 is a significant achievement. Can you share the challenges you faced during the patenting process?
The challenges I faced in working towards applying for the patents were of course making sure I had all of the necessary paperwork completed correctly and getting everything submitted to the patent office in a timely manner. And sometimes the mail can be delayed due to a number of reasons. But despite having to stay on top of all of that and other personal obligations I was able to keep getting everything done that I needed to in reference to getting my patents and trademark.
Your primary goal is to provide as many people as possible with smart talking inventory and management systems. How has Clever Cabinets LLC been applied across different sectors like medical, social, ecommerce, and software development, and what has the response been from these industries?
In preparation for setting my product up to talk and function in multiple languages, once the product is ready for market launch medical professionals across the globe will be able to utilize my product to help enhance their patient care, by being able to have information of the patient’s medical records, medications, etc., while being cared for in medical facilities. As far as the e-commerce industries, my product will especially enhance inventory needs for grocery stores, hospitals as mentioned previously, and as far as the software industry…this is a unique and new form of technology and artificial intelligence, that is just mind-blowing! I say that because when people ask me about my product when they see the advertisements that I’m currently utilizing to promote my product, they are blown away simply by the name.., smart-talking cabinets. And then as I begin to tell them what they can do so many people have told me personally that they are anticipating my product launches because there is need/demand for my product.
Looking at the broader impact, how do you envision Clever Cabinets LLC bringing longevity to businesses? What role does it play in enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability for various organizations?
The longevity that I envision for my product is simply…there is always going to be a need to keep up with things and have inventory to provide supply and demand for our economy. As long as we have running and operational businesses they have to have inventory and they have to keep it replenished. In order to do so they have to know how much that particular inventory needs to be replaced and how often it needs to be done. Hence that’s the global problem I have solved for so many businesses and even consumers for their everyday needs. And that’s also the sustainability that Clever Cabinets LLC brings to the table globally.
Have you constantly contemplated starting your own business? Do you not where to start or which resources are the most valuable? Are you questioning whether or not you need to create a business plan? Let me start off by telling you that ALL businesses need to create a business plan! This is one of the most skipped steps when starting your business and it is also one of the most important steps to create a thriving business. Let’s dive into some of the biggest resources of having a business plan.
Do You Really Need A Business Plan?
A business plan is a very important and strategic tool for entrepreneurs. A good business plan not only helps entrepreneurs focus on the specific steps necessary for them to make business ideas succeed, but it also helps them to achieve short-term and long-term objectives.
A business plan is a very important and strategic tool for entrepreneurs. A good business plan not only helps entrepreneurs focus on the specific steps necessary for them to make business ideas succeed, but it also helps them to achieve short-term and long-term objectives. Benjamin Franklin once said, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” (Benjamin Franklin).
While a business plan is essential to entrepreneurship, not every entrepreneur sees the need for one. Many are reluctant to have their plan written down and there are numerous articles online claiming that the business plan is dead or irrelevant. Of course, not everyone agrees with that. A large number of business funding experts support the idea that having a good business plan is not enough. Even excellent business ideas can be useless if you cannot formulate, execute and implement a strategic plan to make your business idea work. If you are looking to raise funds from institutional investors and lenders, keep in mind that having a good business plan is extremely valuable. You should aim to have a well-documented plan that speaks for itself. It needs to be clear and easy to read and understand.
Before writing a business plan, it is important to consider two important factors:
Who will the reader be?
What do you want their response to be?
For example, if you are interested in raising capital, investors will likely be your target audience. If you are interested in partnerships or joint ventures, your potential business partners will be your audience. Whoever this audience may be, focus on the key message you want them to receive in order to get the response you want.
Four Reasons to Write a Business Plan
1. To raise money for your business
Potential investors or lenders want a written business plan before they give you money. A mere description of your business concept is not enough. Instead, ensure you have a thorough business and financial plan that demonstrates the likelihood of success and how much you will need for your business to be successful in the long-term.
2. To make sound decisions
As an entrepreneur, having a business plan help you define and focus on your business ideas and strategies. You not only concentrate on financial matters, but also on management issues, human resource planning, technology and creating value for your customer.
3. To help you identify any potential weaknesses
Having a business plan helps you identify potential pitfalls in your idea. You can also share the plan with others who can give you their opinions and advice. Identify experts and professionals who are in a position to give you invaluable advice and share your plan with them.
4. To communicate your ideas with stakeholders
A business plan is a communication tool that you can use to secure investment capital from financial institutions or lenders. You can also use it to convince people to work for your enterprise, to secure credit from suppliers and to attract potential customers.
Creating a business plan involves a lot of thought. You need to consider what you want to do and use that as a starting point. It does not need to be complicated. At its core, your plan should identify where you are now, where you want your business to go and how you will get there. Writing a good business plan does not guarantee success, but it can go a long way toward reducing the odds of failure. Besides, even if you are not looking for investment, your entrepreneurial plans will fall flat quickly without a plan to guide them.
How Long Should a Business Plan Be?
This is a really good question!
It should be as long or as short as it needs to be.
There is no hard and fast rule. Some past grant winners have had very short business plans with their applications while other winners have had very long business plans. Simply provide the best business plan that will demonstrate to the review committee what your business and/or organization does and how you operate.
To be a woman who makes “Pretty” moves you must first understand the gift you hold within and next understand how to utilize it.
Na’Kedra Rodgers is a speaker, author, and influencer. A southern belle with sass; she has experienced heartache, healing, and everlasting hope. She is an overcomer and encourages others to declare they are as well using spirit-filled, uplifting words.
Outside of entrepreneurship and business, Who is Na’Kedra Rodgers in five words?
I’ve always been an outspoken person, but I began to feel as if I had no voice. I really had no clue what my purpose was in life and honestly, my spirit was broken. I began to self-reflect and call on God and things got better the more I did these things. I knew that other women could relate I wanted to help them get to their breakthrough. I wanted to offer women hope and encouragement. I wanted to remind them that they were special, and chosen and that God had a plan for their lives so they couldn’t give up
What message do you hope every woman walks away with when they encounter OptimisticallyKe?
Wait on God- Trials come. Life is hard but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. You can find restoration while waiting on God.
Trust His plan- God knows what’s best for you. God is building your character and you will be stronger when it’s over.
It will get better- Storms pass. Praise Him in the middle of it. Your breakthrough is right there. Keep going your blessing is on the way
Tell us about your ministry.
OptimisticallyKe is a Spiritual, Motivational Speaker, Author, and Influencer. She desires to pour into broken women who feel as if they have no hope and are ready to throw in the towel. She believes that her calling is to serve these women by reminding them who God says they are. They are Unique, Empowered, Chosen, Healed, Forgiven, Resilient, and Overcomers. To encourage them to seek God’s Plan for their lives and walk in the purpose that God intended for them long ago.
Can you share your 2022 journey with us?
OptimisticallyKe posted daily inspirational videos on social media since April 2021. She created a logo for her business in December 2021. In January 2022, she took money from her savings and paid for 50 affirmation T-shirts to be made using 5 buzz words: Unique, Chosen, Overcomer, Healed, and Forgiven with corresponding bible verses. She introduced the shirts on social media and sold out in 4 days. To date, she has sold over 500 T-shirts. In February, OptimisticallyKe attended her first vendor event. She also applied for her LLC. In March, OptimisticallyKe authored her first book Kneeling Earnestly for Transformation 30-Day Devotional and started selling it at the Working Women Wednesdays networking event. To date, she has sold 300 copies. In April, OptimisticallyKe opened a business account, had professional photos done, purchased business cards, and launched her website. She also was a featured author for the AriseDaily.com e-devotional. Over the next few months, OptimisticallyKe was out in the community as a vendor at several pop-up shops. In July, OptimisticallyKe attended and graduated from a Christian Communicators Conference held at Riley Center Seminary in Fort Worth. In August, she signed with Redemption Press to get Kneeling Earnestly for Transformation 30-Day Devotional published with the full distribution. In September alone, OptimisticallyKe did 3 vendor events. She also became a member of the Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce. October is more vendor events. It’s been a busy year and there’s more to come.
How did your ministry excel, what major moves are you proud of?
OptimisticallyKe is proud that she gave God a yes and that she’s been consistent even after encountering obstacles. She started posting inspirational videos on social media in April 2021 and to see it evolve into an actual business, platform and ministry are amazing.
OptimisticallyKe has a product line: affirmation T-shirts, 30-day Devotional, and jewelry yes I have custom earrings and bracelets. Won’t He Do It! She has been featured in ShoutoutDFW, AriseDaily.com e-devotional, and Biztv. OptimisticallyKe is excited about her faith walk, running for Jesus, and spreading optimism and the gospel. Everything is happening so fast and OptimisticallyKe is grateful that God’s favor is upon her life. She is claiming more major moves in her immediate future.
What is next for you in 2023?
OptimisticallyKe desires to expand her reach by speaking at conferences, summits, luncheons, and galas; however, she wants all that God has in store for her. She is operating in the realm of No Limits. God has already blown her mind in 2022 with the doors that He’s opened on her behalf. She believes this is just the beginning and it’s up from here.
What is your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles?
A woman who believes in herself and is confident in her capabilities. A woman who knows her worth and goes after what she wants. A woman who fears God but knows that with Him all things are possible. There is no dream too big for Him to make it a reality.
Dr. McBride’s executive coaching programs have produced a generation of exceptional leaders who have transformed industries using sustainability and innovation while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. “The focus is on building emotionally intelligent leaders and helping them understand and conceptualize the concepts of emotional intelligence with applying self-awareness, self-regulation, and self-motivation,” Dr. McBride says.
Her upcoming book explores the psychological theories and their applications of the operational style assessment, making it the new ‘Leadership Language’ of the 22 Century. “It gives you a deeper insight on how to utilize the theories to benefit how you engage others, communicate, make decisions, and how to fully show up in your professional and personal life.”
Dr. Karen McBride provides Entrepreneurs, Influencers & Thought Leaders with the insight and expertise necessary in the areas of entrepreneurship, corporate structure & business acumen, as well as, counseling/mentoring professionals dedicated to providing them moral support and actionable value in both their business and personal lives; empowering, strengthening, encouraging, and challenging them in identifying their unique purpose, equipping and enabling them by teaching them transformative lifestyle changes to live positive, dynamic, impactful, influential lives by supporting & propelling them to show up to lead & win.
Patrice: What motivated/inspired you to start a business?
Dr. Karen: I was raised in the inner city of Compton, California. I was destined to reach higher heights in the entrepreneurial and leadership space. I was leading and starting businesses in elementary school. As a teenager headed to college, I sold my flower business to a florist and received $11,000 to pay towards my education. I was always an entrepreneur. I always believed in leadership, bringing me to realize my goal was always to lead people. Not just lead people, but in a way that would produce results, that would create opportunities, and that would shift the norm of what people would consider leadership to be.
Additionally, I believed in education and how it would support my business acumen. I did not plan to have 5 degrees. However, I worked hard to establish an impressive college background, obtaining my bachelor’s in business administration, a master’s in management and organizational leadership, and two doctoral degrees in business administration/ organizational psychology, psychology/management & consulting, and human letters honored for research.
Patrice: What makes you a pretty woman that hustles?
Dr. Karen: Ha-ha, I love that! I see, ‘pretty’ as an internal state of your being. Meaning, the work I do, is because of my inner awareness of who I am, and how I can use my expertise to help others. I train small business leaders and executives to become emotionally intelligent leaders. I teach the highest level of leadership theory to reach the most significant level of growth. So, with that, I would deem it equates to a “pretty awesome hustle.”
Patrice: What is the name of your business(es) and what are they all about?
Dr. Karen:MKCircle Enterprises: CEO Institute Executive and Business Coaching.
MKCircle Enterprises, LLC offers individuals, small business owners, entrepreneurs, corporate, non-profit, and civic leaders a one-on-one curriculum that support professional growth, life planning, and goal setting. It also explores personal and professional pressures that may hinder progress and growth—introducing several tools that support daily decision-making and leadership, all of which can be shared with other leaders, colleagues, and subordinates.
The CEO Institute offers executive coaching, leadership development team building, and engagement programs that provide one-on-one, cohort and team curriculum that supports professional advancement, personal growth, success strategies, and tools to create the best YOU! It is like no other program in the market. The focus is on three main theories: Operational Style Language, Emotional Intelligence, and Mindset. We explore personal and professional pressures that may hinder progress and growth introducing several tools that can be shared, as well.
We offer:
1:1 Executive Coaching Programs (Executive Leaders, Small Business Owners, Civic Leadership, Entrepreneurs)
Cohort Leadership Program
Team Building and Engagement Programs
And, much more.
Patrice: Have you faced any challenges in your business?
Dr. Karen: Starting as a small business and now scaling into a more mid-level business, presents some challenges. Our main challenges have been funding for expansion and hiring new coaches with the proper education credentials. But if I am speaking about my small business clients, they experience the same challenges around funding. However, they also need support in marketing, customer engagement, understanding their business, and making it profitable and sustainable within their community. The pandemic has been a struggle for some of my small business clients, but it’s also been profitable for some. I always encourage my clients to use my EOES Business Growth Model to plan for the unexpected. The EOES Business Growth Model represents, Emulate, Originate, Establish and Sustain. We support them in creating a plan using the model to follow, which ultimately promotes sustainability during challenging times.
Patrice: What projects are you currently working on?
Dr. Karen: I have several projects that are happening simultaneously. I will share three that I am extremely excited about.
First, I am teaching a Business Health 101 course to legacy business owners in the Los Angeles area. This project is so near and dear to my heart because I grew up in the inner city of Los Angeles. I am a proud product of the inner city. This is an opportunity for me to bring my expertise back to the inner city to support economic growth.
Secondly, I was offered the opportunity to publish a section in Business Matters magazine, for 12 issues, called “Executive Coaching Corner with Dr. Karen.” This is so amazing because I can reach an audience not just in the US, but in the UK and Australia. I get to coach individuals monthly with tips and resources that support professional growth and business sustainability.
Lastly, with my longtime colleague, we created the Operational Style Assessment. It embarks on a new leadership language that will help leaders communicate effectively and learn about their true selves. When I speak of leaders, I speak of everyone who leads their professional sector, in their personal lives, and social circles. The language is universal.
Patrice: How do you face diversity as a woman entrepreneur?
Dr. Karen: I wrote a quote that says, “High heels are not about being comfortable; they are for leveling the playing field.” I wrote that in closing on a talk I was giving to a group of young female professionals who needed to hear that we are enough. We are tall enough, we are smart enough, we are strong enough, to stand equal to our male counterparts in any sector. Although we have come far, there is still inequity in pay, position, and perception. That quote represents my stance, my obligation as a leader to stand when injustice, a lack of inclusion, and a lack of diversity are present. I believe it is my job to pave the way for women who walk behind me and alongside me and support them in their growth.
Patrice: Is balancing your personal life, work life and business life difficult for you at times?
Dr. Karen: Work-Life balance is a priority for me. I teach work-life balance within the CEO Institute programs because as leaders and hard workers, we get caught up in what I call the loyalty spiral. We misconstrue loyalty by not leaving work on time. We discount our needs and place them behind our work. What we fail to realize is that it is a dysfunction and more of a hindrance to our growth. If we continue to work in that capacity, the inevitable is resentment, unhappiness, not being fulfilled at work or home. I do my best to balance my work and personal life. I leave my office when it is time to go home. I don’t take client meetings during my off days or off times. I’m a better leader, a better teacher, a better coach if I have that balance, and I want to be a role model for my clients. I want to practice what I teach.
Patrice: How would you say your business differs from others in the same industry you work in?
Dr. Karen: There are countless times that I hear from a corporate client or an individual client that there is no other coaching firm doing the work that you do, how do you do it? Our results speak for themselves. Our research showed me that 1:1 dyad executive coaching breeds the highest results. It was essential for us to make our coaching programs about our client’s needs, not about time or money.
Not only are we business strategists and an executive coaching firm, but we are also a research firm. We believe the data that we produce. The data offered that we needed to teach theory in a practical way and create training with tools that would be used and not forgotten. All our programs are 4 to 12 months long. We do not have one-week executive coaching programs or 1-hour group trainings. We have a results-based curriculum, and to teach that curriculum takes time on task, repetition, and engagement. We base all our training on sustainable research and the results that our clients receive. That is what makes us different.
Patrice: What does be an entrepreneur or business owner mean to you?
Dr. Karen: To me, it means that I have the opportunity to welcome diversity of thought, engage in like-minded leader projects, teach my curriculum, make a difference in individual’s lives, and support business growth. I also have the opportunity to create, collectively build, individually and intentionally shift sectors of business that I would not have typically engaged in my previous role as a COO of a large corporation. The most important part of being an entrepreneur and a business owner is doing the work I love every day.
I believe pretty is not about the outer appearance, but instead what is deep within you~ Feleshia Sams
Feleshia was considered the “go-to-girl” for make-up in college. Now she is the CEO of the Atlanta-based Academy of Advanced cosmetics (AAC,) a cosmetic training academy and hub for beauty technicians and artists. Feleshia is also the CEO of Coz Tat, a mobile app created with cosmetic artists and consumers in mind and 365 Greens, a holistic brand that boasts a green superfood powder that has proven to strengthen weakened immune systems and energy.
Patrice: What motivated/inspired you to start a business?
Feleshia: From the age of 5 I was saying that I told myself that I wanted to be the boss. At that time I had no idea of what I was going to do all I knew was that I wanted to run my own business. Growing up as an only child with only my mom and I. I saw how she was able to build her own business and that inspired me to want to do the same one day.
Patrice: What makes you a pretty woman that hustle?
Feleshia: I believe pretty is not about the outer appearance but instead what is deep within you. You can have a pretty face, body, and gorgeous hair but a ugly heart. Physical appearances fade and who we truly are resides within us forever. Being pretty is what do we do for our families, communities, those around us. How we live, work, and give back. Its my mission to be that “pretty” example for both my children and those that may look up to me and want to do what I’m doing today.
Patrice: What is the name of your business(es) and what does it intel?
Feleshia: I have 3 businesses. 2 are cosmetic related and 1 is health and nutrition.
Academy of Advanced Cosmetics is a cosmetic training academy that trains, mentors, supplies our very own cosmetic tattoo products to students in the industry.
CozTat is my app that connects cosmetic tattoo artist and clients together. We provide a complete business system for our artist to manage their calendars, take payments, send electronic consent forms, and showcase their work. The app is free to clients where they can check out reviews, artist pictures, check certification / licensing credentials, schedule, and pay all within the app.
365 Greens is my green superfood powder. This is a superfood powder that is a daily powder that can be mixed in water or your favorite drink to provide you all the multi vitamins and nutrients you need. It’s simple to mix and taste really good unlike most powders on the market.
Patrice: Have you faced any challenges in your business?
Feleshia: Being in business has a lot of ups and downs. Some recent challenges that I had to face was finding the right contractors and support for some of my businesses. For example, when I see that someone or company is not providing me what I need I have learned to move on, but before I do I always have a backup. When I initially started my app I started with one developer and then found that I was not getting what I wanted. As a result, I left and moved on the next. Yes, it was costly but in the long run I feel as though it was going to save me a lot in the long run. The same with my superfoods brand. Having my own vision of what I want and what others say they can do can sometimes cause you to redirect your vision to what they can do. So just as with the app I found myself moving to another manufacture that was able to give me exactly what I was looking for. Bottom line I have to trust my gut and stick to my guns and know that this is my vision. Sometimes others can’t see it and that’s okay but I know at the end of the day if I’m paying I need to get what I’m paying for.
Patrice: Are you currently working on any current projects right now?
Feleshia: I have a new project coming out that is an online business course. It’s called PMU Resources make 6 figures while working 3 days a week or less. This is through my Academy and will be available to all permanent makeup artist. I wanted to layout the blue print on how I did this my first year in and how they can do this to. Also, I am coming out with a green superfood for kids in May 2021. This is through 365 Greens and will be specifically for kids.
Patrice: How do you face diversity as a woman/man entrepreneur/author?
Feleshia: I would say while developing my app it was sometimes a challenge. Being that the tech field is so male dominant. Also, I was creating something as a woman for mainly women and they knew nothing about it. It was huge challenge. In the development phase we would have weekly conference calls and it would be all these men and then me. I knew from the first meeting that if I wanted my app to be a certain way I was going to have to drive my point across and let them know that yes this woman has voice. Despite the fact I was spending my money I always felt that I had to defend my view on why I didn’t like their ideas. This was part of why I switched developers. I’m still with a bunch of guys but I find this new group is way more respectful and inclusive.
Patrice: Is balancing your personal life, work life and business life difficult for you at times?
Feleshia: Yes, yes, and yes! Lately it has been a lot but I feel that once I get through these next few months I’ll be able to get more balance. I consider myself to be an extremely organized person so this helps tremendously along with a terrific staff.
Patrice: Do you have any new projects or events coming up?
Feleshia: At the Academy we use to do an annual PMU and Micro blading event. Due to COVID-19 we delayed it so the plan is to do it again March 2022.
Patrice: What does being an entrepreneur or business owner mean to you?
Feleshia: Being an entrepreneur means that I have no limits on what I can do in my career. As an entrepreneur there’s no glass ceilings and no climbing that corporate ladder. This is so rewarding to me and I am so blessed to be where I am today. It’s hard-work but I wouldn’t trade it for any 9-5.
A natural-born optimist, registered nurse, and practitioner, Keisha Brown has always believed that positive energy makes you feel healthier, happier, and more empowered. With over 5 years of experience at the helm, Keisha is an ER travel nurse who specializes in Pediatric and Adult Emergency Medicine. Her love for helping others was initiated at a young age and, over the years, has revolutionized that experience by infusing comprehensive wellness methods for clients all over the country. This carefulness has continued throughout her career, especially when serving as a frontline nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic. Having learned the intricacies of patient testing, Keisha went on to serve as a primary wellness practitioner at Tyler Perry Studios and Warner Brothers, in an effort to enforce safe filming practices for talent and staff. The founder of D.O.P.E Healing, a concierge IV therapy and wellness clinic, Keisha specializes in helping clients unlock the healing power of holistic health.
“Never underestimate my potential, I’ve been essential,” ~Keisha Brown
Patrice: What motivated/inspired you to start a business?
Keisha: To give back to my community. Weather it was by providing nursing services, different resources or being able to create jobs. Instead of hosting or participating in conversation about wanting change. I decided to start by being the change that I wanted to see in this world. 2020, was a dark year for the myself and the world. After coming off the frontlines and experiencing depression, I had to find a way to get back to my safe place of happiness. I do that by helping others. I got tired of wrestling with the thoughts of choosing money and politics over morals. I knew my community needed help. I witnessed the world loosing trust in HealthCare. And they had good reasons to feel the way they did. I wanted to help bridge the gap and gain the public’s trust again. But we have to work together and have empathy for one another. Once I found other ways of keeping people safe and alive, then I choose to take that route. So that meant me leaving the bedside and getting back into my community. My focus was to keep people of out the hospital, especially if it wasn’t urgent or emergent. So in my mind I’m helping my fellow colleagues and the community at the same time. I also wanted to do something special with my daughter, usually men work on cars or build houses with their son. So I decided to build a brand and create a legacy with my daughter. This is me braking generational curses.
Patrice: What makes you a pretty woman/man that hustle?
Keisha: I’m a beautiful woman driven by the success that is reflected towards my passion for what I love to do. I enjoy what I do, helping a patient, putting a smile on a face, healing, helping, being a gift to others. Being of service. My journey has not been short or easy, however it was worth the travel, the experience and the lessons along the way. Along this road, I’ve lost people close and dear to me and I learned their impact carries in me. During the dark times that will come, I may bend, but I won’t break.
” Never underestimate my potential. I’ve been essential” Keisha Brown
Patrice: What is the name of your business and what does it intel?
Keisha: D.O.P.E. HEALING. D.O.P.E. stands for Delivering Only Positive Energy. We offer concierge nursing services, IV Hydration, Vitamin Injections, Rapid Co-VID testing, FIT testing, lab draws, urine drug and STD screening, CBD products and more.
“Energy is everything. Where the mind goes the body follow.” Keisha Brown, BSN,RN
Patrice: Have you faced any challenges in your business?
Keisha: Absolutely! I allowed loyalty to keep me in places that common sense would have taken me out of. Once I understood my purpose was greater than anyone’s opinion of me, I was ok with leaving people and opinions where I found them. Developing a business automatically comes with trials and failures because of the people you have to learn and adapt to (photographers, web designers, lawyers, etc.) Learning to mind the business that pays me, saved me from losing a lot of things like my mind, money and time. I have to protect my energy and peace at all costs. The energy that you have is the energy you put out. protect yourself the way others won’t.
Patrice: Are you currently working on any current projects right now?
Keisha: Yes. I’m working on starting non -profit organization. I’m planning an event on Mother’s Day in honor of my later mother Paula Nixon, who passed away unexpectedly January 16, 2021. My mother had a larger- than- life personality and a heart that loved without limits. This will be my 1st Mother’s Day without her, undoubtedly the hardest one so I want to put my heart into the world and make someone else smile. Over the summer D.O.P.E. Healing will be partnering with business owners, community leaders and sponsors for community health based events (Covid-19 testing, vaccine distribution, etc.) pending the events can be conducted primarily in regards to public safety.
You can find these announcements and/or updates on my website http://www.dopehealingatl.com, IG page: d.o.p.e.healing, Facebook: D.O.P.E. Healing.
Patrice: How do you face diversity as a woman/man entrepreneur/author?
Keisha: Day by day with a strong team in support. What is expected in any business is that there will be trials and tribulations. That is a guarantee. However how you choose to respond is what will define you as a person and will reflect in the strength for your business. Losses are inevitable but the perseverance is detrimental to success. Foundation to your motive of your business is also pertinent to success. Money is a side result of the service or product you provide. For that reason, stay grounded in your belief and your motive will exude and produce results.
Patrice: Is balancing your personal life, work life and business life difficult for you at times?
Keisha: Absolutely. I’m a wife, mother and CEO. For a while I felt as though I could only depend on myself to complete a task. Developing the right team to complete assignments was a challenge. Needless to say, I had trust issues, it was extremely stressful in itself. Because delegation and prioritization is a must to help cultivate a healthy balance to prevent yourself from burning out. So I had to learn how to trust, but verify. It’s still a work in progress.
For that reason, commitment to your business is imperative. If you don’t believe in it with consistency and passion, who will. One thing that I’ve learned and continue to work on, is separating my personal life from my business. But making sure I take care of things in my personal life first, so it does not show up in my business. Separate your titles, you are not your job, your job is what you do. you are not where you work but when you work is a reflection of you.
Patrice: Do you have any new projects or events coming up?
Keisha: I have several community events that I’m lining up for the Summer time. These events are contingent based and will only take place if it can be conducted safely. You can find these announcements and/or updates on my website http://www.dopehealingatl.com or on my IG page: d.o.p.e.healing
Patrice: What does being an entrepreneur or business owner mean to you?
Keisha: As an entrepreneur I am independent. I am responsible for a service and a production. As a business owner I have the capability to impact lives and provide jobs that are needed in my community. I provide an example to those who see me and see past their circumstance. It’s not about the destination. It’s the journey for me. Being the change.
I AM a woman who has a soft touch, but also one whose presence is felt.
Writing has always been fun and fundamental for me ever since I was nine years old. At that age most little girls and boys weren’t thinking too much about writing nor painting. But when God has blessed you with a significant gift to write, you best believe your gift should never be wasted! I’m glad that I was given the gift to write because God was looking out for me on what my purpose is. To be honest, I struggled for years trying to figure out what type of writing should I pursue. Of course I’m an author of nine books, but is that just a hobby for me? A passion? Or a career? When I started my children’s book series called “Come Learn with Patricia,” my goal was to educated people on Sickle Cell Disease and who it affects. I’m only passionate now completing my book series because it’s educational. But I look back at all the book ideas I have stored in my head and nothing comes out on paper. I have a bunch of short stories I can write, but my focus right now is writing for magazines and interviewing people. So now that I have talked briefly about my writing career, I want to share with you some writing tips to get your soul going! You don’t have to be a professional writer to know these tips either.
Write from a place of familiarity. A lot of times, writing from a place that makes sense and that they are used to seeing in the environment. For authors, similar scenery may trigger a story..or two.
Traveling sparks writing fever! If you love traveling, you should write/blog about it! I remember living in Hawaii for five years when my dad was in the Air Force and the scenery was so beautiful! Back in high school, I journaled a lot and that’s when I got my start in writing poetry when I was 15. If you travel, write about the scenery or it can turn into a book! You never know!
Writing is therapeutic! I can honestly say that writing is good for the soul! It’s relaxing and relieves a lot of stress. For example, if you have been through a lot of major challenges in the last couple of months, writing how you feel can help with processing thoughts and frustrations. Make time to write for at least 15 minutes a day if possible. It can make a difference!
Practice writing on themes. Let’s say a theme of an event or week is ‘Forever Young’ See how many sentences or paragraphs you come up with for writing on a specific theme.
Take a writing course. We can always improve your writing by taking extra courses. Even though I graduated back in 2009 from college, I still plan to take writing courses to learn more about a particular type of writing I’m interested in. Go ahead and take a course and see how it helps your writing in the long-run.
Dreams are illustrations from the book your soul is writing about you. Marsha Norman
Patrice: It is so great to sit down and interview you. Let the readers know who you are and what your business is.
At first, I never thought I wanted to act, but now I love the glam and being in front of the camera. Acting is something, and I am very interested.
Cree: Great to sit with you as well! Thanks for thinking of me to interview. My name is Cree Campbell. I am currently the newest member of Growing Up Hip Hop LA. My father is Luther Campbell, and my dad (Stepfather) is Ted Lucas, owner of Slip N Slide records. I own and operate two businesses ‘Inspire Agency’, an experiential marketing firm that cultivates branded moments and corporate events. ‘Inspire Body Recovery’ is a luxury post-op concierge service to assist “dolls” in their post-surgery journey.
Patrice: Tell us about your advocacy of health and wellness. How important is that for you?
Cree: Health and wellness are vital to me because I’ve seen the downside of not being healthy when it comes to family members suffering from high blood pressure and heart disease. This all stems from not living a healthy lifestyle.
Patrice: You are the latest cast of Growing up Hip Hop. How does that feel?
Cree: Wow! It’s insane! Being the newest member of WE TV #1 show ‘Growing Up Hip Hop LA’ is enormous for me and business overall. It’s an honor that they reached out and wanted me and to hear my story. I am genuinely excited about it.
Patrice: This is definitely exciting news since I’m also a fan of the show! What are you expected to learn from others on the show that has been on there for a while?
Cree: I do not think any expectations are made of me in regards to learning from anyone. However, I am open to learning because I do not know everything. Maybe I will learn something you’ll have to tune in in June.
Patrice: Will do! I will be counting down until June! LOL. So are you currently working on any new projects?
Cree: Yes! Omg, I have some pretty cool new stuff in the works for “C.Swim,” which is my swim line. I also have another brand called ‘FIM33’,“Faith in Motion33,” which is a workout line that Mama Tina came up with, and we are doing a mother-daughter project in regards to that. I am also purchasing land lots in Florida to build luxury single-family homes and duplexes geared towards middle-class families. I feel like in certain areas, the houses are run- down, and everyone, no matter their financial status, should feel good and peace when entering their home.
Patrice: Wow! You have a lot going on for yourself and I see that you are an entrepreneur of many hats! Congrats to you in all your business ventures! Now since the pandemic hit last year and still is going on in 2021, has it affected your business or planned projects in any way?
Cree: The pandemic has ultimately shut down events for big branded clients, and it’s sad because I have all these concerts and partnerships that were ready to go for 2020 and 2021. But it made me look at life differently. I honestly feel less stressed without doing ground-up events. But I’ve also been given opportunities to partner with others and still execute concerts. My company was responsible for the first two ‘City Girls’ shows in Florida when JT was released from prison. I’ve always wanted to make sure to execute because I am low-key, and I wanted to make sure to put on for not only the city but my state!
Patrice: Blessings on top of blessings! Have you been on other Television shows?
Cree: Yes. ‘Luke’s Parental Advisory’ on MTV, but I was young and extremely disconnected. It was probably the most awkward thing to be doing at 15 for me at the time.
Patrice: Do you see yourself becoming an actress in the long run?
Cree: At first, I never thought I wanted to act, but now I love the glam and being in front of the camera. Acting is something, and I am very interested. Someone should call Issa Rae and tell her I need to be in Rap Shit, lol.
Patrice: LOL. I understand because talent like Issa Rae deserves actresses like you who are hungry in this industry.
Follow Cree Campbell on IG @_itsmecree for more updates.
A storyteller and writer creating her own lane one opportunity at a time! Patrice Rivers is a 9x published author who created her own brand That Riverz Gurl Brand, LLC. Not only is she a certified journalist and freelance writer, but a Sickle Cell survivor and advocate. Patrice created the “Come Learn with Patricia” book series to share her personal testimony of living with SCD. Patrice is also the proud owner and creator of Versafi Media Magazine which is an online publication dedicated to entertainment news, articles and compelling interviews. Learn more about Patrice and That Riverz Gurl Brand, LLC by visiting www.thatriverzgurlbrandllc.com. Be sure to follow her on Instagram www.instagram.com/thatriverzgurlbrandllc and visit her website for her magazine at www.versafi.style to learn more.
Infusing her music artistry, fervent ambition with the positive inspiration she draws from her faith, Irene Eclavea is a shining testimony of the commitment it takes to pursue one’s dreams and goals and the utmost desire that comes from serving a higher purpose than your own. Her journey from church choir singer to a variety of professions in the service industry and as an entrepreneur was anything but predictable and she doesn’t take her recent success for anything less than a blessing from many years of dedication and perseverance. As a lifelong learner in the pursuit of knowledge, Irene is a Renaissance woman. Accomplished in both the arts and sciences, Irene is a registered dental assistant, licensed vocational nurse, licensed in property and casualty insurance, a high school teacher and adult instructor, and more. But it doesn’t stop there. She is also the president of the network consulting firm, Elevate DragonFly. With a plethora of professions, Irene believes that “once you reach a level where you feel it’s time for growth, there’s no reason for one to just stop there. Why not do everything we always thought we can do?”
Experiencing and overcoming challenging obstacles of life, Irene knew that there was more to the four walls that surrounded her. Singing in the ministry for about 15 years taught her to apply scriptures into reality; learning to “let go and let God” all in the faith and strength provided by God. For Irene, the entertainment industry was career driven first. Gathering all her knowledge and skills from her professions, she applied it into the influence of her networking business. Invited to attend the BET awards, Irene experienced her first few seconds of fame on TV. What “felt like heaven on earth”, as she describes, she was surrounded by amazing talents such as Blueface and Rihanna. Feeling like she could “breathe for the first time” ignited her journey of what we know as Elevate DragonFly today. Being born the Year of the Dragon is a part of Irene’s inspiration for the brand name. The design of the dragonfly intertwined with a flower but allowing the dragonfly itself to elevate is related to their mission: to elevate all of God’s people at the same time. Irene explains “with one, we fall and as a colony we rise. It’s about what the people of heaven’s wealth has given [me] and the relationships of everybody to work together and everybody rise. And with elevate, it’s just that. It’s about leading by faith.” Her goal as a network producer is to build strong, ever-lasting connections and mutually beneficial, strategic partnerships for people to network together. One of her many projects focuses on holding conferences on women empowerment.
“People are going to be People”
I don’t just see people; I see the spirits in people. Meaning, in every sense of the word, I only want to see the good in them. The gifts they hold, their aspirations, their dreams, their desire to succeed~ Irene
Patrice Rivers was able to catch up with Irene to sit and talk to her about her blooming and inspirational journey in business.
Patrice: What makes you a pretty woman that hustles?
Irene: Throughout my journey, I realized as children, we believed that anything was possible. If we wanted to become a superstar, then naturally, without fear, we become who we envision ourselves to be. As adults the world tells us to stay in our lanes. With that being said, for me, what makes a pretty woman that hustles, is one without limits. Moving from one project to the next, executing the plans, and planting the seeds to allow all that is envisioned to become a reality, each plan, a perfect piece of the puzzle. As I connect the pieces, “the pretty woman that hustles,” reaches for the next level of opportunity in each gifted career, with excellence, and carry out the plans that arise, to reach the goal of success.
Patrice: How did your journey in business begin?
Irene:“Be Careful What You Ask For, Because You May Just Get It.”
One day, I was working as a nurse at one of the most prestigious hospitals in Southern California. I had my life set. I was newly married for the second time, had the fairytale wedding of my dreams, successfully blended the lives of our six children, sang with a Praise and Worship Ministry, and was on my third successful professional career.
I was set, as a full-time employee, with a 401K, vacation time, sick time, PTO, childcare options, and every employee perk imaginable. My morning started the same every day, Monday – Friday. Coffee, cubicle, patient work-ups, messages, immunization schedules, and occasional monthly meetings. Five years of the same routine, until one day, I stared at the four walls of my station cubicle and said “GOD this can’t be it. This can’t be it. How do I minister to your people, if I am stuck behind these four walls? It doesn’t make sense. What you have planned for me, doesn’t make sense.”
Shortly after, I received the dreaded pink slip, and was asked to leave the premises, without an invitation to return. That is when my journey began. The Leap of Faith was given to me as a gift, based on my infinite question. Ready or not, I accepted my fate. And, learned how to strategically apply, every job, every lesson, and every professional nugget, learned throughout my multiple career experiences and professions, into my own company. That was how Elevate DragonFly was born.
Patrice: As a business owner, what challenges did you face along the way?
Irene:“People are going to be People”
I don’t just see people; I see the spirits in people. Meaning, in every sense of the word, I only want to see the good in them. The gifts they hold, their aspirations, their dreams, their desire to succeed. Unfortunately, one’s desire to knowingly or unknowingly, want to continue to repeat the same cycle, becomes evident once the momentum of each project begins. And since, personally, as well as colleagues I work with today, I do not believe in employees, but practice under the realm of partnerships. Juggling with the emotions can become challenging, leaving me to say “Sometimes, people are going to be people, it’s not their fault.”
Patrice: Tell us a little bit more about your business and what does it entail.
Irene: Elevate DragonFly is a network consulting firm that is set up to help entrepreneurs and businesses through strategic partnerships that utilize resources throughout the nation to develop their knowledge, financial stability, and company operations so that the businesses involved will strive and thrive.
Patrice: How do you balance your work life, personal life, and business life all at the same time?
Irene: Since I have been in many different professions throughout my life, I have had a lot of people come and go. I make sure that I only mix business with pleasure when needed . I do not have anyone from work in my personal business or life. Anyone that is in my corner, I make sure that they are trustworthy and reliable so that we can all grow together. I make sure that I keep God at the forefront of everything that I do making sure to always seek God with any decisions that I make before I make them. I learn from every mistake that I have made or will make so I will not have to repeat the lessons over again.
Patrice: Do you find that to be a challenge for you?
Irene: There are times that I find it to be a challenge because I want to help everyone, and I want everyone to succeed. However, I have learned that you can only help those that want to help themselves and a lot of people are comfortable with clocking in to a 9 to 5 job daily, that is one of the reasons that I keep my work life separate. A lot of people do not see the vision and that is ok. I have learned that I have to keep moving in the direction of the vision that God has given me and work with what comes when it comes.
Patrice: Where do you see your business in five years?
Irene: In 5 years, I see Elevate DragonFly being a franchised business and helping women and men around the world to be the best version of themselves.
Patrice: What advice would you give to someone who wants to become a business owner/entrepreneur?
Irene: To everyone that wants to become a business owner/entrepreneur I would tell them “NEVER give up on your dreams no matter how long it takes, no matter how many ideas you have, no matter what, keep doing it until you find the right one. God will always help you on your journey. If He did it for me, He will definitely do it for you. Have faith and put Him first and He will direct your path. My favorite verse in Habakkuk 2:2 (NKJV) states “Then the Lord answered me and said: “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.” Make sure that you write your vision and make a plan and stick to it step by step and if you get off track a little bit, that is ok, you will find your way back.
Patrice: Tell the readers about your new radio show, Elevate Doing Me.
Irene:Elevate Doing Me was founded by my former business partner, Mahonale Waters. This is an entity of Elevate DragonFly that is set to help young girls and young ladies to become the women that God has designed them to be. It is an etiquette class as well as it teaches them how to dress. It also helps them to learn how to manage their emotions and live a life that they would be happy to live when they are an adult.
Patrice: What is next for you and your business for the brand-new year?
Irene: There are major things that are already in motion, and more people will be blessed and be able to benefit from the vision of Elevate DragonFly through the partnerships that are being set up now.
A storyteller and writer creating her own lane one opportunity at a time! Patrice Rivers is a 9x published author who created her own brand That Riverz Gurl Brand, LLC. Not only is she a certified journalist and freelance writer, but a Sickle Cell survivor and advocate. Patrice created the “Come Learn with Patricia” book series to share her personal testimony of living with SCD. Learn more about Patrice and That Riverz Gurl Brand, LLC by visiting www.thatriverzgurlbrandllc.com. Be sure to follow her on Instagram www.instagram.com/thatriverzgurlbrandllc
Irene: There are times that I find it to be a challenge because I want to help everyone, and I want everyone to succeed. However, I have learned that you can only help those that want to help themselves and a lot of people are comfortable with clocking in to a 9 to 5 job daily, that is one of the reasons that I keep my work life separate. A lot of people do not see the vision and that is ok. I have learned that I have to keep moving in the direction of the vision that God has given me and work with what comes when it comes.
PRETTY WOMEN HUSTLE ONLINE 