PLPT GEMS: Meet Jamie

PLPT GEMS Presents

Jamie Fleming-Dixon

Speaker. Author. Entrepreneur.

Please introduce yourself and tell us about your copywriting and editing business - Mocha Writer.

I'm Jamie Fleming-Dixon, and I'm founder of For Colored Gurls, an inspirational, personal development blog; I'm also an inspirational speaker and author and an entrepreneur. Mocha Writer is a boutique content creation and copy editing service, assisting women solopreneurs and small businesses with developing the content that grows their companies. I specialize in editing for books, e-books, blog posts and articles.

You recently added 'author' to your growing list of accomplishments!  Please tell us about your book - How to Change Your Mindset + Live Your Most Fabulous Life.

The book is as an inspirational guide to help you create and live the life you want. It gives practical tips for creating a more positive mindset, which will enable you to live the life of your dream. It's a really quick read, and in it, I share things like getting rid of limiting beliefs, how to determine your purpose and setting and achieving goals.

As an entrepreneur and newlywed, how did you find time to work on your book while managing your business and personal life?

It was definitely a struggle because not only was I getting back into the swing of business, I was also getting used to living with someone else and being a wife. But because getting the book and information out was important to me, I made time in the evenings and on the weekends to finish it. I'm someone who believes that if something is important to you, you make time for it, so that's what I did. It wasn't easy, but I'm glad I published it!

What is the most fulfilling aspect of being in business for yourself?  Likewise, what is the most challenging aspect?

The most fulfilling aspect is being able to inspire others and to help them bring their dreams to fruition. And I also love the freedom I have with creating my own hours and being able to choose the projects I take on. The most challenging aspect is balancing work time and personal time.  Because I love what I do (and because my husband works long hours), it's easy for me to work for long periods of time, but I know that having time for myself and just relaxing is important. It's something I'm working on.

Who is your support system and how do they help you reach your goals?

My main support is my husband and my mentor/business consultant. My husband supports my dreams and what I do 100 percent. He may not understand it at times, but he is there for me in every way. My mentor and business consultant, LaKesha Womack, believes in me and what I do, and she is always there for me, giving me the best advice for both business and life; we can talk about any and everything, which is really great. I don't know what I would do without those two fabulous people.

What advice would you offer to others who are searching for their purpose or are afraid to take the first step towards their dreams?

If someone is searching for her purpose, I would say take some time to get quiet, pray, meditate and journal so you're able to focus and go within yourself to figure things out. Also, to find your purpose, you can ask yourself questions like What are my gifts? What am I good at? What would I do if I knew I couldn't fail, if success was guaranteed? For someone who is afraid to take the first step toward her dreams, I would say “feel the fear and do it anyway,” which is my motto. Yes, taking that first step can be scary, but if you just go ahead and begin, you'll be amazed at what doors will open and where life will take you. So, just take that leap of faith!

How can our readers connect with you?

People can find out more about what I do on my website, jamieflemingdixon.com. Also, they can connect with me on Facebook (www.faceboook.com/mochawriterllc; www.facebook.com/forcoloredgurls), and on Twitter (@MochaWriter , @forcoloredgurls).

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PLPT GEMS: Meet Selena McDay

PLPT GEMS Presents

Selena McDay

Songstress. Mother. Legacy.

You've recently released an album, "Cry With a Smile", that was produced by your son, RiZ, to help bring your musical dreams to fruition. Tell us about the album and what type of sound your audience can expect to hear.

EVERYTHING I write is from personal experience! So the simple answer is: you’re going to hear a collection of “life lessons and love lessons”! Most (I hate to admit) were learned the really hard way, because I used to be so daggone “hardheaded”! But thankfully, I used writing as an outlet for a lot of things most of my life. And now, thanks to my incredible son RiZ, a 30 plus year dream deferred has come true! He’s produced and co-written my debut CD with me, and we’ve created a collection of “Ole Skool, Nu Kool” universal messages of love lost, love found, love cherished; self discovery; passion and fantasies; dreams realized and Karma, set to R&B, Neo-Soul, Jazz and Latin rhythms, sprinkled with a touch of Rock and Hip-Hop!

How did you know you wanted to pursue a career in music?




first recital at 7 or 8 years old


It feels like I was born into it! My mom was a lead singer in a band and they rehearsed at our house many times, and hung out at our house some nights after their gigs. I can remember more than one night (or early morning) during the 9 years I was the only child, I’d awake to somebody playing some instrument, my mom singing, or both! Music was just always a part of our lives. Then at 9 I was chosen to sing “He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands” in the Easter Pageant, and (when I) saw my Mother’s and the rest of the church’s reaction to what I’d just done, I got hooked! I decided right then and there that I WANTED TO SING! And that’s all I’ve ever wanted to do since!

Is performing and promoting your album your full time job? How do you balance it with your other responsibilities?

Yes, these days at least! As for “balancing”, it’s much easier now than it used to be when I was raising children, in school full-time, working a day gig part-time AND singing 3-5 nights a week! I have a law degree and I did “the lawyer thing” for a while when I was trying to finish getting the kids through school. I started a Legal Consulting firm that I’ve used as a supplement to my performing income since my son and I started work on my debut CD. It’s called LegalEaze Consulting, and I mostly provide legal document drafting, review and analysis services, business entities formation including (but not limited to) LLC’s, 501(c)(3)’s, LLP’s, and For-Profit Corporations, and electronic and manual factual and legal research, on a contract-by-contract basis. However, MUSIC IS MY LIFE!

What does a day in the life of Selena McDay look like? What actions do you take each day to contribute to the continued fulfillment of your musical goals?

Little did I know, developing and having “the product” was the easy part. Because I am an independent artist, with a small independent label (HLFW Recordings-founded and co-owned with my son RiZ) with NO budget, and no big label or rich uncle to sponsor me, everyday, except Sunday is spent doing something, anything and everything I can to get my music out there! It’s a standing joke now with my family that I literally go to bed and wake up with my laptop! But I do that because now that the CD is completed, I (am) trying to build my brand, get my music reviewed, writing pitch letters and getting them to every outlet I can to request submission permission or strum up interest to get interviewed. Much like what RiZ was doing when he found you guys. I’m not complaining, because as exhausting as it gets sometimes, I’m living my dream!

Who, in addition to your son RiZ, is your support system and how do they contribute to your business?




with son RiZ


At this time, I have my son RiZ, and a few very close friends & family members that are willing and sometimes able to take away from their own life’s responsibilities and goals to lend a hand (thus the success of my 12/11/11 CD Launch Party, I will never be able to thank them enough).

You never gave up on your dream, despite the setbacks you encountered; and you are proof that determination and belief in oneself will eventually result in reaching that dream. How did you overcome doubt and negative thinking?

I came real close to giving up a couple times along the way here. In fact, that’s part of the reason I decided to go to law school. But music has been my life so long, I just couldn’t. I’d professed that I’d dive into law school head on, and there would be no performing, at least during the first (and hardest) year of law school. But my destiny was evidently already written because I wasn’t in school three months when The Lord put me right back into it (with) a seven year gig at Washington, DC’s #1 Jazz Club, The Takoma Station Tavern, as their “House Singer"! In fact, but for those Thursday, Friday and Saturday night performances, I don’t think I would have made it though law school, because that was tough!

What advice would you give to other people who are searching for their purpose, or are afraid to take the first step toward their own dreams?

If you’re not happy, feel like you’re lacking or missing something in your life, I implore you to please, at least once a day, turn off or unplug everything electronic, sit still and listen! If you have to sit in a closet, in a bathroom, in your car, on the roof, sit somewhere, quietly, all by yourself for a few minutes a day so that God can talk to you. You will discover your purpose, discover your Blessing. Then when you “feel” strongly like you should or want to do something, don’t waste time trying to find some guarantee that it’ll work, questioning whether it’s the right thing to do, just take that first step out there on Faith, thank Him in advance for its success, and get started!

How can our readers connect with you?

at CD launch party

Keep in touch, visit me and tell a friend please! Check me out on my website; enjoy new videos when I upload them for you on my YouTube channel; and follow me on Twitter.

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PLPT GEMS: Meet Tarin

PLPT GEMS Presents

Tarin Boone

Naturalista. New Media Maven. Trailblazer.

Tell us about your natural hair journey. Have you always been natural or did you transition or BC?

I have been natural going on six years in April 2012. My last relaxer was for my senior prom in May 2005. I transitioned for 11 months and cut my past shoulder length relaxed hair off to just at my ear lobes. I was inspired by nappturality.com.

You now run a very successful event, ‘Fro Fashion Week, which occurs twice per year in Atlanta, GA. What inspired you to launch a full scale natural hair event?

I was inspired by New York Fashion Week and reading the history. I felt no one says “hey these are the trends for natural hair” outside of little articles here and there. I didn't want ‘Fro Fashion Week to be another hair show or expo. I grew up in event planning and expos and I know what it entails to set one up so I wanted to come completely from left field with ‘Fro Fashion Week. It's upscale, it's new media, and it’s FUN. I wanted to take the natural hair conversation out of convention centers and restaurants, and off the computer -- into a production almost.

‘Fro Fashion Week has created quite a buzz throughout the natural hair community; you have major bloggers, brands, speakers and sponsors involved; and you draw attendance from all over the country. Is this the vision that you had when you were starting out? How did you know you had an idea--and a plan--that would work?

Yes this is exactly how I envisioned it. What was a surprise, though, was the international audience. I'm now getting travel visa inquiries from women in various countries in Africa such as Nigeria, South Africa, and Ghana. We had women come from Jamaica and Bermuda--that was truly mind blowing. I'm still learning and growing and tweaking what works, what could be expanded. I have an end result in mind and now that it has been launched and has a track record I'm just building on the foundation.

Is running ‘Fro Fashion Week your full time career? How do you balance it with your other responsibilities? What advice would you offer to others about achieving balance?

‘Fro Fashion Week is just a branch of my company. It is becoming a huge branch but it is a subsidiary of my company Naturally Me! Media LLC which is comprised of a free mobile app, resource website: naturallymemedia.com, online social network: curlfriendscity.com, naturalhairproductdeals.com and naturalhairevents.com It can be very challenging juggling all of those hats but I am a master at multi tasking. I like the challenge because I hate monotony.

Who is your support system? How do they contribute to your passion?

My support system is definitely my family and fiancé. They could have just let me go out and attempt all my crazy ideas on my own but whenever I need them they are right there, sleeves rolled up and ready to work to make the vision come to life. In business, people always have their own agendas and motives but I know at all times my family has my best interest at heart; and that they are willing to fight and carry out my dream just like I am. I keep them very close. My mom instills all the event planning and business knowledge in me and also helps me set limits. I am very creative and can often times get caught up in my imagination; she is there to bring me back to reality and hone in the general concept I'm going for. My mom was the one who, while I was beginning to get depressed about not finding a job after college, told me to create my own job. I could always go work for someone but this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

What is the most fulfilling aspect of being in business for yourself?

The most fulfilling and the scariest part is knowing that you don't have to answer to anyone. It's very empowering because you are the decision maker. It's also very scary and nerve wracking because those decisions--good or bad--fall back on you and you have to be accountable for them.

What advice would you offer to others who are searching for their purpose or are afraid to take the first step towards their dreams?

Pray and be still. It's hard to make a decision on what you need to do in your life if you are constantly asking other people or making yourself busy. I was put in a place where I had no choice but to be still. God completely slowed me down for 6 months after I graduated college: no work, no money, no job offers… just in a wilderness. If your life feels like that, now is the time to pray and look at skills you already possess. Take stock of what you innately know, what you have learned maybe through school or formal training, and skills other people may compliment you on. What I find, is that the answer is normally right in front of you. By the time you reach that still place and can be reflective over your life you will start to see how things along your life path were set up to be used for this very moment. Once you step out on faith God will send you the tools and people you need that to complete the project.

How can our readers connect with you?

Online at NaturallyMeMedia.com and 'FroFashionWeek.com; on YouTube; on Twitter: @naturalmemedia and @'Frofashionweek and on Facebook.

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PLPT GEMS: Meet Tiffani

PLPT GEMS Presents

Tiffani Rogers

Dancer. Educator. Stylist.

When did you first discover your "passion for fashion" so to speak?

From as early as I can remember my greatest joy is getting up and deciding what I am going to wear. It's like asking yourself, 'Who do I want to be today?' Fashion allows us to be anyone we want to be. I remember putting on fashion shows with my sister in my living room and looking at my mother like she had 3 heads when she tried to pick out my clothes for the first day of Kindergarten. My parents even let me decorate my room at the age of 5 when we moved into our new house. I picked out the wallpaper (pastel pink ice cream cones) and furniture set. My best friend Andrea would sit at my glass vanity and say, 'I just love this room!' I should have known then that fashion styling and interior decorating would be in my future.

You now run your own styling business, STYLE by Tiffani and you write the successful blog, ACCIDENTAL Chic. How did you know you wanted to actually pursue a career in the fashion industry?

It didn't come to me right away. I moved to New York City in 2005 to attend NYU to get my Masters in Childhood & Special Education. Teaching is another passion of mine and has been my career since I was 18 years old. Once I arrived to NYC I realized I was in the middle of the Fashion Capital. My passion for fashion was taken up about 5 notches! I was in awe of being surrounded by the designer boutiques I read about in Vogue, being able to attend museum exhibits and New York Fashion Week.

I wanted an outlet to share all my fashion happenings, so on New Year's Eve in 2007 I decided to create a blog. Also, my friends were always asking me questions and I was sick of repeating myself. Ha! My roommate at the time went on my computer, opened up a Word Document and created a list of possible names for my blog. ACCIDENTAL Chic stuck out to me and Shannon said, 'I think that is perfect because you don't try to be chic, it's just who you are.' To this day the name is still the perfect fit because I never planned on pursuing a career in fashion - it just happened!

My career in fashion came about randomly. I also moved to NYC to pursue my dance career. It had been my dream since I was little to dance on Broadway. Being a dancer, I have lots of friends in the industry and everyone is auditioning 24/7 or searching for their 'look' to land an agent. Being their go-to fashionista, I would style them. Over the past couple of years I realized I love working with people one on one to help cultivate their style or decorate their living spaces to reflect their style. To me, it's just as rewarding as teaching children.

How did you get your business off the ground? What were the first 5 steps you took once you knew this was your intended career path?

Last summer I read The Artist's Way by Julie Cameron after hearing rave reviews from everyone I know. Upon reading and completing the exercises in the book I realized my focus was going more towards fashion than dance. That's when a light bulb went off that I could turn my passion into a career. Here are my first 5 steps...

1. Read a lot of business books for creative types and freelancers. I highly recommend reading The Entrepreneur Equation by Carol Roth if you are contemplating starting a business. Roth really puts things into perspective and can help you plan accordingly.

2. Brainstormed name and logo ideas, along with creating a website.

3. Educating myself financially. If you don't have your own personal finances in order, you are certainly not going to be able to handle business finances. This can definitely make or break you, so take the time to educate yourself.

4. Network, Network, Network! Also, social media is a MUST if you are an entrepreneur.

5. Visualize and journal what my goals are for STYLE by Tiffani. This is an ongoing process. I always make it a point to check-in. It's important to me that I'm on the right path and staying true to my vision.

What does a day in the life of Tiffani Rogers look like? What is your favorite part of the day?

Every day is different! There is some consistency in my day because I still teach part-time as a SEIT (Special Educator Itinerant Teacher) in the morning and late afternoon. This is the perfect schedule for me because it leaves a big window open in the afternoon for me to pull or return looks at showrooms for photo shoots, preview upcoming collections, meet with clients or work on any projects I may have on the horizon.

I truly love every part of my day. It's important to me to live a life where I am excited to get out of bed every morning. Being able to pursue both careers is important to me right now. I have a great balance going on. Although, my morning cup of green tea and 'me' time before I start my day might just be my favorite.

What are some of the pros and cons of being in business for yourself?

PROS...

+ Your business reflects your vision and constant use of your creativity.

+ Flexibility and opportunity to choose who you work with.

+ The chance to make a difference and inspire others.

CONS...

- Your customers are your boss. If they’re not buying, you're not getting paid!

One of our favorite features on your blog is Mantra Monday, where you post quotes or photos that have inspired you. Is this what helps you to overcome any moments of fear or doubt that you might experience? What are some of your other outlets?

I had the idea to start Mantra Mondays because I am SO not a Monday person. I don't why. I actually think I have gotten better about it since I started Mantra Monday. I figured posting an inspiring quote is a great way to start the week on the right foot. Each Monday it gets me thinking and ready to move forward on whatever I need to conquer that week. It's a bonus that my readers are inspired by it as well. Heaven forbid if I don't post a mantra on Mondays now!

Another outlet I use to overcome fear and doubt is definitely books. I looooooove books. In NYC there is a bookstore or library on just about every corner. I probably go into one at least once a day (seriously). I love reading every type of book there is. If I need inspiration on something I pick up a book and start reading. There's just something so reassuring about that. Dance and yoga are other outlets; both allow me to just be in the moment.

What advice would you offer to others who are searching for their purpose, or are afraid to take the first step towards their own dreams?

Make time for yourself! Even if it's just 15-20 minutes a day. During this time you should ask yourself what it is that you want. One day my yoga teacher ended the class with this, "At the end of the day you have no one to answer to but yourself." I think about this all the time. You have no one else to please but yourself! It amazes me how often I see people living lives to please others even though they are miserable inside.

WHY NOT take the first step? This is what I say to myself all the time. And let me tell you 99.9% of the time I can't think of a reason not to take that step. If you are contemplating starting a business or a career change but afraid to put it all on the line, start slowly. Evaluate where you want to be right now, in 5 years and then in 10 years. Each will be different phases so don't feel pressured to make it all happen right away. I use to feel like I needed to make it all happen in my 20's but something shifted once I turned 30, it was like a little voice told me to slow down and enjoy the journey. My future plans are to be styling and decorating full-time, but as of right now I am enjoying the process of growing my business.

It's OK to not know every little detail of what you want to pursue. By taking the first step it will lead to more steps, but you have to be willing to take that first step!! As my good friend Adri would say; TRUST & BELIEVE.

How can our readers connect with you?

Feel free to reach out and connect with me at any of the following mentioned below. I hope to hear feedback, thoughts and answer any questions PLPT readers might have! xo

website: http://www.stylebytiffani.com/

email: stylebytiffani@gmail.com

twitter: @stylebytiffani

blog: http://www.accidentalchic.com/

facebook: facebook.com/accidentalchic 

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PLPT GEMS: Meet Leticia

PLPT GEMS Presents

Leticia, of Organic Fusion 

Consultant. Music Lover. Soul Chaser.

Share with us a defining moment in your life that has shaped the woman you are today.

I don’t think it was just one moment, it was many moments and decisions that defined the woman I am today. I believe that each decision we make is an opportunity for us to be great. Reflection is also important to me. Sometimes when things don’t go well I take a moment to reflect and ask myself what I could have done differently to make sure I don’t make the same mistake twice.

Tell us about Chasing Soul and how you came to start your business?

I started Chasing Soul in June of 2010 as a creative outlet to share my musical journey. I have always loved music but felt like there was still a lot that I was missing. At the time I didn’t realize that Chasing Soul would lead to the creation of our business, Organic Fusion. In August of 2010 I was offered an opportunity to attend a music festival to get content for the blog. I took my friend Angenella with me and during the festival we were connecting with the artists backstage and utilizing social media to provide event updates. After the event we were contacted by our first client and he really inspired us to start the business (you never know who is watching you). Angenella and I decided to join forces and that is how the business was created. We partner with our clients to provide a variety of consulting services, social media strategy, and online marketing/promotions. We have also completed other projects such as management of a video shoot for Conya Doss which was an amazing experience. Taking this journey has been one of the best life decisions I have made -- my life will never be the same.



Leticia with Conya Doss

What are the most fulfilling and most challenging aspects of starting a business?

The most fulfilling aspect of starting the business is partnering with our clients to help them follow their passion. It really doesn’t feel like work. I have often you heard people say “Do what you love and it won’t feel like work” and now I finally understand what that means. The most challenging aspect of starting a business is work/life balance. So much to do, so little time.

What advice do you have for managing a day job, a family, a side hustle, and everything else on your plate (without going crazy)?

Two things are critical for me to maintain balance – prioritization and asking for help when I need it. I work full-time so it is always a challenge to meet the demands of family, working, blogging, and clients. I couldn’t do all of this without my family – their support is priceless. It is also beneficial to have Angenella to share the load with.



Angenella and Leticia - The ladies of Organic Fusion

How do you stay motivated and overcome doubt, fear and negative thinking?

Our business is still very new so we are still very motivated and continue to receive confirmation that Organic Fusion is the right business to grow.

What advice would you offer to others who are searching for their purpose or are afraid to take the first step towards their dreams?

I would recommend anyone searching for their passion to find out what makes them happy and pursue it relentlessly! Just take one step and one step will lead into another. Also, I recommend surrounding yourself with people that will support you and push you out of your comfort zone. You can’t do it alone.

Name someone who has inspired you and why.

I have been inspired by so many people but my Grandmother has been the most influential. She is 91 years old and has lived her life to be one of the most giving, confident, loving people I know. She is my rock!

How can our readers connect with you?

You can connect me via the blog: ChasingSoul.com, Facebook, Twitter

You can also connect with our business Organic Fusion: Facebook, Twitter

I look forward to connecting with you!

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PLPT GEMS: Meet Rosetta

PLPT GEMS Presents

Rosetta Thurman

Author. Life Coach. Keynote Speaker.

In 2010, you quit your full time, non-profit job and founded Thurman Consulting, an education company specializing in leadership, entrepreneurship and social media. Based on your experience, please share some best practices with us on transitioning from employed to self-employed. What worked well and what do you wish you'd done differently?

The best thing I did was to build up my reputation and personal brand in my industry before I struck out on my own. I started my nonprofit blog at rosettathurman.com in 2007 and little did I know, my online presence would be THE factor in paving the road for a consulting business in the future. In 2008, I began to solicit paid opportunities while I still had the financial cushion of a full-time job. For two years, I took consulting gigs and speaking engagements on the side. I worked evenings, weekends and used vacation time to work on my "side hustle" while still being committed to my 9 to 5. By the time I quit my job, I had enough business lined up to be financially viable on my own, plus connections for future business.

One thing I wish I had done differently was to save more money before leaving my job. I had about 3 months of living expenses saved up when I left, but it would have been ideal to have at least 6. That way, I could have been more selective about how many clients to take on in the beginning. I took on a lot of work (probably too much!) right away to mitigate the initial costs of starting my business.

Just to give you more of a sense of the transitions I made in my business - in the beginning, I relied heavily on long-term contracts with nonprofits to support their programs and communications. I hated it, because it limited my ability to pursue other kinds of work as well as travel. Now, I focus primarily on speaking, coaching and training nonprofit leaders and passionate entrepreneurs. I absolutely LOVE what I do :)

PLPT has been following your blog, Happy Black Woman, for a long time and have watched it evolve from more personal exploration to include lifestyle and career coaching. You also actively manage two other blogs. What role has blogging played in your professional and personal development?

Blogging was the launching pad for my business. It has been THE main way that clients learn about me, my work and what I stand for. For the speaking aspect of my business, for instance, all of my clients come through my blog or through word of mouth, usually from social media circles. In my professional development, blogging has given me a platform to inform and inspire other people. In my personal development, blogging has allowed me a space to explore my own interests and connect with like-minded people in many different industries.

You created the 31 Day Reset program last year which has been hugely successful! (For those of you who don't know, the 31 Day Reset program is a personal development challenge to help you "manifest change in your life or simply gain more clarity about your path to happiness and success." What other resources/programs do you offer on your site?

The 31 Day Reset has become the signature personal development program on Happy Black Woman. I also offer an entrepreneurship program, Side Hustle Boot Camp to help other women start making money doing what they love. In that program, I teach everything I know about getting the word out about you and your new business. You can learn more about that program at howtostartasidehustle.com. We are working on the live version right now, but the online version will be offered again soon.

What is a typical day in the life of Rosetta Thurman? What is your favorite part of the day?

My favorite part of the day is the morning! These days, I get up by 8am and read a daily reflection from Mark Nepo's "Book of Awakening." Then I do a walking or sitting mediation on a different theme depending on what intention I want to call forth for the day. Sometimes it's compassion. Sometimes it's love. Sometimes it's clarity. Most of the time it's courage. Courage not to hold myself back and sabotage my gifts. Courage to share what I know with other people. I try to eat healthy as much as possible throughout the day and take breaks to walk around the block and talk to my mom and sister. Some days, I'm traveling to different parts of the country to speak at conferences and events. Other days, I might spend the day downtown meeting with colleagues or catching up with friends. I usually do most of my blogging in the morning and conduct coaching calls in the afternoon. My "official" work day ends around 6pm, but I often use the late evening hours to work on longer-term writing and training projects I have in the works.

Who is your support system and how do they help you reach your goals?

My mom is totally my biggest supporter. She runs a fitness consulting business so she gets what I'm going through and also offers me business coaching when I need it! I also rely on my online connections - I love learning from and sharing information with other consultants, speakers, coaches and entrepreneurs. I am also a member of the Young Entrepreneurs Council, which has been great for higher-level connections and visibility. Last month, we were invited to the White House for a special event where I was able to meet other young entrepreneurs who were doing AMAZING things and motivated me to think bigger about my own business.

Do you ever experience moments of fear, regret or self-doubt? How do you overcome this negative thinking?

Yes. Not as much as I used to, but yes. One of the things I try to remember is that although I feel fear, I am not the fear itself. It helps to sort of notice when I'm thinking negatively and ask myself where the thoughts are coming from and journal about them in the moment. More often than not, my fear or self-doubt has more to do with perceptions of how I compare or "stack up" to others rather than the truth of my own unique gifts.

I also live by business guru Tom Peters' motto: "Test fast, fail fast, adjust fast." I don't expect everything I do to be a slam dunk, which manages my own expectations and lessens the fear of "failing."

What advice would you offer to others who are searching for their purpose, or are afraid to take the first step towards their own dreams?

Get clear about what you want for your life by creating a personal mission statement. You can find instructions for how to do that on happyblackwoman.com.

Also, fear means GO.

How can our readers connect with you?

You can learn more about me and my work at happyblackwoman.com and rosettathurman.com. I also invite you to join me in DC on November 11, 2011 for the first-ever Side Hustle Boot Camp LIVE event! It is a learning and networking event for black women entrepreneurs with a keynote speaker, entrepreneurs panel and afternoon workshops. We are planning a full day of inspiration, information and motivation to help you launch and grow your business on the side!

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PLPT GEMS: Meet Fatima

PLPT GEMS Presents

Fatima ~ Flowers From Fatima

Designer. Optimist. Creative Spirit.

Share with us a defining moment in your life that has shaped the woman you are today.

I can honestly say that blossoming is an ongoing life process, and that all experiences have had profound effects on me, up until this point. However, one moment that has truly shaped the woman that I am today was my decision to start my own business. It is amazing how much Flowers From Fatima has made ME bloom! I've become so much more confident, empowered, humbled, and creative. Finding my business certainly led me to finding myself. My entire perspective on living has changed. When dealing with life, full alignment with Nature is important to me. I've become more in tune with our Mother Earth, more enamored by her beauty every day, and even more whole in my thoughts and actions in respect to the Earth.

Tell us about Flowers from Fatima and how you came to start your business?

Flowers From Fatima is a designer line inspired by hope, love, positive energy, and Mother Nature. The business was sowed in December of 2009, shortly following the passing of my father, who launched a community beautification program that revitalized our neighborhood. Growing up, I was very active in the movement to change our community. Many summers, I spent time alongside my family, planting beautiful blooms in the yards and watching the butterflies and hummingbirds visit. It was such an amazing thing to see how these small flowers could attract even more beauty. Not only did I notice a change in the life that we attracted, but the spirit of the community grew to become even more peaceful, loving, and positive. Since then, my affinity for flowers has blossomed. I sought to reconnect with Mother Nature, as well as share the experience with other women, in all ways possible and the planting of Flowers From Fatima was the product of my dreams.



Custom Order



What are the most fulfilling and most challenging aspects of being self-employed?

Being self-employed is a beautiful thing when it comes to flexibility, freedom, and fun! I enjoy being able to live my life the way I see fit and having the freedom to build Flowers From Fatima at a comfortable pace, according to the tasks that my life requires at the moment. My business happens to fit perfectly into my busy life, as it is something that has become a part of me (with my extreme love for fashion and flowers). Aside from flexibility, I love the freedom that comes along with self-employment. I am not confined to the strict policies that often accompany corporate jobs. I can choose who I wish to work with, which has mainly been my family, and I love my hours! One of the most challenging aspects of self-employment is the lack of stability of the job that you have created and chosen to work. It can be difficult to endure the "slow periods" of the business, whereas having a steady career in corporate America guarantees much more. However, the goal is to reach that point with your own business to where it is more reliable in sustaining itself and your life. I understand that patience is key with all elements that involve growth, though.

How would you describe a day in the life of Fatima?

As the sole designer and President of Flowers From Fatima, I manage nearly all of the business-related tasks, from advertising to creating hair flowers. I spend half of my day online, advertising and marketing my product through social media. Depending on the tasks scheduled for the day, I will complete about 3-4 handmade accessories to be ready for purchase. When I'm not online, I'm promoting my business wherever I go, with business cards and product ready. You may even find me vending at a local venue for a special occasions. For the most part, a normal day is rather relaxing, fulfilling, and fun. I simply love what I do!

Regal Rouge Flower Hair Comb

How do you stay motivated and overcome doubt, fear and negative thinking?

Staying motivated and keeping positive thoughts was certainly something that I had to master. As I mentioned before, the sowing of Flowers From Fatima transformed me spiritually. I learned that through being optimistic about my dream, I was able to attract greater success into my life. I could never speak badly about my business or my efforts ever again after I found what worked for me, and undoubtedly, could work for anyone. I accept the twists and turns of my journey and understand that through it all, I am in control and that with the intent of seeing my seedling bloom, Flowers From Fatima will flourish in due time.

What advice would you offer to others who are searching for their purpose or are afraid to take the first step towards their dreams?

For those searching for their purpose, please know that you will find all that you are looking for when you least expect it and where you never imagined. It is something that comes naturally and will be fulfilling to both you and those that you share your gift with. Look deep inside of yourself and evaluate your strengths and pleasures in life. That is where you belong. For those who are afraid of pursuing their dreams, I wish that your fear be conquered. It is easy to fear the unknown as we cannot see what lies ahead of us, but spiritually, we actually can. Step into tomorrow with a positive state of mind and a vision for yourself and your dreams will unfold. You are a creator and have the power to manifest whatever you desire. Once you've taken the first leap forward, it's always easier to see the finish line more clearly.

Name someone who has inspired you and why.

One person who has inspired me is my father. Again, he had an extraordinary vision for a sullen community and that's all that it takes: A dream, intense focus, and extraordinary thought. You have to know that something can truly be different through all of the years of ordinary consistency. This is the foundation to all successes. I am glad that I had the chance to partake in such a life-changing experience in my younger years.



Chocolate Brown Mum Flower Hair Clips

How can our readers connect with you?

I LOVE connecting with positive people and I also design custom orders, so please take the time to visit the online boutique at http://www.flowersfromfatima.com/. You can also find Flowers From Fatima on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/FlowersFFatima or email me at FlowersFromFatima@gmail.com.

As a special treat , Fatima has been sweet enough to offer a discount--just for our readers--for 35% OFF her beautiful products with the code "PeaceLoveBlooms". The code expires one week from today on Tuesday September 20th. Thanks Fatima!

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PLPT GEMS: Meet Janelle

PLPT GEMS Presents

Janelle Carter ~ The Cork Chronicler

Entrepreneur. Attorney. Sommelier.

Your passion is wine, and you created an outlet for it in The Cork Chronicles--a blog designed to help others "enhance (their) drinking experience and appreciation of wine." When and why did you decide to start this blog?

I started The Cork Chronicles while I was still a practicing attorney. The first couple years of legal practice were difficult for me because I was constantly working and stressed out. I didn’t have much time for friends, family, other interests, or even myself. So, one of my very good friends and I made a pact that we would pick up a hobby in order to have a release from the strain of constant work and stress we experienced in our professional lives. Wine became one of my chosen hobbies: I went to wine tastings, read books and magazines about wine, explored lots of new and different wine varietals, and became quite knowledgeable about wine. My fascination with the world of wine grew more intense, and what started as a hobby turned into a passion.

At the wine tastings I attended, I was often the youngest and only person of color in the room. I realized that there is a whole segment of young people and those of color who purchase wine but are not being educated about wine or reached by the wine industry and its marketers. In an effort to fill that void, I launched The Cork Chronicles. By sharing what I have learned about wine with my peers, I hope to enhance their experiences with and appreciation for wine.

What opportunities have been presented to you as a result of sharing your wisdom about wine?

The greatest opportunity I have had is to engage with people around my passion for wine, professionally. As The Cork Chronicles’ community grows—people continue to read the blog, connect with me on social media platforms, come to my events, and seek out my advice on wine-related issues—my professional opportunities continue to grow. What started as a blog chronicling my personal wine tasting experiences grew into producing wine entertainment events which led to wine consulting opportunities. In April, I left my (now former) law firm to devote my full attention to building an enterprise around my passion for wine.

I began hosting wine entertainment events in April when I launched The Cork Chronicles’ monthly happy hour. Now on summer hiatus, the happy hours will return to DC this Fall. In the meantime, I have had the opportunity to do several private wine tasting events. Last Sunday, I hosted a wine tasting at the inaugural StreetFood Artistry festival in Chicago. You can also find me at Whole Foods in Naperville, IL on Friday afternoons where I pour wine and answer wine questions. Stay tuned for some exciting collaborations with people in art, music, and cooking/food that I will be announcing soon.

You've left the "security" of a full time job, and are now flexing your entrepreneurial muscle by building a wine entertainment and consulting company. How did you prepare yourself to make this leap?

Prayer—lots of it—and getting the support of my family and friends were essential to making the leap. Without faith and a strong support system, I could not have made the leap nor would I be able to maintain perspective and sanity through the challenges of entrepreneurship. In addition to faith and support, thorough planning is the key to preparation. Creating a sound business and personal financial plan eased the transition for me. You cannot prepare for or foresee everything: my business plan is constantly changing and many unexpected expenditures have required me to adjust my personal financial plan. However, I am in a better position to work through challenges with the roadmaps I created at the outset.

What does a typical day in the life of the Cork Chronicler look like? What is your favorite part of the day?

Wow…I wish there was a typical day in the life of the Cork Chronicler. Right now, I am back and forth between Chicago and DC in addition to travel to several other cities, so it has been difficult establishing a regular schedule. Nevertheless, my day typically begins or ends with quiet time for prayer and reflection which may include a walk or journaling or reading a devotional. In between, my days are quickly exhausted with drafting event proposals or pitches; conference calls or meetings with vendors, sponsors, collaborators, and venues; writing blog posts; engaging with people on social media platforms; and, strategic planning. Additionally, I devote a couple hours per day to studying for my upcoming sommelier certification exam. Last, I moonlight as a diversity consultant and employment attorney, so I often have assignments to complete for those clients. My favorite part of the day is the time I spend “researching” wine whether drinking a bottle of wine over dinner; attending wine tastings, festivals and conferences; or hosting a wine tasting party with a group of friends.

Who is your support system and how do they contribute to your ability to build your dream company?

My parents have been my rock throughout my life and in this process, specifically. They provide encouragement, a sounding board, assistance, and a place to stay when I am in the Chicago area. I also am incredibly grateful for the countless number of friends and family members for their late night pep talks, words of encouragement, giving me a place to stay, showing up to my events, commenting on my blog, connecting me with other people in the wine industry, and helping me do wine “research.”

Do you ever experience moments of fear, regret or self-doubt? How do you overcome this negative thinking?

I have faith that I am doing what I am supposed to be doing and have never looked back. Although I do not experience any feelings of regret, I am not immune to moments of fear and self-doubt. I embrace fear. It is a natural emotion to feel when you do something that you have never done before. The key is not to eliminate fear, but to act in the face of fear. Acting in spite of fear requires confidence. Thus, moments of self-doubt can be paralyzing for a new entrepreneur. I rely on my faith and my support system to overcome those moments. If you don’t believe in yourself and your vision, no one else will.

What advice would you offer to others who are searching for their purpose, or are afraid to take the first step towards their own dreams?

On purpose, pray for vision and guidance and just let it come to you. In some cases, you will have to create mental space for it to come to you. I had to get away from the stress and bustle of my former life to make space for new ideas and perspective. My vision didn’t begin to formulate until I took a couple weeks of vacation time at my former firm. It wasn’t until the second week of vacation that the stress dissipated to such a point that I had the clarity to know what I was supposed to do next. After I left the firm, it was amazing how much my perspective changed—my vision became clearer, my thinking became more creative, and my perspective became much broader. Clearing out the clutter that my former job position created in my mental space was like cleaning off a filthy window, all of a sudden I could see crystal clear.

If you know your purpose but are afraid to jump out there and realize your purpose—whether or not it is to be an entrepreneur—have faith and seek counseling. I had the faith and support to walk in my purpose. Yet, I got cold feet at the last minute. Just a few sessions with a counselor gave me the mental tools I needed to push through the fear and do it anyway.

How can our readers connect with you?

Please check out The Cork Chronicles at http://www.corkchronicles.com/. Stay posted on upcoming events and the latest updates by joining the email list with the link in the right column of the blog or “like” The Cork Chronicles on Facebook, www.facebook.com/CorkChronicles.com. You can connect with me on Twitter, www.twitter.com/corkchronicler, or via email, Janelle@corkchronicles.com.

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PLPT GEMS: Meet Ally

PLPT GEMS Presents

Ally Burguieres

Artist. Writer. Linguist.

When did you discover your passion as an artist? Did you create your first masterpiece as a child, or did it take some time to recognize your gift?

I was always creating as a kid — I remember my mom gushing to a relative over the phone about how I would make little sculptures out of the twisty ties at the grocery store. She always encouraged my creativity, and she signed me up for Saturday-morning art classes when I was seven years old. We'd go out for donuts before class and during class I learned perspective and techniques in acrylic. Those Saturdays are some of my favorite childhood memories.

What obstacles did you have to overcome in order to become a full time artist?

I spent a long time in school — earning two Master's and a Doctoral degree — before I pursued art full-time. Throughout all the studying, art was always a means of relaxation and meditation for me. I love what I studied (Journalism, Literature, and Linguistics) and still consider myself a writer and linguist. Being a full-time artist just means that at this point in my life, the majority of my time is spent on art and writing is my diversion, as opposed to the other way around. 


"Bamboo Pond" — a 5' x 4' Oil and Acrylic Paint on Canvas painting

When did you know it was time to open your own gallery? What are the first 5 steps you took to prepare yourself? 

I knew it was time to open my own gallery when I realized that I wanted the freedom to share my unique artistic style with others without compromising on presentation or experience. Working with other galleries is great, but you miss out on the ability to create your identity as an artist and present your work in a way that communicates your vision and style. The preparation was really about saving financially (1), finding an ideal location (2), talking with the community and directors of galleries in the area (3), building an inventory of strongest works (4), and putting 100% of time and effort into providing an exciting selection of work to customers and being an asset to the community. I'm lucky in that Royal Street in the New Orleans French Quarter is a dynamic community of artists and business owners who treat each other like family. It is wonderful and inspiring as an artist to be welcomed into such a positive, supportive, and prestigious group. 

Are there moments when you feel fearful or uninspired? How do you overcome these moments of negative thinking?

There are definitely moments of fear and uninspiration, but I try to accept them as part of a healthy awareness of risk. I've learned over time that the best things take time and dedication — sometimes success is a matter of patience and positive thinking. If you keep yourself ready for opportunities and present what you have to offer, good things will come along. Sometimes good things are even more rewarding when you've been waiting for them. 


"Lemurs in the Treme(rs)" — a 46'' x 28'' Oil and Acrylic Paint on Canvas painting

Your sisters help you run the gallery. How has the support of your family contributed to your passion?
The support of my family has been great. We are good at supporting each other, though with five sisters it can sometimes be difficult to keep track of who is interested in what at which time. My dad is a physician and hasn't always been enthusiastic about my passion for art; but I think he's accepted that with hard work and dedication his daughters can be successful in any field, even ones that have a reputation for being financially challenging. Deep down I know he is happy as long as we are happy and contributing to the world in a positive way. 

What advice would you offer to others who are searching for their purpose or are afraid to take the first step towards their dreams?

There is so much good in life, and one of the best things you can do for yourself and others is to focus on the good things and share that positivity. As far as searching for a purpose, I think a lot of life is giving yourself the opportunity to experiment and having enough patience to let yourself explore and discover without pressure. There's no time limit or expiration date on creativity. 

Name someone who has inspired you and why.

Inspiration has come from so many individuals — is difficult to pick just one. At the risk of sounding like a college admissions essay, I have to say my mother is a huge inspiration. She has an incredible work ethic and a wonderful dedication to others. 

"Moonrise over Bourbon" — a 24'' x 12'' Oil and Acrylic Paint on Canvas painting

How can our readers connect with you, or view your work?

Site: www.GALLERYBURGUIERES.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/GALLERYBNOLA

Email: ally@GALLERYBURGUIERES.com

And people are always welcome at GALLERY BURGUIERES, where they can usually meet me in person and see originals in real life!!

736 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA, 70116

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