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!