Blog Post #7: It’s Women’s History Month!

We are sooo back! (Kinda lol) I have no idea where February went, but we’re picking right back up-conveniently in time for Women’s History Month. Now if you know me, you know that everything I do is for the girlies out there. So with that being said, I’d like to talk about some of my favorite women, women-owned businesses, and so forth!

My Favorite Women

In the spirit of celebrating women, I want to talk about some of my favorite women who have been, or are currently in my life.

GRANDMA

First, there’s my lovely grandmother. We lost her about 2 years ago at this point and I still have mixed emotions about it. She was in her 90s, so that feeling of deep grief isn’t really there, but it still feels like there’s a part of me missing. Sometimes I find myself thinking “I should call and tell my grandma about my day,” or I just feel like I want to cuddle up next to her in her comfy bed. Now those are all memories, and ones I will cherish forever.

My grandmother was like no other woman in this world. She truly was the nicest person you could ever meet. She would feed your kids, let you come to the house if you had nowhere to go, and I don’t think I’ve ever seriously heard her tell anybody “no.” She gave birth to 11 kids, and had many many grands and great-grands (I’m the youngest grandchild). None of us could do any wrong in her eyes, and she is someone we’ll all miss to the end of our days.

MAMA

Secondly is my dear mama. When I was younger, like every other teenage and pre-teen girl, I had my fits that my mother was too overprotective, too strict, too hard on me- but as a woman, I am starting to appreciate it more and more. I always knew it was out of love, but I didn’t really grasp it until I became an adult myself. Though there are days we have disagreements, I know that there is nobody on this entire planet that loves me the way that woman does. I had to grow up and learn that she isn’t really the coddling type. She gives me hugs and kisses still and holds my hand, but her love comes in forms of protection. I had to learn that her love language is acts of service, and that’s part how she offers her love to me. My mom is the kind of woman where, in a jam, I know I could call her from states away and she would be in her car to save me IMMEDIATELY. My whole life people have told me that I was “lucky” to have a mom who would do things for me, and I never understood what they meant because that type of love was so normal to me. She’s the most dependable person I know, and I love her to the ends of the world. It would take a million lifetimes before I’m able to repay her for all her love, but I’m going to make it my business to try. Mom, if you ever read this, I love you to infinity and beyond.

Business Shoutouts

Now, let’s get into some of my favorite women-owned businesses!

Bougie J The Brand

• Because, duh!

• The Ladies’ Room NJ

  • Because, duh x2!

• ScentualPleasures

  • My cousin’s fragrance brand that includes hand-poured soy candles and room sprays

• Chic Hour Skin/ Chic Hour Swim

  • I was a client of Lauren’s when she worked at Hand & Stone. One day she slipped me her business card, I had seen TLR on her story, went to my first event, and the rest is history!

• Charityy Beads

  • Abena is an NJ influencer who also designs her own Ghanian waist beads. My girl has ties with Little Word’s Project campaigns and her waist beads have even been featured in a Nike ad!

• 1forthebooks Photo Booth

  • Keiana, also known as KD the vegan chef, has her own Photo Booth business where you can rent the booth for any event. It produces all kinds of cute photos and gifs to suit your occasion.

• Royal Reigns Designs

  • Essence and her husband run a print shop where you can customize any shirts, cups, bags- anything you can think of with your own personal flare!

• CutesyCakery

  • My girl Tiff has been standing on business since she came to her first TLR monthly meeting. She makes the CUTEST treats- OBVIOUSLY, and they really do live up to their name. Her months have been BOOKED OUT and I wish her nothing but continued success.

• Mixologi

  • Another girl who's been standing on business since debuting at our TLR anniversary. Tati makes such good drinks and tops it all off with amazing set ups for any occasion.

• Little Words Project

  • I’ve been super obsessed with LWP! Abena introduced them to us and got us all TLR bracelets, and I took the initiative to apply for the ambassador program because why not? I ended up getting accepted, and hopefully I can get into working with, and creating content for them as well. I love Adriana’s story, and how something as simple as a friendship bracelet became a multi-million dollar empire. Keep going girl!

To all the amazing women out there—whether you're building a business, supporting your community, or just trying to make it through the day—you’re inspiring others in ways you may not even realize. Let’s continue to uplift and celebrate one another this Women’s History Month and beyond. Who are the women or women-owned businesses that inspire you? Share in the comments below!

Blog Post #6: Juggling Dreams-How to Stay Focused When You’re Doing it All

It’s literally the end of the first month of the year, and I’m already ready for a vacation. I have so much on my plate and I feel like everybody is pulling me in different directions. I just started my Spring semester in school, I have so many responsibilities with The Ladies’ Room, I have so many personal goals that I’m trying to accomplish, and for once, I’m trying to even make some time for dating. We all have busy lives to some degree, so here’s a little bit of how I make it all work, and hopefully these tips will help you as well.

*Disclaimer: I am someone who thrives on structure, but even if you’re more go-with-the-flow, you might find these tips adaptable to your style.

Step 1: Write EVERYTHING Down!

I like to call myself a “Type A Baddie” (I’m definitely thinking about writing a post about this as well). What this means is that I am INSANELY organized, and very particular. I live off of lists, and if something isn’t written down, it simply does not exist. Sometimes my brain moves faster than my hands, therefore I have to write things down as quickly as possible, which usually means something will be typed on my laptop or in my phone notes. From here, I have to solidify these notes and plans, so I have to physically write them down so that I can read them in my calendar or planner and cross things off as completed. Sounds crazy, I know, but it’s a guaranteed way to not forget things!

Step 2: Mind Your Time Management!

I despise being late. I feel as though it throws off my day, my plans, etc. If I have to be somewhere at 3pm, you better believe I’m there by 2:45 the LATEST, because I started getting ready at around 12. You have to set time aside for all of your duties and make sure that you can commit to them accordingly. For example, I have a Monday class at 2:30 this semester. I’m usually up in the morning by 9:30 the latest. This gives me plenty of time to get ready for class, but you would never catch me off campus out of pure anxiety that I would be late somehow. It’s definitely better to be safer than sorry, so if you feel like you’re cramming your duties into too many time slots and barely tending to each one respectively, you need to reevaluate your schedule. And remember: Early is on time, on time is late, and late is unacceptable .

Step 3: You Need a Schedule

This brings me to Step 3- you need a schedule. Map out your week in advance and set certain days to work on specific tasks so you’re not overwhelmed trying to do everything at one time.

Every semester I write myself a general outline of the week so I know what to do with my days:

I cannot live without color-coding things! Everything here represents different classes, my TLR duties, personal things I have to get done, etc.

Step 4: Remember Your Why

We all have our days where we’re super overwhelmed and question if it’s all worth it. I promise you, most times it is. My favorite thing to tell myself right now is that nothing worth having comes easy. You have to remember that everything you are working towards, you are doing it with purpose.

Here are some of my “why’s”:

• I work hard as a student because I am working towards getting my Master’s Degree.

• I work with TLR because I love our mission, I love networking with other entrepreneurs, and I love being part of a community of women who work together to support one another without competition.

• I stay up way too late at night working on business plans because I have a goal of being a huge CEO one day.

• I’m being more intentional about my relationships and making time to see people because I want to build stronger adult friendships and a healthy romantic relationship.

These are things I always keep in mind. Also, if you’re anything like me you’re probably prideful and feel as though you HAVE to crush all your goals. This is not a bad thing at all. You just have to remember not to spread yourself too thin, while still staying on top of your responsibilities. Then, you can juggle anything that comes your way.

Blog Post # 5: It’s Okay to Be Delusional About Your Goals

My 2025 Bingo card. (Some things blocked out for privacy)

When it comes to your dreams, people will often tell you to “shoot for the stars.” I’m here to tell you that you need to shoot for the stars, the sky, the planets, and everything else. Playing small should not be an option. To achieve greatness, you have to believe in your goals so deeply that they seem delusional to everyone else.

The Power of Self-Belief

In today’s world, with the rise of social media and the endless opportunities to make money online, success often begins with an idea and a dream. Most of today’s big creators started with no clue that they’d become as successful as they are.

Back in my first blog post, I remember mentioning something about how Alex Cooper from the “Call Her Daddy” podcast likely started with said idea and dream. Little did she know she would grow successful enough to be interviewing a presidential candidate on top of a $60 million Spotify deal, which recently grew to a $125 million deal with SiriusXM.

Similarly, look how many big TikTok and Youtube creators have huge followings and partnerships with some of the largest brands out there all from staying consistent and posting their “silly” videos.

The takeaway? All these people bet on themselves, even when their goals may have seemed unattainable.

The Beauty of Exploring Your Passions

As someone who’s dabbled in many fields, I can attest to the importance of exploring your interests. Growing up, I wanted to be everything-a fashion designer, a hairstylist, a forensic psychiatrist, and now, an entrepreneur with an MBA. My journey isn’t linear, and that’s okay.

My mother will tell you that I change my career path like every month, and honestly, while I understand her concerns from someone who grew up in a generation where career stability was #1, I also don’t see an issue with dabbling in a little bit of everything to see where my niche is in life. I mean, you go to school from 5-18, and everyone all of a sudden expects you to know what you want to do with the REST of your life? In what world can I not drink at 18 because it “will mess with my brain development” but I can sign up to risk my life in the military or choose my life career? When you put it that way it doesn’t make sense, at least not to me.

Just 2 summers ago, I spent time working at the hair salon I previously wrote about. Everyone knew I was still in school, but for whatever reason they always asked me if I would ever do anything aside from hair. It’s a bit of a dig to hairstylists because there are some top hairdressers out here killing the game, bringing in like $250k or more just working 3 days a week! At that time I had convinced myself that I wanted to be a therapist and everyone always looked at me sideways as if to say “well what are you doing here then” and I would always tell them “Hey, while we’re doing your hair do you realize how long we talk? You sit with us for at least 2 hours and we hear about your plans, your family, your issues, etc. so how is that any different from talking to a therapist?” It would be like you could see the lightbulb go off in their heads. At one point, I was getting so frustrated with everyone questioning my career that I would say “Why can’t I be a hairstylist/therapist/business owner/student? What is keeping me from accomplishing all that?” And I absolutely still feel that way.

I’m about to be 25. All I have in life to worry about currently is getting good grades and getting my Master’s degree. I don’t have anything holding me back at all. No 9-5, no kids, no rent, bills, nothing. I don’t take this for granted, in fact, I’m very blessed that I have these privileges right now. And I’m by no means knocking anyone with bills, children, or a 9-5, I’m just saying that I have so much time, why would I not explore everything at my fingertips? Why can’t I put myself out there on social media? Why would I not try blogging? Why wouldn’t I talk my trash the way I normally do and just put it on a podcast?

Dabble in everything that excites you. People might think you’re crazy, and they may call you delusional, but that’s just another word for visionary. If there is no one in this world who believes in what you want to do, YOU have to believe in it. Don’t be shy to reach for the top and then some. You never know what can be yours so long as you just work at it.

Blog Post #4: 2025-The Year of Being Intentional

Happy New Year everyone!

Welp, we’ve made it to 2025. It feels like 2024 absolutely flew by, and I can’t believe we’re already at the start of a new year. For some reason, I have good feelings about 2025. This year feels like money, prosperity, and success.

Every year, I try to pick a word that will be my theme for that year. Last year the theme was “productivity,” and I feel proud to say that I took that very seriously. I spent many nights up business planning, starting to discover hobbies, and saying yes to trying things I never thought I would. I’d say I chose the correct word to stick to for 2024 because it lead me to many opportunities I would not have been privy to otherwise.

This year is the year of being intentional. I chose “intentional” to be my word of the year for various reasons:

• I’m making some pretty big changes (Most specifically health-wise). In December, I underwent a pretty major surgery in order to improve my health. When I was going through my pre-op prep, I had to speak with a therapist, and one of the things she stressed to me was intentional eating. Basically this means being mindful of what I’m putting into my body and why. Because I’m approaching 25 very soon (and everyone says it all starts to go downhill from here lol) I am choosing to be intentional about my health, what I do and put into my body, and working on how I feel internally so that I can feel and look my best externally. I chose to take this thought process and apply it to other areas of my life, hence why I’m emphasizing the importance of intentions for the year.

• I’m set on having only good people around me. We all hear about leaving people in the previous year. Unfortunately for them, this time I’m standing on business behind that. I’ve taken a lot of time in the last year reflecting on my friendships and interactions with those around me, and I know what type of friends I want in my life. As an adult, there are ways I need people to show up for me that I never thought about before. I’m not perfect, and I have my own ways that I want to intentionally show up for people in my life as well, but I also have the tendency to go above and beyond for people who tend to leave me in the dust. No more of that. I’m intentionally choosing people that I share my time and intimate moments with because it gets exhausting to be the person there for everyone and not feeling as though you have that in return.

• I think it will increase my drive. As I mentioned, I feel like 2025 is going to be a big year of success for some reason. I want to remain focused on achieving my goals for this year, and I think that intentionally and strategically planning out my moves will help me get where I want to be.

I am super excited to see where this year takes me. I have so much in store personally, I’m excited for what’s to come with TLR, and overall, I just really wish for the best for myself and my loved ones. Here’s to making this year a good one!

P.S. I want to know- What’s your word of the year for 2025?

Blog Post #3: The Year of Productivity

Somehow, we’re at the end of 2024. The first half of this year barely feels real-it flew by so fast! So many things happened, and what better way to wrap it all up than with a recap?

I’ve been assigning a word or theme to each year, and for 2024, my word was PRODUCTIVITY. I stood on business this year, setting a goal to get ahead in many areas-and I did just that. I began planning for my LLC, drafted the entire first season of my podcast months before even choosing a name, and more. Even on days when I told myself I’d relax in bed, I still ended up working on something business-related. I truly made the most of this year, and I’m planning to kick it into even higher gear in 2025. Now, let’s get into the recap:

January-March:

I honestly don’t remember much from these first three months, but what I can say is that the beginning of this year set the tone of the rest of 2024 for me.

In February, I got extremely sick, which marked the beginning of my departure from my job at the time. (I’ve mentioned this job a few times, so now feels like the right time to get into the details.)

One day after a conversation with one of my bosses, she called me a “liability” to the salon. To be exact: “You’re a liability, but a good one.” This was after she had me listen to a Thriving Stylist podcast episode (shoutout to Britt Seva). I already felt like my time at the salon was coming to an end, but that conversation sealed the deal and I was 100% checked out. At this time, I knew I wanted to be a business owner, but I also knew I couldn’t leave my job without a plan. That’s when I started applying to business schools. Eventually, everything became set in stone, but I had intended to remain at the salon until August.

As I mentioned before, I got incredibly sick. My tonsils swelled so much I could barely breathe, and I became so dehydrated that I fainted in my kitchen. I was out of work for two weeks. When I told my bosses about my health struggles-and that I’d need time off for surgery-they suggested I take a “leave of absence.” Of course I hadn’t planned to do this, but I knew exactly where this was going because I received a text message asking if they could proceed with hiring a new assistant, and telling me that I could come pick up my license.

Though I know they didn’t see my as the best stylist, I was an amazing assistant. I don’t hold any grudges towards my bosses, but I do wish I had felt more heard there (and I wish I didn’t spend $600 on shears I don’t currently use). That chapter is closed, though, and for good reason.

Soon after leaving the salon, I was offered a spot on the board of The Ladies’ Room. Of course I jumped at the opportunity, and things have been going great ever since!

April:

Aries season! I celebrated my 24th birthday, and took a trip down to Memphis, Tennessee.

May-June:

Nothing too exciting here. I focused on hobbies like painting, getting back into the gym and attending monthly TLR meetings.

July:

A family bus trip to the Sights & Sounds Theater in PA and enjoying the rest of the summer.

August:

A road trip to Deep Creek Lake, MD for my friend’s birthday; Celebrating TLR’s 1-year anniversary; Moving into my dorm for the start of grad school.

September-November:

Grad school consumed most of my time during these months. But the highlight? Launching my personal brand and website!

December:

This month, I underwent bariatric surgery (more on this another time).

Wrapping Up

I have no complaints about 2024. I truly believe that everything that happened this year was meant to happen, and I’m so excited to see what 2025 has in store. With focus and determination, I know I’ll make even more progress next year. It’s only up from here!