Martha Elmore of I’MarE Boutique is very familiar with the need for self-care as a business owner. In honor of Women’s History Month on March 23, 2024, she partnered with and curated a Spa Day at Camellia Alise for five female entrepreneurs to unwind and recharge. Through this heartfelt gesture she wanted to honor the resilience and achievements of fellow female entrepreneurs, especially given her own experience of having to rebuild after losing her business to a tornado in 2022.
Left to Right: Natalie Christopher, Hermika Profit, Martha E., Miracle Williams, Keshia Wells, Martha w/Chef Brandy Hinds-Boone
The honorees were Natalie Christopher of Hair by Natalie Michelle, Keshia Wells of Elite Spectrum ABA, Miracle Williams of Miracle’s Nail & Lash Bar, Chef Brandy Hinds-Boone of Consuela’s Kitchen, and Hermika Profit of JWYN Custom Designs.
The ladies enjoyed indulgent facials and massages, complemented by champagne, and delicious custom charcuterie purses courtesy of Chef Brandy Hinds-Boone’s Consuela’s Kitchen as they exchanged inspiring stories of entrepreneurship. The CEOs shared advice on overcoming challenges and discussed their visions for the future. The event truly celebrated self-care and community, leaving participants feeling refreshed and inspired to continue their journey as empowered businesswomen.
To be a woman who makes “Pretty” moves you must first understand the gift you hold within and next understand how to utilize it.
LaToya Wilson, known as LR Wilson, is a mother, NaNa, and a business owner. She is the CEO of LR Wilson Consulting LLC, which specializes in personal and professional development. She is originally from Greenville, MS, and moved her life to Minnesota 30+ years ago. She is a mother of four plus a bonus baby and a NaNa to one grand diva. LR prides herself on helping people to be their best selves while showing up authentically. She is an Empowerment Lifestyle Coach, International Motivational Speaker, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Facilitator, Author, Plus Size Runway Model, as well as a Certified Anger Management Specialist.
LR is also the Executive Director of the S.H.E.E. Foundation (Sisters Healing, Evolving and Empowered) which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit where she works with both justice and non-justice involved, female-identifying clients and equipping them with life skills.
She gives back by mentoring middle school girls through Project DIVA International and Future Leaders Matter.
In her spare time, she takes on writing for Pretty Women Hustle Magazine as well as interviewing prominent women entrepreneurs as a Lead Media Correspondent.
LR loves traveling and spending time with her close friends and family.
Outside of entrepreneurship and business, Who is LaToya Wilson in five words?
Amazing, Fear, Supportive, Funny and Unstoppable
What inspired your start in Empowerment Coaching?
My inspiration for Empowerment Coaching has everything to do with losing my identity during my marriage/divorce and motherhood. I couldn’t recognize who I was and put everything I wanted to do on the back burner so everyone else could do/have what they needed. Once I found who I truly was without all the societal labels, I found other women going through if not the exact same situation, very similar which catapulted me into Empowerment Coaching.
You are a woman of faith, what role does your faith play in your entrepreneurial journey?
Whew, Chile! The nights and days I’ve sprawled on the closet floor face down sobbing in prayer to get me through my personal life’s struggles are countless. As far as my entrepreneurial journey, God never ceases to amaze me. I’m in rooms and stages I wouldn’t have ever dreamed of. Whenever I have an event, He goes extra hard on cleansing my spirit and I literally, like clockwork, start purging 3 days before, and on the day of I cry and praise continuously. I have to be pure to pour into someone else. Even some times when I’m working with a client, He will tell me what I need to do and say. It’s not always “traditional” coaching either because honey we will break out into prayer, song, and crying! Obedience is better than sacrifice!
Tell us about your company LR Wilson Consulting.
We offer 1:1 and Group Sessions as well as Corporate Partnerships.
LR Wilson Consulting LLC specializes in personal and professional development. LR Wilson Consulting offers a variety of coaching and consulting services. Whether it’s 1:1 or in a group setting, we are here to assist you with moving past obstacles in your life that are preventing you from excelling.
Corporate Partnerships
Our corporate partners receive specialized training in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Effective Communication Techniques, Mediation, and Conflict Management.
Anger Management
An added service is Anger Management classes for those who are court-ordered to complete them for various reasons.
Can you share your 2022 journey with us?
I have been so blessed in 2022! I have spoken on quite a few platforms as a guest speaker. I held my very first International Empowerment Conference in Los Cabos San Lucas Mexico in July 2022. It was surreal to see 50 women supporting me all the way in Mexico and 95% of them I had never met personally a day in my life. Some of us bonded through social media and some I met in Mexico who came over and attended the conference. I started a non-profit, the S. H.E.E. Foundation. Sisters Healing Evolving and Empowered which I was given the vision for this about 10 or 15 years ago. Then when I came back from Cabos, God said ok it’s time. Work me up at 3 am and I could not go back to sleep. I already had the Facebook group so I guess that was the foundation for what he needed me to do. I hosted my first fundraising event on October 15, the Harlem Nights Gala. Just as I thought I was about to give up, after canceling the event, and rebooked it at the same place and time, the event sold out! God said now what? Literally slapped me back into faith!
How did your business excel, what major moves are you proud of?
My business excelled first and foremost because of God. I opened my business in June 2020…the pandemic! Secondly, because of who I am. I’m not trying to be cocky when I say that. It’s because of who I am because I am genuine and real and I’m someone most people are comfortable with because I can relate to what they are bringing to the table. I don’t have 500 things going at once either. I continue to perfect and grow my craft. I also don’t rebrand so much that people can’t recognize who I am or what I’m doing. I AM MY BRAND!
The major moves I’m proud of are definitely pulling off the International Conference and the fundraiser.
What is next for you in 2023?
In 2023, I have the International Empowerment Conference in Negril, Jamaica, July 14-18. I’m also working on having an event in April with a few ladies who asked to help put that on. Lastly, I know, I’m playing with the idea of doing a Women’s Empowerment Retreat. Whatever God has planned for me, I’m here for it all!
What is your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles?
A Pretty Woman Who Hustles is a woman who is Fearless when it comes to taking risks to build her brand. She’s her #1 fan and inspires others to show up as their best selves in order to succeed in whatever she desires.
To be a woman who makes “Pretty” moves you must first understand the gift you hold within and next understand how to utilize it.
Na’Kedra Rodgers is a speaker, author, and influencer. A southern belle with sass; she has experienced heartache, healing, and everlasting hope. She is an overcomer and encourages others to declare they are as well using spirit-filled, uplifting words.
Outside of entrepreneurship and business, Who is Na’Kedra Rodgers in five words?
I’ve always been an outspoken person, but I began to feel as if I had no voice. I really had no clue what my purpose was in life and honestly, my spirit was broken. I began to self-reflect and call on God and things got better the more I did these things. I knew that other women could relate I wanted to help them get to their breakthrough. I wanted to offer women hope and encouragement. I wanted to remind them that they were special, and chosen and that God had a plan for their lives so they couldn’t give up
What message do you hope every woman walks away with when they encounter OptimisticallyKe?
Wait on God- Trials come. Life is hard but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. You can find restoration while waiting on God.
Trust His plan- God knows what’s best for you. God is building your character and you will be stronger when it’s over.
It will get better- Storms pass. Praise Him in the middle of it. Your breakthrough is right there. Keep going your blessing is on the way
Tell us about your ministry.
OptimisticallyKe is a Spiritual, Motivational Speaker, Author, and Influencer. She desires to pour into broken women who feel as if they have no hope and are ready to throw in the towel. She believes that her calling is to serve these women by reminding them who God says they are. They are Unique, Empowered, Chosen, Healed, Forgiven, Resilient, and Overcomers. To encourage them to seek God’s Plan for their lives and walk in the purpose that God intended for them long ago.
Can you share your 2022 journey with us?
OptimisticallyKe posted daily inspirational videos on social media since April 2021. She created a logo for her business in December 2021. In January 2022, she took money from her savings and paid for 50 affirmation T-shirts to be made using 5 buzz words: Unique, Chosen, Overcomer, Healed, and Forgiven with corresponding bible verses. She introduced the shirts on social media and sold out in 4 days. To date, she has sold over 500 T-shirts. In February, OptimisticallyKe attended her first vendor event. She also applied for her LLC. In March, OptimisticallyKe authored her first book Kneeling Earnestly for Transformation 30-Day Devotional and started selling it at the Working Women Wednesdays networking event. To date, she has sold 300 copies. In April, OptimisticallyKe opened a business account, had professional photos done, purchased business cards, and launched her website. She also was a featured author for the AriseDaily.com e-devotional. Over the next few months, OptimisticallyKe was out in the community as a vendor at several pop-up shops. In July, OptimisticallyKe attended and graduated from a Christian Communicators Conference held at Riley Center Seminary in Fort Worth. In August, she signed with Redemption Press to get Kneeling Earnestly for Transformation 30-Day Devotional published with the full distribution. In September alone, OptimisticallyKe did 3 vendor events. She also became a member of the Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce. October is more vendor events. It’s been a busy year and there’s more to come.
How did your ministry excel, what major moves are you proud of?
OptimisticallyKe is proud that she gave God a yes and that she’s been consistent even after encountering obstacles. She started posting inspirational videos on social media in April 2021 and to see it evolve into an actual business, platform and ministry are amazing.
OptimisticallyKe has a product line: affirmation T-shirts, 30-day Devotional, and jewelry yes I have custom earrings and bracelets. Won’t He Do It! She has been featured in ShoutoutDFW, AriseDaily.com e-devotional, and Biztv. OptimisticallyKe is excited about her faith walk, running for Jesus, and spreading optimism and the gospel. Everything is happening so fast and OptimisticallyKe is grateful that God’s favor is upon her life. She is claiming more major moves in her immediate future.
What is next for you in 2023?
OptimisticallyKe desires to expand her reach by speaking at conferences, summits, luncheons, and galas; however, she wants all that God has in store for her. She is operating in the realm of No Limits. God has already blown her mind in 2022 with the doors that He’s opened on her behalf. She believes this is just the beginning and it’s up from here.
What is your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles?
A woman who believes in herself and is confident in her capabilities. A woman who knows her worth and goes after what she wants. A woman who fears God but knows that with Him all things are possible. There is no dream too big for Him to make it a reality.
Ayana Blount, known professionally as The Passion Strategist is an award-winning speaker, host, coach, strategist, author, and podcaster. She has learned firsthand how impactful one’s mindset can be in their journey to authentic success.
She is truly a “Philly girl” at heart. The Philadelphia native is as relatable as Rocky and authentic as a cheesesteak, her delicious brand of visualizing and activating success through practical steps makes her sought after by the emerging entrepreneur and the corporate change agent. Ayana worked in healthcare/healthcare administration for 20 years and in the last few years switched career paths into human resources. She always enjoyed helping and engaging with people. In addition to watching or assisting them in the process of uncovering their greatness.
Being able to sit down with women making Herstory in their lane of expertise is always amazing to us. We had the pleasure of sitting down with Ayana Blount to ask a few questions about her journey thus far.
What inspired your start in entrepreneurship?
I achieved success on the corporate ladder very early in my career. What finally made me take the leap into entrepreneurship was when I recognized two things about myself and my experience. I had reached a ceiling that left me no growth options but instead forced me to find ways to reinvent myself as a means to stay connected while non-productive. Secondly, I began to realize that I had a gift that needed to be mentored but was not in an environment where mentorship was available. As they say, if you are the smartest person in your circle, you need to get a new circle.
What has been the highlight of your career thus far?
The absolute highlight of my career has been hearing and seeing my eight-year-old daughter become both aware of and excited about her mom pursuing passion openly and unapologetically and giving her full permission to do it too… right now!
If you could tribute your success to any in your life who would it be?
I would attribute my success to God who gifted me and fashioned me on purpose with passion.
What message do you hope women take away from your platform?
I hope that women know that they deserve to become the person they desire and believe they can be in their wildest dreams and to pursue her with passion, purpose, and a positive mindset.
What is your go-to quote for motivation?
Goodbye limitations. Hello, opportunities.
What does being a woman making Herstory mean to you?
It means owning your majestic being and providing platforms to help other women plug into and produce from their place of passion and purpose fearlessly and brilliantly.
Latika Vines is a Baltimore, Maryland native, currently residing in the Southern part of the state with her husband and four young daughters. Latika empowers working mothers, in male-dominated industries, to lead and grow in their Careers while strengthening Organizations to retain them. Latika is a firm believer that everyone has a career vision, and although that vision can get blurry and put on the backburner at times, it must be picked back up and turned into an initiative (ACTION)! She teaches working mothers how to do so by being the B.O.S.S. of their Careers.
As an 5x Author, Career Development Strategist/People Developer and Work-Life Balance Advocate & Educator, and CEO, Visionary Initiatives, LLC, Latika partners with Tech, Law Enforcement, and Professional Services Organizations to develop their Workforce, particularly their Working Mothers, through Career Development Workshops, Strategies, and Coaching to increase Employee Satisfaction, Improve Productivity and Retention and Career Mobility. Additionally, Latika is the host of The Latika Vines Show, a work and life balance podcast for working moms.
Latika has over sixteen years of Career/Workforce Development and Learning & Development experience and has been certified in Human Capital Strategist and Strategic Workforce Planning from Human Capital Institute, and Performance Consulting for Trainers from The Training Clinic. Latika has also received her certificate in Women Entrepreneurship from Cornell University.
In addition to growing her career and empire, Latika is the International Association of Women – Waldorf Chapter President, providing mentorship and guidance to women in the Southern Maryland area to achieve their life, career and business goals.
Being able to sit down with women making Herstory in their lane of expertise is always amazing to us. We had the pleasure to catch up with Latika and ask her a few questions about her journey thus far.
What inspired your start in entrepreneurship? As a working mother of 4 and wife, I struggled with balancing life and work and didn’t enjoy the job I had. When I was diagnosed with postpartum depression I realized that I was unhappy because of not having career mobility and flexibility to be with my family. Once I was able to overcome and get off the mommy track, I was able to obtain both flexibility and career mobility and have a sense of peace and happiness in my life, and in my family’s life. I realized that other working mothers struggled like me and I wanted to help them. So, I combined my Career/Workforce Development experience along with being a working mom to start Visionary Initiatives, LLC.
What has been thehighlight of your career thus far? The highlight of my career has been helping executive directors achieve their career success and watching them retire. It has been an absolute pleasure helping so many people get to the next level in their careers.
If you could tribute your success to any in your life who would it be? I tribute my success to God. It is because of God that I had the opportunity to heal and recover from postpartum depression and be able to help working mothers.
What message do you hope women take away from your platform? I hope that working mothers can gain the insight and inspiration to be the B.O.S.S. of their Careers while being present at home. It’s possible to do both, with strategy and support.
What is your go-to quote for motivation? My favorite quote is “surround yourself only with people who are going to take you higher.” – Oprah Winfrey
What does being a woman making Herstory mean to you? Being a woman making Herstory means that I am creating a legacy for my children and making a difference in the lives of working mothers. It means that I am confident in myself to overcome challenges and move forward in my life.
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