melanin muses,

The election season may be behind us, but its echoes linger in our hearts and minds. Many of us cast our votes with hope for change, envisioning a future where a Black woman like Kamala Harris takes the presidency. We knew the road ahead wouldn’t be easy, but our collective efforts reminded the world of the power of our voices and dreams.

Now, as we reflect on what’s next, it’s important to take this time for ourselves—for rest, for healing, and for nurturing the dreams that fuel our futures. Progress isn’t just about the battles we fight in public; it’s also about how we care for ourselves in private.

Let’s use this time to focus inward, to celebrate how far we’ve come, and to prepare for what’s ahead. Rest isn’t a retreat—it’s a revolution. And keeping a positive outlook on life, even in the face of challenges, is how we continue to rise.

With love and light,

melanin muse® team

@lakilaj:
“Resilience is often celebrated, but let’s talk about non-toxic resilience 💪🏿✨As women, we’re molded to be resilient in so many roles – as mothers, sisters, wives, CEOs, and executives. But in the workplace, resilience can sometimes take on a toxic form, where we’re expected to keep pushing through at the cost of our well-being. True resilience means acknowledging the challenges, especially in this post-pandemic reality, and equipping ourselves with the self-care tools we need to thrive 🌿💖. It’s time to redefine what resilience looks like, and prioritize our wellness.”

Don’t get left behind. AI Simplified.

Artificial Intelligence for Non-Techies: How to Pivot & Push Using AI

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We’re thrilled to feature Adaora Oramah, the visionary CEO and Founder of AMAKA Studio. Adaora’s story is a perfect reflection of what it means to push through challenges and continue building. Her passion for media, storytelling, and creating opportunities for Pan-African creators has been the driving force behind her inspiring journey.

Adaora Oramah is the CEO and Founder of AMAKA Studio (AMAKA), a social publishing platform for Pan-African Gen-Z and millennial creators to amplify and monetise their stories.

AMAKA is developing Africa’s creator economy, equipping creators across Africa and the diaspora with technology to publish, share and monetise their stories through subscriptions and brand partnerships. AMAKA has worked with Nike, Wavemaker, YouTube, The Access Bank, Naomi Campbell, Ayra Starr, and Yemi Alade and is backed by Morgan Stanley's Inclusive Ventures Lab and Equitane Ventures.

Sharing A Journey of Passion with Adaora O

A Passion for Media & Empowering Creators
Adaora’s path to founding AMAKA Studio started with her studies in media communications at NYU and the London School of Economics. A deep understanding of digital media, combined with hands-on experience at top media and advertising firms like VICE, OkayAfrica, Omnicom’s RAPP Worldwide, and Aruliden, equipped her with the tools she needed. In 2021, she launched AMAKA Studio, a tech startup designed to amplify Pan-African voices, offering a space where creators can monetize their work through subscriptions and brand partnerships.

Milestones and Memorable Moments
Among Adaora’s proudest achievements with AMAKA Studio is the launch of AMAKA Gigs and Creative Credits. These programs have opened new doors for creators, providing financial support and opportunities to shine on a global stage. Adaora’s collaborations with high-profile talents like Naomi Campbell, Zozibini Tunzi, and Ayra Starr have further elevated the platform’s reach and impact.

Navigating a Crucial Pivot
The journey hasn’t been without challenges. AMAKA Studio initially started as a media platform focused on Pan-African women’s stories, but economic challenges and shifts in the market led Adaora to pivot toward a social publishing model. Despite a tight funding environment for Black women-owned startups, this shift has allowed AMAKA Studio to continue its mission of economic empowerment for creators while growing sustainably.

melanin muses and Words of Wisdom
Adaora credits much of her inspiration to her mentor, Terhas Berhe, who runs a Black woman-led communications agency in London. The lessons she’s learned from Terhas emphasize the power of community and mentorship. Adaora’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? Stay resilient, test your ideas, and adapt quickly. Building a strong network and being open to change have been key to her success.

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Looking Ahead: The Future of Tech in Africa
As Adaora looks to the future, she’s excited about the role of AI in enhancing creative productivity and sees immense potential for tech-driven solutions that address the unique challenges faced by African creators. Through AMAKA Studio, she aims to connect creators with global audiences, fostering a vibrant, sustainable creative ecosystem.

Stay tuned as we continue to share inspiring stories like Adaora’s that celebrate resilience, innovation, and the power of community. 

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the muse’s corner:

My Experience at a PWI versus an HBCU by Makaya Davis - melanin muse®

my experiences and are meant to encourage you to do more research before committing to a university. The college experience is important for developing responsibility and maturity. Picking a school to study that is not conducive to this can be harmful and expensive in the long run. Take advantage of the plentiful sources online providing reviews of universities you may be considering.

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Check out some of these resources for personal use and marketing growth! CapCut Pro: image/video editing Carrd: Build one-page sites Talkadot: audience feedback

beehiiv The newsletter platform built for growth. Access the best tools available in email, helping your newsletter scale and monetize like never before.

Celebrating 30 Issues: Building, Growing, and Pushing Forward Together!

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Here’s to turning obstacles into opportunities, one late newsletter at a time!

Don’t get left behind. AI Simplified.

Artificial Intelligence for Non-Techies: How to Pivot & Push Using AI

Discover 'Artificial Intelligence for Non-Techies,' the first in a series of how-to guides designed for entrepreneurs and creatives seeking to harness AI for business success. Includes an AI Toolbox.

Buy now on Amazon.com

the muse’s corner:

Smashing Ceilings: The Fight for Funding Black Women by melanin muse®

The message is clear: Black women need more than words; they need capital to grow their businesses and make their voices heard. For many Black women, personal savings and credit cards are the primary means of funding their ventures. According to the Harvard Business Review, only 0.27% of venture capital funding went to Black women founders in 2022. Click here to read the full story at melaninmuse.com.

Source: melaninmuse.com

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National Black Business Month: The Impact and Future of Black-Owned Businesses by melanin muse®

Though National Black Business Month is celebrated every August, its spirit and influence should extend year-round. The conversation needs to shift from short-term celebration to long-term investment. For Black women, who represent a significant portion of Black-owned businesses, this month serves as a reminder of the economic and cultural impact they have on the economy. In a country where systemic racism has historically sidelined Black entrepreneurs, celebrating their success is crucial for driving forward economic empowerment. Click here to read the full story at melaninmuse.com.

Source: melaninmuse.com

Gain entrepreneurial inspiration from Dr. Lakila Bowden's story, building iSee Technologies with her sister Kamille from necessity and creating opportunities for economic mobility. Listen to Dr. Bowden’s full interview on The Pivot Muse hosted by Natina Marie Hill to how she navigates entrepreneurship, prioritizes wellness, and champions diversity, offering valuable insights for leaders striving for success in all aspects of life.

Entrepreneurship as a Response to Systemic Challenges by melanin muse®

For many, entrepreneurship is not just a business venture but a form of economic self-reliance and community empowerment. Black women, who have historically been underrepresented in traditional corporate spaces, are finding new ways to create their own lanes, turning adversity into opportunity. Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon, founder of The Village Market, is a prime example. Her business incubator has supported hundreds of Black-owned businesses, particularly during the pandemic, when many faced closures and setbacks. Click here to read the full story at melaninmuse.com.

Source: melaninmuse.com

Kyla Bolden

Kyla Bolden is redefining tech education through Wiz Kid Learning & WKL Academy, an EdTech platform dedicated to equipping underrepresented communities with essential technical skills. From coding to AI, her mission has impacted over 9,000 students globally. A trailblazing entrepreneur, Kyla’s commitment to reducing inequalities in STEM has earned her accolades and over $1 million in VC funding. Her leadership continues to shape the future of education, preparing the next generation of innovators for high-demand careers.

Let’s Talk About Self-Awareness
Kyla: “I’ve been passionate about coding since a young age, and the tech space felt like a natural path for me. Founding Wiz Kid Learning allowed me to combine my passion for technology and my drive to create impactful change, especially for underrepresented students. Seeing our programs impact over 9,000 students worldwide has been incredibly fulfilling.”

Becoming a Tech Boss
From declaring herself “a boss” at her preschool graduation to establishing a global EdTech platform, Kyla’s journey in tech began with a strong entrepreneurial spirit. Her desire to change lives through education and technology has been the constant force behind her career.

The Mission
Wiz Kid Learning & WKL Academy aims to bridge educational gaps by offering courses in coding, cybersecurity, AI, and more. The goal? To make high-quality education accessible to all and prepare students for future careers. Collaborating with organizations like the City of Dallas and Steph Curry’s Underrated Sports, Kyla has built a platform with a far-reaching impact.

What Keeps The Wiz Kid Going?
Kyla: “The stories of students who’ve had their lives transformed by our programs motivate me every day. We’re working towards a more equitable future where every child has a chance to succeed.”

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Kyla’s melanin muses & Paying it Forward
Kyla’s entrepreneurial spirit stems from her parents, who demonstrated hard work and resilience. Their influence continues to shape her journey as a tech innovator. Now Kyla takes that inspiration from her parents to encourage other aspiring tech professionals to take the first step, even when the path feels uncertain. While barriers exist, especially for Black women in tech, staying focused on the bigger impact you want to make will help overcome these challenges.

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A Journey of Self-Awareness

What inspired you?

Kyla:
I've always had a clear vision of myself as an entrepreneur. In fact, at my preschool graduation, when asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I boldly declared that I wanted to be "a boss." That entrepreneurial spirit has driven me throughout my life, and as I grew older, my love for technology naturally steered me toward the tech space. It’s a field that perfectly marries my passion for innovation with my desire to create meaningful change.

What keeps you motivated?

Kyla:
What keeps me motivated is knowing that the work we do at Wiz Kid Learning & WKL Academy is making a real, tangible impact. Every day, I’m inspired by the stories of students whose lives have been changed through our programs. The thought of contributing to a more equitable future, where every child has the opportunity to succeed, drives me to keep pushing forward.

What challenges have you faced along your journey, especially being a Black woman in tech?

Kyla:
My advice for anyone looking to pursue a career in tech is simple: just do it. Take that first step, even if it feels daunting. The challenges are real, especially for Black women in tech, where biases and barriers still exist. However, having a strong mission and a clear purpose can help you push through those obstacles. Stay focused on the impact you want to make, and let that be your driving force.

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What our some of your future goals for Wiz Kid Learning & WKL Academy?
Kyla:
We currently offer Cognia and WASC-accredited courses in coding, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, financial literacy, game design, and more. Our goal is to prepare the 9,000+ students in our programs not just for academic success, but for future careers, equipping them with the skills and certifications needed to thrive in high-demand industries.

Follow Kyla Bolden’s Journey
For more insights, visit Wiz Kid Learning’s website and connect with Kyla on social media:

Website | TikTok | Instagram | LinkedIn

the muse’s corner:

Muses to Follow: Brittany Rhodes

by melanin muse®

“I realized my passion when I began tutoring math as a freshman at Spelman. Helping people, especially children, unlock their own innate math potential and show them that math can be fun is what I was put on this earth to do.” ~Brittany Rhodes

Read Brittany’s full interview at melaninmuse.com.

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Muses to Follow: Bee Trofort

by melanin muse®

“I realized my passion for art early on in middle school, but high school was when my love for photography started to grow. I wasn’t sure where it was going to take me at that point, but my teacher encouraged me that I have a gift and if I stick to it the possibilities could be endless, and boy was she right!” ~Bee Trofort

Read Bee’s full interview at melaninmuse.com.

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the muse’s corner:

Supporting History in the Making - melanin muse®
by Makaya Davis

On July 21, 2024, President Joe Biden announces to the world that he is dropping out of the long anticipated presidential race of 2024 with around 100 days left until Election Day. Shockwaves rippled through the internet at this unprecedented event, but the surprises didn’t stop there. Vice President Kamala Harris declares that her campaign for the presidency has just begun. Within a neck breaking 24-hour period, she managed to raise over $80 million dollars in donations—60 percent of which is from first time donors. X (formerly Twitter) users were quick to also show their support. The hashtag #Kamala2024 is trending with people of different ages, races, and political beliefs tweeting their “understanding of the assignment” to vote for her. Click here to read the full story.

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Design Like a Pro Canva Masterclass Webinar

No more paying for templates from Etsy or hiring someone from Fiverr. No more boring PowerPoint presentations! You will gain valuable graphic design skills and learn how to use the magic of AI in this webinar led by Natina Marie Hill. Purchase a copy of the instructor's book, "AI For Non-Techies: How to Pivot & Profit Using AI for Business" available at amazon.com.

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Humiliation Content - melanin muse® by Makaya Davis

Earlier this year, a video on the YouTube channel Arlette Amuli was posted of a group of women vying for one man’s attention. The series is called “Pop the Ballon or Find Love.” If the individual or the group members themselves pop their balloons, it eliminates those specific people from the game. If there is a balloon remaining, then a match is made. This particular episode stirred up some controversy because of the way the man and the women reacted negatively to one another. While there were memes and laughs to go around, this type of content is problematic. Even though it’s been recently deemed as “humiliation content,” this trend of embarrassing and belittling others is not new to the black community. Click here to read the full story.

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What It Means to Be a Black Woman - melanin muse® by Makaya Davis

I am proud of my blackness. I don’t regret where I’m from or the way I was born. But I haven’t always been like this. There were times where I questioned why I was brought into a world that despised me. I would watch the news, see the latest tomfoolery on social media, and see the comments cursing me and anyone who looks like me for ever being born. I questioned if being Black was as much of a blessing as some made it out to be. But then I reflected on my experiences throughout my life and all the things I still have yet to accomplish and realize something. There is a reason for everything. I was born a Black woman because it is what was meant for me. I also came to realize that being a Black woman comes with certain traits that I wouldn’t trade for anything. Click here to read the full story.

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The Pivot Muse Podcast hosted by Natina Marie

Curated stories and advice from global professionals on making one of life’s most important decisions – the pivot. Real, raw, and relatable conversions about life and career transitions. Guests share personal journeys, providing invaluable advice on self-awareness, financial empowerment, and navigating the complexities of work, life, and relationships. The show opens with a scripted short series that follows a teenage girl from a humble family in upstate New York as she embarks on a journey to get a record deal and live in Atlanta during the vibrant 90s era.

thepivotmuse.com

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Source: Creative Flow School

In our latest issue, we’re thrilled to highlight Rachel Henry, founder of Creative Flow School and a true inspiration for Black women navigating entrepreneurship. With a blend of resilience, creativity, and a deep commitment to community, Rachel transforms life's challenges into opportunities for growth and empowerment. Her journey from a first-generation college student to a successful business owner embodies the essence of living richly and purposefully. Discover her story and how she’s helping others unlock their creative potential.

Creative Flow School is an impact-driven agency specializing in education, training, and professional development for heart-centered Entrepreneurial, Corporate, and Future Leaders. Their programs and workshops reignite and reinforce clients’ deep passion to solve problems that matter in their communities and THRIVE.

A Journey of Self-Discovery

Can you talk about how you got to where you are now?

Rachel:
I’ve always been passionate about creating and connecting. My pivotal moment was founding Creative Flow School, which allowed me to blend creativity with community impact. It’s been a journey of self-discovery, pushing boundaries, and helping others find their flow in life and work.

Why did you choose this career and what advice do you have for individuals looking to pursue a similar path?

Rachel:
I chose this path because I believe in the power of creativity to transform lives. My advice is simple: trust your instincts, stay curious, and never stop learning. Embrace the journey, and don’t be afraid to pivot when necessary.

Key Takeaways from Rachel Rai:

1. Trust your creative instincts.  

2. Stay curious and open to new experiences.  

3. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.  

4. Never underestimate the power of community.

Read Rachel’s full story first published on melaninmuse.com 
by Brieanna Smith

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the muse’s corner:

Black Wellness on YouTube

by Makaya Davis

Being a Black woman in America is not the easiest thing in the world. From systematic oppression to internal struggles, it is a full-time job to be secure within one’s blackness.

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Decolonizing Self-Care

by Lauren Harrell

“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” -Audre Lorde 

Self-care has become a buzzword that has risen immensely in popularity within the U.S., and rightfully so. Our society places a strong importance on productivity and efficiency, and with this in mind, it only makes sense that people would seek to intentionally prioritize their health and well-being.

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Paige Searles, Model and Creative Strategist

Meet Paige Searles! Originally from Alaska, Paige is now based in ATL/NYC as a marketing communications specialist and signed professional model. Paige has proven that success is not a linear path. She initially started college as a Bio Sciences major on the pre-med track, with aspirations of becoming an orthopedic surgeon. However, she realized she needed to remain true to the creative within and follow her passion for creativity and storytelling, allowing her to establish Passion Fruit Studio to empower business owners. With a love for interior design, art, and travel, Paige brings an authentic and unique perspective to her work. Paige hopes to achieve creative freedom in her career working with different brands, continuing to use her voice to bring ideas to life and inspire others.

Summer’s Not Over Yet! 😎 
Let’s Talk About It! 🗣️ 

ONE Bold Move
Can you talk about how you got to where you are now?

Paige:
I would say there were many experiences that got me to where I am now, but a pivotal experience was being accepted into portfolio school. During my sophomore year, after recently switching my major to advertising, I applied for an advertising portfolio program called ONE School. ONE School is a 16 week portfolio program, completely free, for black creatives that teaches you the fundamentals of art direction and copywriting while helping you create an amazing portfolio full of varying campaigns. I learned about an entirely new landscape outside of the traditional marketing coordinator and SEO roles. This not only taught me how to articulate and pitch an idea, but helped me figure out what areas of advertising I would want to work in. This program connected me with people who are now some of my closest friends, people who I have collaborated on projects with and have helped to land me jobs at companies.

Instagram post

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Join in the candid conversation with Courtney Richardson, a visionary creative director, entrepreneur, and founder of the Museum of Nail Art™️ (The MoNA™️). Courtney shares her journey from a young girl with a passion for music to becoming a powerhouse in the creative industry. From collaborating with artists like Megan the Stallion and her role as the creative director behind "Generational Queens," a celebration of the last 50 years of hip-hop with Amazon Music, Courtney discusses the intentionality behind every project.

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Create the Things You Wish to See
Why did you choose this career and what advice do you have for individuals looking to pursue a similar career?

Paige:
The main reason is the ability to create the ideas I’ve had for so long. I love the creativity aspect and the ability to work on many different things, depending on your job. Sometimes I may be creating posts for social, or working on a brief for a commercial or doing back end website management. Everyday looks different and there’s always something to learn. What I find most rewarding outside of that is the fact that I have been able to do both of my passions.

Do not limit yourself and do as many things as you can that you are interested in. Try not to focus on a specific job title or career because that will work itself out later. Focus on the skills and hobbies you enjoy and create the things you wish to see. Don’t spread yourself too thin.

It can be very easy to get overwhelmed by all the opportunities and paths you can go down in life. Trust that everything is working itself out for your own good. If you have something that’s always in the back of your mind tugging at your heart, making you think “what-if”, take action towards it, do the thing. If you repeat the process eventually you’ll wake up living your dream.

the muse’s corner:

The Future & The Pressure of Being Successful

The expectation of success can be overwhelming As some of the voices of this generation, we share the pressures of being successful.

melaninmuse.com

Connect with some of our past cover muses!

California Dreamin' with Kieanna Stallcup
$500 and a Dream with Jahylin McKee
"Unlicensed and Unstoppable" with Jordan St. James

Ruby Durham, Entrepreneur, Artist, Designer

Time to meet Ruby Durham, entrepreneur, designer, singer, song writer, and so much more! Ruby is the embodiment of an entrepreneurial spirit and creative versatility. As an Emmy-nominated on-camera TV news journalist with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism from Coastal Carolina University, Ruby has not only made her mark in journalism but has also ventured into the creative realms of design and entrepreneurship. Suited by Red, a clothing line designed to empower women, is her latest entrepreneurial goal. Ruby’s philosophy is clear: just do it. As a Taurus, she believes in being stubborn with your goals and pushing through obstacles and doubters. Ruby is every woman, unapologetically pursuing her passions and creating a legacy of empowerment and sophistication.

Let’s Talk About It! 🗣️ 

I’m Every Woman
Do you identify as an entrepreneur the most?

Ruby: I definitely identify as an entrepreneur because I’m creating space to fully rely on myself to make all the money that I can to not only have a roof over my head, but also to continue to invest in my business, Suited by Red, a clothing line for women. From a rebrand outside of that, I do interior design, including at R. A. Charlotte. Outside of that, I'm either hosting, doing voiceovers, or modeling. It's just so many different small things that I'm doing in hopes of it coming together to where I'm not working for anybody. Everybody has their own definition of an entrepreneur and honestly, I’m every woman. One thing I do believe in is manifesting and you have to be a little delusional to be able to put things in place.

Ruby Durham

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Discover the heart and soul of Ruby, the rising star whose soulful voice and captivating lyrics redefine the music scene. Join her as she unveils her latest single 'Toxic,' a melody woven with passion and raw emotion. In this episode of The Pivot Muse podcast, Ruby shares her inspiration behind the song and her new venture 'Suited by Red,' a clothing line designed to empower women to feel confident and fabulous. Through entrepreneurship, fashion, music, and pageantry, Ruby exemplifies the power of perseverance and self-discovery.

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I’m HER
You went to school for journalism. How did you navigate to learning how to create designs?

Ruby:

Instagram post

What advice do you have to others that are following different paths and passions?

Ruby:
Just do it. Do it scared. Do it alone. Do it broke. Do it without a plan. Do it with no support. You’re going to come out a winner no matter what. I’m a rebel at heart and I can have a hundred people telling me not do something, I’m crazy, or I’m trying to do too much. My advice would be to dig deep into who you are and what your values and passions are. At the end of the day, if you had nothing, if you had nobody to call on and if you were stripped down, what do you have? For me, that's my values, my heart, and my desire to go get everything I want. So I’m going to do it and I don't really hear anybody because I’m going to put in the work.

Connect with some of our past cover muses!

Real, Raw, and Relatable with Adeola Adeniyi
Give Us Our Flowers with B. Monét
Oh, the Places You'll Go with Amelia Badua

Blanca Boucree, CEO & Founder of Diamarx Management

Introducing Blanca Boucree, CEO and founder of Diamarx Management! Blanca is a resilient and accomplished entrepreneur whose journey into the airport retail industry proves her adaptability. While working at Louis Armstrong International airport in New Orleans, she discovered her innate talent for retail. However, the impact of Hurricane Katrina forced Blanca to relocate to Orlando where she transitioned to the Orlando airport. After years of research and determination within a male-driven industry, Blanca successfully became a business owner of seven airport operations.

Let’s Get to Work! 💼 

Let’s Get it Started!
How did you get started in the airport retail business?

Blanca:
I worked for the New Orleans airport as a regional manager for a management company which is where I learned the business working behind the scenes to make things happen. Retail was always something innate, it came to me naturally. After hurricane Katrina, I moved to Florida and began teaching. The company I worked for in New Orleans reached out and asked if I could run their business for the summer and I agreed. Teaching was a lot harder than running these stores and it was definitely more money. At the end of the summer, one of the co-owners made an offer I couldn’t refuse and I began working in the Orlando airport. After eight years, I decided to do more research on how to get my own thing going there. I'm thinking, Oh. Let me just humor myself and see what it takes to own one of these things and how to get into this business as an entrepreneur versus a manager.

At one time it was like a secret society and male-driven so people wouldn’t know how to get started. I was lucky enough to have worked in the airport and get my foot in the door. The first step was getting certified in your home state in the airport. The process was fairly easy but two years later, I was already discouraged until I came across the opportunity to interview to for a minority business partner position. My business partner was a female entrepreneur who owned 30 stores in 10 different airports. I ended up becoming her partner which was great for me to get my foot in the door.

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Join us for an inspiring journey with Diallo Hill as he discusses the importance of changing one's thinking process and his own transformation from feeling like a victim due to his medical conditions to seeing the beauty and strength in his uniqueness. Diallo also shares insight into launching his new training program, ‘Handyman to Five Star Pro™,’ aiming to empower entering into the handyman industry and scale their business.

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Retail Therapy
Tell us about Diamarx Management and your future plans.

Blanca:
Under Diamarx Management, I have seven operations in the airport, three of them are food & beverage and the others are retail. Everything is bid-driven and set at a term. Over the years, I have been successful at scaling my company and our revenue to maximize profits. When I first started, I made less money than my management job, but I loved it. I wasn’t there for the money because I really wanted my freedom, my life.

Thinking about the next five years, I really want to follow the footsteps of Susan Stackhouse who is the one that brought me in as a partner. I want to grow my business to have an office building and employees. I see myself venturing out into other airports. I keep certifying myself in different states, waiting for the right opportunities to come along. Essentially, I want to grow where it’s a self-sufficient, self-standing company.

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Dr. Lakila Bowden
Co-Founder & COO of iSee Technologies, Inc.

Let’s meet Dr. Lakila Bowden! From a young age, Dr. Lakila Bowden recognized the power of inclusivity and the need for transformational leadership. Leaving the corporate world early in her career, she embarked on a journey of entrepreneurship and investment, driven by a passion for making a difference. As the co-founder and COO of iSee Technologies, Dr. Bowden has dedicated herself to enhancing team collaboration, productivity, and accessibility in the workplace. Her visionary approach, combined with a relentless commitment to workforce wellness, has positioned iSee Technologies as a beacon of innovation and inclusivity. Dr. Bowden's story is one of breaking barriers, pioneering change, and leading with purpose.

Time to Network! 🌐👥 

iSee Technologies Inc.
Can you tell us about iSee Technologies Inc.?

Dr. Lakila Bowden:
I co-founded the company with my sister Dr. Kamille Richardson. iSee Technologies is a people development firm, and we work with corporations and government agencies to support and help their teams become more collaborative, productive, and profitable. We want their team members to show up more wildly motivated to perform at their best. That's something where you really tap into the authenticity of people. We got started with iSee technologies because my sister, who was born totally blind, and we found issues with companies not wanting to take the chance to hire her despite being highly talented and capable. We had a problem so we created our own solution. She hired herself as the CEO and I’m the COO handling all operations.

So the solutions that we provide are around workforce wellness, including accessibility and IT services. How do we show up as the best version of ourselves? How do we manage stress and anxiety and even master it so that we can enjoy the journey, celebrating our performance. A lot of people are comfortable criticizing themselves, but we're not always critical. We're not always comfortable giving ourselves a pat on the back for our performance. If you learn to do that, then imagine the difference that that makes and in a performance review situation or how you evaluate others for leaders. If you understand the power of celebrated performance advocacy, then you can also bring that out of people as well.

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Gain entrepreneurial inspiration from Dr. Lakila Bowden's story, building iSee Technologies with her sister Kamille from necessity and creating opportunities for economic mobility. Discover how she navigates entrepreneurship, prioritizes wellness, and champions diversity, offering valuable insights for leaders striving for success in all aspects of life. Watch the full video podcast.

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Artificial Intelligence for Non-Techies: How to Pivot & Push Using AI

Discover 'Artificial Intelligence for Non-Techies,' the first in a series of how-to guides designed for entrepreneurs and creatives seeking to harness AI for business success. Includes an AI Toolbox.

Buy now on Amazon.com

Entrepreneur at Heart
Did you always see yourself becoming an entrepreneur?

Dr. Lakila Bowden:
I think I've always had an entrepreneurial spirit. Right out of college, shout out to North Carolina A&T, #AggiePride, I got recruited to general electric. I did the traditional path, I was a financial analyst and moved all over the country. But that was all I was exposed to. I think if I had been exposed to different paths and entrepreneurship earlier, I would have gone that route sooner, but I learned along the way. I probably would have chosen that sooner, although I appreciate my time in corporate, I appreciate every experience that I've had. It added value. 💎 Now that I'm on the other side and corporations are my clients, I know how to speak the language. So I do appreciate and value that time.

Connect with some of our past cover muses!

Entrepreneurial Gains with Nmasichi ‘Masi'
#TechTalk with Jennifer Ponder
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Jahylin McKee, Founder of J. McKee & Co.

If you haven’t already, it’s time to meet Jahylin McKee! As the founder of J. McKee & Co., Jahylin has built a reputation for her innovative approach and becoming a dynamic force in the world of PR, branding, and marketing. Her journey began at Savannah State University where she earned her degree in PR, leading her to follow her dreams with just $500 to New York. Her dedication propelled her to the forefront of the PR industry and building her own brand. With a passion for building a cultural hub and empowering future leaders, Jahylin’s next steps are to own her own building and create legacy. Her story is one of strategic pivots and risks, making her an inspiration for aspiring publicists and entrepreneurs alike.

Let’s Get to Work! 💼 

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No Risk, No Story 💐 
Can you talk about your time in college and how you took a chance moving to New York with only $500?

Jahylin:
From the very beginning, I’ve had to pivot. I went to Savannah State University. I didn’t know what I wanted to do because I had so many interests but I knew what I was good at. I always wondered this buzz question, Jahylin, what is the main thing you would do for free? I started off as an English major and switched to mass communications. My sophomore year was really pivotal, joining almost every organization you can think of I—was in a modeling troupe, I pledged, I was a part of the PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America), I did it all.

Through my junior year, I ran a really huge campaign to promote Savannah State as the best HBCU experience. I felt like a lot of people knew of Savannah State but they didn't think of Savannah State as their top pick. My mission was to make Savannah State their top pick and I didn't even realize I took Savannah State on as a client. Fast forward, I ended up winning Miss Savannah State. After college, I decided to bet on myself and make the biggest pivot of my life that changed the whole trajectory of my life. I took all of my graduation money and moved to NY with only $500 to my name.

I said to myself, I want to be a publicist in the entertainment industry and I’m going to figure it out. I had never been to NY and didn’t realize how expensive it was. When I first moved, I had a one day gig to do Summer Jam (by Hot 97). I ended up spending near $100 to Uber from East Harlem to Met Stadium in New Jersey because I didn’t want to experiment with the train and risk being late. The hard work that I put it on that day for 15 hours straight landed me a job offer on the spot to be on the street team at Hot 90s which really gave me the chance to learn NY.

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Tune in to listen to Jahylin McKee, a powerhouse in public relations, share wisdom on building trust with clients, navigating the landscape of PR, and achieving success while staying true to her roots. From her reign in college to working with Hot 97.5 and Nike, she's forging her own path and winning! In our lively signature game of “Pivot or Push,” Jahylin shares her insights on tough life decisions, showcasing her bold spirit and willingness to take risks.

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Amazon Best Sellers Top 100
#30 in Self-Employment
#66 in Starting a Business
#76 in Women & Business

Artificial Intelligence for Non-Techies: How to Pivot & Push Using AI

Discover 'Artificial Intelligence for Non-Techies,' the first in a series of how-to guides designed for entrepreneurs and creatives seeking to harness AI for business success. Includes an AI Toolbox.

Buy now on Amazon.com

The Beginning of J. McKee & Co.
Can you talk about your first PR gig?

Jahylin:
I began working for ICM Partners, which is a really huge talent agency in NY, for Eve Pierre, one of the top female music agents. I love her to this day. I'll see her in events and she's like, I'm just so proud of you. I knew at the end of the day, my heart was supposed to be in publicity. Being an assistant was amazing. I feel like the experience is what I needed but I needed to do something that was going to challenge me a little bit more. I joined this group called Black Girls in Media. Shout out to Tasha, that's my girl. It was just a simple group chat. Shout out to Yana. She put in there that Calvin Klein was looking for PR assistance for New York fashion week. This was my first real PR gig, a beautiful confirmation that put hte battery in my back to start J. McKee & Co.

What’s next for J. McKee & Co.?

Jahylin:
Within the next five to ten years, I'm buying a building. When I redid my logo during and rebranded my business, I envisioned my logo on a building and I can see J. McKee & Co. growing into a fortune 500 or a Fortune 100 PR agency. Can we be an Edelman? Can we be a 5W PR? You know what I mean I'm going to employ women, black women, black men, HBCU students. I really want that to be a cultural hub and a symbol of resilience and for us to know that we can own these things too. Sometimes we just get so excited to be in the room and sometimes we gotta go back and buy the building, the whole lot. I've seen it. God has confirmed it.

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Kamala Harris, Vice President and 2024 Presidential Candidate

Kamala Harris. The name itself holds weight. Kamala Harris’s historical rise from Howard University to the White House serving alongside current President Joe Biden is everything and more. She not only became the first female, but the first BLACK female Vice President of the United States. As a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Harris has always embraced leadership and service which she advocated for under the Democratic Party in her efforts to bring social and economic justice. When Harris declared her run for presidency following President Joe Biden removing himself from the race, support was quickly shown with numerous endorsements. VP Kamala Harris represents history. It’s time to take a look into VP Kamala Harris’s White House journey and what it would mean for her to win the 2024 Presidential election.

Let’s Talk About It! 🗣️ 

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Kamala in the House
Making Moves, Making History

Kamala Harris’s journey to the White House is a story of determination and breaking barriers. She has had many prominent roles that include District Attorney of San Francisco, Attorney General of California, and even held a seat on the Senate representing California. Harris is recognized for her advocacy to crime prevention, healthcare, immigration, civil rights, and more. All of this led up to her making history in 2020 to become the first female, first Black, and first South Asian Vice President of the United States. Prior to, when would America have thought we would have a BLACK female VP?! As VP, Harris focused on addressing the COVID-10 pandemic, promoting economic recovery, and advancing social justice initiatives. Her actions have not only shown her commitment, but her presence alone has inspired generations ahead and hope for America’s future.

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Discover how Modd’s personal experiences growing up in a single-parent household shaped his views on fatherhood, and how he is now advocating for redefining narratives of Black fathers and promoting positive mental health in the Black community. In this heartfelt episode, Modd shares the pivotal moment when he realized his son might be on the autism spectrum and how this further shaped his parenting. Dive into candid conversations about breaking stigmas, building active fatherhood communities, and how the Active Dad brand is rewriting the story of fatherhood!

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Amazon Best Sellers Top 100
#30 in Self-Employment
#66 in Starting a Business
#76 in Women & Business

Artificial Intelligence for Non-Techies: How to Pivot & Push Using AI

Discover 'Artificial Intelligence for Non-Techies,' the first in a series of how-to guides designed for entrepreneurs and creatives seeking to harness AI for business success. Includes an AI Toolbox.

Buy now on Amazon.com

“We Are Not Going Back”
What would it mean for Kamala to win the presidential election?

It is important to recognize what voting for Kamala Harris would mean. A vote for Kamala Harris is a vote for democracy, a vote with the people, ALL people, in mind, and one less vote for Trump. Trump’s presidency campaign emphasizes ideas and policies that will set America back historically and erase all of the progress that has been made towards social and economic justice.

Here are a few things Kamala Harris’s campaign will support and what it would mean for her to hold office (read more here):

• social and economic justice to reduce income inequality, support healthcare reform, and promote racial and gender equality

• gun control to reduce the level of access and number of violent acts and deaths

• George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to end qualified immunity for police officers to allow for prosecution against civil rights violations and hold officers accountable

We just became aware of yet another senseless death. On July 6th, Sonya Massey was fatally shot by a responding police officer in her home in Illinois. Kamala Harris responds here.

Instagram post

Kamala Harris protects women. Kamala Harris protects Black people. Kamala Harris protects THE PEOPLE of AMERICA. It should be a standard.

Connect with some of our past cover muses!

Unlicensed and Unstoppable with Jordan St. James

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Pass the Pen with Dani Canada

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melanin muse® It's Our Time!

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Nmasichi ‘Masi,’ Founder of Masi Brands and TribesAndHistory

Introducing Nmasichi 'Masi,' founder of Masi Brands and Tribes and History. Originally from Nigeria, Masi now resides in Atlanta where she runs her two businesses as a full-time entrepreneur after strategically transitioning from her 9-5 career. She holds a double major in Computer Science and Technology and Applied Design from Berea College in Kentucky. Her entrepreneurial journey began at just eight in Nigeria, co-founding a business with her sister at ten, and launching a pastry business at fifteen. Inspired by writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and YouTuber Fumi Desalu Vold, Masi embodies the same determination and grace in pursuing her goals. Outside of her businesses, Masi creates content on YouTube and TikTok, sharing insights on entrepreneurship, finance, and real estate.

#TheMusesCornerLet’s get down to business! 💼

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Building Brands
Can you talk about your brands Masi Brands and TribesAndHistory.

Masi:
Masi Brands is a digital branding agency offering web design, mobile app development, and social media management services. The idea for Masi Brands originated from building websites for family and friends for free, which I enjoyed and eventually monetized. My background in technology made this a natural transition. TribesAndHistory is a digital storytelling platform for African narratives to showcase the richness in history, tales, and legends. I’m aiming to become the combination of Disney+ and Netflix of Africa.

Can you talk about a re-affirming experience that made a tangible impact on a consumer?

Recently we completed a website for a client who had previously worked with three other web designers without success and was moved to tears upon seeing her new website. She had paid each past designer a substantial amount yet never saw results. We worked with her for 3 weeks, ensuring we maintained clear communication and asking for clarification when it was needed. The Wednesday that I presented her website to her, she gasped and I saw a tear fall out of her eye. I did not realize how impactful our work was till then. According to her, "because of web builders, everyone claims to be a web designer without knowing the intricate details of building a website." She told me how the first web designer had claimed she was a pro yet did not know how to use Wix. I felt sorry when I heard her story but was also proud of what we achieved. This positive impact led to multiple referrals and inquiries, underscoring the value of our work.

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Ep 10 (Video): "Pivoting on Purpose" with Imani Winston

A true story of pivoting with intentionality and persevering! Imani Winston shares her inspiring journey in the competitive world of film and television. Despite setbacks and the uncertainty of the pandemic, Imani remained resilient and seized opportunities like her unexpected day playing offer for Black Lightning, showcasing her adaptability and determination. Join us for key reflections on grinding, networking and nurturing relationships, financial preparation, and seizing opportunities! Let Imani’s journey inspire you to pivot on purpose and unlock your true potential.

Amazon Best Sellers Top 100
#30 in Self-Employment
#66 in Starting a Business
#76 in Women & Business

Artificial Intelligence for Non-Techies: How to Pivot & Push Using AI

Discover 'Artificial Intelligence for Non-Techies,' the first in a series of how-to guides designed for entrepreneurs and creatives seeking to harness AI for business success. Includes an AI Toolbox.

Buy now on Amazon.com

Entrepreneurial Gains
What has your entrepreneurial journey been like so far and how do you stay motivated?

Masi:
The traditional 9-5 job structure never appealed to me which fueled my determination to establish my own businesses. After college, I began my career as an Application Developer at a Fortune 500 company. Although I was earning a substantial income and held a position that many aspire to, I found myself unhappy. The challenges of being a Black woman in corporate America, coupled with work-related anxieties, significantly impacted my health and pushing me towards my decision to transition to full-time entrepreneurship.

Entrepreneurship is often glamorized as a quick path to wealth, but this is a misconception. My journey began with eliminating my debts. I then invested in real estate, utilizing the house hacking strategy to eliminate rent expenses, saved diligently in a high-yield savings account, and invested in index funds through dollar-cost averaging. By calculating my monthly expenses, I ensured I had enough savings to focus on building my business without financial worries. I also took the approach of saving at least a year’s worth of living expenses to help me successfully transition to full-time entrepreneurship.

Nmasichi 'Masi,’ Founder of Masi Brands and TribesAndHistory

Having a supportive community is essential. The unique path you are on can often feel isolating, but finding a network of like-minded individuals can provide invaluable support and camaraderie. Personally, I have found solace and strength in a community of fellow entrepreneurs and through extensive networking. Additionally, I have a business coach who provides guidance and helps steer me in the right direction. Good friends are also crucial; during moments of frustration and despair, their support is invaluable. Lastly, it's important to keep the end goal in mind and practice delayed gratification, understanding that building a successful business takes time.

Connect with some of our past cover muses!

Real, Raw, and Relatable with Adeola Adeniyi

Access Granted with Candace Spears

Through the Lens with Allana De'Nai

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Ashley S. Green, Sports Entertainment & Lifestyle Marketing Consultant

Let’s meet Ashley S. Green! From a young age, Ashley had a profound love for sports. This passion has shaped her career and expertise, making her a leading consultant in the sports entertainment and lifestyle marketing industry. Ashley’s path was profoundly influenced by Tish Hayward, mother of NFL Pro Bowl player Casey Hayward, whom she envisioned empowering young girls and healing communities with. From pivotal moments such as teaching in Dubai, mentorship, and loss, paired with self-awareness, Ashley was propelled towards redefining her career path. As a former educator and avid sports enthusiast, she recognized the transformative power of sports in shaping young minds and communities. Ashley’s passion and impactful work continues to move her along a path to be a champion for girls in sports.

#TheMusesCorner Let’s Talk About It!

Check out some of these resources for personal use and marketing growth!

CapCut Pro: for all your video editing and image design capabilities!

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Put Me in the Game Coach
How are you coaching athletes to pivot and strategically build their brand beyond the sport and leave a legacy?
 
Ashley:
Once an educator, always an educator. When I decided to leave education, I struggled with my career identity. Recognizing the traits of an educator within myself and understanding that my efforts were not in vain allowed me to find success and help the athletes I work with excel in their communities and spaces.

One of my athletes, Jonathan Jones, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots, initially approached me in 2020. At the time, I was living in Dubai. He wanted me to join his team, but I declined, thinking he already had a solid team in place. However, he returned in 2021, insisting he needed my expertise. Since then, we have strategically hosted events and conducted interviews, reinforcing his commitment to the organization.

Instagram post

Everything I do with athletes ties back to my background in education, particularly gifted education. Gifted education focuses on choices and honoring the unique gifts and talents individuals possess. When working with athletes, I don't bring pre-programmed events and agendas. Instead, I strive to understand who they are, their likes and dislikes, and tailor my approach accordingly. This exemplifies how my skills and experiences as an educator continue to play a significant role in my work.

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Ashley S. Green, Sports Entertainment and Lifestyle Marketing Consultant, talks about how her unwavering belief in herself propelled her forward from global educator to entrepreneurship. Today, she empowers athletes to build brands beyond sports and leave a lasting legacy. In this candid conversation, Ashley reflects on pivotal moments that empowered her transition and propelled her to redefine her career path and MORE! ✨

Amazon Best Sellers Top 100  
#30 in Self-Employment
#66 in Starting a Business
#76 in Women & Business

Artificial Intelligence for Non-Techies: How to Pivot & Push Using AI

Discover 'Artificial Intelligence for Non-Techies,' the first in a series of how-to guides designed for entrepreneurs and creatives seeking to harness AI for business success. Includes an AI Toolbox.

Buy now on Amazon.com

New Beginnings
Talk about your decision to pivot from education.

Ashley:
In 2016, I lost a mother figure, and her passing profoundly changed my perspective on life, time, and peace. I realized that I needed to honor and protect my peace at all costs. This shift led me to ensure that everything I did reflected my self-worth and that I worked in environments where I was valued.

Ashley S. Green, Sports Entertainment & Lifestyle Marketing Consultant

The beauty in all of this is that I've been able to pursue everything I wanted to do since leaving education. If you're considering a leap from corporate or education to entrepreneurship or freelancing, you must understand and know your own value. Without valuing your work and time, thriving in this new path will be challenging, and you may find yourself pivoting back to your old ways.

the muse’s corner:

Black Underrated Musicians - melanin muse® with Makaya Davis

Music is a universal thing that brings people together. There are genres with millions of songs for every occasion. But this makes it difficult and overwhelming to find songs outside of the concentrated mainstream. I have come across various musicians from different genres whose star power and talent are unbelievably underrated and deserve more recognition.

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Black Women in Leadership: Study Reveals Cycle of High Risk, Low Reward

Black women continue to face an uphill battle in their pursuit of leadership roles within American organizations.

peopleofcolorintech.com

Prioritizing Mental Health at Work

Dr. Joy Harden Bradford shares how Black women can cultivate mental wellness – even in difficult workplaces.

Black Enterprise Magazine (LinkedIn)

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Oh, the Places You'll Go with Amelia Badua

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melanin muse® It's Our Time!

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Dani Canada, Managing Editor at Bossip

Let’s meet Danielle "Dani" Canada, a seasoned entertainment journalist with over a decade of experience. She currently serves as the Managing Editor of BOSSIP.com where she manages staff, conducts interviews, and pens snarky headlines centered around Black and BIPOC news in the celebrity realm. Dani is a graduate of Hampton University's Scripps Howard School of Journalism and a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. In 2018 she was honored as an Atlanta “Visionary Voice” for Women’s History Month and in 2020 she was awarded the "Media Maven Trailblazer" Award by the National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC). She has also been featured in the New York Times and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. With contributions to GW, JET, and Uptown Magazine alongside multiple tv appearances that include WE tv’s Marriage Boot Camp, TEGNA’s Sister Circle, and E!’s True Hollywood Story, Dani’s resume is nothing short of success.

#TheMusesCorner Resources and conversation!

#BackOutside Check out things to do, places to be, and more! ☀️ 

Game Changer
What do you consider your biggest pivot in your career?

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Talk about how you first got started in radio.

Dani:
I had an interest in media at a young age, so my mother recommended that my sister and I join the Ryan Cameron foundation as a way to get our volunteer hours up as we prepared for college. Ryan Cameron is a radio legend here in Atlanta. We became the youngest members of the foundation and had the opportunity to make connections with Ryan and Rashaan Ali, another legend, during the height Hot 107.9. When I landed my internship, that was the power of making connections. I had someone in Atlanta who knew I was trying to break into the media. One of the things that I always tell people is to not think of any opportunity as too small because you never know where it'll lead.

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Step into the world of media and entertainment with a captivating episode of The Pivot Muse Podcast with Danielle ‘Dani’ Canada, managing editor at Bossip. Dani shares her incredible journey and unveils her plans to create space and pass the pen to the next wave of talent.

Amazon Best Sellers Top 100  
#30 in Self-Employment
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Artificial Intelligence for Non-Techies: How to Pivot & Push Using AI

Discover 'Artificial Intelligence for Non-Techies,' the first in a series of how-to guides designed for entrepreneurs and creatives seeking to harness AI for business success. Includes an AI Toolbox.

Buy now on Amazon.com

Standing on Business
Talk about a moment at work in which you had to pivot.

Dani:
Before becoming managing editor, I was deputy editor which is one step below and I still had some control over the editorial team. During this moment, I was still fairly new and was really conscious of what we were putting out. At one point, we wrote a story on Lizzo winning a Soul Train award over Ari Lennox to which people on Twitter did not take a liking to. Our team wrote about it and the headline was a bit too disparaging for Lizzo. We started getting backlash along the lines that we’re pitting Black women against each other. I made the decision to post an apology, and anybody who knows Bossip knows that is not the brand at all.

It was important to show that we're entering a new era, a new age. Back in the day when Bossip first started, it was very much in the Perez Hilton era of straight up dragging all celebrities. For me, I felt like I needed to make the decision to show we've grown, we've evolved. I don't regret it because sometimes we do have to take those risks and deal with the consequences. However, luckily everything worked out.

the muse’s corner:

ENTREPRENEURSHIP: FearlessHER Collective Membership

A membership designed to help career women cultivate an additional income stream.

The FearlessHER Collective

CREATIVES: The Production Roadmap Workshop #3 (ATL)

Elevate your production skills and take your projects to the next level! Gain invaluable knowledge and hands-on experience from industry experts. | July 24th

The Production Roadmap

MEDIA: REVOLT WORLD 2024 (ATL)

Sign up for an immersive experience of culture and creativity with, live performances, mentorship and more! | Sept 20th - 22nd

www.revoltworld.com

TECH: BaddieCon NYC

The premier tech conference for women of color in tech | August 15th - 18th

Baddies in Tech

My Experience at a PWI vs an HBCU - melanin muse® and Makaya Davis

“Ole Miss has an extensive past of racism and discrimination. While I luckily did not experience this firsthand, a university’s history should be taken into account to see if measures are actively being taken to improve. While UM is not what it used to be, there are still moments that dig up this ugly history.”

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Give Us Our Flowers with B. Monét

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muse’s outside:

JOIN + SHARE the melanin muse®️ community and indulge in a weekly celebration of Black women's brilliance!

melanin muse® It's Our Time!

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Amelia Badua, Founder of The FearlessHER™ Collective

Introducing Amelia Badua, founder of The FearlessHER™ Collective. As a career strategist, consultant, and solopreneur, Amelia is dedicated to helping career women launch service-based income streams. She excels in coaching and strategizing with women who are starting from ground zero, empowering them to transition from fear into action. From her journey as a stay-at-home mom to becoming a People Operations Tech leader and solopreneur, Amelia has gained firsthand insight into overcoming fear and taking inspired action. She believes in the power of faith and community, also hosting in-person FearlessHER™ socials designed to foster collaboration among diverse career women. Amelia's own success story—boosting her salary by 2.5 times in just four years—fuels her passion for helping other women achieve financial success through personalized side hustle strategies.

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The FearlessHER™ Collective
Can you talk about The FearlessHER™ Collective and the motivation behind it?

Amelia:
The FearlessHER™ Collective is an online group coaching program that encourages women to face their fears. They have the opportunity to master strategies for transforming their ideas into profit using my framework, as well as connect, collaborate, and build with like-minded women to earn their first clients. I wanted women to know how to create an additional income stream so they would never have to depend fully on outside companies.

Before going into entrepreneurship, I was a People Ops Leader in tech and had a side hustle as a career coach. I loved coaching and consulting women on career strategies and knew I wanted to go all in one day, but fear has a great way of pushing back timelines. My goal was to spend another few years in tech, scale up my side hustle, cash out, and then jump into being a full-time entrepreneur! However, I ended up getting laid off and that’s when I knew that it was time to take a chance on myself. If not, then when?

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Oh, The Places You’ll Go
Has there been a specific experience that has made a tangible impact on a consumer and reaffirmed your company's purpose/goals?

Amelia:
Once I was laid off and announced my entrepreneurship journey, I started attracting other career women who let fear talk them out of their dreams too. My clients are facing their fears and taking action toward their goals in their own entrepreneurship journeys.

One of my current clients has dreamed of being a photographer for over a decade. My move into entrepreneurship inspired her to hire me as her coach. In working together, she has been able to "identify her fears and shift her mindset towards possibility,” which made space for her to earn her first client.

Amelia Badua and clients at a FearlessHER™ Galentine’s Day Social

How has running FearlessHER Collective contributed to your personal growth and development?

Amelia:
Becoming a full-time solopreneur has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done (outside of being a mom). As a Leader inside the Collective, I live what I teach. I am open about my struggles and my wins. The women know that they can trust me because I am transparent and lead with a "Learn It Until You Earn It" approach. Managing a new business while facing fear, failure, rejection, and discouragement while remaining hopeful, faithful, and consistent has been my wildest personal growth journey. I am not the same person as I was last year.

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Opt Out of the Fear Of Change

Kelley delves into the concept of pivoting and changing course in life with confidence. She explores the common mindset blocks that hinder change, such as fear of failure, imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and fear of judgment. Tune in today and prepare yourself to engage in realistic strategies that can help you with opting into a life filled with abundance and joy.

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Sha’Quira Martin, Marketing Coordinator and Influencer

Let’s Meet Sha'Quira Martin, a marketing coordinator and influencer who has overcome numerous obstacles and made significant pivots in her life. Despite struggling to find a job after college and facing a skin cancer diagnosis, she continued to push through and discovered more about herself, leaning heavily on her faith. Eventually, she landed a sports reporting job in Lafayette, LA, and from there her career reached new heights, becoming one of the first two Black females to anchor for MIAC Sports Network. Her career has since made another pivot to join the admin side of the sports world in marketing. Sha'Quira's journey is marked by resilience and determination, making her a true inspiration, to which she credits to having the mamba mentality and making hard pivots, learning hard lessons, and standing true in her faith.

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Time to Pivot
Talk about your journey from college into media.

Sha’Quira:
I went to school wanting to be a heart surgeon. In high school, when it came to science and math, I was in the top 10%. However, at Sam Houston State University (shout out to the Bearcats!), I was not able to pass Chemistry to save my life and that was probably the first time I was really honest with myself. How was I going to get into med school and go from there?

I navigated towards communications, practicing with radio and PR, soon realizing I enjoy talking about sports. I never played sports but I love the thrill and impact of the game. I decided that I wanted to become a sports reporter. After graduating, I moved to San Antonio and later Houston, but had no luck finding TV jobs. One day I woke up and decided I would go back to school to TSU and perfect my craft since broadening my education is the only thing I seemed to have control over. At TSU I learned what it is to really be a proud black woman, and was having conversations in my classroom that I wasn't having at Sam due to the space of being at a HBCU. I was even landing internships but after graduating in 2017 I hit the biggest rock bottom because I ain't got no job!

I was trying to understand what was happening. I checked the boxes and you're still telling me that I'm not good enough? I really start to lean on my faith and understanding my purpose. I ended up landing my first sports reporting job in Lafayette, Louisiana which I wasn't even supposed to get because the first offer went to someone who declined it. Every time I found obedience into my purpose and in my calling, doors started to unlock. I covered the controversial Saints game where they didn’t make it to to the Superbowl, LSU’s perfect season and Heisman winner Joe Burrow, and even sang nationwide is on your side with Peyton Manning. I met and covered some incredible athletes. In memorable times that you wouldn't have told me that was where I was about to walk into with all the rejection, all the pivoting and all the bumps that put me to where I was.

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For the Culture
How have you incorporated women and Black culture into your work within this male dominated field?

Sha'‘Quira:
The best thing that I can say is that I am intentional with respect. Eyes will be on you a little bit quicker because you're the minority. I feel as though Black women, especially in corporate America, we're dealing with so much adversity left and right that we all tend to lean on whatever we feel is a priority for our space. And for me, I just want to make this space better than where I found it. That's helping the next black woman not have to go through what I went through because of a situation that may have hurt me, but for the bigger picture, it's helping all of us. So being in a male dominant space, I really just like to take up space and then some.

For more, listen to Sha’Quira’s The Pivot Muse podcast interview!

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Anyone with a social media account has surely stumbled upon women with the “ideal look”—an hourglass figure, flawless makeup, straight white teeth, and silky hair. This image is portrayed often; however, a vast majority of women do not fit this mold. When stepping into the real world, there is more variety and realism.

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Your Summer Glow-Up Plan: How to Become Your Healthiest, Hottest Self

Listen to this episode from Balanced Black Girl on Spotify. #240: It’s officially summer so you know what that means – it’s the season for feeling your best! From invigorating workout routines to rejuvenating skincare secrets and everything in between, I’m covering all the essentials you need to thrive this summer!

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Kieanna Stallcup
Production Coordinator, Creative Director, Entertainer, Dancer

Meet Kieanna Stallcup, an ATL native who has embraced the California dream and is making a name for herself in LA. Kieanna’s passion for the entertainment industry began at a young age, even being nicknamed “Hollywood.” She has not limited her creativity as a production coordinator, creative director, entertainer, dancer, and even designer of wearable bead pieces. Since making her big move, she has built an impressive portfolio which includes NAACP Image Awards, BET Awards, Coachella and working with/meeting some of your favorite celebrities. She hopes to work with large brands and companies, especially Black-owned companies, that pride themselves on uplifting and elevating the black community. From her impressive track record and unwavering determination, Kieanna Stallcup is well on her way to becoming a staple in the entertainment industry.

Kieanna working in production at Revolt World

Alexa, Play “Angel Numbers” by Chris Brown
Talk about landing your first official jobs in production and one of your most memorable experiences.

Kieanna:
This is one of my favorite stories to tell. In college, I had a friend who’s now like my brother, Trevor Jackson. He ended up getting a summer internship with Junie Harris who works in production and is in charge of major shows like Megafest, NAACP Image Awards, and more. When he came back, he told me how he may be working the NAACP Image awards. Growing up, the Image awards was the pinnacle of black entertainment so hearing him say that, my eyes got big because I always used to see the Image Awards on TV and would see all my favorite celebrities and thought how cool it would be to go.

Kieanna and Trevor Jackson I told him not to forget about me and he didn’t. Junie ended up coming down for our graduation and I had a chance to meet her and tell her a little about myself, all the things I was interested in, and what I wanted to do. After that, I sent her my resume and left it up to God.

One day I get a call from Trevor, who at the time had already moved to San Francisco, asking if I wanted to work the NAACP convention as Junie’s PA and I was like, absolutely! I learned so much, and it was such a great opportunity. A week later, Junie asked if I would be interested in working as her assistant, taking a job as a coordinator for submissions for Image awards. I was speechless because that entire summer, I couldn't find a job that actually paid besides the convention so to be offered this opportunity was unbelievable. The job was in LA and she told me the job was mine if I can figure out how to get here and from there, I started planning.

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Ms. Hollywood
What motivated you to pursue your entertainment dreams in LA and what has your overall journey been like so far?

Kieanna:
My biggest motivation was securing my first big girl job which just so happened to be in LA. I had never been to California before, but I dreamed of living there based on all the TV shows and movies I grew up watching. My nickname on my soccer team was Hollywood, so it felt destined for me to be there. I knew I had the personality and stardom to make it on the big screen (I still do). When the opportunity came, I packed up and moved with no plan, just faith. I figured opportunities like this, especially right after college, are rare.

My overall journey has definitely been a rollercoaster of emotions, trials and tribulations, constant rejection, and so forth. When I was in college, and even in my first couple of years in LA, I would literally talk to anyone that would listen hoping they could give me something to help me figure out how to get into the entertainment industry. The biggest challenges were not having a secure place to live, job security, or a car. It’s crazy to think about, actually. I figured I would figure everything out once I got to LA and I did. This September will mark my 6th LAversary.

Let’s Take it Back Home to the A
What do you love most about living in California and would you consider California to be your endgame?

Kieanna:
I love the endless amount of opportunities that seem to find me in CA whereas in ATL, I felt like I was searching for the opportunities. I’ve worked in various fields, and one job often leads to another through referrals. People are always doing pop up shops, seminars, and screenings where you can go and talk to the director, the artist, the actor, etc. I've attended panels hosted by my mentor Naydea where I’ve had the opportunity to listen to different Black women share their stories of how they came up in the industry. I truly enjoy those types of conversations, learning from people that are not necessarily in the forefront, but also behind the scenes.

Outside of the industry, I love the weather, the beach, and the breathtaking scenery that motivates me to work harder. Living here feels surreal, with beautiful places like Temecula, San Diego, Pasadena, and Palm Springs all within reach. I don’t see CA as my end game. I actually want to be bi coastal. Within the next ten years, my goal is to be able to live in LA and ATL and be able to host events and create mentorship programs for young black kids that are interested in working in the entertainment industry, especially in my hometown of Decatur.

Continue keeping up with Kieanna along her creative journey!

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Amazon Best Sellers Top 100  
#30 in Self-Employment
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Artificial Intelligence for Non-Techies: How to Pivot & Push Using AI

Discover 'Artificial Intelligence for Non-Techies,' the first in a series of how-to guides designed for entrepreneurs and creatives seeking to harness AI for business success. Includes an AI Toolbox.

Buy now on Amazon.com

the muse’s corner:

JOIN + SHARE the melanin muse®️ community and indulge in a weekly celebration of Black women's brilliance!

melanin muse® It's Our Time!

We believe in the brilliance and magic in every Black woman! Our vision is a world where all Black women are safe and own their narratives.

melaninmuse.com