Category Archives: Miscellaneous

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Bossed Up: 100 Truths to Becoming Your Own Boss God’s Way – NEW BOOK ALERT!!!

Hello World,

I have yet to visit Canada, but it is definitely one of my list of countries to visit in the not-so-distant future! But in the mean time, in between time, I’m taking us to Canada today via my interview with Tamar Huggins, a Canadian-based and award-winning serial entrepreneur who has been featured exclusively in media outlets around the world including Black Entertainment Television, Canadian Living, and The Huffington Post! Tamar is also the author of “Bossed Up: 100 Truths to Becoming Your Own Boss God’s Way,” which is available TODAY! Check out my interview with Tamar about “Bossed Up.”

1. Why did you decide to write “Bossed Up: 100 Truths to Becoming Your Own Boss God’s Way?”

Seven years ago, my spiritual mother prophesied to me that God wanted me to write a book about business to help other women achieve success. I wrote “Bossed Up” as a guide for entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs alike – to help them navigate the challenges and successes they would encounter on their journey.

2. Your book incorporates biblical stories and how they relate to modern day entrepreneurship. What is your favorite biblical story in your book and how does it relate to modern day entrepreneurship?

In the God chapter, I referenced 2 Kings 3 – the story of King Jehoshaphat and his army digging ditches in the desert. As they marched for seven days to get to Moab, they became tired and thirsty. King Jehoshaphat went to the Prophet Elisha to ask for guidance. The Lord spoke and said ‘Make this valley full of ditches.’ For thus says the Lord: ‘You shall not see wind, nor shall you see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, so that you, your cattle, and your animals may drink. And this is a simple matter in the sight of the Lord; He will also deliver the Moabites into your hand.’

As entrepreneurs, we must prepare ourselves to receive God’s blessings before they arrive, even if the blessing doesn’t make sense to us. In the case of 2 Kings 3, it didn’t make sense for the men to see rain in the desert – but it’s what they needed – and it was easy for God to do. If you ask God to increase your finances, for example, you need to take the necessary steps to prepare yourself to receive the blessing, otherwise you may risk losing your opportunity. 

3. Your book addresses business challenges that entrepreneurs may face such as family time management. How do you address this challenge in your book and in your own life?

In the Balance chapter, I provide several references for work-life balance. My favorite is Boss Truth #85 – Prioritize Your Family. 1 Timothy 5:8 tells us that if we don’t provide for our families, we are worse than an unbeliever. Our #1 ministry as entrepreneurs isn’t our business – it’s our families. It is with that mindset that I prioritize spending time and pouring into my husband and my daughter because at the end of the day, I am building my legacy for them. I tell myself I am not an ER doctor, I am an entrepreneur, so I can afford to take time away from work to be with my family. 

4. Tell me about the writing process for “Bossed Up.” How long did it take for you to write the book? Was it easy or difficult to write the book? Did you learn anything from writing the book?

God planted the seed to write “Bossed Up” within me 7 years ago, but it only took me 9 months to complete the manuscript in 2016. Spiritually, I grew a lot and my perseverance definitely increased. I truly experienced how creative the Holy Spirit really is when we allow Him to work through us. 

5. Many adult entrepreneurs show an interest in business as children. Tell me about your interest in business as a child and how it led to officially becoming an entrepreneur at 23 years old.

I always loved the idea of being a boss and that’s probably why I was a bossy child! My teachers always told my parents that I was a natural leader, independent, and charismatic. God built me this way because He knew what He wanted me to become. As a result, I naturally gravitated to opportunities that allowed me to operate in my gifts. It wasn’t until I lost my advertising job during the recession of 2009 that I accepted my calling as an entrepreneur. I was fearful of the unknown, yet optimistic about the freedom and possibilities that entrepreneurship was able to provide, especially during such a chaotic time. 

6. You live in Canada. Tell me a little about living life in Canada as a black woman and how it may differ from living in the United States as a black woman.

There is something to admire about the black business community in the United States – something that we just don’t have here in Canada. The level of support that black female entrepreneurs have in the States, whether financial or community-based, is much stronger than it is here. I believe this is due to a difference in our cultural mindsets. I always admired the black business communities in Atlanta and desperately wish people in Toronto had the same collaborative and supportive mindset.

7. Finally, how and when did you become a Christian and how has it impacted your life?

I was christened as a Catholic and went to Catholic school, so Christianity was always a part of my life. It wasn’t until about 15 or 16 years old that I gave my life to the Lord, and I was baptized in the Pentecostal church in my early 20s. I wouldn’t be where I am today without God as an active part of my life. I cannot take credit for any of my ideas or accomplishments because they all came from Him. God is truly the CEO of my business and my life. When you have the Creator in control, you can expect nothing but success and happiness.

For more information about Tamar, go to her website, tamarhuggins.com, and to buy “Bossed Up: 100 Truths to Becoming Your Own Boss God’s Way,” go to  Amazon.com.

Any thoughts?

 

 

 

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Minister Develops All Natural Skincare Line to Combat Aging – Presenting The Wright Skincare….

annette-wright-the-wright-skincare

Hello World,

In Ecclesiastes 3, we learn there is a time for everything…And over time, we all age…I never thought about aging and what it does to the body until recently. I’ve had a few gray hairs since I was a teenager (my family grays early) but now, gray hairs are sprouting like they are trying to form a crowd on my crown :).

If you are concerned about aging and how to “preserve the sexy,” Annette Wright, who developed The Wright Skincare, needs to be on your radar!

The line includes 3-in-1 Micellar Water, Facial Wash and Eye and Facial Repair Serum.

A no-rinse, soothing cleanser for face, eyes and lips, 3-in-1 Micellar Water gently cleanses, purifies and tones the skin, leaving it refreshed and nourished. Soap-free and sulfate-free, 3-in-1 Micellar Water is PEG free with neutral pH for skin to maintain its physiological balance.

A great companion to 3-in-1 Micellar Water, Facial Wash is a face-peeling gel that cleans and purifies skin with fine micro granules, helping to remove dead cells, leaving skin soft and smooth. Facial Wash is packed with alpha hydroxyl acids (fruit extracts) and hyaluronic acid that improves skin’s texture and boosts hydration.

Eye and Facial Repair Serum reduces the appearance of dark circles and rosacea, through an advanced blend of age-fighting peptides, vitamins and other powerful ingredients. Skin is left hydrated as the serum — containing hyaluronic acid — brightens the eye area, tightens skin and restores skin’s protective moisture barrier.

Pricing for The Wright Skincare line is $50 for 3-in-1 Micellar Water (4 oz.); $25 for Facial Wash (4 oz.) and $70 for Eye and Facial Repair Serum (2 oz.).

Check out my interview with Annette below. Read and share!

1.What inspired you to create The Wright Skincare?

When I turned the big 50, I noticed under my eyes that I began to see wrinkles. So I prayed and asked God what to do. The word of the Lord said two things. You can age gracefully by using natural fruit and you should not put anything on your face if you can’t eat it. So I started using natural fruit that can improve the wrinkles and texture of the skin.

I searched the Internet and found out that European women were using a product that came from donkey milk to maintain the skin beautifully. So I went to Europe in 2013 to pursue the vision. There, I met with World Natural Care (WNC), a cosmetic manufacturer of natural skincare products for private label cosmetic companies. In 2014, WNC and The Wright Skincare (WSC) signed an agreement to manufacture a waterless skincare line for The Wright Skincare.

2.How long did it take to create The Wright Skincare and tell me about the process.

In 2014, WNC and The Wright Skincare entered into an agreement to manufacture a waterless skincare line for The Wright Skincare. The first shipment of product was made in 2015 and sold in the United States. The initial products included micellar water, facial wash and serum.

3.Tell me about the type of women who will most benefit from The Wright Skincare?

All ethnicities, all skin types, all ages

4.Your products don’t contain harsh chemicals or animal-derived ingredients. Tell me about some of the ingredients in The Wright Skincare and why they are healthy for women to use in aging gracefully.

The micellar water is made from micelles that are naturally produced in the body to hydrate the skin naturally. The facial wash is made from milk, and the serum is made with natural fruit acids.

5. Have your products been endorsed by dermatologists? Please explain your answer.

WNC products are scientifically tested by dermatologists in Europe.

6.What kind of feedback have you received from women who have used The Wright Skincare?

Women who are using The Wright Skincare are excited that they don’t have to use tap water to cleanse their skin. They see an enormous difference in the texture of the skin. Skin is smooth and hydrated.

7.You are a minister. How has your faith impacted your development of The Wright Skincare?

Aging is the natural process of life. The body is aging from the point of birth until death. No product can stop or provide anti-aging. My brand incorporates three simple principles: Aging gracefully, all ethnicities, all skin types. I am committed to provide women with natural skincare products to age gracefully — minus any harsh chemicals.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The Wright Skincare invites you to join us for the official launch of our skincare line this spring. The launch event will take place Saturday, April 1 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta at 181 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30303. We’ll have product giveaways and industry professionals on hand.

Also, please take a look at us at  thewrightskincare.com and on social media at:

Twitter: @awrightwsc

Facebook: facebook.com/thewrightskincare/

Instagram: awthewrightskincare

Any thoughts?

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Not My President? – Coping After Donald Trump Beat Hillary Clinton…

trump-pence

Hello World,

I had plans for a Wednesday morning blog post. Believe me. And then the election happened (or the Great American Apocalypse…I’m still not sure which and it’s too early to tell just yet…). I stayed up until 3:30 a.m. on Wednesday to confirm if what was being reported was really true: Donald “Make America Great Again” by insulting all of America Trump beat Hillary Clinton, clearly the most qualified candidate of the two. When I finally put myself to bed hours after my husband tried to coax me away from my office television, I was sure  I was so exhausted I would sleep until at least 9 a.m. and then I would get up and whip up a blog post. But as the night disappeared and a new day emerged, I found myself waking up about three hours later. At first, I felt nothing, still in the hallway between the bliss of slumber and the jolt of a new day. Moments later,  though, I felt it. All of it. The disbelief. The disappointment. The despair…The Donald…The Donald is the president-elect.

And then there was the déjà vu…I had felt like this before, but I couldn’t remember when. As the depression started to envelop me like the clouds that suddenly showed up in metro Atlanta on Election Day and haven’t dissipated since, I remembered. I felt the same way I did the first time I got dumped in high school. It was my first high school relationship, and it was magical. He walked me to class. He bought me teddy bears. He called me. And then it stopped because another girl decided she liked him. (Incidentally, he married that girl so I don’t feel so bad….I guess it was meant to be, but that’s another story for another day.)

But on the day I finally realized our relationship was over, I came into my house, slammed the door behind me and let out a wail as I made my way to the bathroom. My father, who worked from home, came up to me and attempted to comfort me. When I explained him what was wrong, he said something that was the emotional equivalent of “there, there.” I learned that day that there is some pain that parents cannot prepare you for and that the only way to get over the pain was to go through it…

So that mourning after Election Day, I did what I had to do: I got up, dressed and went to work. I could barely look at people wondering if they had voted for The Donald and inwardly blamed them for this country’s certain demise. For moments, I would forget and then it (all of it) would wallop me all over again. And then, the emotions would spread throughout me like I was coming down with something and then I would figure out a way to distract myself until the Ds reappeared again…

(The Donald dancing on my soul. )

So at this point, maybe some of you are asking what The Donald is so depressing about Donald Trump being the president-elect? If you don’t know, I don’t know if I can truly explain it to you…

But I will at least try…

It all goes back to when I was in first grade. I was the only black kid in my first grade class of white kids. No one was mean to me. I got along with everyone. But I felt different. I was different. My hair was kinky and didn’t flow down my back. My skin tone was a golden brown and the only other kid whose skin tone was close to mine was a Hispanic kid ( I think he was Hispanic. He was definitely brown.) I was an American girl born of Jamaican parents. I very much identified with Mowgli in “The Jungle Book.” I liked to learn and enjoyed what I was learning about, but I wanted to know more about my people – black people. As my reading skills progressed and I was promoted to higher grades, I sought out books about slaves in my school’s library and found many that I understood even as a child.

As I continued to grow, I continued to learn, recognizing that my skin tone connected me to the deep and dark history of the downtrodden of this country. Black people emerged from slavery only to be disenfranchised following Reconstruction. Jim Crow was exchanged for civil rights after much struggle. (A simple summary I know…) And then despite all of that, Nov. 4, 2008 happened. A miracle in our midst. I was so proud. Barack Obama was the right man for the right time. He represented the best and worst of our history. The son of a white Midwestern woman and a black African man, his very genealogy represented the free will joining together of Africa and America rather than what was forced on Africans centuries ago.  As the son of a single parent (since he was not raised with his father), his rise to the presidency demonstrated that single mothers (who are often looked down upon when they are black ) raise children who are just as talented as those raised in two-parent households. His gentility. His sophistication. His good looks. His unabashed adoration for his black wife. His two beautiful girls. All of it. made me fall in love. I confess. There is little he can do wrong. (although I don’t agree with all of his stances.) He was the real-life manifestation of the dream of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

(What’s not to love about this?)

So when The Donald, who questioned the very birth of President Obama for years, was named president-elect to succeed him, I was let down, all the way down. What a dreadful insult! Aside from denouncing President Obama, Donald Trump has denigrated black people by calling us “The African Americans” with a tone that reminds me of how a zookeeper describes the different packs of animals that inhabit the zoo. In fact, the disdain in his voice seems to be a dog whistle for many white hate groups as many have voiced their support of him. (I’ve read a report that the Ku Klux Klan chapter plans to host a victory parade in North Carolina on Dec. 3.) Not to mention the fact that he seems to think we all live in the inner city and are fearful from emerging from our domiciles lest we be decimated by gun shots. Unlike President Obama, he was given millions to start his businesses. And he has been the husband to three women with children from each one. (Well, at the very least,  people with baby mamas should no longer be disrespected.) He doesn’t look presidential. I’m not sure what that “look” is, but he doesn’t have it.  And I don’t have the desire at the moment to get into his despicable  “locker room talk” and disrespect to other groups. Other posts for other days…

I know that now that the election is over, we’re supposed to put all of that dissing away in favor of all is fair in love and politics, but who does that? And it’s not like he’s even asked for forgiveness. I mean according to the gospel of Donald Trump, forgiveness is not needed. Furthermore, his words tear down instead of build up. His beliefs change as much as he updates his Twitter feed. His nebulous past (since it seems we will never see his tax returns) only predicts a dim future.

So after all of this, is Donald Trump my president? Or is he #notmypresident ?

As a Christian (and that is the only reason why), I have declared that God is the ruler of my life and I know that He is the one who puts people in positions of authority. And so, I will do all I can to respect the office of the presidency despite those who decried it (namely Donald Trump) when President Obama was named. But that does not mean that when Donald Trump does something that goes against my principles, I won’t do all that I can to stop him. Some of history’s greatest rebels have used their Christian faith to dismantle injustices down through the years…

…I guess that’s all that I have to say about that…for now…

Any thoughts?

P.S. I have so many questions for God when I get to Heaven…Two more have been added to the list…1. Why did You allow Donald Trump win the election? 2. Why have black people had to suffer so much in this country?