{Part 2} It Takes a Village to Raise a Woman Entrepreneur - Let's Get Gritty

"Success as an entrepreneur involves making and constantly re-committing to the decision to stay the course. It is about an acceptance of success as a process, and not a specific end-result. Of course, results matter in business, but since results can only be influenced, and not guaranteed, entrepreneurs must look to process, not result, as a prime opportunity to align with their desired results." -Akilah S. Richards


I don't know about you, but some days being an entrepreneur can make me long for a subconscious familiar place - my mother's womb. When those did-not-work results rise to the surface of my skin, it's those days that the fetal position consoles me from within. And although physically I cannot return, it helps to allow myself that meditative thought. I emerge with new ideas, repurpose ideas, and the knowing that I've never been afraid to trust the process. I often think that uncertainty of the process is because of the familiarity of what-can-go-wrong. But I progress on my journey with the understanding that I did not have a hand in the process of arriving through the matrix of my mother. Let go and look to the process. 

Saturday Night

This past Saturday night while enjoying my late night with King T., I decided to go online to look into getting some more candles.  I visited the website of a micro-business that I've purchased from before. To my jaw-drop surprise, they closed their virtual doors.  Being a woman-ran business, producing beautifully scented candles, very good branding, and phenomenal customer interaction are the reasons I gave my support to this business. 

I'm sure there are several reasons for the closing (they gave a general statement). When the process starts to become uncertain.... I'm familiar with those reasons.....

Earlier Last Year

I wanted to give more. I wanted more for myself. I wanted more for my children. I put the business expectations aside, decided to continue to live and thrive from my holistic-entrepreneur approach. Decided to be more in what I love. TRUSTING THE PROCESS. More.

Yesterday

I opened this post with words from someone I truly have (Dare I admit it?) an endearment for. I'm not sure if Akilah lives in my headspace, but she always manages to pop up with nourishment for my thoughts. Akilah posted on LinkedIn about The Importance of Tenacity. She shared an inspiring quote from Amelia Earhart, and her personal story about Dr. Lonnie Johnson (also inspiring).  OK, you got me, is what I thought when reading to the end of her post. Akilah reminded me of the places that for the longest I've operated from, and to never forget it.  Yes, Akilah, because I am emotionally invested in my work, things get tough, but my imperfect self cherishes the practice. 

Grab yourself a dose of Akilah-inspired words here. 

October 2014

So I came back from my annual break. Ready. And as you know, when I make a decision, I trust it. I knew that in order to continue to provide quality products with superior ingredients to my customers and shoppers, I had to do a business shift. I sat down with my husband and spoke the words that I only thought about.  It's amazing the clarity that comes when words are said out loud. I was always hesitant about what I knew I needed to do, what the process was calling me to do, but in that moment of disclosing it to the one I trust the most it all became clear. 

It was time for me to move forward in my business-to-business endeavor with women entrepreneurs everywhere, not just via email (it worked successfully for a time, but it was just within my network). Furthermore, to (continue to) neglect/ignore/not acknowledging the buying patterns of shoppers would be a downfall in business that could've been prevented, jeopardizing our virtual doors being closed (setting back other endeavors on the horizon). 

After the annual sale in November the shift was made. Select products were made available to retail shoppers during certain times of the year.  I articulated my decision to Ivy, a collaboration partner (She's another woman entrepreneur that I am becoming fond of. We have great synergy.), and she reminded me of the buzz term Pop-Up Shop. I like it, because it defines the shift exactly. Thanks, Ivy.  

Today

So just like the grittiness from sand that removes dead skin to allow new skin, it will always take the grit that has made its way into me to endure on this journey of entrepreneurship.  All while being encouraged by other women entrepreneurs, encouraging other women entrepreneurs, and of course looking to the process. 

What does your today look like? Do you have grit like sand? Are you looking to the process?

Thank you for reading. 

Be Whole,

P.S. Online Pop-Up Shop in 2 weeks. Get the deets.

It Takes a Village to Raise a Woman Entrepreneur

“Bloom where you are planted and sow where you are fed...” 

-Stella Payton

2015 is turning out to be an auspicious year.  Right before exiting 2014, requests to collaborate in the coming year were entering my inbox, from women in my network. After several years of planting, nurturing and weeding, I am pleased with the harvest. Each year the bounty increases and the fruit is sweeter. Mind you, I do not have a super-large network of women, however, as each of us grow in our respected area of business, we are able to add more value to each other.  

I am looking forward to helping women commit to their wholeness, through the sense of smell. This year, Smell Good Spa™ has partnered with A Woman’s Worth Conference (AWWC) by becoming a sponsor for this year’s event.  AWWC is not only a conference, it is also a celebration of women. If you are planning to attend, look for your gift. xo

You can learn more about A Woman’s Worth Conference and purchase your (and a girlfriend’s) tickets here.

Be Whole,

The Decision I'm Going Against, for a Manifesto

In 2013, the decision was made to no longer feature non-Smell Good Spa posts on this blog (that's another blog post…. or not).  Although I strongly commit to my decisions, my years of self-exploration and healing revealed that commitment coupled with sensibility are great attributes, when on a journey to become whole.

Speaking of becoming whole, women who truly desire to do so, your attention is needed for the following manifesto.

I felt pretty darn special back in December, when receiving this mixtape sneak peek from Akilah S. Richards.

I replied with:

Sista, this whole work that you created is for generations to come!


I love. Let me say it again, LOVE. Okay, one more, L.O.V.E. how you were sympathetic and empathetic, yet matter-of-fact. I've discovered that is truly a sure sign of a woman that has come into her own.  Yes, hurt; cry; wail, but eventually you have got to get up and operate your "train". 

Your mixtape made me appreciate my healing and the path that I am on.

This is some real truth, Akilah. I believe it's going to cause many of women to search themselves and heal.


So you see why I had to go against my decision?  You need to see this if you are one of those women who truly desire to become whole.

Akilah has written her fifth book, Radical Self-Expression Manifesto, 'on self-inquiry, self-exploration, and of course, radical self-expression'.  

When asked to share this with you... 

I replied with:

I got you. 

Women, a self-healing journey can get downright in-your-face ugly. It's possible that  Radical Self-Expression Manifesto can be a great heart-to-heart resource to help you along the way.  Purchase this 180 pages of poetry, protest, and prose, today. 

xo
Be Whole,

Woman Entrepreneur : LaTersa Blakely

Woman Entrepreneur: LaTersa Blakely

Who Is She: wife, mommy, author, brokenness survivor, a support in unleashing greatness. 

Mantra: From Brokenness To Greatness

Personal Note: The CEO Mamma Network is my place for meeting some of the most fabulous, enterprising women - LaTersa is one of them.  What I really like about LaTersa is that she did not miss a beat in introducing herself to me.  I believe she read my profile, and from there it was this is what I am going to do to show my support (so much love for that).  After much mutual support we recently worked on our first project! 

Earlier in her life, LaTersa dealt with years being bitter and negative about the obstacles she endured in her life. Ultimately, she had had enough of being miserable and not wanting to live anymore.

The mission of the book is to teach women how to live beyond their past and step into their greatness; and in it, she shares inspiration and tips on how living everyday with thankfulness and being positive can help turn any negative situation around.   

Inspiring, right!

How do I connect to this fabulous Light?

LaTersa Blakely

Woman Entrepreneur : Myisha Croom-Turner

Woman Entrepreneur: Myisha Croom-Turner

Who Is She: wife, mother, daughter, sister, bohemian jewelry designer, wearer & seller of feminine, bohemian garb (I love it ALL!)

Mantra: be free. be unique.

Personal Note: Another beautiful person that I met online in 2007.  From the moment I saw one of Myisha's bauble creations, I was hooked, and knew that I would buy her creations from years to come. I really like her... She is girlie stylish; I "oooo" over pictures that I see of her and her family;  And she just seems super cool to chill-out with (I am drama-free. LOL.)  This year for my birthday, another great woman in my network bought me a bracelet, created by Myisha.  This woman did not know how fond I already was of Myisha and her baubles; she didn't know she was adding to my collection.  I thought that was just AWESOME!  

My Mission: My goal is to create fun, fashionable, and unique bohemian style jewelry that goes beyond the changing trends. I like creating pieces that can be worn today or 10 years from now and still be very boho chic!

My motto: Why are your trying so hard to fit in when you were born to stand out?

Inspiring, right!

How do I stay connected to this fabulous Light?

Facebook Tell her that ~I. sent you (she'll get a kick out of that).

Woman Entrepreneur::Lisa Peyton-Caire

Woman Entrepreneur: Lisa Peyton-Caire

Who Is She: wife, mother, facilitator of information, inspiration, and empowerment, advocate (and accountability friend) of black women's wellness.

Mantra: Our Health is Our Wealth.  Be Your Own Kind of Beautiful.

Personal Note: Speaking of Beautiful... My first encounter with Lisa was over 5 years ago.  Looking at her picture on a Ning, I thought, wow she is so beautiful.  Well, we started interacting, and her heart out shone her face.  Roberta Peyton's (mother) health story motivated Lisa to start a dialogue amongst black women, online.  Lisa's message and mission resonates with me--a woman should be as vigilant about her physical and mental health, as she is with family and business/enterprise.  

As we pursue our life's calling and our various endeavors, we must first take stock of the fact that without good health our dreams and aspirations are merely fragile fantasies. Poor health can and will derail the best and brightest of plans.

Ultimately I decided to say what was on my heart and to trust that the message I intend to convey is received in the spirit of love, care and urgency in which it is offered. 

Inspiring, right!

How do I stay connected to this fabulous Light?

Twitter-@SisterSpeakNews

Woman Entrepreneur:Larie Writes

Woman Entrepreneur: Larie Writes

Who Is She: wife, mother, author, box destroyer, culinary artist

Mantra: My Mess is Your MESSage.

Personal Note: Last summer, I received this Facebook message: "Hey, I'll be in your city in 2 weeks.  Do you want to meet up."  "Sure."  Hmm, she seems pretty cool...we'll see (hopeful for a good connect).  Two weeks later...Panera Bread.  Connection.  Turns out, Larie has become a special person in my life. 

I am just simply Larie first.  There are many facets of Larie, but only a few that are dear; a wife of Anton for 15 years which during that space, birthed me as a mother of 3 amazingly- audacious individual personalities, (2 daughters & 1 son).  I’m an advocate for living unapologetically, authentically & unashamed!

I have both of these can't-put-down gems.  Both books are about Larie's 'Mess'.  Walk away (or, as I did, lay on the bed) feeling enlighten and inspired to live your best, authentic life. 

I live by laughter and sharing.  Laughing frees so much of me that I feel new.  It calms me, it loves me, it-makes-me-exhale.  Sharing my imperfect-perfections is how I encourage others to not merely step out, but tear down their boxes!  Sharing also allows me to reach those who have silently struggled because they felt alone.  “My Heart Speaks…™”

Inspiring, right!


How do I stay connected to this fabulous Light?

http://www.Lariewrites.com

Facebook

Blog

Woman Entrepreneur:Dawn K-Aldrich

Woman Entrepreneur: Dawn K-Aldrich
Who Is She: wife, mother, grandmother, author, health and wellness advocate, Off Broadway producer, Blog Talk Radio host
Mantra: ~I can do all things, through my creator who has assigned me to this.  ~Ideas for success without determination or action is worthless.


Personal Note: I e-met Dawn, oh around, 2007 or 2008 (well, it seems like it was yesterday).  We would always "run" into each other.  Those run-ins peaked my interest, and I paid more attention to Dawn. It is because of Dawn's passion for marriage, being a mother, and helping others that I decided to collaborate with her (Or, as Dawn would say, "We are on an assignment together". :o)).  Dawn is truly one of those women that I would like to meet in-real-life.

I am a fun, ambitious, determined, dream and make it happen woman, who happens to be the wife of an amazing man whom I call my King. Yes, I said King a title he earned by being a consistent source of love, respect and commitment to us. Do we have our moments of disagreements, oh yes we do but when the dust settles, he is the man who wants to see me happy and successful and the feeling is oh so mutual. I am also the mother of a wonderful set of kids and thanks to one of my daughters, I am also a proud grandmother to the cutest little buttercup in the whole wide world. My family is my greatest treasure. I love being with them so much that my mother accused me of thinking of them like they were my toys.

I strongly believe that we are all sent here with an assignment whether we follow through with or not is solely up to us. What I consider an assignment is that desire that comes to you to do something and the desire will not leave you alone. It may lay dormant but every now and then it comes back as a gentle reminder that it's still there - waiting on you. I have had many assignments and whenever I follow through with them I have found that they have all worked out for the good of others. I am here to serve. My service comes through the health field. I am a strong advocate on all things health and wellness with a special passion for cancer awareness in the minority and under served communities. I find innovative ways to bring joy to others during the tough times by delivering caregiver baskets to those who take care of their terminally ill loved ones. There are also gift baskets to children who are terminally ill with cancer or to those who have lost a parent to cancer. 

I am one that does not believe in following the path of others. Sometimes the path must be made by you in order to allow others to come through. As a result, I am invited to speak at various symposiums, conferences, etc. I have authored audio books, produced an Off Broadway Play in New York City and I am currently in the stages of filming a documentary as well as completing a soon to be released book all under the recently Trademarked brand of The Day That Changed My Life.

I am an early riser who begins each day with meditation and prayer. I genuinely seek guidance as I believe strongly that if I can make the time to quiet my busy mind, I will be able to know what I must do and how it will get done. I also believe that I have every right to talk to God (my creator) throughout the entire day even in my sleep. For me, it's like getting the instructions from a parent who has sent you to do something. In most cases, they are careful to explain what they want you to do and if you listen carefully, you will be able to accomplish the task. In addition, I believe in strengthening my spirit with positive thoughts. I read the bible and any book that offers empowering affirmations. I love to listen to speakers, teachers and spiritual leaders who offers the tools that fuels my spirit to keep on fulfilling my assignments. 

The best thing that I have learned is that my vision is just that - mine. It is not given to others only because it is not their assignment. So when I hear all of the naysayers, I ignore them and seek the guidance from within. My favorite mantra "I can do all things, through my creator who has assigned me to this" and "ideas for success without determination or action is worthless" works for me. Challenges are always sure to present themselves. However, I do not worry about it. I remain focused, look at the situation and see what the options are to correcting or getting around it. 

Inspiring, right?

Dawn Aldrich is the co-founder of Solutions Cancer Resource Center, Inc. Author of the audio book series The Day That Changed My Life - Cancer An Uncertain Journey & the Off Broadway Play -  The Day That Changed My Life. Dr. Aldrich was recently appointed as a Consultant with the FDA working in the areas of Colon Cancer and Multiple Myeloma.  She is a strong advocate for the under-served communities focusing on educating and empowering others with the information they need to improve their health. 

How do I stay connected to this fabulous Light?!

Email: dawn@thedaythatchangedmylife.com

Facebook:The Day That Changed My Life | SOLUTIONS Cancer Resource Center, Inc.

Launching Today: Business Blogger Bootcamp Program

Tried and proven secrets to using content to establish a credible brand and business online.

Tamyka Washington - Coach | Mentor | Author | Blogger | Mom

Click here to view more details

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Woman Entrepreneur:Akilah S. Richards

Woman Entrepreneur: Akilah S. Richards
Who Is She: wife, mother, daughter, author, Life Chanter
Mantra: Just Life + Flow | Clarity + Strategy | Un-Muting.  Helping women to embrace their ecology.

Personal Note: I e-met Akilah over a year ago via You Make It Beautiful (ymib.com).  Ever since, I appreciate her beaming reminder, that being an Execumama isn't a nebulous idea, it's a way of life that should be embraced, guilt-free.

I've been asked this question often...

What IS Life Design, anyway?

Are you wanting some clarity around that too?

Well, I'll illustrate my perspective with this...  

If you think the widespread adoption of the "Occupy" movement is merely a combination of coincidence and good marketing, think again!

Much like what's going on inside you, people all over the world are deciding to DO SOMETHING about living in muted spaces.

My desire is to inspire women in business, to aspire to be the best that they can, in all aspects of their lives. 

It's Her Bash;You Walk Away With the STASH!

Rockstar Mom Entrepreneur, LaTersa Blakely, owner of LaTersa Diaper Cakes™, and HMIC (Head Mom In Charge) of Moms Wearing Multiple Hats is having a birthday bash!  She is inviting everyone who is anyone to come celebrate the whole week with her (now how cool is she?).

What is a birthday without presents, right?  Keeping up with her cool-points, LaTersa is giving you the presents!  10 to be exact (ebooks, customized landing page, Q/A sessions!), including 3 travel size bars of Specialty Soap from Smell Goods '98™.

Head on over to grab your stash today, because all good things come to an end, and this good thing ends on the 19th.

Women Entrepreneurs: Why You Are Not Making Money in Your Business

My desire is to inspire women in business, to aspire to be the best that they can, in all aspects of their lives. Itiel 


Author: Tamyka Washington | The CEO Mamma, Small Business Marketing Blog For Women Entrepreneurs 

YES, I AM GOING THERE!

WHY? Because this is an issue I’m seeing entirely to much and it is time for the women who are experiencing lack in their business to take a look at what could be the problem and take the steps to correct it.

What gives me the right? Well, because I’ve been there. Early on in my online entrepreneurial journey, I was a self proclaimed “Women Entrepreneur” for a long time, not making any money.

I thought entering the World Wide Web would bring me almost instant success (I said almost, because I knew I wasn’t going to become rich over night…but sure it was going to be soon after)

I’m not ashamed to admit, I didn’t have a clue…at first. I had an opportunity, a few ideas and was positive, I was gonna get paid! But after months of barely making enough money to pay my web hosting, I had enough sense to see what I was doing…was SO NOT working.

What I see today with many women,  some of them in my circle, is that they are not making any money, yet they continue to do the things that are NOT giving them the results they want.

If you want to be a women in business, making a generous profit that continues to increase month after month, you have to make some serious changes…PERIOD, starting with, (1) Changing your way of thinking, (2) Be willing to learn and/or invest in what it takes to “Get it Right” and (3) Be intentional and seriously, GET TO WORK!

Let’s Be Real… This thing called Entrepreneurship, is not easy. It takes a lot, and that’s why it is not a preferred choice for everyone. You have to be willing to give it your all…and then some, make sacrifices, and by no means can you give up.

What I discovered for myself, and from talking with those women who aren’t making money in their business, is that there are a few things that always arise and are key setbacks that prevent you from really experiencing an abundance in your business.

1. There is a lack of focus, clear direction and an actionable plan. For the most part, many women just simply don’t know what to do. They have no clue where to start or even how to start so they operate in spurts based on what they see others doing.

One week they are actively promoting their business, sharing and interacting online…then they disappear, only to resurface weeks later and repeat the cycle. There is no consistency so these women fall off the social radar and are rarely taken seriously.

2. The “Serial Entrepreneur”. Many of my Go-Getter sisters fall into this category and I totally support multiple streams of income…however, the problem here is with the women who are starting a new venture every other week and have yet to completely establish the previous business.

To be quit honest, these are the women who generally make the least amount of money, if any at all because they are often paying out, way more than what is coming in. With the different businesses they operate, they are often unable to discover and connect with a specific target market and in the process, reach only a very few.

3. Not committed to the full investment of time required. These are the women who have a clear goal and know what they have to do but are unable to dedicate the amount of time it takes to get it done. Because of this, they often go unnoticed even if they provide a remarkable product or service.

This woman may have other things going on in her life that keep her from being able to pursue her business in the manner in which she desires.

4. Making Excuses. This is another area many women fall into. Far to many excuses as to why they can’t start or grow their business. A lot of times it is because of a full-time job, or they are a single parent, or school or money…for some, these can be legit reasons BUT, there are lots of women who have the same things going on in their lives and still make it happen.

Most of the time, excuses are a disguise for fear. Fear of the “what if’s…”. As a lot of us do know, FEAR will stop anybody dead in their tracks and surly keep you paralyzed in your business.

Do you fall into any of these categories?

If so, I encourage you today to take a step back and reassess your situation. Acknowledge where you are falling short and determine the steps you need to take to move forward in prosperity.

It’s not easy, and we have all been in at least one, or some of these places at some point in our journey. The key to getting unstuck is to seek out the best support for you.

Author: Tamyka Washington | The CEO Mamma, Small Business Marketing Blog For Women Entrepreneurs 

What Can Barbara Howard Do For You?

My desire is to inspire women in business, to aspire to be the best that they can, in all aspects of their lives. Itiel

It was two weeks ago... I was relaxing (technology-free, sorta, kinda) down at the southeast's tip.  Just for a second I wanted to check my emails ;).  I came across an email from Barbara Howard--oooh, one of my favorite people in my network (very inspirational and supportive).  I knew it had to be good, so why not click, right?  It was good.....

In need of event, product or business promotion?  Who isn't?!  Barbara Howard has a system in place to accommodate your needs. The cost ranges from $5 to $35.  Pretty decent, right?  "Itiel, I don't care if it cost $.01.  How many people will my promo reach for future business?"  Glad you asked.... 'The combined Twitter accounts have approximately 6K followers and Klout influence score continues to rise. There are more creative things brewing.'~Barbara Howard

Check out the deets here.   I'll be taking advantage of Barbara Howard's system.  I think you should, too. 

Connect with Barbara Howard on Twitter

@BarbaraHoward