Friday, July 2, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Adopt it today!
Yesterday, while watching the BET Awards, Alicia Keys won an award for Empire State of Mind, and in her speech, she said that Empire State of Mind was not just New York, but a mind set where you can accomplish anything you set your mind to, where the sky is the limit.
My question to you is, Do you have an empire state of mind? I was told over and over that I could not get Queen Natural Beauty up and running, that the beauty industry wasn't ready for natural hair, that I couldn't pull of these events. But, because I have an empire state of mind, I have managed to do it all. Business is good and growing. We are planning our next event which is a beauty industry event and corporate sponsors are growing everyday.
What were your goals for this year? Are you living up to them? If not, I challenge you to do so and adopt an Empire State of Mind!
My question to you is, Do you have an empire state of mind? I was told over and over that I could not get Queen Natural Beauty up and running, that the beauty industry wasn't ready for natural hair, that I couldn't pull of these events. But, because I have an empire state of mind, I have managed to do it all. Business is good and growing. We are planning our next event which is a beauty industry event and corporate sponsors are growing everyday.
What were your goals for this year? Are you living up to them? If not, I challenge you to do so and adopt an Empire State of Mind!
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Why aren't you living your dreams?
As sure as the planets rotate around the sun, you were put on this planet for a reason. Think back to when you were a child. You had the biggest and best dreams. But somewhere along the path, into adult hood, you put your dreams aside, to work a regular job and do what "society" told you was best.
You see those with their own businesses and living their dreams and wish it was you. Well guess what, you can. We were born with the ability to achieve, to over come all obstacles. I'm living proof that what you put your mind to, you can achieve. I didn't have a red carpet laid out for me, nor a sliver spoon in my mouth, I'm a single mom and I have no support from outside sources. I'm building a business with no revenue, which many will tell you is impossible, but with my faith, my business is growing. The times get hard, I can contest to that, but hold on to what you know you are meant to do, hold on to your faith and you will make it though.
Here are a few of "my" tips of stepping out and living your dreams
1. Have a strong faith system. No matter who or what you believe in, believe in it. Have faith that your creator wants nothing but the best for you and he will see you through. When times get tough, your faith may be the only thing you have. To me, this is a necessity!
2. Discover your dreams. Somewhere through the years, you forgot what it is that you really wanted to do, what you are really good at. Take a weekend sabbatical and look deep inside you to find out where your passion lies. If you already know your passion, move on to number 3.
3. Have a plan. Passion without plan equals nothing. What are you gonna do with that passion? How are you going to turn that passion into revenue? What can you do with that passion that won't call for immediate start up revenue? Develop a business plan. If not a full plan, at least a one page plan that will put you on the right path. Is imperative to have a plan written down that you can refer to when needed.
4. Action. Step out on faith and move forth with your plan. You may have to take small steps at first, but make steps to move toward your goal.
As the process goes on, you may have to re-evaluate your plan, it will surely evolve, and grow into something bigger and better.
Leave this post today, knowing that you can accomplish anything your heard desires. If others can, why not you?
You see those with their own businesses and living their dreams and wish it was you. Well guess what, you can. We were born with the ability to achieve, to over come all obstacles. I'm living proof that what you put your mind to, you can achieve. I didn't have a red carpet laid out for me, nor a sliver spoon in my mouth, I'm a single mom and I have no support from outside sources. I'm building a business with no revenue, which many will tell you is impossible, but with my faith, my business is growing. The times get hard, I can contest to that, but hold on to what you know you are meant to do, hold on to your faith and you will make it though.
Here are a few of "my" tips of stepping out and living your dreams
1. Have a strong faith system. No matter who or what you believe in, believe in it. Have faith that your creator wants nothing but the best for you and he will see you through. When times get tough, your faith may be the only thing you have. To me, this is a necessity!
2. Discover your dreams. Somewhere through the years, you forgot what it is that you really wanted to do, what you are really good at. Take a weekend sabbatical and look deep inside you to find out where your passion lies. If you already know your passion, move on to number 3.
3. Have a plan. Passion without plan equals nothing. What are you gonna do with that passion? How are you going to turn that passion into revenue? What can you do with that passion that won't call for immediate start up revenue? Develop a business plan. If not a full plan, at least a one page plan that will put you on the right path. Is imperative to have a plan written down that you can refer to when needed.
4. Action. Step out on faith and move forth with your plan. You may have to take small steps at first, but make steps to move toward your goal.
As the process goes on, you may have to re-evaluate your plan, it will surely evolve, and grow into something bigger and better.
Leave this post today, knowing that you can accomplish anything your heard desires. If others can, why not you?
Friday, June 25, 2010
I salute you MJ!
I am a huge Micheal Jackson Fan! I remember the day he died. At was at work and I initially thought it was a hoax. About an hour later, CNN verified and I was in utter shock. Today, we remember Micheal for the successful artist that he was. He gave his childhood to make music for us, the world. On this day, June 25, 2010, every channel you turn on has a tribute to Micheal. On VH1 The Jackson's An American Dream, Fuse Micheal Jackson: A tribute, TV1 Micheal Jackson 30th Anniversary Special, Bet Micheal Jackson The King of Pop, and the list goes on and on. On twitter, its became a treading topic and on Facebook, profile pictures changed to pictures of him.
No, I didn't know Micheal personally, but I did know him musically. I still have a red t-shirt with his picture on it that I had at the age of 2. I can recite the words to most of his songs and I even have my three year old grooving to his beat.
On this day, I want to salute Micheal Jackson on his life long commitment to music and the world.
R.I.P
Micheal Jackson 1958-2009
No, I didn't know Micheal personally, but I did know him musically. I still have a red t-shirt with his picture on it that I had at the age of 2. I can recite the words to most of his songs and I even have my three year old grooving to his beat.
On this day, I want to salute Micheal Jackson on his life long commitment to music and the world.
R.I.P
Micheal Jackson 1958-2009
Suing the city for 4 million? Really?
The city of Birmingham is being sued by the fishing and wildlife conservatory for 4 million dollars.
Now, I like animals and all, but this is ridiculous. In 2008, their was an accident on a lake that killed 2 million snails and about 20,000 fish (endangered). Because of this the conservatory's suing for 4 million. Why? I just don't understand. Those fish, that would probably be caught, killed and eaten, will not come back for 4 million. While we are suing over the death of fish, people are getting killed everyday, men, women and children are going hungry and again I say, "We are suing the city for 4 million dollars?". Makes absolutely no logical sense to me...
If you choose to leave comments, please leave on the blog...
Now, I like animals and all, but this is ridiculous. In 2008, their was an accident on a lake that killed 2 million snails and about 20,000 fish (endangered). Because of this the conservatory's suing for 4 million. Why? I just don't understand. Those fish, that would probably be caught, killed and eaten, will not come back for 4 million. While we are suing over the death of fish, people are getting killed everyday, men, women and children are going hungry and again I say, "We are suing the city for 4 million dollars?". Makes absolutely no logical sense to me...
If you choose to leave comments, please leave on the blog...
Im speaking at the 2nd Annual Writers Symposium
As some of you may know, I am not only the lover of all things natural, especially natural hair, but I have also authored two cookbooks. That's right, your girl can cook! Now in the last few months I haven't been doing much cooking because I've been tied up with this line but I still have it in me!
Because of that I have been invited to speak at the second annual Writers Symposium in Atlanta, Ga on July 24th. I'm very flattered and yet excited all at the same time.
I'm gonna tell you now, I have absolutely no idea exactly what Im going to speak about. Normally, when I speak in front of a group, I speak from the heart, preparing NOTHING ahead of time, but something tells me that is not going to work in this group of hundreds of authors, bloggers, publishers and aspiring authors. I'm going to need some divine intervention because for once in my life, I'm at a loss for words on this topic.
Anyway, I really hope to meet you all at the symposium. If you have ever thought about writing a book, publishing a magazine, or anything dealing with the writing world, you want to be at this symposium! Experienced publishers will be there signing on new talent so this is going to be a must attend! Tickets are $15 and can be purchased on http://www.poartpress.com/about.html The event is July 24th from 8am - 4pm
Again, you don't want to miss this!
Because of that I have been invited to speak at the second annual Writers Symposium in Atlanta, Ga on July 24th. I'm very flattered and yet excited all at the same time.
I'm gonna tell you now, I have absolutely no idea exactly what Im going to speak about. Normally, when I speak in front of a group, I speak from the heart, preparing NOTHING ahead of time, but something tells me that is not going to work in this group of hundreds of authors, bloggers, publishers and aspiring authors. I'm going to need some divine intervention because for once in my life, I'm at a loss for words on this topic.
Anyway, I really hope to meet you all at the symposium. If you have ever thought about writing a book, publishing a magazine, or anything dealing with the writing world, you want to be at this symposium! Experienced publishers will be there signing on new talent so this is going to be a must attend! Tickets are $15 and can be purchased on http://www.poartpress.com/about.html The event is July 24th from 8am - 4pm
Again, you don't want to miss this!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Celeb blogger? Really????
Today I heard something that seriously had me tickled pink... or shall I say I read it. I received an email from an event I will be speaking at later in the year and in the introduction they referred to me as Stephanie D, Celebrity blogger and owner of the fastest growing natural hair and beauty company. Celebrity??? That's a bit much don't you think? Sure, when you are a popular blogger people follow you religiously, which is not a bad thing, especially if you have something good to say, but to call me a celeb is ridiculous. I'm flattered, but again its ridiculous. A friend told me to accept it and embrace it, but I'm here to help and inspire others to come on this path that I have fallen in love with. That's all...
But I can admit, it made me smile :)
But I can admit, it made me smile :)
This is never ending!
The life of an entrepreneur is very hectic. Mix that with a single mother and it seems like a recipe for disaster, but, I'm making it work. Owning a business combines a lot of things. You have your product, ingredients, shipping, marketing, public relations, customer service, event planning, web designer, graphic designer, talking with buyers to get products into the most exclusive stores and much more.
Up to this point, my main concentration has been building a relationship with Queen Natural Beauty fans, educating others about this lifestyle and maintaining the customer relationships that we currently have. Initially, I wanted to remain an online only company, but I discovered there are a few problems with that. I'm beginning to believe that consumers don't respect a product fully if its not found on store shelves. My main purpose in keeping it online only was to be "exclusive" but people tend to flock to the products that they can go pick up off the store shelves.
That said, a couple of weeks ago, I launched an initiative to get Queen Natural Beauty into exclusive stores. I'd like for it to remain the high end all natural product that it has begun as. Yesterday I received a call that we have gotten into our first store, Bakers Boutique in Boston. Its an upscale boutique that will allow Queen Natural Beauty to keep our exclusivity. You will see it on their store shelves in the fall.
The life of a small business owner is never ending. Sleep is almost non existent, but if I can put a smile on one persons face when they realize how healthy their mane has begun since using our products, it is all worth it.....
Up to this point, my main concentration has been building a relationship with Queen Natural Beauty fans, educating others about this lifestyle and maintaining the customer relationships that we currently have. Initially, I wanted to remain an online only company, but I discovered there are a few problems with that. I'm beginning to believe that consumers don't respect a product fully if its not found on store shelves. My main purpose in keeping it online only was to be "exclusive" but people tend to flock to the products that they can go pick up off the store shelves.
That said, a couple of weeks ago, I launched an initiative to get Queen Natural Beauty into exclusive stores. I'd like for it to remain the high end all natural product that it has begun as. Yesterday I received a call that we have gotten into our first store, Bakers Boutique in Boston. Its an upscale boutique that will allow Queen Natural Beauty to keep our exclusivity. You will see it on their store shelves in the fall.
The life of a small business owner is never ending. Sleep is almost non existent, but if I can put a smile on one persons face when they realize how healthy their mane has begun since using our products, it is all worth it.....
Official Launch Party???
I'm thinking of holding an official launch party for Queen Natural Beauty, which I never did, in Atlanta later this year. Something big and grand with champagne flowing and gift bags for all attendees. It will be an invite only event, only to keep tabs on the numbers, but bloggers, buyers, v-bloggers and naturalista's alike are welcomed. More details coming soon.
As far a theme, what do you think of a Moroccan themed event?
If you are interested in an invite, send an email to QueenNaturalBeauty(at)hotmail(dot)com
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
What was that you were born with in your mouth?
Sitting here watching Daddy's Little Girls, a reality show that chronicles the lives of Angela and Vanessa Simmons, I can't help but wonder if their father wasn't in the public light, if they would be where they are. I know most of you are saying, probably, but fact is, without his contacts, they wouldn't have gotten the first shoe out so quickly or as easily. Fact is, money talks and bull crap walks and the fact that they had money behind them, help to fast forward them into this career.
Their of hundred of very talented fashion designers, who could run a line with their hands tied behind their backs, but they are unknowns because they don't have the revenue behind their line.
You hear get a loan, which is almost impossible in this economy unless you have perfect credit.
Truth is, being born with a silver spoon in your mouth will get you further, quicker and easier. If not a silver spoon, you've got something in your mouth! lol!
Their of hundred of very talented fashion designers, who could run a line with their hands tied behind their backs, but they are unknowns because they don't have the revenue behind their line.
You hear get a loan, which is almost impossible in this economy unless you have perfect credit.
Truth is, being born with a silver spoon in your mouth will get you further, quicker and easier. If not a silver spoon, you've got something in your mouth! lol!
Im not a huge fan But.....
Keep your kiddies at the house!
As you may know, I am the parent of a 3year old son. I had an interesting conversation today with a couple other moms about taking kids to events with you.
At the Birmingham natural hair and beauty meet-up earlier this month, I had an attendee bring their two children. Now this is normally not a problem, but let me mention that the event was held at The Wine Loft, an upscale bar. Where other than the south do you find people taking their kids to a bar?!?
I'm trying to figure the best way to handle this situation! I would like to kindly ask you to leave when you walk in with kids but the thing is, I don't think I should have to tell you that certain paces is very inappropriate to take your kids.
Parents, if it is an adult only event, please leave the kiddies at home. If you can't find a babysitter, fact is, you may have to stay home as well!
When I hold events, dinner parties, birthday parties, etc... unless its an event for my 3 year old, I dont want to see your child! I know, that is a little forward, but its the truth and Stephanie does not hold back much!!!!
Hopefully this post is the last announcement I will ever have to make on this subject!
Til Next time, Stephanie D
At the Birmingham natural hair and beauty meet-up earlier this month, I had an attendee bring their two children. Now this is normally not a problem, but let me mention that the event was held at The Wine Loft, an upscale bar. Where other than the south do you find people taking their kids to a bar?!?
I'm trying to figure the best way to handle this situation! I would like to kindly ask you to leave when you walk in with kids but the thing is, I don't think I should have to tell you that certain paces is very inappropriate to take your kids.
Parents, if it is an adult only event, please leave the kiddies at home. If you can't find a babysitter, fact is, you may have to stay home as well!
When I hold events, dinner parties, birthday parties, etc... unless its an event for my 3 year old, I dont want to see your child! I know, that is a little forward, but its the truth and Stephanie does not hold back much!!!!
Hopefully this post is the last announcement I will ever have to make on this subject!
Til Next time, Stephanie D
Welcome to Its Just Me Stephanie D
I started this page so that fans of Queen Natural Beauty can learn about me, Stephanie D, the founder. The Queen Natural Beauty is specifically a beauty blog but this blog is about everything in my life from day to day with a toddler to running a growing business. Come with me and explore all things Stephanie D!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)