Tag: patrice rivers

Greentop Gifts Shares Diversity in the Black Community with African-American Characters

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Jacquelyn Rodgers is the Founder of Greentop Gifts. Greentop Gifts started as an idea for her son and turned into a company bringing diverse products that reflect families for their own celebrations and holiday moments. Greentop Gifts has been featured in NBC News, Essence, People, and O, The Oprah Magazine. Jacquelyn is a recipient of the 2020 Visa • IFW Black Women Owned Business Grant, 2020 Wild Card Winner in the Stella Labs Women’s Fast Pitch Southeast Regional Competition and a participant in the 2020 Ad Astra Get to Even Founder Bootcamp. She has over 14 years of Consumer Packaged Goods experience at Nestle & Mars Wrigley. From this experience she has keen knowledge on how to take an idea from concept to actual product which has proved invaluable in the early stages of Greentop Gifts.

Patrice: What stuck for me while reading about your business is the name ‘Green Top Gifts’ which is unique. Could you tell us a little bit more about your motivation for creating Green Top Gifts?

Jacquelyn: Yes, I love telling the story of Greentop Gifts. It is an ode to my family. My grandfather had a restaurant bar in the 40’s/50’s which was called Greentop. It was a place of celebration for people in the black community because it was a place where people can go and enjoy the fellowship. This is how my grandfather got his start in entrepreneurship. My dad shined shoes there as a child. When we were deciding on names, we discussed it and that’s how I came up with the name.

Patrice: This is an amazing back story on how you came up with your business name! I like the fact that your grandfather owned a restaurant back in the day and that your dad shined shoes there as a child! Great memories to have! For those who don’t know, that Greentop gifts is an African-American décor and gift service and you mentioned that it features an African American character called Clarence Clause. Could you elaborate a little bit more on the character?

Jacquelyn: We launched the company with the idea of looking for black characters for the season that has a black Santa clause on it. I came to realize that it didn’t exist so I joked with my husband that I wanted to make wrapping paper and he just laughed. That made me start looking at manufacturers and illustrators and we created Clarence Clause that we wanted to appeal to children and adults.

Patrice: Now who would have thought of that idea? That is truly unique on how you moved on that idea of creating wrapping paper for black children! So, are the wrapping paper and other items that you guys sell specially sold online or are they in stores as well?

Jacquelyn: We currently sell online and partnered with some independent retailers in Chicago, Atlanta, Charlotte, and Raleigh. We are also looking to expand with some other retailers at the top of 2022!

Patrice: Sounds like a plan! Congrats on that! Like I stated before, your business is very unique and I love the whole representation and the whole meaning behind it. As far as diversity goes, how important is that to you and how do you empower not only kids, but adults on the importance of it?

Jacquelyn: Diversity is extremely important to me and to my husband especially since we are raising small children. We are factious about the images that we show them so that they see representation in television shows, the books they read, and even the celebration we do in our home. We try to make sure they understand and share with them the celebrations that are important to our family as well as people of other races and other nationalities.

Patrice: Well said! Diversity is extremely important in America! Besides Christmas wrapping paper, do you all have other wrapping paper for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries or graduations?

Jacquelyn: Yes, absolutely!

Patrice: Great to hear! Your business is located in Atlanta and it has been reported that Greentop Gifts had the record-breaking in sales this past year. Congrats on that big accomplishment!

Jacquelyn: Thank you! We were excited to work with big supporters of our brand. 2020 was a challenging year for us and a lot of businesses and entrepreneurs. We really tried to fight through that by creating product and content that our consumers were excited about; we just thrived through the pandemic! We are grateful for the support from our customers.

Patrice: Are you currently working on any new projects? What can the readers expect next from Greentop Gifts?

Jacquelyn: We are launching our Happy Birthday collection, we are expanding that with other products, such as gift bags. We are also getting ready for the holidays! Also, we are trying to get our products with some retailers to expand the marketplace.

Listen to more of this interview by visiting http://www.anchor.fm/theriverzreport

Connect with Greentop Gifts:

Website: www.greentopgifts.com

Instagram (business page) @greentopgifts

Meet Yvette Lloyd of Life Her Podcast! Get Uplifted and Motivated Through Candid Conversations

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Yvette Lloyd is a Philanthropist and Media Personality who partners with CEOs, executives, and solopreneurs to grow their personal and professional brands. Yvette has spent nearly a decade being a CEO for Fadia Young Women’s Program and owner of multiple learning centers. She has been honored with her own day, named the “Yvette Lloyd Day,” December 20th from the City of Akron, Commendation Summit County Council, and Congressional Recognition. Yvette’s organization Fadia Young Women’s Program received many features such as LSherie Alert, Rolling Out Magazine, SHEEN Magazine, Bombshell BLU Magazine, BET Experience, 19 Action News, Madamennorie, Devil Strip, Ohio.com, WKYC Channel 3 News, and more. Yvette creates such a positive and comfortable space for all the women and men she interviews. Trust and vulnerability are rare feelings that are difficult to experience with someone we have never met before. ButYvette has landed media coverage in print and broadcast outlets around the world, including the Super Bowl LIV 2020 private party with Dwayne and Theresa Bowe, BGR Fest, Zaytoven Beats private party at the Trap House Museum, I Am Queen Magazine Feature, Akron Beacon Journal National Black Guide and Boss Chicks.

Patrice: What does it mean to be a pretty woman who hustles?

Yvette: A woman that walks with confidence, make sacrifices and hustle.

Patrice: Podcasts are the new virtual and audio talk show of the century and they have so many wonderful shows from great podcasters like yourself! What made you want to start a podcast?

Yvette: My mother encouraged me to start a podcast. She was supposed to start it with me. But, she passed away before we were able to launch it together. So, now I have a passionate purpose to continue to uplift, inspire, and help women’s voices be heard on my podcast.

Patrice: Why do you feel that empowering and uplifting women is much needed in the world we live in today?

Yvette: Women are the root to making things happen. We endure so much in this world we live in and still manage to get up and go daily no matter what the circumstances may be going on in our personal lives. That’s why I created my platform to give all women the opportunity to be themselves, feel comfortable, and be vulnerable for once on a media outlet.

Patrice: The fact that your mother wanted to start the ‘Life Her Podcast’ with you and later she passed. You still had the strength to continue the legacy and start the podcast still. I applaud you for that! Since then, has things been difficult knowing your mom wasn’t physically there with you for the podcast?

Yvette: A lot of times it has been extremely difficult for me to keep pressing forward. However, with me coming from my mother’s womb I still feel her spirit and the connection I have always had with her. My husband also helped me and guided me a lot when she passed away too. Then, later I loss him as well. But, my purpose still serves a purpose to be that women that other women are everyday not even realizing it.

Patrice: Your podcast has received over 6,000 downloads! Congrats on your amazing journey! What do you want others to learn when they listen to each one of your episodes?

Yvette: Thank you so much! Yes, it has. I want each woman to develop strength, knowledge, wisdom, and courage from each woman I interviewed. We all carry something similar to each woman. We just have to listen to each other’s hearts more and love ourselves more to hear what God is trying to show you. Each journey in our lives serves a purpose and you listening to each woman on Life Her Podcast at that very moment is a reason for that because you could’ve occupied your time doing something else.

Patrice: Tell us more about being a CEO for Fadia Young’s Women Program. What was that experience like?

Yvette: It was a beautiful experience mentoring young girls in the community. It actually helped me to become the woman I am today as well. Sometimes we don’t recognize mental health issues in ourselves not until you see a reflection of yourself. I saw that in every girl and being an advocate and mentor for them is one of the best moments of my life.

Patrice: You also had celebrity features on your podcast such as Trina, Pretty Vee, Kissie Lee and more! What was it like having those heavy hitters on your podcast?

Yvette: I honestly don’t see a difference in them than we see in any other women. I loved every moment with them because it was an opportunity for me to let people see them for them on the inside instead of a celebrity. Sometimes people aren’t considerate of other people’s feelings and believe everything in the media. I want Life Her Podcast to give women that are celebrities a chance to be who they really are within instead of someone making them feel uncomfortable speaking about nonsense.

Patrice: Are you currently working on any new projects at the present moment?

Yvette: Yes! I’m actually working on a new show connected with Life Her Podcast that will feature my close friends. Also, I will be launching my new Networking Channel Called “Black Orange Network” that I started with my best friend Tommy Cherry.

Patrice: What can we expect more of on your podcast?

Yvette: More authenticity and more real life stories from women. Also, I will be interviewing some men as well real soon.

Connect with Yvette:

Facebook: Life Her Podcast

Instagram: @ lifeherpodcast

Twitter: lifeherpodcast

Website: http://www.lifeherpodcast.com

Dive Into New Beauty Brands with Alidib Beauty on the Rise! Women Making Boss Moves in Beauty

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Patrice: What motivated/inspired you to start a business?

Alicia: What motivated me to start Alidib Beauty was me actually starting my own natural hair journey. Back in 2009 I decided to big chop my heavily heat and relaxer damaged hair. After experiencing CCC a form of alopecia. I decided to become not only an example to myself. But my 3 beautiful black daughters who were following my destructive hair and skincare regimen. On how to embrace and care for what naturally came from my creator. Which was my naturally kinky curly 4b/4c hair. And oily acne prone skin.

Patrice: What makes you a pretty woman that hustles?

Alicia: I am a pretty woman that hustles because I believe in embracing my independent, go getter energy. I feel like I have a story to tell to my assigned audience. That not only will encourage, but motivate and inspire other beautiful women and men to attract their life of abundance. Through entrepreneurship and setting intentions to build self-sufficient generational wealth.

Patrice: What is the name of your business(es) and what are they all about?

Alicia: The name of my business is Alidib Beauty. I decided to give my brand this name because it’s a combination of my actual legal name. And what better way to introduce my consumer to my brand than sharing with them who I AM as a CEO.

Alidib Beauty is an all -natural herbal infused hair and skincare brand. That promotes and encourages the use of natural and organic ingredients. That help to nourish and replenish our bodies. Through our largest organ which is our skin. I believe healthy hair and skin start with what we 1st think about our bodies. Followed by what we put into or onto our skin. That’s why my brand motto is “Be You. Be Beauty+Full”!

Patrice: Have you faced any challenges in your business?

Alicia: The challenges I’ve faced so far as a business owner has been making the public aware of Alidib Beauty. Again, the mission is to promote healthy hair and skincare from the inside out. And as a small business or new business owner who has been used to being a stay at home mom of 9 since I was 14 years old, I’ve found it to be a challenge with marketing and getting my products into the hands and homes of the people who can truly benefit from them. Let’s just be honest, modern tech skills such as Tik Tok and Instagram isn’t my lane of expertise!

Another challenge of being a new business owner has been accepting the fact that I can’t be like Noah and build this Ark alone. Meaning, growing a sustainable brand isn’t a one -woman show. So I had to learn how to seek and ask for help. And that was my sign of growth as CEO. Admitting I needed help even when I was used to being independent and always in control.

Patrice: What projects are you currently working on?

Alicia: The projects I’m currently working on with Alidib Beauty is staying ready for overflow! That means preparing for continued sale out and restocking once my brand grows. So, I’m learning to clarify my brand image and gearing up for summer and fall with future pop- up shops and small beauty business expo events rather than be in person or online. Also, working on two new products that will join the roster and help my customers feel amazing and beautiful! Stay tuned for the big drop June 1st!

Patrice: How do you face diversity as a woman entrepreneur?

Alicia: I face diversity as a woman entrepreneur first and foremost by being a minority. We all know that women in general aren’t taken as seriously or paid as equally as our male counterparts. So, I make it a mission to have Alidib Beauty be as credible and high quality as possible so my brand and I are seen and taken seriously.

Secondly, I am a mom of nine which means I am always on the move. I’ve seen so many opportunities for collaboration and partnerships for myself and my brand not come together simply because someone had reservations about if I would have time or stamina to meet goals,

Patrice: Is balancing your personal life, work life and business life difficult for you at times?

Alicia: Balancing my personal, work, and business life has always been a priority for me. One thing that I decided even as a kid that “I can have it all” If I learned how to organize and plan my time accordingly. I am very good at time management and have a scheduled alarm for everything! That’s how I keep my sanity. I stay organized and as close to time as possible. I was taught very early on by my bonus dad that if I stay ready, I’ll never have to get ready. So it’s definitely a skill that I utilize daily.

Patrice: How would you say your business differs from others in the same industry you work in?

Alicia: How Alidib Beauty differs from other beauty or self- care brands you ask?

Well, as Founder and CEO of Alidib Beauty again I wanted to be sure I wasn’t just selling a product but an actual lifestyle. Most hair and skincare brands push products claiming to be natural. Yet the consumer can’t even pronounce the ingredients and the ingredients purpose. Every ingredient in my products are all natural and of highest quality. You can pronounce the ingredients as well as understand it’s intended benefit.

Our products are handmade in my kitchen with spoken intentions over every batch and that this product will improve the quality of life for its customers.  I am a huge believer in law of attraction and manifesting and every herb and oil sacrificed has been given new life and purpose to heal. Not to mention, my products are made to order, not pre- batched or machine manufactured. That means my customers get the freshest product possible when it reaches their doorstep.

Patrice: What does being an entrepreneur or business owner mean to you?

Alicia: Being an entrepreneur means freedom to me. Whether it’s freedom of time or financial independence, I get to have a bit more control over my destiny. That means I get to gain, grow, and, share more leadership skills in my family and community. I have an opportunity to inspire and motivate those coming behind me; That if you must work to earn and it can be achieved at your own standard. There’s more than one way to obtain my idea of success; punching in a 9-5 and missing opportunities to be a full -time mom was not my idea of success.

Connect with Alicia:

 Website: http://www.alidibbeauty.com

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/alidibbeauty

http://www.instagram.com/alldayalidib

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/alidibbeauty

TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/adbbeauty

Ladies, Get Sexy with Amour Cache; Bringing you Sexiness with Fashion and Lingerie

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Deean Yeoh is co-founder and CEO of Amour Caché, a new intimate apparel company that seeks to create space for everyone from bralette lovers to breast cancer survivors and beyond. Deean found her passion for customer-centric products while working at a digital marketing agency. Since then she’s found ways to incorporate market research data into Amour Caché’s designs. When she’s not working on new bra designs or scouting for unique fabrics, you’ll find her curled up with a book, writing, or taking 35mm photos. She’s lucky enough to work with her best friend, but in her downtime recoups via solo sports (ballet, boxing, and sailing).

Agnes Zhan is co-founder and CFO of Amour Caché. She previously headed project management at a VR company before founding Amour Caché with her best friend. She is passionate about how technology can streamline and advance “traditional” processes and hopes to incorporate this into Amour Caché’s product development flows in the future. Agnes’s dream is that one day, public perception of intimate apparel will shift to encompass beauty and function — not just one or the other.

Patrice: What motivated/inspired you to start a business?

Amour: We initially planned to create a size-inclusive lingerie company, 30–40 bra bands and XS-2XL bottoms sizes. During the course of our company’s evolution, one of our co-founders discovered she had breast lumps. Soon after, we heard from two other girlfriends who had either just discovered their breast lumps or just gotten biopsied. All these women were below 25. It was kind of existential and made us question “well, what if we did get breast cancer? How would we feel? What would we want? What would help us feel like “ourselves” in a time of distress and uncertainty?” We started speaking to survivors to hear their stories. When we did more research into the intimate apparel space, we discovered that beautiful, luxurious post-mastectomy bras were in short supply. As we continue to develop the brand, we’re realizing the same can be said for many marginalized groups that haven’t been catered to by the traditional lingerie industry. From there, we’re catering to and expanding on inclusivity, which is how Amour Caché was born and continues to grow!

Patrice: What makes you a pretty woman that hustles?

Amour: We both come from entrepreneurial families. As a kid, when you bear witness to the rise, falls, and risks that come with owning your own business you want to run in the opposite direction, but as cliché as it sounds, we are driven by our passion. We both share a deep love for business and fashion. When we saw a gap in the market that we believed we had a solution for, we went for it. Lucky for us, we have very supportive families that pushed us to chase our budding business and friends who tried our products and were convinced we had a future in the industry.

Patrice: What is the name of your business(es) and what are they all about?

Amour: Amour Caché is a new breed of inclusive lingerie where everyone from bralette-lovers to breast cancer survivors and beyond feel seen and catered to unlike ever before. We also have an e-magazine that accompanies our brand called L’AMOURZINE. The e-magazine is our way of featuring individual stories and inspiring conversations around topics like mental health, body diversity, and gender identity — an extension of our brand’s goal of inclusivity. Having a space for discourse and dialogue on a wide range of topics allows us to make space for all the identities we want our brand to reach in the near future.

Patrice: Have you faced any challenges in your business?

Amour: It’s very difficult garnering organic interest in a brand as a small business; we have limited resources to spend on marketing and a limited network to draw from. However, it has made us really creative and scrappy when it comes to making genuine connections with people who believe in our mission and our products. It’s really inspiring to work with like-minded folks who care about the same things we do and share in our love for the power of lingerie.

Patrice: What projects are you currently working on?

Amour: We are currently working on launching our Spring/Summer styles and starting to develop new styles for 2022!

Patrice: How do you face diversity as a woman entrepreneur?

Amour: The lingerie industry is quite heavily women-dominated – at least from our experience. Most designers we’ve met are women and are, therefore, able to address the fit/aesthetic/comfort concerns of women. We find that increasingly, more and more lingerie startups are women-run, which is incredible to see.

Patrice: Is balancing your personal life, work life and business life difficult for you at times?

(Deean) I love painting and photography, it really helps me decompress. I’m lucky to love my job; oftentimes even when I’m “unplugged” I’ll find myself doodling bra designs or hunting for fabrics.

(Agnes) I try to balance myself by going for workouts. It’s hard to think about anything else except the actual weight that is on your body.

Patrice: How does your business differ from other businesses in the same industry?

Amour: Our company is the first lingerie company (that we know of) to cater to women of all walks of life. Alongside our extended size range, we also cater to all types of bodies and needs. Whether it’s breast cancer, maternity bras, or everyday bras – Amour Caché’s goal is to become a new breed of inclusive lingerie that caters to all your needs throughout all your walks of life.

Patrice: What does being an entrepreneur or business owner mean to you?

(Deean) As someone who loves design and tailoring, I started studying which bra cuts fit well, which fabrics were comfortable or scratchy. Being able to fill a gap in the market is really fulfilling. It’s really rewarding to read reviews where people say how much they love the bra / how they’ve been looking for a bra like this and finally found it because of Amour Caché.

(Agnes) Also a desire for control and independence. As an entrepreneur, we wanted to control the decisions made in a company, the income you have, your future. To me, owning your own business is the only way to do that independently.

Connect with Amour:

Website: http://www.amour-cache.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/amour___cache/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1lGcQfHva9t_boYqCDXatQ/

Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.com/amourcach0480/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmourCache.IntimateApparel/

FEEN, The New Streetwear of Fashion You Must Have! CEO of FEEN Official Talks about Journey

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By Patrice Rivers @thatriverzgurlbrandllc

Patrice: What motivated/inspired you to start a business?

Kate: What motivated me to start my business is the fact that I’ve always wanted something of my own. I wanted to create a platform to not only inspire but also motivate and push true hustlers to exceed their limitations. Starting a business wasn’t about me, but more so about others. Everyone needs inspiration at some point in their life, my business FEEN helps inspire you when you need it most.

When I was younger my father got into a drinking and driving accident, leading him to a coma. Thankfully, he woke up on his birthday. Fortunately for me while my family was going through this tough time I turned to fashion as my outlet. But I was FEEN for more than just fashion. I was a FEEN for my purpose. And I was determined to be more than a fiend for alcohol as my father was. So I changed the narrative. I FEEN for my dreams!! And I created brand that will inspire you too as well.

Patrice: What makes you a pretty woman that hustles?

Kate: Without a doubt I’m a pretty woman that hustles. Humbly speaking, I am good looking on the outside, but I’m more beautiful on the inside which makes me pretty. I embody my brand’s motto, Hustle, Grind, Rewind. Every day I wake up I make it a priority to work towards my business, personal brand, and overall goals. I create opportunities for myself and the people around me. Not only do I create opportunities but I also open doors for myself. I am a true believer that you get what you work for. So I’m striving to work towards everything I want and desire 24/7.

Patrice: What is the name of your business(es) and what are they all about?

 Kate: The name of my business is FEEN. FEEN is a premium streetwear brand that caters to women and men. While providing quality streetwear FEEN also provides hope. FEEN pushes their consumer to live by their motto, Hustle, Grind, Rewind and FEEN for their dreams! The fact of the matter is that we all crave and have a desire for something(s). FEEN helps you express your hustle for whatever that may be.

Patrice: Have you faced any challenges in your business?

Kate: Of course I have faced challenges in my business. But, every challenge I have ever faced I’ve overcome through preservation. Any challenge I encounter I take it as a lesson, I learn and grow from it. In the end every challenge it’s all a part of my journey and my story. I am trusting the process through every trial and tribulation.

Patrice: What projects are you’re currently working on?

Kate: Currently I am working on an upcoming collection, a podcast in the making, as well as a huge event I am producing together this summer that will focus on giving creatives like myself a platform that started from the ground up.

Patrice: How do you face diversity as a woman entrepreneur?

Kate: As a powerful female entrepreneur I face diversity by embracing it. I feel powerful when I’m the only woman in the room, because I know I make a difference.  Diversity takes you out of your comfort zone, and that’s when you grow the most when you’re uncomfortable.

Patrice: Is balancing your personal life, work life and business life difficult for you at times?

Kate: Honestly, I would say that I balance my personal and business life pretty well. Sometimes it’s a thin line in between the two and as an entrepreneur you may give more to one than the other but life is about finding the balance that’s comfortable to YOU.

Patrice: What does being an entrepreneur or business owner mean to you?

Kate: Being an entrepreneur to me means that I control my own time, financial freedom, and direction of my energy to whatever I please. Having that type of control on your life is a power like no other. Don’t get me wrong, everything in life has its ups and downs, and entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Connect with Kate:

Personal Instagram : @katehayez

Business Instagram : @feenofficial

Business Twitter : @feenofficial

YouTube : Feen Official

Website : http://www.feenofficial.com

KOCKTAIL KULTURE IS BRINGING THE KULTURE OF ALL THINGS IN BARTENDING

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As a spirit’s enthusiast, with over 10 years’ experience, collectively, working in the service industry and “behind the bar,” Tyemerica has successfully executed spirits promotions, helping to launch various spirit brand activations for Ciroc, Crown Royal, Hypnotic, Fireball, BelAire, Jose Cuervo, Titos, Seagrams, Bacardi (and many more). Frequenting large scale events such as Black Bike Week and CIAA, this provided her with the exposure and the ability to personally secure business working as a bottle girl and bartending with various party promoters in South Carolina and North Carolina. In addition, she landed the opportunity to work as a brand ambassador/ model/ bartender for the former SC Ciroc Fam, where she trained under the leadership of Charleston, SC’s Nightlife guru “Twenty.” She executed activations for high celebrity profile concerts, club appearances, booking events; college tailgating and homecoming parties by helping to create brand awareness and educating consumers for Ciroc Ultra-Premium Vodka. This eventually landed her a lead spirits promotional model position with a national agency, MKTG, Inc. and head bartender position with High Star Entertainment, based out of Charleston, SC. She has also been featured on the former Media and Arts, hosted by H-Dub, on-air personality for a top urban radio station in Columbia, SC. During the segment she discussed her love for the service industry, “modeling,” and the adult cocktail industry. This gave her visibility in the southeast region of the nation.

When not bartending or executing spirits promotions, she is juggling parenthood as a mother of 2, volunteering as the Operations Coordinator of the “Purple Stilettos” Women’s Empowerment Group, and creating content to grow her mobile bartending school and cocktail business “Kocktail Kulture.”

Patrice: What motivated/inspired you to start a business?

Tyemerica: The love and passion I develop for the hospitality industry and the need to support my family by legitimate means. It began in 2013 when I had little experience, I was given a shot at being a spirit’s promotional model and it took off from there. I’m not getting any younger. Sometimes the industry is vain, so I needed a backup plan for when my looks fade, lol. And of course the money!

Patrice: What makes you a pretty woman that hustles?

Tyemerica: My passion and drive to succeed; to make it to the top and bring others with me.

Patrice: What is the name of your business(es) and what are they all about?

Tyemerica: Kocktail Kulture is a mobile bartending school that travels throughout the state of South Carolina instructing individuals in the fundamentals of bartending; a beginners bartending class.

Patrice: Have you faced any challenges in your business?

Tyemerica: Yes, anyone who tells you they don’t face challenges in running a business is lying, lol. From having enough people in class or staffing for a party to not having enough funds for supplies like alcohol which is needed for class, you’re bound to run into challenges. I overcame them by praying for guidence and taking a step back from the challenge to approach it another day, so I can have a clear head to think it out.

Patrice: What projects are you currently working on?

Tyemerica: My plans are to partner with various venues/ locations to offer staffing and job placement for bartenders, shot girls, bottle girls, and spirits promotional models. In addition to other classes within the industry.

Patrice: How do you face diversity as a woman entrepreneur?

Tyemerica: Diversity is extremely hard, especially here in the south. I face it by remembering who I’m doing this for, by remembering who my audience and target demographic is and why I’m doing this. Also, when first starting out in this industry, people never wanted to help or give you their info. So I wanted to be that person who gave people direction and info to get started and to help them grow in the hospitality industry as a bartender.

Patrice: Is balancing your personal life, work life and business life difficult for you at times?

Tyemerica: Balancing is extremely difficult…work and business life. Other than taking care of family, I leave the personal life out of it because I’m a Capricorn and we’re all about our business and coins, lol, no time for personal lives 😉

Patrice: What does being an entrepreneur or business owner mean to you?

Tyemerica: It means having the freedom to work on your terms and work in your purpose and passion—when I want, how I want, and where I want. I quit a full-time job I use to have because I was tired of clocking in and out, day-to-day NOT doing what I love, waking up every day knowing I had to deal with a rude client, an incompetent boss, and not being trained on procedures but expected to produce outstanding work…you grow tired of chaos.

Connect with Tyemerica:

Instagram: @kocktailkulture

Facebook: @kocktailkulture

Snapchat: @kocktailkulture

DEBUT AUTHOR KIMBERLY GOWDY SHARES HER TRUTH IN THE BOOK “THE COLORLESS WOMB”

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Debut author Kimberly Gowdy tackles the topic of surrogacy and infertility head-on. In The Colorless Womb, Gowdy talks about her struggles to conceive and carry a child. She discusses complications of three miscarriages and being trapped in an abusive marriage with her former spouse who valued his drug addiction more than his wife. The book follows her journey in search of alternative ways to have a family and how her faith kept her strong even in the darkest of days. After seven failed surrogacy attempts with two embryos left, the biggest surprise comes in an unexpected package.

Gowdy’s openness to share her truth is refreshing and brings the reader along for an emotional ride sprinkled with humor, pain, encouragement, faith, and transparency. She proves that help in any form can come in unseen ways and in people. “Since this is a true story, it was just a matter of telling my truth. The Colorless Womb shows that even with the racial tensions in our country, love is above racism. The person on the inside matters more than what is on the outside,” Gowdy says.

Patrice: Who is Kimberly Gowdy?

Kimberly: Kimberly is the eldest of eight children.  A woman who previously lived a life under the secret of domestic abuse, the shame of enabling drug addiction, and a believer that she would never carry the title of mom,  who’s now living her best life as a business professional, wife of a doctor and mother to a son.   

Patrice: What makes you a pretty woman who hustles?

Kimberly: I’m a woman who has looked down the barrel of life’s darkest days and still decided I wanted more.  I’m a woman who knows struggle, pain, and disappointment, but I also knew how to use it for my good. We can be blessed even by the mistakes we make.  It all works together for your good.

Patrice: What is the name of your book, and what is it about?

Kimberly:  “The Colorless Womb. “The Colorless Womb” is about the most painful part of my life.  It’s about loss, brokenness, and the journey it took for me to become a mother.  I’ve always believed that I would someday wear that title, and there’s nothing wrong with that, but sometimes God saves us from ourselves.  The timing, the person, even the place may not be right.  This book is a testament that our blessings may not always be recognizable. 

Patrice: Did you face any challenges in your journey when writing your book?

Kimberly: I faced some challenges.  The first was a matter of time.  When I thought about writing, my son was two years old.  My husband and I were also caregivers to my 90-year-old father-in-law.  Having a child and a senior citizen in the house, we were going from the pediatrician for my son to the geriatric ward for my father-in-law all in the same week.  I was a wife, mother and working full time outside the home. Between that challenge and not believing enough in my writing skills, it was difficult.  But obviously, I overcame those barriers.

Patrice: What does a pretty woman who hustles mean to you?

 Kimberly: A woman who is about her business.  A woman who drowns out the negativity that she hears and sees on television and social media.  A woman who believes that if I don’t believe in me, no one else will.

Patrice: Are you working on any current projects right now?

Kimberly:  I am working on writing my second book.  I’ll just say it’s more political.  I’m also working on developing MOBY™.  Mommy Older Baby Younger.  It’s a name I trademarked to represent women who became mothers at or over 35.  There are many of us.  Not just actresses but everyday women.  Women who may have married someone with children, surrogacy, adoption, or the good old-fashioned way. But we are to be celebrated because we didn’t focus on society’s timeline. 

Patrice: How do you face diversity as a woman author?

Kimberly: I’m new to this industry, but I will say the books that I plan to write will reach a wide audience.  Growing up in Connecticut, in a very diverse community, my experiences dictate that I will be cast a wide net in terms of those who will appreciate my stories.

Patrice: Is balancing your personal life, work, and business life difficult for you at times?

Kimberly: It can be difficult at times. I work hard, both in my profession and now as an Author.  Most women are guilty of doing way too much to please others, it’s just what we do.  When it gets too overwhelming, I step back, pray, and then imagine life without those around me who need me, and that usually takes me out of my pity party, that and a glass of Cabernet.

Patrice: What does being an entrepreneur mean to you?

Kimberly: It means leaving a legacy. It means knowing that when I leave this earth, there will be something with my name on it.  I can say “Google me,” and you’ll see more than just my previous address history; you’ll see hard work, dedication, and commitment to my dreams.

Patrice: What do you want the readers to take away from your book?

Kimberly: That with race relations at an all-time low, we are more alike than different.  And that one of life’s greatest blessings may come in an unsuspecting package.

Connect with Kimberly:

Instagram: colorlesswomb_

Twitter: colorlesswomb_

Facebook: thecolorlesswomb

Website: www.thecolorlesswomb.com

FELESHIA SAMS SHARES HER JOURNEY ON NOT ONE, BUT THREE BUSINESS VENTURES! THE ‘GO-TO-GIRL’ INDEED!”

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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. 

Connect with Feleshia:

Instagram: feleshiasams

Website: http://www.aactraining.com

Instagram: aac_training

Facebook: Academy of Advanced Cosmetics

Website: http://www.coztat.app

Instagram: cozTat

Facebook: cozTat

Website: http://www.shop365greens.com

Instagram: shop365greens

Facebook: shop 365greens

NATURAL IDEALIST EMILIE RAWLINGS TURNS HER PAIN INTO A BOOK IN “FOUNDATION BOOK,” BOOK OF HOPE

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Patrice: Tell the readers about yourself.

Emilie: Emilie Rawlings is a natural Idealist where she suffered from anxiety most of her life. During the breakdown, Emilie realized she didn’t know how to listen to herself to determine what she needed. This empowered her to determine what the real issue was and address it once and for all, never to return to this place in her life. Now, Emilie has devoted her time and energy to helping others who have suffered similar instances in their lives with her self-care strategy program. Emilie is determined to spread self-love and care through her books and courses that have changed many lives.

Patrice: What makes you a pretty woman that hustles?

Emilie: I have been at my lowest and still didn’t give up. Your strongest enemy is yourself, and I went 12 rounds and won. Now I am reaching back and helping female entrepreneurs with self-care tips and strategies to successfully combat anxiety, imposter syndrome, and depression.

Patrice: What is the name of your business, and what does it intel?

Emilie: My book is called “Foundation book,” a book of hope and a book of new beginnings. Are you ready for this to be your year? The year you go from wanting, wishing, and hoping to be, doing, and having. In this book, I speak on my experiences and my 8-point strategy for self-care and self-love as you are pursuing your goals and dreams.

Patrice: Have you faced any challenges in your business?

Emilie: Of course. The Mental battle, self-worth, self-love, organization, and being in tune with my intuition and determining what I wanted in my business and life. It’s a daily battle and something female entrepreneurs juggle in their everyday life.

Patrice: Are you currently working on any current projects right now?

Emilie: I am currently working on my next book and courses to provide more help and understanding for women entrepreneurs and their success.

Patrice: How do you face diversity as an author?

Emilie: I am a huge advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community. I am a firm believer in acceptance and understanding. We are all humans and should be seen as equals without prejudice, bias, or stereotype.

Patrice: Is balancing your personal life, work-life, and business life challenging for you at times?

Emilie: It gets complicated at times, as I am sure any full-time wife, mother, father, and entrepreneur goes through. But honestly, it’s about listening to what your body and spirit need and keeping those needs fulfilled. You can’t pour into anyone if your cup is empty.

Patrice: What does being an entrepreneur or business owner mean to you?

Emilie: It means impact. I am a natural enthusiast and believer in helping others actually ends up helping yourself in the long run. Running a business at the most primal level essentially means you are solving a problem or providing a solution to an issue. If that isn’t making an impact and the world a better place, I am not sure what else is.

Connect with Emilie:

https://www.instagram.com/emilie.rawlings/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/emilierawlings/?ref=share

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1hf6ictrcAQVEz_4avRBhg

6-YEAR OLD AUTHOR MAKES A DIFFERENCE IN THE LITERARY WORLD WITH HER FIRST BOOK “ONCE A PUN A TIME”

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Hi, I’m Wolf Cub Chlo and the 6 -year old author of “Once “a pun” a Time. I never thought I would be an author or even write a book; but, when the world changed, everything changed. People were getting sick, couldn’t go on vacation or see family and friends like they used to and were so sad and bored from being home all the time, I knew I needed to find a way to make people smile again. I couldn’t stop people from being sick, but I could help with their sadness. So, I found a way to use my brain to make people smile – creating silly jokes. But, I wanted this book to be different; I didn’t want it to have an ending. Don’t you hate when you buy something and have to toss it after one use, like a disposable mask? I wanted the book to have enough value to be read and re-read again and again. So, part one consists of my silly jokes and in part two, my secret joke formula is revealed. Wouldn’t you like the keys to unlock the smiles of others? Well, all will be revealed in part two. So you can practice these tips on others over and over again.

Tired of being bored? Tired of being sad? Looking for a new refreshing book to read? Well, here is a jumpstart to a new beginning. We can all get through this together. Helping re-shape the world one smile at a time. 

Patrice: What inspired you or motivated you to become an author?

Wolf Cub Chlo: What inspired me was really seeing everyone so sick and sad. I knew I couldn’t stop people from being sick but wanted to find a way to use my brain to make more people smile. So, I started finding funny ways to tell jokes. I started with my mom and dad and then practiced telling everyone I talked to. So, I asked my mom how could I share jokes with more people so they could smile too. She said I could write them down and it hit me “I want to write a book! This way I could share my book with the world!”

Patrice: How many book (s) have you written?

Wolf Cub Chlo: I have one book out right now “Once “a pun” a Time” and I just finished two more books that my mom is helping to format.

Patrice: If you could co-author with any author, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Wolf Cub Chlo: Hmmmm…that is a tough question. There are so many authors I love but I would have to say Kelly Starling Lyons. I just read her book about Jada and the sleepover scientist and lovvvved it. Definitely put a smile on my face because I also love Science experiments and the characters look just like me.

Patrice: Since becoming an author, have you faced any challenges?

Wolf Cub Chlo: My challenge is just finding more ways to get my book out so I can keep making people smile. I want to keep writing books forever. But, my mom told me don’t look at it as a bad challenge but a way we can keep learning in order to reach my goal.

Patrice: What does being an author mean to you?

Wolf Cub Chlo: It means a lot to me. Means that I was able to use my brain to help as many people as possible. Using my own words and own jokes and ideas to help bring smiles instead of sadness. I love it.

Patrice: Tell us about your marketing strategies as an author.

Wolf Cub Chlo: My handles everything. She built my website and my Instagram and tries to email and contact as many people as she can to spread the word.

Patrice: Are you currently working on any new book project (s) at the present moment?

Wolf Cub Chlo: YES! My second book is part two of my joke book. My third book is a completely different. A book that will still make kids smile but it will have characters of kids that look like me and other kids that look like me. It will also have pictures of kids we do not see often in books at all. I’m so excited to share it when it is finally done.

Connect with Wolf Cub Chlo:

Instagram: @wolfcubchlo_fans

Tik Tok: @wolfcubchlo

Youtube: @wolfcubchlo

Twitter: @wolfcubchlo

Website: wolfcubchlo.fans

What inspired me was really seeing everyone so sick and sad. I knew I couldn’t stop people from being sick but wanted to find a way to use my brain to make more people smile. So, I started finding funny ways to tell jokes. I started with my mom and dad and then practiced telling everyone I talked to.