Introduce yourself and profession to our readers: I am Lucille Willis, entrepreneur, and author of 21 Days of Praise: Seeking God’s Face Instead of His Hand. It is a transformational and inspirational guide to your spiritual praise journey to help you praise God for WHO He is, discover how the answers you seek are in your praise, and live your best life.

What inspired you to pursue this area of interest? After a twenty-one-day church fast at the beginning of the New Year, which was designed to create a closer spiritual relationship with God, I did feel closer to Him. However, I sensed in my spirit that something was missing. There was a nagging pull on my heart that would not allow me to be content with the fast. I heard the Holy Spirit say, “You have asked God for everything you wanted on the fast, so now go for twenty-one days of thanking Him. And don’t ask for anything. Just thank Him for everything.” 

​A couple of months after starting my praise journey, the Holy Spirit revealed to me that the twenty-one days of praise was a book. I never imagined that God was going to take my personal praise journey and put it into a book to encourage others to praise Him. I believe that because I was obedient, He blessed me with this book. The Holy Spirit has been the inspiration for the book and the title: 21 Days of Praise: Seeking God’s Face Instead of His Hand. I knew when I heard the title that I had to go to the next level and not just thank God for the things He has done but also had to seek His face and praise Him for who He is.

Introduce yourself and your profession to your readers.
My name is Unique Walker. I am a wife, a mother of two sons, and a lifelong entrepreneur. After years of running a successful t-shirt business, I decided to share my blueprint with the women in my online community, and now, I coach women on their journeys to maximizing their potential and sharing their unique blueprints with the world. I am also a member of the Forbes Business Coaching Council. ​

Introduce yourself and profession to our readers: My name is Dr. Marlene Carson. While I have Dr. on my name now I wasn’t always called Dr.  I am a SurThriver of Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking.  Taken at the age of 15 as a Virgin girl and put into prostitution.  Today.  I am a Survivor that is absolutely thriving in ministry, business and specifically social enterprise. 
 
What inspired you to pursue this area of interest? I decided to pursue social enterprise because I knew that it would teach people how to do good better.  Entrepreneurs have the ability to make an impact in the world and we want to leave a mark.  So, I show entrepreneurs how to create sustainable profit for both their business and their passion projects. 

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

What inspired you to pursue this area of interest? I always say the event industry found me after I was downsized and let go from my corporate job. It came as quite the shock and a blow to my security so I knew moving forward I wanted to create experiences for and be of service to others on my own terms and not someone else's.

 
Introduce yourself and profession to the reader. My name is Sean D. Young.  I am a single mother of two boys.  I am a Certified Wedding Planner and I am a published romance novelist.  I just earned my Bachelor’s degree in Computing from DePaul University.

What inspired you to pursue this area of interest?  I’ve always been a lover of the written word and I love stories that end in… and they lived happily ever after. 

What advice would you share with those interested in a similar pursuit? I would say believe in your God-given ability as a writer.  If you don’t have faith in yourself, no one else will. Make time to write every day, writers write and you can’t fix a blank page.

​Read the kinds of books you’d like to write. You have to educate yourself within the genre in which you are interested. If you are going to self-publish your work, please invest in a good editor, graphic designer and proofreader.  The worst thing you can do is present a book to the world that is filled with grammatical errors. 

Introduce yourself and profession to our readers: Hello, I am Bershan Shaw, celebrity tv personality, International motivational speaker, Certified global business and life coach, author, two time stage four breast cancer survivor.

What inspired you to pursue this area of interest? I was told I had three months to live and to get my affairs in order by a doctor. I showed him. Don't let anyone tell you your path but you and GOD. I realized that I was bigger than my diagnosis. My prognosis is to uplift, inspire and heal women worldwide and I'm on a mission to do it.

Introduce yourself and profession to our readers:
I'm Katrina Garnes and I'm a Digital Marketing professional. I'm the owner of Cold Storm Media. We provide online marketing solutions and strategies for small businesses and non-profit organizations. We take a more personal approach with our clients. From branding, digital marketing strategies to graphic design and much more, on a day-to-day basis we assist businesses with creating recognizable brands.

What inspired you to pursue this area of interest?
In undergrad, I majored in Mass Communications with a focus in Television Broadcasting. I completed several internships in both radio and television. While I was in college I also established a web-based talk show on YouTube entitled What’s Going On. I started off the as the show’s host exclusively.  Being that I also wanted to gain experience in editing videos, I began editing and producing my own videos as well.  It was and still is a very informative life lesson about taking control and taking initiative.

I did everything from watching online tutorials for hours to shadowing local professionals in the craft. I made a point to work extra hard to overcome stigmas. Because video production in my then rural area consisted of mostly men, it was hard for me to be taken seriously.  I quickly learned that if no one believes in you, you have to believe in yourself. And In 2015, I believed in myself and my ability enough to officially launch Cold Storm Media as a full digital marketing company and the rest is history in the making. 

Introduce yourself and profession to our readers: My name is Carmen Simmons and I am the Founder and CEO of nStyleAtlanta.com

What inspired you to pursue this area of interest? Growing up I always had a passion for arts and entertainment. I loved to dance, draw, write, and even briefly played the piano and clarinet. When I was in High School I participated in a dance class taught by Famed Choreographers Carrie Ann Inaba and the late Keith Williams. It was after that experience that I knew I didn't want to be a performer but be behind that scenes.

​As I grew older my passion grew more towards planning events, music, television. I was obsessed with watching Oprah and music network talk shows like Video Music Box, YO MTV Raps, Rap City, Video Soul, TRL, and 106 and Park and listening to radio personalities like Wendy Williams. They were a major reason why I majored in Radio, Television, and Film Production.

Introduce yourself and profession to our readers:
Crystal M. Clark-Chatman is the Founder and Director of Operations of Beautiful Spirited Women 501c3, a girls mentoring program who provides community services opportunities and workshops. She is a wonderful wife and mother of 3. 

Beautiful Spirited Women, 501c3 has been established since November of 2010 and currently have 7 chapters throughout the USA. Crystal started her non-profit organization because she found that there was a need in her community which she grew up in as well as surrounding communities in Memphis, TN. Being someone that she needed when she was younger, motivated her even more to start this program.

Beautiful Spirited Women, 501c3 started with just 10 members at the IHOP on Elvis Presley in Memphis, TN. In 2011, Crystal was working a full time job, staying in another city and managed to partner with great companies in the City of Memphis such as American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, and Memphis Food Bank just to name a few. Beautiful Spirited Women also partnered with Green Dot Public Schools System, Memphis City Schools and Shelby County Schools systems to assist with operations after school programs with girls. Beautiful Spirited Women will be celebrating 7 years of community service in November.

​Crystal is a proud native of Memphis, TN. She is an alumnus of Lane College in Jackson, TN & University of Phoenix, in Cordova, TN. She is an active member of the Clarksville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. as Sgt. & Arms, Policies & Procedures, and  Delta Gems team member. 
 
What inspired you to pursue this area of interest?
My past was very difficult. I suffered with low self–esteem, lack of confidence, being bullied and there were no teen mentoring programs around that my mother knew about. Resources were very limited and everything was costly. I made a free program so parents will not have any stress especially with all the other things that is going on in everyone's personal lives. We offer free workshops and community service opportunities for girls ages 4-19 years of age.
 

Introduce yourself and profession to our readers: 
My name is Marva Stephens, professionally known as MJ on the Beat. I am a Makeup Artsit & Skincare Professional based in Anne Arundel County Maryland. 

What inspired you to pursue this area of interest? 
I've always been into all things beauty & vanity. What inspired me to pursue makeup professionally was my love for fashion, style, art & my creativity. I look at faces as canvases. Skincare came naturally, once I mastered how to apply makeup correctly, I became obsessed with perfecting the skin underneath. A picture is only as beautiful as its canvas, I want to make the natural canvas as flawless as my makeup application is! 

Introduce yourself and profession to our readers:
LaQuinna "Heiress" Bethel is a United Real Estate Agent. She has been an educator for Newark Public Schools for 17 years and a Women's Boutique owner for the past two years. She prides herself on hard work and dedication. Her in depth knowledge of the area helps her clients find the right neighborhood to purchase their dream home. 

She is a Buyer's Agent where she acts as an adviser during the entire home buying process, and handles the beginning and end of the negotiation process. She is also a Listing Agent that helps homeowners sell their homes at the highest price possible. She can help with the following rentals, investment properties, and foreclosures. 

What inspired you to pursue this area of interest?
I have been a teacher for seventeen years and I decide to go in to real estate State a year ago. As a female I wanted to learn about wealth building and investing. As a single mother I want to show my daughter that you control your own destiny. So I begun to read about investing and stock. Through my research I learned that that the average millionaire became a millionaire by purchasing real estate.  So the income I make from being a real estate agent I can invest it.

Introduce yourself and profession to our readers:
I am V. Taybron affectionately known as Domestic Queen V.  To sum it up I am the Black Martha Stewart helping women tap into the Domestic Arts such as cooking, cleaning, and a love for family. I've been able to capitalize on this concept with my company Savor V where everything is "made from scratch and produced with love." My company SavorV.com houses one of the fastest growing online bakeries and domestic lifestyle blogs around. 

Introduce yourself and profession to our readers:
 
Hi readers! My name is Dr. Catrina Pullum AKA The Strategist. I have been called a Trailblazer, a Transformer, a Visionary, & The Chain Breaker. My life’s mission to help women heal and grow their greatness by loving themselves and walking into their purpose! I serve an Executive for Puissance Maison Productions where I create a platform for women to share their stories of Triumph through the Arts & Entertainment Industry. I am also the President of PullCorp Media & Business Consulting Group.  PullCorp Media and Business Consulting Group is a boutique PR , Media, and Business Consulting Firm.  I have been featured Essence Magazine’s April Issue & Black Enterprise Magazine. I recently shared my platform as an empowerment speaker for Bishop TD Jakes’s Megafest.   
I serve as a mentor for US Chamber of Commerce. I oversee Creating Opportunities For Excellence Mentorship Academy.  The academy features influencers who mentors young women from 15 to adulthood in various areas of their lives.  I am the Founder & Board Chair of Center of Empowerment For Families & Youth, Inc. Center of Empowerment for Families and Youth, Inc is committed to diminishing the risks of underserved and youth who have been exposed to some type of trauma.  I travel the country advocating on the behalf of Sexual Assault, Human Trafficking, & Domestic Violence Victims.

After what has probably been the longest shitty-season of my life......I've finally decided to Woman Up.  %95 of the last 10 months has felt like one shit-storm after the next.  I feel like I'm legit addicted to making terrible decisions.  Its like I'm outside of myself, watching life unfold from the sidelines. Or as if I'm in a boxing match with myself and losing.  Whether in your professional or personal life, there is bound to be a rough season at some point - so here are 5 Ways to Woman Up and handle that ish!

1. SAY F&*% IT!  You've been giving wayyyyy to much energy and mental space  to whats NOT going right, so just say F%$* IT! If it's a man-related storm, say F&%$ HIM!   Instead of whining to your friends about it or over-analyzing the situation any further......just say F&%$ IT. Chances are, its not life or death, so let that ish go for a moment. Try putting your attention somewhere else completely.  For example plan a crazy trip to Iceland or somewhere exotic and spend all of your energy making it happen.  Energy goes where attention flows, so direct you attention to something that is thrilling to break up the storm.  (Be our next Magazine Cover Girl perhaps!?)

2. Grow Some Balls.  Its time you make the tough decision(s). If you're miserable at work, start applying for 5 jobs a day.  If you have a frenemy that sucks you dry, cut her off.  If a guy has lured you into an emotional roller coaster.... exit the theme park. If your money is looking funny, start driving Uber or Learn How to Earn $1K in 1 Week.  When you woman up, there is no space for excuses.  Most storms require some decision making and decisive action.  %50 of the problem is probably you choosing between what you want to do vs what you NEED TO DO.  Challenge yourself to go ahead and make the tough decisions.

3. Keep It Moving.  Get out of the house, make some new plans and fill up your time with productive activities.  Leave in the past whatever needs to be left....life goes on.  Stop harping on what went wrong, stop beating yourself up and keep it moving. Life is a movie with different scenes, so stop pressing rewind or you'll never reach the highlights. (Attend our next event)

4. Glow Up.  A shit storm can shake your confidence, so this a great time to Glow-Up! Get those beauty services that make you feel like a million bucks.  Go to the gym.  Get a massage.  Spice up the wardrobe.  Try a new hairstyle or look.  Spend time listening to positive podcasts, read more and put energy into self care from the inside out. (Check out Glow-Up Eguide)

5. Get to Giving.  No matter how shitty your season has been, remind yourself that someone somewhere has it 10x worse.  Craft some time to give back to the less fortunate.  Remember that the life you have, someone else is praying for.   Giving back weekly allows you to check yourself before you wreck yourself.  Giving back encourages the spirit of gratitude, which helps battle energies of sadness, discontentment or disappointment. (Donate to support our annual Entrepreneur Grant)

Life is not a fairytale....it is a collection of human experiences.   Know that all things are working for your good and experiences of adversity only make you stronger and wiser.  There is no testimony without the test, so sometimes what you're going through is not even about you.  It is about the people that you can one day help through a similar storm.  Instead of asking a dis-empowering question like 'why me'.....ask 'what can I learn from this' or 'what can I do differently next time' or 'how can I become better from this'.  Perspective is everything.  Send love to this storm so that you uncover the necessary lessons and move on to sunnier skies.