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Archives for November 2015

Chante Ramsey of VySyn Photography

November 30, 2015 by Sharon Beason wc@womeneur.com 359 Comments

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Womeneur Spotlight” google_fonts=”font_family:Open%20Sans%3A300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Take a walk down the path of these entrepreneurs, business owners and progressive women.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”vc_default” bg_type=”image” parallax_style=”vcpb-default” bg_image_new=”id^3035|url^https://www.womeneur.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/womeneur-spotlight-chante-ramsey-of-vysyn-photography_650_650_90_ffffffgrayopac-7_s_c1.jpg|caption^null|alt^null|title^womeneur-spotlight-chante-ramsey-of-vysyn-photography_650_650_90_ffffffgrayopac-7_s_c1|description^null” css=”.vc_custom_1461345288065{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1461345130486{margin-bottom: -2px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

CHANTE RAMSEY OF VYSYN PHOTOGRAPHY

OWNER/PHOTOGRAPHER[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”5″ accent_color=”#e3672b” css=”.vc_custom_1460496937176{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text]Website:

Social Media: [dt_social_icons animation=”none” alignment=”default”][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”twitter” link=”http://twitter.com/Vysynphotos” /][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”instagram” link=”http://instagram.com/Vysynphotos” /][/dt_social_icons][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”3034″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Brooklyn-native and photographer, Chante Ramsey is the visionary behind , the innovative, top notch photography company in Brooklyn, NY that captures special events for entrepreneurs, businesses and families.  VySyn Photography Inc was founded in 2011 and includes Chante’s artistic portfolio which shows an eclectic assemblage of vibrant portraiture, architectural, and urban/natural landscapes.

For a lifetime, Chante has worked to cultivate her creative expression through prose and, in recent years, through the visual expression of photography. During that journey, she has discovered her passion for photography and has rightfully embraced it. Her work has been featured at local venues including the Barbara Campbell boutique, Casa Frela Gallery, TeaFey Infusions, to name a few.

In Spring 2015, Chante launched her women’s photography initiative, the , in tribute to the women in her life and in the memory of her mother. The SHE Project features women in her visual and podcast series who have found their purpose and are a living testament to the results of hard work and determination.

This Womeneur™ took the time to share her career journey, aspirations and lessons learned.

What inspired your journey into business?
My passion for my art and seeking to fulfill my purpose started me on this path to entrepreneurship.

What steps did you take to start your business?
I focused on honing my creative voice and engaging folks of all walks of life through my art then sought out an experts to help me get my business established.

What are your biggest fears?
My biggest fear is to not grow creatively and not be able to sustain my lifestyle solely with my art.

What do you do to stay motivated when you feel like giving up?
I take a photo walk to get back to basics – to get back to why I fell in love with photography in the first place. Photography is about visually depicting life’s beauty with a single shot!

What are your weakness in business and how have you worked past them? 
My weakness is cultivating and expanding my client base. To overcome I’ve done plenty of networking, provided discounted shoots for worthy causes and is consistently active on social media.

What’s been most rewarding?
The connections that I’ve made with clients who were initially camera shy and the suddenly blossomed by the end of a photo session.

Who were you before you started your business?
I was simply an accountant for nonprofit organizations and fearful of taking risks.

If you had to do it again, what (if anything) would you do differently?
I wouldn’t change a thing. A part of growth in this life is to make decisions, stand by them, learn from them and apply those lessons for the chapters on your path to realizing that you are not here to merely exist but to change the world in a big or small way.

What’s one good software or application you cannot live without?
iTunes! My source inspiration to create is through my music whether I’m blasting sounds during my shoots or while editing.

What’s your secret to cultivating a relationship between you and your customers?
Being truthful and sharing my life story is a powerful way to engage clients and develop a sense of trust.

Where do you see your business in 5 years?
I see myself traveling to work and collaborating with other artists via art shows and/or projects.

What are 3 tips you can share with budding and current entrepreneurs/business owners?

  1. Be honest with yourself
  2. Don’t be afraid to fail
  3. Don’t stop loving why you do what you do

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Filed Under: Womeneur Spotlight

Stop Waiting For “The Perfect Moment”

November 25, 2015 by Latarria Whitehead 3,010 Comments

Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Take the moment and make it perfect.

Not “being ready” is rooted in one or two things from what my eyes have seen. One not truly being interested or two fear of failure. A fear of failure that stems from an unwillingness to step into territory you feel you’re not adequately prepared to navigate and consequently failing. But the truth is that the perfect life marker you are waiting on may never come, because even when the moment is seemingly perfect and the opportunity says jump now, mistakes are prone to happen.. Because well… that’s just a part of life, and the truth is that there will always be some struggle, there will always be something to work on. Just as many lessons there are in succeeding there are in failing, if you just step back and look at things through a different set of lens. T.D. Jakes makes a great point in his latest book “Destiny” he says “maybe your destiny is being birthed through a failed business or bankruptcy. Perhaps the downsizing of a company was really meant to shake you free to a life of purpose. It is not always the best or joyous moments that direct us to destiny.”

Basically, sometimes pain, and failure exists to help and maneuver you into your life’s purpose. But that can’t happen if you’re sitting idle waiting for the perfect moment. Maybe there is no perfect moment, maybe there is only one moment and that moment is now. Would that change your perspective? Sometimes “being ready” only truly comes with real life experience. Experience that can only be obtained in doing, falling, succeeding, failing, and doing again. I’m currently in a training class at work where essentially I’m being trained to train others. With that comes mock training sessions that will eventually turn into hosting my own classes.  I’d been studying, taking notes, mentally preparing myself for when it would be my time to train, you know “getting ready”. My mentor asked if I was ready, and despite everything I’d done, I hesitated and said “ummm no I don’t think so.” It wasn’t until later that evening when I said to myself, the only way you’re going to “be ready” is to jump right in and get the experience! Otherwise life will have passed you buy several times while you’re trying to get ready.

My Advice:

  • Don’t worry about potential bloopers. You will make them and that’s ok.
  • Stay the course, stay committed!
  • Remember, everyone has to start from somewhere, usually from the beginning. Grow through the process and learn from the experience.
  • Circumstances change, it won’t always be your first time. Focus on the experience, because there’s beauty in the journey of fumbling and figuring it out.

Filed Under: Real Talk

3 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Be a Sole Proprietor

November 24, 2015 by Asha Wilkerson 3,119 Comments

This year is winding down and I’m willing to bet you’ve already got big plans for 2016. Maybe your plans even include forming a new business! That is awesome!

As a new business owner, one of the first and most important decisions you will face is how to structure your business.  You have your pick between a sole proprietorship, a partnership, a corporation, or a limited liability company. Each structure has its advantages and disadvantages, and each should be given consideration before you open your business to the public.  However, sole proprietorships, where the owner and the business are one single entity, have recently become a popular trend because of their minimal start up costs, easy management, and rewarding sense of independence.  While these benefits may sound appealing, here are 3 reasons why you should reconsider being a sole proprietor:

1. High Degree of Liability
Because the owner and the business are indistinguishable, business creditors can make claims directly against the owner.  Thus, a sole proprietor is responsible for any and all debts that the business incurs, and if they cannot fulfill the debt, then creditors can go after the sole proprietors personal funds and property.  Debts taken on by corporations and LLC shareholders, on the other hand, usually live and die with the company.

2. Limited Ability to Raise Capital
Only one owner is allowed in a sole proprietorship, so it cannot sell shares or interests in order to raise capital like a corporation.  Also, banks generally lend less to sole proprietors and subject them to much more scrutiny.

3. Self-Employment Tax
All the earnings of a sole proprietorship are subject to the IRS self-employment tax.  Corporations, on the other hand, benefit from more lenient tax regulations and a large number of tax write-offs.  Thus, in a sole proprietorship, the entire earnings will be taxed twice: once for self-employment taxes, then again for normal income tax purposes since the business and owner are indistinguishable.  This can result in thousands of dollars of hard earned profit being taxed in excess.

Keep your mind open when thinking about a business structure, do not base your choice on just cost and ease.  Also, if you have a sole proprietorship already and face some of these problems, then don’t worry, you can always change the company structure and reap the rewards!

Filed Under: Business

Kimo Bentley of Kimo Bentley Skincare

November 23, 2015 by Sharon Beason wc@womeneur.com 3,119 Comments

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Womeneur Spotlight” google_fonts=”font_family:Open%20Sans%3A300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Take a walk down the path of these entrepreneurs, business owners and progressive women.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”vc_default” bg_type=”image” parallax_style=”vcpb-default” bg_image_new=”id^3037|url^https://www.womeneur.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/womeneur-spotlight-kimo-bentley-of-kimo-bentley-skincare_650_650_90_ffffffgrayopac-7_s_c1.jpg|caption^null|alt^null|title^womeneur-spotlight-kimo-bentley-of-kimo-bentley-skincare_650_650_90_ffffffgrayopac-7_s_c1|description^null” css=”.vc_custom_1461344822749{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1461344473272{margin-bottom: -2px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

KIMO BENTLEY OF KIMO BENTLEY SKINCARE

FOUNDER[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”5″ accent_color=”#e3672b” css=”.vc_custom_1460496937176{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text]Website:

Social Media: [dt_social_icons animation=”none” alignment=”default”][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”facebook” link=”http://facebook.com/kimobentley” /][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”twitter” link=”http://twitter.com./Skincaremogul” /][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”instagram” link=”http://instagram.com/kimobentley” /][/dt_social_icons][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”3036″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Many successful companies emerge out of personal necessity and trying to solve a solution for ourselves or our families and bringing it to the masses. This is very well the story of this week’s Womeneurr™, Kimo Bentley of . As a mother desperate to relieve the pain and irritation of her newborn’s struggle with eczema, Kimo knew that steroid based products was not the only solution. So, like many budding entrepreneurs, instead of thinking small, Kimo thought massive and discovered the right ingredients with the right combination and created a skincare line that is all natural, long-lasting and most importantly SAFE for her child and now yours!

From this need, Kimo, a licensed skin expert, created a line of products that recognizes that sensitive skin on melanin from infants to adults is an issue that needs to be addressed. There are many skin irritations that go untreated and in turn become worse or skin irritations that are treated with harsh chemicals that can do further damage. Affectionately known around town as “the soap lady,” Kimo created a resource of skincare that highlights her as an amazing mom and now an entrepreneur.

Take a look at the journey of this Womeneur™ and see how she developed Kimo Bentley Skincare line from an idea to a full blown business which is now available at !

What inspired your journey into business?
My journey was inspired because my daughter had eczema as a baby, the doctor wanted to prescribe a steroid and I refused to go that route, I went home did extensive research and created an all natural oatmeal bar that cleared her skin. My love for skincare and healthy looking skin has always been my inspiration. “Skin is one of our most important accessories” we wear every day so we should take care of it

What steps did you take to start your business?
The first step was to Understand that I had the POWER to make a change, back when my daughter was born, natural skincare was not very popular so I went against the grade, did something different, the strategy I used was
P- plan
O-organize
W-write it out
E-edit
R-revise
These steps ignited the fire inside of me to Launch out into the deep and begin my business.

What are your biggest fears?
The biggest fear I would say failure, especially when you have invested your finances and time with out getting a return, or being unsure what the result would look like.

What do you do to stay motivated when you feel like giving up?
Giving up is not an option for me there are 26 letters in the alphabet so if plan A or B does not work there are 24 more letters to explore. Motivation comes from faith. Faith builds a bridge from this world to the next, before you can go high you must go deep. What you set your heart on will determine how you will spend the rest of your life.

What are your weakness in business and how have you worked past them? 
My kryptonite would be not being able to say no and I have over extended myself helping others or taking on too many orders , sometimes spreading myself too thin. I am still a work in process so no I have not worked pass this.

What’s been most rewarding?
Real riches for me are the emails, calls, letters, and customers who thank me for changing their lives or their out look on how to leap out on faith and start their own business, they constantly tell me because of what and how I do what I do they did not give up. That stirs up so much emotion in me that I can cause such a huge change.

Who were you before you started your business?
I am a daughter, mother and friend…
I have remained consistent throughout my career, I have evolved into a more confidant young woman, I was shaped and motivated by what I love and that is healthy skincare.

If you had to do it again, what (if anything) would you do differently?
Honestly speaking I would not change a thing, my journey and life story had to be shaped this way so I can be a blessing to someone else who is going through the same thing, what we fail to realize is everyone goes through the same situations all over the world, if we only shared what we go through life can become easier.

I would ask myself:
What gets your heart racing? What are you hungry to learn and know more about? What do you daydream about doing? What captures your attention?
Asking these question stirs up answers that we didn’t even realize we’re there.

What’s one good software or application you cannot live without?
I don’t have a favorite app, typically I drown myself in creating new and innovative skin treatments and cosmetics that we can all benefit from. Skin is something we cannot live without. 🙂

What’s your secret to cultivating a relationship between you and your customers?
I absolutely love building a personal connection, I enjoy sharing stories and listening to customers journeys, it helps cultivate healthy relationships with my customers, some of my best friends started out as customers who inquired about skincare services and products.

Where do you see your business in 5 years?
In 5 years I will be a house whole name, my mantra has been DREAM+VISION=REALITY
I live my business daily and my hard work has been producing very positive results, passion is the spark to my fuse so I am confident we will be an international brand to take seriously.

What are 3 tips you can share with budding and current entrepreneurs/business owners?

  1. Most winners are ex-losers who got passionate
  2. Before you go high you must go deep
  3. Most people are so filled with fear that they essentially go through life running from things that are not after them.Fear of the future is a waste of the present. It’s bigger than us don’t give up, somebody is depending on you to make it.

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Filed Under: Womeneur Spotlight

3 Ways to Invest in Yourself

November 18, 2015 by Stella Press 3,016 Comments

[vc_row][vc_column][dt_fancy_title title=”forharriet.com” title_align=”left” title_size=”small”][vc_column_text]Imagine a blank page. You have a vision for it to be great. In order to explore this vision, you require materials: colors, shapes, ideas, brushes. Now become the blank page. You are the blank canvas. What do you need to be great? What do you need to create your vision? How can you invest in yourself to maximize your chances at success?

Investing in yourself can be any idea that doesn’t always require a financial commitment. It can range from getting a well deserved manicure, to sitting in at a conference in another state.Investing in yourself is giving hope to your future.

Do something today that your future self will thank you for.

Aren’t sure where to start? Here are some of my favorite ways to remind myself to invest in me.

1. Educate
There are many things I do know and some things I wish I understood. If ever you feel stumped about a topic or an idea, use the method of education to clarify. It doesn’t always mean going back to school or finding a new career path but educating yourself can range from picking up a course to reading a new book. Head to a training program, a workshop, meetup with a group of like minded individuals for small talk. Learn something new. Open up your mind to understand the things you are not used to. Learn from the people, things and places around you. Open up your mind to the unknown and give your creativity a chance to grow.

2. Explore Said Creativity
Sometimes, we may be stuck in our ways and our own paths, that we don’t get to enjoy our general creative side. Explore your creativity in the opposite way of your dream. If you are into fashion, cook a gourmet meal; if you’re into writing, sew a dress, if you are into business management, learn a new musical instrument. Step out of your creative element to expand your creative reach. Live a little, learn a little, explore a little. Place yourself in a foreign field for leisure and enjoy the process of learning something new. Pay attention to the things you like and don’t like. Learn that you have the ability to accomplish all things crazy and respect your growth from every experience.

3. Treat Yo Self
The most important part of investing in yourself, is investing in yourself. Treat yourself.and appreciate the person whom you are becoming. Get that expensive body oil. Bring out the fancy nail polish and sneak in some me time. Sometimes our best sources for inspiration is ourselves. Treat yourself to the simple things, the lavish things, the things that will make your little heart flutter.. Nurture your mind and nurture your spirit to create space for creativity. Take a moment, waste a minute, remember what happy feels like.

Invest in you and don’t take for granted enjoying your journey. It’s only when we sit back and understand how much stronger we are because of our journey, then we can appreciate the growth that will come. Invest in your future and invest in you.

What are some ways you invest in yourself? Was it worth it?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Filed Under: Real Talk

8 Entrepreneurial Commandments You Should Live & Die By

November 17, 2015 by Uyo Okebie-Eichelberger 3,036 Comments

Republished from the personal blog of super talented Mompreneur, Uyo Okebie-Eichelberger – the brains and beauty behind You Lingerie and Pro Leggings and recently featured in our Womeneur Spotlight section.

You know how people say “hindsight is 20/20”, well it definitely is! If I knew some of the things I know now, I am damn sure I would have spared myself some of the mistakes I made over the course of my trep journey. As an entrepreneur, we can all agree that bootstrapping your business is hard as hell, so who wouldn’t want a few top secret tips whispered into their ear from someone who has lived and experienced it? Why play at all if you are not playing to win.

So read on about some of my entrepreneurial pivotal lessons, some say “aha moments”, well I like to call them “Entrepreneurial Commandments” to be dramatic (I tend to have a flare for the dramatics, haha) that has helped me win in my businesses. These are the 8 things I know for sure!

1. Great strategy alone won’t win the battle, flawless execution will

I talk about this a lot. It doesn’t matter if your business idea is unique, the first of its kind or just another T-shirt company. Chances are, no matter how much of a genius you are, someone else probably has the same exact grand idea as you.

Success doesn’t necessarily come from breakthrough innovation but from flawless execution. It always boils down to EXECUTION. A great strategy or idea alone won’t win the battle.  Success comes from the combination of the idea, great strategy and a bomb a$$ execution. If there is one thing you can take away from this is, let it be this:

Success is 1% idea & 99% execution.

Ideas are a dime a dozen, but the execution of them is few and far between. More than just being a dreamer, visionary or having the mere desire to win, you have to be willing to roll up your sleeves, do your research, ask the hard questions, be a doer and get your hands dirty. You have to do the work, you have to deliver, there are no magical formulas or shortcuts. Winning and success comes from basic blocking, tackling and even pivoting. If you lack in experience, plan to put together a great management team to help you execute and bring those grand ideas to life. Be honest and upfront with yourself and your team, know your strengths and weaknesses and be willing to get help in filling in the gaps to round out your execution team. Remember that the devil is always in the details. Successful execution is about taking the lead, owning the process, understanding the big picture and implementation that could be the catalyst to hitting a home run.

2. Work “on” your business, not “in” it

This has been one of my biggest Ah-Ha’s as an entrepreneur. One of my favorite books that I always recommend to other treps is The E-Myth by Michael Gerber, which draws the important and very overlooked distinction between working ON your business versus working IN your business. In the beginning, so many treps during their entrepreneurial infancy get mired in the details of running the business (raises hand…because I was guilty of this too). I mean, when you are first starting out, it is damn near impossible not to be all in the details. I mean…hard. But the problem is that we become so heavily immersed in managing and running all aspects of our company’s day-to-day operations that there is no time for anything else. While this is necessary at first, you have to remember that a business that can only work with your physical presence is not a business at all. This is working IN your business.

Your business needs to be able to run itself without your constant presence.You have to treat your business like it is a franchisable entity.

So you are probably thinking, but hey… I am not creating a franchise. Yes, that’s true but you have to treat your business like it will be franchised even if it will not. Think McDonald’s or Burger King. The fries and burgers and experience you get when you eat there is the same no matter where you are in the world. Why? Well, it’s because they have very well documented processes, instructions and manuals for how everything works. So no matter who works there (college educated or high school dropout), the same process is followed. So even a dummy can do it. Similarly, you have to create well documented processes and manuals for every aspect of how to run and operate your business. Your business has to be able to thrive and be successful beyond you. This is working ON your business.

So 2- 3 years ago, after reading The E-Myth Revisited, you best believe we hulled our asses and went straight to work. We created well documented processes, how-to videos & manuals for almost every aspect of the business….Customer Service, Warehouse Management & Fulfillment, Inventory Management, Marketing, Sales, etc. I have found that the more systems and processes we put in place and implemented, members of my team were able to do their jobs better which also meant they needed me less and less day to day. Hiring new employees is so much easier too when they can start and hit the ground running. So now I have more time to focus on the big picture, overall strategy and the growth of my businesses. Not to mention, I am able to do things like go away on vacation like my recent 10-day European trip to France and Spain without worrying about the business completely coming to a halt.

Remember that a successful business is one where the owner has created systems so that the business can run itself without their constant presence. After you have read The E-Myth Revisited, you will truly be able to grow your business in a predictable and productive way. Highly recommended.

3. Listen to your customers

For me, this one has been an integral part of how I keep my customers coming back again and again. As a entrepreneur, you cannot grow in a vacuum. You need to understand what your customers think of your products? What more do they want? How can you improve current product offerings? Ask for their feedback, good or bad and act on it.

Don’t take the feedback personal when they are not favorable, remember it’s not about you. It’s about them and the problem you are trying to solve.

That is how we have been able to continue to move ahead in the maternity industry and create innovative new offerings. When I first launched You! Lingerie, we started with limited sizes, only offered popular cups B through F. Now we have more options for larger cups up to J and even more supportive features – wider straps, fuller cups  overall better construction. We listen when our customers ask for something new, for variations on our offerings and other ways of achieving goals.

4. Value your time, there’s only 24 hours in a day. Get shit done

Honestly, I feel like entrepreneurs are the busiest people on the planet, seriously! At least, that’s how I feel, LOL. And when you add employees, two small kids (6yr old and 3yr old), a hubby, our home to manage, parents, inlaws, siblings and friends to stay connected with, it seems impossible sometimes to get it all done. And with only only 24 hours in the day, you will quickly realize there’s just never enough time to get everything done.

As an entrepreneur, time is your most valuable asset, hands down.

As a mom and small business owner, “finding time to get it all done” is a common challenge. Yes, it is hard but there are ways to find a harmonious balance between family, business and all the other things that matter to you in life. I could talk in length about it, but to sum it up in the simplest of terms is you have to PRIORITIZE. If you are familiar with Pareto’s Principle (the 80/20 rule), you have to apply this to every aspect of your life. I believe it is absolutely fundamental to every business person, to every human being. If you are not familiar with this concept, it essentially means that roughly 80% of the the value of  come from 20% of your inputs. For example, if you look closely at your business, you will quickly realize that only a small percent of customers account for majority of your revenue. Similarly, in your personal life, if you look closely, you will find numerous examples of 80/20 ratios that will allow you to stop wasting time on those 80 percent activities that produce little satisfaction for you.  (Ain’t nobody got time for that).  Focus on the things that creates the most impact to your business, your family, your life. You will be more productive and most importantly, you’ll be happier. Who doesn’t want that right?

Keep a to-do list and focus on creating time for everything. Believe me when I say, everything goes on my calendar. I mean everything. It keeps me honest and mindful of my time.

Dedicate and allot the time you use for your social media, schedule it in your calender — either an hour or two in the morning or evening.  Social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, these things can become time sucks (I am guilty of this too) if you don’t plan or manage them well. It’s so easy to get lost in cyberspace and spend hours on your phone or computer. Be aware of your time and your schedule.

Focus on completing your to-do list. Have a written to-do list where you can check off each item as it is completed. The tangible act of crossing off a completed task is a sign of accomplishment. Get shit done!

5. Brush your shoulders off and don’t be scared to pivot.

Of course, everyone pursuing entrepreneurship starts out thinking their idea is the best in the world, but the reality is that startups are often more complicated than they initially seem. Touché, right? It’s always best to do your research. Do your homework (product, market fit, consumer interest, pricing strategies, positioning, competition, marketing strategies etc) before embarking on launching your new business or product.  So you’ve done all of those things but things are still not looking up. Yes, this happens. That’s what makes entrepreneurship quite the thrill. As treps, we often beat ourselves up when things do not go the way we had planned especially when you are so focused on a BIG end goal. Everything will not always go as planned…no matter how air tight your plans are (welcome to entrepreneurship!).

Sometimes, even after your research and a very positive market viability report, your business just is not seeing the results or success you had planned for. Don’t beat yourself up over it or give up altogether. Find fruits of success within your failed ideas and use them to move on to a stronger alternative.

When I decided to dive into entrepreneurship with an idea that I passionately believed would rock the maternity industry, I was equipped with my Duke MBA, experience as a brand manager, a serious love (border line addiction) for fashion and a positive market viability that proved that there was white space opportunity for fashionable and affordable maternity and nursing underthings. But without a background in design, I decided that I would partner with a lingerie designer to help bring my ideas to life. And I did. Twice actually. But unfortunately, when both my partnerships fell through a few months into the journey, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I became a student of my work and taught myself everything I needed to know to create and design the best maternity and nursing lingerie products. Yes, it took much longer to launch and I faced road blocks along the way but it was all worth it.

There will be setbacks, get back up and brush your shoulders off

You will win some and lose some. Don’t be afraid to pivot. And you know what, that’s okay too. It is part of the process, so just embrace it and do not let it defeat you.  Allow yourself to make mistakes. Learn from them and move on and like my hubby says, “do not over-rotate on it“.  It will help you appreciate the journey more.  So like Jay-Z said, get up and dust your shoulders off.

6. It always cost more than your original budget

I am a numbers girl and a planner. So if you are like me, you have done your homework with the numbers to figure out how much money you need to launch your business but it still ended up costing you a bit more.  So now think when you have a remodel project in your home, like say you plan to redo your kitchen or bathroom for $5000 but then it ended up costing almost $6000 or $7000 because you had no idea there was a broken pipe hidden behind the walls somewhere. Same thing here.  Happens every time.

Most entrepreneurs tend to underestimate how long it actually takes to bring a new product to market, while overestimating revenue. You need to be realistic with your projections and you need to maintain a solid balance sheet so that you’re ready for surprises.

No matter how thorough you are, there will be “unforeseen” things, fees etc that you had not planned for in the process of launching your brand. Always give yourself some wiggle room in your budget. Plan for it, the same way you have an emergency fund for those “unforeseen” circumstances. Additionally, make sure you have contingency plans in place to mitigate it. And in the unlikely case that you don’t need it, then you’ll be “cash” golden. Cha ching!  [:-)]

7. A closed mouth does not get fed

While you may not always get what you want, you must have the courage to boldly ask for exactly what you want.  You have to think about what your ideal outcome would be and then confidently ask for it in a way that shows that you know your worth. When I was first approached by Walmart to partner with them, being the giant retailer that they are, anyone would be willing to do whatever they requested (and at first I was). But I knew that despite my excitement, I had to have the courage to clearly ask for and articulate my own terms/needs that would allow for the partnership to be a win-win. I did and was able to negotiate a term that was favorable for my business.

File this one under life lessons as well. Especially as a mom and entrepreneur, we tend to put the needs of everyone else above ours – the kids, husbands, pets etc where we try to be all things to everyone. The end result is we fall short on all fronts and end up getting resentful or burnt out. That’s no fun. Who the hell wants that? So the more I am needed, the more I am learning to ask the help of others as much as I can.

The reality is, I’m smart enough to know that I am not superwoman and moving my own needs higher on my priority list and asking for help is therefore not selfish, it’s smart. It’s badass. Life and business is just sweeter this way.

Oprah is right when she said, you only get in life what you have the courage to ask for. You will never get anywhere if you don’t have the courage to speak up and ask for what you need and why you desire it. Be persistent. Asking for less than you really want whether from yourself, others or life in general does not serve anyone. Be bold. Be courageous, you’d be amazed by how many people are just waiting to tell you YES!

8. Remember to celebrate even the smallest wins

Drinks and sushi after work because we got a new international wholesale account. Hell yes! An unexpected product editorial feature in a major magazine? Let’s order pizza for the entire team to celebrate. We made our numbers this month, let’s do a half day Friday. I look for any reason to celebrate whenever I can. I mean, honestly, life as an entrepreneur is tough as it is, so why the hell not.  We all want to build successful businesses and get to the finish line. But remember it is not a race but a marathon, so you must try to enjoy the ride and celebrate the milestones along the way. If you are always waiting to celebrate only the big wins & successes, you may get burnt out quickly. Plus it allows your team to realize that you appreciate their efforts.

What do you think about my list? What are some of yours? Let’s chat in the comments below. Sharing is caring, right?

Filed Under: Business

Melissa R. Hibbert of The Glam Agency

November 16, 2015 by Sharon Beason wc@womeneur.com 3,126 Comments

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Womeneur Spotlight” google_fonts=”font_family:Open%20Sans%3A300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Take a walk down the path of these entrepreneurs, business owners and progressive women.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”vc_default” bg_type=”image” parallax_style=”vcpb-default” bg_image_new=”id^3041|url^https://www.womeneur.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/womeneur-spotlight-melissa-r.-hibbert-of-the-glam-agency_650_650_90_ffffffgrayopac-7_s_c1.jpg|caption^null|alt^null|title^womeneur-spotlight-melissa-r.-hibbert-of-the-glam-agency_650_650_90_ffffffgrayopac-7_s_c1|description^null” css=”.vc_custom_1461344150456{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1461343905281{margin-bottom: -2px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

MELISSA R. HIBBERT OF THE GLAM AGENCY

CEO & FOUNDER[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”5″ accent_color=”#e3672b” css=”.vc_custom_1460496937176{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text]Website:

Social Media: [dt_social_icons animation=”none” alignment=”default”][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”facebook” link=”http://facebook.com/beautybymelissahibbert” /][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”twitter” link=”http://twitter.com/melissahibbert” /][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”instagram” link=”http://instagram.com/melissahibbert” /][/dt_social_icons][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”3040″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]When we hear the word “Glam,” most people think of make-up, hair and great outfits….and you would be right! The Glam Agency has taken that uplifting, beautiful and fabulous word and has created a company that takes invididuals, companies and teams to the next level in the beauty industry. Melissa R. Hibbert is the founder of The Glam Agency a business “evolution”  that takes her pasion for beauty as well as her successful career in advertising, brand and product management and entertainment marketing and helps many clients reach their full potential.

 represents, trains, develops and manages a prestigious group of people that create the essential parts of any beauty team/company. Often times artists have difficult time aligning to the right team and Melissa’s company has found a way to match artists with their beauty teams with an elite skillset. With an emphasis on a diversity, Melissa has focused on the development and branding of a very key element of the entertainment / fashion / lifestyle industry.  As the leader of The GLAM Agency, Melissa is committed to not only ensuring that her clients achieve their full potential but also, to provide a level playing field for multicultural talent in the Beauty industry to succeed and leverage equitable opportunities. She is also the Founder of SHEEQ Cosmetics, the creator of Beauty and the Business Professional Empowerment Conference and Executive Producer of Behind The Glam docu-series.

This Womeneur has taken the time to speak with us about her career journey, the growth of her company and the pieces of advice she holds true to herself that can greatly benefit you!

What inspired your journey into business?
The inspiration for my journey into my business was simply the desire to make a substantive impact in the Beauty industry. I found a unique way to combine my 14 years history working in corporate America with my passion and future in the Beauty industry – it was ultimately a natural progression for me to launch an agency.

What steps did you take to start your business?
One of the most important steps was to ensure I had reach benchmarks within my own journey as a Beauty Professional. My own accomplishments serves as proof that their are process, strategies and a level of business acumen one has to gain in order to not only set yourself apart but to thrive in a competitive industry such as Beauty. From there, I developed a business plan, I did the research on agency structure, I determined the business structure, developed a website and marketing materials and then reached out to my existing network to announce the launch, which has since resulted in several business opportunities for myself as well as the talent I represent.

What are your biggest fears?
Honestly, one of the reasons I feel I have been able to have the trajectory I’ve had in the industry in such a short period of time is because I faced the process Fearlessly. I am fully aware that fear keeps many of us for realizing our full potential and I was determined to not make that my story. Does that mean that I don’t have butterflies in my stomach at times when embarking on new territories? Sure! I get nervous but I don’t let it stop me. I used that energy as fuel to reconfirm that this is what I am suppose to be doing, feeling nervous is positive.

What do you do to stay motivated when you feel like giving up?
Working out, daily meditation and prayer has been vital to my well being and ability to stay motivated. Working out is good for my health, body, mind and spirit – it vital give my body love through exercise. In the past six months, I have increased my practice of meditation, I meditate every morning for 20 minutes and I finish off my mediation with prayer. There is no giving up for me because I know for sure, prayer changes things!

What are your weakness in business and how have you worked past them? 
My weakness has been in delegating tasks to other people. I have been quite independent in this journey, because I trust my mind, choices and work ethic. In the past, handing off tasks to others and trusting it would be accomplished and cared for in the way I would has been a challenge. I have become much better with this however, I know that I have the right team of people around me who are smart, driven and are equally interested in the success of anything that I set out to achieve.

What’s been most rewarding?
The most rewarding thing so far has been seeing that my sacrifices were not in vein. It’s amazing to see that by being obedient to the notion that there is no success without sacrifice. I wasn’t afraid to downsize and change my lifestyle in the short term in order to invest the necessary resources into my business. I had to curtail the luxuries and spending on leisure things earlier on as I established my business. Now, after three and a half years of sacrifice, I can enjoy and have the things I want while continuing to see my business grow. I can now share my successes with others and that is the most rewarding thing of all.

Who were you before you started your business?
Before my business I was a Corporate Marketing professional for 14 years, working for some of the biggest brands in the world. I worked very hard and was always seeking more opportunities to grow higher. My lifestyle was always on the go and I can say that there was never a dull moment but I was in some ways lost. Never quite feeling I was living my truth, always felt I was doing the “duty” of the job at hand and enjoying the perks of the lifestyle. I have always been driven, creative, outgoing and confident, that’s who i was before my business and that is who I am today, I just enjoy it a whole lot more, because I am doing what I Love.

If you had to do it again, what (if anything) would you do differently?
If I had to do it again, I would have simply do it earlier. I would have started earlier when I realized my soul was calling me to my higher purpose. That is why I encourage people to Start Now! If you feel the desire in your heart or hear the voices in your head or whatever it is that’s compelling you to pursue something or to go after your dreams, I say do it now – start right where you are.

What’s one good software or application you cannot live without?
Google Docs has been amazing as well as the Square App. Both allow me to handle a lot of business from managing documents to transacting services while on the go.

What’s your secret to cultivating a relationship between you and your customers?
The key or secret to cultivating relationships has been being authentic, knowledgeable and a positive reflection of the industry I represent. The key in all relationships is letting people know that they are heard and I always seek to add value. I also believe in going the extra mile, it’s that one unexpected thing I do for them that builds more of a connection – it’s says that I care.

Where do you see your business in 5 years?
In five years, I see my business with a strong roster of talent, aligning with more major brands, developing more content and going international.

What are 3 tips you can share with budding and current entrepreneurs/business owners?

The three tips I would share are:

  1. Trust your instincts and believe in yourself
  2. Align yourself with people who take you higher
  3. Don’t be afraid to innovate. If you don’t see it, don’t be afraid to create it.

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Filed Under: Womeneur Spotlight

5 Ways to Finance Your Business

November 12, 2015 by Keba Rice 173 Comments

Your passion can either be a business or a really expensive hobby, if you don’t have the right tools to sail through these economic waters. Money is crucial to the growth of your business and lack of it can sink your ship. It is said that most businesses fail within 5 years but we are in a time where if you have passion, persistence and money, your business can succeed.

Which of these 5 options are you using to finance your business?

1. Saving
You can invest in your business from you own wallet. This is where most entrepreneurs find their financial backing. If you have no savings start by putting away $20, $50, $100 or more a month towards your passion. Start saving something and you will have money in no time.

2. Grants
The Small Business Association (sba) has business grants are available for entrepreneurs. You need to go to Sba.org and apply. Some grants are bias and you can only receive funding if your business is in a particular market. There are other organizations that can help fund your business, just ask google.

3. Partnerships
You may have to seek investments from family, friends and even venture capitalists. To get funding, you may have to give up a piece of your company. If you are ok with that, partnership may be a great idea to fund your business.

4. Loans
Your bank may be willing to loan you money, if you fit the right credit profile. Banks usually require a business plan along with financials to see if your business is worth the risk. If your business is not making any money more often than not the banks will not lend you a dime.

5. Crowdsourcing
One of the biggest phenomenon of the Internet is crowdfunding. People who don’t know you are willing to give money to you ideas and business. On some platforms there is a medium of exchange that needs to occur the higher the level of funding.

There are many options available for funding. It’s important to find what is best for you. In the end, it’s is all about growing and running a successful business. How are you financing your business?

If you like this article, you would love my services. Visit Dreaminvestor to sign up today.

Filed Under: Business

3 Simple Rules Of Being Nice

November 11, 2015 by Tiffany Stuart 3,376 Comments

[vc_row][vc_column][dt_fancy_title title=”huffingtonpost.com” title_align=”left” title_size=”small”][vc_column_text]We’ve heard it before…”You Catch More Flies With Honey Than Vinegar“. It’s so cliche, but so true. If there was a short list of steps to getting what you want in life, learning to be nice would be close to the top.

However, being nice during the course of business can be tricky. In the wrong setting, it can be seen as a weakness. In the perfect setting, it can be an amazing asset. The key is finding the perfect balance of pleasant and purpose. This practice can be mastered by following a few simple rules.

1. Be Genuine
Acting pleasant is easy for most people. Anyone can mimic tone and gesture to make them seem nice to others. However, if overdone, it can seem fake. The best way to be seen as nice is by being genuine. Being the most pleasant version of yourself will always win more trust than acting nice.

2. State Your Intention
When in business meetings, nerves can take you on all sorts of tangents. Don’t get me wrong, it is always advantageous to engage in small talk. But, always keep the eye on the prize. To ensure the groundwork is laid for the interaction, state your intention…early! Once your intention is clear, all of the subsequent conversations can be pleasant, but with purpose. It will take a bit of practice, but having this skill in your toolbox your, (and your business’), value exponentially.

3. Remember It’s A Two Way Street
In business as in life, relationships require give and take. You are doing yourself a major disservice if you believe your wants and needs trump all. In an effort not to burn bridges before they are even constructed, make it a point to look at your business from the eyes of your potential partner or customer. You may want their business, but what do you offer them? Are you able to clearly identify the selling points of your business from their perspective? Doing this shows that you care and value their time and business.

Have you acquired any tips or tricks to being “nice” in business? Leave them in the comment section below. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Filed Under: Real Talk

Are You Ready For Entrepreneurship?

November 10, 2015 by Janine Truitt 3,216 Comments

centrictv.com

I find that so many people want the title of entrepreneur, yet too many are unwilling to accept the often unsexiness of this role. Becoming an entrepreneur is more than a title. It is a decision that requires you to constantly evaluate whether you are in it for the right reasons. For a long time, it is less than glamorous. Long hours, sacrificing leisure for focus and luxuries for maintaining basic necessities are just a short list of the realities of an entrepreneur.

There are quite a few sacrifices that you can face in the name of building a business. The reality is that the steps that you need to take towards the road to entrepreneurship will break you down and redefine you. Everyone isn’t built for it. You have to have an unshakeable faith that what you are attempting is worth the risk rather than left in a dormant pile of dreams or ideas never realized.

Did you know: Only 10% of people ever pursue their dreams?

If you get far enough in this process, you will reevaluate everything from your finances to the people in your life. There is no place for toxic people or wavering relationships. Your ability to continue will depend on your own wherewithal to see this idea come to fruition.  Additionally, you will often need to draw on the strength and encouragement of others to keep going.

If you are thinking of starting a business today, here’s a simple litmus test to help you decide whether to proceed or not:

  1. Are you willing to sacrifice your current lifestyle to build something you believe
  2. Do you have people in your life that support your vision? If no, are you intrinsically-motivated enough to push yourself through adversity?
  3. Do you believe in your solution, product, or service?
  4. Does your solution, product, or service solve a problem?
  5. Will all of your efforts be worth it regardless of the outcome?

If you answered “yes” to all of these, you are well on your way to understanding the true essence of becoming an entrepreneur. If you answered “no” to any of these questions, it is worth it to explore any deficits or barriers to success prior to jumping on the entrepreneur bandwagon.

Know that it is worth evaluating this upfront. Entrepreneurship may not be an option for you. In fact, it may be just as well if becoming an entrepreneur isn’t right for you. That last thing we need is people going into business for themselves, just because it “seems” like the thing to do.  If you have been mildly coaxed to explore this, it is best that you go into it with some basic questions answered so you can make an informed decision.

In the end, it is a matter of how you plan to use the 90,000 hours experts say we will spend over our lifetimes working.  The call-to-action for us all is to walk and work within our purpose. It’s clear that doing anything otherwise hasn’t served us as a society; let alone as individuals.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Filed Under: Business

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