Tag: wellness

A Beautiful Promised Life With CEO Danielle Franklin

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Danielle Franklin is a native of Youngstown, OH, and a veteran of the US Army. She began her career in the social work case management industry 22 years ago in customer service and climbed the ranks in the field through various positions and promotions. Her experiences as a family life educator, her childhood upbringing, and her military career have shaped her into what can be best described as driven. As a case management professional with high-level management experience in the social work field, she learned the best way to achieve success is to seek out and activate the resources accessible with well-defined objectives and goals. A belief system based on selfless giving, upholding good morals and values, and a positive attitude while adapting to constant change and the ability to execute well-thought-out ideas allows her to achieve continued success while serving children, families, and agencies.

Her personality sparks conversations. A vibrant confident individual who is committed to the well-being of others, a self-guided problem solver, interpersonal communicator and a goal-oriented achiever. She successfully serves and manages multi families and clients within the child welfare foster care system. In 2018 she achieved contractor of the month, grossing the highest billable hours while serving clients in the community. In 2022 she was hired as her agency’s onboarding trainer to assist, develop and train new hires for field work. These achievements are attributed to the dedication and character of her work ethic. She holds a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies and a minor as a family life educator graduating from Kent State University. She also obtained her associate degree from Fortis College in medical office technology. She holds a certification as a life coach among many continued education credits and is also CPR certified. Danielle was more recently selected to attend a child service roundtable discussion centered around the state’s plan to improve the quality of care for everyone committed to fostering children, their families, and support systems.

Fulfilling her purpose to commit to promoting wellness within the community inspired her newly established business named Beautiful Promised Life.


Beautiful Promised Life is a brand committed to helping individuals and businesses. 


Wellness coaching with Danielle is for fitness-focused women like you who are ready to commit to your fitness. You’re doing the work and have done the work and made it this far, but now you’re ready to push past your comfort. For you, this can mean signing up for a personal trainer, committing to a gym membership, or simply engaging in some routine physical activity. 


We had the amazing opportunity of sitting down with Danielle to discuss entrepreneurship, her love for fitness, and her dedication to helping other women achieve their goals. 


If you had to describe yourself in four words, what would they be and why?

 I am confident because I believe in my ability to accomplish my goals. I’m inspired as I love to share stories of how I’ve overcome personal obstacles. I’m inquisitive; my favorite thing is learning and engaging in knowledge-based conversations. Lastly, I like to describe myself as chic because I love to express my personality, style, and mannerisms through fashion.


Take us back to the beginning; how did you get your start in entrepreneurship, and what sparked your interest in fitness and wellness?

From a very young age, I always enjoyed playing with Barbie dolls, admiring the different hairstyles and lengths, which inspired me to learn and teach myself how to braid and style hair. I began my hair business hustling for clients by asking to practice with friends and family until I perfected my craft. By the age of 10, I would say I learned to do extensions, and that was my money-making introduction to entrepreneurship. My mother is my fitness and wellness inspiration. As a young child, I recall she would attend aerobic classes. I saw how happy, fit, and cute she looked, and that sparked my interest. My parents prioritized wellness as a lifestyle keeping me active and engaged in activities like roller-skating and bike riding. I would join my father on hikes and trail walks as well.


How important is having a trainer when jumpstarting your health and wellness journey? 

This is the key to longevity on this journey. Trainers are uniquely trained to accommodate, identify and create individual plans for your specific needs, especially if you have health-related concerns. You reap the benefits of having someone available to modify your movements, correct and adjust form, instruct on the proper use of equipment, and provide the extra support needed to accomplish your goals. 


What would you say is a common misconception you hear when going to the gym or hiring a personal trainer?

 I would say the false statement that personal trainers will train you to look like a bodybuilder. This is false. I trained with my individual plan, and my results did not produce a bodybuilding physique. Also, a gym misconception is if you start at the gym, you can’t hire a trainer. I’ve been able to produce results in the gym and at the studio where I train.


What tips do you have for self-accountability and staying on track with fitness goals? 

I love this question because tips keep you on track. My favorite tip would be to track your progress daily and review your habits, meaning log what you eat, the time of day you eat, and how you feel after you’ve eaten. Adjust accordingly if you’re not satisfied. Portion control! It’s vital; you don’t want to sabotage your workouts by high-calorie intake. Journal daily to mentally connect to the process so you can reflect back and see where your shortcomings are occurring. This helped me tremendously.


You recently created a fitness blog and community to help women with their everyday struggles to stay consistent. Can you share a little about this component of your brand?

 Absolutely! This is exciting for me. I realized journaling my journey was and is my lifeline to staying the course. Oftentimes, people who are not on this journey will not be able to relate to your needs, therefore, unable to advise on how to stay consistent. Family and friends will not understand the intensity and focus it takes to push through your workouts. The journey gets lonely and discouraging, and a lot of times, you’ll want to simply give up. Having a supportive fit sis community is what gets you to the finish line. Blogging is the transparency of the process and benefits all women, not limited to those who simply prefer reading, learning, and engaging at their own pace.


Here is a famous question that I bet you get asked all the time, how much water is too much water? 

Lol, I do get asked this question often, and while I’m no water intake guru and there isn’t a specific guideline, I will say anything over a gallon a day will probably be excessive.

What is a healthy amount to intake daily?

My daily goal is 1 gallon.


What apps do you recommend for daily use for women wanting to log and track what they consume? 

I don’t use any particular app, which is why I created my very own interactive journal and fitness workbook that can be used for daily logging and tracking.

Available on my site www.beautifulpromisedlife.com


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

 Be inspired and feel supported with no shame or judgment. I am a 48yr old African American women who decided to find my fit, and so can you. If you need a lifestyle makeover, commit to your fit! You will experience a physical, mental, and spiritual transformation. It does not matter the obstacles you face, the barriers along the way, the resources you may lack, or your personal struggles. If you desire to live a fun, fit, healthy lifestyle, you can. Make a promise to yourself, hold it, keep it, and live it out beautifully, making it your Beautiful Promise Life. 


What is next for you and your brand? 

I have so many goals set for myself it’s exciting to see where my brand Beautiful Promised Life will take me. I’m currently coordinating a lifestyle speaking tour to be held within our communities, schools, companies, and businesses; I’m currently writing a lifestyle living book, coaching services will expand, and future podcasts and merchandise will be coming soon. Beautiful Promised Life will expand to offer services at locations.


Social media handles:

Website: www.beautifulpromisedlife.com  

 Instagram: Daniellemfranklin  

Pinterest-Danielle Franklin

Official Credits: Photographer:Andrea Smith/Studio 57 Photography

Makeup Artist: Christina Fillmore/ IG handle@themisschriss

Multi-Award Winning Platinum Americana-Soul Singer-Songwriter, MAJOR. Releases New EP, “THE HOPE OF MY SOUL” (Dedicated to Love, Mental Wellness and Self-Care)

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GRAMMY, Soul Train and 8x Image Award-nominated Soul Singer MAJOR. aka “Mr. Why I Love You” delivers a new EP “The Hope Of My Soul“, dedicated to love, mental wellness, and self-care.

The music was written while in the depths of the pandemic, during a time when many battled challenges with mental health. MAJOR. was inspired by a poignant text message from the late Chadwick Boseman. This message prompted the charge for him to be more intentional about amplifying HOPE in Love, Life, & Future.

Between 2020-2022, MAJOR. married his Mrs. Why I Love You (covered by People Magazine), launched the MAJOR.HOPE Foundation, and released a powerful spoken meditative album series titled MAJOR.HOPE Motivations & Pep Talks which champions the charge for culture to prioritize mental and physical well being.

Now, in 2023 we ask that you embrace “The Hope Of My Soul” understanding the intention, vibe, and purpose of this timeless music! The EP, includes production from notable culture-contributors; Harmony “H Money” Samuels, Teddy P. and Joaquin Bynum. Other highlight songs from, “The Hope of My Soul,” EP. are “Joy In The Battle” and the powerful, “I Prayed for You,” (a favorite of John Legend).

THE HOPE OF MY SOUL by MAJOR. EP (AVAILABLE NOW)

(VIDEO LINK) “BABY WILL YOU LOVE ME” by MAJOR.

ABOUT MAJOR.:
His name is MAJOR., and his impact the same. The American Soul singer’s star fiercely struck at the debut of the now Platinum hit love song, “Why I Love You”. As Stevie Wonder projected, lovers from all over the world have commissioned the breakout ballad as the perfect soundtrack for their own love stories. MAJOR. is a powerful storyteller on stage & screen who leans into authenticity as his superpower. Amazingly, he has become a trusted artist for many while inspiring hearts with his relatable message of life laced in that signature falsetto! His joy is infectious and as a “Hope Dealer”, he leads unapologetically with the very HOPE in LOVE his music professes.

With half a billion digital streams, 4 independent solo projects, network TV shows, movies, legendary cosigns, national tours, & The MAJOR.HOPE Foundation – MAJOR. is far from done. His powerful reimagining of the classic “Whole World In His Hands” and the newly released love anthem “Baby Will You Love Me” are proof… The GRAMMY, 2x Soul Train, and 8x NAACP Image Award nominated entertainer promises so much more to come. And it can only be
as mighty as the name his mama gave him: MAJOR.

CONNECT WITH MAJOR.
Website:www.NowThatsMAJOR.com
Instagram: @NowThatsMAJOR
Twitter: @NowThatsMAJOR

Blazing Trails in Entrepreneurship with Candace “The Six -Figure Spa Chick” Holyfield

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 Candace is best known for her Award-Winning spa parties and her business instructional classes designed to empower millennial business owners. She has written over 30 e-books (for spa professionals) and has been invited to speak on mainstages internationally. A trailblazer in her own right, Holyfield has assisted over 500 spa owners not only launch their salons but create a six-figure income while doing so. Her work in the industry has not gone unnoticed. She has graced the stages and pages of some of the most coveted beauty magazines and expos. She has been the voice for African American spa owners b/c so many have been ignored or muted. This prompted the development of The Queen Spa Expo and The Black Spa Magazine. Candace has been featured in Entrepreneur, Black Enterprise, Sheen Magazine, and Rolling Out Yahoo Finance! Hello Beautiful and many more.  

We had the amazing opportunity of sitting down with Beautiful and Successful Candace Holyfield to discuss entrepreneurship and her impact on the spa industry. 

Who is Candace Holyfield “The Six-Figure Spa Chick” in one sentence? 

Candace Holyfield is a woman who works hard to live the life she desires. 

You are a native of Memphis Tennessee, how did your surroundings impact who you are today?

My hometown of Memphis TN made me tough, and growing up in the projects, exposed me to a lot. Thankfully I was blessed with both streets and book smarts, and both have always been top-tier. Being street-smart made me a go-getter at a young age, and where I’m from, you had to have street smarts to survive. My hometown has taught me lifelong lessons and I’m thankful for them all. Oh, I can’t forget to mention how Memphis impacted and elevated my love for music and food. 

Can you reflect back on your early days of entrepreneurship, who or what would you tribute your success to today?

My early days of success as an entrepreneur are highly accredited to Shirley Mabern, Aubrey Boyd, and Valerie Lindsey. They are all massage therapists in Memphis, Tn. Shirley and Aubrey taught me how to massage while working at Massage Envy. Valerie informed me how to contact Groupon in 2011, and from there I made my first six figures. 

What inspired your start in the spa industry? 

I originally wanted to attend nursing school. However, the massage therapy program had a shorter time frame, and I was in a financial bind that was making it hard to feed my kids. So, I chose spa over nursing.

You have been able to build your brand into a six-figure + Brand and teach others around the world to do the same. What message do you hope women take away from your platform?

My mission is to help and inspire as many humans as possible with my story and teach them marketing strategies. I would love for people to know that no matter your situation, it is temporary, and you have the power to change your entire life.

You recently hosted the first annual Phenomenal Woman Awards & Luncheon, can you share what creating and hosting this event meant for you? 

My women’s luncheon at Neiman Marcus is to celebrate other women and create a safe space for girl talk. We often see others at conferences and catch up but rarely make time for girl talk. We need more of that in this season. Women need to feel safe with other women. I decided to create that sacred space for us. In the last eight months, while I went through my own growing pains, I saw some people I admire sharing more of theirs online. Then, I knew this luncheon was needed as soon as possible. It was such a high-energy and sacred space. 

You also hosted an event in your hometown of Memphis, TN, What can women expect from this event? 

I always try to take my gifts and talents back to my hometown. We only have a few entrepreneur events in Memphis, and it was vital for me to ensure I celebrate women there as well. I wanted to create a resource hub for female entrepreneurs in the city to network and have themselves highlighted for their accomplishments. It was truly a beautiful day held inside Dillards. 

What advice do you have for upcoming entrepreneurs looking to join the spa industry?

Anyone desiring to join this fantastic spa industry, come on!! I love it here! The spa industry changed not only my life but my family’s life. There are so many ways to get into this industry, from weight loss clinics, and Botox to traditional massage-only spas. I suggest seeing which services you would like to offer first and deciding if the business will be mobile or onsite location. Those are the first steps. 

What can readers expect from you next?

I’m excited to have just recently opened a new spa in Marietta, GA. I plan to build up that location in the next 12 months and eventually franchise nationwide. 

What is your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles? 

My definition of a pretty woman who hustles is a beautiful queen who knows faith without work is dead. So we don’t just work; we hustle.

To connect with Candace follow her on Instagram @sixfigurespachick

Creating Confidence and Transforming Lives: Meet Santia Bailey

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Santia was born and raised in Durham NC. The youngest of three children and has a degree in Information Systems and I am a Cyber Security Project Manager. A serial entrepreneur Santia has a passion for changing the world, in her words. “One Vagina at a time.”

Santia started in the Personal Care / Spa industry because of a friend’s infertility challenges. Researching for countless hours, and studying under several holistic practitioners in the industry she was able to learn various techniques that she could serve her client’s mind, body, and spirit.

It is her desire to take the stigma away from the woman’s vaginal health and create confidence to transform her life, by assisting her in facing her past, therefore, empowering her for her future. In addition to removing the stigma around a woman’s vagina, Santia through her practice at Petals and Stems Spa is working tirelessly to bring awareness in the black and brown communities of the importance of men’s prostate health.

Petals and Stems Spa offers; Yoni & Lingam Steams, Yoni Massage, Vaginal Rejuvenation, Crystal Detox Therapy, and Herbal Foot bath with Reflexology.

 Petals and Stems Spa appearances and work in the community:

  1. Sponsor of Inkspired Kings Edition
  2. Partnership with Intimate Remedies Unified Purpose events
  3. Radio Contributor for The Oak 93.5fm
  4. Partner of Shea la Vie Skincare
  5. Member of Spa Boss Tribe with Candace Holyfield Parker
  6. Podcast contributor with Ourconic
  7. Co-owner of Black WallStreet Barbershop
  8. Founder of Ann Grace Notary Services & More
  9. Spotlight Dance Studio Sponsor
  10. Vagina Massage and Intimate Touch Coach
  11. Podcast appearance on Glambitous with Lillie Mae 

If you had to describe yourself in one sentence, what would it be and why?

Santia is a passionate and inspiring individual who is committed to making a positive impact on the world.

Because I am motivated by a strong belief that everyone has the right to be respected and empowered to make their own decisions. I am an advocate for reproductive health and gender equality and is dedicated to helping people feel confident and safe in their bodies. I’ve been told that my energy and enthusiasm are contagious, and I am always looking for new ways to make a difference. I tirelessly advocate for those who have been silenced and I am dedicated to making sure everyone can live their best life.

You grew up in Durham NC, How did your surroundings impact who you are today?

Growing up in Durham was a great experience. I’ve seen how much can be accomplished when people come together with a common vision and sense of purpose. Community is such a powerful force for positive change, and I’m grateful to have been a part of such a vibrant and supportive environment.

If you could tribute your passion for entrepreneurship and wellness specifically, who and what would you tribute it to?

My passion for entrepreneurship came from my desire to have freedom. I’m not chasing money; I am chasing the freedom that comes with having money. No one likes living another person’s dream; build your own. My grandson Blaise will walk into the empire that his GoGo (grandmother in Zulu) built for him, and he can continue to grow my legacy.

Tell us about your brand Petals and Stems Spa.

We are thrilled and look forward to helping our clients on their holistic journey. Our services are focused on providing you with the tools to create a more positive and balanced lifestyle. We specialize in full body detox, myofascial massage, vaginal massage, and music and vibration therapies, aimed at reducing physical and mental stress, and helping you to break away from patterns of the past. Our practitioners are here to provide a safe and comfortable space for you to relax, heal, and restore. We are committed to helping you on your path to a more fulfilling life and look forward to accompanying you on your journey.

Why is a company like Petals and Stems so important?

Welcome to Petals and Stems Spa! We are so glad you are here, and we are committed to providing a safe, non-judgmental space for you to relax and reconnect with yourself. Our services include massage, yoga, meditation, and reiki, all designed to help you release stress and tension, and find balance and peace. With our experienced and caring staff, you can trust that you are in good hands and that your comfort and well-being is our highest priority. We look forward to helping you on your journey of self-discovery and healing.

What message do you hope women take away from their experience with your brand?

Women are enough, and we deserve all the love, respect, and recognition that we should have. We are strong, resilient, and capable of achieving anything we set our minds to. We have the power to create our own paths, blaze our own trails, and make our dreams into realities. Let’s keep believing in ourselves, supporting each other, and never stop striving to make the world a better place.

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

Petals and Stems Spa is offering a powerful program to serve women who have experienced sexual assault. We are providing access to mental health counseling, massage therapy, music and vibration therapy, and two sessions of Vaginal Rejuvenation. This is an invaluable way to help women heal from their traumatic experiences and regain control of their lives. We are so excited to see this program help empower survivors and provide them the opportunity to reclaim their physical, mental, and emotional health.

What is your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles?

It’s wonderful to see women coming together to empower each other and break down barriers. We need more women supporting one another and refusing to accept the status quo. Together, we can create a more equitable world and a brighter future. Keep up the amazing work and keep inspiring others!

My favorite quote that empowered me and forced me to immediately change my life in October 2022:
“Before you can step into your Boss shit, you gotta walk into your Queen shit” Candace Holyfield-Parker ~Six Figure Spa Chick~
This is something I put into practice daily!

Connect on Social Media:

Facebook: petals and stems spa

IG: petalsandstemsspa

YouTube: Petals and Stems Spa

Twitter: petalsstemsspa  

Email: info@petalsandstemsspa.com

Dr. Taryn Rose, Orthopedic Surgeon Turned Shoe Designer

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Dr. Taryn Rose is an orthopedic surgeon turned shoe designer, who married fashion and function in 1998 and changed the footwear industry forever. Her idea of being dressed with a sense of well-being touched a nerve with women from coast-to-coast, creating a dedicated following for her numerous collections. A formally trained surgeon, Dr. Rose witnessed the serious foot problems caused by fashionable footwear and saw a need to combine her knowledge of foot biomechanics with her passion for fashion to spread ease to women everywhere. After a decade of building Taryn Rose International to become a $40 million dollar company, she sold it, and a couple years later returned energized and inspired and began creating partnerships and collections with both the Home Shopping Network (HSN) and high-end retailer Neiman Marcus. Now, two decades later, Dr. Rose is disrupting the footwear space again with architect/engineer Enrico Cuini, using a new insole technology that creates the “perfect heel” for the Enrico Cuini luxury shoe collection.  

In addition to earning her medical degree from University of California School of Medicine in Los Angeles, Dr. Rose has been recognized with numerous honors in the business and entrepreneurship arena. Her shoes were featured in the Smithsonian museum in 2007 and she was invited to meet First Lady Laura Bush at the White House. Dr. Rose has been covered on a variety of television programs, newspapers, and magazines including Oprah, CNN, Today Show, New York Times, People magazine, Entrepreneur, In Style, Elle, and countless more.

You are an orthopedic surgeon turned shoe designer. Share your background. 

My family escaped from Vietnam at the end of the war in 1975 and we stayed in a refugee camp in Arkansas before being sponsored by the wonderful Koenig family. We lived in Fort Smith, Arkansas for two years while my father took his exams to get his medical license in the US. We then moved to Columbia, MO for 4 years while my father did a residency. So I had a midwest upbringing before I moved to California. I went to college at the University of California, Irvine where I majored in biology and philosophy. I worked in college for Estee Lauder so when I went to medical school I thought I would go into dermatology and start a cosmeceutical company. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial streak. When I met an orthopedic surgeon I became fascinated with surgery so I dropped the idea of being a dermatologist. Orthopedics is very male dominated with only 8% women so I had to work really hard to prove myself. During my training, I was running around in high heels for 12-14 hours sometimes and started to think if only fashion shoes were designed properly women wouldn’t need to suffer so much. I did a research project about how to make better looking diabetic shoes in order to improve compliance and therefore decrease rates of amputations. Through that experience I learned how to make shoes and also found the latest materials used in medical footwear and wanted to utilize this knowledge in fashion shoes. After I was finished with my training I started my company. I gave myself two years to see if it would be a success. It really took off so I never went back. I love creating something that didn’t exist before in the world. I like growing companies and innovating. 

What started in a garage turned into a $40 million dollar empire, share the journey.

After I finished my orthopedic surgery residency, I decided to start a shoe company because I saw such a need for well-made, designer shoes that were also comfortable. I saw patients who needed these shoes and it was something I was also looking for working on my feet for really long hours. It was not an easy decision and I thought about it for a few years. I did research in footwear for diabetics, so I learned about shoe making and the requirements for cushioning and shock absorption in diabetic shoes. I wanted to apply the science of foot mechanics and high tech materials like Poron which I learned about in diabetic shoes to fashion shoes. I finally took the leap when I was able to embrace my fear of failure. I feared regret much more than failure.  

I asked my favorite sales associate at Barney’s if she knew anyone in Italy who worked in shoes because I remembered her telling me that she had friends from Italy come visit every Summer. Luckily her friends owned a shoe factory and that’s how I got connected to a factory in Italy. With my first line of samples made I met with a buyer at Nordstrom and luckily she placed an order and my garage became my warehouse.The first shipment had a problem with the lining of the footbed arriving completely wrinkled and I sat in my garage performing “surgery” on 500 pairs of shoes replacing the wrinkled sock lining with new ones. Nordstrom said they needed a sketch of the shoes on the label so my husband at the time drew sketches on the shoe boxes.  

My neighbors thought I was so odd to be toiling away in the garage but I soon grew out of the garage and opened a store in Beverly Hills. I then outgrew the little office above my store and opened corporate offices in downtown LA. We got a lot of press including Oprah which doubled my business in one year from $8M to $16M and we kept growing. 

I decided to sell in 2008 because I was really burned out after a decade of running the company. I was very fortunate because the transaction closed 2 weeks before the Great Recession hit. Every successful entrepreneur has a tincture of luck mixed in with a lot of hard work.  

Having learned from my first business under my name, I decided when I teamed up with Enrico Cuini, my partner, that I would do things differently. I now focus more on the bottom line rather than the top line. The retail model is really broken and too much of the risks falls on the brands. At one point with my first business it felt like I was just a banker for all the retail stores. Most of the stress was finding financing for the growth. The pleasure was seeing how happy the final customer was with my product so this time we sell direct to consumers. Our cash flow model is much less stressful because customers order made to measure shoes paying upfront and we deliver in 4-6 weeks.

Tell us about Enrico Cuini Footwear and the “wing shoe technology.” 

Enrico Cuini, my partner, was the best friend of the first two Italians who got me started in shoes. He was always inspired by my mission to create the most high performance fashion footwear. He laughed when I declared “how come we can get a man on the moon but not a woman down the street in a pair of comfortable heels?”. He worked as an architect, product designer for many years and finally decided to design shoes since that’s what he dreamed about as a kid. He grew up in the Marche region of Italy full of shoe makers so it’s in his blood.  

He contacted me in 2014 and asked if I wanted to collaborate and I told him if he had an idea for comfortable heels, I would be up for it. After days of thinking about it he was suddenly inspired by a butterfly that landed on his studio window and he came up with the “wing” technology. We now call it ALIA which stands for Active Lift In Alignment. It is a dynamic support system that decreases pressure while increasing stability and energy return. It is so thin that it can be incorporated into sexy stilettos without making the shoes look bulky. Women wear them all day at the office and dance for hours at parties.  

Share some of the collection. 

Our mules are our top seller because they are so supportive and easily go from dressy to casual. This summer women are loving our clear plexi sandals named, Sinderella (because they are a little “sinful”) that go with everything so it’s a favorite with travelers. For weddings, galas and red carpet events like Cannes, women opt for our silver Nina with ice accessories (a glorious crystal buckle that sparkles like stars) or our strappy gold Sheena sandals. 

How has Enrico Cuini Footwear evolved throughout the past 6 years?

The line has really grown from basic pumps and booties to a full lifestyle range. We recently added loafer and ballerinas since we have not done flats in the past. Even with flats people want comfort. 

Partnerships have been an intricate part of your success. Tell us how you partnered with the Home Shopping Network (HSN) and high-end retailer Neiman Marcus.

Neiman Marcus was the first partner who encouraged me to be a true luxury brand. They were a pleasure to work with because they really knew what their customers wanted but were also fashion leaders.  

HSN and QVC were also great partners. I saw how much they cared about their quality and I have never had such tough quality control as when I worked with HSN and QVC. I loved being on television to connect directly with my customers and show them my personality. 

What can we expect to see for the Fall? 

We have a year round type of collection because we have so many climates to deal with being a global brand. We will have a couple of more boot styles with a chunkier heel.  

IG: @enricocuini FB: @enricocuinifootwear

It’s all in the Stratosphere, Meet CEO Lauran Grant

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Combining her love for the skies and the ground, Corporate Flight Attendant, Atlanta Entrepreneur and Yogi Lauran Grant has launched her Yoga apparel brand, Stratosphere41. 

“I started S41 to build a community that truly strives for not only inclusion, but celebration of all yogis. Growing up, I always felt excluded from the wellness community as a Black woman and that I needed to dilute myself to fit into its’ perfect box,” Lauran says.

Stratosphere41’s name evolved because Lauran wanted to weave together two very influential areas of her life to build a brand that reflects the symbolism of connection: 1.) The stratosphere is the ozone layer that private jets cruise through and 2.) The Yoga Sutras describe each pose to achieve mental and physical elevation. 

The beauty in both is balance. “I want the S41 community to feel as if they can show up as their authentic self and allow their fellow yogis to do the same, even when that looks different than what we are used to,” she tells us.

Noticing a gap in the market, unique yoga towels were the answer. She took an otherwise utilitarian product and turned it into an elevated experience because we should not have to sacrifice one for the other. We want to encourage yogis to get pumped to roll out their mat and flow!

What has been your greatest achievement thus far in your entrepreneurial journey?
Building out our community organically from the ground up! That has helped us foster trust within the yoga and wellness industry, and it’s always so fun chatting with them online. I feel like I’m just talking to my friends… Love it!

What obstacles have you overcome to get where you are today?
Where should I start? Bootstrapping for starters, but I believe it is true what they say that constraints breed creativity because we’ve had to think outside of the box. And not to mention a lot of self-doubt as WOC Founder with no connections, especially one who is not a celebrity or influencer. Navigating manufacturing delays during the pandemic was one of the most stressful. I thought we were scammed because our towels had been sitting at a dock for over two months! But I believe in Stratosphere41, so all of this made me double down, and I learned how to fail forward.

What role has social media played in your career?
Before Stratosphere41, I worked in Private Aviation, so I believe it actually helped me that I wasn’t a huge social media user. I rarely posted anything, but I actually had a thriving career. Recently, I’ve become addicted to TikTok and consumed tons of organic information about angel investing, branding, and mental health. It’s unmatched because you can watch new trends unfold in real-time, which helps our marketing since our brand has some pop culture inspo.

What advice do you have for women entering the entrepreneurship world?
Start before you feel ready and say yes to an opportunity, even if you don’t fully know how to do something yet. You can learn along the way! Start taking care of your mental health immediately. Entrepreneurship is fantastic but also challenging, and it helps if you have the self-awareness to know your strengths and weaknesses!

With your brand S41, You aim to create a community that feels inclusive for everyone. Can you share more about the experience women can expect when shopping S41?
Yes, we want to ensure all types of women are genuinely celebrated, especially as we move into athleisure. I want you to be able to look at our brand and KNOW you are welcome in our community. This is something we are actively working towards every day behind the scenes. I’m fortunate that I was able to visit about 70 countries with my job, and I always say travel and yoga introduce you to people very different from you, and that’s the beauty of it. So, I definitely want that mindset to be reflected in our brand.

Can you share the creative process behind your new product drop Good Vibes & Purple cloud yoga towel?
We started with a mood board of some of our favorite colors! We noticed a lot of towels were very mute or neutral-toned and we like bright things. The Good Vibes Only has a very groovy text and flower to complement the retro feel of our branding. The Purple Cloud towel makes you feel zen and elevates you to new heights. That’s in line with our name Stratosphere, the layer of the ozone private jets cruise through! They both have colors that pop when you roll them out and that’s on purpose to get you pumped to flow.

What is next for S41? Where do you see your brand in the next 3-5 years?
We have a new color dropping this summer that was highly requested by the guys at my home yoga studio. We can’t say which one because we want to hold a giveaway contest. Some really fire athleisure is on our list as well. We’re doing our part to be responsible at a young age too. We started working with a slow fashion, woman-owned, USA-based manufacturer, so that’s exciting! We also plan to fundraise eventually, but we will scale in a sustainable way so we can build a lifestyle company that outlives us.

What is your definition of a pretty Woman Who Hustles?
An authentic, confident, and resilient businesswoman! She knows when to get the job done and when to lean in to rest and enjoy. Both are equally important.

Social Media Handles:
IG: stratosphere41
TikTok: stratosphere41

Website:
stratosphere41.com

Mind Talks with That Riverz Gurl: The 3 Different Types of Stress

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Do you often find yourself stressed that it’s starting to become a regular pattern? This month is Stress Awareness Month where I wanted to highlight the three different types of stress.

  • Acute stress can be caused by a car accident, loosing a loved one, witnessing/being a victim of an attack or even being diagnosed with an illness. This type of stress isn’t long-lasting but can have some type of effect on a person mentally and physically.

  • Episodic stress refers to frequent, consistent periods of stress where the stressful experience occurs on a regular basis. This type of stress can occur when you’re impacted by more than one consecutive stressor or worried about a negative experience or event.

  • Chronic stress is an ongoing and constant stress. Dealing with chronic health issues or a disability can cause that.

What type of stress do you deal with mostly. Just remember to take care of yourself along the way when you do start to feel overwhelmed or stressed out. Take breaks as much as possible so that you won’t feel mentally drained.

Mind Talks with That Riverz Gurl: April is National Stress Awareness Month!

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Many people may say stress is a bad word and truth be told, it can be very bad and lead to all types of things like health problems, trouble sleeping, emotionally and mentally exhausted and the list goes on! But with stress you don’t always have to focus on the bad stressors, but the good stressors we definitely want to look at. Nobody has time for frustrations, anger, exhaustion and body aches. What is stress you might ask? Stress is the feeling of being overwhelmed or unable to cope with mental or emotional pressure. The sound of that sounds stressful, but there are ways to detox and reset your mind to focus again. Did you know that April is Stress Awareness Month? It has been celebrated every April since 1992. In 1974, the International Stress Management Association was founded by experts and research for stress in the workplace as well as personal stress management. https://integracareclinics.com/april-is-stress-awareness-month-tips-to-help-you-cope/

I find it pretty interesting that a lot of people or even communities don’t talk about stress awareness and the health side of it. It’s apart of a lifestyle that we sometimes walk upon if we aren’t too careful about how we handle certain situations or take on too much.

Photo Credit via Shutterstock Images

When we feel like we are getting stressed out whether it’s from our job, projects, or even personal situations, we need to pump the brakes and consider these tips for stress management.

  • Exercise! That’s something I could use in my daily routine. But exercising is one good way to help reduce stressors.
  • Mediation- Turn the lights out, light a candle or two, put on some soft soothing music and engage in healthy thoughts. Learn to relax your mind when you are feeling stressed.
  • Spend time with family and loved ones- Sometimes laughing with family or even friends can ease your tension and allow you to relax in a comfortable setting you are familiar in. We all need a good laugh every now and then.
  • Talk about your stressful situations to family or those you trust the most. The more you talk it out, the better you will start to feel. It’s not healthy to hold all that anger and stress in.
  • Take good care of yourself- Mental health plays a huge part and although our focus seems to be on the problem, taking care of yourself should be top priority. Eat a balanced meal, keep hydrated, get plenty of rest, spend time with yourself and pay attention to all the emotions you are feeling.

With all that said, please be sure to take precaution when you are stressed again. It’s normal to be stressed, but when it lasts too long, you might want to see your local doctor or talk to a therapist about possible steps. I will be back next week to talk to you more about stress and the three types of stress. Until then, educate yourself on stress awareness and see what other things you can do to manage your stress better. https://nationaldaycalendar.com/stress-awareness-month-april/

What Has 2020 Taught You?

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This year has been an absolute roller coaster with this crazy pandemic going on, states shutting down, people dying, protests, violence, police brutality and businesses shutting down. Whew chile! That’s a whole mouth full right there and I had to deeply exhale for all this craziness that has been going on. For the people that have families and has lost their jobs, what a horrible feeling. I don’t know what it truly feels like because I don’t have kids, my parents still have their jobs so it didn’t affected them nor did the pandemic affected my business, but still this has been a horrible feeling for a lot. Through everything, what has 2020 taught you? For many, this year has taught them that family is very important and shouldn’t take them for granted, spending more time with loved ones, starting a self-care routine, hit the reset button in your life or starting a new business. Whatever this year taught you, reminisce on it and just take a moment to sink everything in. You might have lost a loved one or clients due to financial situations, but you had an opportunity to create another business or project that will help you in your business venture.

Take this year as a learning experience and be grateful that you were able to make it through. I know a lot of authors who have even written books about their pandemic experiences or even made up a story about Covid-19.  Now that’s a great way to utilize this whole experience in a positive way. Others may have gathered a lot of facts and news in their area and wrote a history book based on the death rates, hospitals running out of supplies and beds, quarantine or the number of families and business owners affected by it.

Photo by David Ramos on Unsplash

Another trend that happened this year was the mask.  When I first heard that we had to wear one, I didn’t know what to expect. My parents started wearing theirs first and then I got mine. Luckily I knew people that was making them. At first they were uncomfortable because I wasn’t used to wearing something on my face. That was the biggest trendsetter and highlight of the year! If we had to wear these masks, you might as well get fancy with them because there has been so many different patterns and designs of masks. The last mask I purchased was a Christmas one. I am completely done with masks! Hopefully next year we won’t have to really wear them. But they are good during the cold months so I wouldn’t mind wearing them during winter time.

Photo by Belinda Fewings on Unsplash

 

Whatever 2020 taught you, feel free to share in the comments below. I would love to hear your story or stories!

 

Patrice Rivers is a media mogul with the mind-set to tell “inspiring” stories in the world of journalism. She has also published nine books and is the owner of her brand ‘That Riverz Gurl Brand LLC’ that consists of her freelance writing, journalism skills, writing services, media platform and health platform. Learn more about this boss in the making by visiting her website at http://www.thatriverzgurlbrandllc.com Follow her on IG at http://www.instagram.com/thatriverzgurlbrandllc

Get Whole Again with Health Supplement ‘Wholepreneur Lifestyle’ with TerDawn DeBoe

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TerDawn DeBoe has had an affinity for music, creativity, and Entrepreneurship all of her life. After finding a passion for graphic design and marketing, she became a full-time entrepreneur starting InnovativEdge Marketing (now known as Creative Thought Solutions) which has provided services for AT&T, The Urban League of Greater Cleveland, Caesar’s Casino, and 100’s of other businesses all across the country.  She has grown that business from a one-woman show to a team of six people specializing in finding creative solutions for companies and helping them accelerate their growth. She is considered the go-to expert when it comes to Brand Development, Sales Funnel Development, and Lead Generation using social media advertising. She helps businesses set up automated ways to attract, nurture, and convert their perfect audiences. Turning them from strangers to loyal clients. She and her team focus on one of the biggest struggles of business growth, showing them how to deliver their products and services using processes and systems that allow them to scale and break through their income barriers. In 2020, in the midst of the global pandemic, TerDawn found a way to help Entrepreneurs in an even more meaningful way. She teamed up with a group of Researchers, Developers, and Scientists to formulate an organic supplement line to support the well- being of Entrepreneurs. The company, Wholepreneur Lifestyle, offers supplements with brain support, immune system support, performance enhancement, relaxation support, and total wellness.

TerDawn has been featured in several media outlets as a leader in her industry and has also been able to achieve great partnerships with corporations such as Microsoft and with Organizations such as the Young Entrepreneur Institute. She also serves on the board of trustees Student Navigation and Black Professionals Association Charitable Foundation.

 

 

Patrice: As a multi-entrepreneur who has created an outlet for Entrepreneurs to grow their business and income, how did the idea come to mind for Creative Thought Solutions?

TerDawn: Originally, my company was called InnovativEdge Marketing which was not very creative. I tried to fit into this mold of being like the other Digital Marketing Agencies I saw so that people would take me seriously. That turned out to be the worst thing I could do because I wasn’t true to myself as the artist and creative that I am. I actually discovered that the fact that I am so creative was my genius factor. After this discovery, I took some time to really figure out who I am and what I wanted my company to be known for. Creative Thought Solutions was born from that.

Patrice: I think your business speaks volume and is so important with all the services you offer; it is particularly important. For your clients, which services did they utilize the most?

TerDawn: Most people that come to me realize, after our first conversation, that the reason that they are not hitting their revenue goals is because they lack brand positioning. They never took the time to build the foundation that would allow them to actually be trusted by an audience to convert them to customers or clients. The brand development we offer is unlike most agencies because we brand them with marketing in mind. We focus on clarity, their messaging, their story, their creative genius factor ™ , their visual aesthetics, and their signature system.

Patrice: Tell us a little bit more about the Sales Funnel service you offer. What does that mean?

TerDawn: Phase 2 in our services is sales funnel development. A sales funnel is simply just a series of messages that leads people from being interested in a solution to their problem, to considering what the best option is to solve that problem, and then making a decision on the best person or company that will get them to the transformation they desire. With our services, we help businesses determine their irresistible offer, build the sales page that helps their audience understand the value of their offer, and automate the email communication that will help convert the people who are interested into buying customers. With a funnel, you can make money 24/7 without having to physically be present to fulfill the order. This is a great stream of revenue for businesses that don’t want to put all of their eggs in one basket.

Patrice: What are some of the other services your business offers?

TerDawn: Aside from the brand development and funnel development, we also offer social media ad campaigns to drive traffic to the offer because the only way to scale and make real money in your business is to convert a percentage of your traffic to sales.

Patrice: There are a lot of business tips out there for new business owners and seasoned business owners. What are the top three business tips that you think are important in business?

TerDawn: My top 3 business tips would be:

  1. Be Authentic. As I stated previously, I wasn’t authentic when I started my business because I wanted to be taken seriously, but in the end, that caused me to blend in with every other marketer that was doing the same. People want to know who you are before they like you and trust you to invest in you. Be transparent with your story. Share the behind the scenes of how you do things. Show your personality. Those are all ways for people to make the connection with you so that they can become loyal customers.
  2. Know Your Strengths. Hire Your Weaknesses. A lot of business owners get burned out trying to do all of the things that they feel they need to do in order to grow their business. By the time they need to deliver in their genius zone, they are too tired to put 100% of their energy into it. The best thing you can do is hire people who are strong where you are weak so that you can scale your business properly while staying in your zone of genius.
  3. Be Clear On What You Want to Be Known for. In order for people to know, like, and trust your positioning in the marketplace, you have to have a clear message on who you serve, the biggest transformation you provide, and the results you’ve gotten. This will help solidify your brand position in your potential client’s mind.

 

Patrice: How long did it take you to grow your business?

TerDawn: I spent the first 4 years trying to figure out what the heck I was doing and getting clear on my brand positioning and what I want to be known for. Once that was established and I started getting results for the people that worked with me, it became effortless to charge more, get paid what I asked and stay booked with clients.

Patrice: Let’s get into your health line Wholepreneur Lifestyle. Can you tell us a little bit more about your health line and the inspiration behind it?

TerDawn: As an Entrepreneur that is building my business, I found that I created bad habits such as skipping meals, forgetting things, grabbing the wrong things to fuel my body, and not having enough energy throughout the day. I realized that I needed assistance in order to keep my body performing at its best and maximum capacity. I worked with a team of researchers and developers to formulate the things I know Entrepreneurs need to build their health while they build their wealth because they go hand in hand.

Patrice: Why did you think it is important for others to know about Wholepreneur Lifestyle?

TerDawn: I believe that it is important that you can trust the company that you are getting supplements from. This is your body and a lot of companies don’t operate in integrity with the list of ingredients. We make sure that our ingredients are actually certified organic and our products use the top ingredients to ensure that you are only putting quality into your body.

Patrice: How important do you think mental and physical health is for entrepreneurs?

TerDawn: It’s the most important thing you can do for your business because if you don’t take care of yourself, you’re not able to take care of your clients and customers properly. Iyanla Vanzant is famous for saying, “You can’t pour from an empty cup”. I firmly believe that because you have to be healthy to healthily build relationship with yourself, your family, and your customers/clients.

Patrice: You mentioned that Wholepreneur Lifestyle helps with productivity, mental clarity and well-being. How is that different to other health supplements that’s already made for things of that nature?

TerDawn: It’s different because our products have twice the potency of leading brands. We make sure it’s quality and we also make sure that it is truly beneficial for Entrepreneurs which no other product line can say.

Patrice: What can customers expect from Wholepreneur Lifestyle?

TerDawn: Excellent quality, customer service, and results.

Patrice: How important do you think mental health in entrepreneurs is?

TerDawn: Entrepreneurship is not for the weak. It takes a lot of confidence, courage, and consistency. There are so many ups and downs and the downs can really affect you mentally. It can make you think that you aren’t enough, that you aren’t doing enough, and that you will never have enough. I’ve seen Entrepreneurs go through depression because of this. I’m an advocate for therapy, spiritual, and self-care practices to keep things in alignment so that you can have the tools to work through those triggers.

 

Connect with TerDawn:

Instagram, Facebook and, Twitter: @TerDawnDeBoe

Websites: www.TerDawn.com and www.CreativityHelps.com

 

 

 

Patrice Rivers is a media mogul with the mind-set to tell “inspiring” stories in the world of journalism. She has also published nine books and is the owner of her brand ‘That Riverz Gurl Brand LLC’ that consists of her freelance writing, journalism skills, writing services, media platform and health platform. Learn more about this boss in the making by visiting her website at http://www.thatriverzgurlbrandllc.com Follow her on IG at http://www.instagram.com/thatriverzgurlbrandllc