OWN’s Belle Collective reality TV franchise has made its way to a new city, Birmingham, Alabama. As a native myself, the city is known for its deep and historic roots and talent, but as the city grows and transforms, Birmingham is becoming more of a gem in the South. 

With that, the cast of Belle Collective Birmingham is taking the opportunity to show exactly what Birmingham has to offer, and I was able to speak with one of the leading cast members, Amber Jones.

Amber is a financial strategist and credit coach for her business, Life Key Financial; she’s also CFO of Canvas Beauty, a beauty brand led by Stormi Steele, an OWN Love and Marriage Huntsville alum.

Amber met Birmingham as a Division I athlete at the University of Alabama at Birmingham before leaving to pursue professional basketball on international teams. After a life-altering injury, she became a true Birmingham transplant, planting her roots in the city. But that’s only a part of her story, and in this season of Belle Collective, you’ll learn more about who she is and what she’s on a mission to accomplish.

On the heels of the first episode premiere and several pre-premiere interviews,  I sat down with Amber to discuss some of the questions I hadn’t heard about the show.  

When I got on a call with Amber, the first thing she told me was that she’s been deliberately avoiding the blogs. Not out of fear exactly, but more so self-preservation. She knew going in that perception would be completely out of her control, but she’s decided to embrace it.

“I don’t want anything to shift my mood. I haven’t gotten to that space where I’ve never received public negative backlash or anything. So if that does happen, that will be a first for me. I accepted the fact, hey, if I’m going to be on reality TV, I have to show my real life, and just however people perceive it, that’s just how people perceive it.”

For viewers who aren’t from the South, some of the early episode tension between castmate K’la might read as small. I have to laugh at the thought because I think if you have to ask, you probably didn’t grow up here. Why does that matter if someone doesn’t speak when you walk into a room? 

 “Down South, we speak. And if you’re walking directly and you’re looking at me, or if you walk in a room with people I know, I just expect just to say hello. That’s just common courtesy. And if you don’t, I’m like, what’s the issue?”

One teaser-like gem in the first episode shows Amber’s relationship with her niece, Kylin. She said she and Kylin made a deal when she moved in that she would treat her grown woman, so I asked her about sharing a home and a bit of the spotlight with her niece. Kylin is, in Amber’s words, “a little young crash out that we all were at one point.” Beyond the “coat stealing” and the keeping-her-on-her-toes moments is a financial takeaway that I think many can practice.

“The biggest life hack is not having bills and being able to get ahead. If a parent curates a space where the child feels comfortable coming back for two or three years out of college, do you know how far ahead they can get by not having any bills?”

As CFO, Amber’s job at the beauty brand is basically to be the person who says no when necessary. Stormi, she told me, is a creative and a marketing mind, and if Stormi had it her way, everything would be marketed. Amber’s job is to hold the line, budgeting, forecasting, overseeing payroll, managing benefits, and asking what the company can actually afford. It’s the kind of role that makes a business sustainable instead of just exciting.

“A company has different departments where everything has to be balanced. It’s not only the credit, the base credit, all of that, but it’s making sure that we’re set up to succeed going forward.”

Anyone who’s watched a promising small business grow fast and then collapse even faster knows exactly why that role matters.

Here’s a detail I genuinely loved: Amber did not have TVs in her house for the first two years she lived there because she just didn’t watch TV. Between growing up where she played five sports in high school and being deep into personal development after college, she never picked up the habit. Even when Stormi appeared on Love and Marriage Huntsville, she said she may have watched one episode, but things are different now. She has a TV in her bedroom now, and she’s been catching up on Real Housewives of Potomac. I asked about how she felt about reality TV being on the opposite side of things

“A lot of people have this one moment that could have happened seasons ago that people just never forget. People’s entire future is defined by one moment.”

If you’re visiting Birmingham and want to experience it the way Amber does, then add Battle Republic Boxing Gym, the restaurant Johin’na, and a Barons baseball game.

As a native and resident, there’s something about a Barons game on a summer night in Birmingham that she is absolutely right about.

Belle Collective airs Fridays at 9:00 PM ET/PT on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network.

Follow along at @OWNTV and @coachamberjones, and join the conversation with #BelleCollective.

This article Amber Jones Didn’t Come To Reality TV To Play A Character was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Amy DuBois Barnett has spent nearly 30 years deciding whose stories get told. As the editors-in-chief of Honey, Teen People, and Ebony, Amy led Black media into a whole new era. But after building iconic brands for Disney, Paramount, and Hearst, Amy has returned to her first love: storytelling through fiction. Her debut novel, If I Ruled the World, is already being hailed as a 2026 must-read, with a major television adaptation already in development at Hulu.

One of the most refreshing aspects of Amy’s current chapter is her refusal to subscribe to traditional timelines. In a society where social media creates major pressure to achieve everything by 30, Amy is making her debut as a novelist and TV writer in her 50s. 

“Wherever you are is where you are,” she says. 

She is adamant that women should stop measuring their progress against the highlight reels of others. For Amy, this moment isn’t just a new career, but a return to her original dream. Though she spent years as a corporate executive, she earned her MFA in creative writing in her 20s. Her story is a powerful testament that there is no delay when it comes to your desires. Your goals are always available to be accomplished. 

Amy’s career is an excellent example of overcoming the stigma that women in leadership face. In the previously reported Women in the Workplace report, women, particularly women of color, are often overlooked. The research shows that for every 100 men promoted to manager, only 87 women (and 81 women of color) make that first step. Amy beat these odds by leading with a mix of creative vision and a relentless business mindset. For example, she redesigned the mission and logo of Ebony during her tenure.

Amy Dubois Barnett Uses Manifestation To Reach Her Goals

One of the most compelling parts of Amy’s journey is her focus on manifestation. For Amy, manifestation isn’t about vision boards.

“You know, for me it’s not like cutting pictures out of a magazine and putting ’em on a poster board. I mean, that may work for some people. That’s just not how I do it,” she stated during the episode. “I don’t think about, okay, what can I do to get to my goal, right? I think, who do I have to be? Like, what, who, how am I walking through the world in order to be the person that has this goal?”

She emphasizes that the universe doesn’t grant opportunities you don’t truly feel you deserve. This commitment, paired with a strong work ethic, is how she moved her manuscript from a 15-year shelf-life to a development deal with Lee Daniels.

Despite her massive wins, Amy is candid about the losses as well. She recalls a moment during the 2008 recession when a signed contract was pulled by a CEO before the ink was dry, leaving her without a job. 

“It is not done until the ink is dry,” she warns. 

These setbacks, however, became her motivation. By letting the failures inform her perspective, she returned to the industry stronger, wiser, and ready to rule the world.

Click the image below to listen everywhere podcasts are available. Watch on YouTube here.

This article Amy DuBois Barnett On Manifesting Big Goals And Achieving Them was originally published on HerAgenda.com

At age 38, Bevy Smith did the unthinkable: she walked away from a lucrative fashion advertising career at Rolling Stone with no safety net. While others saw a massive risk, Bevy saw a necessity for self-actualization (thanks to Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs theory). She argues that one of the greatest dangers for high-achieving Black women is getting stuck in the gratitude, where the pride of reaching a goal renders you unable to move toward your next evolution. 

For Bevy, being her “ancestors’ wildest dreams” shouldn’t be a cage, leading to her personal professional rule: “once you conquer a goal, it’s time to go.” To navigate these high-stakes pivots, Bevy relies on what she calls the Red Soul Proposition. This internal research requires a deep dive into who you are at your core, separate from your roles as a daughter, partner, or executive, and comparing that to how you are currently perceived versus how you want to be perceived. 

This search for constant alignment is what gave her the conviction to move from the business side of luxury fashion to the front of the camera. It was this same self-belief that allowed her to turn down a less-than-worthy contract from a major network early in her journey, even when experts told her she had no choice. She refused to let the fear of an opportunity disappearing dictate her worth, betting instead on the fact that her talent would eventually attract the right people. 

Bevy’s ‘Broke But Blissful’ Approach

The transition was far from instant, resulting in a seven-year gap before her TV career fully manifested. During this “broke but blissful” period, Bevy focused on building social capital through her own platforms, like Dinner with Bevy, proving that staying true to your vision is more valuable than a desperate paycheck. She explains that living a full life, which can involve traveling, dining, and connecting, actually makes you a better creative, as you cannot be inspired by the work alone. 

This period of perseverance is encapsulated in her famous mantra, “it gets greater later,” a phrase she reclaimed from a nightlife slogan and transformed into a global affirmation for those navigating their own pivot. 

Now at 59, Bevy is self-funding her latest project, In Bed with Bevy, continuing to draw inspiration from the glamorous, community-focused barmaids of her Harlem childhood. These women taught her that the true art of hosting is making everyone feel seen and at home, a philosophy she brings to her radio show, her acting roles, and her business dealings. By diversifying her revenue and refusing to be run solely by corporate dollars, Bevy is proving that sustainability in media comes from trusting your audience and, most importantly, yourself. 

Click the image below to listen everywhere podcasts are available. Watch on Youtube here.

This article Bevy Smith On Reinventing Yourself Without A Backup Plan was originally published on HerAgenda.com

If you are a millennial woman, Ann Shoket likely shaped how you view beauty, fashion, and pop culture. As the Editor-in-Chief of Seventeen during its peak era, she was the gatekeeper of cool. However, looking back, Ann doesn’t see her time at the legacy brand as the ultimate destination. She sees it as a lesson in the power that women hold.

When asked if ambition has become a dirty word for career women, Ann is quick to reframe the narrative. “Pick another word,” she challenges. “Freedom. Do you like freedom? Do you like possibilities? Ambition is just wanting what you want and knowing you have the ability to get it,” she stated in the episode.

From The Throne To Ownership

Ann describes her time at Seventeen as sitting in a borrowed seat, a legendary throne she was honored to sit in, but realized she didn’t own. Shoket admits the transition to entrepreneurship wasn’t initially the plan, but it became her savior. Ann recalls the weight of trying to save the magazine business from the 2008 crash and digital shifts.

“The day I realized those were no longer my problems to solve was the best day of my life,” she clarified. Freed from trying to save a dying industry, she focused on her true mission: talking to the next generation of women about their life plans.

Solving The Loneliness Of High Achievement

After the pandemic halted her summit-based business, Ann pivoted again, acquiring The Li.st, a high-impact community featuring names like Shonda Rhimes and Jodi Cantor. Why? Being a high-achieving woman can be inherently lonely.

“The world is not built for you. The world is not built for me,” Ann says. By creating a community for women who have already broken the rules, she is moving past incremental change toward sparks of creativity. 

Click the image below to listen everywhere podcasts are available.

This article Ann Shoket On Why Ambitious Women Need Each Other was originally published on HerAgenda.com

In this season two premiere episode of the Her Agenda podcast, Lisa Price, the legendary founder of Carol’s Daughter, joins us for a masterclass discussion on longevity, legacy, and reclaiming one’s narrative. After over 30 years in the beauty industry, Lisa shares the groundbreaking news of her company’s return to independent ownership. She provides a rare, transparent look at the process of buying back your brand, the reality of burnout, and the power of returning to your community when the corporate world feels overwhelming.

Episode Highlights

1. Introduction: Rhonesha introduces Lisa Price as a pioneer who built an empire from her kitchen, navigated an acquisition, and is now leading Carol’s Daughter into a new era of independence.

2. The Balance Of Business: Lisa discusses the challenge of being an older entrepreneur in a social media world. She shares how she balances the demand for personal transparency with the boundaries of a corporate veteran.

3. The Return To Independent Ownership: The journey that led to the 2025 decision to bring Carol’s Daughter back to its independent roots. Lisa unpacks why this rare business trajectory had no blueprint to follow.

4. The L’Oréal Years: Lisa addresses the “sell-out” narrative and the backlash from the 2014 L’Oreal acquisition. She discusses the personal development work required to lead through a transition of that scale and the positive impact it had on her team’s security.

5. Rewriting The Story: A candid look back at the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing of 2014. Lisa clarifies the business reality versus the public’s negative perception, explaining how she navigated saving her brand.

6. Holding The Door Open: Lisa’s perspective on being a first for Black women in business. She discusses the weight of responsibility to normalize success and ensure the door stays open for the founders coming after her.

7. The Breaking Point And The Sabbatical: In a vulnerable segment, Lisa shares the moment she realized she needed a mental health break. She describes sobbing on a call with HR and how that time off renewed her perspective and her health.

8. The Power Of Vulnerability: The importance of founders Black women founders being transparent about the good, the bad, and the ugly. Lisa explains why being open helps other entrepreneurs feel less alone.

9. Advice For Growth And Scaling: Lisa’s timeless advice for Black women founders: “All money is not good money.” She emphasizes making decisions from a place of peace rather than turmoil.

10. Looking Forward: Lisa’s vision for the new era of Carol’s Daughter and her commitment to the heart and spirit of her consumer community.

Click the image below to listen everywhere podcasts are available.

This article Lisa Price On Ownership, Mental Health & Black Entrepreneurship was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Too many of us aren’t thinking about retirement as much as we should. We put it off as a “future” problem, but planning about your future should happen now.

AARP and The Ad Council are working to change this narrative and collaborated with Her Agenda to bring this message forward. Their efforts culminated into a panel conversation on Oct. 23 in New York City titled Stacked: Saving, Planning, & Playing With Intention. The event set out to empower women about intentional long term planning for their futures. 

“We wanted to put together this event so that your audience could hear from experts about the importance of planning and saving for retirement as early as possible in life,” Hilary Landa, senior campaign director at Ad Council shared. 

She said the goal of the This Is Pretirement campaign is to encourage people to take attainable steps now that can better set them up for the long-term. 

“We aim to fill that gap through the free information and tips that we provide on ThisIsPretirement.org,” she said. “So that people can get started as soon as possible and take simple, easy steps today, tomorrow, that will make a big difference for their long-term financial future.”

The Panelists Who Are Leading Finance Conversations 

The panel was hosted by Her Agenda founder Rhonesha Byng, author and founder of “The Broke Black Girl” Dasha Kennedy, senior director of finance and employment at AARP  Lori Trawinski, and author and podcast host Jamila Souffrant.

Rhonesha said they put the event together as a part of a wholistic approach of supporting ambitious women, especially as the target audience of millennials is getting older and needs to start thinking about retirement. 

“Our audience is growing and evolving,” she said. “We’re millennials, we’re getting into our 40s, and we need to start to think about these things. [Some of us may] be the first person in our family to have a six-figure career, or to go to college, and so there’s no one we can look to for guidance [within our immediate family]. So we have to find guidance amongst ourselves and our community.” 

So…What Should You Actually Be Doing To Save For Retirement? 

All of the panelists agreed on one thing, that you should start early with whatever you have. 

“I had to stop looking at small money as no money,” Dasha said. “In the beginning, large amounts of money…say $500, [or] invest $1000, in the beginning, that would’ve sent me into a frenzy. I wasn’t trying to hear that. I needed the $10 days, the $20 days, and that ended up being my saving grace.”

Lori said an accessible and  tangible way to start saving today is by simply bringing your lunch to work.  

“The lunch calculator takes in a data estimate for what it costs you to make lunch versus what it costs you to buy it every day,” she said. “It assumes a 2% return on that money, and in a 30-year period, which, for many people, is like your career, it could add up to $30,000 more money, and then with the interest, it goes up to like $50,000.” 

During the panel Rhonesha acknowledged that there are tons of layoffs at the moment that are disproportionately impacting Black women – including nearly 300,000 Black women leaving the workforce in just three months in 2025 largely due to sweeping job cuts across public-sector agencies –  and asked the panelists what are some practical steps that can be taken within the first 30 days of a layoff. 

Dasha said that the first 30 days is a great time to create some stability. 

“It’s time to start reviewing everything. What’s coming in, what’s going out, what can I pause, who can I call?,” she says. “I know that in a situation like that it’s so easy for us to clam up and panic and  [not] do anything. But right there, that’s the best time for us to start stabilizing, getting up, and taking action.”

The panelists also discussed how to save while being in debt. Lori said that you can try to make your debt smaller. 

“One of the things that you can try to do is to consolidate the debt,” she says. “I would go to the credit union, get a consolidation loan. It would cap the amount of debt and the balance would go down every month.”

Jamila encouraged people to shift their attitude when it comes to talking about money. 

“Mindset is a big part of this journey,” she said. “So in order to change your mindset or to improve your mindset, surround yourself with inspiration, whether that is getting a book or reading a book online or looking at a blog or following people who actually inspire you to do better with your money is really key.”

What Attendees Had To Say

Brianne Clark-White said she was encouraged to attend the event by a friend and was hoping to gain some knowledge about how to best plan for her and her one year old son’s future. 

“Obviously, I’m getting by,” she said. “I feel like I have a good job. I have a career in corporate America. But sometimes I do feel like I’m just getting by, you know? Like I’m just surviving. I want to do more with the income that I have, and with me being a first-time mom, obviously, I have a shift in my financial goal.” 

She added that while she did get some valuable tips about how to save for her son directly, her main takeaway is actually how planning better for herself will help her son as well. 

“I have to make sure that I’m set first, she said. “Setting myself up for success is helping my child more in the long run [so] that he doesn’t have to take care of me when I get older.”

Shaina McGregor, who attended to support her sister, panelist Jamila, said she’s taking away that even the little things add up.

“When you sometimes think about the big picture, you’re like all of these other things are a priority,” she said. “But when you remember that the small things add up, it’s really important to be like, okay, even if I can only contribute XYZ to my Roth IRA, it’s so worthwhile.”

Watch the full panel in the video above. View and download photos here.

[Editor’s note: This article was created in collaboration with The Ad Council and AARP.] 

This article The Real Talk About Retirement That Every Woman Needs To Hear was originally published on HerAgenda.com

“[The industry] won’t change on its own,” said Carrie Bloxson, Chief People Officer at Hachette Book Group. “It’s going to change when people like the ones in this room show up, speak up, and lead with purpose. That is the work. And that is the invitation for tonight.”

And so began “Off The Page: The Women Changing Publishing and Media” on Thursday, Sept. 25 at the Hachette Book Group offices in Midtown Manhattan. 

Hosted by Her Agenda, in partnership with Hachette and its Women in Publishing employee resource group, the panel, moderated by Founder and CEO of Her Agenda, Rhonesha Byng, included some powerhouse voices transforming the industry: 

• Eboni K. Williams:  Humanitarian, Attorney, Author, Television Host
• Debbie Millman: Designer, Author, Educator, Brand Consultant, Host of the Webby-winning podcast ‘Design Matters’
• Shannon Downey: Artist, activist, and founder of Badass Cross Stitch and Seriously Badass Women

Before the panel, attendees were treated to a “Lightning Talk” between facilitator Sojourner Elleby, Digital & Social Media Manager at Hachette Book Group, and Sally Kim, President & Publisher of Little, Brown and Company, that offered an insider’s look at the power of diverse voices in the publishing industry. 

The evening offered several takeaways to inspire action ON and OFF the page. 

Your Identity Is Your Super Power

When Sally first started in publishing, there weren’t many people who looked like her. Today, she is the first Asian American person to lead a major publishing house. She said she has come to recognize that her identity is her superpower. In fact, everybody’s is. Background, as we know, shapes perspective. 

“It affects everything I do,” she said. “I expect everybody to bring their full selves.”

Shannon said she does this by using her art to challenge power, build community, and activate others.

“Craft is just the tool I use,” she said. “I’m an activist.” 

Eboni said she leans into the fullness of her identity, even if it may seem like a contradiction to others. As a former criminal defense attorney, a pageant queen, an intellect and a reality TV star, she said she fully embraces her dualities, which allows her to live life as true to herself as possible. 

“I don’t make decisions by committee,” she said. “I know best for me.”

And if others don’t like it? That’s fine, she said.

“If you’re going to have the audacity in this world to be anybody, let alone a woman, and let alone a woman with some melanin and any other additive identities (seen or unseen), you would do yourself well to get very comfortable being unliked,” she said. “I will be the villain in your story, as long as it affords me peace.” 

It’s Not Always About How You Start, It’s How You Finish

One of the biggest takeaways from the evening was that success is not linear. 

“I came into book publishing as a failed writer,” Sally said, after discussing how even though her dream was to become a journalist, she later realized that what she really loved was helping others shape their stories. 

The rest of the panel shared similar stories of the twists and turns that contributed to their success. 

Shannon, for example, never set out to write a book. In fact, when she was first contacted by literary agents, she assumed it was a scam. Although they wanted a craft book, she insisted on an activism one, except she didn’t know what that could be. It wasn’t until two years later that the vision came, and she was able to write her manuscript. 

Debbie, in contrast, had always dreamt of writing a book. After pitching some ideas, she was politely turned down. However, opportunity came-a-knocking a few months later when a friend passed on a book proposal and recommended her instead. 

Eboni transitioned from a criminal defense lawyer to mass media because she wanted a more immediate impact. While at Fox News, Roger Ailes encouraged her to “sell something,” prompting her to pitch “Pretty Powerful.” When publishers realized it wasn’t a conservative book, they backed out. She returned the advance and published with a smaller press instead. Her second book pitch was initially rejected as well, but she maintained a good relationship with the publisher, and when the right time came, her book was published.

You Sometimes Have To Build Your Own Stage

Debbie said if you want something, you must make the first ask. If this is what you want to do, you must take the steps to make it happen. Build the room you want to be invited to. 

The panel shared some additional actionable tips: 

• “Keep relationships warm.” – Eboni

It’s all about people and connection. A rejection can turn into an opportunity later on.

• “Anything worthwhile takes time.” – Debbie

If you are a multifaceted person who likes to do a lot of things, you must have patience. Mastery and acknowledgement may take a while. 

• “Be together in community in real life.” – Shannon

A big social media platform, all panelists agreed, is helpful, but connecting with people in real life is what really moves the needle. 

For those who do not have a huge following, Debbie advised working with a publisher that matches your efforts and puts in as much energy into promoting your book as you do. 

Post-panel there were book signings of course, and networking while sipping on custom cocktails thanks to Edmond’s Honor. To relive the evening, check out the video above and the full photoset here.

This article When Women Tell Their Stories, Industries Shift: Inside Her Agenda And Hachette’s ‘Off The Page’ Event was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Her Agenda CEO and New York City native Rhonesha Byng joined Good Night New York on Fox 5 News to discuss Off The Page: The Women Changing Publishing & Media, a live panel discussion in partnership with Hachette Book Group celebrating the women leading the charge in an industry that shapes much of what we read, watch, and think.

This insightful conversation about the world of publishing and media will be followed by a networking opportunity where you can engage with industry leaders and like-minded professionals at the Hachette Book Group headquarters.

“It’s important now, more than ever, to make sure that women’s voices are elevated,” Rhonesha said. “We wanted to create an experience, an event, that was a learning event whether you want to be behind the scenes in the book industry or if you want to be an author one day.”

This is the first in-person event Her Agenda has hosted since 2019 and the event has seen a huge response, with more than 1,000 RSVPs in 48 hours.

“It’s important for women to be in the decision making seats but also at the forefront with our names on the covers, writing those words,” she said.

When asked her advice for people who are considering getting into the book industry, Rhonesha quoted Eboni K. Williams, who Her Agenda spoke with in 2019 and who will be a panel member at the Sept. 25 event.

“She says, ‘Treat yourself like a business,'” Rhonesha said. “It’s not necessarily about followers, but what is the business of you and if you have a book to sell, how will you sell it? Where will you sell it? How will you showcase and prove that people are willing to buy from you?”

Panel Speakers Include:

• Eboni K. Williams: Humanitarian, Attorney, Author, Television Host
• Debbie Millman: Designer, Author, Educator, Brand Consultant, Host of the Webby-winning podcast ‘Design Matters’
• Shannon Downey: Founder of Badass Cross Stitch and Seriously Badass Women, Educator, Author
• Rhonesha Byng, Founder & CEO, Her Agenda

Executive Lightning Talk Speakers Include:

• Sally Kim, President & Publisher of Little, Brown and Company
• Carrie Bloxson, Chief People Officer, Hachette Book Group
• Moderator: Sojourner Elleby, Digital & Social Media Manager, Hachette Book Group

Rhonesha closed out the conversation with a big announcement. The Breakthrough Grant Volume II is now live. Learn more and apply here.

This article Her Agenda CEO Joins Fox 5 Good Night New York To Discuss Upcoming ‘Off The Page’ Event was originally published on HerAgenda.com

From the birth canal to baptism, water is the setting and the vessel for new beginnings and transformation. 

So it’s not surprising that, amidst the backdrop of the ocean along the shores of the island of Barbados, in partnership with Visit Barbados, a group of 25 accomplished women embarked on a retreat that created a safe space for getting back our shine, getting back our wealth, getting back our life, getting back to sisterships and, ultimately, getting back to ourselves. The group stayed in private villas at Apes Hill, luxurious homes against the serenity of greenery and nature that offered the best space for reflection and renewal.

“From the time we met the leader of Support Your Girlfriends, we saw immediate synergies,” said Tenisha Holder, Senior Business Development Officer at Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. “They have a vibrant community, [are] influential in their spheres, and immerse themselves in culture while building deeper relationships not just with each other but also with the destination. For us, partnerships are never transactional; we look to build long-term bonds.”

2025 marked the 7th annual Support Your Girlfriends retreat, produced by Tené Nícole and created by Dr. Nikkia McClain. The women participating in this retreat are leaders in media, real estate, and nonprofit industries, to name a few. Among them were Guerdy Abraira, a notable reality star from The Real Housewives of Miami, Candis Grace President of marketing agency The Brand Group LA, Bershan Shaw a well-known TV personality and entrepreneur, and Ashaunna Ayars CEO and founder of The Ayars Agency. The trip itself offers an opportunity for women who have been part of what is affectionately called the Glossy Posse to reconnect while also serving as a gateway for new inductees into the Glossy Posse. 

“Support Your Girlfriends was created to serve women of color who operate at the highest levels,” said Nikkia McClain, founder of Support Your Girlfriends. “It provides a space where they can drop their superwoman cape, be authentic, and let love, support, and sisterhood flow freely.” 

When asked about her perspective on how the community has grown, she adds, “There are 56 #GlossyPosse members, but our SYG community has grown to over 400 women! Not to mention our New York and New Jersey chapters launched, and Atlanta is launching in October 2025.”

More Than A Trip

What is clear, and sets this group apart from a typical press trip or vacation club, is that it’s deeper than “a trip.” The core is sisterhood, support and creating spaces where vulnerability unlocks victory. 

The welcome dinner at Baia Barbados focused on the theme of “Getting Back To Us!” The dinner provided space for organic conversations amidst a sea of pink dresses and the chance for everyone to formally introduce themselves to the group. 

Giving Back, Lifting Up

Day two centered on getting to know the island a bit via a tour, and a giveback experience focused on empowering the teens who are part of “I AM A GIRL!” Jen Hayes Lee, founder of Bestow and author of The Golden Hoops, led a session that walked the teens through a framework to embrace their curiosity and tap into their strengths.

“Support Your Girlfriends has insisted on giving back from the very start,” Tanisha said. “They’ve partnered with the ‘I Am A Girl’ charity every year, pouring into young women with their knowledge and experience. This year, we gathered at one of the island’s most scenic spots, Animal Flower Cave, and had real conversations about real issues. I love to see when groups prioritize giving back. It’s easy to be swept up by Barbados’ beauty, but this shows depth.”

Crowns And Confessions

That evening, Lucinda Cross opened the dinner conversation with the metaphor of the shark vs. the goldfish. Titled “Getting Back To You!,” she explained how goldfish wait to be fed, confined to their bowl, while sharks move with precision toward their goals. The exercise asked each woman to stand before the room holding a crown and to declare what it meant to them.

“A crown is not just about glory. It’s about responsibility,” Lucinda said. “When you wear your crown, you declare who you are and what you stand for.”

As an attendee/participant in this group, I confessed something I had never confessed before. At the beginning of this year (now Her Agenda’s 17th), I considered the possibility of shutting down Her Agenda. As I stood before the women present, I recalled multiple moments of hitting a low (both personal and professional), and reflected on how ultimately those hardships inspired me to double down on my purpose. Despite it all, I survived those things, and it was for a reason. Like waves that crash but always return, those low points forced me back to my purpose with more force than before.

The testimonies shared alongside an illuminated pool left the air charged with emotion. Here water, in the form of tears, communicated empathy, vulnerability, and ultimately courage. Every woman displayed courage to break down their armor and unlock a new layer of connection with their girlfriends, old and new.

When asked what her takeaway is from this year’s retreat, Nikkia responded simply, “Wow! I felt such a joyful cry after this year’s retreat, as if God was hugging me and saying, ‘Great job, daughter! Once again, you created a warm, safe space where women could be vulnerable, truly seen, protected, held, prayed over, and even find healing for their insecurities or doubts.’” 

Freedom, Shine, And Wealth

From testimony to turn-up, we moved seamlessly into celebration. The next few days brought a beach day and pool day with discussions rooted in “Getting Back Your Freedom!” presented by Modupe Rouse and “Getting Back Your Shine” hosted by Charreah Jackson, founder of Shine Army. 

“This is your reminder to unmute fully in your life,” Charreah said in her closing message, encouraging us to be bold in our accomplishments.

Later that evening, we enjoyed dinner and a celebration focused on “Getting Back Your Wealth” hosted by Debra Marshall at The Captain’s Annex and “Getting Back Your Life” presented by Arkell Cox, founder of MatriArk. 

“Manifest. Motivate. Movement,” Arkel said. “That’s the rhythm of getting back your life.”

And to close out the night within a sea of beautiful hues of brown we celebrated the milestone birthday of our sister Debra Marshall then went home to break the internet with a TikTok/Reel post that now has nearly 500,000 views and counting. 

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A post shared by Guerdy Abraira #GUERDYFY (@guerdydesign)

Sistership At Sea

For the grand finale, we embarked on a yacht experience and closed out with a dinner focused on “Getting Back To Sisterships,” presented by Shay Wood, founder of Wood Enterprises and Co-President of Support Your Girlfriends NYC Chapter. 

Dressed in “metallic chic,” Shay challenged us to imagine our original sister, ourselves, particularly our younger selves. Would little you be proud of where you are today? 

As humans, our most transformational moments are shaped by water. As sisters of the Glossy Posse, we returned to the shore, reminded that water cleanses, water connects, and water carries. Like the tide, this retreat sent us back renewed and ready to flow into whatever comes next.

So what’s next for this group? More than a trip, there are moments of support and sisterhood throughout the year, including the upcoming Pow(H)er Awards this November. The anchor point is the 8th annual Support Your Girlfriends Retreat in 2026, returning to Barbados.

“There’s something for everyone here,” Tenisha said. “If you’re into food, nature, deep-sea diving, or history and culture, you’ll find it in Barbados. But above all, it’s our people. Visitors tell us year after year that’s what makes the island feel like home, which is why so many return again and again.”

This article Support Your Girlfriends Retreat Makes Waves In Barbados For Its 7th Year was originally published on HerAgenda.com

“The Pickup”, streaming globally on Prime Video Aug. 6, is a buddy action-comedy that doesn’t reinvent the wheel; it hot wires it and takes it for a joyride.

Directed by Tim Story and starring a generational trio — Eddie Murphy, Pete Davidson, and Keke Palmer — the film thrives on charisma, chaos, and chemistry. What starts as a routine cash run spirals into a spectacle of mayhem, muscle cars, and the kind of improvisational magic that only happens when actors trust each other — and the director trusts them back.

“The Pickup” follows Russell Pierce (Eddie) and Travis Stolly (Pete), two armored truck drivers who couldn’t be more different. Their mundane job takes a sharp turn when they’re ambushed by a crew led by Zoe (Keke), a bold and unpredictable criminal mastermind with plans far beyond a simple score.

“It’s one of those fun early 2000s, old-school action comedies,” Pete said. “There’s not a dull moment. It moves. It’s just fun. You watch it with everybody. There’s someone in it for everyone to like.”

Eddie agreed, adding, “It reminds me of the movies of the ’80s. Those ’80s buddy comedy classics.”

Their dynamic drives the film. Eddie brings grit, Pete brings chaos, and Keke’s charismatic villain keeps them on their toes, putting a new spin on the action-comedy formula.

Story said the chemistry between the three was instant. “It was like a dream come true,” he said. “My career has kind of been about trying to chase this man [Eddie] and do a movie with him, [then when you put him with Pete], and then you add Keke? It was just a bag of riches.”

That blend of experience and energy is what makes “The Pickup” sing. Keke, known for her versatility and sharp comedic timing, steps into the villain role with confidence and nuance. Keke called working on “The Pickup” “a dream come true,” especially when prepping for her starring role in the film “One of Them Days”, which was released in Janaury of this year co-starring SZA.  

“I think I was just observing and watching [Eddie] the whole time,” Keke said. “I got to watch a masterclass of him continuously playing the truth. Every improvisation, every joke.”

Eddie returned the compliment: “I didn’t know all the different stuff that Keke did,” Eddie said. “So when she got on the set, it was like, ‘Oh, wow. Yeah. This girl is good.” 

With that much comedic firepower in one place, improvisation came naturally. “We’d get one as scripted, and then [Tim Story] would just kind of let us have fun,” Pete said. “Some of the best moments in the film are just us all messing around.”

One unforgettable moment? A scene where Pete’s character suggests he doesn’t “read as white” to a passing car while changing a tire. “Didn’t make the [final cut of the movie],” he laughed. “But it was hilarious.”

Story emphasized how much he trusted his cast to elevate the material. “They just give you these nuggets. And once they lock into what makes the scene work, they give you more of that.”

As Zoe, Keke brings both flair and dimension. “She’s a villain, but she’s somebody that has a reason. She’s, in my mind, a bit of an anti-hero and she’s honestly trying to get these guys on board with what she’s trying to do.”

In one pivotal diner scene, each character’s motivations come to light in unexpected ways. “We were just riding each other’s waves, honestly,” Keke said. “There was a lot of improv going on. Whatever happened, we just went with it.”

Eddie shared that the script was the main reason he signed on.

“Usually, these pieces take years to develop…but this [script] was like 90% when I read it for the first time. Then we got Tim, and I was like, okay, we’re making this movie.”

“I could cry, to be quite honest with you. Eddie is literally the blueprint. I remember watching Trading Places, Coming to America… he’s done things that can never be done again,” Keke said. 

At its core, “The Pickup” is fast-paced, funny, and filled with characters you’ll want to root for even when they’re at odds. With standout cast chemistry, expert direction, and an old-school energy that feels new again, it’s primed to be a summer hit.

Catch “The Pickup” August 6, only on Prime Video. For behind-the-scenes content, cast features, and exclusive clips, follow along on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube using the hashtag #ThePickupMovie.

This article ‘The Pickup’ Brings Eddie Murphy and Keke Palmer Together for the Ride of the Summer was originally published on HerAgenda.com

A wedding is meant to be a party, but in “Bride Hard,” it’s a full-blown war zone. Directed by action maestro Simon West (“Con Air”, “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider”), “Bride Hard” smashes classic rom-com charm and blockbuster action into a genre-bending adventure full of heart, hijinks, and heavy artillery.

At the center of the chaos is Sam (Rebel Wilson), a seemingly ordinary maid of honor who, when she’s not pouring champagne, doubles as an undercover operative for the elite spy organization 5 Eyes. Her best friend Betsy (Anna Camp) just wants her big day to go off without a hitch, but when ruthless thief Kurt (Stephen Dorff) and his mercenaries hijack the festivities on a private island, Sam swaps the bouquet for a bazooka and sets out to save the day.

Backing her up is a killer bridesmaid squad, including Lydia (Oscar-winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph), Virginia (Anna Chlumsky), Zoe (Gigi Zumbado), and her right-hand tech genius Nadine, played by Sherry Cola.

Her Agenda caught up with Sherry to talk cocktails, combat, and smashing stereotypes.

A Secret Agent, A Shot Of Tequila, And A Twist Of Sherry Cola

When asked to describe “Bride Hard” as a cocktail, Sherry didn’t miss a beat:

“The ‘Martini of Honor!’ It’s jam-packed with tequila because you need that to get through these action sequences on a whim that this entire bridal party is thrown into,” she said.

As Nadine, Sherry brings a tough-love, quick-witted edge to Sam’s covert world. She’s the one making sure explosions go off on time and reminding everyone to enjoy the party. It’s a perfect fit for Sherry, who’s no stranger to flipping expectations.

Kicking Ass And Kicking Tropes

“Bride Hard” isn’t just packed with big stunts. It puts complex, multidimensional women front and center in an action-comedy space that too often sidelines them. For Sherry, that meant simply existing unapologetically.

“There are so many things rooting against us as women already, and then you add immigrant, Chinese American, queer, and it’s like, you know, at the end of the day, we just want to exist and show that we can do it all,” Sherry said. “Nadine is part of Sam’s world as a secret agent. She just happens to be Asian. And that’s normal. [No one questions it.] It’s like, yeah, she’s Asian… hell yes. You know, let’s go!”

Sherry feels proud to join a legacy of trailblazing Asian action heroines, channeling the energy of icons like Lucy Liu in “Charlie’s Angels” and Michelle Yeoh in “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.”

More Than Bridesmaids, They’re Ride-Or-Die

Beyond the explosions and the high kicks, “Bride Hard” is a celebration of friendship on-screen and off.

“The vibe is definitely girl power and we absolutely had so much chemistry on screen and off screen,” Sherry said. “We were all just having a good time because I think we were just so lucky to make something like this…whenever I see them out in the wild, it’s all love. This friendship is definitely going to live after this film, which I’m really, really grateful for.”

A Bridesmaid Should Never…

And for any soon-to-be bridesmaids taking notes? Sherry has one simple rule: A bridesmaid should never throw up.

“Let’s not throw up,” she said. “Let’s keep it cute for the bride. You know what I’m saying? We have to hold her hair.”

Fresh off serving as a real-life maid of honor just weeks before filming, Sherry said the whole experience perfectly echoes the biggest takeaway from “Bride Hard”:

“Women can do it all.”

Don’t miss the chaos and camaraderie when “Bride Hard” hits theaters June 20, 2025.

This article Sherry Cola On Girl Power, Smashing Stereotypes And Saving The Day In ‘Bride Hard’ was originally published on HerAgenda.com

The virtual MBA + Master’s Tour Spotlight on Women in Business, held March 19 via Zoom, was packed with keynote speakers, MBA admissions decision makers, and opportunities.

Although virtual, there was ample opportunity to network, have Q&A after the presentation, and get application advice. Though different in location, application processes, and majors, the schools all lead with one focus: women.

Women are at the forefront of the MBA+Master’s Tour, placing a spotlight on ways you can be a powerful force as a woman in business, a leader, an innovator, and make a lasting impact for the future. If you’re indecisive about going to school to obtain an MBA or a master’s degree, this article may help you make a solid decision.

Open Admission To Jumpstart Your Master’s Program

The opening admission segment started with a representative from Forte, a nonprofit organization that aims to change the balance of power in the workplace and increase the number of women leading. In this session, there were presenters from Hult International Business School in Boston, EDHEC in France, and Georgetown University in Washington, DC.

Each school offered a variety of specialized master’s programs. Hult International Business School offers management, finance, marketing, and more. EDHEC offers Management, Master’s of Science, and EDHEC Online. Georgetown offers both on-campus and online master’s programs in higher education, human resources management, project management etc.

Empowering The Next Generation Of Female Leaders

“Are you ready to stand up for something greater than yourself? “Are you ready to be a force?” This is the question posed at the end of the Bentley University video clip regarding the McCallum Graduate School of Business, which offers in-person, online, and hybrid options to students.

Bentley University is ranked 11th as the best college in the US according to Wallstreet Journal, and the master’s in finance is number 4 by the Financial Times. In addition, their drive to empower women is signified through The Gloria Cordes Larson Center for Women and Business (CWB), which amplifies the power of all women from the classroom to the boardroom.

MBA programs are available in accounting, business analytics, finance, health care management, etc. and master’s programs are in accounting, business analytics, finance, and human factors in information design.

Diversity is also prevalent with partnerships with organizations such as the National Black MBA Association, National Society of Black Engineers, Prospanica, National Association of Black Accountants, Association of Latino Professionals For America, ROMBA, and many more.

Empowering Women In Leadership, Innovation And Impact

According to Digital Defynd, women’s representation in top corporate positions is still disproportionately low compared to their male counterparts, revealing a persistent gap. Factors such as wage disparities, cultural biases, and structural barriers within corporate hierarchies continue to impede women’s ascent to senior leadership.

UC Davis MBA in California’s presentation provided a Q&A with an alumna with a personal perspective as well as more insight into the three-year graduate program.

“When I started the program I actually was on sabbatical,” said Alice Vega, MBA, senior accountant at Culture Biosciences. “I’d spent about six years as a staff accountant; I didn’t have a lot of opportunities for growth when it came to promotions. And so I wanted to revamp my career and pivot into finance, which is where I decided to get an MBA.”

Alice was able to become director of finance by her second year and received another promotion before graduation. Finding student organizations to join and create leverage also were great confidence and support boosters that crafted leadership skills. UC Davis offers Women in Leadership Club and Conference, Metro Edge Emerge Summit, and GSM Student Association. All organizations promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

If there is to be a take-away from the spotlight on women in business, it is that it’s possible, and it’s happening. Every day women are prevailing, making history, and changing lives.

This article Highlights From The Virtual MBA + Master’s Tour Spotlight On Women In Business was originally published on HerAgenda.com

With the state of the world being what it is, it can often feel challenging to keep hope alive.

However, there’s a crucial insight to understand: oppressive systems thrive on our negativity bias.

Our brains are wired with 200 cognitive biases – negativity bias being particularly powerful. We are naturally more likely to:

• Recall insults over compliments
• Respond more intensely to adverse stimuli
• Dwell on unpleasant events
• Focus quickly on negative information

Social media platforms exploit this bias, flooding our feeds with rage-inducing, traumatizing content that keeps us stuck and prevents progress. But there is a way to reclaim our mental space and energy.

Like Maxine Waters says, I am reclaiming her time and developed a three-word approach to combat doom scrolling and negativity I call Savor, Sub, Spark.

Savor

Ground yourself by engaging your five senses. Notice what you’re feeling, hearing, smelling, and seeing. This helps you stay present and connected to your body.

Sub

Replace negative consumption with inspiring alternatives:

• Listen to an uplifting podcast
• Read a book from your shelf
• Choose music that aligns with your values

In those moments, I typically seek out four types of content:

• Untold history with inspiring solutions to insurmountable problems
• Creators from overlooked and underrepresented communities
• Critical media analysis to challenge the misinformation we’re bombarded with 
• Inspiring prose/poems art that gets me to think differently

Spark

Create something meaningful. After savoring and substituting, generate an idea, thought, or belief. Capture it through writing, voice memo, video, or image.

(Watch the full video to hear how Christina uses this practice, in her own words.)

How To Embrace This Practice

This practice helps redirect the energy of our imaginations from constantly being hijacked by the tomfoolery that is all over the internet and in social media, towards a more nourishing, supportive vision of the future. As a speaker and facilitator, I have witnessed how important social and cultural knowledge and unconventional wisdom is for changing our wellbeing, relationships, and impact, but these powerful practices are often overlooked or under-taught. 

Remember: Our ancestors faced far more challenging circumstances. We come from a lineage of walking miracles. Refuse to let your joy and hope be stolen by fear and hatred.

You have the power to reclaim your time and design a practice of hope that can help you envision and create a better future. I hope you join me in building a more intentional, hopeful approach to navigating these complex times.

How To Get Started

If you’re looking for a place to get support on changing your habits like this, finding new communication practices, and setting new goals, Christina is launching The New Quo Learning Community for mission-driven individuals seeking meaningful change. Over six years, she’s trained 14,000 people across nine industries, focusing on social and cultural knowledge often overlooked or under-taught. She’s been featured in the New York Times, Forbes, Business Insider, and Nasdaq.com among other outlets. As a Utah native and resident of NYC for the past 15 years, she knows far more uses for jello than she’d like to admit.

The community is open for sign ups now and officially open next Wednesday January 15th, get more information here: bit.ly/TNQcommunity.

This article [VIDEO] Savor, Sub, Spark: 3 Ways To Find Hope In Troubling Times was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Tina Wells, who began her entrepreneurial journey at 16, has spent more than two decades working with companies like Apple, Dell, and Proctor & Gamble. Now, at 44, she has authored 21 books, launched product lines at Target, and contributed to Oprah’s Super Soul 100 project. Tina recently shared insights from her career and discussed her latest ventures with founder and CEO of Her Agenda, Rhonesha Byng. In their chat, they discuss how her career journey and how her experiences shaped her present-day plans to build community and support up-and-coming entrepreneurs. 

Work-Life Approach

Tina developed the “Elevation Approach,” a methodology aimed at helping entrepreneurs avoid burnout and achieve work-life harmony. It consists of four phases: preparation, inspiration, recreation, and transformation.

“I kept ending up in burnout. I was stuck in this loop of preparation and inspiration. What was missing for me was recreation, which probably sounds strange, right? I needed to inject some fun. Once I started to do that, take a little break, then it always seemed like things would start to come to fruition, so that became my secret sauce.” she said.

(Watch the full video to hear Tina’s journey in her own words.)

Finding The Right Temperature

Tina shared that as a founder, setting the temperature for yourself and your team is essential as “thermostats of the company.” She further defined key experiences in her life that have become non-negotiable.

“For me, creating rituals is a really big one. Decluttering your space. I find that visual clutter really starts to cause a lot of anxiety for me. I could come home and have a crazy work week ahead and I’m starting to feel overwhelmed. If I simply clean off my island in my kitchen, my temperature starts to lower a little bit. So I think you really have to understand what your non-negotiables are.”

Working With Gratitude

Tina’s move from marketing to retail resulted in two product lines at Target. Despite this success, she maintains a sense of gratitude.

“Anyone who spent $1 on Elevation by Tina Wells or Wander Lane, I was always so grateful because you literally have thousands of choices of product to buy and you chose to buy mine,” she said.

Team Building

Tina credits her success to understanding her strengths and weaknesses, and building complementary teams.

“I am not a COO type of person,” she said. “I’m always the starter. I’m always the vision person. I can see things other people can’t see, and I can put things together in a way, and I get it to a point and then I have to be off to the next thing.”

Finding Community

Despite her early success, Tina didn’t find her entrepreneurial community until her early 30s when she joined the Young Entrepreneurs Council.

“It was the first time ever in my professional career, I felt like, oh, this is where people like me are,” she said.

Working with Oprah

Tina’s work on Oprah’s SuperSoul 100 project taught her about intentional leadership.

“Every meeting we had, it was, ‘What’s the intention of this meeting?’ The intentionality was through everything. I think it was really awesome for me as a founder to watch as someone really lead with their values and lead with such clarity. I’ve been in a lot of big boardrooms and I’ve been around a lot of big companies where I would hear one thing from one team and then I get invited to another meeting and hear another thing.It was really unique to be in that environment and in every meeting, everywhere I was, everybody was on the same page.” she recalled.

Future Plans

Among Tina’s plans for the future she is launching a new website, new podcast, and a program called Founders Circle for mentoring entrepreneurs.

“I’m also launching something called Founders Circle. I really wanna find a way to work with founders and find a way to really mentor and consult and do it in a way that works for founders. I was a mentor and coach for TikTok Shop’s first female accelerator and it was great. I got to be in the hot seat and answer questions from founders about how they grow their business, current challenges, so that’s what I’m gonna do in Founders Circle.”

The Motto Remains The Same

In 2011, when Rhonesha spoke to Tina, her motto was “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” Closing out the conversation, she asked if anything changed, and Tina shared how her motto has evolved. 

“As I’ve gotten older, I realized that plans can change and that’s OK. But it is so grounding to know you have a plan,” she said.

This story from teenage entrepreneur to retail success illustrates the potential of vision and adaptability in business. Her story is a blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women and people of color, working to figure it all out. 

Get more of the blueprint with Tina Wells through her website where you can find her books, courses and podcast.

Watch the full video to hear Tina’s journey in her own words.

This article #HerAgendaLive: Tina Wells Shares Her Entrepreneurial Journey From Teen Founder To Retail Success was originally published on HerAgenda.com

As ambitious millennial women professionals and entrepreneurs, we wear many hats, and we are serious about doing all we need to do to realize our highest potential.

Raven Paris, communications strategist, wife and founder of CEO Empowerment Network Non Profit and CEO’s Evolve Marketing Agency, is doing just that, building a legacy of service and leadership. The author of “The Game Changer: Start-up Kit to Become or Sustain Entrepreneurship” has worked with major companies and brands, including TMZ, BET and Facebook, and she has interviewed powerhouses including Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry, to name a few. 

She’s also the co-founder of the Wealth Summit LIVE, an event dedicated to bridging the gap in financial literacy within minority communities. Via this initiative she has partnered with more than 50 Black-owned businesses to increase brand awareness and revenue and help provide the youth job opportunities.

Her Agenda managing editor Janell Hazelwood chatted with Raven in an IG Live video to talk about the event, her dedication to advocate for financial literacy, and her passion for empowering other women to follow their path and purpose. 

Watch the full video and be empowered by her relatable words of resilience and confidence to get to your own career dreams.

This article Entrepreneur Raven Paris Joins Her Agenda Live To Talk Community Advocacy And More was originally published on HerAgenda.com

In a conversation with Her Agenda, Vanessa Simmons, actress and entrepreneur, and Lola Banjo, founder of Silver & Riley, discussed their partnership, the brand’s mission and the challenges of building a legacy in the luxury market.

Banjo founded Silver & Riley to fill a gap in luxury travel products, drawing inspiration from her experiences as a consultant. She aims to build a brand that rivals other fashion legacy brands, despite all of the challenges faced by Black women in business from funding to manufacturing. Banjo focuses on combining fashion and function to create products that offer value.

She is committed to building a brand that offers value rather than following trends. This approach sets Silver & Riley apart in an industry driven by fads. Banjo’s strategy emphasizes craftsmanship and design, ensuring that each product becomes an investment for consumers.

Vanessa Simmons, known in fashion for her work with Pastry, resonates with Silver & Riley’s mission of producing items. Her style aligns with the brand’s focus on quality, making her a brand ambassador and partner. .

Their partnership evolved from mutual respect into collaboration. Simmons was impressed by Banjo’s leadership and commitment, and Banjo admired Simmons’ personality – entrepreneurial and down-to-earth.

Together, they are collaborating to build a brand that stands for quality, legacy and innovation. Their expertise promises to elevate Silver & Riley’s position in the market on a global level.

Check out the video for the full conversation about their work together and the vision for Silver & Riley.

This article #HerAgendaLive: The Power Of Partnership With Lola Banjo And Vanessa Simmons was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Danielle Spencer, the entrepreneur and mom of two has founded and grown multiple successful businesses, ranging from doing just $40 in sales with an eyelash company to more than $1 million in revenue with a baby brand, Balu Organics. Currently, she is founder and CEO of some creative agency. and co-founder of BLCKS Enterprise. 

In an interview with Her Agenda, Spencer shared her insights and wisdom on sustaining momentum as an entrepreneur, juggling motherhood, and building a supportive community for other entrepreneurs to thrive. Read a few excerpts from the conversation:

On Maintaining Drive After Hitting Milestones

“I really need a community that is challenging me and inspirational,” she said about pushing past early successes. She admits to previously losing interest in a business after hitting $1 million in sales because she lacked a motivating circle.

Her new goals are more intrinsic: “Mastering discipline, delegation, patience and trusting in the process.” Spencer knows developing those skills will help her hit ambitious targets.

The Value of Making Bold Decisions

Spencer is a master in her decision-making, even when things don’t go as planned. “There’s no such thing as making the wrong decision because what’s meant for me won’t miss me,” she explains. “Just focus on making the decision right.”

This mindset served her well in both personal and business pivots like walking away from the 7-figure baby brand. “If you’re not where you’re supposed to be, you can leave.” 

Embracing the “Inner Child” as a Mom

As for motherhood, Spencer has learned to “give a lot of grace” to her kids and herself. She strives to be collaborative instead of authoritarian with her daughter, 4, and son, 2.

“It’s their first time going through life too,” she says. Her kids have also given her the space to nurture her “inner child” through simple joys like “having breakfast for dinner” and Disney movies. “It’s literally those little things that let you enjoy life.” 

Building a Supportive, Inclusive Community

After pandemic experiences exposed how ill-prepared many entrepreneurs were for basic business activities, she made it a point to help out. Her accelerator programs and events help clients ranging from ideation-stage to $5 million get key essentials like branding, photography and websites in order. “When opportunities come, they’re ready,” 

Spencer has created a hub for underrepresented entrepreneurs to receive guidance while giving back to her community – fueling her entrepreneurial spirit for the long run.

She aims to close the entrepreneurial gap for women of color in particular, having seen too many organizations consciously exclude diversity from programs and leadership circles. “There’s no reason why we couldn’t have had more color in there.” 

Looking Ahead with Discipline and Delegation

For the future, her goals are “impact” and “creating a more inclusive space for entrepreneurial support.” 

“Money is not the goal, it’s the outcome,” she says. She hopes her entrepreneurial journey will help to inspire. “It’s almost like you’re setting an example for your children,” she explains. “So entrepreneurs get to see how I grow, how my team grows, and how that directly impacts them.”

Spencer is poised for another chapter of success where underrepresented entrepreneurs thrive.

If you would like to access more content like this conversation, become a Her Agenda INSIDER today! You can find Danielle Spencer on Instagram and Linkedin.

This article Marketing Strategist Danielle Spencer Shares Her Entrepreneurial Journey was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Crystal Peters is like our beauty brand fairy godmother, making sure our favorite Black-owned products are conveniently found in large retail stores like Walmart, Target, Ulta and Sephora. She’s on a mission to create a Black beauty ecosystem where brands can get their marketing, sales, operations and venture capital needs met through her company Beauty Brand Camp. 

She joined Her Agenda on Instagram Live to share her insights about advocating for brands catered to Black women and the importance of understanding the business side of the beauty industry. We compiled a few highlights from the conversation:

On Establishing And Maintaining Relationships:

During the conversation, Peters shared how she organically cultivated relationships with beauty brand executives which aided her in securing shelf space for her client’s products.  

“I’ve been able to connect with people from Hampton and from my time at Amika. I served as their first brand manager and that’s where I really cultivated a lot of relationships with Sephora and salons. If you go to a hair care salon here in Chicago, you’ll probably see Amika because I flooded stores with them.”

On Supporting Black Women-Owned Brands:

Supporting Black-owned women brands shouldn’t be treated as a trend. It’s something we should continue to do to improve the economic system within the Black community. According to this study from McKinsey & Co., “Black brands make up only 2.5 percent of revenue in the beauty industry. Yet Black consumers are responsible for 11.1 percent of total beauty spending.”

“It’s important to purchase the product so it can stay on the shelf. We really need to have continued support around Black-owned businesses.” she said.

“Brands need to have the infrastructure in order to be sustained on large retailer shelves. That’s where a company like mine, the Beauty Brand Camp, comes in to help navigate conversations with retail executives. We need to continue to support these brands through different channels – liking posts, posting comments, reaching out to the founders to share the next thing you’re looking for.”

On Systemic Barriers In The Beauty Industry:

Systemic barriers play a key role in what Black-owned beauty brands are capable of doing. A lot of businesses within the Black community start from the bottom up, while other companies have capital saved up which makes start-up costs more affordable. 

“This quote is from my dear friend, Camille Bell, the CEO of Pound Cake. ‘Black founders are overmentored and undercapitalized.’ The gap is so wide. Generally, it’s exponentially harder for Black founders to fund their company. A lot of these founders are creating their products in their kitchen and are scaling it up. Then they land a deal with a large retailer like Target and have to figure out how they’ll fulfill large purchase orders. It’s been great to see a lot of the brands scale themselves up in this industry, ” Peters added.

On Black Founders And ‘Selling Up,’ Not Out:

It’s a controversial topic when news breaks about our favorite Black-owned beauty brands selling their companies to general market conglomerates for millions. We’ve seen this happen with Mielle Organics and Shea Moisture. Peters affirmed that those deals were actually a good thing and encouraged consumers to cheer on Black founders who do this rather than scrutinize them.

Peters further explained, “I am all for investment. I want our brands to have that cash injection because we hit a ceiling in the U.S. in terms of what revenue we can make. Having investments means we can make more products for less. You’re also able to think about global expansion.”

“When you receive capital, you’re able to forecast and create new products. I’m proud of the Mielle team and seeing their ascension, so how can we not applaud this? If you don’t have the capital, you can’t create products for your consumers quickly. This also gives a chance for a transfer of wealth as other Black founders invest in other Black-owned companies. I love what they’re doing. It’s not selling out. It’s selling up.”

On Scaling A Business:

Peters generously shared tips on how beauty founders can scale their business through storytelling, grants, and reaching your target demographic. 

“New Voices always posts on their Instagram about beauty grants. When you’re applying, make sure you are tight. Have all your ducks in a row and be prepared to answer questions like ‘What’s your brand?’ What’s your storytelling’ ‘What’s your unique selling points?’ ‘Do you have your financials report?'”

“One thing I tell my clients is to find out what makes your product different from your competitors. When you tell the story well, be captivating and know what you are solving in the market. Identify who your core demographic is and reach them where they’re at.” 

Watch the full conversation on Her Agenda’s Instagram.

This article #HerAgendaLive: Crystal Peters Talks Advocating For Black Women-Owned Brands And More was originally published on HerAgenda.com

In “Bob Marley: One Love,” audiences are transported into the heart of the reggae legend’s life, with Lashana Lynch portraying the iconic Rita Marley.

Touted as “one of the most successful musical biopics ever,” the film earning almost $83 million at U.S. box offices alone, and more than $100 million globally.

At the core of Lynch’s portrayal lies her interpretation of Rita Marley’s profound love for Bob Marley, which she describes as “transcendent” and deeply rooted in the soul. Her performance has been lauded by critics as “triumphant,” and a “magnetic presence” in the film.

Drawing from personal meetings with Rita, Lynch channels this emotional depth throughout the film, navigating the highs and lows of their relationship with unwavering authenticity. She emphasizes the importance of portraying the nuances of love on screen, particularly within the context of the black community, where on-screen relationships often lack depth.

Acknowledging the weight of bringing a real-life figure to the screen, Lynch speaks candidly about the challenges of doing justice to Rita Marley’s legacy and authentically representing her story. Yet, she credits the collaborative efforts of the cast and crew in achieving a portrayal that transcends mere imitation, aiming to offer audiences a fresh perspective on the enduring love story of the Marleys.

Watch above, in an exclusive interview with Her Agenda, where Lynch offered insights into her transformative portrayal of the iconic singer and delves into the complexities of love, authenticity, and the challenges of embodying a real-life figure.

The conversation kicks off with a rapid-fire round of questions, where Lynch’s quick-witted responses provide a glimpse into everything from her responsible pre-shoot food choices to her favorite inspiration in Hollywood This set the tone for a deeper exploration of Lynch’s craft in the Bob Marley biopic.

“Bob Marley: One Love” is now available to buy or rent on streaming platforms and will debut on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on May 28 via Paramount Pictures.

This article ‘Bob Marley: One Love’ Co-Star Lashana Lynch Talks Tapping Into The Essence Of Rita Marley was originally published on HerAgenda.com

After the successful launch of the e-book in April, Debbie Douglas joined Her Agenda to share the paperback release of Now What? 12 Strategies To Landing The Career You’ll Love, Not Tolerate.

As an experienced HR recruiter, Debbie shares first-hand insights on tips to build a personal brand and career strategy that attracts the right job opportunities. 

Her book, touted as a career transformation toolkit for college graduates, early career enthusiasts, those contemplating a career shift, or anyone stepping back into the job world, is a great guide on what steps to take. 

Debbie, acclaimed for her powerful talks on career mastery and finding your passion, joined Her Agenda in an exclusive Instagram Live event where Debbie revealed game-changing strategies from her book to transform the ‘job you tolerate’ into the ‘career you love’ and ultimately reshape your professional future. 

Read more in our interview with Debbie Douglas.

This article #HerAgendaLive: Now What? 12 Strategies To Landing The Career You’ll Love, Not Tolerate With Debbie Douglas was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Cousins. Entrepreneurs. Partners. Whiskey. Those are the first words that come to mind to describe Anna Axster and Wendelin von Schroder, the duo behind Lodestar Whiskey. Forging a path in an industry with no experience hasn’t been easy, but with their nurturing experience in Diageo’s Distill Ventures Pre-Accelerator program to support from family, friends, and fellow women in the spirits industry, Lodestar Whiskey has a promising start.

In our recent Her Agenda conversation on Instagram Live, we spoke with both women about their transition from film and entertainment to the world of spirits.

The California-inspired Lodestar Whiskey is described as “an unconventional blend of Straight High-Rye Bourbon and American Single Malt Whiskey. By blending these two high-quality spirits, notes of caramel, citrus, and warm baking spice from the rye pair perfectly with the approachably smooth finish of the single malt.”

In our conversation, we wanted to get more details from the women about their journey, both women shared how their work with concerts exposed them to the world of whiskey and how the slow-down of their work in entertainment during the pandemic led to going all in on whiskey.

Moreover, Anna and Wendelin shared how they’ve remained strong business partners. As cousins, keeping close is a must, and their check-ins were touted as the guiding light for their entrepreneurial journey together. 

Taking a piece from their past with their current experiences, the biggest takeaway of Lodestar Whiskey’s brand is their desire to create a close-knit community. From  composing a liquid great for enthusiasts and newbies alike to a local rollout in Los Angeles, connection is key. 

Here are a few excerpts from the conversation:

On being new in the industry:

“Because we didn’t come at this as longtime whiskey experts or being distillers ourselves, we weren’t as maybe aware of the limitations. We weren’t restrained by that and it turned out to really work in our favor.”

On community:

“One of the things that we most enjoyed in working in entertainment and in film and music was unity and building community around shared experiences, be it a movie, a concert, a song or whatever. So that was really what we loved the most about our work in that world and that’s what we took as our main goal with us basically into building a whiskey brand. It’s kind of more important than ever to focus on community and building that. We’ve launched very locally here in the LA market and doing events and just kind of building that local community here.”

On entrepreneurial challenges:

“There’s lots of challenges. I think our kind of approach and work ethic and just our outlook on life is a little bit like, let’s just roll up our sleeves and do it. No matter if we kind of know what we’re doing or we don’t know what we’re doing, we’re going to figure it out.”

Check out the video for the full conversation about their journey and get a great cocktail recipe to try! 

Learn more about Lodestar Whiskey on their website and find them on Instagram @lodestarwhiskey.

This article Cousins Bring The Spirit Of Community To Whiskey Distilling was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Lisa Lloyd, an award-winning communications leader with more than 15 years of experience in the field, joined Her Agenda on Instagram Live Oct. 20 for a workshop, offering the tools women professionals can use to master email etiquette and transform their communication style.

In her role, she supports colleagues and more than 130 clients by sharing best practices for the way you communicate in order to increase your influence, credibility, and professionalism, which can lead to career advancement. Effective communication is especially important for ambitious leaders who want to motivate teams and build great reputations for results.

Here are a few more highlights from the session:

On The Power Of Subject Lines:

“You’re looking at about 140 emails a day. Before I click on the email, I need to know what you expect from me, or I’m not going to open it. … [Provide] an action or request, [then] semi-colon, and then you say what it is that you’re requesting. An example would be, ‘Action: Submit Days For PTO.’ As soon as I get that email, in the list of 90 emails I’m receiving, I know there is something for me to do in your email.

On The Basics of ‘To,’ ‘BCC,’ and ‘CC’:

“The ‘to’ field is for the person you are speaking to—the person who needs to do something with that information. The ‘cc’ field is for people who may need to be consulted or informed, but there’s no action required. If I’m in the ‘cc’ field, I may read it but I dont’ have anything to do. I’m not accountable for anything, I’m not responsible for anything, they’re just keeping me in the loop.

The ‘blind copy’ field… There are a couple of ways to use that… What ‘bcc’ is for, typically, is when you have very long email lists. If you want to send an email to 200 parents— if you work at a school— if you want to send it to a listserv to your subscribers, you want to use ‘bcc’ so that you are not revealing people’s personal email addresses to strangers.

On Using RACI and MOCA Frameworks Helpful Resources:

“RACI and MOCA are project management frameworks, and basically they give everyone a role. Both are acronyms: R is for responsible, A is for Accountable, C is for consulted, I is for informed.

There’s another version that’s called the MOCHA … That is for manager, owner, consultant, helper, and approver. These project framework terms are critical when you’re trying to figure out who needs to be involved in an email thread–email chain–and what their role is.

On Knowing Your Audience And Determining Tone:

“With internal and unfamiliar people that you are emailing, stay formal, stay introductory, be concise, and no shorthand. When I say formal, I mean, [state] ‘Good morning,’ ‘Good afternoon,’ ‘Hi, ‘How are you?’… Introduce yourself. Who are you? Why are you emailing them? What is your role?

You want to introduce yourself. What project do you have affiliated with them? Why are emailing them? You want to be concise, because you don’t have a relationshi with them so they cannot read your tone because they don’t know you.

[For] informal and familiar, you know them, you have a rapport with them. You can be formal or informal. Trust your gut… You want to be empathetic to someone you know. You want to include something personal. Make a connection from the last time you spoke with them. In those emails you have more opportunity to display your personality.”

“When you are communicating over email, keep it formal with external clients. … You want to be mindful of titles, positions and background with external clients. You want to be really careful with that because if they’re a doctor, [and] you don’t say ‘Doctor,’ or you get their title wrong, or their level wrong, it can go left really quickly. So, when you’re talking to an external client—remember an external client is paying you or your company—you don’t want any confusion. Just keep it formal and stay on the formal side.

Check out more tips and strategies by watching the full session above. Follow Lisa Lloyd @istudypeople on Instagram or find out more about her via her website.

If you would like to access more exclusive Her Agenda content, become a Her Agenda INSIDER today!

This article Expert Tips On Mastering Email Etiquette was originally published on HerAgenda.com

A powerful statement echoed within the walls of this year’s Black Music Action Coalition Gala held at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, on Thursday, September 21. The declaration, “All music is Black music,” set the tone for an evening of celebration and recognition of Black music, Black media, and some of its greatest luminaries. 

Formed in 2020 following the tragic killing of George Floyd, the Black Music Action Coalition, also known as BMAC, seeks to support Black Americans in their rightful pursuit of equity in music and beyond.

“In the wake of the [George Floyd] tragedy, a variety of movements launched to help Black Americans fight for the equity we so rightfully deserve. The Black Music [Action] Coalition was launched, as was the Black-owned Media [Equity] and Sustainability Institute, also known as BOMESI,” AllHipHop.com founder Grouchy Greg said to award show attendees on Thursday night. Greg announced that the gala marked the start of a new partnership between BMAC and BOMESI.

“When you have a new artist, you want to break your artist; you call Black-owned media, you call small media, you call regional media. But when they blow up, you don’t call us anymore. Together, we can change that. We hope with our partnership, we can foster long-term sustainability and growth for not just the music industry but also Black-owned media. Without us, a lot of voices aren’t heard, and who tells our story better than we tell our story,” BOMESI co-founder Devon Johnson said. 

Now in its third year, the BMAC Awards gala celebrates the business and creative minds behind the music that moves us. It’s a chance to shine a spotlight on the contributions of Black artists and industry leaders, not only to the music industry but to the broader world. The BMAC Awards endeavor to affirm that the influence of Black music transcends mere notes and beats, undeniably imprinting a lasting mark on the global stage.

“I started activism when I was 13 years old. Never did I think at 45 I would have to be part of an organization that still pushing for equality in this nation, still trying to get this country to live up to its promise, but I will say I’m extremely proud that we were able to keep our commitment that we made in 2020, to hold people accountable, to ensure that commitments that they made, wouldn’t die,” BMAC co-founder and chair Willie “Prophet” Stiggers said reflecting on the work of BMAC. “So while others turned the volume down, I am very proud that we are able to keep the volume up.”

BMAC assembled numerous music artists, executives, creatives, and influential figures, all gathering on the BMAC Black carpet to pay tribute to the honorees and the essence of Black music.

Honorees included:

– BMAC Clarence Avant Trailblazer Award – Sylvia Rhone (Chairwoman and CEO of Epic Records), Jermaine Dupri (Hip-hop artist, award-winning producer, songwriter, author, DJ and CEO of So So Def)

– BMAC Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award – Lizzo (GRAMMY Award-winning, Emmy Award-winning superstar singer, songwriter, rapper and actress)

– BMAC Social Impact Award – Keke Palmer (actress, singer, songwriter and producer), Dr. Menna Demessie (SVP, Universal Music Group and Executive Director, Task Force for Meaningful Change), and Jesse Collins (Emmy Award-winning producer)

– BMAC Change Agent Award – Jason Flom (Co-Founder and CEO of Lava for Good) and Trae tha Truth (Rapper and activist)

– BMAC 365 Award – Tariq Cherif and Matt Zingler (Rolling Loud Co-Founders)

Versatile talent Keke Palmer expressed her joy that she received recognition for both her artistry and her societal influence as she was honored with the BMAC Social Impact Award.

“The fact that I can use my art to also uplift and impact someone in a positive way that’s more than I could ask for. That’s what I always knew at the beginning of my career. My parents always introduced me to people [who] use their platform for things other than themselves, whether it be Muhammad Ali or Ruby Dee, Ossie Davis, Eartha Kitt. I was always shown that if you’re an artist, yeah, do your art, do your work, but also speak to something that you care about, whatever it may be.”

Witness more moments from the 2023 Black Music Action Coalition Awards gala by watching our video above.

This article BMAC Gala Honors Icons And Advocates In Black Music And Media was originally published on HerAgenda.com

The Black Owned Media Equity and Sustainability Institute (BOMESI) hosted its second Black Owned Media Weekend June 16-19 in Tulsa, OK.

The three-day conference was held at the Tulsa Club Hotel, a beautiful, gilded historic 1920s hotel in the heart of Tulsa’s Art Deco district, and the Agora Event Center, uniting Black media owners and publishers on Juneteenth weekend to network, learn, and connect.

The conference speakers and panelists offered valuable insights on business and career advancement strategies for media professionals, creatives, and publishers, covering topics including how-tos on monetization, automation systems, effective communication, marketing and management, partnership acquisition, and Black storytelling in LGBTQ media. 

Esteemed speakers were in the building, including keynote speaker, Eboni K. Williams, an attorney and TV host; award-winning podcasters Mandii B and Dustin Ross; C. Zawadi Morris, founder of BK Reader; Ryan Mitchell, TV music and culture commentator; Melanie Figueiredo of URL Media; and Alfred Edmond Jr., entrepreneur, host, and senior vice president and executive editor at Black Enterprise. 

There were also amazing fireside and breakout chats, where media professionals and executives talked about topics including the experiences of media owners with brands and agencies, maximizing revenue through unique opportunities, and protecting your brand in the age of AI with industry leaders, with icons including Nehemiah Frank, founder and editor-in-chief of The Black Wall Street Times; TV personality and host Nicole Ellis; Greg Watkins, co-founder of AllHipHop.com; comedian and content creator, Antonio “Tony” Neville; Sherell Dorsey, serial entrepreneur and speaker; and Felicia Palmer, founder of 4Control Media and SOHH.com, and more.

In addition, attendees enjoyed a visit the Black Wall Street Liquid Lounge, a Black-owned coffee shop and meeting center in Tulsa’s historic Greenwood district—home to the Black Wall Street legacy of Black business success in the region— as well as tours of the Greenwood Rising Black Wall Street History Center and the Black Wall Street Times.

There was also a lot of fun involved, including a closing reception, where the BOMESI Accelerator cohort graduates were acknowledged, cocktail hours, catered lunch, and opportunities to enjoy the local Black-owned greatness in the local area.

Sponsors and co-sponsors for the conference included General Motors (GM), Kargo, the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies, Build In Tulsa, Undertone, Lyft, and Pernod Ricard.

BOMESI was founded by DéVon Christopher Johnson, CEO and founder of Bleu Magazine, and Rhonesha Byng, CEO and founder of Her Agenda, in June 2020 to advocate for the advancement of Black-owned media businesses and to inform and enlighten the public about the importance of supporting Black-owned media through dynamic action.  The organization also offers resources to support Black publishers and media owners.

For more information on BOMESI, visit their website or follow them on Instagram @supportblackownedmedia.

This article Black Publishers And Creatives Celebrate Advocacy And Excellence At Black Owned Media Weekend was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Marketer, mentor, and podcast host Aliza Licht joined #HerAgendaLive to share her tips and strategies on how to best communicate your personal brand to the world. After 17 years of working in fashion, PR, and corporate education, Aliza moved on to create her own multi-media brand and consultancy, ‘Leave Your Mark’, where she now helps businesses and professionals stand out in an ever-changing work environment and fierce competition.

In the #HerAgendaLive interview, the “On Brand” author joins marketing consultant Emmelie De La Cruz in a conversation covering everything from how to balance social media’s different platforms and key insights including the exercise of matching self-reflection with public perception, and how repetition can boost your brand. 

“Waiting around for someone to notice you’re good at what you do isn’t a strategy. Everyone should think about personal branding in terms of [reflecting on whether] your self-reflection matches public perception.  This is one of the first mental gymnastics exercises in the book,” she explains.

And she gives a sound perspective on how to think about promoting yourself on social media: “In the book, I bring in expert contributors on certain topics and Dorie Clark is my expert on communication. And she says it’s so well that I don’t even need to mince her words, but no one is thinking about you. Literally, no one is thinking about you. You may think you’ve told your friends what you’re doing. You posted on Instagram one time [so you think] everybody knows, nobody knows because no one’s thinking about you. So you need to do the work to re-message in new and interesting ways over and over again because repetition is reputation.”

Watch the full interview of our Instagram Live in the video for more life-changing tips on growing your brand.

This article ‘Repetition Is Reputation’ Aliza Licht Shares Key Insights On Personal Branding, Social Media And Her New Book ‘On Brand’ was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Morra Aarons-Mele is on a mission to prove that achievement doesn’t have to stop with anxiety.

While anxiety disorders are among the most common mental illnesses in the world, anxiety is still a hidden problem in the workplace. Aarons-Mele has created a portfolio to challenge these norms and how we think about anxiety.

The host of “The Anxious Achiever,” a top-10 management podcast that helps people rethink the relationship between their mental health and their leadership, and author of the newly released book, The Anxious Achiever: Turn Your Biggest Fears into Your Leadership Superpower, joined Her Agenda to share her insights on how to continue the path of achievement while embracing anxiousness.

As someone who has struggled with mental health issues, she shared exactly why she chose to study anxiety and shared practical tips and strategies to help ambitious people continue to thrive. She also walked us through the journey of turning anxiety into a superpower and how other leaders across various industries have done the same.

“Whether you’re experiencing anxiety for the first time or have been battling it for years, The Anxious Achiever will help you turn your stress and worries into a source of strength for yourself, your career, and the people you lead.”

You can find out more about Aarons-Mele and the work she’s doing online and on social media via LinkedIn and Twitter. You can also listen to her podcast, “The Anxious Achiever.”

If you would like to access more exclusive Her Agenda content, become a Her Agenda INSIDER today!

This article Author Morra Aarons-Mele Talks How To Channel Anxiety For Achievement was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Actress, TV personality, and entrepreneur Vanessa Simmons joined #HerAgendaLive to talk about balancing motherhood with her acting career, prioritizing self-care, and her new role as brand ambassador for award-winning skincare brand Buttah Skin. Buttah Skin is an organic, cruelty-free, and unisex skincare favorite among dedicated beauty aficionados and celebs alike including Beyoncè, 2Chainz and Simmons herself.

During the #HerAgendaLive, the Games People Play actress shared details on her new brand partnership, including revealing her holy grail Buttah Skin products, and how skincare is a pivotal pillar in her comprehensive self-care routine. Additionally, Her Agenda Insiders heard more about Simmons’ lifelong passion for acting, her upcoming television and film projects, and how she prioritizes her most cherished role of all time, mother to her preteen daughter. Viewers were able to ask Simmons questions about her favorite products, her motherhood journey, how she navigates life being the child of a celebrity and much more.

If you would like to access more exclusive Her Agenda content, become a Her Agenda INSIDER today!

Watch the playback of our #HerAgendaLive in the video above for more gems from our exclusive conversation with Simmons.

This article Vanessa Simmons Talks Self-Care Secrets, Motherhood, And Legacy was originally published on HerAgenda.com

The number of small businesses owned by women is growing rapidly, empowering more female entrepreneurs to make their mark. While success is no easy feat – one important pillar in building your business is your branding. A strong, unique brand identity is essential for female-led small businesses as it creates a memorable and distinctive image, setting them apart from their competitors in the same industry.

To learn more about the importance of branding for women-owned businesses, we had the opportunity to speak with a branding expert, Chelsea Krost.

Krost is a mindset marketing coach, personal branding expert, top-performing LinkedIn Learning instructor, global teacher, but her favorite title is mom. She has worked extensively with entrepreneurs as well as built her own business from the ground up.

During our Power Hour chat, the intimate experience was a great opportunity to learn from Krost, who has more than 15 years of career experience.

We delved into how she created her brand, the importance of creating a strong brand identity as a professional and a business owner, how branding can help businesses stand out in today’s crowded marketplace and so many valuable insights.

She revealed the exact thought process, branding framework, tips, and strategies that she uses for herself and her clients.

Overall, the interview shed light on the crucial role that branding plays in the success of entrepreneurs and provided valuable advice for those looking to build a strong and effective brand identity for their business. Moreover, we walked away with actionable tips to get started right now.

If you would like to access more exclusive Her Agenda content, become a Her Agenda INSIDER today!

You can find out more about Chelsea Krost and the work she’s doing online or via social media – LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube.

This article Unlocking The Power Of Personal Branding With Chelsea Krost was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Film Independent recently hosted the 38th annual Spirit Awards, its largest annual celebration amplifying the unique, diverse, and original voices and visions of independent storytellers.

Guests gathered under a majestic tent on Santa Monica Pier donning an array of eclectic styles from ball gowns, colorful sequins, bold feathers and comfy sneakers to salute the independent films and filmmakers that are too often overshadowed by big-budget Hollywood blockbusters. Quinta Brunson, Taylour Paige, Effie T. Brown, Michelle Yeoh, Stephanie Hsu, Kamillion of Issa Rae’s HBO comedy, Rap Sh*t, and Spirit Award nominee Gabrielle Union were all in attendance.

“[My role in this film] literally changed my life. It forced me to examine some of the darker parts of my psyche that I, you know, I had thought I dealt with. So it changed me as a human being. It changed me as a woman, as a mother and certainly changed my career. It showed me I could do it and it showed the world I could do it,” Union told Her Agenda, describing her performance in independent film, “The Inspection.”

Union is one of many women the Spirit Awards highlighted this year. In fact, for the first time in Spirit Awards history, acting categories were gender neutral, with the former separate lead and supporting actor and actress categories being replaced by the ten-nominee Best Lead and Best Supporting Performance awards. At this year’s show, women dominated these categories with Ayo Edibiri winning Best Supporting Performance in a New Scripted Series for FX’s The Bear, Quinta Brunson for Best Lead Performance in a New Scripted Series for Abbott Elementary, and Michelle Yeoh Best Lead Performance for “Everything Everywhere All At Once.”

Watch more of Gabrielle Union’s interview along with other Spirit Awards highlights from the red carpet in our video above.

This article Gabrielle Union Talks Role In Indy Film ‘The Inspection’ And The Power Of Women was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Actress Meagan Good is reprising her role as Darla in “Shazam! Fury of the Gods,” the 12th installment in the DC Universe. The film hits theaters on March 17, and it is the follow-up to “Shazam!” which was released in 2019.

“Shazam! Fury of the Gods” continues the story of teenage Billy Batson who, upon reciting the magic word, “Shazam!,” is transformed into his adult superhero alter ego. Billy’s foster siblings, including Good’s character, Darla, have also gained incredible superhuman abilities upon yelling the name “Shazam.” For Darla, that meant superhuman strength, speed, reflexes and the power of flight. In the sequel, when the daughters of Atlas surface and threaten to destroy the world and take back Shazam’s powers, the siblings must rise up to protect those that they love.

In this Her Agenda interview, “Shazam! Fury of the Gods” star Meagan Good talks about the power of playing a superhero, dream roles, her path to directing, advice she would give her younger self and much more.

This article Meagan Good Talks ‘Shazam! Fury Of The Gods’ And The Power Of Playing A Superhero was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Homeownership means freedom and independence for millennial women, but the process can be difficult and discouraging. That doesn’t mean homeownership isn’t attainable. It just means you need the right mindset and resources to achieve it.

On December 1st, Her Agenda partnered with Bank of America for a virtual event aimed at simplifying and demystifying the homeownership process for career-oriented, multicultural women.

The event was hosted by actress, digital personality, and newly licensed realtor Africa Miranda and featured a panel of homeowners who shared their journeys to inspire more women to make the leap.

It kicked off with an informational session on Bank of America’s Community Homeownership Commitment, presented by Kathy Cummings, Bank of America’s Senior Vice President, Home Loans Fair Lending/CRA Strategy and Strategic Executive, who also moderated the panel discussion that followed.

The panel featured Bank of America’s Senior Vice President, Community Banking Strategy Executive Shannah Stephens, entrepreneur Nailah Ellis, and real estate broker Egypt Sherrod.

“Real estate is the foundation of wealth and ownership is where it’s at,” Egypt said. “When people are armed with knowledge and they feel like [they] can do this, they have the courage to move forward.”

As we head into uncertain economic times with rising interest rates and inflation, many wonder if now is not the right time to buy. But if potential buyers take the right steps, they can find the power to change their lives for the better.

Here’s what our experts and panelists want you to know when considering buying your first home.

Homeownership Is About Freedom

Nailah shared that her journey had been centered around freedom. She started it when she was still working on her business, Ellis Island Tea, selling out of the trunk of her car on the streets of Detroit.

At the time, it was difficult for her to prove her income, so she had to purchase her first home with cash. It wasn’t until about a year ago that she got approved for her first mortgage after growing her company to become the largest black-owned beverage company and listing herself as a W2 employee.

“It just feels good, more than anything, to be a homeowner,” she said.

Her mortgage payment ended up being half of what her rent used to be. Because of homeownership, she ended up with more cash on hand to use or invest.

Homeownership Is About Growing Your Wealth

Egypt has been in the game for over 20 years. Before she was a homeowner, she was a real estate investor. She saw firsthand how homeowners were able to grow their wealth by buying and knew she had to get in on it.

“I was young, in my 20s. I didn’t think that I needed to purchase a house of my own,” Egypt said.

But she figured it was better than spending $3,600 every month on rent.

Egypt ended up building $120,000 in equity on her first home, which was more than her salary. This inspired her to get her license and start encouraging others to invest in real estate.

Homeownership Is About Independence

Shannah’s journey to homeownership was one of empowerment. When she purchased her first home, she was a single woman, breaking the myth that you need to be in a committed relationship to be a homeowner. And it felt great.

“Not only did I own these four walls, but I did it on my own,” Shannah said.

Her first home wasn’t her dream home, but it was a great way to start building equity and investing in her future.

Is Now The Right Time to Buy?

The most common concern that’s holding people back from buying is the rise in interest rates. That’s understandable! Folks don’t want to bite off more than they can chew. But this panel wants everyone to know that if they don’t take the risk, they will regret it.

“If interest rates continue to climb, as some say they’re going to do, you’re going to wish for the opportunity to have gotten in now when interest rates are what they are,” Egypt said.

She also pointed out that if interest rates do fall, you could refinance your home.

Kathy said that homeownership offers more stability in the long run. “The most common regret [people have is they] didn’t do it sooner.”

She also pointed out that according to iProperty Management, average rent prices have increased 8.85% per year since 1980, outpacing wage inflation. If you continue to rent, you will lose money in the long run.

“If your options are renting versus buying, why would you not buy?” Nailah said.

What Resources Are Available?

If you feel like you’re ready to buy but are unsure about finances, Bank of America has programs in place to help relieve you of some burdens.

In April 2019, they introduced the Bank of America Community Homeownership Commitment®. Since then, the company granted nearly $10 billion in affordable lending to 38,000 homeowners, according to Kathy. It also provided $370 million in down payment and closing costs.

“We at Bank of America would love to assist you with your homebuying journey and make the connection for you,” Kathy said.

The journey to homeownership doesn’t need to be confusing. You just need to have the right mindset going into it and a willingness to use the resources around you to buy your first home and build toward your dream life.

[Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Bank of America as part of our series Property and Power: The Millennial Woman’s Guide To Homeownership — What Every Woman Needs On Her Agenda To Make Smart Decisions. Catch up on the full series here.]

This article [VIDEO] Building Generational Wealth Through Homeownership was originally published on HerAgenda.com

“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” hits theaters on November 11, and the anticipation frenzy has been real. The first film in the “Black Panther” franchise was an enormous hit, grossing $700 million at the domestic box office and earning an Oscar nominations.

In this Her Agenda interview, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” newcomers Mabel Cadena and Alex Livinalli discussed preparing for the film, Black and Latinx representation, Chadwick Boseman’s impact, and more.

Watch the video above to see what they had to say and share in the moment.

This article Watch: ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Newcomers Discuss Working On The Film was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Excitement for “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” which hits theaters on November 11, is stratospheric. The first film in the “Black Panther” franchise was one of the biggest hits in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, grossing $700 million at the domestic box office and $1.3 billion worldwide. It also became the first comic-book movie nominated for best picture at the Oscars.

“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” will follow as the titular fictional nation attempts to move on after the death of Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa, in what is no doubt a story of art imitating life given the actor’s passing. Boseman died in 2020 after a private battle with colon cancer.

“Taking on a sequel was definitely in the cards of course from the jump… but, you know, the loss of our leader, our king, our brother Chadwick…I was too consumed with that to even think about the sequel component,” actress Danai Gurira told us in a Her Agenda interview.

The sequel, which pits the nation of Wakanda against Namor and the undersea nation of Talokan, stars Gurira, Letitia Wright, Lupita Nyong’o, Winston Duke, Dominique Thorne, Florence Kasumba, Michaela Coel, Tenoch Huerta, Mabel Cadena, Alex Livinalli, Martin Freeman and Angela Bassett.

Watch above as we chat more with Gurira to learn more about her experience on the project and the continued legacy of the franchise.

This article ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Star Danai Gurira Talks The Next Chapter was originally published on HerAgenda.com

LisaRaye McCoy has tapped into her director skills, once again, for The Pink Fight, a breast cancer awareness film starring boxer and acting newbie Claressa Shields.

In partnership with MegaMind Media and BET Her, The Pink Fight centers on a young woman named Tomeka (who is a boxer). She is the picture of great health on the surface, however, she quickly learns that sometimes good health isn’t enough to avoid the pitfalls of breast cancer, which can be hereditary. Upon being reminded that her mother died of breast cancer and that she has the chance to empower herself through early detection, she conquers her fear of going for a checkup after feeling a lump in one of her breasts.

“This is [BET Her’s] fourth season—fourth year—of partnering up with MegaMind Productions, spearheaded by Tressa Smallwood, that has given Black female directors an opportunity to be able to spread breast cancer awareness,” LisaRaye tells Her Agenda. “Being a Susan G. Komen ambassador years ago — my family has been attacked by breast cancer. Some survived, some did not. I’ve run my first 5k marathon due to breast cancer awareness, so when the opportunity came and I read the script and saw that it was about a boxer, I took to social media. I knew about Claressa [and that if I could get her], it would set my project aside from everybody else’s.”

The Pink Fight, which premiered on Oct. 8, is part of BET’s “Her Stories” series, which focuses on women-centered short films created by Black women filmmakers. (Actress Tichina Arnold also made her directorial debut via the series).

Watch the interview above with Her Agenda host Starr Rocque, actress LisaRaye McCoy, and boxer Claressa Shields, and check out more on the film series via BET Her.

This article Watch: LisaRaye McCoy And Claressa Shields Team Up For ‘The Pink Fight’ was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Iconic actress Tichina Arnold steps behind the camera in her directorial debut, Oh Baby Baby!, premiering October 8 on BET Her.

In partnership with executive producer Tressa Azarel Smallwood of MegaMindMedia, the BET Her release focuses on a high-fashion entrepreneur trying to conceive a child when she is blindsided by developing breast cancer from IVF estrogen treatment. When Smallwood contacted Arnold about directing the film, Arnold seized the opportunity.

“The selling point for me was when Tressa told me that this is her ministry. This is how she gives back and that’s how I [view] my career,” Arnold said. “God blessed me with different gifts and entertaining is one of them. To be able to explore new avenues like directing [and] to be able to be a part of a project like this that will live forever and that will help somebody… It was the perfect project for my ministry.”

Dedicated to telling stories that support and celebrate Black women in front of and behind the camera as well as bringing awareness to important issues directly affecting the Black community, Smallwood spearheads the Health Initiatives under the “Her Stories” banner, which spotlights women-centered short films and Black women filmmakers.

Arnold and Smallwood chatted with Her Agenda host, Lauren Mayo, about creating movie magic, navigating womanhood, and the importance of spreading breast cancer awareness in October and all year long.

Watch the interview above and be sure to tune in to the premiere of Oh Baby Baby! on Saturday, October 8 at 10 pm ET on BET Her.

This article Watch: Actress Tichina Arnold Talks Directorial Debut For Breast Cancer Awareness Film was originally published on HerAgenda.com

TV reporter turned in-demand social media strategist to the stars, Katie Love, joined #HerAgendaLive to discuss how businesses and brands can best leverage TikTok. The Love Social Media owner and founder saw how women in business were underestimated, undervalued, and pushed aside. Combining a desire to center women’s voices with the idea that social media can create positive relationships, Love Social Media was born to help women-led brands reach their larger business goals.

When asked for the secret sauce to growing on TikTok in 2022, Love shares the importance of niche-ing down, understanding your audience, and utilizing editing apps to elevate content and consistency. She addresses how to pitch to both brands and influencers and her tried and true formula for setting fair rates.

Watch the playback of our Instagram Live in the video above for more gems from Love and learn how you can get a free social media audit from Love Social Media.

This article Social Media Strategist Shares How To Grow On TikTok In 2022 was originally published on HerAgenda.com

#HerAgendaLive with Nikki Lynette: Her Agenda INSIDER Lauren Clark speaks with Nikki Lynette about mental health, self-care, self-love, and strategies for turning towards positivity and light in this live chat.

Nikki Lynette is a Chicago-based performer, writer, and visual artist who proudly advocates for mental health awareness and advocacy in her art and life.

This article Creativity & Mental Health Chat With Nikki Lynette was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Award-winning entrepreneur, author, Founder/CEO of SWAAY Media, and published scientist, Iman Oubou joined #HerAgendaLive to discuss her journey of writing her book “The Glass Ledge: How to Break Through Self-Sabotage, Embrace Your Power and Create Your Success.” She shares that the work is an addition to her pre-existing efforts to create an inclusive space to champion women’s voices.

She talks about the diaspora of professional growth and self-reflection for women while challenged by existing external barriers in their career development. In her book, Oubou portrays the overarching themes of internalized oppression and self-sabotage that can pivot career shifts.

Through this book and her company initiatives, she hopes to help women entrepreneurs to build or rebuild themselves after the pandemic and the #MeToo movement.

This article Award-Winning Entrepreneur Shares Insights On Overcoming Internalized Oppression, Embracing Our Power was originally published on HerAgenda.com

In this edition of Her Agenda Live we chat with Erica Cobb who is a talented television host and social commentator and podcast host for the acclaimed weekly podcast “Comeback With Eric Cobb.” Cobb uses her podcast for individuals to share their comeback stories to inspire listeners through real-life experiences.

After learning from her comeback story, Cobb talks about her challenges from her lows during the pandemic and her journey to reclaim her career and life.

When asked for ways to recover from the pandemic, Cobb advises on self-reflection, acceptance, and accountability as ways of approach. Cobb addresses the existing gap in racial and gender equity in workplaces in light of the social movements.

This article How To Plan For Your Post-Pandemic Comeback was originally published on HerAgenda.com

In this edition of #HerAgendaLive investment banker turned fashion executive, entrepreneur, and Founder/CEO of PerfectDD, Alice Kim joined us to discuss her experience as a second-gen Korean American navigating her transition from finance into fashion and from fashion to entrepreneurship.

Kim is building an ethical and sustainable clothing company that offers high-quality, in-demand clothes for overlooked communities and talks about size inclusivity, cup inclusivity, and shape inclusivity.

Learn more in our video recap.

This article Scaling Successes Of Niche-Targeted Small Businesses was originally published on HerAgenda.com

With over 4 million Americans quitting their jobs in early 2022, one could assume that most were seeking a transition in their career amid the global pandemic and civil unrest. This phenomenon coined the term “the Great Reshuffle,” which has accounted for emerging novel small businesses, entrepreneurial establishments, and corporate and career independence for flexibility and better work opportunities.

To understand and navigate the career shifts over this period, Her Agenda hosted the visionary and founder of I Choose the Ladder, Watchen Nyanue. Nyanue has previously been part of the Chicago Sky WNBA, Little Doebahyou, U4G Group LLC/Unite4Good, Johnson Publishing Company, Yahoo, Hearst Digital Media, Comedy Central, and AIA Studios, contributing to strategic marketing and career development. She has been effortlessly working to promote the cultural importance of diversity in corporate spaces to help bridge the gap between black women climbing the corporate ladder and corporations.

Here are some tips identified by Nyanue to assess new career pathways in the Great Reshuffle:

Assessing your interests: A common catalyst of the Great Reshuffle was individuals recognizing they could create a healthier and better work environment for themselves by actually setting a path on their interests. To make this transition successful, one needs to assess what they are passionate about, what skill sets they have to offer to create an outcome out of this passion, and identify the approach to execute it. One also needs to have a clear vision of why this shift is needed for their professional development and what was initially lacking in their previous role.

Networking is key: The best way to create any opportunities is by tapping into your own networks. If you haven’t already, Networking 101 is connecting with individuals that have similar interests, career paths, or positions that you aspire to have. Various platforms are available, one such being LinkedIn, where you can tap into a web of connections based on your interests. Tap into the array of companies that have similar values and work culture you are seeking, and reach out to their recruiters. Although not the most efficient way, the Great Reshuffle is a product of hired professionals acquiring most positions through networking. So don’t hold back, send that email/message to that one professional you aspire to learn from.

How to excel in a job interview: Job interviews can be intimidating. While it is probably your second or third interview of the day or the week, the hiring manager does interviews way more frequently. So how does one stand out? Understand that you are your best advocate. Vouch for yourself. Leverage all the skillsets you have acquired. Identify your strengths and achievements. Find out your “career story,” and establish what value you bring to the company. The job recruiting process is a coherent path, be respectful, affirmative, and inquisitive. Ask well-rounded questions that are designed for you to make an informed decision about why this position is different from your previous one.

Negotiating your salary: Salary expectations can be a pivotal factor in securing a role. Before approaching HR, assess a plan and reasoning to clarify the change. Do your research from various platforms (eg. glassdoor, indeed, etc), and calibrate what other companies offer. Further, identify your responsibilities at the workplace and in correspondence identify if you are being compensated for the duties. Think through what the market dictates, and how you stack up from your peers, and individuals in higher positions than you. Collect receipts and credibility of reasonings to warrant the salary increase.

This article #HerAgendaLive The Great Reshuffle: Finding Career Success In Today’s Landscape With Watchen Nyanue was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Black culture is world culture.

Juneteenth is more than a celebration of African American freedom in the United States. Juneteenth is a celebration of Black excellence, advancement, and achievement. In honor of the national holiday, the 30th Anniversary Bounce Trumpet Awards aired Juneteenth, Sunday, June 19, at 7 p.m. ET. Her Agenda attended the taping of the award show at the historic Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California earlier this year.

“It’s fitting that we will honor Black excellence and achievement on a day that is a commemoration of such a significant moment in our history as African Americans,” said Cheryle Harrison, head of Bounce.

On the red carpet proceeding the event, Trumpet Awards founder Xernona Clayton, spoke of the historical significance of the award show and the contagious joy that filled the theatre among the dynamic honorees, performers, and attendees.

“Good stories, wonderful contributions of African Americans, that’s what I’m hoping for tonight,” Clayton told Her Agenda.

The 2022 Bounce Trumpet Awards honored Courtney B. Vance (Excellence in Entertainment Award), Stan Lathan (Living Legend Award), Zaila Avant-garde (Rising Star Award), Raphael Warnock, and Jon Ossoff (Xernona Clayton Award of Distinction), Princess Sarah Culberson (Impact Award). In addition to public figures, several leading business professionals and executives were in attendance including Forbes 50 Champion and 2022 Woman of The Year Tamaira “Miss Tee” Sandifer.

When asked what advice she would share with Her Agenda’s readers, Sandifer spoke of the necessity of perseverance.

“You have dreams, goals [and] desires,” Sandifer said. “Don’t quit. Never let them go and don’t be moved by time. Whatever you’re doing, it’s a process and the process is designed to build the woman, not get you to a destination, so as long as you are building you, wherever you land, you will succeed.”

See more of the highlights and gems dropped at the 2022 Bounce Trumpet Award in our video above.

This article Bounce Trumpet Award Show Honors Black Excellence On Juneteenth was originally published on HerAgenda.com

In Southwest Philadelphia, Sheena Crenshaw grew up in a home with a large, loving extended family. But when the family suffered from a foreclosure, Sheena became determined to find a home she could call her own.

Her only problem was that she knew very little about homeownership. “My thinking process was how do I position myself to live in a place where if I want to leave or if I want to stay, it is on my own terms, and it’s not determined by a lease,” she shares.

In 2020 – after taking a homebuyer’s class and saving some reserves – Sheena found a home that checked off all her boxes. The moment she walked through the doors with her real estate agent, she felt a sense of family and community. Sheena went on to purchase the home with a mortgage from Bank of America and became a first-time homebuyer.

“Buying a house, it’s super stressful,” Sheena said, “even though I had the homebuyer’s class […] I still had questions.”

Her Bank of America lender was always available to answer those questions, and by using resources provided by Bank of America’s Community Homeownership Commitment®, Sheena was able to receive a grant to assist with her down payment and closing costs. These resources were the determining factors in her buying a home sooner, rather than waiting another two or three years.

“Being able to actually get the home right, to call it my own, it kind of opens up a door,” she said, “I felt like more things were possible.”

However, to Sheena, the number one priority was having a stable home for her daughter.

“I’m thinking, too, about what it means to have generational wealth, to leave something for my daughter,” she said.

“Home buying is definitely a collective effort,” she said, “from the support I got from folks at the homebuyer’s class, from friends, from Bank of America, as well. All of that was essential in the process. I really could not have done it alone, and honestly, wouldn’t have wanted to do it alone.”

Hear more about Sheena’s inspiring story in our video interview.

This article is sponsored by Bank of America as part of our series Property and Power: The Millennial Woman’s Guide To Homeownership — What Every Woman Needs On Her Agenda To Make Smart Decisions. The words and opinions expressed are those of the author and the sources named.

Qualified borrowers must meet eligibility requirements including, but not limited to, being owner-occupants, meeting certain qualifying income limitations and purchasing a home within a certain geographical area. Minimum combined loan-to-value must be greater than or equal to 80%. The america’s home grant program is a lender credit. Program funds can only be used for nonrecurring closing costs including title insurance, recording fees, and in certain situations, discount points may be used to lower the interest rate. The grant cannot be applied toward a down payment, prepaid items or recurring costs, such as property taxes and insurance. Borrowers cannot receive program funds as cashback. Maximum income and loan amount limits apply. The home loan must fund with bank of america. Bank of america may change or discontinue the america’s home grant program or any portion of it without notice. Not available with all loan products, please ask for details.

Qualified borrowers must meet eligibility requirements such as being owner-occupants and purchasing a home within a certain geographical area. Maximum income and loan amount limits apply. Minimum combined loan-to-value must be greater than or equal to 80%. Program funds can be applied toward down payment only. Borrowers cannot receive program funds as cashback in excess of earnest money deposits. The down payment grant program may be considered taxable income, a 1099-misc will be issued, consult with your tax advisor. May be combined with other offers. The home loan must fund with bank of america. Down payment grant may only be applied once to an eligible mortgage/property, regardless of the number of applicants. Bank of america may change or discontinue the bank of america down payment grant program or any portion of it without notice. Not available with all loan products, please ask for details.

This article (Watch) From Dream To Reality: A New Homeowner’s Journey was originally published on HerAgenda.com

The process of becoming a homeowner can be as intimidating as it is exciting, but that doesn’t mean homeownership is impossible or unattainable.

On November 4, Her Agenda partnered with Bank of America for a virtual event aimed at educating career-oriented, multicultural women on how they can achieve their dream of homeownership.

The event featured a workshop presented by Bank of America experts Cheryl Davis, SVP Neighborhood and Community Lending Production Manager, and Maria Serravalle, VP Neighborhood and Community Lending Business Development.

The workshop was followed by a panel featuring four-time Emmy-winning journalist Mara Schiavocampo, real estate broker Tricia Lee, and lifestyle influencer Mattie James, who discussed the journey of buying a home.

“Homeownership should never be a mystery,” said Davis. “The journey to homeownership should never feel overwhelming.”

It’s no secret that the benefits of homeownership are abundant. You can build equity by paying down your mortgage, feel the satisfaction of stability, take advantage of the freedom that comes with owning your own home, and enjoying tax benefits as mortgage interest may be deductible.

You may be asking yourself, “When is the right time to buy?” Well, there is not a right or wrong answer to this question – it really depends on your personal circumstances and your homeownership journey. Here’s what our experts and panelists want you to know when considering buying your first home.

Know Where You’re At And Know Where You Want To Be 

Before you dive into your journey, you need to analyze your “why” versus your “why not.” Your intentions need to be clear before making this exciting decision.

Next, you need to determine if you are ready – Is the timing right? Do you have the finances, the credit? Ask yourself all the questions!

“It’s like the personal intervention or the personal feeling that comes with making that decision on whether or not you’re in a position to buy,” said Davis. “[Ask yourself] ‘Am I strong enough in my career, and is my business thriving, that I could take full advantage of the benefits that homeownership will bring?’”

Perhaps the most important step to setting your goal is taking yourself seriously as a potential homeowner. Setting this goal may make you feel like you are dreaming, but you need to realize that this dream is attainable.

“I think what happens is, you’re like, ‘Ah, I probably don’t get it, or this is probably going to be hard,’” said James. “And yeah, it will be hard because it is a big decision in your life. But I think you should take yourself seriously just as you’re taking this process seriously because you are the homeowner and that’s a really exciting process.”

Once you have these questions answered and you have a set goal, it is time to start preparing for the next steps in your path to homeownership.

Preparing For The Process

Lee said that the one thing she regretted when she bought her first home was not preparing for the journey at least a year in advance.

“Not being prepared when you’re purchasing a home just adds another layer of stress to the process that’s not needed,” she said. “It can be avoided.”

The most important things to prepare are your finances. You need to analyze the cost of maintenance and repairs, the price of the property, and any property tax you’ll need to pay.

“We’re always looking at numbers,” said James. “You have to be aware of the numbers and understand what’s going on.”

Something that will help you prepare is making sure you are surrounded by people knowledgeable about the homebuying process. The person that you will most likely be in contact with the most during this process is your real estate broker. Choose someone who knows what they’re doing, someone who you trust with your dream.

Your lending officer can also help, pointing you towards grants and low down payment loans that make obtaining a mortgage loan easier. For example, Bank of America has a Community Homeownership Commitment® of $15 billion devoted to helping more than 60,000 individuals and families purchase homes through 2025 by providing educational resources and expertise, grant programs, and affordable mortgages.

Surrounding yourself with good people also means cutting out voices that try to make you doubt your ability to become a homeowner, especially if they haven’t owned a home themselves.

“Don’t talk to people who haven’t done it,” said Lee. “You have to talk to people who aren’t intimidated by the process.”

Passing On Generational Wealth

Homeownership can be a key to building personal wealth and is one of the most effective ways to build a financial foundation for future generations.

In fact, purchasing a home can offer folks a variety of ways to build their personal and familial wealth over time. These may include writing off interest on taxes or making additional principal payments along with the mortgage to increase the equity in your investment at a faster rate. Plus, there is always the possibility of the property value going up over time.

Once the initial process of buying a home is accomplished, you’ll be left with a new source of possible wealth accumulation, and ultimately, greater financial security that you can pass down to future generations. And the longer you’re in your home, the more equity you may be able to generate to achieve your life goals.

Enjoying The Journey

As one of the event attendees noted, “[I’m learning that] homeownership is a journey and process, and to fall in love with [the journey].”

No matter where you are in your journey – from just considering homeownership to a long-time homeowner – the path to homeownership can be complex and overwhelming. But with the right tools and guidance, you can be well on your way to achieving your dream of owning a home.

[Editor’s note: This article is produced in partnership with Bank of America. Catch up on the full Property and Power series here.]

This article [VIDEO] Power, Legacy And Security: Achieving Homeownership For Millennial Women, Property And Power Virtual Panel Recap was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Her Agenda is an award-winning digital media platform bridging the gap between ambition and achievement for millennial women. We aim to universalize the motto of No one Ever Slows Her Agenda through our platform.

Her Agenda provides inspiration through the stories of real women who are succeeding in their industry while also highlighting the information and resources needed to achieve that success. Resources include the latest in events, scholarships, conferences, internships and job opportunities for young women to reach their full potential. The goal is to empower women to never allow anything to stop them from reaching their goals while providing them with the resources to overcome their challenges. The professionals featured on Her Agenda have the power to break the mold and illustrate to young women across America that if they believe it, they can achieve it. Each of our featured women are the embodiment of the No one Ever Slows Her Agenda motto within their own industries. The resources available to the members on the site can potentially put them in a position to better strategize and visualize life and career options.

This article The Story Of Her Agenda was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Emmelie De La Cruz – Entrepreneur Second-time homeowner, based in Dallas Emmelie, 30, is a marketing executive and entrepreneur who recently purchased her second home, relocating from Atlanta to Dallas.

This article #AtHomeWithHer: Homeowner Emmelie De La Cruz Shares Her Journey, Advice On Achieving This Milestone was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Her Agenda and NBC’s Young Professional Network partnered for a panel discussion entitled Mastering Your Career in Media. With the help of successful pioneers of the media industry, the event highlighted ways to navigate a budding, established, or slowly developing media career.

On the panel were some people that are already high achievers in the media world and you’ve probably already heard of them. Panelists included Val Boreland EVP Content Strategy & Acquisitions of SyFy & USA Networks, Kèla Walker Emmy-nominated Producer and T.V personality, NBCUniversal President Valari Staab ,Cristina Schwarz President and General Manager of Telemundo 47 New York and Alex Ficquette, an audience producer for Megyn Kelly TODAY.

This article #HerAgendaLive | Highlights From How To Master Your Career In Media was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Forbes follows the founder of Her Agenda for a day in the life series.

This article A Day In The Life: Her Agenda founder Rhonesha was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Homeownership is not as unattainable as it may seem, and it can prove to be extremely beneficial for millennial women.

On January 28th, Her Agenda partnered with Bank of America for a virtual event aimed at educating career-oriented, multicultural women on how they can achieve their dream of homeownership.

The event featured a workshop presented by Cheryl Davis from Bank of America, followed by a conversation with a panel featuring award-winning Real Estate Broker Egypt Sherrod, entrepreneur Tai Beauchamp and personal finance expert Tonya Rapley discussing the journey of buying a home.

“Homeownership should not be a mystery,” said Davis.

She described homeownership as an opportunity for creating wealth. There is a satisfaction that comes with having property under your name and security that you cannot achieve by simply renting.

While there is no right time to buy, now is a great time to develop your homeownership timeline. Getting started now will better prepare you for all that comes with owning a home, one of the most significant and exciting decisions you’ll make.

Here’s what our experts and panelists want you to know when considering buying your first home.

Getting Over The Initial Fear

The idea of owning a home can be intimidating, especially for young women. When media personality and entrepreneur Tai Beauchamp was 24, her uncle tried to convince her to go into homeownership. She said she was afraid to commit to such a responsibility.

Two years ago, she realized it was just like any other decision she had made in her life, and it was certainly more appealing than paying over $5,000 a month on rent in New York City. She also changed her mindset by looking at homeownership as a way to invest in her business by being intentional about her spending.

“Commitment is a muscle,” said Beauchamp. “If you choose to exercise it accordingly, when it’s time to purchase, you will do it and do it well.”

RELATED: To Buy Or Not To Buy: The Ultimate Prospective Homebuyer Question

Award-winning Real Estate Broker Egypt Sherrod said there is a fear of the unknown when it comes to homeownership. The best way to get over that fear is through thoughtful financial planning, organizing your documents and taking the process one step at a time.

“It’s just real estate. It’s not rocket science,” said Sherrod. “Rome wasn’t built in a day, so you want to set a roadmap for successfully becoming a homeowner for yourself.”

AJ Barkley, Bank of America Neighborhood Lending Executive, highlighted the importance of finding a “trusted advisor” that can help guide you through the process and answer all of your questions.

“Your trusted advisor can help make homeownership feel less intimidating,” said Barkley.

Being Financially Prepared

Personal finance expert and recent homebuyer Tonya Rapley said that the events leading up to her and her husband buying a home were a “rollercoaster.”

RELATED: Breaking Down The Myths Keeping You From Making Your Dream Home A Reality

They had to save up for the down payment and closing costs, along with the costs for moving from Los Angeles to Atlanta.

“Be financially ready for the entire experience of buying a home,” said Rapley.

To accomplish this, Beauchamp encourages potential homeowners to build a “dream team” of professionals who offer financial wisdom and counseling as soon as they can. It also helps to have open conversations on finances with close family, friends and significant others.

Bank of America provides resources for such planning through its Community Homeownership Commitment, an initiative featuring low down payment loans and grants designed to make homeownership affordable, as well as its First-Time Homebuyer Online Edu-Series, an easy-to-understand roadmap about the home buying process.

Building A Legacy

Sherrod pointed out that there are many tools that folks can utilize during homeownership to build their wealth over time. These include writing off interest on taxes or paying principal along with the mortgage, which homeowners can earn back when they sell their house. Plus, there is always the possibility of property value going up over time.

“Real estate is always going to be the foundation of wealth,” said Sherrod. “If you ask ten millionaires, they’ll tell you a great portion of their portfolio sits in real estate.”

Once the initial process of buying a home is accomplished, you are left owning a piece of land and building wealth that you can pass down to future generations. The earlier you start, the greater your legacy will be.

[Editor’s note: This article is produced in partnership with Bank of America.]

This article ‘It’s About Legacy Building’ Achieving Homeownership For Millennial Women, Property And Power Virtual Panel Recap was originally published on HerAgenda.com