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Amidst the intersection of gender and racial disparities, Black women face unique challenges in breaking through the glass ceiling and ascending to leadership positions in traditionally male-dominated industries. Despite these obstacles, countless Black women have defied the odds, shattered stereotypes, and achieved remarkable success. In this blog post, we celebrate their achievements and draw inspiration from their extraordinary journeys.

Technology

In the dynamic world of technology, Black women leaders like Ursula Burns, former CEO of Xerox, and Rosalind Brewer, CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance, have left an indelible mark. Burns, the first Black female CEO of a Fortune 500 company, and Brewer, the only Black woman currently leading a Fortune 500 company, exemplify resilience, innovation, and trailblazing leadership in the tech sector.

Finance

Moving to the financial realm, Black women such as Mellody Hobson, co-CEO of Ariel Investments, and Thasunda Brown Duckett, CEO of TIAA, have made significant strides. Hobson’s influential advocacy for diversity and inclusion in finance and Duckett’s transformative leadership in financial services underscore the invaluable contributions of Black women in shaping the industry’s landscape.

Engineering

In the field of engineering, trailblazers like Ursula M. Burns, former CEO of Xerox, and Marian Croak, Vice President of Engineering at Google, have broken barriers and blazed trails. Burns’ historic tenure as CEO and Croak’s pioneering work in telecommunications and technology exemplify the ingenuity and resilience of Black women in engineering and technology.


Science

In the realm of science, Nobel Prize-winning physicist Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson and chemist Dr. Marie Maynard Daly have made groundbreaking contributions. Dr. Jackson’s pioneering research in theoretical physics and Dr. Daly’s groundbreaking work in biochemistry exemplify the brilliance and innovation of Black women scientists.


Career Gems to Learn From:

  1. Resilience: Despite facing systemic barriers, these women persisted in pursuing their goals and refused to be deterred by adversity.
  2. Innovation: They demonstrated a willingness to challenge the status quo, innovate, and think outside the box to drive change in their industries.
  3.  Advocacy: Many of these leaders used their platforms to advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, paving the way for future generations of Black women.
  4. Continuous Learning: They embraced lifelong learning and professional development, constantly seeking opportunities to expand their skills and knowledge.
  5. Community Engagement: These women recognized the importance of giving back to their communities and uplifting others through mentorship and support.

As we reflect on the remarkable journeys of these Black women leaders, we’re reminded of the resilience, determination, and brilliance that define their paths to success. Their stories serve as beacons of inspiration, illuminating the way for future generations of Black women leaders. Let us continue to celebrate and uplift their achievements, ensuring that the glass ceiling becomes nothing more than a shattered relic of the past.

As Black History Month unfolds, it’s imperative to honor and celebrate the monumental contributions of Black women who have reshaped our world. From civil rights pioneers to trailblazing scientists, their legacies continue to inspire generations. Here are 10 remarkable Black women who have left an indelible mark on history:

Black history month

Rosa Parks

Often hailed as the “Mother of the Civil Rights Movement,” Rosa Parks’s refusal to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama, sparked a wave of protests and catalyzed the Civil Rights Movement.

Harriet Turbman

Harriet Tubman

Known as the “Moses of her people,” Harriet Tubman escaped slavery and dedicated her life to leading others to freedom through the Underground Railroad, risking her life countless times to liberate enslaved individuals.

Black History Month

Maya Angelou

Renowned poet, author, and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou‘s literary works, including “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” shed light on the African American experience and continue to resonate with readers worldwide.

Katherine Johnson

A pioneering mathematician at NASA, Katherine Johnson’s calculations were instrumental in launching the first American astronaut into space and played a crucial role in the success of the Apollo moon landing missions.

Madam C.J. Walker

As the first female self-made millionaire in America, Madam C.J. Walker revolutionized the haircare industry for Black women with her line of beauty products and empowered countless individuals through entrepreneurship.

Shirley Chisholm

A trailblazing politician, Shirley Chisholm shattered barriers as the first African American woman elected to the United States Congress and the first Black candidate for a major party’s nomination for President of the United States.

Audre Lorde

A prolific writer, poet, and feminist, Audre Lorde’s works explored themes of race, gender, and sexuality, challenging societal norms and advocating for social justice and equality.

black history month

Oprah Winfrey

From her groundbreaking talk show to her philanthropic endeavors, Oprah Winfrey has become one of the most influential figures in media and entertainment, using her platform to amplify marginalized voices and inspire millions worldwide.

Dr. Mae Jemison

As the first African American woman to travel in space, Dr. Mae Jemison broke barriers in the field of space exploration and continues to advocate for STEM education and diversity in the sciences.

Michelle Obama

As the first African American First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama championed numerous initiatives to promote health, education, and empowerment, leaving a lasting impact on communities both domestically and globally.

These remarkable Black women have left an indelible legacy, inspiring future generations to dream big, persevere in the face of adversity, and work towards a more just and equitable world. As we celebrate Black History Month, let us honor their contributions and continue to uplift their stories for generations to come.

Black female authors are breaking boundaries and sterotype beliefs associated with personal finance.

The start of a new year is a great time to invest in yourself, and one of the best ways to do that is to increase your financial literacy. Money is a powerful tool that can be used to create generational wealth, build financial security for you and your family, and avoid the pitfalls of debt that so many of us fall victim to within the black community.

If you’re ready to begin the road to financial success but are unsure where to start, you’re in the right place! In this post, we’re sharing ten books authored by black women that bring a unique perspective to personal finance and provide valuable insights on budgeting, saving money, and investing wisely.

1. The Black Girl’s Guide to Financial Freedom: Build Wealth, Retire Early, and Live the Life of Your Dreams By Paris Woods

Through a combination of personal stories and actionable advice, Woods provides a roadmap for Black women to gain financial freedom.

This book includes steps for women to take control of their money and build wealth. It also discusses managing money in relationships, increasing net worth, and building generational wealth.

2. Stripped: An African Woman’s Guide to Building  Generational Wealth by Solape Akinpelu

 

solape Akinpelu Stripped
black female authors

This book  is widely celebrated for its actionable strategies that support African women in building and managing generational wealth. The book serves to answer the burning questions and allay the commonest fears that most African women have when it comes to managing their money and building wealth. It also establishes the need for a mindset reorientation with practical guides and steps to guide African women in trans-generational wealth-building.

 

3. Get Good with Money by Tiffany the Budgetnista Aliche

This book covers investing, budgeting, debt repayment, and savings providing readers with the knowledge and tools to make informed financial decisions, create a budget, and understand their relationship with money through relatable stories and personal experiences.

black female authors

4. The One Week Budget by Tiffany the Budgetnista Aliche

This book offers a step-by-step plan to help you create a comprehensive budget tailored to your financial goals and needs in just one week.

With a straightforward approach, Aliche outlines the five steps to budgeting success: tracking, cutting, automating, increasing, and protecting. She provides detailed guidance on tracking expenses, cutting costs, automating payments, increasing income, and protecting your finances. The One Week Budget also includes helpful budgeting resources, tips, and exercises to help you stay motivated and on track.

4. We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers

In We Should All Be Millionaires, Rachel Rodgers encourages her readers to pursue financial freedom by making the most of their current resources and taking ownership of their lives.

black female authors

She argues that anyone can become a millionaire, no matter their financial situation, by taking control of their finances and using them to create a better future. Rodgers also outlines the steps to build a successful business, manage debt, and create wealth.

5. The Money Manual: A Practical Money Guide to Help You Succeed on Your Financial Journey By Tonya Rapley

This book is divided into three sections:
Building a Foundation: This section teaches the basics of financial literacy, including budgeting, saving, and planning.

Establishing Goals: This section focuses on creating and executing a plan to reach financial goals.

Taking Action: In the final section, you’ll learn how to make your financial goals a reality, including strategies for investing, debt management, and building wealth.

6. Financial Freedom for Black Women: A Girl’s Guide to Winning with Your Wealth, Career, Business, and Retiring Early —With Real Estate, Cryptocurrency, Side Hustles, Stock Market Investing, & More! by Brandie Brookes

This book addresses the unique challenges Black women face when trying to build wealth. It offers realistic advice on topics such as budgeting, investing, and building credit, as well as strategies for tackling debt and how to build generational wealth.

It also includes inspiring stories of successful Black women who have achieved financial freedom.

7. Clever Girl Finance: Ditch Debt, Save Money, and Build Wealth by Bola Sokunbi

This book is broken into three parts:

Money Mindset: Sokunbi discusses how to develop a positive relationship with money, including how to identify and change negative money thoughts and beliefs.

Get Control of Your Finances: This section focuses on money management, from budgeting and tracking expenses to setting financial goals and building an emergency fund.

Get Rich: This section covers strategies to grow wealth, such as investing, starting a side hustle, and building passive income streams.

Sokunbi also provides actionable advice, inspiring stories, and personal anecdotes to help her readers gain financial freedom.

8. Fearless Finances: A Timeless Guide to Building Wealth by Cassandra Cummings

This book covers budgeting, saving, investing, debt management, insurance, and retirement planning.

Cummings provides clear instructions and strategies to help you make smart financial decisions, overcome your fears around money, build a legacy of wealth, and achieve long-term financial security.

We hope these black female authors will inspire you to take your finances seriously this year.

Source: baucemag.com

Nijiama Smalls, Founder and CEO of The Black Girl’s Guide to Healing Emotional Wounds, is pioneering a transformative approach to tackle the distinct challenges Black women encounter in their pursuit of culturally sensitive and effective mental health support. Her visionary leadership has ushered in an innovative virtual platform that promises to redefine how Black women access essential mental and emotional health resources, with Rashida, an AI wellness coach, playing a central role.

Breaking Down Barriers: Rashida’s Role

Rashida, the AI wellness coach, is not your ordinary chatbot. She has been meticulously trained to provide a wide range of services tailored specifically to the needs of Black women. Her role is multifaceted and essential:

1. Connecting with Qualified Therapists

One of Rashida’s primary functions is to facilitate connections with qualified therapists. She understands the importance of finding the right therapist who can truly relate to the experiences and concerns of Black women.

2. Support Group Facilitation

Rashida also excels at facilitating participation in support groups. These groups create a space for women to connect, share experiences, and find solace in a community that understands their unique journey.

3. Therapeutic Journal Prompts

For those moments of self-reflection, Rashida provides therapeutic journal prompts. These prompts encourage women to explore their emotions and thoughts, promoting a deeper understanding of their inner selves.

Understanding the Journey

What sets Rashida apart is her deep understanding of the cultural nuances and specific experiences that Black women encounter. She’s not just an AI; she’s a knowledgeable and empathetic companion on the path to healing.

Fostering Safe and Inclusive Conversations

The platform’s commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment is crucial. It encourages open conversations about mental and emotional well-being, helping to dismantle stigma and promote self-care practices.

Be Part of the Beta Testing Phase

During the current beta testing phase, interested participants have the exclusive opportunity to experience Rashida’s capabilities and contribute to refining the platform’s functionalities. This collaborative approach ensures that the virtual space meets the diverse needs of Black women seeking healing and support.

The Future of Mental Health Support

The Black Girl’s Guide to Healing Emotional Wounds couldn’t have come at a more crucial time. It responds to the growing demand for accessible, culturally sensitive mental health resources. By incorporating cutting-edge AI technology, this platform envisions a future where Black women can navigate their emotional journeys with confidence, knowing they have an ally in Rashida.

Nijiama Smalls, the visionary Founder and CEO, expresses her excitement for the launch: “Our mission is to create a safe haven for Black women to embark on their healing journeys. By leveraging AI, we aim to bridge the gap between mental health resources and the women who need them the most. We believe that Rashida’s unique capabilities will empower Black women to prioritize their mental and emotional well-being.”

Disclaimer: Prioritize Professional Help

Please be advised that Rashida is an AI-powered virtual wellness coach and not a replacement for professional mental health care. Users in need of urgent support should seek assistance from licensed mental health professionals or crisis hotlines. Your well-being is paramount, and Rashida is here to complement, not replace, the support you may need.

In the rich tapestry of Canada‘s multicultural landscape, stories of resilience and triumph often stand as pillars of inspiration. Among them, the remarkable journey of Rose Cathy Handy, an immigrant from Cameroon, shines brightly. From being the CEO of H.E.R Consulting and Services Inc. to founding the Celebrating Immigrant Black Women Excellence (CIBWE) Awards, Handy’s story is a testament to the transformative power of determination and community.

Creating a Vision of Empowerment

Rose Cathy Handy’s journey commenced with a simple yet profound vision – to create an event that not only uplifts the women of her home country but also celebrates and elevates Black women, both immigrants and natives to Canada. This event would become a platform to showcase their achievements, resilience, and perseverance in the face of adversity. With this vision, the CIBWE Awards were born.

Rose Cathy Handy

Shining the Spotlight on Achievements

The inaugural CIBWE Awards marked the realization of Handy’s dream. Beyond recognition, the event ignited a sense of unity and empowerment among Black women. It celebrated their strength and contributions, offering a space for their stories of triumph and success to be heard and appreciated.

A Sister’s Legacy and a Growing Movement

Handy’s commitment to her sister’s memory became a driving force behind her work. Beyond a single event, CIBWE expanded its scope and evolved into an organization dedicated to acknowledging and honoring the accomplishments of Black women across Canada and even beyond its borders.

Empowerment Through Unity

CIBWE has become more than an event – it’s a movement that amplifies the voices of Black women, providing a stage for them to share their journeys and insights. The organization showcases achievements across a myriad of fields, from business and leadership to arts and academia. In a world where representation is vital, CIBWE stands as a symbol of unity, empowerment, and positive change.

Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Change

The journey of Rose Cathy Handy, from immigrant to visionary leader, exemplifies the profound impact that passion and determination can have. Through CIBWE, she has crafted a legacy that serves as an inspiration to Black women, demonstrating that their excellence knows no bounds.

Uniting Dreams for a Brighter Future

As we applaud Rose Cathy Handy’s accomplishments and the remarkable journey of CIBWE, we are reminded that progress begins with a dream and the unwavering resolve to transform that dream into reality. Handy’s story underscores the power of unity and the potential to create a world where every achievement is celebrated, regardless of the challenges faced.

CIBWE

In honor of Handy’s sister and the countless Black women striving for greatness, her journey shines as a beacon of hope. It reaffirms that when individuals unite to uplift and empower each other, a brighter future is within reach, where achievements are limitless and empowerment is shared by all.

Smart, compassionate, innovative and driven are few words that describe Canadian based Child Development Practitioner, Adebola Adefioye. She is very passionate about building authentic relationships with racialized, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Colour) children, families and communities and collaborating with them to reduce inequities, Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and improve mental-health and wellness.

She holds an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Child Development from Seneca College, Master’s in Child and Youth Care, from Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) and a Certificate in Advancing Women’s Conflict Transformation and Peacebuilding for Community Development from Coady Institute, Canada. She is also a final semester student in a Graduate Certificate program in Mental Health Intervention (MHI).

Adebola works for a provincial non-profit agency on a project that focuses on understanding the impact of COVID-19 on racialized mothers and educators in Ontario. A project that will inform recommendations for feminist, child care, and family programs policies in Ontario, Canada.

The passionate advocate is also  the founder of the Afro Women and Youth Foundation, a non-profit organization providing leadership, empowerment and mentorship programs to Black immigrant women and youth in Toronto and Sudbury, Ontario.

Also Read: Personal Experience With Racism Inspired Me To Start Afro Women And Youth Foundation

Adebola Adefioye
Adebola Adefioye – Seneca College

Adebola has won many awards. She won nine different leadership, academic and community awards at Seneca College, the United Way Greater Toronto Black Leadership award in 2020, Ontario Premier’s Award in Recent Graduate Category in 2021 among others. Her strongest desire is to see more racialized women and youth stand up for themselves, participate in leadership positions, and support more people who look like them.

She shares her inspiring journey with Esther Ijewere, and how she is using her skills and knowledge to help new immigrants stand up to racial discrimination.

Childhood Influence

I think my childhood contributed to what I am doing today. I learned a lot of things from my parents. Both of them worked very hard to provide for their children and my mom volunteered a lot at our local church and encouraged all her children to do the same. My late father was very hardworking. He had started working in one of the top banks in Nigeria before I was born and he retired as a senior officer after 28 years of service. My mom was a teacher. I learned hard work, honesty, and contentment from both of my parents.

Being A Certified Child Development Practitioner, And Working with Women And Families In Different Settings In Canada

I enjoy helping people in any way that I can. I started community development work in Nigeria and I thought I could do more of it in Canada so I registered a non-profit offering leadership, mentorship and empowerment programs to Black immigrant women and youth. We have recently added public education and training around Anti-Racism, Gender-Based Violence and Advocacy to our work.

My Passion for Anti-Racism, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) And It’s Impact On Me As A Black Woman

Yes, I offer training on ABR and EDI. I think the work has enlightened me a lot more about the degree of social injustices we have around the world, how colonialism and capitalism continue to shape our lives daily. While the inequity issues persist, I am glad to be one of the people raising their voices against oppression and encouraging others to do so.

Also Read: The Skill Gap In The Black Community Inspired Me To Start Techavilly

Inspiration Behind Afro Women and Youth Foundation

My daughter’s school experience of Anti-Black Racism as a newcomer to Canada inspired the work I do at AWYF. I was amazed at how her teacher did not offer any support during the period. My husband and I provided her all the support and taught her strategies to self-advocate. She later developed confidence and started demonstrating leadership skills. At Grade 5, she won the award for the Most Confident child in her class and later won the Principal’s Leadership Award in Grade 8. I still wonder what would have happened if not for our intervention as parents and educators. My daughter’s experience led me to start the AWYF to help other people experiencing ABR.

Challenges 

It has been very challenging to access sustainable funding. I am so proud and grateful for the amazing team who have been volunteering their time at the AWYF since we started. The team will definitely do more if we had sustainable funding. While we continue to submit applications for multi-year program funding, we are extremely grateful for organizations like the Network for the Advancement of Black Communities, CEE Centre For Young Black Professionals, Seneca HELIX, Troop, City of Greater Sudbury, COSTI Immigrant Services, and Catherine Donnelly Foundation who have supported us in kind and with some funding.

 Winning Different Leadership, Academic And Community Awards At Seneca College, Canada

I worked very hard as a student at Seneca. My academics was a priority, but I also strengthened my leadership skills. I mentored other students, I was an Early Childhood Educator tutor at the Learning Centre, I started a Resilient Club for women, and I completed the Student Life Leadership program. I am constantly seeking opportunities for personal growth and development. I was nominated for some of those awards, and I got some because of my GPA and community work on campus. I have also recently won the Ontario Premier’s Award and Catherine Howe Award at Toronto Metropolitan University. The CHA award is for an outstanding Child and Youth Care Practitioner.

My Thoughts on The Profiling of Black Women and How They Can Be Supported

The profiling of Black women stems from the history of slavery, colonization, racial segregation, and marginalization.  One way to reduce the profiling of Black women is for advocates, women leaders, researchers, and educators to continue to research and uncover the inequities affecting Black and Indigenous women and girls, and demand accountability from the system.

Also Read: Black Women Need To Stop Waiting To Be Appreciated

Supporting Women in Nigeria With Seed Funds To Support Their Work And Families

The seed funds we raised from Nigerians here and provided in 2020 was a pilot project for our work in Nigeria. One of the things we identified was a need for stronger collaborations with existing organizations working on social issues that are similar to our work and willing to commit to an ongoing evaluation that identifies program outcomes. These lessons will shape our work in Nigeria in the future.

Coordinating Focus Groups for Women Whose Means Of Livelihood Was Affected Due To COVID19

Women and Gender Equality (WAGE) project is a province-wide project that seeks to build relationships with racialized mothers and educators, understand how the ongoing pandemic and racism affects them and collaborate with them to create program recommendations for policymakers across Ontario. It has been a huge learning process for everyone on the project team. We are all very excited about this project and some of the things we are hearing from the consultations is that people are happy that we have created a safe and brave space for them to share their experiences.

3 Women Who Inspire Me And Why

My mom, Pastor Nike Adeyemi and Josephine Muhaya. These are all women who have continued to break barriers and create opportunities for other women through their work.

Also Read: 11 Tips to Cultivate a Happy and Healthy Relationship

Advice For a Woman on The Verge of Giving Up Due To Marginalization

I’ll advise that they hold on, continue to find inner-strengths, ask for help, focus on things that bring joy and practice gratitude. Most of the time, things will eventually get better if we don’t give up. I have been in that position, and I am happy I did not give up.

 My Work-Life Balance Routine

Relaxing with my family and weekend self-care routine.

Being a Woman Of Rubies

My passion to see other women’s lives improve and actions taken daily to see it become a reality.

You can connect with  Adebola via her social media platforms below;

LinkedIn:  Adebola Adefioye
Facebook: Adebola Taiwo Adefioye
Instagram @adebolaadefioye1
WhatsApp: +1 905-955-8667
Website: www.afrowyf.org
Email: adebola@afrowyf.org

 

Jennaye Fennell and her three children are all successful published authors. Combined, they have written 7 books in total, and most of their books are based on a series called Fennell Adventures that encourages young people to take an interest in traveling.

How It All Started

During a family trip to Hawaii, Jennaye’s 9-year old son, Jace, told her that he wanted to write a book to inspire other children to enjoy reading and traveling just as much as he does. After returning home, he got started immediately and soon after released his first book entitled Journey through Hawaii with Jace. He later wrote a second book, Journey through Cuba with Jace.

This made a huge impression on Jace’s younger brother, 8-year old Merl; He quickly became inspired to become an author just like his big brother. Merl said, “Mom, I go on these trips too. Can you help me write a book like Jace?”  Soon after, Journey through Texas with Merl was added to the Fennell Adventure series. And since then, Merl has written another book entitled Journey through New Orleans with Merl.

But wait there’s more

The boys’ older sister, 15-year old Jiyah decided that she wanted to get in on the action as well. She had already been a professional face painter, and had taught both of her brothers and other children how to face paint.

So she decided to write a book based on that called Princess Jiyah’s Face Painting Fairytale, which teaches positive character traits. She too has written a second book about traveling that has been added to the series called Journey through Atlanta with Jiyah.

Jennaye Fennell

Inspiring mom

Their mom, Jennaye, was supportive and positive about her children’s new venture, but she was also very much inspired by them. It became a normal routine for people to inquire about where these children got their drive to become authors. This led to Jennaye writing her book, Hope and Happiness.

Most would think that the mother would inspire her children to write, but in this case, it was the complete opposite. Her book, therefore, is a guide for parents on how to raise and support young entrepreneurial children.

The family motto

All in all, the Fennell family aim to inspire and promote the motto of “Living life to the Fullest.” This means following your dreams and desires right now. Their series is very unique because the books are choose-your-own adventure books. This means that they can be read in over 28 different ways!

 

Nothing beats the power of a black woman. Today at Women of Rubies, we have curated inspirational black women quotes from authors, actresses, activists, and more to help you go through your week. 

A black woman’s wisdom is endless. This collection is a fraction of it, featuring quotes from insightful, powerful, and beautiful black women. We hope to inspire you during your day whether you are powering through a workday or enjoying a much-needed self-care day.

Whether you choose to scribble your favorite quote in your journal or repost the quote on Instagram, be sure to record your favorites for any time you need a quick motivation to help you go through a rough moment.

So, here we go:

  1. A reminder that you should not settle for less. “Do not settle for average. Bring your best to the moment. Then, whether it fails or succeeds, at least you know you gave all you had. We need to live the best that’s in us.” – Angela Bassett
  2. Silence negativity. “There’s always something to suggest that you’ll never be who you wanted to be. Your choice is to take it or keep on moving.” — Phylicia Rashad
  3. About Failure… “You will be wounded many times in your life. You’ll make mistakes. Some people will call them failures but I have learned that failure is really God’s way of saying, “Excuse me, you’re moving in the wrong direction.” It’s just an experience, just an experience.” – Oprah Winfrey
  4. Being Courageous… “You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world’s problems at once but don’t ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.” – Michelle Obama
  5. Risks Are Worth Taking… “I’d rather regret the risks that didn’t work out than the chances I didn’t take at all.” – Simone Biles
  6. Follow your heart… Don’t settle… “I have always believed that when you follow your heart or your gut, when you really follow the things that feel great to you, you can never lose, because settling is the worst feeling in the world.” – Rihanna
  7. Be relentless… “There have been so many people who have said to me, ‘You can’t do that,’ but I’ve had an innate belief that they were wrong. Be unwavering and relentless in your approach.” – Halle Berry
  8. Let your passion blaze… “Be passionate and move forward with gusto every single hour of every single day until you reach your goal.” — Ava DuVernay
  9. Place premium value on what you do… “When you undervalue what you do, the world will undervalue who you are.” ― Oprah Winfrey
  10. You are limitless! “Never limit yourself because of others’ limited imagination; never limit others because of your own limited imagination.” — Dr. Mae Jemison
  11. Make things happen… You can and you should! “You can’t just sit there and wait for people to give you that golden dream. You’ve got to get out there and make it happen for yourself.” — Diana Ross

No matter how you define success, self-acceptance is crucial to achieving it. Whether you are on the starting line or half-way through your journey towards self-acceptance, remember that you are not walking alone. Many of the black women featured above have traveled through their own journeys and re-emerged a happier person.

Just give yourself time. Soon, you will reach those personal goals. If you know someone who’s on a similar journey, share with them one of the above quotes through their social media page. Sometimes, all we need is an extra push to keep going.

I hope you find strength and courage to stay afloat this week and beyond.

We’ve always heard that age-old adage that knowledge is power – these seven black female authors have the credentials to prove it! Check out these books written by successful Black women about entrepreneurship, securing the bag, and self-development.

Hustle Healthy

Hustling isn’t easy. Nurses can certainly attest to this, and Princess Lomax is no different. In her debut book, 6 Highly Effective Strategies of Making 6 Figures As A Nurse, the Family Nurse Practitioner and CEO of Diamonds CBD shares with readers her firsthand industry knowledge along with tidbits gained from her extensive experience and education. 6 Highly Effective Strategies of Making 6 Figures As A Nurse is a quick, inspiring and informative read that acts as a resource for those in the field of nursing who want to get ahead financially, from someone who’s done it (and done it well) themselves.

Success Story

Elaine Meryl Brown is a storyteller with a passion for writing that ranges from novels to screenwriting. The award winning writer (along with two colleagues) penned the Little Black Book of Success, and its accompanying workbook of the same name for “any woman who wants to build her career, or in transition, re-thinking, re-imagining, re-focusing and re-positioning herself for her next career move within a company or considering entrepreneurship. ”The Little Black Book of Success puts the focus on the foundations of being a successful entrepreneur – key elements like confidence and collaboration, and acts as a step by step pocket guide written by Black women for Black women.

Think Like A Winner

Mindset is everything. As the founder of the Coaching and Positive Psychology Institute and international speaker on resilience and happiness, Valorie Burton knows this to be true.

The power of the mind when it comes to one’s life path and career is what Burton’s book, Successful Women Think Differently: 9 Habits to Make You Happier, Healthier, and More Resilient centers around. The book takes a brain-centered approach, providing women with the tools to get to know themselves from the inside out and cultivate mindful, solution-based thinking.

Insta-Triumph

Those thinking of getting their bag online should look no farther than Ronne Brown’s From Mopping Floors to Making Millions on Instagram: 5 Steps to Building an Online Brand. There are many books that claim to help you make money online, but not many are authored by someone who has built their business from the ground up on Instagram. Brown’s book pulls out all the stops and reveals secrets behind becoming a success on Instagram using strategies that have worked for her brand and clients and even provides examples of what and how to post.

Picking Up the Pieces

There’s a reason why many of us refer to Iyanla Vanzant as “Auntie Iyanla.” With her numerous books and programs, the author and life coach are wise, relatable, and no stranger to adversity. Peace From Broken Pieces takes an honest look at Vanzant’s personal life and the experiences that helped shape her mindset and life. Hardship is a part of many of our lives that can oftentimes hold us back, but this inspiring work sheds light on how to put the pieces back together in our own lives as well so that we can shine professionally.

Model Marketing

While having each other’s backs is important, a good bit of competition in the business world can be healthy and is often necessary. Thankfully, Ming Lee does both with her book, Best Marketer Wins. Lee is a lifestyle and beauty expert who has seen how powerful marketing is and learned to make it work in her own career. No matter what your field is, Best Marketer Wins is a short and sweet business guide full of questions, goals, affirmations, and more to help you be your marketing best.

Work Vibing

Being a creative attempting to navigate the professional world can be confusing, to say the least. Alex Wolf, founder of BossBabe and author of Resonate: For Anyone Who Wants to Build An Audience realizes this, less of a traditional guide and more of a conversational look at the business world and the humans who inhabit it, Resonate provides insight from a more casual angle, but still manages to be informative, witty and inspiring.

Whether you’re looking to revamp an old venture or moving onto a new career path, advice from those who have been there is always invaluable. Here’s to the ladies who inspire us to keep climbing the ladder of success and guiding us as we do the same.

Source; Baucemag.com

For Mental Health Awareness week, BLACK ENTERPRISE is interviewing numerous individuals within the wellness community to talk about the racial disparities that affect the Black community in the hopes of creating a safe place to talk about mental health. 

Meditation apps have grown more popular as more Americans begin to prioritize their health and wellness needs. Despite their popularity, many of these apps are focused on a predominantly White audience and do not cater to the specific struggles that people of color face, specifically in this politically-charged climate.

After learning to cope with the recent onslaught racial injustice and police brutality, Katara McCarty sought out to create a meditation app for women of color.

McCarty is the founder of EXHALE, the first emotional well-being app designed specifically for Black women and women of color. The content is separated into five categories for daily mindful practice including affirmations, guided visualizations, breathing, and meditations. In light of the police shooting of Jacob Blake and recent protests, McCarty is providing the premium version of the app for free in September.

BE: How did you get the idea to create EXHALE?

McCarty: During the beginning of quarantine, I was proactive and began to amp up my self-care. I did more things to get still daily, find time to rest, commit to moving my body, and meditate more often.

As the news began surfacing about COVID-19 hitting Black and Brown communities disproportionately, my heart became heavy. Almost simultaneously, while that was occurring, the video of Ahmad Arbery went viral. I remember feeling an overwhelming sense of sadness, grief, and hopelessness for my community. The weight I felt was not unfamiliar, as I have felt this before with other tragedies due to systems of oppression my community has experienced. As we were reeling about this, we heard about Breonna Taylor’s murder, and the George Floyd murder was videotaped and going viral.

What we were seeing wasn’t new to me, but it felt incredibly insurmountable. I began to ask myself what I was going to do. How was I going to lean into my community and help? I got still, tuned in to myself, and listened for the answer. After several days, I got it! I would create an emotional well-being app for Black, Indigenous, Women of Color. Putting in the app the practices I’ve adopted in my everyday life that have kept me centered and grounded.

I created this app for BIWOC because most well-being apps are predominantly White-narrated, White-owned, and are overall White spaces. The uniqueness by which BIWOC has to weave through life, I believe, calls for a unique and specific curation that speaks to us and the weight that we carry because of racism, anti-blackness, misogynoir, and all systems of oppression.

Why was creating this kind of service for Black women important to you?

The uniqueness by which BIWOC weave through life, I believe, calls for a unique and specific curation that speaks to us and the weight that we carry because of racism, anti-blackness, misogynoir, and all systems of oppression. BIWOC are some of the most marginalized in our society. I was also raised by two Black women who took me in and adopted me after my biological mother abandoned me. Creating this app feels like a full-circle moment for me as I specifically give back to the community who stepped up, took me in, and raised me.

Your service is free for September. What prompted you to make that decision?

We launched our app on August 25th, two days after the shooting of Jacob Blake. When I heard Jacob’s family speak, specifically his sister, I could feel their pain and grief. I decided that I wanted to make EXHALE completely accessible to be a resource for us as we continue to navigate our collective grief, pain, fear, anxiety, and trauma.

Why is it important for Black people to incorporate mediation into their daily routine?

According to the American Institute of Stress, deep, abdominal breathing reduces stress and anxiety. For just 20 to 30 minutes each day, “deep breathing increases the supply of oxygen to your brain and stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes a state of calmness.”

Our parasympathetic nervous system controls the predominant state our bodies should be during downtime, which should be 80% of the time. It’s the natural state we should be living in when not in danger. Our heart rate slows down, our breath is calm and relaxed, our digestive system is stimulated, and our hormones are balanced.

Yet BIPOC are often living in what the body perceives as danger due to racism and other forms of oppression. Our chest is tight. We’re tense. Our breath is short, we’re poised to fight, fly, or freeze, and it is making us sick. It is imperative that we tap into our breath, to reduce stress, to tune into our parasympathetic nervous system, and to heal.

When we experience stress and anxiety, we can use the power of our breath to come back to a state of calm. Tools that provide guided breathing techniques and mediations help individuals harness our breath to inhale calm and exhale stress and anxiety from body.

Taking the time for ourselves and focusing on our breath as BIPOC is both an act of reclaiming our power and an act of resistance. We may not be able to control what’s happening to us outside of our homes, the daily microaggressions and racism we’ll face, but we can control our breath. Our breath is in the moment, now, and we can use that breath to ensure we’re not holding the oppression we experience in our body. Deep breathing becomes an active tool to resist the toll that racism has on our bodies and minds.

Source: Blackenterprise