Make-up is to Enhance Your Natural Beauty

---

Make-up is to enhance your natural beauty; it should never be harmful to you, your skin, nor your mental health. Latrice Love, owner of makeup brand Liplove (based in Dallas, Texas), believes that self-growth should feel and look good. With its non-toxic ingredients, this vegan makeup brand is encouraging glow-ups for women everywhere. Latrice is able to create the life she loves by holding herself accountable; being able to check your thoughts and decide what’s holding you back is a major key! For self-love, Latrice emphasizes that it’s all about acceptance. By accepting, you are consciously making the decision to thrive through the growing pains and continue to put in work towards your best life. The glow-up is coming, and it’s going to be flourishing. We are in awe of your beautiful ways, Latrice. We’d love for you to meet Latrice, Queen of Healthy Glow-Ups!

---

What inspired you to start your business? What motivates you to keep going?: After learning about all the toxins that go into beauty products, and the impact of those ingredients on women's health, I knew I had to take action and launch Liplove, a vegan, cruelty-free multi-purpose makeup brand. 

At the time, as someone who worked as an executive and loved wearing makeup everyday, I was appalled at some of the things I found out about the unregulated nature of the beauty industry. There are known toxins in products that have been linked to reproductive health, cancer, hormone disruption - and the list goes on! And not to mention the impact that those ingredients have on our skin. From those discoveries, and not being able to find vegan, cruelty-free options that fit my lifestyle, Liplove was born. 

When customers send messages letting me know how Liplove has helped their skin, or relieved chronically dry lips, or how they feel so good about themselves when wearing Liplove, it motivates me to keep going!

How do you create the life you want?: I create the life I want by keeping it real with myself! 

Checking thoughts, habits and behaviors that do not line up with who I am, operating in a standard of excellence in everything I do, and giving myself grace, and learning to rest before I get to a point of burnout are all ways that I keep it real with myself and who I was created to be.

What makes you HUMAN?: I am flawed, sometimes too hard on myself, and I have a tendency to be impatient. But in those flaws and imperfections, my acceptance of me has been birthed on this journey, in full understanding that the very things that make me human give me a beautiful testimony to encourage and uplift others.

What’s three things you want us to know about self-love/wellness?: Self love starts within.

Self love is acceptance of self, as well as a commitment and conscious choice to rise, grow and thrive.

Self love is not an absence of accountability. Loving yourself means coming face to face with yourself and doing the work to evolve into who you're becoming.

What's something we can incorporate today to LIVE LIFE WELL?:: Become more mindful of your thoughts, as thoughts are the cornerstone to our actions, circumstances, triggers, attitude, and everything in between.

Email Address: latrice@shopliplove.com

Website: http://www.shopliplove.com

Social media handles?: instagram.com/shopliplove

instagram.com/thelatricelove

Ever feel compelled to keep chasing after your dream ?

---

Ever feel compelled to keep chasing after your dream because it enables other people to chase after their own dreams? Yeah, Adrian Latham can definitely relate! Adrian, also known as Miss Natural Hair and Health Expo Beauty 2017 and Miss Black and Natural 2018, started her blog, The Maria Latham, to help people. Adrian knows what it’s like to go through a journey of healing, and now she’s taking her experience to positively impact those who may be going through similar situations. Through confidence coaching, motivational speaking, and inspiring posts, Adrian is committed to assisting people reach their best destinations. For self-love, Adrian stresses the importance of taking the time to breathe and be still. Whether it’s meditating, expressing gratitude, or even simply drinking a glass of water, be sure to curate time for you to get right before you get to the business. Your leadership is much appreciated, Adrian. We’d love for you to meet Adrian, Queen of Confidence!

What inspired you to start your business? What motivates you to keep going?: I was inspired to start my blog, confidence coaching, and motivational speaking after going on a journey of self love and self healing to find out who I truly am meant to be. The reason I continue to pursue and keep going is because I continue to help people. Even if it is just one person that has their life changed or path changed then that is an accomplishment for me. I turned my pain into purpose and I help others do the same.

How do you create the life you want?:I create the life I want by first being grateful for the life I have now and then aligning with my purpose and visualizing the thing I want next and move forward with it. My life is driven by my purpose and I believe that the path of purpose is laid. It is up to us to have the faith to move forward.

What makes you HUMAN?: Thing is that makes me human is the compassion I have for people. It doesn't matter the age, gender, sexual orientation, or color of their skin, if they are in pain then I try to find a way to help.

Whats three things you want us to know about self-love/wellness?: 1.) Self-love is the root of all achievements in life

2.)Self-love is not being selfish it's being protective of your energy. If you give it all to those who expect it and never take care of you, how will you achieve what you desire most?

3.) Taking time out in the mornings to meditate, eat a bowl of fruit, drink a glass of water does great for starting your day off great.

What's something we can incorporate today to LIVE LIFE WELL?:: Practice getting up at least 45 minutes to and hour before your officially start the hustle and bustle of life and take time out for meditation and gratitude.

Email Address: heymaria@themarialatham.com

Website: http://www.themarialatham.com

Social media handles?: instagram @the_maria.latham

Facebook @themarialatham

If there’s one thing we’re always in need of, it’s some good vibrations!

If there’s one thing we’re always in need of, it’s some good vibrations! Fortunately, Ta’sha Henry totally embraces the “good vibes only” mantra by using her business as a physical platform for dazzling energy. The Good Vibe Collection, based in Atlanta, Georgia, was founded with the mission to encourage women to style and dress themselves as a way to showcase their energy. Positivity spreads, and Ta’sha is dedicated to motivating women to spread their own joy and spirit to others. Even though Ta’sha is all too familiar with the challenges on the self-love journey, she knows one thing for certain: changing your mind will change your life! You can never get too much of prayer and manifestation, and Ta’sha is especially mindful to always incorporate those essentials for a positive lifestyle. We love your vibe, Ta’sha. We’re looking forward to seeing more of the collection. We’d like for you to meet Ta’sha, Queen of Good Vibes!

What inspired you to start your business? What motivates you to keep going?: What Inspired Me To Start My Business Was Being Able To Help Women Look Good On The Outside With The Good Vibe Collection & Feel Good Knowing The Meaning Behind The Brand Which Is Spreading Positive Energy With Style. My Motivation Comes From Being Of Service To The World Knowing My Good Vibes And Energy Actually Helps Others.

How do you create the life you want?: I Create The Life I Want By Making The Decision To Do Things That Make Me Happy & Feel Good Of Course. This Comes With Prayer/Visual Manifestation, Being An Everyday Learner & Action Taker.

What makes you HUMAN?: What Makes Me Human is even though I am known for the good vibes, I can be real and admit that everything isn’t always positive. I cry, get mad, sad, etc! I am human lol.

What are three things your want people to know about self-love?: 3 Things I Want People To Know About Self- Love:

1. You are here for a reason.

2. It is ok to love yourself. 

3. Take care of yourself because no one else will.

What's something we can incorporate today to LIVE LIFE WELL?: Something you can incorporate today to live life well is changing your mindset to positive no matter the situation at hand. When you change your mindset, you change your life. I am speaking from experience!

What has been your own journey with self love and/or wellness?: Honestly, my journey with my own self love is currently complicated. I am not as confident as I should be, but that's because I have been fighting myself for years mentally and physically with weight loss. But I refuse to give up on myself. I am still a working progress in this life journey.

Email Address: tasha@thegoodvibebracelets.com

Website: http://thegoodvibecollection.com

Social media handles?: @stylisheyediva

@thegoodvibecollection

Any books or apps recommendations?: Think & Grow Rich, Secrets Of A Millionaire Mind, Outwitting The Devil , The Game Of Life & How To Play It

Relationships are definitely beautiful...they also definitely require work...

Relationships are definitely beautiful...they also definitely require work. Friendships, partnerships, family ties, marriages. It’s difficult to maintain relationships with the ones you love when you may be struggling with your own self-love. Neka Arnold-Scott founded The Wifey Rehab, based in Atlanta, Georgia, to offer unconditional support to women facing challenges in their marriages. When it comes to self-love, Neka breaks it down to a simple point: loving yourself is one of the ways you teach others to love you. That always works out wonderfully for everyone! Neka encourages her tribe to intentionally focus on commitment, forgiveness, and the act of releasing to free up space for fulfilling manifestations. We completely adore the support you graciously give, Neka. We’d love to introduce you to Neka, Queen of Wifey Tribes!

What inspired you to start your business? What motivates you to keep going?: I started the Wifey Rehab from a place of need within my own marriage. I had damaged it with my actions and had no clue how to rebuild it. Once I realized that something had to change and that something was me...that’s when the real work to rebuild began. What keeps me motivated is how my story began and where we are today and me committing to teach other wives how I did it and coach them through the process.

How do you create the life you want?: I create the life I want by saying NO unapologetically to things that no longer serve my purpose and challenge my peace. In order to focus and give my energy to the things that make my soul smile.

What makes you HUMAN?: What makes me human is having a heart that desires to give and serve others in love and compassion.

What are three things you want people to know about self-love?: Self-love is key to living your best life...in real life and not just in social media pictures. 

Self-love is how we really teach others how to love us. 

Self-love is intentionally taking care of your mental, spiritual and emotional needs...unapologetically.

What's something we can incorporate today to LIVE LIFE WELL?: Choose YOU! Whatever satisfies your soul, do it daily and make it a priority.

What has been your own journey with self love and/or wellness?: My journey to self-love is still a journey in itself. I didn’t know what self-love was growing up and even well into adulthood I still had no clue. Even now I’m still a student of self...learning who I am and what I bring to the world. I’ve learned how to listen to my soul and move from there. I’ve been taken advantage of by people who recognized my unawareness of self love and used it for their gain. After a conversation with my husband I realized my self-esteem and confidence was broken. He helped me to see the value I brought. He helped me to see that I am worthy of whatever my heart desires. He showed me what loving yourself truly looks like through his own journey. So he taught me how to choose me. At this stage in my life I have become even more comfortable with standing in my own skin. Through affirmations and journaling I’ve learned how to speak well of myself to myself. Being unapologetically Neka and showing up just the way I am. I choose me and what brings my soul joy and I serve others from that place. 

Self love for me has been a journey of hills and values. But I choose each day to put my big girl panties on and climb!

Email Address: neka@thewifeyrehab.com

Website: http://www.thewifeyrehab.com

Social media handles?: @thewifeyrehab

@iamnekascott

Neka Arnold-Scott 

The Wifey Rehab

A picture is worth a thousand words!

A picture is worth a thousand words...and the photographer will always have a thousand more to add. Jazzy Nelson, owner of Jasmin Amira Photography based in Orange County, California, believes in the power journeys hold. She also believes in the beautiful art of capturing those journeys. Jazzy uses her photography to encourage others to tell their own stories with pictures, and she is pretty bomb at it! A mother’s intuition is nothing to play with; every since her dear son was born, Jazzy has had a new eye blossom open. The great news? There’s inspiration everywhere, for everyone; fortunately, Jazzy’s talents are helping others discover the joy and strength of their journey in a beautiful, photogenic way. Jazzy has a gentle reminder for everyone trying to get a better focus: Rome wasn’t built in a day! Keep capturing, keep sharing, and stay willing to share your story. Thank you for serving as an endless source of inspiration, Jazzy. We’d love for you to meet Jazzy, Queen of Photography!

What inspired you to start your business and why?: When my little King was born, the eye behind the camera was born. I saw things, people, children and life in a whole new light and couldn't wait to capture it. Seeing life with these new eyes is such an incredible gift and has changed the way I see the world, people, myself and photography.

What does your company stand for?: Amira means Princess and I believe every individual is royalty and worthy of being photographed. I believe every person is beautiful, special, unique and should always wear their invisible crown. I also believe there is joy and strength in our journey and it's worth capturing.

How do you create the life you want?: In Living my best life!

Where do you find inspiration?: Where do I not? Inspo is always everywhere in people, places and even within. 

How has your business made you a better person?: Photography was my first born business, after years of the baby hustle with that, it allowed me to grow other business babies and now the skies the limit!

What makes you HUMAN?: So there’s this girl who turned her setbacks into a comeback, turned her trials into triumph and built herself up from the rocks that were thrown at her...But Rome wasn’t built in a day. It took some supernatural strength and some self realization to grow through her journey and reclaim her power. One day at a time, something badass was brewing in me that doesn’t need the world's approval, a woman that doesn’t have to be a product of the shitty experiences she’s survived, a fierce female who lives her life unapologetically because why not?! 

A girl who encourages and empowers other girls because you never know the depths of someone’s story, so be a kind human who roots other humans. THIS is what makes me human.

Website: http://www.jasminamiraphotography.com

Social Media Handles: Instagram: Jazzy_nelson 

Linked In: Jasmin Nelson

Email: Jazanelson@gmail.com

Patience. Passion. Purpose.

Patience. Passion. Purpose. These three keys will guide you to your calling, and Brieanna Smith is dedicated to using her platform to motivate you into having faith in your direction! Black Girls With Purpose, based in Arlington, Texas, is a non-profit that serves as a resource for Black women and girls looking to excel in their own goals and dreams, all while offering a warming sense of community. Black Girls With Purpose initially started after Brieanna published her first book, “The Black Girl’s Guide to Living on Purpose”, and it has grown tremendously into a dope and much-needed community staple since then! Whatever project you’re passionate about, Brieanna encourages you to courageously charge after it. She also wants you to remember to take it easy during the times you don’t feel like yourself; self-love is especially important when you don’t feel worthy! Keep that love close while you continue to work in your purpose. Brieanna, we admire your commitment to uplifting Black women. Greatness just keeps on coming! We’d love to introduce you to Brieanna, Queen of Purpose!

What inspired you to start your business? What motivates you to keep going?: I founded Black Girls with Purpose in 2016 after publishing my first book The Black Girl’s Guide to Living on Purpose. Motivated by conversations with my students and invitations to speak to teens, I kicked off a series of workshops that provided a more in-depth view of the principles my book taught. 

Those workshops soon became events and Black Girls with Purpose went on to host its first conference in the fall of 2017.

Over the course of our two and a half years since inception, Black Girls with Purpose has had the opportunity to serve 1000 young women through partnerships with Kingsley House and local divisions of national organizations such as Operation Pathways and the Urban League.

We were also able to partner with the Essence Festival Day of Service in 2018 to host a Boss Up entrepreneurship workshop for teens.

When we moved to Texas in the fall of 2018 we underwent a rebrand to help expand our reach. I co-founded a nonprofit to better serve young girls and then shifted Black Girls with Purpose's target audience to women of color seeking community. 

After our recent Activate podcast series I started receiving messages from women who were moving forward with the product launch, they were getting samples of their book printed, they were launching the podcast and the YouTube series, they were moving forward in their purpose! 

Rather than allow that momentum to fade away I, I felt personally responsible for providing a space where they could receive the support and motivation to continue to create.

How do you create the life you want?: I create the life I want through building community, setting goals but also being flexible with my plans and understanding that whatever does or does not happen for me is all in God's hands.

What makes you HUMAN?:

To be human means to be flawed and blemished but thankfully I've learned I don't have to hide that part of myself because God has been able to use my weakest spots and most shameful moments to bring him glory. I don't have to be perfect because He is. 

What are three things your want people to know about self-love?:

When it comes to self-love I want people to know that 

1) you have to practice it everyday, even in moments when you don't feel worthy 

2) When you do practice self-love it helps others to see how they can love you properly 

3) if you don't practice self-love you're a lot more likely to practice self-abuse. You may find yourself giving into negative self-talk too. 

What's something we can incorporate today to LIVE LIFE WELL?:

I believe living life well is attached to understanding your God-given identity. If you know what you were created for then rather than drifting through life you can maneuver it purposefully so my personal advice would be to really sit and ask God "Who have you created me to be and have faith that He will reveal it in His perfect timing. 

What has been your own journey with self love and/or wellness?:

I didn't believe I was deserving of anyone's love, not mine, not the love of family or friends, but thankfully overtime God showed me I'd taken on a distorted perspective. The Bible says in Proverbs 18:1 the one who isolates himself pursues selfish desires and acts against all sound judgement so instead of constantly relying on me, I had to let others in and tap into the power of community. I started sharing my struggles instead of pretending to have strength and this freed others up to do the same thing and become purveyors of self-love and wellness. 

Email Address: brie@blackgirlswithpurpose.org

Website: http://blackgirlswithpurpose.org

Social media handles?: @blackgirlswithpurpose

Any books or apps recommendations?: No More Holding Back by Kat Armstrong & Living Courageously by Joyce Meyer & A Jewel in His Crown by Priscilla Shirer

Our queens are no strangers to when it comes to doing their own thing...

Our queens are no strangers to when it comes to doing their own thing simply because they can. If they like it, we love it! But it doesn’t matter what we think; Shadae Washington, founder of RebelleGems based in Lutherville Timonium, Maryland, prides herself on being her biggest fan. When Shadae decided she’d rather make her own jewelry instead of paying for overpriced pieces, she remained her biggest motivation to start her business (and to keep it flourishing!). Shadae learned a lot about supporting herself by prioritizing self-love; even if it’s only 5 minutes of the day, she’s going to take that time to do something she loves. Major tip: you should too! While Shadae’s not making bracelets out of stones and gems, she’s getting her research on with the book The Crystal Bible. If you love gems as much as her, we definitely recommend you check it out! We are inspired by you’re boldness to step out on what you love, Shadae. We’d love to introduce you to Shadae, Queen of Beaded Bracelets!

What inspired you to start your business? What motivates you to keep going?: I loved beaded jewelry but I thought people charged way too much for them. I decided to make my own, and people wanted to buy them from me. If I can do what I like to do and people love to wear my jewels, that's amazing. I motivate myself to keep going. I'm my best supporter and best motivator. Knowing that I can grow from my own hobby and maybe do more as in owning a shop is enough motivation for me. Nobody has your back like you do.

What does your company stand for?: Rebellegems is to rebel from being what people want you to be. To stand out, be different, and be weird. Jewelry should make a statement and bring your outfit out and that's what I'm aiming to do.

How do you create the life you want?: You create the life you want in your head, you plan it out, and execute it. You can have whatever you want in life if u work for it.

Me I see something I want and create goals short term and long term. I work towards getting it and it's worked so far.

What makes you HUMAN?: Knowing you're not perfect and that you can make mistakes. To show emotions when your angry scream and if you're sad cry wherever you are because holding it in is not human. To fail and be able to accept that and work towards being successful again. Humans are a mess but a beautiful mess.

What are three things your want people to know about self-love?: Its needed, it comes first no matter what, and its mental and physical

What's something we can incorporate today to start loving ourselves more?: To take time out to do something you love everyday. Even if it's 5 minutes out of your day, make that your time to do what you want.

What has been your own journey with self love?: To be honest I never gave myself self love until this year. I was all to please everyone but myself. That's very draining and it wears you down; that definitely happened to me. This year I started to do for me and do what I loved more. To take care of me. pampering me physically or mentally.

Leave an affirmation for readers.....: I am worthy of success.-Emma Ward

Email Address: Shadae_washington@yahoo.com

Website: http://Rebellegems.bigcartel.com

Social media handles?: Ig: RebelleGems 

FB: RebelleGemstones

Any books or apps recommendations?: The crystal bible- great for gemstone lovers.

Music is universal. Music is passionate and Purposeful.

Music is universal. Music is passionate and purposeful. For this artist, music serves as an incredible driving force to how she chooses to live her life. Luna Muni, a professional violinist and music producer based in Cape Cora, Florida, is elated to wake up every morning and pursue her musician expression. Luna’s company embraces the notion that just like instruments, we as individual human beings are essential in creating delightful melodies and expressions. Growing up, Luna didn’t always have the time for self-love; now that she’s grown and continuing to grow, she takes her time to incorporate it daily by meditation and journaling. There’s an affirmation that Luna uses that is perfect for anyone wanting to incorporate more self-love in their lives: “I am Peace, Connection, Creation, and Vibration. I am grateful to the Highest Power for all that I am, and will become.” Talk about a powerful force! We’d love to introduce you to Luna, Queen of Musical Expression.

What inspired you to start your business? What motivates you to keep going?: Music. Music has been in my life since before I took my first breath of oxygen. I was raised in a home filled with Music. So I’d have to say Music is where my passion first began and now as a Mother Music has been my driving force.

What does your company stand for?: My company stands for the notion that We Are One. Just like music each and every one of us is an important instrument in this Musical of Life.

How do you create the life you want?: Firstly, and most importantly I journal daily. Each morning as soon as I wake up I remind myself of how grateful and blessed I am to create an opportunity of growth while pursuing my passion as a physical embodiment of a musical expression.

What makes you HUMAN?: My ability to empathize with other around me.

What are three things your want people to know about self-love?: Self-love opens doors to understanding your true purpose. Self-love is what helps to separate us from what is not meant for us. Self-love does not mean to be selfish it’s more about being “self-conscious,” or “self-aware” of what YOU are in need of to fulfill your soul's purpose.

What's something we can incorporate today to start loving ourselves more?: I have to say Meditation accompanied by Binaural waves is something us as humans need to incorporate into our daily routine. Become conscious of our subconscious is what elevates us to new forms of understanding. Grow.

What has been your own journey with self love?: I have had a long journey with self-love in my 25 year life span. I was raised alongside my Twin sister and younger sister by my Grandparents because my biological parents were on drugs at our time of birth. My Twin sister and I both had crack in our system and we were also premature so we immediately belonged to the state. My grandparents took custody of us and raised us all to be strong minded, active young women. Unfortunately, Even though we were given every possible opportunity to excel (Dance,Cheerleading,Music,Violin,Piano,Choir,Soccer,Tennis, Basketball,Karate,Swimming, and Gymnastics) “self-love” wasn’t a main concern. I ended up getting into a lot of trouble in my teen years. Although I was pursuing my passion as a Violinist and Musician I didn’t have any idea who I truly was. By the time I graduated High School I had already been raped twice and was in a relationship with a man who didn’t have any idea what Love was. Neither did I. Three years later, I received an amazing opportunity to become a Personal Assistant to a 28-year-old Billionaire CEO of a Natural Skin and Hair product line. That’s where I truly began my journey of Self-love. I gained so much insight on the importance of truly loving yourself and how far you can get when you know who you are. After two years of Women Empowerment events, being apart of the ins and outs of a successful-functioning, not to mention “Black Owned Business”, it was time for me to begin my own journey. I was blessed to perform as a Violinist during my time as a Personal Assistant and I am still forever grateful. However, My journey is nowhere near over. I became a mother in January of 2016 and since then I have been an advocate of “Self-love.” As mothers and women in business it is of the utmost importance that we keep our Mind, Body, and Spirit in check. I am still on this journey.

Leave an affirmation for readers.....: I am Peace, Connection, Creation, and Vibration. I am grateful to the Highest Power for all that I am, and will become.

Email Address: Lunamuni777@gmail.com

Social media handles?:

Website: https://www.lunamuni.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lunamuni/?hl=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPNqkNi3wggCRZFAvGyiGyQ

Wardrobe Styling. Creative Consulting. Photography and Videography.

Wardrobe styling. Creative consulting. Photography and videography. Honestly, there’s nothing this woman can’t do! Lee Herron Salter started her business, The Lee Salter Creative Firm, LLC (based in Richmond, Virgina) after years of being in the medical field. At first, Lee was only acting as a fashionista, styling outfits and consulting options with her clients. Lee was meant to offer though; she expanded her services to include creative consulting, photography and videography, and branding purposes. There is truly nothing better than a one-stop shop to get you on the right track to following your own passions and plans. Some exciting news: Lee is publishing a book that will feature daily devotionals to keep you encouraged and inspired. HEY YOU will be arriving this summer, and we are so excited to soak in all of it’s affirming words. We’d love for you to meet Lee, Queen of Creative Branding!

What inspired you to start your business? What motivates you to keep going?: From childhood, it had always been my desire to become a physician, a neurologist to be exact. My mother suffered from a rare neurological disorder that sparked my interest to pursue medicine. Years later I majored and graduated with a degree in Biology with hopes to attend medical school, only to have my mother pass away while in pursuit of a career in medicine. When she passed away, it was almost like my desire to be a doctor left with it. I decided to just find a career in the science field and allow that to work for me. So I became a Scientist for Virginia Newborn Screening, testing babies to assist in achieving optimal health for newborns through early diagnosis and treatment. This was my day job, my 9 to 5 although rewarding, I wasn’t completely fulfilled.

I’ve always had a love for fashion and was always that friend everyone asked outfit opinions and advice on what to wear. So I got into wardrobe styling and started my business. It honestly never dawned on me to pursue entrepreneurship; I was taught to go to school and find a good job and work it until you retire, but there was a huge part of me that wanted different for my life. I wanted to create a life that I absolutely loved. After a few years of running a business of just wardrobe styling, I started to feel “Boxed In” as if all I knew was clothes and fashion. As a creative, I realized I had so much more to offer my clients, so I decided to expand my services and re-brand my business to a “One-Stop Shop”, providing wardrobe styling, photography/videography for business branding purposes and creative campaigns, in addition to creative consulting.

What motivates me to keep going is my daughter Charleigh. I want her to live a limitless life and I’ll do whatever to create that for her.

What does your company stand for?: The Lee Salter Creative Firm stands for excellence and consistency. There are some great and talented companies in existence today, but some will do just enough to reel you in, but not enough to keep you. My firm has been designed to be a “One Stop Shop” that can service our clients’ branding needs without them having to lift a finger.

How do you create the life you want?: You create the life you want by setting goals, developing a plan of action of how you’re going to get there and remain consistent and faithful to the plan no matter what. There will be bumps in the road on your way, that is inevitable, but if you’re consistent sticking to the journey, no matter what comes, that’s how you’ll get the life you want. Create is a verb you have to produce something in order to get something in return. So getting the life you want doesn’t come by wishing it comes by working consistently towards it.

What makes you HUMAN?: Mistakes make me human. Going through life trying to do everything perfect will frustrate you. You have to pursue things knowing that mistakes are inevitable. You have to Give yourself some grace because you’re doing the best you can. You have to share your mistakes with others to show then they can make it because you did too.

What are three things your want people to know about self-love?: Three things about self love: 

1. Embrace everything there is to know about you: past present future. A lot of us struggle to love ourselves because of what happened to us (traumatic experiences), who didn’t love us properly (abandonment) and many other variables. But once you get to a place of healing and accept what was, what is and what is coming in the future. You’ll understand that that’s the beauty of who you are. 

2. Affirm yourself daily even when you don’t feel like it. You have to recognize the value of who you are

3. See yourself as worthy. You are worthy of every good thing there is in life. No matter your mistakes, where you’ve come from, you are worthy!

What's something we can incorporate today to start loving ourselves more?: 

Pace yourself it’s a marathon not a sprint 

Give yourself credit every time you do something well

Give yourself a break don’t be too hard on yourself

Spend more time with you not with the people and things we think define us

What has been your own journey with self love?: I’m still on the self love journey I honestly believe it is an ongoing pursuit. But my journey really began when everything in my life was failing. The true test of self love is when you’re helpless and it looks like you’re losing at life. I began to be more self aware during this time and I was able to find out all there is to know about me. I started going to therapy consistently to help me deal with things I didn’t even realize affected me. Through these things I was able to embrace all there was to know about myself.

Leave an affirmation for readers.....: Hey you: I can guarantee you that your purpose outweighs Your pain. Keep going.

Email Address: Lee@leesaltercreativefirm.com

Website: http://www.leesaltercreativefirm.com

Social media handles?: Instagram: @lee_herronsalter

Any books or apps recommendations?: My upcoming book/devotional 

HEY YOU: A relatable day to day devotional with the real you in mind

Releasing this July

Poetry. Motivational Speaking. Fashion.

Poetry. Motivational speaking. Fashion. A woman who honors and embraces her many talents is definitely a woman that we admire immensely. Cassia Gold started her company, Gloria Patri LLC, based in Atlanta, Georgia, to give glory to God for by pursuing her craft. Cassia works to be a blessing to others by bringing hope, freedom and strength through her gifted abilities. Her desire to help people is just as strong as her dedication to self-love. Cassia encourages nourishment to establishing and increasing self-love; when your mind, body and soul is full of love and good energy, there are truly no limits to what you can accomplish for yourself. Cassia leaves a powerful affirmation for us: “Fearless is not about not fearing, it is about being courageous even though you still fear.” We are so thankful for your courage to work towards the life you want, Cassia. We’d love to introduce you to Cassia, Queen of Glory!

What inspired you to start your business? What motivates you to keep going?: I’ve always been creative. As a little girl I used to save my lunch money to purchase beads after school at the bead shop to make and sell earrings. My inspiration comes from my desire to help people and using fashion, spoken word and speaking to heal others while healing myself.

What does your company stand for?: Gloria Patri LLC It means glory be to the father in Latin. Giving God the glory.

How do you create the life you want?: First by being sure of what I want then setting goals toward the life that I want and having good work ethic to fulfill dreams with purpose and commitment. I truly believe that the creation of the life that I want is directly attached to fulfilling my purpose. As I operate in my purpose, my wants and needs are there waiting for me.

What makes you HUMAN?: The little girl desire to want to be loved, provided for and have fun. Also crying.

What are three things your want people to know about self-love?: Self love is: Feeding yourself good things physically along with stretching and exercise. Feeding your spirit through a personal relationship with God and having your own rituals. 

And feeding your mind with goods thoughts and affirmations. What you choose to feed will grow.

What's something we can incorporate today to start loving ourselves more?: Following your own inner convictions. Following your gut.

What has been your own journey with self love?: I’ve found that taking the time to find out what I need for me to be my best me has been my journey. It’s like finding the perfect ingredients for an award winning recipe; my life recipe. I am still learning as I grow and shed. Becoming one with God and the God within me has helped me to be able to love myself and know which actions I need to take to treat myself with love.

Leave an affirmation for readers.....: Fearless is not about not fearing, it is about being courageous even though you still fear.

---

Email Address: bookcassiagold@gmail.com

Website: http://WWW.CASSIAGOLD.COM

Social media handles?: @iamcassiagold (facebook, instagram, youtube, snapchat, twitter)

@paracletecouture (clothing line on instagram and facebook) www.paracletecouture

@thegoldjourney (my journey on instagram)

www.thegoldjourney.com

Any books or apps recommendations?: Paulo Coelho ‘The Alchemist’

Dr. Joe Dispenza ‘Breaking the habit of being yourself’

The Bible

Bruce Wilkinson ‘The Dream Giver’

Traveling is a huge treasure...

Traveling is a huge treasure. Not to mention it’s such a rewarding experience when done thoughtfully and correctly. The activity of traveling to different spaces and exciting places is enticing and should be available uniquely; imagine a company that makes that an option for you, specially curated to your travel needs! Arabia Umrani, founder of Unwind based in San Francisco, is using Unwind to open opportunities to women who are looking to expand their minds and experiences through travel. Unwind a booking tool for women to book unique tours and experiences. Nothing like traveling with someone who’s putting your best interest first! Your life already has a purpose, and with Unwind, Arabia is determined to bring purpose to your traveling adventures as well. Thank you for your curated and thoughtful vision, Arabia. Oh, we can’t wait to see the places you’ll go! We’d love to introduce you to Arabia, Queen of Travel!

What inspired you to start your business? What motivates you to keep going?: I’ve traveled to over 50 countries. I’ve experienced many moments that are too good to keep to myself. I decided to start a travel company that curates unique global travel packages.

What does your company stand for?: My company stands for opening opportunities to broaden your mind through travel.

How do you create the life you want?: I create the life I want by limiting my No’s. I love to dream up insane ideas and enjoy the journey of accomplishing them. I analyze each goal I seek, I find applicable resources needed, I then open opportunities for others to attain these goals as well.

What makes you HUMAN?: My constant need to remind myself it’s ok to make mistakes, be an contributing asset to my family, and the right to feel loved down to the depths of my soul.

What are three things your want people to know about self-love?: Self love is a life journey, it continues to challenge. Self love starts from actually believing you bring value to the world just by being here, uniquely you. Self love needs to start with women, especially as shapers of the world. I’ve had my own qualms with generational self hatred from the women in my family. It stops here. This is a new beginning.

What's something we can incorporate today to start loving ourselves more?: Affirmations go a looong way! We are what we think and feel. Imagine how many times you doubt yourself a day. Those negative thoughts resonate in your conscious and manifest the the overall attitude you have about yourself. 

There’s power in words! Use that power!

What has been your own journey with self love?: Such a long journey. My self hatred comes in the form of comparison. I’ve compared myself to my sister, my brothers, my classmates, “the prettiest girl in school,” people on social media, the list goes on. My need to feel valued is my biggest insecurity. As cliche as it sounds, one day I just decided to accept that my magic isn’t something that I have to chase. My magic is truly within me, and that I exhume my magic effortlessly- just by being me.

Leave an affirmation for readers.....: You are valued. Your life has purpose. You are not alone. I love you for you. Thank you for sharing your magic!

Email Address: arabia.umrani@gmail.com

Website:  community.joinunwind.com

Social media handles?: @arabiaumrani, @joinunwind

Any books or apps recommendations?: Shippa- an app that helps travelers earn money by shopping for other people.

You will always know what’s best for you!

It’s incredibly affirming to realize that no matter how many perspectives and opinions you allow yourself to, you will always know what’s best for you. A lot of times, this is often easier said than done. And that’s okay! Spiritual advisors such as CoCo Alexa, based in Baltimore, Maryland, are passionate about being one of the essential keys needed to unlock your true divine self-realization. CoCo Alexa uses her business, Zodianz, to help people beautifully and holistically connect with their souls. By educating her clients on rituals and practices that connect them back to their withstanding roots, CoCo continues to encourage the growth of spiritual enlightenment. In a testing world such as this, having confidence and comfort in knowing the power your soul is capable of is essential to keeping your peace of mind! We are impressed with your divine knowledge, CoCo. May you continue to spread light! We’d love for you to meet CoCo, Queen of Spiritual Guidance!

What inspired you to start your business? What motivates you to keep going?: I had just abruptly ended a 6 year relationship and realized that I put a lot of time and energy into someone and had nothing for myself in the end. I made a decision that I would never do that again and to understand that I was worthy of building something solid. Seeing how far I can go and seeing my progress and growth motivates me daily.

What does your company stand for?: My business is about guiding people to find their purpose and give them the insight to do it. I like to educate black people on rituals and practices that connect us back to our roots, which has been more important than ever, as our country makes political shifts.

How do you create the life you want?: I walk in my purpose fully which then allows me to have space to create the life I want. I visualize during my meditations and put a fierce amount of action behind that.

What makes you HUMAN?: My hardships and wins make me human. The trials and tribulations of life and navigating through.

What are three things your want people to know about self-love?: 1. It’s starts with you. No one can do it for you.

2. Strong boundaries.

3. The way you practice self love may look different than the next person, and that’s absolutely ok.

What's something we can incorporate today to start loving ourselves more?: An uninterrupted 15 mins of doing at least one thing you want to do, for yourself

What has been your own journey with self love?: I thought I loved myself until I gave myself a rose petal bath. Something I felt someone had to do for me. I took my time and cleansed myself. When I stepped out of the bathtub, I felt like a queen. I realized that I had to love myself like no other person could. Which meant me getting to know myself on a much deeper level.

Leave an affirmation for readers.....: I am a master manifestor. I create the life I want and need. — Me!

Email Address: Oshuns.wellness@gmail.com

Website: https://zodianz.com/zodianz-earth-goddess/coco-the-empress/

Social media handles?: IG: coco_alexa_

When life knocks you down, sometimes it feels easier to accept the trouble and stay down...

When life knocks you down, sometimes it feels easier to accept the trouble and stay down. Or unfortunately, it’s almost even comfortable. You know what’s more comforting? Having a hand reach down and encourage you to climb up after you’ve had your fair share of trial and errors. Kimberly Biggs, founder of From Prison to Purpose in Prentiss, Mississippi, knows what it feels like to not have a helping hand. Kimberly is dedicated to being a service to those who may be denied any genuine and resourceful offerings. As an ex-offender, Kimberly is all too familiar with the hardships of trying to get back on your feet. Motivated by her own personal story and her desire to provide for others, Kimberly is using her business to help offenders have a positive impact for their return to society. We admire your resilience and your kind heart, Kimberly. You are stronger than you imagine, and your strength is a huge blessing to others. We’d love for you to meet Kimberly, Queen of Second Chances. 

What inspired you to start your business? What motivates you to keep going?: I was incarcerated. I lost everything. I’ve always been a person to serve and help . But then everything changed on me. Family, friends, old business partners...all were standoffish. After I was released I became homeless, destitute, and even more, hopeless. I reached out to everyone and every agency for resources and there wasn’t any help. I desired to help others. Even in my transparency I struggled. No jobs were offered because I was an ex offender. No favors because people would rather see you struggle in hopes you don’t do better than them. Nevertheless I worked at it everyday. Sometimes hungry, sometimes no running water. Still not employed on a 9 to 5, but I kept working the vision to get myself in a position to be successful, of service and tell my story to inspire and to provide assistance to other offenders who are returning to society.

What does your company stand for?: Helping ex offenders to become productive citizens by providing realistic strategies and resources to become self sufficient.

How do you create the life you want?: First by believing in myself and staying consistent

What makes you HUMAN?: Overcoming Life challenges

What are three things your want people to know about self-love?:

It’s Necessary. It Heals. It gives you worth

What's something we can incorporate today to start loving ourselves more?: Forgiveness for your own shortcomings and failures

What has been your own journey with self love?: I’ve always believed in myself and the person I was chosen to be. I embrace my gift to be a kingdom builder

Leave an affirmation for readers.....: I am strong, I am prosperous, and I am LEGEND

Email Address: fromprisontopurposems@gmail.com

Let’s be real...nothing messy ever works out for the best

Let’s be real...nothing messy ever works out for the best. Messy relationships, messy spills, messy situations...all of that’s no good. So why would you want your own space to reflect a mess? You should be allowed to grow and thrive in your environment; free of clutter, free to blossom. Tanisha Porter, owner of Natural Born Organizers, has always been passionate about creating and maintaining organization in any space available. She believes that we’re given individual talents to elevate others; what a service she has truly been! Natural Born Organizers works to ensure that their customers in the Los Angeles area are not overwhelmed in their personal space to be great. Granting courage to conquer your clutter and providing non judgemental support in sorting whatever mess that may be messing with you is only part of what this spectacular business does. We are grateful for your empowering sense to truly straighten things out, Tanisha. We’d like to introduce Tanisha, Queen of Getting It Together!

What inspired you to start your business? What motivates you to keep going?: When we bought our first home it was during the recession in 2009. Both my husband and I had witnessed so many people getting laid off from their corporate jobs. While I was watching HGTV, which is what you do when you move into a new space, an organizing expert was talent on a show which sparked an interest. That interest turned to research and in January 2013, Natural Born Organizers was launched to transform the homes of people who struggle with situational &/or chronic disorganization while teaching them skills to create and maintain systems of their own. I realize now that this is my unique offering to the masses. It’s my super power. And just like a peacock who never opened its plumage would be a shame...so would it be if I didn’t share my natural gifts & talents. It’s the exchange of our individual strengths that make us all achieve our highest dreams and aspirations and live the lives we want.

What does your company stand for?: My company stands for hope, transformation, integrity, and mutual respect.

How do you create the life you want?: I’m still creating everyday by actively working toward achieving balance, self care dailies, and time and financial freedom for me and my family. It’s hard. It’s a challenge. But a challenge worth working toward.

What makes you HUMAN?: I cry. I get depressed. I’m not always perfect and neither are my house, marriage, kids, or family. I compare myself to others. And I experience highs and lows aspects of my life sometimes in the same 24 hours. I put one foot in front of the otter like. I strive to do and be myself everyday because well...that’s all I know to be.

What are three things your want people to know about self-love?: 1) It should be mandatory

2) It is contagious

3) Self Love Is the greatest daily supplement we can give ourselves.

What's something we can incorporate today to start loving ourselves more?: Find a great therapist!

What has been your own journey with self love?: Doing something everyday that turns the focus on me!

Leave an affirmation for readers.....: I am unique. I am imperfect. I am growing stronger and better everyday. I am a gift to the world in my own special way. So here I come...humble yet confident leaving my mark with every smile, word, gesture, and step.

Email Address: tanisha@naturalbornorganizers.com

Website: http://naturalbornorganizers.com

Social media handles?: Instagram.com/naturalbornorganizers

Facebook.com/naturalbornorganizers

Twitter.com/naturalbornorg

Any books or apps recommendations?: It’s a Wonderful (Imperfect) Life by Joan C Webb (Devotional)

You may find yourself asking for a clean slate....

Often, you may find yourself asking for a clean slate. Or maybe an opportunity for a fresh start. When you’re dedicated to cleaning up your life, you’re always able to use that second chance to your best advantage. Tracy Noel, a business owner based in San Antonio, Texas, uses her cleaning company Elle Cleaning Services to improve the livelihood of spaces we find essential for our progression. The true value that is added to a business when properly cleaned is priceless, and should always be sought after. Tracy realized at one point that self-hate is real, and it manifests easier than you think; she discovered that it’s much more effective to spend energy manifesting self-love instead. That’s the great thing about cleaning; no matter how dirty something becomes, you can scrub and wipe it all anew. Including your personal spirit and soul! We are deeply impressed by your commitment to a clean slate, Tracy. We’d love to introduce you to Tracy, Queen of Clean Spaces!

What inspired you to start your business? What motivates you to keep going?: I’ve been in business for a few years. This is the first business venture that I decided to not operate as a “hustle”. I believe in ownership, vertical integration; creating to create. What keeps me going is knowing that I have only scratched the surface. Imagine what more is in store past the surface!

What does your company stand for?: People look at a cleaning g compass taboo... I look at it as solving a problem for businesses, large corporations, everyday people like me. Our motto is cleaning simplified. You would be surprised how much value is added to a business by maintaining a clean and professional space. 

That’s what we stand for. 

How do you create the life you want?: I’m a planner. I plan the life I want. I see it... I work hard... I grind till I own it. Lol. The truth is I visualize it, and live every day as if I am in that current space. If I want a million dollar company, I act like I already have it. Then the universe brings it to me!

 What makes you HUMAN?: My compassion for people. My ability to fail publicly. My love to Create.

What are three things your want people to know about self-love?: Ohhhhhhh. Self love is bigger than you think. 

(1) Give yourself time to unlearn self-hate and when you think you have reached a new level of self love, dig deeper.

(2) Once you love you, don’t let any knock you off! 

(3) They love you at the level you love you!

What's something we can incorporate today to start loving ourselves more?: Take a selfie. Take one every day until you feel like damn I look good

What has been your own journey with self love?: The funny thing is self hate manifests itself in so many ways. Mine was in relationships. I would date guys who hated me, treated me like crap; but thought it was love. I’ve been single for a while now and I’ve taken the time to love me for me, now when I date it’s so enriching because I get who and what I deserve. Sometimes I’m surprised at who I attract, but then I realize my vibrations of love attracts love. And I can only be at a vibration of love, if I love myself.

Leave an affirmation for readers.....: I lead from a place of love!

Email Address: Tracy.noel@hotmail.com

Social media handles?: @tracethestarz

You are fearfully, wonderfully made.

You are fearfully, wonderfully made. You have been crafted with unique fibers that were designed to make you stand out. So why not dress yourself accordingly? Malacia Anderson, the founder of Li Li’s Creations based in Roosevelt, New York, started her clothing business to provide rich and culturally-inspired designs for the modern woman. The same way Malacia is using her gift to share beautiful pieces, she’s using her company to share faith and fashion with her customers. Self-love is all about how you decide to view yourself; not how the world may see you. An essential key is viewing yourself positively is remember how God views you: beautiful, fearfully and wonderfully made. Saying daily affirmations that speak highly of yourself has been a routine that works wonders for Malacia, and she encourages you to pick up that healthy habit as well! We are inspired by this terrific use of your talent, Malacia. We’d love for you to meet Malacia, Queen of Design!

What inspired you to start your business? What motivates you to keep going?: I started my business August 6, 2013 as a birthday present to myself. It was my way of sharing my gifts and focusing on putting myself first in ways I was not doing before. My motivation is God and my family. I recognize that no matter the obstacles walking in, my gift is His will for my life and I must continue. Sharing faith, fashion and inspiration to my customers. Giving them unique designs that makes them feel bold and fearfully made makes the trials worth it to continue.

What does your company stand for?: Li Li's Creations is a handmade clothing brand that is rich in culture offering one of a kind unique designs for the modern woman.

How do you create the life you want?: By focusing on my goals and dreams each and every day. Staying consistent and intentional in the things that I do.

What makes you HUMAN?: There are times when it is so challenging that I have considered quitting. Having to start over and not knowing how things will turn out have definitely brought tears and anxiety.

What are three things your want people to know about self-love?: God has made us fearfully and wonderfully made. It's important to define who we are based off his view and not the limited view of others. To know that we are enough is to say no matter the flaws, I am enough and deserve all the good that comes my way. Be gentle with yourself and work everyday to see the beauty of who you are.

What's something we can incorporate today to start loving ourselves more?: Speaking positive affirmations to oneself.

What has been your own journey with self love?: Li Li's Creations is my ongoing journey with self love, being reflective in who I am and not be afraid to be honest about my flaws. Working on healing everyday to become the best version of myself.

Leave an affirmation for readers.....: Your unique gifts are what's needed in this world by walking in them you bring more of God's love to the forefront.

Email Address: Liliscreativedesign@gmail.com

Website: http://www.Lili-girl.com

Social media handles?: Instagram liliscreations_lili814

Any books or apps recommendations?: Unfold and in touch are great apps for creating content

Embrace your body through dance

When you’re able to enjoy the music, that’s amazing. When you’re able to understand the lyrics, that’s meaningful. But when you’re able to take the music and work with it to your best advantage...that’s powerful. Kosolu Ananti, a rhythmic dancing queen, founded afrikoPOP Fitness in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, after a personal tragedy in 2016. Kosolu saw how good it felt to embrace your body through dance, and since then she’s been creating exhilarating and creative workouts for her classes. Kosolu’s number one mantra for affirmation? It’s a simple, yet powerful, one: “I am enough.” You surely are! We’d love to introduce you to Kosolu, Queen of afrikoPOP!

What inspired you to start your business? What motivates you to keep going?: I had the idea to create afrikoPOP two years before I started it. It was after the death of my first born son that made me finally create afrikoPOP in 2016. afrikoPOP fitness combines modern west African dance moves with body sculpting exercises set to an afropop beat. What keeps me going is how I feel when I create a workout and the people that come to my class.

What does your company stand for?: Embracing what your body can do through dance. Not apologizing for who you are but loving yourself and treating yourself kind.

How do you create the life you want?: Finding the positive in every situation. Learning to be content but not complacent.

What makes you HUMAN?: Flaws, mistakes, not taking myself too seriously.

What are three things your want people to know about self-love?: Accept who you are, take time for yourself, forgive yourself.

What's something we can incorporate today to start loving ourselves more?: Tell yourself, "I am enough!"

What has been your own journey with self love?: I had to learn to have time for myself, not just working out but calming my mind. Being intentional with my personal quality time. I don't have to be superwoman or take on everything on my own.

Leave an affirmation for readers.....: I am enough.

Email Address: kasa@afrikopop.com

Website: http://www.afrikopop.com

Social media handles?: afrikoPOP fitness on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter

Any books or apps recommendations?:

Self-care. Self-awareness. Self-acceptance.

Self-care. Self-awareness. Self-acceptance. When you check into the InnHer Experience, you’ll find immense joy in knowing that you’ll indulge in all three of these essential factors. Adetoro Majek, the nurturing founder of the InnHer Experience in Austin, Texas, was inspired to start her business by wanting to create a space for women to become uplifted. Adetoro believes that surrendering is a true key to self-love; surrendering gives you a peace and a certain ease that allows a smooth, direct pathway to loving yourself, and it’s worth allll the good energy! When she’s not supporting women as a lifestyle coach through The InnHer Experience, she’s probably checking out her own book, “It’s The Inner Work First Soulistic Babe”. We thank you for your incredible, healing service, Adetoro. We’d like to introduce you to Adetoro, Queen of InnHer Healing!

What inspired you to start your business? What motivates you to keep going?: What inspired me to bring my business to life was wanting to create a brand where women could feel supported and connected in honoring and celebrating themselves! What keeps me going is knowing what I offer to the world is needed!

What does your company stand for?: My business stands for uplifting women to become their best selves, through selfcare,self-awareness, and spiritual investment!

How do you create the life you want?: I don’t allow people’s perspectives to influence the view I hold of myself! When you know what you’re about, being yourself becomes so effortless!

What makes you HUMAN?: What makes me human is The very thing that makes me who I am struggling with the idea that I don’t make the best decision in life!

What are three things your want people to know about self-love?: You matter! Your dreams matter! You're the most important thing you’ve got going on!

What's something we can incorporate today to start loving ourselves more?: Surrenderence! Surrender to the truth of what is, and what isn’t and what you want it to be! This allows you to have more peace within yourself and therefore creates an ease to loving yourself!

What has been your own journey with self love?: My journey to self love has been one filled with pain, discomfort and disappointment! Which has allowed me to choose myself everyday! From hating my life and wanting to end it to allowing myself to just be the person that I am is why I believe that you can overcome the doubt of who you see yourself as!

Leave an affirmation for readers.....: I am Divinely Guided and I am Safe

Email Address: M.daetoro@gmail.com

Website: http://www.theinnherexperience.com

Social media handles?: @The.innher.experience

Any books or apps recommendations?: “It’s The Inner Work First Soulistic Babe” by Adetoro Majek On amazon

The spaces you deem your safe haven and the styles you incorporate into your livelihood should be a reflection of you!

The spaces you deem your safe haven and the styles you incorporate into your livelihood should be a reflection of you: vibrant, unique, and expressive. Anitra Terrell is using her business, Reflektion Design, to embrace her own personal freedoms. Based in Pasadena, California, this company offers a wide, impressive selection of decor, accessories, and similar products that celebrates the history and cultural impact of African textiles. Anitra’s business has taught her a great deal of about self-love: making time for it is the first essential step! Focusing on the present has helped Anitra continue to progressively build her business, and she encourages downloading the “Daily Affirmations” app to help the practice on reflecting on your own self-worth. We are in awe of your creative eye, Anitra. We’d love for you to meet Anitra, Queen of Personal Decor!

What inspired you to start your business? What motivates you to keep going?: After being laid off two times from two different positions in a two year time span I took it as a sign to forge my own path. Reflektion Design was born out of my love of African textiles, home furnishings and my travels abroad after spending significant time there as a textile buyer and scholar.

Keeping my why front and center motivates me to keep going. Why I became an entrepreneur, why this specific business and these unique products. I also consider the alternatives if I'm not working for myself I'm working for someone else which I'd prefer not to do. Freedom is my north star.

What does your company stand for?: Reflektion Design stands for the celebration of African textiles and wares in our home. They are the fabric of our roots and should be embraced and shared generationally.

How do you create the life you want?: One of the reasons I chose entrepreneurship as a career path is because I knew while not easy would allow me to create the life I want. A life that allows me to be free. Creative freedom, financial freedom and the freedom to help artisans all over the world. The other side of that is balance. Striving to create a balanced life is very important to me.

What makes you HUMAN?: The need for love, community, culture, upliftment, equality and self determination.

What are three things your want people to know about self-love?: 1. Make time for it.

2. Get comfortable with it.

3. Put words to it so you can express how you want to be loved with others.

What's something we can incorporate today to start loving ourselves more?: Make time for it. We're all so busy it's easy to neglect ourselves. It can be as simple as taking a few moments in the evening for a bubble bath, creating a list of the things you love about yourself, or starting a hobby you've always wanted to do but put off.

What has been your own journey with self love?: It's an ongoing journey. Being an entrepreneur I often work long hours so I didn't make time to take care of myself. Stress became a health issue and I was forced to reevaluate my relationship with my business and myself. I knew in order to get back to self I needed to set up systems in my business that would free up time. That made a huge difference.

Leave an affirmation for readers.....: I am in the here and now, vision towards the future.  I say this to myself when my mind starts to spiral back to past decisions, regrets or things I wish I'd done differently.

Email Address: anitra@reflektiondesign.com

Website: http://www.reflektiondesign.com

Social media handles?: www.instagram.com/reflektiondesign

www.facebook.com/reflektiondesign

Any books or apps recommendations?: Book: Decisive by Dan and Chip Heath

App: Daily Affirmations

Life should be intentional. Life should be sensational. Life should be lit!

Life should be intentional. Life should be sensational. Life should be lit. Raina Rene, the serene founder of déLUXE Luxury Scented Candles, believes that candles can make any space feel warm, comfortable, and inviting. Based in Brooklyn, New York, Raina is using her business to produce and provide phenomenal candles that encourage positive vibes and soothing aromas. Life is better when the space is full of scented intentions. Raina is creating the life she wants by finding the good in everything, and she encourages everyone to do the same. Meditation is one of the keys to setting intentions that are powerful enough to fill up a room, just like how the déLUXE candles do. In addition to sparking up one of these relaxing candles, Raina recommends checking out “A Little Piece of Light” by Donna Hylton for a reminder to always look for the light in every situation. Thank you for your soothing aroma, Raina. We’d like to introduce you to Raina, Queen of Candles!

What inspired you to start your business? What motivates you to keep going?: My parents inspired me. My biggest fear in life used to be that I never make them proud. I talked about starting my own candle business for years. I went to Florida to visit my father who was diagnosed with prostate cancer and was having surgery to have it removed. While I was there, a light bulb lit up in my head and reminded me that life is so short and why wait any longer. That very moment I pulled out my computer and created my LLC. My mother always told me to seize opportunities in the moment because I would never know when they would come around again. I also had a new motivator in my life - my boyfriend who later became my husband. Having that extra support system definitely motivated me to start my own business. There are a few things that motivate me to keep going, one is financial freedom, the second is knowing how important it is in this climate to my culture to have ownership. Lastly, I absolutely love candles! They bring me so much joy and I felt like everyone should experience that same feeling.

What does your company stand for?: In French it means "of Luxury". I decided to go with a French name as a tribute to my Dad who is from Haiti and a serial entrepreneur. My company stands for quality and value. I'm so dedicated to making sure each customer has a pleasant buying experience and receives a quality product - I get that part from my mom who is so particular about details. Candles that burn with an amazing scent for hours. Candles that both illuminate with scent and appearance. My company stands for all of those things.

How do you create the life you want?: Positive vibes all the time. I try to operate with focus and intention. I try to find the happy in everything.

What makes you HUMAN?:

What are three things your want people to know about self-love?: A wise person once told me: I give so many hours of my time to other people (work, family/friends, I should find a way to give myself 30 minutes. That one thing changed my outlook on a lot.

What's something we can incorporate today to start loving ourselves more?: Meditation... it really works. 5 minutes is all you need.

What has been your own journey with self love?:

Leave an affirmation for readers.....: You can hit a half-court shot once. That's just the luck of the draw. If you consistently do it.. that's excellence.

-Jay-Z

Email Address: shopdeluxeonline@gmail.com

Website: http://www.shopdeluxeonline.com

Social media handles?: @shopdeluxeonline

Any books or apps recommendations?: "A Little Piece of Light" by Donna Hylton, "The Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell