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Introduce yourself and profession to our readers:
I’m Niya Allen-Vatel and I’m a nationally certified résumé writer, career transition coach, author, and owner of the premier résumé writing service, Résumé Newbie, based in New York City. Résumé Newbie provides career branding for professionals and business trailblazers.

In addition, I have helped DIY job-seekers with my books, “Stop The Résumé Madness Training Guide”, “Feel Fierce & Get Hired Interview Prep Guide”, and the latest release “Get the Job: Secrets of a Professional Résumé Writer” created to give them an affordable tool to revamp their own résumés and cover letters without a pricey professional.
I hold 3 distinguished industry-based career certifications, Certified Career Transition Coach (CCTC), Credentialed Career Manager (CCM), and is one of approximately 60 Nationally Certified Resume Writers (NCRWs).

What inspired you to pursue this area of interest?
Starting off as an actress and creative writer, I was repeatedly asked by friends to review and rewrite their résumés and I would apply the same storytelling principals I’d learned as an artist. After some time I saw that professional résumé writing was a “thing” and began the steps to learn the craft of résumé writing and build my business in 2013. Clients come to me because I leverage my artistic training to design unique career stories that weave together life’s puzzle pieces that don’t make sense in a package that WOWs.​

We had the immense pleasure of attending this year's Atlanta installment of "My City 4 Ways" curated by Essence Magazine and Ford Motors.  Guests enjoyed a plethora of onsite activations in the areas of food, music, art and style.  Hosted by Essence Magazine Senior Editor Charreah Jackson and Comedian Loni Love of The Real, attendees enjoyed live performances from Algebra & Lecrae, appearances by celebrity guests June Ambrose & Kelis, cuisine courtesy of Chef Willie Wallace, a fun photo-booth, a Ride & Drive of various Ford vehicles, assorted libations, sounds by DJ Teknology & more.  Art & Style mavens Melissa Mitchell, Charlene Dunbar and Kenya Mollie were also a part of this dynamic event!  

Held in the heart of midtown, guests were even treated to complimentary valet parking to assure smooth arrival and easy entry.  There was so much #BlackGirlMagic in the building that we are already looking forward to next year's event!  Check out some of our photos below and follow the hashtag #MyFordCity on Instagram to see more behind-the-scenes action.

Introduce yourself and tell us about your profession:
Hey, hey! I’m Mys (rhymes with bliss) Palmer, and I am The Brand Voice Coach. As a communication expert, I lead a community where I help both employees and bidniz's OWN their stories authentically & profitably. Over the last 12 years, I have helped over 500 clients create connected brands, unmistakable content and unimaginable profit increases. Plus, I’m the “official” ice cream aficionado (Seriously). 

Creating a brand has become a must. Which means it's also now a buzz word. My work exists because your brand is what people say about you when you leave the room. How they feel after being with you. I believe in authenticity more than I buy into skills. Creating impactful communication is my forever work. I have the ability to transform how people interact with your personal or company brand which removes barriers to increasing your income.

What sparked your interest in this are?
Writing took over my life. When I was 18 I was enrolled in college and working full-time. Some of that work included writing resumes and content for businesses. Creatively, writing poetry gave me access to releasing energy I otherwise had no clue how to deal with. Before long, I was pulling over out of traffic to write. Literally pulling over to the shoulder, on the highway, to get the stories on paper. 

I didn't know it at the time, but my life would never be the same. Writing was a mirror and the reflection was disconnected from what my purpose was. So I began investing in myself. Transforming my blind spots, accessing where I was playing small and doing something about it. I went from being a writer for hire to developing campaigns and strengthening communication as a whole. I committed myself to showing other solopreneurs and corporate climbers how to communicate from connection, on purpose and with clarity.

What advice would you have to women interested in a similar pursuit?
To crack the code to become a transformation coach/author/speaker or if your business isn't working as well as you want it to, 1. Confront your thoughts. There are conversations you have with yourself that stop you from playing a really big game. And when you want to be there for another person, you need to be free'd up. 2. Discover Your VOICE. Really discover it for yourself and stay true to it by communicating from that place consistently.  It's the only way to create a brand that persists in people's minds. 3. Take on vulnerability. Being vulnerable is not just showing emotion. Vulnerability means giving people you. Not just tools. 

What is next for you in 2017/2018?
My book/training Crack the Code: 30 Days to a $10K Raise launches in October and the LIVE version The Impactful Masterclass happens Nov. 17-19 2017 at The Atlanta Botanical Garden. I am developing courses to give more people more access, phasing out the traditional 1:1 coaching model. The Impactful Masterclass will also have dates in 2018 

How can readers connect with you online and through social media?
I am @myspalmer on IG, Twitter and Facebook. Don't forget to like the event series page @ImpactfulResumes. If you feel ready to discover an impactful career or a completely boss uplevel in business email me info@myspalmer.com ​

Introduce yourself and profession to our readers: Greetings, My name is Tamara Mitchell-Davis. I am an author, entrepreneur, speaker, wife and mother. I have a Masters Degree in Business Administration (MBA) and hold a professorial position within the community college system where I teach business courses on-campus, online and within the Department of Corrections. I released my first book in April/May 2017 titled, #GoalGetter: Strategies to Overcome Life’s Challenges. I grew up in a housing project where children were already labeled as “At Risk” because of situations, circumstances, challenges, dysfunction (and the list goes on) which most were out of my control. As I matured, I realized that I was an “At Risk” child… I was At Risk for Success.

As I stumbled into adulthood, I had to mentally and emotionally prepare myself to not let my environment and what others thought of me hinder me from living my best life. “Best” as how I define it and not how others define it for me. When you know better you do better. I am an avid reader and I immersed myself in things that made me feel good about me. Whether it was taking a class, attending a conference, sharing my story to help someone else, writing, vision planning, and even talking and encouraging MYSELF through the lows in life, I was on this quest to seek purpose and passion.

I have made mistakes along the way. I struggled with doubt and fear of failure. But I had to put in the work to get to the “root” of my emotions. I had to ask myself, What is failure? What is fear? If something didn’t turn out the way I intended, does that mean I failed at it? Absolutely not! It just means that it didn’t work out and now I have the lessons learned from that experience to re-examine, re-group, re-charge and redirect. I had to learn this! This is how the title of my book was birthed. I was more intentional with setting goals. I used strategies and principles from my background in business as my framework to get me from point A to point B, C, and even D. In my book, I share the ups, the downs, the highs, and the lows and what worked for me hoping that my narrative will help change someone else’s thinking, approach, and even life.

​Introduce yourself and profession to our readers: Gladly! I'm Sylvia High, a Florida native who now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, which is known for its natural beauty, liberal politics, entrepreneurship, and diversity. My husband, Michael, and I love nature in all her many forms. So we spend as much time as we can in the countryside, on the beach, in the mountains and sometimes just strolling through our neighborhood.

I am the founder, CEO, and Principal Coach of Aiming High Inc., a transformational training and development firm offering training solutions that accelerate achievement across a wide range of disciplines. Our work is premised on the ontological belief that human beings are not "fixed entities;" and that achievement grows when you retrain your mind to accomplish what hasn't been accomplished yet. Our clients choose from a broad array of vision-centered coaching and training products, including one-to-one customized coaching.

​I'm the author of The Little Book of Big Questions - A Journey in Self-Discovery, which is a book for anyone who has ever wanted the freedom to triumphantly navigate almost any of life's situations. Sometimes the search for the answer can be more valuable than the answer itself. And by using this book, with its pointed questions and provocative insights, you will be able to sharpen your focus on what matters and take actions that will bring about the results you want.

Introduce yourself and profession to our readers: My name is Amber Jaii, I was born in Detroit, Mi but I've lived in both Atlanta and Detroit growing up. I began Fm radio at the age of 14, and hosted over a 100 events, concerts, fashion shows, panels, etc.  I'm currently a co-host on Dj Scream's Hoodrich radio which is broadcast on Sirius Xm's hip hop nation. I hold the position as the bold and uncensored personality which is probably why she was voted 2017 Best Personality in the Southern Entertainment Awards. 

What inspired you to pursue this area of interest? My favorite events are the events where i can kind of be free spirited with my music. Play a little hip hop, some trap and house, throw an old school mix in there and come right back with the hottest pop songs. I love to see everyone just vibing out and the looks on their faces when I throw in one of their favorite songs they haven’t heard in a while is magical. ​

Introduce yourself and profession to our readers: I am Cheryl Peavy, and I am a best-selling author, speaker and inner life coach. I work with young girls and women from diverse backgrounds who are faced with life traumatic situations. They are nurtured and support resulting in personal abundant growth and transformation by my online events and premier coaching.
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What inspired you to pursue this area of interest? Four years ago, I lost my mother and grandmother two weeks apart; I was seeking help from family and friends to find out that I was alone. I went into a deep depression. I was alone feeling like I didn’t matter. One day I cried out to God and I said please save me show me my purpose or just let me go. God saved me from depression and showed me my purpose. This traumatic experience made me realize that there are other women out her that feel alone and that they don’t matter. So, I decided I wanted to become the best friend of women who are experiencing traumatic situations and be there for them.

Introduce yourself and profession to our readers: Hello everyone. My name is J.E. Smythe and I’m the author of four books; “A Few Good Friends,” Zora’s First Day,” Through Grandma’s Eyes,” and “Secrets in the Woods (An Emilia Long Mystery).” I’m also the co-founder of Lady Esquire Group, LLC which is a self-assisted publishing company. We also help authors, especially new authors, market and promote their book(s). In my spare time, I’m also an Attorney living and working in Charlotte, North Carolina.

​What inspired you to pursue this area of interest? My inspiration comes from just wanting to live my best life and not wanting to place limitations on myself. It’s so easy to give up or get complacent, but when you know that there is something deep inside of you urging you to do more, to be more, then what choice do you have but to pursue everything that is within you. I wanted to be an Attorney so I studied hard, went to law school and became an Attorney. I was always writing a story in my head, so I got over my fear of being judged and wrote my stories on paper and shared them with the world. I tell people that half of me is analytical and the other half of me is creative. I’ve just been blessed to figure out that I can put those two halves together and make myself whole.

Introduce yourself and tell us about your work as an empowerment speaker and coach: My name is Natalie Fikes and I help professional women improve their health, wealth, and relationships by enhancing their quality of life and well-being. I've watched women settle, play small, and lower their expectations in life, business, and relationships for far too long. By showing women how to increase in confidence so they can walk into any room, develop their character to attract who and what they want in their lives, and gain the clarity they need to make decisions based on big picture thinking, goes a long way in the lives of women.

I believe that there isn't any reason why a woman can't have everything she wants in life, but it starts with getting clear and making decisions that fit the vision they hold for themselves. When a women discovers her "SAUCE"; her purpose and that "thing" that only she can bring in her own unique way, she can begin living a Bold, Beautiful, and Balanced life. I have an amazing ability to show women what they already possess so they can start seeing immediate changes in all areas of their lives.

Introduce yourself and profession to our readers: My name is Jon'll Boyd and I am the owner and CEO of Completely Yours Events, an event planning and design firm in the Washington DC Area. Our competitive advantage is simple—We care about your event. Beyond our passion for our own industry, we develop a passion for yours. We understand that your annual conference, meeting, gala or event is at the heart of your organization. It is the time when your members or associates network, it provides world class education, it shares the mission of your organization with ambassadors, and it generates revenue to ensure your strength in the future.

We are experts in the event industry and provide our clients with a slate of new and progressive services along with our solid foundation of award winning event management skills built on over 15 years experience. I am also an advocate and mentor to beginning and transitioning planners who are struggling with understanding how to build the foundation of their business, incur a profit and provide an contagiously happy customer experience.

Introduce yourself and profession to our readers: I am an actress turned Entrepreneur, Mentor, and Growth Junkie. I am the owner of the store My Fantasy Co.  & The Fantasy Lash EyeLash Extensions. Also, I am the Founder of FANTASY LIFE, a mentoring and business leadership Organization that support Queens to become independent and successful in their act of utilizing our network. My goal is to inspire women across the globe to start and run their own business. Most importantly, to help them turn their FANTASY into reality by conquering their dreams while embracing their inner-happiness at the same time.

When The Fantasy Lash & My Fantasy Co was thought of, I realized how hard it was to get immediate help. The business coaching and mentoring programs that were available at the time were out of the budget. Paying over $700 a month for business coaching was out of the question. I felt lost, hopeless. I Didn't know how to do my website, get contacts that were needed, what steps were needed and so on. From then on, I was determined to do my very best to make sure no one ever experiences the emotional damage, the stress, and lack of hope I have experienced when trying to better myself. We at FANTASY LIFE focuses on building bonds and supporting the ideal #FANTASYgal. 

Introduce yourself and tell us about what inspired your professional pursuits:
Hello everyone my name is Atia Sherrod, I'm the owner and founder of #Lovethyself™. I started #Lovethyself™ because of my passed failed relationships and marriage. I dealt with men and people who seemed to suck the life out of me and in turn with me trying to be there for others I ended up falling out of love with myself, which is a huge no no! I never thought I would start my own business, I wanted to be a singer/ songwriter but my road of life had its own detour! One day I was in the movie theater with my now ex husband and I had made a post to let women know that just because you see the next woman traveling, she has expensive this, expensive that don't look at your life like you FAILED because you didn't. I received so many compliments and thank you's and not even realizing at the end of the post I put "#Lovethyself." It seemed like me reading those messages a light went off and from there I started grinding! I recently hosted a women's empowerment event with the lovely MinaSayWhat! from Power99fm as well as motivational speaker Ayana Iman! After the event was over people couldn't believe it was my first event and from there I haven't stopped! 

What advice would you share with ladies interested in a similar pursuit?
The best advice I would give women all around the globe would be to love yourself unconditionally, never let no man nor woman belittle you and have you believing you're not amazing because you are! 

What is next for you in 2017?
Hmm... what's next for #Lovethyself™? Well we will be hosting more empowerment events to teach women how to build their brands by networking and marketing and closing deals! We're looking to start traveling to different states to bring the love so hopefully we'll see you in your state soon! 

How can readers connect with you online?
To stay up to date with #Lovethyself™ follow us on instagram at 1stlovethyself, also visitlovethyself.com keep an eye out for us! 

Introduce yourself and profession to our readers: My name is Michelle Wilson. I am an award-winning television producer/reporter for CBN, a voice-over talent, speaker, actress, creative visionary and entrepreneur. I am the founder and CEO of Michelle Wilson Media, LLC - a creative media imaging company for film, television and digital media. I am a graduate of Oral Roberts University where I received my Bachelor of Science degree with an emphasis in broadcast journalism.

I joined CBN – Christian Broadcasting Network, in 1998 where I have been afforded the opportunity to travel around the world producing life changing dramatic testimonies, that encourage, inspire and motivate people from all walks of life.