Phreedum

Phind out Phriday: Doing Beauty Better, Jalea Dodson of Jspot Beauty LLC

2012-02-24T03:36:00.001-08:00

This week’s featured entrepreneurhales from Baltimore, Maryland. Like many entrepreneurs she tried the safe andpractical 9-5 but gave it up for school to perfect her passion. Jalea Dodson isthe owner of Jspot Beauty LLC. She is an esthetician (skin care), makeup artist, and brow specialist. Jalea knows that doingyour best and looking your best goes hand in hand. She also knows people oftenthink there is a “trick” to having glowing skin. However, what I phound out inthis interview is there are no tricks just education and a little Jspot magic.

Phreedum: Tell me a little bit about how you started theJspot?

JD: I’ve always had an interest and an eye for makeup.Initially I started by helping family and friends while I worked a 9-5 doing collections. I was growing weary of that job and thoughtif I was going to work, why not do work that I enjoy? I decided to try to workat MAC and in order to do so I needed more education to my instinct and personalknow how. I went to Von Lee Aesthetics to really hone in my skills. I worked atMAC for a year before returning to Von Lee Aesthetics to learn about skincare.This time when I finished I decided to do freelance work. My freelance work morphedinto the Jspot.

Phreedum: Howexactly did you come up with the name Jspot?

JD: My first nameis Jalea, so I knew it was going to be J something. One day I was watching theshow “Girlfriends” and it was theepisode were Joan is pitching names for the restaurant she wanted to start. Jspot was the name she really liked. And, sodid I.

Phreedum: Who areyou in 5 words?

JD: Determined,goal driven, resilient, bossy, passionate.

Phreedum: Whathas been a highlight for you as an entrepreneur?

JD: The respectand support that I have received for my work has been amazing. My friends and family have been encouragingfrom the beginning and through the years I’ve gained so much support fromclients. It’s just really great to see so much love from people and it’s forsomething I really enjoy doing.

Phreedum: What doyou enjoy most about the work you do?

JD: I truly enjoymy clients. I enjoy meeting different people who trust me to help them enhancethe natural beauty they already possess. I get to teach them things so they canbecome confident in caring for their skin and looking their best. My client’skeep me going.

Phreedum: Howdoes Jspot change the lives of others?

JD: Being in the beauty industry, I think it givesmy client, men and women, confidence. I educate them and increase theirawareness about their skin type and skin health. I think some people think theservices I provide are a luxury and unnecessary, but people have real issueswhen it comes to skin care and that can really hamper their confidence andability to fully enjoy their life. Skin healthhis just as important as the health of the rest of your body. People come to meand I get to help them understand everything that impacts their skin and howthey can start making changes and see results. If you look good chances are you are going to feel good. Who doesn’twant to feel good?

Phreedum: Whathas been the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?

JD: Two things. The first is to put aside yourexpectations and what you think will happen. Sometimes if you over think orexpect too much too fast you can become afraid and doubtful. Fear and doubt aredream killers not enhancers. The second is to do what you feel and if you standbehind it it will work out. This is myversion of the whole “follow your heart and things will fall into place” saying.

Phreedum: What’sthe best thing about being an entrepreneur in the Baltimore area?

JD: I think overthe past few years the entrepreneurs in Baltimore have increasingly been moresupportive of each other. I think when I first started it felt more of a “mineis mine” mentality and I think that was and is unnecessary. If you are anentrepreneur just do what you do well and you won’t have to be threatened byother entrepreneurs who do what they do well. The increasing camaraderie hereis really great and I can honestly say in Baltimore that we support each other.

Phreedum: What isit that most people don’t get about skin care and makeup?

JD: It’s notrocket science. As far as makeup, there is no book that says you have to wearfoundation, eye liner, etc. I recommendthat you put on whatever makeup you feel like putting on and don’t overdo it.Regarding skin care- that is a reflection of your health. Your face isreflective of your diet. Watch what youare eating and if you are having problems see a professional.

Phreedum: Besidesyour makeup and skin care services you recently tried your hand at eventorganizing and fund raising, can you tell me more about that?

JD: Recently Iorganized and hosted “Kiss Cancer Goodbye.” In December of 2010 my hair stylistdied of Lymphoma cancer. I noticed a lot of beauty companies were doing thingsregarding breast cancer and I wanted to do something for my hair stylist. Itreally started with me designing a t shirt and then that grew into an event.All of the money made from the t shirts and the event went to a family strugglingto pay the medical cost associated with fighting cancer. I started planning theevent on November 2, 2011 and had it on December 29^th 2011. We raisedabout $1000.00.

Phreedum: Veryimpressive.

JD: Thank you.

Phreedum: Lastquestion, if Jspot was a shade of lipstick, what would it be?

JD: A bright teal. Teal isn’t a primary color so that means it’s a mixture of other colorsand the end result is a color I love. Jspot has been a mixture of passion,support, experience and skill. I’ve used all of those things to create andcontinue to build a business that’s my own and that I love.

For more information about Jalea visit jspotbeauty.com. or followher on Twitter @Jspotbeauty

Cause and Effect

2012-02-21T06:11:00.000-08:00

Today is tomorrow only 24 hours removed. Whatever you do or don’t do today will effect tomorrow and all the other tomorrows you may be graciously granted.

Cause and Effect by Mel Bochner

Phind out Phriday- Everyone Needs a Little TLC- Edward Hancock of Excellent Hands Massage Services

2012-02-17T03:52:00.000-08:00

One question that I rarely ask entrepreneurs in my interviewsanymore is “How do you de stress?” Ifound that many of the entrepreneurs didn’t de stress. They acknowledge thatentrepreneurship is demanding work and can be stressful but they don’t destress.

Well, this week I interviewed Edward (Ed) Hancock, the ownerof Excellent Hands Massage Services, a man who makes helping people de stresshis business. He knows the value oftaking time to step away from the demands of the dream and care for thedreamer.

Phreedum: Tell mehow you started Excellent Hands Massage Services.

EH: I alwayswanted to work for myself. While working for a large food corporation I alsoworked as a personal trainer which I enjoyed more. As I continued my work as apersonal trainer I decided to go to massage therapy school. Starting ExcellentHands Massage Services seemed like the perfect way to engage my passion forentrepreneurship and my passion for total body wellness.

Phreedum: Who areyou in 5 words?

EH: Humble,smart, passionate, respectable, easy going

Phreedum: Whathas been a highlight for you as an entrepreneur?

EH: I think everytime a customer says “That’s the best massage I’ve ever had” that is a highlightfor me. I’ve been doing this for threeyears now and hearing that and other positive feedback from customers nevergets old.

Phreedum: Withyour customers as your highlight as an entrepreneur, tell me then, whomotivates you as an entrepreneur?

EH: I have a daughterand she is my biggest source of motivation. I want to set an example for her. Iwant her to know she can have dreams and achieve them, happiness is real andhard work pays off.

Phreedum: What isone of the biggest lessons being an entrepreneur has taught you?

EH: Nothing iseasy and there is always hard work to do. I’m still learning how to navigate thiswhole entrepreneurship process.

Phreedum: Whatadvice have you found helpful as you continue to build your brand?

EH: Stay humbleand don’t be scared to ask for help. Entrepreneurship is very humbling. Whileyou have to be confident to step out and start a business on your own, you haveto know that you don’t know everything. Because you don’t know everything youhave to ask for help.

Phreedum: Howdoes your work as an entrepreneur change the lives of others?

EH: I help peopleto be at their best. Let’s be honest. When you are rested and relaxed, you areable to better engage in your work and relationships. Your mood is better andyour outlook is better. Providing a great massage helps people to be rested andrelaxed. They come in to see me out of sorts, and I send them out calm, cool,and collected.

Phreedum: Youhelp others de stress, so how do you de stress?

EH: I zone out tomusic. It helps me clear my head.

Phreedum: So whatartists are on your play list?

EH: I’m big onR&B and Neo Soul. So a good amount of artists like Jill Scott and AnthonyHamilton.

Phreedum: Whatwould you tell the Edward Hancock of 10 years ago?

EH: Wow. Goodquestion. I would probably tell myself to make smarter financial decisions.It’s never too early to learn about money and how to save ad spend it wisely.

Phreedum: Ialways like to ask entrepreneurs I interview for a piece of advice they wouldlike to tell other aspiring entrepreneurs. So Mr. Hancock, what advice wouldyou give others on their entrepreneurial pursuit?

EH: Do what youhave a passion for because if you don’t you won’t last long.

For more information about Edward Hancock and ExcellentHands Massage Services follow him on twitter @Excellent_hands or like his Facebook page,Excellent Hands.

Is Your Heart in the Race?

2012-02-14T03:42:00.000-08:00

Some call it burn out, others call it passion fatigue.Regardless of what you call it, if you are not aware of the signs you and your dreams will be on adownward spiral. This week I encourage you to check your vital signs and makesure your heart is still in the race.

Are you motivated? Regardless of where you are inthe process are you still excited about your goal? Are you still lookingforward to the end even if you are not a fan of the current means?

Are you engaged? Not the put a ring on it engaged,but the actively present and involved engaged. Are you aware of what was done, is getting done, and needs to be done? Are you working with your team if you haveone, or just waiting for updates so you can give a quick nod of approval orblame others for what wasn’t done?

Have you gone from proactive to reactive? Everyonehas a crazy day or long week where staying on top of things let alone ahead ofthings to reach your goals can be difficult. When a long or crazy day becomesconsecutive days and weeks, and you find yourself waiting for the next offer ordisappointment so you can then decide what to do, that’s a problem. Deciding to live on a reactive default isdefinitely a sign of feeling out of control and doubting your ability to regaincontrol.

Is productivity down while procrastination is up?Have you noticed a decrease in your ability to consistently be productive? Do you find that your to do list is notbecoming a to done list? Often people procrastinate when they are overwhelmed,anxious, or afraid. These feelings can become so intense they hinder you fromprogressing toward a goal. Not making progress can lead to feelings of defeatand wanting to throw in the towel.

If you are answering yes to these questions, you and yourdreams may be getting ready to flat line.

So how do you avoid having to call for a crash cart?

Go for a check up!

Check up on:

Your vision: Has your vision changed or need to berevised given newly acquired skills, interests, exposure and partnerships? Ifit hasn’t (and that’s okay) check and make sure that what you are doing isreflective of the vision. If it’s not, stop and align yourself accordingly.

Your team: What’s communication and accountabilitylooking like? If your team is not acting like a team you need to sit down andfigure out how to make it work. Don’t be afraid of feedback and don’t be afraidto offer constructive criticism. If players need new positions then assign them.If they need a new team let them know they are a “phree agent”.

Your skills: The only constant in life is change.With that said, you do yourself and your dream an injustice not to make sureyou are changing accordingly. Make sure you are staying up on not only thenewest and latest, but the best. Research is not only for when you first embarkon starting a business, choosing a college, or considering relocating. Researchis a continual process, so make sure you keep doing it.

Your priorities: What exactly is important to you?I believe people always do what they want or do for what they want. That said,how you spend your resources (time, money, energy, etc.) is indicative of whatis a priority to you. The larger the gap between the reality of what yourpriorities are (how you spend your resources) and what you say they are, themore difficult it will be for you to achieve anything.

So reader, don’t flat line on me. Love your dreams enough togo for a check up and reach your goals!

Phind out Phriday: Don Scott- The Man Behind The DNTN Brand

2012-02-10T04:19:00.000-08:00

I used to say I was a nerd on the low. Then it was I was an undercover nerd. Well now it’s just a nerd, just a person always wanting to and super interested in learn something new. So my first question to Don Scott of DNTN was not the usual “Who are you in 5 words?” or “How did you start your business?”(Although it will read something like that in this interview). My first question was “What is street wear?” As to not sound totally lame, I told him I was “familiar” with the term, and I was. But that was about it. He laughed and effortlessly explained. He was clearly a street wear guru. Then he went on to further explain the evolution of his brand and how he’s maintained nothing but loyalty and love for his street wear brand, DNTN amidst being a husband, father, and friend for the past ten years here in Philadelphia.

Phreedum: Talk to me about Donation versus DNTN?
DS: They are actually one in the same, with a few differences. Don-A-tion (pronounced Don-Nation) is the original name of my brand. I was always into art and when my grand mom looked at all of my work she called it Don-Nation. So I just made it one word, Don-A-tion and considered it a way of me putting my influence on the world. However, Donation was exclusive but a bit eclectic. There was never really a cohesive line. DNTN is me polishing Donation. DNTN is the evolutionary cohesive collection of street wear.
Phreedum: Speaking of street wear, what exactly is street wear?
DS: Street wear is exclusive customer based clothing that is driven by the culture of the designer, and created to tell the story of the culture from which it was born.
Phreedum: Who is Don Scott in 5 words?
DS: I’m ambitious, stubborn, arrogant, creative. But I think there is Don Scott the artist and then there is Don Scott the husband/dad/friend. So sometimes there are things I have to be when it comes to my business that I’m not when I’m with my wife and kids or my friends.
Phreedum: What would you consider to be a highlight for you in your entrepreneurial journey?
DS: DNTN has been around for 10 years now. While DNTN has evolved and has been worn by actors and musicians alike, I think the greatest success has been maintaining a loyal fan base. DNTN is still an exclusive brand with an exclusive following. We are loyal to this city and this city has been loyal to us. We are still 100% Philly.
Phreedum: Ten years is definitely a good amount of time to be around. What has been one of the greatest lessons you’ve learned in your ten years as an entrepreneur?
DS: To be honest, I’m still learning daily. However, I would say what I have found to be extremely important is communicating with your target audience. I try to make my following more like a friendship. I want customers to know that the people behind the brand are like them. I would also say that I have learned there will be many distractions but you have to stay true to your vision for your brand. Own your ideas and energy and work to strengthen your abilities.
Phreedum: How does DNTN change the lives of others?
DS: I think my brand tells my story and I think I have a story a lot of people can relate to. I am the kid who grew up in West Philly, knows that life can be a bitch, but despite hardships there is something greater. You can create change for you and others that come after you. Whatever change you want to see, if you’re persistent something will come of it.
Phreedum: You have two sons, what legacy would you like to leave for them?
DS: I hope my sons learn that whatever they choose to do in life, just give it your all. I want them to know that they have a dad who gives it his all. They can find their way, learn their way, but I want them to go all the way.
Phreedum: Okay, being the family man you are, how would your wife describe you in one word?
DS: Passionate.
Phreedum: How do you stay motivated?
DS: I don’t settle. I am hard to please and I am a perfectionist. I want things my way so I keep trying. I’m also not as wealthy as I know I can be and even when I get there I am pretty sure I will keep going. I always want more. I guess I’m kinda greedy.
Phreedum: Why Philadelphia?
DS: It’s where I’m from and it’s what I know. Art and Philly are what I know. Plus, my wife and I started a family in Philly. I think if the opportunity comes, we would move, but DNTN is Philly born and bred. When you think Philly you should think DNTN.
Phreedum: What do you think most people underestimate about being an entrepreneur?
DS: The time and energy it takes to see the end result. Most people are impatient and want what they want now. You can’t really put a time limit on it. You have to be committed. I told myself “It’s all I am going to do and I will do it til’ it’s what I want.” People come in with a plan B, but there can’t be a plan B. That right there is doubt and there is no place for doubt as an entrepreneur. You have to stay focused and go for it.
Phreedum: You mentioned before that the DNTN brand has been worn by both actors and musicians, if you had to choose a music artist to be the face of the DNTN brand who would it be and why?
DS: I can’t say there is an existing artist I would want because I feel like they are already representing someone else and I want someone who would be exclusively DNTN. I can say I would want someone who is articulate, educated, stylish, comes from the street but knows how to mesh with the social elite. I would love for it to be a new artist.

For more information about Don Scott visit http://www.dontbitemystyle.com/ or follow him @DON_THEDNTNBOY

Mind Your Business

2012-02-07T04:04:00.000-08:00

Most of you know by dayI am a clinical counselor. I work with clients around a variety of mentalhealth and wellness issues. Everything from relationship discord to depression,anxiety disorders to surviving sexual abuse/assault, grief and loss to identitycrisis. No matter who the client is or what the predicament is that bought themto the comfy yellow, black, and tan chair in my office, it all boils down tohow they view themselves and the world in their mind. I work extensively withclients around what it is they think and what they feed their minds.
To start, I remind them counseling will only be helpful if they have made uptheir mind to change. Once they have convinced themselves they are readyto and willing to change then we can start the process. Until they come to thatconclusion their butt in my chair is a waste of time.
Most of the time I spend with clients focuses on identifying a thought, how itimpacts their current predicament, the root of the thought, and changing it. Mostof the time my clients totally get that they have to change how they think inorder to effect behavioral change to achieve their goals. Most of the time myclients also say "But I can't.", "Well what if...", "That'stoo hard, you don't understand.", and the list goes on.

I find while I oftenwork to make my clients feel special, they're not. They're not because we allare this way. We all are constantly trying to achieve goals and effect change.In order to do so we have to decide that we are going to change (in our minds)and then create change (our actions).
Here's what else I found out. If you go back and read any number of theinterviews I have had the privilege of conducting you will find that at somepoint all of the entrepreneurs talk about how they had to tell themselvescertain things in order to pursue their dream. They speak honestly aboutrejection and they speak honestly about their determination. Many of them willshare it was the maintained belief that they could accomplish their goals despitetheir current situation was what allowedthem to leave jobs, find amazing partners, lease buildings, or relocate. Otherssimply reminded themselves there was no plan B, so plan A had to work by anyand all means necessary. Others imagined themselves doing what they loved andthat motivated them, while others shared they couldn't imagine doing anythingelse and that motivated them. All of them reiterate the importance and power ofthe mind and a healthy mindset.
Whatever goal you are setting to achieve, change you are desiring to create,start by minding (choosing to have positive healthy thoughts/beliefs) yourbusiness.

Phind out Phriday: All that Glitters Is A Golden Opportunity- Stephanie Crisler of Mijourne

2012-02-03T03:54:00.000-08:00

It was the first Arts Beats and eats of 2012 and Iwas making my rounds to check out the various vendors. One vendor’s tablecaught my eye. There was a wealthy spread of all kinds of fantastic jewelry. Itdidn’t take me long to decide on a huge chunky yellow and gold ring. It alsodidn’t take me long to inquire and set up an interview with the vendor,Stephanie Crisler of Mijourne.

Phreedum:Who are you in 5 words?

SC:Sophisticated, glamorous diligent, smart, understanding

Phreedum:Howdid Mijourne go from an idea to a business?

SC:I think I’ve really always loved jewelry. It has a way of completing a look.Growing up my mom never left home without a piece of jewelry on, usually a pairof earrings. It didn’t matter if she was in sweats and going to the grocerystore, she had jewelry. Then there is my aunt who got me started thinking ofhow my love for jewelry could be a business. She would sell jewelry at different events andconferences she went to. On occasion she would invite me to help and I reallyenjoyed it. So, after growing frustratedwith a managerial position I held at a clothing retail company I quit andstarted Mijourne.

Phreedum:You just up and left?

SC:Yes. The very day I decided I would and could sell jewelry and be fulfilled iswhen I quit. I quit and had a negative balance in my bank account. Little thinking, lots of instinct.

Phreedum:How did you select your company’s name?

SC:Mijourne is just a fancy way of saying “My journey.” Everyday this is myjourney to creating a better life for myself.

Phreedum:Who supports you with your entrepreneurial endeavors?

SC:My mom. She is really supportive and helps me to make things happen. She pushesme when I don’t feel like doing things, encourages me when I am doubtful,celebrates me when I have reached a goal. I also have a group of young ladiesthat believe in the vision of the company. Their belief inspires me to do andbe better.

Phreedum:Why jewelry?

SC:It’s so small but it’s so important. Jewelry brings the “wow” factor andcompletes any look.

Phreedum:What has been a highlight for you on your journey as an entrepreneur?

SC:Since starting Mijourne I have been fortunate to be invited to photo and videoshoots to style individuals as it pertains to jewelry. One particular shoot waswith Angela Simmons. She shared she really liked my jewelry and bought a fewpieces. Not too long after the shoot I was flipping through a magazine that hadhighlights from New York fashion week 2011and Angela Simmons was in a photowearing one of my pieces. That was so big for me. In a year one of my pieceswas in a magazine being worn by a celebrity. In addition to that I continue to get a lot ofcalls to vend at various events and host parties. There has been lots of growthin little time.

Phreedum:Whathas been the biggest lesson you have learned so far?

SC:People will say “No” and will not believe in you or what you are doing, but youhave to be encouraged. If God gave you a desire and a vision, He will fulfill it.Every delay is not a denial. You have to go harder and do what you can withwhat you have, but your dream is possible.

Phreedum:Why Philly?

SC:Philly is home and I have a lot of support here. I desire to grow the brand and branch out toother cities, but Philadelphia will always be home.

Phreedum:What do people underestimate about entrepreneurship?

SC:Just how hard it is. You have to doeverything. It’s a 24 hour gig. You arethe accountant, public relations person, manager, producer, and shipper. You doeverything to keep it operating and, in fact, that includes just generatingideas. It’s really not a hustle. It’s your life.

Phreedum:What is one piece of advice you carry with you as you continue to build yourbusiness?

SC: Go hard or go home. If you are not goingto go hard you might as well not do it. If you want it to be great you have toinvest and that means invest time, money, and your heart.

Phreedum:What is on piece of advice you would give the Stephanie of 10 years ago?

SC:If there are things that won’t benefit your future, let them go. There were thingsthat would never produce a reward in my life and I gave it my energy,attention, and time and it wasn’t worth it. I would tell myself to believe inwhat dreams I have and put them first.

Phreedum:How does Mijourne change the lives of others?

SC:If you know my journey you know Mijourne is built on the belief that anything,despite your past is possible. People who know my journey know I am from the city, lost my father, and startedmy business with a dollar and a dream but with a dream. It doesn’t matter what your past is, you holdyour destiny. Your past doesn’t have to hinder you. I get messages from peopleall the time about how my journey to and through Mijourne has inspired andmotivated people to step out on faith to pursue their own goals and dreams.

Phreedum:If Mijourne was a piece of jewelry, what would it be and why?

SC:If Mijourne was a piece of jewelry it would be a pair of hoops. Hoop earringsare very versatile. You can wear a pair to the gym or wear a gemmed upcrystallized pair to a formal function. You can wear your hair up or down,straight, wavy, or kinky. Hoops are really a timeless versatile piece ofjewelry. I think Mijourne, journeying, growing, becoming better is a processthat occurs across the lifespan and occurs in a variety of ways.

To learn more about Stephanie and her business visit www.mijourne.com or follow her on twitter @ilovemijourne

Win The Game

2012-01-31T03:57:00.000-08:00

It’s almost Super Bowl Sunday here in the US. In just a few days the two teams who have played hard all season will play the last game of the season in hopes that they will win the super bowl and be the “champion.” They will have strategized, viewed footage of their best and worst work, and studied plays provided by their coaching staff. They will put in time and sweat equity doing whatever is necessary to get the ring and the glory. However, coaching, strategizing, and planning aside, all the players have one goal- win the game. No player will be expected to pass up an unexpected opportunity that is presented while they are on the field that can get them the win. Even if it’s not one of the pre discussed plays.

I want you to do the same. I want you to make sure you arepreparing to do whatever it takes to win the game. Whatever is necessary to achieve yourgoals. More importantly however, as youplay I want you to be ready, willing, and able to maximize the opportunity youare given, not the one you are hoping for according to the play book, to winthe game. I want you to plan, activatethe plan, and be willing to alter the plan if it’s what it takes to secure thewin.

Don’t lose yards because it wasn’t

what was discussed as probable

in thelocker room of your mind.

Phind out Phriday: Unscripted- Erin Lee

2012-01-27T03:48:00.000-08:00

Itwas my last night in San Francisco. We met on Powell Street, walked up thehill, turned left, walked up a block to Sutter Street, and went to the sushiplace she loves. She had several recommendations but I settled for theCalifornia crab roll. First we caught up on each other’s lives. Wetalked about the usual- family, friends, travels, guys we were and weren’tseeing, not quite being 30, and film. But we didn’t just talk aboutfilm. We talked about her and film. We transitioned from catching upto me phinding out.

Erin Lee is a 29 yearold film maker from Miami, Florida and currently residing in San Francisco,California. She has participated in various film projects on both costs and is currentlyworking on a documentary with the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) in SanFrancisco. As you will read, Erin loves using film to tell a story, just asmuch as I enjoy interviews and phinding out people’s stories. Here’s what Iphound out about Erin and her work with film-unscripted.

Phreedum: Whoare you in 5 words?

EL: Walking around withtheme music.

Phreedum: Howdid you get into film?

EL: In high school I wasinterested in photography and signed up for a photography class as an elective.I didn’t get into the class and instead was put into a cinematographyclass. I had a really great teacher and fell in love with film and the abilityto tell people’s stories. So, for college I went to Vancouver Film Schooland have been doing film in some form ever since.

Phreedum:How long have you been doing film freelance?

EL: For about 9 years now.I started right when I finished college. It wasn’t by choice. It really was allthat was available.

Phreedum:What is your favorite aspect of film making?

EL: Editing is my firstlove. I have done a lot of editing, particularly with documentaries which Ireally like. More specifically veritae which is filming unstaged objective dayto day things. I use interviews to tie the veritae footage together to producea cohesive documentary.

Phreedum: Sohow long does the editing process take?

EL: You know that’s usuallythe hardest part to explain to people. The editing process takes a while. Itcan take an entire day to create one minute of finished footage. In fact, I usually billclients based upon the length of the finished product as opposed to the lengthof time it takes me to edit the film. It’s more budget friendly for clients thatway.

Phreedum: Soyour favorite part of film making is the part that takes the most time?

EL: Here’s the thing. Ittakes so much time because you can easily manipulate and lose a story withsound and juxtaposition. The editing is where you control the pace and sounddesign of the film to create emotion and tell the story, the story the peoplewho hired you need you to tell.

Phreedum:What would you consider your greatest success so far?

EL: Having the confidenceto ask for what I’m worth. This was an excruciating learning process for me.However, I think when you ask for more, people respect you more.

Phreedum:What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?

EL: Not to take every joboffered out of desperation. At the end of the day when I did this, it drove mecrazy. I was tired, overworked, and underpaid. My time is worth something so Idon’t need to say yes to everything.

Phreedum: Whohas had the most influence in encouraging you to phreely pursue your dream?

EL: Gwendolyn Wright, asmall business consultant here in San Francisco. When I firststarted filming for her business she would push me to do things that terrifiedme. She had a lot of faith in me and my abilities. She taught me a lot aboutself respect, especially being okay with saying no and not to be afraid ofconflict.

Phreedum:What’s so great about being an entrepreneur in San Francisco?

EL: It was a lot easier forme to get work as there is a small film community here. San Francisco is alsonot a 9-5 city. There is always something to do in some part of the city andthat usually means there is always some type of film or artistic project to bea part of in some capacity depending upon what your interests and skills are.

Phreedum:What would you consider your greatest resource?

EL: The experience I’ve hadwith larger corporate jobs has helped me learn so many various aspects of filmthat I can now do so many smaller projects completely on my own.

Phreedum:What do you think people underestimate about freelance work?

EL: I think peopleunderestimate the idea that freelancing full time can be a reliable source ofincome. It really can bring in fulltime fulfillment financially and otherwise.I have lived in San Francisco for four years and it took three years for me togo to freelance full time. I worked as a cocktail waitress, bar tender, swiminstructor, but I am happiest doing film and doing it full time.

Phreedum:Best piece of advice you’ve received?

EL: “Don’t bother doinganything unless your heart is completely in it otherwise you’re just going todrive yourself nuts.”

Phreedum: Howdoes your freelance film work change the lives of others?

EL: Well I think for theperson who hires me to do the work I am helping them fulfill a goal and tell astory. I think for the people viewing the work, especially the documentaries, Iget to change their lives by educating them. Right now I am working with PBSregarding a documentary about indigenous communities and sacred sites all overthe world. A lot of the communities are working hard to preserve these sitesand my work with the documentary is educating people and helping to preservethe sites.

That's..... Unnecessary

2012-01-24T04:03:00.000-08:00

We were having a girls night at one of my best friend’shomes. I and another friend were a little early and were helping to finishputting the food and drinks out. My best friend mentioned she selected certain wine forwine lovers like myself and I shared “I won’t be drinking anything.” I quickly followed that up with “I’m notpregnant.”

“Ahyana you don’t drink that much anyway, “ my best friendsaid.

“I know, so why drink at all. It doesn’t do anything for me.It’s just unnecessary.”

The next day amidst running errands I overheard two youngwomen talking, one sharing how she decided to stop using profanity. Her friendmentioned she had noticed to which the young woman responded “Thank you” andthat she has realized that it was “unnecessary.”

I’m going to keep this post pretty brief, mostly because toomany words would be, “unnecessary.” And if you have concluded that is what thispost is about, you have done rather well.

Here’s what I encourage you to ponder this week- to go, do,and be more ,what is unnecessary as you pursue the necessary? What are the things that don’t get to be labeled good or bad right or wrong but simply necessary orunnecessary?

I’m not going to give you a list of things that could orshould be pondered as either. I’m just going to encourage you to do as I alwaysencourage you to do, think about it then be about it. I take that back, I will give you adirective:

Stop letting theunnecessary

prevent you from the necessary.

Phind out Phriday: Picture Perfection, Joy Pinkney-Davis of Just Joy Photography

2012-01-20T04:00:00.000-08:00

“If you’re an entrepreneurand you’re a professional, you don’t have time to just sit and do nothing. You shouldbe out doing things for your business.”- Joy Pinkney Davis

Truer words could not havebeen spoken by this week’s Phind out Phriday entrepreneur, Joy Pinkney-Davis ofJust Joy Photography. I don’t think I have interviewed an entrepreneur that Ididn’t think was on their grind, but Joy gives new meaning to grinding. If sheis not in the studio she works at part time, she is at some one’s home, placeof business, or an outdoor location with her camera and photography equipmentin tow. When I say her interview has been three months in the making, it has. Andthat’s because, she has been out “doing things” for her business- Just Joy Photography.

Phreedum: Tell me about howyou took your passion for photography and turned it into Just Joy Photography?

JPD: It started when I was asophomore in college. I started a part time job at a photography studio nearby.I just needed something to help pay the rent. It wasn’t really an interest ofmine initially although I love art, especially painting and writing. In fact Iwas enrolled in school as an English major with a poetry concentration. Workingat the studio exposed me to a new form of art that I really enjoyed and wantedto learn more about. Eventually I saved money enough money, bought a decentcamera, and started practicing my skills on friends. In February 2011 Iofficially opened Just Joy Photography and turned the passion and practice intoa profession.

Phreedum: You mentioned youlove art, especially painting and writing, so why photography?

JPD: To be honest, I reallyenjoy capturing happiness. I get to catch something that happened in a secondand translate it into a form of art that maintains that momentary feelingforever. I also get to work with children a lot which I love. I don’t just takepictures of children but they are my absolute favorite.

Phreedum: Who are you in 5words?

JPD: Creative, daring,eccentric (I like a lot of different things and I love color), patient, weird.

Phreedum: What has been ahighlight for you with Just Joy Photography?

JPD: I would have to say itwas when I did my first wedding this past June. Weddings are really differentcompared to in studio photography where you can control a lot of elements likelighting for example. It was also my first wedding so I was really anxiousabout doing a good job and capturing the couple’s big day. Looking back I thinkit was a great challenge and they were really pleased with my work.

Phreedum: What would youconsider one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned so far?

JPD: Everything. Wait,can I say that?

We laugh.

Phreedum: Sure. Why not?

JPD: Okay. So yeah,everything. Photography wasn’t something I always did or wanted to do. Myinitial exposure was a part time job in a photo studio where everything was newand everything was automatic. I bought my first camera, took it home, and itwas like “Okay how do I work this?” Each day I would get on Youtube and lookfor videos that talked about things like lighting, focus, exposure, etc. This whole process has been one big ol’ lesson that if I am really honest isstill being taught. I am still learning things.

Phreedum: You were recentlymarried. How was it for you to have to trust someone else to photographyour special moment when you're usually the one doing that forpeople?

She laughs.

JPD: To be honest, thephotography was the only thing that brought out the Bridezilla in me. I gave alot of “guidance” to the photographer. Granted, the photographer was a fellowcoworker from the photography studio and a friend. It was hard to trust her butshe really did a great job and my husband and I have great pictures of ourwedding.

Phreedum: Forsome entrepreneurs maintaining a business and a romantic relationshipis hard, so much so, they forgo the relationship. How have you been able togrow your business and relationship?

JPD: I still work at thephotography studio part time and then I do my own shoots. When I do my ownshoots I will often bring my husband along with me as much as possible. I thinkit’s helped him really understand my work and respect it even more. Plus, westill get time in together. Now, that’s not to say that he and I don’t spendtime together when I’m not doing shoots, we do. I think in terms of beingcreative with our time especially when I have a hectic week, having him be apart of the shoots has been really great for both of us.

Phreedum: Who or what motivatesand inspires you?

JPD: My husband. When Iam nervous about a shoot, which is every shoot because it’s a new client withnew expectations, he really calms me and reminds me of how good I am. Inaddition to my husband, Facebook photographers motivate me.

Phreedum: What do you mean by "Facebook" photographers?

JPD: A lot of times peoplewill get professional pictures taken and post them on Facebook. What theyusually end up posting are super cheesy over edited pictures. The pictures usetoo much soft lighting or every picture has that circle around the image. It’sjust too much and doesn’t look natural. So, it just motivates me to not producethose types of pictures for my clients.

Phreedum: How does JustJoy Photography change the lives of others?

JPD: I think the biggest wayJust Joy Photography changes the lives of others is that I capture people’sspecial moments. I take a moment in time and capture it for a lifetime. I alsolike to think that I do this at a monetarily feasible rate. I work within themonetary means of my clients and provide quality work.

Phreedum: What do you thinkpeople under estimate about being an entrepreneur?

JPD: Time. People think ifyou have your own business you can create your own hours and work whenever youfeel like it. In reality you work even when you don’t feel like it. When I amnot at a shoot, I am editing pictures and making sure my clients getperfection.

Phreedum: What has been thebest advice you have received as an entrepreneur?

JPD: My cousin told me tojust be honest with my clients. I think I have held on to that and try reallyhard to do that with my clients. I don’t cut corners in terms of the products Iuse to take the pictures and produce them. I also don’t charge clients for thesake of charging them. I try to be honest and fair as an entrepreneur.

Phreedum: What is one pieceof advice you would give the Joy of 10 years ago?

JPD: Go for what will make youhappy not the money. Growing up I was all about being a doctor, helping people,and making money. Then there was a point where as I thought about it more Ididn’t really want to do it. I went with what made me happy which initially waswriting. Later, what made me even happier was photography. I think it just tookme a while to let go of the whole being a doctor and feeling comfortable withdoing something that I liked even if it wasn’t a profession which guaranteeddecent money.

Phreedum: What advice wouldyou give to other budding photographers?

JPD: Get off auto. Goto manual. Be in control. It’s easy to let the camera be on auto and have it dothe work, but you’re not really learning and you’re not really in control.Also, please buy quality glass. By glass I mean lenses. My camera cost almost$3,000.00 and I have lenses that costs anywhere from $300.oo to $800.00. Itmakes a huge difference. You have to invest in you craft.

Phreedum: Last question. IfJust Joy Photography was a reality TV show,which reality TV show would it be and why?

JPD: I think it would besimilar to "The Real World." There would be me, other photographers, and we wouldjust do a variety of different shoots, with different people, for differentcauses (ad campaigns, fundraising campaigns, weddings, model shoots, etc.), andin different locations.

For more information about Just Joy Photography visit www.justjoyphotography.weebly.com or email justjoyphotography@yahoo.com or follow Joy on Twitter @Justjoyphilly

GO

2012-01-17T04:13:00.000-08:00

Wherever you are going this year make sure you have a few “go to’s “to get there. Make sure that there are a few things, regardless of how crazy or hectic things are, that you can do to maintain your sanity and your creativity. If you lose it then we lose it. We lose all the amazing things you have to offer. So here are a few of my "go to’s." Feel phree to use some, feel even phreer to take a moment and make sure you have your own.

Go to web reads (Read it on the way to work, on the way home from work, in bed Saturday morning with chocolate chip pancakes because I start housework, etc.)

1. Liberette Magazine http://www.liberettemag.com/

2. Concrete Cakes http://www.concretecakes.com/

3. My Damn Blog http://mydamnblog.com/

4. BBC News http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/

5. Real Simple Magazine http://www.realsimple.com/

6. Life +Times http://lifeandtimes.com/

Go to ipod playlist (Right now, in love with and will sing to it and might get caught when the elevator doors open.)

1. Amel Lareouix’s For Real

2. Beyonce’s Crazy in Love

3. Solange Knowles’ T.O.N.Y.

4. Parliament’s Flashlight

5. Rob Base’s It Takes Two

Go to books for inspiration (Sometimes I’m at a loss for my own words, so I need the words of others.)

1. Bible

2. Beautylicous

3. The One Life Solution

4. What’s So Amazing About Grace (the visual edition)

5. The Lover’s Dictionary

Go to wardrobe pieces (As much as I look to look like I always have it together, I have my days, and these pieces help A LOT.)

1. High waisted black pencil skirt

2. V neck multi colored dress

3. Black tuxedo blazer

4. Heels (definitely a new development)

5. Classic cut red trench coat

Go to accessories (Because even the LBD for that networking event I forgot and am running way late for sometimes needs a little something. )

1. Pearl earrings

2. A big chunky obnoxious ring (the bigger the better)

3. My non prescription big and thick plastic black framed glasses

4. My leopard print bag

Go to motivating movies/tv shows (Sometimes seeing helps believing.)

1. The Women

2. Sex and the City

3. The Potter’s Touch

4. How to make it in America

5. Documentaries (on anything except medical ones or animals)

Go to ways to manage stress (Because there is no S on my chest, when it’s all said in done to maintain my sanity and relationships I take a break and some are longer than others.)

1. Bubble baths

2. Prayer

3. Exercise

4. Drink tea

5. Travel (LOVE San Francisco and the National Gallery of Art in DC)

6. Cook

7. Laugh

Now that you’ve read my go to’s I think it's time that you get going!

Phind out Phriday: He Speaks, We Listen- Luis Marrero of Voices In Power

2012-01-13T04:14:00.000-08:00

I first heard of LuisMarrero creator of Voices In Power (VIP) the way I hear about a lot offolks…through twitter. Someone retweeted a request for poems for theVoices In Power website. I went to his site. I first heard Mr.Marrero at an event titled Word of Mouth last October. He was the MC for theevent and graciously wrapped up the event with an original piece of his own. Isent an email. I first met Luis on an unusually quiet Saturdaymorning in a coffee shop in center city Philadelphia. He declined my offer fora beverage, took a seat, and admitted his nerves were trying to get the best ofhim. I assured him there was no need to be nervous. It’s just an interview. Justa compilation of words. And we both knew that he knows words.

An hour later, nervesclearly calmed, he was extending thanks for my interest in his work and Iwas extending thanks for his time and sharing his journey with me andallowing me to phind out about Luis Marrero of Voices In Power.

Phreedum: How did VIP get started?

LM: I started Voices In Power when I moved back eastfrom Vegas. I was doing a poetry slamout there. I didn’t have a job when I came back, so I figured I would try thepoetry here. My first show was at Barnes and Noble in Deptford, New Jersey in April of 2011 and it just keptgrowing.

Phreedum: I’ve noticed that you do regular eventswith a team of people, tell me about that.

LM: Since April I’ve been fortunate to build an amazingteam of artists. There are 10 artists who are a part of Voices In Power andtheir talents vary. The team has a comedian, photographer, drummer, and 7 poets. We have been able to host about two eventsa month since April, including our own monthly event the third Sunday of themonth at the Head House, other events for nonprofit organizations, and acollege tour.

Phreedum: You and the team have done a lot in only afew months. That’s pretty cool. So beyond clearly being creative and passionateabout your craft, who is Luis Marrero in 5 words?

LM: Poet, business, family-oriented, ambitious, andhungry.

Phreedum: Why spoken word?

LM: I’ve been writing since 6^th grade. Istarted out with aspirations to be a rapper. In 8^th grade I shiftedto poetry. A teacher submitted a poem I wrote for a competition and I won. Thepiece was called "Colors of Life" and was my first published work. After highschool I became more public with my poetry.

Phreedum: What has been a highlight for you sincestarting VIP?

LM: One of the events we got to be a part of was afundraising event for The Children’s Heritage Foundation. It was a really greatevent, but I think what made it such a highlight was receiving the invitationfor us to be a part of the event. VIP didn’t have to ask to be a part. One ofthe founders heard about us, followed us, saw our growth, and invited us to bea part of their event.

Phreedum: What do you consider to be your greatestresource?

LM: Myself. I try to attend a lot of events withlike minded people to learn and network. I do all that I can do to build VIP.To be honest I never saw myself doing this because I am naturally a shy person.However, since VIP has grown and I want it to keep growing I push myself toopen up, approach people, and learn allthat I can.

Phreedum: You mentioned earlier that you are a partof a team. Talk to me about what you think is important to being a part of aneffective team?

LM: Number one would be communication.You have to have good communication when you are a part of a team. We workreally hard at this. I’d also say trust and loyalty. I think it’s important that you can trust theteam is loyal to whatever the goal is. We trust that everyone who is apart of the team is committed to what is best for VIP. Lastly, I would say hunger. Whatever the goalis, everyone has to want it just as bad as the next. Hunger builds strengthbecause people will do whatever it takes, and a team is only as strong as itsweakest person.

Phreedum: Who would you say is your greatest sourceof support?

LM: DiAndre Brown. I’ve known him for about 7 or 8years now and I say he’s my brother. He’s always had my back and when I startedVIP he was the first person to join the team.

Phreedum: I like to think that for as original asentrepreneurs are, they are often inspired by a fellow creative type. Who inspires you?

LM: Common Ground Management. They are three youngBlack men who are very intelligent ambitious, and genuine. They hit me up ontwitter to host their Word of Mouth Event that was held in October. I really appreciatedbeing asked to host, that they trusted me to carry their event. The event wasgreat and I just have a lot of respect for them. I definitely look up to them.

Phreedum: What’s the best advice you have receivedwhile building VIP?

LM: Remain humble. Before VIP I was a bit arrogant.I think with whatever your passion is, as you pursue it you have to believe youare the best. That kind of confidence helps you keep self doubt at a minimum and to keeppursuing your passion. But, I used to claim I was the best, and I’m not.Success can really blow up your head. It’s cool to perfect your craft, to dowell, and have successful moments, but you can’t be prideful. You have to stayhumble.

Phreedum: So the old Luis was a little arrogant.Interesting. What would you tell the old Luis Marrero of 10 years ago?

LM: Pay attention in school. I used to stay introuble in school. That’s part of why my mom moved out of Philly to Jersey. Iwould write inside, but outside the house most of the time I was reckless andgetting into some kind of trouble. I would tell myself to stay focused and stayout of the streets.

Phreedum: How does VIP change the lives of others?

LM: I have had people tell me that attending a VIPevent has changed the way they have thought about things or just encouragedthem to get back to writing. One of the VIP team member’s fiancé’s shared her daughter attended an event and asked her how she could be a part of it. Ithink the words and the work of VIP artists inspires and challenges people in avariety of ways on a variety of levels. I also think our monthly events givepeople something to look forward to other than the club/party scene.

Phreedum: You host your monthly events here inPhilly and I’ve seen you at events here in Philly. Why so much love from VIPfor Philadelphia?

LM: I tried to start in Jersey with the goal ofbringing some of the Philly culture to Jersey. After the first two shows inJersey, the events were harder to draw a crowd. I think that was because thevenue I was at had all kinds of restrictions. When in Philly, there is a lot more freedom. Not to mention Philadelphiahas a rich history of artistic talent and culture. However, I do think Philly has been getting abad rap and I want VIP to be a part of bringing back the beauty and enhancingthe artistic community here.

Phreedum: Last question, if VIP were to be comparedto a Harlem Renaissance Poet, who would it be and why?

LM: If VIP was to be compared to a Harlem Renaissance poet, hands down it would be MayMiller. In addition to being a talented poet, she was an educator and a playwrite. Like VIP, we are beyond words. I believe our words on papermanifest into teachings for our listeners and visual plays in the minds of theaudience.

For more information about LuisMarrerro and Voices In Power visit www.voicesinpower.com or follow Luis on Twitter @ImSuperDope_

Phree to Be the Original, the Authentic, the Real, the First

2012-01-10T03:42:00.000-08:00

“The other day I heard someone compare me to Nas, saying I was the next Nas. And that’s cool, but I just want to be the 1st Chill Moody. “ – Chill Moody

I went to a hip hop and art show the other night and no Chill Moody was not in the building unfortunately. However as I listened to the different artists perform my bias toward artists who clearly weren’t trying to be “the next” but were content with being “the first” was apparent. These artists were the ones I made a note to follow up with for an interview for the blog. These were the ones who I heard through the beat, saw past the sea of fitted cap head nods, and reminded me of the conversation I had with Chill Moody where he shared he just wants to be the first him.

If you think about it, especially with the holiday season not too far behind us, many of us have an affinity for the original, the authentic, the real. We want real gold. We want real leather. We want organic food. Heck we want organic cotton made clothes. We can appreciate the chemically engineered but we do have a soft spot for the genuine thing. So if we can desire the real when it comes to material goods, why should you or I settle for anything less when it comes to who we are and aspire to be?

We shouldn’t.

My hope for you readers is that as you look at all you aspire to be and do in the future that you aspire to be the first you. My hope is that as you look at your calendars, to do list, vision boards, and whatever else you have or use when it comes to identifying and pursuing goals and self improvement is that it all climaxes at you being you.

Now, if you are reading this and you don’t know who you are, you may want to make that your number one goal. Scratch that- make knowing who you are the number one goal. Make knowing the core components of you, your core beliefs, values, and characteristics a priority. If you don’t know who you are how are you going to know where you are going? If you don’t know who you are you may spend what will be wasted time being who others perceive you to be and pursuing other people’s goals and dreams for you. If you don’t know who you are, how will anyone else know who you are?

Those are some good questions I just asked you right? So you might have one for me. Like, “how do I figure out who I am?”

That question is almost as good as mine are. And I’m glad you asked it. So here is my “I just want you to be phree to be the best you” response

1. Set aside some time to really think about your past experiences. Think about the ones you really enjoyed and what made them so enjoyable. Even if it was the people with whom you shared the experience with, it may highlight that you are definitely a people person through and through.

2. Set aside time to think about your future and where you want to see yourself in the next three months, the end of the year, the next couple of years, and when you retire. Think about everything. And by everything, I mean everything. Getting or quitting a job, Applying to or withdrawing from school. Taking voice or dance lessons. Moving out or moving in. Getting married or having children (or more children or adopting.) Going from an online establishment to a brick and mortar establishment. Traveling to Africa or Europe. Let yourself dream and then see what those dreams have in common. You might see that you are a bit of a nomad and like flexibility. You might find you love family but are not sure how you feel about creating one. You may find that while education is important to you, you don’t want any more degrees or certifications.

3. Set aside time to think about how you spend your time. Are you constantly at the gym? Maybe that’s because health is important to you. Are you constantly cooking because people are always “stopping by”? Maybe that’s because you are compassionate and you like to host. Or maybe it’s because you love to cook and love the creativity that cooking invites. Are you a TV watcher? That’s fine, but what are you watching? I have come to realize I LOVE documentaries. And I will watch them on almost anything. Politics, historical events, people, international affairs, etc. I love to learn and documentaries help me with that. I am a nerd, and not on the low. As always, look for the patterns, the things you spend most of your time doing. Oh, and make sure you spend your time doing it because you want to.

4. Write. Write a list of what you do well and what you are constantly working on. Everything from making amazing spaghetti-o’s to having amazing style, from consistently being late to avoiding confrontation.

5. Listen. Listen to what people say about you. Do your best to listen objectively. What are people saying? Are you constantly being told how creative you are? Articulate? Smart? Passionate? Are you being teased for always traveling somewhere? Are you constantly being asked to edit a paper or lead a team? Does your supervisor talk to you about appreciating your feedback but encouraging you to use more tact when you share? My former executive director called me a go getter and told me the agency “needs people like me- people with initiative.” I use that to get out of ruts and keep moving forward. It may be corny but those words are written in my journal and the page dog eared. She saw an aspect of myself that I am committed to utilizing and further developing.

6. Ask. Ask people what your strengths are and challenges are. Again, just be open to what they say. Listen to their response objectively. Ask for examples. Look for the commonalties in the responses you gather from different folk.

As you work your way through these steps my hope is that you really will begin to see a pattern of characteristics, interests and behaviors that are unique to and inherently you. Just remember these steps are not a sure fire way to you pin pointing all of who you are. They are only meant to help you get started with identifying and reveling in some of the core parts of who you are. They are only meant to help you highlight the parts of you that won’t change regardless of if you grow your hair out or cut it, keep it natural or wear someone else’s like it’s natural, wear Jordans or classic Adidas shell tops, tie or tee. They are only meant to help you be the original, authentic, real, first you.

Phind Out Phriday: Three Guys, One Goal- Common Ground Management

2012-01-05T17:41:00.000-08:00

On a cold snowy icey wet all things nasty Saturday afternoon in October, I went to a really great event, had a really great time, and met not one but three really decent guys. The three really decent guys, Jimmy Burks, Sherman (Sherm) Washington, andDominique (Dom) Landry weren’t just three really decent random guys however. They were thebrains behind the event. They were theones in charge of securing the space, vendors, performers, an MC, and ensuringa full house. That’s right. It was a Saturday afternoon with snow and ice,and people showed up. In fact, people were standing because there were no more seats.

Now, I didn’t immediately ask for an interview. I wanted tosee what else these guys were about. So I did a little more homework (theusual, following on twitter, liking on facebook, and talking to a friend ofmine who knows them pretty well), and then sent a twitter message inquiringabout an interview. The response “Just give us a date, time, and place and wesay thank you and we’ll be there.”

So I did just that, and on a mild December evening the fourof us met at Cosi to discuss Common Ground Management (CGM), an urban lifestyle company thatunites Philadelphians through art, fashion, education and entertainment.

Phreedum: Tell me a little bit about how CGM went froman idea to an entity?

CGM: We wereroommates at St. Joseph’s University. Wewere just talking one day about life after college and the goals we had. As wetalked about our goals, we realized they were similar. As we talked even morewe saw that our goals centered around some commonalities, including a love forPhilly, serving others, art in all of its various mediums, and an appreciationfor diversity.

Phreedum: And howabout the name?

CGM: Initially wedidn’t have a name. It was recognizing the commonalities we had in our goalsand interests as well as wanting to create something in Philly that was basedon unity through commonality that we came up with the name Common GroundManagement.

Phreedum: Mostof the interviews I do are with individuals, although I’ve definitely talkedwith a few dynamic duos. But it’s three of you guys. What are the team dynamics like?

CGM: We’re teamoriented and at the end of the day we just want what’s best for CGM as a whole.It’s really important to us to communicate openly and honestly and we don’t dothe arguing thing. We also work well together because certain qualities are importantto us, such as integrity, having an open mind, humility, and trust.

Phreedum: Whatabout specific roles each of you fill?

CGM: We all doeverything. No one person represents the team; no one person is solelyresponsible for one operational function.

Phreedum: What doyou consider your greatest resources?

CGM: We’re areally strong team. We’re not just dedicated to the idea of a team but actuallydoing what it takes to be a team. We also try to stay humble. At the end of theday we never want to be too big that we can’t go to 16^th and Diamondand volunteer, host an event, or support another organization or business.

Phreedum: Whathas been the biggest lesson you’ve learned thus far?

CGM: Everydaythere is a lesson. For as much time aswe spend planning and executing quality events, we also spend a lot of timeevaluating the event and really soliciting and listening to feedback. Thefeedback helps us as we plan the next event. We also trust that we are doingthe right thing and we stay true to our vision and mission. People will offertheir thoughts and ideas which is cool, but at the end of the day we have totrust and stay true to CGM.

Phreedum: What about a highlight?

Jimmy: This pastOctober we hosted an event called “Word of Mouth.” It was a combination ofmusical artists, poets, and comedians. We had it on a Saturday that it decidedto snow. The weather was horrible and we still managed to have a full house. I felt like that was a huge step forward andreally said to people “We’re here.” Oh and receiving our LLC papers. We foundout no one else had our name which was such a relief and just made it real forus that the sky’s the limit.

Dom: I thinksetting goals every day, working towards them and seeing them culminate intoevents that people attend and enjoy. Like Jimmy said about the “Word of Mouth”event, the weather was really bad yet so many people came out and showed us alot of love. And, just knowing CGM isours. Any success or failures that occur are part of that, and it’s all chargedto the game.

Sherm: Just tosee how far we have come. We hosted our first event on Black Friday in 2010. Itwas a bus trip to the shopping outlets. Now here we are in 2011 still goingstrong. In January of this year (2011) wehosted our first “Word of Mouth” event and after it was over the question was“What’s next?,” so we did another one and like Jimmy and Dom said, we did asecond one and we had a full house. Plus, at the second one, I was able toactually see a little bit more of it than when we did the first one earlierthis year. It was great just to see all of the hard work of the team andartists come together and the support.

Phreedum: Who areyou in 5 words?

Laughter erupts then silence ensues.

Jimmy: Okay, I’llgo. I would say I’m family oriented, driven, loyal, laidback, and respectful.

Sherm: I’m familyand goal oriented, humble, respectful, and a learner. I like to learn aboutothers and through experiences.

Dom: Humble,inquisitive, independent, caring, and a question mark.

I give him the side eye but with a smile as I write “?”.(I’m confused, I’ve never gotten that response before.)

Dom: I’m random,no spontaneous. If I need a change of pace then I‘ll do something to change itup. I’ll just get up and got to New Yorkfor example. Not planned, just get up and go. But I want you to keep thequestion mark.

Phreedum:Done.

(So readers, in 5words Dom is humble, inquisitive, independent, caring, and ?)

Phreedum: Howdoes CGM change the lives of others?

CGM: We try toconnect people and give people an opportunity to be exposed to and exploresomething different. We have and will continue to host events that range fromthe arts to sports and are appropriate for the 24 year old and the 84 yearold. We hope we change people’s lives byproviding real opportunities for connection and unity through common interestdespite what part of the city they are from, cultural background, or whatthey’re used to. Also, if we’re reallyhonest people have changed our lives. We have gotten a lot of support. Peoplehelp before, during, and after events. Our families support us and help usstay grounded.

Phreedum: Wheredo you get your motivation and inspiration?

Jimmy: My mom,sister, and grandmom have been there every step of the way. Going to collegewas the only option I had and that’s where I met these two guys. My grandmombrags about me. It’s really important to me to make them proud and just be apositive example for my sister.

Sherm: My parents,grandmother, and my brother have been a huge source of support. They areexcited to see CGM thrive and to see young Black men do something positive.They are proud of me and I want to keep it that way.

Dom: My mom diedwhen I was a teenager, but I still carry her with me. I didn’t want todisappoint her when she was here and I don’t want to disappoint her now. I’vealso been fortunate to have other people like Jimmy and Sherm’s families lookout for me and support me. That motivates me to stay and do well.

Phreedum: What’sthe best thing about being an entrepreneur in Philadelphia?

Sherm: I feel that it further allowsme to represent my city in a good light. I can give back to my community/citymore than I could have ever imagined. Also Philly has a reputation of beingrough and rugged. So with that being said, if I can make it here and build areputation for CGM I feel like the sky is the limit for us.

Jimmy: Being entrepreneurs we havethe ability to organize and participate in any event that we like and wish tosee done. We don’t have to sit on the sideline and complain about Philly'snightlife and/or diversity of events as we can say "we want to see thishappen" and work toward putting the event together.
Dom: Being a Black entrepreneur in Philly, or being a Black man inPhilly, period, means we can set positive examples for the people younger thanus. I think we are also able to show people that you can do what you’reinterested in, and that it's only a piece of who you are.

Phreedum: Speaking of setting examples foryounger people, what would you tell the Jimmy, Sherm, and Dom of 10 years ago?

Jimmy: “You can’t dream too big.” I knew Iwanted to go to college, but to go to college and graduate, to work a 9-5 andstart CGM, I don’t think I thought I could do so much. But when you believe inyourself and have good people in your life, you can. Oh and I’d tell myself to watch my temper.

Sherm: “Never be afraid to ask questions.”Growing up I was taught to just learn for myself so I didn’t ask questions. I’djust try to figure things out. I think I could have had a different experiencehad I asked for help. Now I ask questions a lot and it’s expanded my network andknowledge base.

Dom: “You’ll be ok.” Growing up you haveall kinds of influences. I’d tell the me of 10 years ago to trust your gut andyou’ll be fine. I was also extremely impatient then, so I would probably tellmyself to work on that. I’m a lot better now.

Phreedum: What can we expect to see from CGM in 2012?

CGM: Monthly diverse high quality events.We’re excited about 2012 and we want people to expect more good stuff from us.

Phreedum: Okay, final question. If CGM had atheme song, what would it be?

Jimmy: I Get Up by J. Cole

Sherm: Renegade by Jay- Z featuring Eminem.

Dom: You Don’t Know by Jay-Z.

For more information about CGM followthem on twitter @CGMPhilly or like their CGMPhilly Facebook page.

2012:The Pursuit of Happiness and Anything Else Your Heart Desires

2012-01-02T18:43:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! Happy New Opportunity! Happy 366 days because it’s a leap year! So Happy 366 days of new opportunities (although by the time you read this you will only have 363 days of new opportunities.)!

Me wishing you all that happiness about all those opportunities ought to make you feel happy. I know I sure am. Not that I need a new year to feel as though I have an infinite number of opportunities to make strides toward achieving my goals. I don’t. I don’t even believe it takes a new day. It really takes a new second to change the course of one’s mind and thus impact behavior. It takes continued seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years, to continue the changed course.

So then how do people do it? If it takes but a split second to decide but can take years to actually change and maintain the change, how do people change?

I’m not going to entirely answer that today. I apologize if that jus made you unhappy. I will answer it partially. The way I see it, changed behavior is a result of a changed mind. A changed mind is influenced by what you tell yourself and believe to be true. Last year I interviewed some amazing individuals who decided to create change and begin the pursuit of their dreams. They had words that they believed and I thought maybe as you begin your year of opportunity their words might help you.

So here’s hoping and wishing you lots of happiness and lots of opportunities in 2012!

“If you don’t quit, you win.”- as told to Adjoa Idun of Tastybuds by her mentor

“Treat people the way you want to be treated. Be patient and be humble.”- Cyril Bullard of SWAG

“There is no road, you have to make the road.”-E Bond of RoughdrAft Books

“Once you have an idea, write it, plan it, and go for it. It might not be easy, may require some sacrificing, but go for it. A dream is possible.” Shenille Latrice of ichoose2live

“Take full advantage of all opportunities and education that you can.”- Khary Blackmon of Sit, Good Dogs

“Don’t do it for the money. Do it because you genuinely want to. “- Maurice “Rico” Demosthene, Realtor

“Build your kingdom where you’re at. People always talk about leaving Philly and better opportunities somewhere else. But you’re the constant. You and your skills so you gotta build your kingdom where you’re at.”- Nia Mnard of SouledOut

“There is no grey. As long as you live in grey you won’t experience the fullness of either side. “- Serena Saunders of PassionArt Design

“Don’t let anyone measure your value, don’t let anyone corrupt what you know for yourself to be your worth as an artist and as a young man. “- words said by Tony Anderson of BET News to Yusuf “Yuie” Muhammad, Freelance Photo and Videographer

“The worst regret is not having any at all.”- John Gorodetsky, Freelance Graphic Designer

“Don’t let people living their nightmare tell you you can’t live your dream.”- Danielle Lewis of Danielle Lewis Beauty (Danielle shared in her interview she thinks she saw this on twitter)

“Collaboration is more important than competition.” Kate Clark of GenPhilly

“Know your worth.”- As told to Jared Michael Lowe of lowefactor by his grandfather

“If you are going to claim a title you better make sure you know all that comes with it.”- LT of Tabb Management

“Get all your ducks in a row BEFORE opening your doors….. If you close you are not offering anything.”- Annie Baum-Stein of Milk&Honey

Phind out Phriday: Dreams Do Come True, Brandon Davis, EIC of American Dreaming Magazine

2011-12-30T05:41:00.000-08:00

Here we are readers. It’s the last Phind out Phriday of2011. So who gets to wrap up the year for us and how did I decide who thatperson would be? When selecting who to interview for this final Phriday itdidn’t take me long to decide to re-interviewBrandon Davis the Editor in Chief of American Dreaming Magazine, a magazinewhich sets out to use words to write pieces which inform, inspire, andinstruct. Mr. Davis was actually thefirst featured entrepreneur on the blog.But if I talked to him before,what has he done to deserve to be talked to again?

Good question.

He made a part of his dream a tangible reality in just a fewshort months since we first met. I thought you all should read about it andhopefully be encouraged to chase your own dreams in this new year evenharder.

Simple answer.

Last time we met, Mr. Davis and I met at the gelato shop inRittenhouse. This time I was headed to Northern Liberties. I met Mr. Davis on acloudy Saturday afternoon at The Dreaming Building. He gave me a tour of the loft style spacebefore we sat down to talk. High ceilings, clearly designated spaces for work andplay (video game set up and basketball), comfortable seating, and art adornedwalls.

Phreedum: I likeit.

BD: Thanks.

Phreedum: No problem.Tell me about acquiring this space.

BD: We appliedfor a $25,000.00 grant through the Pepsi Refresh Project online. We had a spacein the past and then didn’t renew the lease because we wanted to put more moneyinto the business so we worked from home or various coffee shops throughout thecity.

Phreedum: So thenhaving this kind of space was always a part of your vision for AmericanDreaming Magazine?

BD: I put a co-opspace on the vision board for American Dreaming Magazine about a year ago. If anything goes on the board it’s gonethrough a lot of thought and revision first. Things, this space included, onlymake the board once I believe it will further the mission and vision of thecompany and with time, creativity, and hard work is achievable. Plus, when we stopped working in an officespace it felt like wherever we met the creativity was left there. Thecreativity was getting left at coffee shops, diners, home etc. We wanted tohouse the creativity.

Phreedum: Whenyou applied for the grant for the space what did you say you wanted?

BD: Beyond anoffice space we wanted a co-op space for other dreamers. We wanted a spacewhere people could come and work on their dreams, receive education andfeedback, mentorship, have access to other entrepreneurs, and showcase theirtalents and skills.

Phreedum: Who arethe “other dreamers?”

BD: Anyone andeveryone from the writer to the makeup artist. The photographer and thevideographer. The dancer to the yoga instructor. If you want to do a pop upshop, an art show, or a photo shoot let us know. This space was sought after and selected withyoung entrepreneurs in mind. It’s ourdesire to help entrepreneurs with the struggle of being a start up. If you’recreative and need a space, we’re here to help.

Phreedum: I’m assuming since we last met, that applyingfor and receiving the grant and acquiring this space were entrepreneurialhighlights for you. Any others?

BD: Getting thegrant definitely was a huge highlight. When we applied we applied for$25,000.00 and we didn’t know that grant amount was typically reserved forlarger companies. To compete with larger corporations and high schools for thegrant and receive it, was great for us. As you mentioned, so was acquiring thespace. A lot of time and energy went into selecting the perfect space and tofind it has been just as great as receiving the funding for it. We were alsorecently featured in Philadelphia’s Business Journal for the work we have beendoing and hope to continue doing- supporting young dreamers in Philadelphia.

Phreedum:Speaking of Philadelphia, Why Philadelphia? You could have set up shopanywhere.

BD: Philly needsthis. There is no other space created for and by young people. We want Philly’syoung people to support young businesses, to connect, build, and grow. We want to invite, inspire, and celebrate thegreat young talent the city has and being here, we get to do that.

Phreedum: In 2011you all not only continued to put out great magazines but you sought after andachieved a space for American Dreaming Magazine and other dreamers. What can weexpect in 2012?

BD: You canexpect dreams to come true. As young entrepreneurs utilize this space you canexpect to see their goals met and dreams unfold. You can expect art shows,fashion shows, trunk shows, pop up shops, workshops about various skills,experts in various fields speaking to interested persons, yoga classes , etc.Something is going to be going on at the building every day if we can helpit.

We are also launching our Boot Strap Project. It’s a contestand 20 people need to sign up before the contest can officially start. Once 20people sign up each person will be responsible for recruiting 50 people tosubscribe to the magazine. The first person to have 50 people sign up will win $1,000.00to fund their dream. Everyone else who signed up will get $5.00 for each personthey were able to get to subscribe to the magazine. We intend to launch thisproject on January 2^nd, 2011. People can visit the website for moreinformation.

Phreedum: Lastquestion. Any words of encouragement for the other dreamers?

BD: Berelentless. Once you have a dream go for it. People won’t get it, but you don’tneed to get distracted, slow down, or stop because of other people. This building started as words on a visionboard. Now it’s a space that houses the vision board.

For more information about Brandon Davis and AmericanDreaming Magazine visit http://americandreamingmagazine.com/

Because Knowledge is Power

2011-12-27T04:45:00.000-08:00

When I was little and occasionally did something wrong and thought it was justifiable my father would say “You don’t know it all. If you keep living you just might learn something.” Well dad, and readers, I’m still living, and below I’ve compiled a list of what I’ve learned this year. Maybe some of you were in my class.

1. "You can’t dream too big.” I’d like to take credit for that quote, but I can’t. In fact if you check the blog next Friday you will read that Jimmy Burks of Common Ground Management said it (and he and his partners said a lot of other great things too). I’ve learned this year that it’s true. I’ve learned that time, energy, and space is finite and must be utilized wisely. But dreams, what can be accomplished with those finite resources, are infinite. Don’t dream with tunnel vision.
2. The power of choice. Phree will does exist and I get to choose how I will exercise it phreely. I get to choose whether I will be proactive or reactive. I get to choose my attitude and how I respond to others and how I respond to life. Few things in life are non options. Few things in life happen to us. When it’s all said and done I want to be able to say that I chose to happen life and life didn’t happen to me.
3. Love > Fear. Love is a powerful thing. When you know you are loved and you love someone or something, you will be surprised by the amount of courage you will amass. I’ve gotten a lot of love from family and friends this year professionally and personally and it’s made ALL the difference. Real love lays a solid foundation. It’s not fleeting and it doesn’t burn out. It’s patient. And you need patience in your personal life and your professional life. Patience ensures continued progress for the process of your passion.
4. Take a chance. I’m not a huge networker. I am naturally a shy person. I hate selling myself and prefer to reserve that for job interviews only. However, in wanting to see Phreedum grow this year I had to learn to just take a chance and get to know people. The interviews that have been posted this year, the first few were entrepreneurs I knew, but as the year progressed I took more chances, attended more shows and events, and just introduced myself to people. The worse that could happen was there would be awkward silence, the best was we’d find something to talk about and I’d walk away with a friend or an interview and this year a couple of times I walked away with both.
5. I am not my business. I know people will disagree and think you and your business, or I and my business, should be one. And that’s cool. I am a part of my business and my business is a huge part of me. However, Ahyana King has been around long before Phreedum LLC. There are days where it needs to be about Ahyana King. There are events I go to and intentionally don’t bring business cards and I don’t mention Phreedum. I think I will always embody the spirit of Phreedum and I will always try to live the Phreedum lifestyle, but I won’t always try to pitch an idea, make a sale, or find an algorithm to exponentially grow my rolodex.
6. The odds aren’t in my favor and I don’t care (most of the time). I’m a black female with a disability in America. I was born with three strikes against me. There is no self loathing, it’s the reality. I’m Black, I’m a woman, I have a disability. Google the stats, they aren’t good. Now add to it “in business”. Now google those stats. Let’s not kid ourselves it’s almost 2012 and discrimination is real and it’s clever. But here’s the thing, and I guess it goes back to lessons 2 and 3, I’m not the least bit concerned. I have a choice to be defeated by the odds. I have a choice to call it a day when discrimination decides to make a mockery of my dream. At the end of the day because I have been tremendously blessed I find that my frustrations tend to simply fuel my desire for Phreedum. It fuels my desire to support small businesses, women, people of color, and work hard to give back and help organizations that work with people with all types of disabilities. As long as I can say I’m a black female with a disability who owns a growing business in America and supports small businesses, women, people of color, and organizations that work with people with all types of disabilities, I have done well.
7. “Team work makes the dream work.” Again, not my own words, but again, very true. It’s important to have a team. It’s been very helpful to have people who know me and who know my vision for Phreedum. The combination is people who are honest with me and can tell me when I’m slacking, when I’ve missed something, and when I’ve done an exceptional job.
8. Exposure exposure exposure. The more I’ve allowed myself to be exposed to different people, music, art mediums, looks, workshops, I have learned so much and it’s allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. Exposure is what has helped me to really believe "You can't dream too big."
9. Be honest. I consider myself a pretty honest person. But I do lie on occasion. This year however I have learned that it is more important to be honest with myself first and then others. It saves a lot of those finite resources I mentioned earlier. In being honest with myself this year I totally revamped Phreedum and what it will look like by spring 2012 will be far from what it looked like in Fall 2008 and it needed that. I was fooling myself not taking time to honestly evaluate and make necessary changes. By the same token my honesty has allowed me to maintain professional relationships with others, spot and end potential partnerships where the potential for profit was so not in Phreedum’s favor, and not waste time with people who weren’t about business (mine or their own).
10. There’s a bigger picture. After a recent interview, the person I interviewed asked me a few questions of his own. He asked me why Phreedum, why my work as a counselor with people who’ve been sexually assaulted and abused, why the interviews, etc. etc. etc. As I responded all of my responses had one thing in common- at the end of the day it’s bigger than me. What continues to drive the work I do 9-5, nights, and weekends is my desire for anyone and everyone who desires to be phree can be phree. I support other artists and small business owners because I realize the power of a dream and the liberty one has when they are allowed to dream and pursue their dream. I am a counselor because I know the power and liberty that comes with being seen, heard, and validated. I know what it’s like not to be phree. I know what it’s like to fight for phreedum. I know what it’s like to be phree. In my opinion next to being loved it’s the best thing people can have. When Phreedum makes its millions it’s bigger than my house and my car and my kids, it’s about his house and her car and their kids.
11. Start. I am a struggling perfectionist on the low and a wanna be psychic. Typically if I can’t see how something will work out well, I’m not doing it. I’m not usually one of those figure it out as you go folk (kind of why "Take a chance" was a good lesson). However, I’m not perfect or psychic. If I ever wait for either nothing will get finished. Sometimes you do have to figure it out as you go and hope for the best. I think this is also where team work comes in. If you start and you get stuck as I have a few times this year, my team has definitely helped me get unstuck and reboot. There are few occasions in life where it’s the “right time.” Most of the time it’s just now. Sometimes now can be as good as a time to start as any other time I try to calculate in my head.

These are only some of the lessons I’ve learned this year and I anticipate learning more next year. This year has been quite a year and I thank you all for being a part of the process and the progress. Have a happy and safe New Year!

Phind out Phriday: Making ambition and the relationship work, Pius and Becky of BeCouply

2011-12-22T18:52:00.000-08:00

What some of youmay not know is that my dad has probably been my biggest cheerleader when itcomes to Phreedum. Edit that, he is my biggest cheerleader. When I pitched theidea he was excited and his excitement has extended itself toconstantly keeping me abreast of all things entrepreneurial. Thatmeans, articles, books, websites, workshops, and television programs like theone he suggested I watch a few weeks ago on a Sunday night on CNN at8pm.

CNN was continuingtheir “Black in America” series. This particular episode was titled “ThePromised Land: Silicon Valley.” This report was about the NewME Acceleratorprogram by Google, an incubator program for website start ups. This episodefollowed several African Americans who lived together and worked on theirinternet startups. At the end of 9 weeks each start up got to pitch theirbusiness to venture capitalists and potentially receive funding to furtherdevelop and market their product.

At the end of 9 weeks, two businesses were selected, one of whom I interviewed. Theowners, Pius Uzamere and Becky Cruze. The business, BeCouply, a website and appthat allows couples to share great date ideas and capture relationshipmilestones.

The same night theshow aired I googled the site. I learned a little more about BeCouply and Isent an email asking for an interview. Two days later…I got a yes!

Here’s what Iphound out about the San Francisco based duo and BeCouply.

Phreedum: Tell me a little about the idea behindBeCouply. How did it go from conception to a “.com”?

BeCouply: We are a real-life couple. As ourrelationship became more serious, we found ourselves searching for new andexciting date ideas. We also wanted an easy way to capture and share ourrelationship memories, from everyday moments to special occasions. We knew thatif the BeCouply app workedfor us, other couples would love it too.

Phreedum: After viewing a part of your journeyon CNN’s “Black in America” series, you were selected by investors tofurther develop your product. What can you share about the 9 week process?

BeCouply: Overall the NewME accelerator wasan amazing experience. For 9 weeks we were surrounded by a great group of individualswho were all dedicated to getting their product into the market. We areextremely proud of everyone in the program and of what we accomplished

Phreedum: What has been the biggest lesson learnedon your entrepreneurial journey?

BeCouply: Moveas quickly as possible. Design a mockup or prototype and show it to potentialusers to get feedback before you invest the time and resources to build thefull product.

Phreedum: What has been a defining moment for you onyour entrepreneurial journey?

BeCouply: There have been so many amazing momentsthroughout our journey with BeCouply. But one of the true highlights was whenwe received our first investment from Mitch Kapor. Thecreator of Lotus 1-2-3, Mitch is a real legend in the tech industryand we could not be more thrilled to count him as part of the BeCouply team!

Phreedum: How does BeCouply change the lives ofothers?

BeCouply: BeCouply helps couples have epic sociallives. We make it fun and easy to discover new date ideas and date spots,capture and share special moments, and connect with couple friends.

Phreedum: What have been some of the successes ofBeCouply?

BeCouply: We’ve received amazing press coverage,including features on CNN, TechCrunch and in the Washington Post. Also, eventhough we’re still pre-launch, thousands of couples have already joined ourwaiting list for the BeCouply app. It’s exciting to see so much interest andsupport!

Phreedum: The sacrifices?

BeCouply: SLEEP!

Phreedum: Often times I have talked withentrepreneurs, particularly newer ones (in business about 3 years or less) whoexpress maintaining relationships are difficult. Many forego personal/romanticrelationships and consider it a sacrifice or a part of the cost of being astart up entrepreneur. Your business is about couples and you are a couple. Anytips for balancing business/ambition and a fulfilling personal/romanticrelationship?

BeCouply: We feel really lucky to be in businesstogether. Instead of spending 8+ hours apart at separate jobs every day, we getto spend most of our time with each other. Plus, we’re fortunate that a lot ofour work is focused on coming up with great experiences for couples. It helpsus keep date night from getting boring!

Phreedum: What has been the best advice you havereceived as an entrepreneur?

BeCouply: Listen to feedback but also trust yourinstincts.

Phreedum: How would you describe each other in oneword?

Pius on Becky: Caring

Becky on Pius: Driven

Phreedum: Who has been the most influential inhelping you pursue your entrepreneurial endeavors?

BeCouply: Our families have had the biggestinfluence on us. We couldn’t do what we do without their love and support.

Phreedum: What are your greatest resources?

BeCouply: Our greatest resources are ourinvestors and board of advisors. They have all become wonderful mentors andalways keep us on track.

Phreedum: Where would you like to see BeCouply in 5years?

BeCouply: Our goal is for BeCouply to be asubiquitous among couples as Facebook is among college students. Ultimately wehope to help every couple in the world have an epic social life.

For moreinformation about BeCouply visit http://www.becouply.com/

The same night theshow aired I googled the site. I learned a little more about BeCouply and Isent an email asking for an interview. Two days later…I got a yes!

Here’s what Iphound out about the San Francisco based duo and BeCouply.

Phreedum: Tell me a little about the idea behindBeCouply. How did it go from conception to a “.com”?

Phreedum: After viewing a part of your journeyon CNN’s “Black in America” series, you were selected by investors tofurther develop your product. What can you share about the 9 week process?

Phreedum: What has been the biggest lesson learnedon your entrepreneurial journey?

BeCouply: Moveas quickly as possible. Design a mockup or prototype and show it to potentialusers to get feedback before you invest the time and resources to build thefull product.

Phreedum: What has been a defining moment for you onyour entrepreneurial journey?

Phreedum: How does BeCouply change the lives ofothers?

BeCouply: BeCouply helps couples have epic sociallives. We make it fun and easy to discover new date ideas and date spots,capture and share special moments, and connect with couple friends.

Phreedum: What have been some of the successes ofBeCouply?

Phreedum: The sacrifices?

BeCouply: SLEEP!

Phreedum: What has been the best advice you havereceived as an entrepreneur?

BeCouply: Listen to feedback but also trust yourinstincts.

Phreedum: How would you describe each other in oneword?

Pius on Becky: Caring

Becky on Pius: Driven

Phreedum: Who has been the most influential inhelping you pursue your entrepreneurial endeavors?

BeCouply: Our families have had the biggestinfluence on us. We couldn’t do what we do without their love and support.

Phreedum: What are your greatest resources?

BeCouply: Our greatest resources are ourinvestors and board of advisors. They have all become wonderful mentors andalways keep us on track.

Phreedum: Where would you like to see BeCouply in 5years?

BeCouply: Our goal is for BeCouply to be asubiquitous among couples as Facebook is among college students. Ultimately wehope to help every couple in the world have an epic social life.

For moreinformation about BeCouply visit http://www.becouply.com/

Phree to grow UP

2011-12-19T18:21:00.000-08:00

“I went to the Westfield today,” I said.

“Oh yeah it’s great in there. We went in there beforeremember?” my aunt asked.

“I do, but I think I remembered like 3 floors. I rememberthe French pastry place up there.”

“Oh yeah it’s bigger than that. And Nordstrom, thatalone is 4 floors.”

The Westfield is a mall in downtown San Francisco. It’scomparable to our famed King of Prussia Mall, only instead of being sprawledacross acres and acres of suburbia, it goes up and places its mark in the sky.It’s four stories high spread across onecity block, and Nordstrom which is on the 4^th floor spirals upanother four stories.

“It reminds me of our big mall back east, King of Prussia.But King of Prussia goes out instead of up.”

“Oh yeah Baby. Here you can’t go out. You have to go up.”

So readers, that’s what this post is about. It’s about goingup. It’s about how do you plan to dealwith a real finite boundary. Do you fold? Do you stop? Do you turn back? Or doyou go up?

Many of us are taught early on about the importance ofplanning. In part we are taught by experience. Think about it. As children our days are planned. Our parentsset an alarm that wakes us. We go through washing up, brushing teeth, puttingon clothes, eating breakfast and leaving the house at a certain time to get toschool by a certain predetermined time. Our school days are planned by ourteachers. After school may be planned by both parents and those whose care wefind ourselves. At some point in time, for many between 5pm and 7pm, we eat ameal. Not long after we are then sentoff to bed only to get up and do it all over again five days a week for umpteenyears. We live planned.

As we get older we continue to live planned lives but we arealso graced with the knowledge of the purpose of planning and given moreopportunities to plan. We are told that we have to have a plan. We are askedwhere we want to see ourselves in 3, 5, and 10 years. We have unspoken plansthat we mull over in the back of our heads of where we are supposed to be inlife by 25, 30, and 40 years old.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not trying to make a mockery out ofplanning. Planning is good. In fact if you read older posts you will readpraises about planning and how it is integral to success. But here’s the thing-things don’t always go as planned. And, if you don’t plan with that reality andtenacity to re asses what you have, where you’re going, and how you’re going toget there with what you have or get what you need, you will fail.

I’m a city girl. On occasion I enjoy the whole green grass,trees, dirt, and rocks, but never for too long. What I like about cities is that it takesplanning. It takes several minds, often referred to as civil engineers, to lookat a finite space and see how they can manipulate it into being a thrivingliving metropolis. Typically what they do is they build up. Philadelphia in terms of the geographic citylimits has not increased. We have not acquired new land. However, populationdensity has increased. We’ve acquired new people. Yet somehow, we fit and it works. No building out, just building up.

There will be times when we pursue goals that some thingswill not increase. Ask any start up entrepreneur and they will tell youtypically money does not increase. Entrepreneur or not, we all know time neverdoes. It’s been 24 hours and 7 days for a long time now. (I have petitioned theHigher up for an 8th day. No answer.) Othertimes things will increase- orders, clients, demands, costs, etc. We will haveto choose how we are going to make it work. We will have to choose to lookbeyond our initial plan and re adjust. We will have to see where we can buildwhere we may not have considered before.

So what does building up look like particularly if you’renot a civil engineer building 8 story shopping malls in cities? Well I thinkthat will vary from person to person. But here are a few suggestions.

Learn. Take classes at your local communitycollege to gain new skills or strengthen your skill.
Read. Take a trip to your free library andperuse the shelves. Maybe you need a biography. Those are great. Lots of peoplebefore us had less than what we have and have done extraordinary things. Maybeyou need a self help book. There’s no shame if you need a a little extrasupport.
Barter. Maybe you offer your skills and abilitiesto be helped or taught by someone who has skills and abilities you want todevelop.
Collaborate. Don’t host the next whatever youare thinking of hosting alone. Do some research and team up with folk and cohost.
Talk it out one on one. We are often told to network and network. Weattend mixers, have 5 to 7 different social media accounts, and so on and soon. But maybe you need to just meander in various parts of the city or outside the city and get to know shopowners on a more intimate basis.
Listen. There are hundreds of free discussionsabout anything from finances to going green to the mechanics of writing tofabric making hosted in the city. Go to a few and hear what others are doing togo and grow up.
Be fruitful and multiply. I’m excited to takesome graphics that I’ve used on tees and creating stationary and notebooks. Itwill address a different market, is monetarily feasible, and is still a way totake the brand up and out into a different direction.
Take time to imagine. Every now and again justtake time to roll out the red carpet of “what if?”walk up and down it. Stop andpose at different ideas. Allow yourself to be captured, even if momentarily byan idea you may not have considered before. Allow yourself to revel in what youcome up with.

I’m excited about 2012. I’m excited about expanding. Butthis time I’m not thinking about growing out, I’m thinking about growing up. Thesky is the limit, but you only get to the sky by going up.

Phind out Phriday: The Low Down on Jared Michael Lowe of lowefactor

2011-12-15T19:49:00.000-08:00

This past fall I attended a Duke&Winston trunk show andhad a great time. Besides really liking the brand, attending the event with agreat friend, and having good eats and drinks by Philly’s own Pub&Kitchen,I got to meet whom I would definitely consider a fashion blog guru, JaredMichael Lowe of lowefactor.

If you’ve been to anything fashion related I am sure you toohave met Jared. And when you meet him you can’t help but like him. He’s witty,personable, and super knowledgeable not only about local trends, but trendsnationally and internationally.

Before I sipped the last of my sweet n’ fruity cocktail thatevening I was sure to snag a card from Mr. Lowe, and check out his site.

And you guys already know that I am good for doing myhomework before extending an invitation for an interview. I visited the site several times andcontinued to like what I was reading. The articles were current and relative.They read as if I was still at the trunk show talking with Mr. Lowe.

I sent an email and within a few days Mr. Lowe was giving methe low down on lowefactor, an online community dedicated to “providing anintricate look into the fashion industry’s most creative and respectedphotographers, stylists, writers, designers, artists and creative minds.” Thisis what I phound out.

Phreedum: Tell me about lowefactor. What is it in a nutshelland how long have you been at it?

JML: Well I started the blog in January 2010 as a style blogwith a fashion focus. The idea was to create a high meets low online fashion culture.So I was writing about your Stella McCartney pieces and your chic indie piecesas well. It started to get some traction and then I also began to incorporatesome fashion news. That was really well received. However, recently I have goneback to its original intent, helping readers cultivate a chic cool lifestyle.

Phreedum: Who are you in 5 words?

JML: Oh my god!

We laugh.

JML: Okay let me see.

A few seconds pass.

JML: This is hard.

A few more seconds pass.

JML: Okay I got it. I am a perfectionist, eclectic, driven,liberated, and confident.

Phreedum: See that wasn’t that hard. Okay, so tell me whathas been your greatest success with lowefactor?

JML: I don’t know ifI would say it’s my greatest success, because I think when you work towardssomething you kind of get gems along the way that make you feel like “wow thisis a big moment.” So one of my gems sofar was being invited to the Monique Lhuillier show during fashion week and lowefactorhad only been up and running for two months at this point. But I think I have been blessed with so manygem moments along the way, but this one is definitely a highlight.

Phreedum: What has been the greatest lesson you have learnedso far?

JML: Everyday I learn a lesson from lowefactor which isgood. I connect with other bloggers,communicate with major brands, write pieces that ask the question “why?” orchallenge pre-given solutions. I learnabout other people, their writing styles, and myself. If you’re not learningeveryday you’re not fulfilled.

Phreedum: What’s the best piece of advice you have receivedas an entrepreneur?

JML: Two things. One was spoken, one was more of an action.Both were from my grandfather. My grandfather , who’s 90, told me “Know yourworth.” I hold that in high esteem. He’s lived a lot of years and seen a lot ofthings. I like to think he knows a little something about navigating life. Thesecond is he bought me a 2 year subscription to Entrepreneurship magazine. Henoticed what I am doing with lowefactor and appreciates that my name and thefamily’s name is behind it. That really validated me and it’s just great tohave the support.

Now, as a blogger, the best advice I have received has beento ask “Why?” My writing is purposeful. It’s meant to expose and to highlight (ina good way.) There is lots of white noise and fluff. When you ask why, yousilence the noise and cut through the fluff.

Phreedum: Family support is always a blessing for sure. Inaddition to having support, what do you believe is your greatest resource?

JML: Connecting with others, whatever the trade. I believe youcan learn something from anyone. Everyone has a story to tell and you will besurprised how you can connect and learn from people.

Phreedum: What’s one thing you think people under estimateabout being an entrepreneur?

JML: You have to be a hard ass. I think people who want toget into business for themselves have to realize you have to be a hard ass tosustain your business. You will get “no” for a variety of things andfrequently. You have to have a thick skin and know your worth. Most peopledon’t want to hear “no,” they like to hear “yes” a lot. But you can’t wait forthe “yes” and be defeated by the “no.” You have to reject the “no” and pursuethe “yes.”

Phreedum: Who inspires you?

JML: Everyone. My Grandfather, my dad, everyone. Mygrandfather was a computer engineer back in the day and my dad is an architect.Growing up I was fortunate to have two really strong male identities and that pushesme to do more and do better. But then there is everyone else. When I connect with people and I hear theirstory and learn things about them I am inspired.

Phreedum: How does lowefactor change the lives of others?

JML: I would hope that when someone comes to lowefactor theybelieve they can live the life they want to live. For example, there’s “a styleyou can factor”, which is about how to live for your personal lifestyle,incorporating your space, finances, and personality. I hope when you leave lowefactoryou find out something you didn’t know and feel capable of exploring and tryingsomething you may not have if you didn’t visit us.

Phreedum: lowefactor gives a lot of great information abouta lot of different things related to the cool chic lifestyle. How in the worlddo you maintain a sense of balance and motivation?

JML: There is no balance. I think if you are an entrepreneurwithin digital there is no balance. The internet never sleeps. You can maintaina balance though, and I do that by going to bed at 11pm. I have to turn off. Iwake up at 6am and I do a morning run, then I get into my day. Also, there aretimes when I step away from my computer and just put my energy elsewhere.

Phreedum: What makes Philly a great place to be anentrepreneur?

JML: I think more than anything the rich culture that ishere. I have had the privilege of growing up in Philly with that rich cultureand exposure to so many differ walks of life. Philly is also are pretty decent place to find and market to your niche.

Phreedum: What can we expect from the lowefactor in 2012?

JML: A myriad of things. You can expect lowefactor to keepthe voice that it has, to really show what style is (beyond the clothes) and takingthe concept and understanding of style to another level, and staying on top oftrends.

Phreedum: Sounds like it should be a good year for you then.So, final question- if lowefactor were a sport, what sport would it be?

JML: Soccer, because we bend it like Beckham. Oh, that’s socorny.

Phreedum: I love corny.

JML: On a less corny note, soccer is all about reaching agoal, but it’s a collective effort. Everyone gets down and dirty. Whilelowefactor is my brainchild, I do have a team and we all work really hard tomake our goal.

For more information about Jared Michael Lowe or living thecool chic life visit www.lowefactor.com

To Thine Own Self Be True: Phree To Be Honest

2011-12-13T05:08:00.000-08:00

There is something to be said for honesty. What exactly I’mnot sure. Personally I thoroughly appreciate it. I think it often gets misconstrued for truthor something absolute. Honestly, I think it may be truth on occasion and is not always absolute. I think it’s ourperspective without the rose colored lens, the filter, the synthesizedcompilation of a belief that we’ve amassed through the thoughts of others.

So, it was refreshing when I sat down in a small Japanese restauranton Sutter Street in downtown San Francisco with a fellow entrepreneur andtalked…honestly. The last time we did sowas the year prior and we grabbed food and went to the Giants baseball game.The same Giants that would later win the World Series (I like to think my beingat the game that got them to the series had something to do with that.) A lot had happened in both of our lives sincethen however. Things picked up for her as a freelance cinematographer. She wasnavigating dating and other personal relationships. Family dynamics changed.

“So what about Phreedum?” she asked.

“It’s going pretty well. I’ve taken a bit of a break interms of pushing sales and have really focused on the blog and relationshipbuilding with other entrepreneurs. In the new year it will be back to pushingsales,” I shared.

“Oh ok. Cool. You know I never really pay much attention tothe whole ‘start new with the New Year’ thing. I think you just start againwhenever you need to.”

She had a point I thought. And then I thought some more.

“Okay, well honestly, it wasn’t about the new year. It wasabout me feeling like me and my business (Phreedum) were incongruent. I didn’t feel freeso I didn’t know how I was supposed to develop something I was lacking. I wasfeeling trapped. I stopped with the designs and the sales so I could figure outme. The core parts of Ahyana. I decided I wanted to define me in 7 words. Iwanted to take time I just find me in 7 words. Those 7 words would be the basis for 7 newdesigns. Whenever the designs werefinished, I’d go back to printing and sales pumping.”

Let me exercise my phreedum to be real honest for a moment.

I can count on my hands how many shirts I’ve sold this year.Yeah, and I only have ten of those. I can count on my hand how many new salespartnerships/collaborations I’ve had this year. I can count on my hands and toes how many times I thought about shuttingPhreedum down altogether, no designs, apparel, blog, collaborations, nothing. Igot twenty of those.

Phreedum wasn’t working for me. There were no amounts ofideas from fellow entrepreneurs, articles read in Forbes or Entrepreneurialmagazines, workshops attended that were hosted by groups like the EmpowermentGroup that was going to help me “make Phreedum work”. Phreedum wasn’t workingbecause I was not phree. The Ahyana who started the company in 2008 was not thesame Ahyana in 2011. Don’t get me wrong. Change happens, is necessary, and canbe good. But I’m not talking about “change.” I’m talking about a conflict that occurred because I wasn’t being honestwith and to myself, and Phreedum while it’s for the masses, is also about me.

So I pulled the plug and decided to go back to what Ioriginally wanted Phreedum to be. I dug out the pink faux croc journal I boughtand its black lined pages chronicled the early stages of Phreedum. I read andre- read the pages of drafts of the name and its spelling, the vision, themission, rough sketches of designs, quotes and phrases that inspired designs.

Then I went back to me. I pulled out another journal thathad my personal vision and mission statement and chronicled my own personal struggles,desires, and goals. Who was I and how was I living the phree life?

While I will admit I am a lot of things, I wanted to createsomething succinct in terms of who I am as it pertains to Phreedum. I didn’t want a formal statement however. No paragraphs, not even a sentence. I justwanted words. I was committed tofiguring out those core aspects of myself before I could feel phree and thusreturn to Phreedum. So I did just that. I came up with the words andthe designs and in the coming months you will read and see and be able to wearif you so desire more about my personal process and understanding of phreedum.

Lest I sound like I am rambling, there is a point to thispost. And this is what it is- in the words of William Shakespeare “To thine ownself be true.” Being open-minded is great. Feedback and constructive criticism areawesome. Exploration and exposure are necessary. However, at the end of theday, you can’t lose you in the process or the progress. You’ve got to staygrounded. Tree branches sway with the winds, not tree trunks.

Wherever you are on your journey, just make sure youexercise your phreedum to be honest and to be true to yourself. Exercise your phreedumto disagree, to step back, to hit pause. Exercise your phreedum to start again wheneveryou need to, even if that’s right now.

Phind out Phriday: Behind 3 Great Men is 1 Great Woman Named LT of Tabb Management

2011-12-09T04:34:00.001-08:00

There’s the man who makes the music and there is the woman behind the music. There’s the man who plays the music and there’s the woman behind the turntables. There’s the comedic man filming an online show and there is the woman behind the camera. So who’s the woman? Latiaynna Tabb, better known as LT. And what does she do? Just about everything. What is she passionate about doing? Philadelphia entertainers, a musician, S.K., a DJ, DJ Ricochet, and a comedian, Evan Polk.
I met LT a few months back when I scheduled an interview through her for DJ Ricochet. I met her again when I attended the concert she organized what was a great concert for S.K. at Love Park this past summer. It didn’t take me long to see that while she was helping these other entrepreneurs she was an entrepreneur in her own right, making her own path and building her own name. And trust me she is building her own name, she didn’t look for any of her clients, they all came to her.
So as usual I contacted LT, this time not about one of her clients, but about her, and extended a super hopeful offer for an interview. And as hoped, the invitation was met with a yes. So here’s what I phound out about LT.

Phreedum: How did you get started as a publicist and manager?
LT: I started in the fall of 2010. One of my clients was a friend before a client, and that’s S.K. We were hanging out and he was talking about what it is he wants to do and where he’s trying to go. He asked me if I would help him and I was more than willing to help him succeed. That’s what friends do. Initially he was just looking for help, any type of help I could offer. So I just started to help him and that help transformed into me being his publicist and manager. As I “helped” S.K. I just realized I was good at it. I didn’t go to school for business or marketing or anything closely related to the two. Other people saw that I was good at this as well and my second client, DJ Ricochet approached me in June 2011 about working with him, and then more recently a third client, comedian Evan Polk also asked me to do the same for him.
Phreedum: So you were just trying to help and you had three people in less than a year ask you to help build and manage their brand?
LT: Yes. I mean I bought a few books on a music management and marketing but that’s about it. Oh, and experience. Experience a long the way has been a pretty good teacher too.
Phreedum: Tell us who you are in 5 words?
LT: Determined, ambitious, creative, compassionate, open-minded
Phreedum: As you reflect on what you have accomplished so far as a publicist and manager, what would you consider a highlight?
LT: This past fall one of my clients, S.K. gave a two hour concert in LOVE park. Shortly after his concert he released his second mixtape of the year, Smoking Mirrors. I was listening to the second mix tape in its entirety while driving to school in Delaware and I was just like “Oh My God, we did it.” So I think it’s just been seeing some great progress with clients, seeing hard work pay off, and receiving great feedback.The Love Park show got a lot of positive feedback.
Phreedum: I’m sure it is great to see hard work pay off. So you must have a lot going on between managing three people and working on a second degree. What challenges have you incurred since you started as a publicist/manager?
LT: There have been two things that have been the most challenging for me. The first has been balance. Trying to balance school work, all three client’s lives, and my own life can sometimes be a lot. There was one time I went away to Vegas for a vacation and then I came back and it was like what was I thinking. The work didn’t go anywhere, just me. So yeah, balance can be a challenge.
Phreedum: Sounds like it. You mentioned there were two challenges, what’s the other one?
LT: Being respected in this industry as a female. I’ve had a few encounters where I am certain had I been a guy things would not have had to go down the way they did. I think in some respects I have to work a little harder so I am taken seriously and respected for what I do.
Phreedum: What is your greatest resource?
LT: Okay, it may sound weird, but Google. It’s a life saver.Their email system, google docs, the calendar. It’s just really helpful in helping me to stay organized and sane. It’s like a free persona assistant. Shout out to google.
Phreedum: How does your work change the lives of others?
LT: I like to think that it shows people they can do it, whatever“it” is. If you don’t know how, just start and you will figure it out. Start researching. I recommend google.
We laugh.
LT: But seriously, ask questions, be curious, and just go for it. I hope that the work I am doing with my clients really shows people that you can do it. I’m doing it and I have the privilege of helping three people do it.
Phreedum: What’s the best part about being an entrepreneur in Philly?
LT: I think that as I have gotten older I have really seen and been able to utilize a lot of the resources we have here. Philly is full of so many driven and talented people here and opportunities to connect with those people. It makes me sad people don’t take advantage of all the city offers.
Phreedum: Who do you look to for inspiration?
LT: Zora Neal Hurston. I read her biography my senior year in undergrad and she was just a rebel. She was so determined as anthropologist and a writer. She was very much a “This is what I’m gonna do andI’m doing it my way” kind of person. And she was good at what she did. She’s a woman after my own heart.
Phreedum: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received while doing this work?
LT: Well, it wasn’t so much advice as much as an interaction that really changed the way I thought about the work. I was at an event once and a guy asked me what I did and I said I was a publicist. So he asked if my artist had an EPK. And I wasn’t exactly sure what he meant.
Phreedum: What does it mean?
LT: Electronic Press Kit. I realized if you are going to claim a title you better make sure you know all that comes with it. That encounter just had me go home and make sure I had an EPK for my clients. It also just made me make sure I stay current and I’m doing as much as is humanly possible when it comes to being a solid publicist/manager. So basically don’t have a title and not know about the role. If you fulfill the role people will see it and give you the title.
Phreedum: Okay, last question. If being a publicist/manager was a restaurant, which restaurant would it be and why?
LT: Hands down Landmark Americana. I love that place. The food is good,fulfilling and tasty. They have something going on every night. They don’t just cater to one type of interest, but offer a variety of things for everyone, and the opportunity to try and do something new or different. I work with a variety of clients, a musician, an DJ, and a comedian and they are very different and they speak to different people’sinterests.

Phree To Have Your Cake and Eat It To: Practicality and Passion

2011-12-06T08:42:00.001-08:00

We were sitting across the table from each other in thediner. She had a gyro and I had a burger and fries. My four year old nephew wasmunching on his own french fries.

“I won’t be that kind of parent you know.”

I chewed and nodded.

“I won’t tell him those things.”

By him she meant my nephew.

“I don’t think it’s fair. I think he needs to be toldpractical things and not that follow your heart go for your dreams thing. I don’t want him to be disappointed you know.And I want him to have skills and things so he can support himself.”

I don’t have any kids, and we will see what the futureholds. I couldn’t really say anythingreflective on what my parents told me and my siblings. They didn’t say much. Iremember my mom discouraging me from being a journalist. My dad just told us todo our best. I didn’t have a problem doing my best cause if you bought homegrades that reflected less than your best you got punished. But I could recall any "be practical or go after your dreams" speeches.

So, I nodded and took another bite of my burger and I lookedat my tall light curly haired nephew. He has a lot of future ahead of him and Iwanted to tell him “Have a dream and go for it.”

I wanted to tell him the exact opposite of what his mom wasplanning to tell him. I didn’t though.Not even when I volunteered to take him to the bathroom.

I pondered her perspective. There is something to be saidfor the safety and security practicality can bring. I like safety and security a lot- mostlybecause if I am really honest I didn’t have it growing up.

There is also something to be said for the liberty thatcomes with pursuing the unknown. There is something to be said for pursuing anidea with the goal of making it something tangible.

I declared I wanted to be an artist when I was about threeyears old. When I was eleven my aunt married my uncle who was an artist and Ithought it was the coolest thing ever. As an adolescent I spent hours drawingin notebooks. The drawings consisted of both apparel and homes that I designedboth the exteriors and the interiors. Asan adolescent I also went to college and earned a BA in human Development andFamily Services. As a young adult I worked and bought clothes, developing andperfecting my own personal sense of style. As a young adult I went back toschool and earned an MS in Mental Health Counseling.

Amidst earning my second degree, I started Phreedum. Amidstpursuing the practical I began pursuing the practical. I was already amidst going after somethingthat would enhance my sense of stability and security. Yet, I was lured to thepossibly of being an “artist”, of making a dream a reality.

While I think passion and practicality are often painted asarch nemesis, titans warring for our resources and livelihood, I’m learningthey don’t have to be. Practicality need not be Zeus and Passion need not beHades with dreams and goals as pending casualties, and there legions upon legions of adulthood andresponsibilities.

During the past several months that I’ve spent revampingPhreedum, the remodeling has been because of my desire to integratepracticality and passion. It’s been my desire to integrate the two as oppose tobalance the two. It has been my attemptto take what I speak and practice with clients during my 9-5 “practical” joband use them in my efforts to continue to build and develop my brand. For asoften as I speak with clients about identity deconstruction and development,I’ve spent the past several months deconstructing and redeveloping Phreedum’sidentity. For as much as I encourageclient’s to assess assess and assess, especially for irrational fears andthoughts, I’ve done the same in regards to selecting new team members, choosingwho to requests interviews from, and who to pitch sales partnerships to. And, I have bought Phreedum into the office.If you visit my office you will see designs posted around the office, someframed and some not, and on my pc desktop there is a Phreedum design. Not tomention, I am constantly telling my clients while they may never be phree frommemories or triggers of their trauma they can be phree from the negative impactthe trauma has on their lives. My client’s come to me expecting some type ofmental and emotional phreedum. The twowork hand in hand and not rival to rival.

I want my nephew to feel secure. I want him to have stability.I believe that typically higher education and a steady 9-5 job can providethat. I also want him to feel phree to pursue dreams that he has even if theyaren’t going to be praised in textbooks or shown value by offering him anoffice space on Sunset Boulevard Mondays through Fridays 8 am to 5:30pm.

They say the recession is over but unemployment rates arestill tragically high. Employmentopportunities for new graduates still look dismal. Individuals who do have 9-5jobs are being stripped of benefits, denied raises, and given moreresponsibilities as companies are capitalizing on “other duties as assigned”clauses.

There are also numerous small businesses going out ofbusiness. Numerous shops around Philadelphia that have been in business for 3,16, and 30 years have had to close shop. Their passions have had to be laid torest.

Yet, I have posted interviews about lots of people who areintegrating the two. I’ve posted interviews about folks who are teachers,social workers, sales associates, etc. by day and designers, bloggers, eventplanners, artists, and caterers by nights and weekends.

Sometimes it’s both and, not either or. Sometimes it’s notbe passionate or be practical, rather it’s figuring out how to phreely pursue practicalityand passion.

Phind out Phriday: Phree to Have All the Holiday Trimmings- Good Music with DJ Ignite

2011-12-02T04:28:00.001-08:00

Alright readers. It’s the end of the year and you know whatthat means- celebration, celebration, celebration. And you know what celebrations mean? Food,music, entertainment, fashion, and networking. So, the interviews you read thismonth will be from entrepreneurs who know a lot a bit about what tends to go down as we begin to wrapup this year and bring in the new year.

First up this month is Philadelphia's own, DJ Ignite. He’s a man of few words and many beats. He’sbeen a full time DJ in the greater Philadelphia area since 2005 and he’s done everything fromthe block party to the wedding everyone on the block is talking about, from theducky spot bar to the familiar spot we all know and have grown to love.

When I asked for the interview he had no problem talkingwith me. When I asked what would be a good time to talk he said “Now.” He’s definitely down to earth and about hisbusiness, and his business is playing music that promises you will have a greattime.

Phreedum: So, how did you get started as a DJ?

DJI: My brother and I would go to different parties. We’dhave a good time but we were always interested in who and how the party keptgoing. It was pretty easy to see that it was the DJ. The DJ is the party. So mybrother bought a turntable and I dabbled with it. I wasn’t too good at first.But I kept going to parties, experimenting with the turntables, buying moreequipment, and talking to other DJ’s that I liked and knew.

Phreedum: Who are you in 5 words?

DJI: Sociable, friendly, outspoken, energetic, blue- collar

Phreedum: What has been your greatest success so far as aDJ?

DJI: Having a following. To plan events that people come toand enjoy themselves so much that they keep coming back to other events I planor DJ has definitely been a success for me.

Phreedum: What’s thebiggest lesson you’ve learned so far?

DJI: Sometimes to achieve the success you want you sort of haveto start again. It’s important to me to have a diverse following. So sometimesthat means I play at new spots and it feel s like starting again. I have tolearn the crowd and the culture that particular venue draws. But, in the end asI expand I gain access to a new clientele and grow my following. So it paysoff.

Phreedum: Who has been the most influential person in allowingyou to phreely pursue your work as a DJ?

DJI: Two DJs I know- Kevin and Dolly. When I was just starting out they were theones that let me attend events they were working. Kevin taught me a lot aboutmixing music and Dolly taught me a lot about being prepared and thinking aheadabout what to play next.

Phreedum: I’ve been to several of your events and youinteract with the crowd a good bit. Who taught you that?

DJI: That’s all me. I like doing that. The interactionprovides feedback and the feedback helps me to be a better DJ. It’s a good timeand that’s what I’m about.

Phreedum: How does you work as a DJ change the lives ofothers?

DJI: I think it provides people with happiness and my eventsgive people something good to look forward to. When they come to an event I amplaying at they know they are going to have a great time. No matter how theirday went or what they may have to do the next day, they know when DJ Ignite isin charge of the music I’m in charge of guaranteed pleasure. Everyone deservesto be happy right?

Phreedum: I sure do. So I am sure part of being happy is doingwhat you love, providing a good time, and growing your following, but what elsehas been rewarding for you as a DJ?

DJI: The pay is pretty rewarding, and the experience. Eachexperience not only prepares me for the next but it keeps me hype andmotivated. The experience helps me think about other markets I want to getinto, new music mixes, and reminds me of how important it is to stay current. Ithelps me to just keep doing what I enjoy doing. I’ve been doing this full timesince 2005 and I don’t wake up regretting this decision. Yeah it’s hecticsometimes and stressful, but it’s still very rewarding.

Phreedum: Speaking of stress, how do you de- stress and staymotivated?

DJI: I would say I am pretty self motivated. It doesn’t take a lot to get and keep megoing. Plus I am really curious. I am constantly looking up something, readingsomething, or attending some event so I can stay current and expand myfollowing. Now as far as de- stressing,staying organized is really helpful. If I am not organized that stresses meout. And then there is the time with family, video games with my son, andsleep. That helps too.

Phreedum: Are there particular events you like to host or DJ?

DJI: I prefer the 21 and older crowd. I think I get to havea lot more freedom with the music I play and that crowd generally likes todance. I like to play for dancers not just listeners. Under 21 I have to play alot of the edited version music and it can take them a while to actually gofrom standing on the walls and nodding their heads to getting out on the dancefloor. I mean I guess that’s normal foryour late adolescents, but as a DJ it doesn’t feel normal. Normal for me ismasses on the dance floor and people still dancing and talking after I’ve shutit down for the night and they are headed home.

Phreedum: So 2011 is about to wrap up. It sounds like it’sbeen a pretty good year for you and I imagine with holiday parties and eventsyou will get a few more great nights in. But as you look toward the new year,is there any particular area as an entrepreneur you hope to grow in?

DJI: I think to continue to build my following and just bemore popular in and outside of Philadelphia. As a DJ I think you rely heavilyon word of mouth for your business. I want to continue to diversify the venueswhere I play and host events so that I can build that following and keep givingpeople a good time.

Phreedum: So what advice would you give to other young DJ’s?

DJI: Starting out, look at it as a job at McDonalds-fulltime work and part time pay. You put in a lot, or you should put in a lot, butthe initial tangible reward, the pay, doesn’t always add up to what you put in.Now, with that said, don’t underestimate the exposure and experience you gainstarting out. That is priceless.

To phind out more about DJ Ignite please visit http://www.ib-Entertainment.com or look him up on Facebook as DJ Ignite Philly.

Exposure

2011-11-26T18:49:00.001-08:00

Now, in just a few short days I will beboarding a plane and heading to Los Angeles, California and then up the coast to San Francisco. Ifirst fell in love with the west coast six years ago when I and a friend wentfor spring break. We stayed a quaint boutique hotel, the Andrew Hotel, which wasright in downtown San Francisco. We spent the week going all over the city. From theGolden Gate bridge to Berkeley, China Town to the Wharf, Knob Hill to the HaightAshbury.

The weather was gorgeous, the people amazing, the food ridiculously healthy fresh and delicious.In fact, it was so great, the next year I went back California, however this time I went to Los Angeles. Here I enjoyed Hollywood, dinner on the beach in Malibu, late night eats at Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles, shopping in Santa Monica, and night clubs frequented by star athletes and other celebrities. Both cities were so great that I've been going back to both Los Angeles and San Francisco annually ever since. Infact, the west coast is where Phreedum was born. More specifically, San Francisco. The name, the concept, thevision, and the mission, all bought to life in the bay area.
Several sights I saw while in San Francisco influenced several initial designs. I spent time with local artists and entrepreneurs. I soaked up the inherent“Why Not?” culture of San Francisco. I’ve yet to meet a San Fracisian (yup I made that up) who doesn’t think thatyou can do whatever you want to do and will happily point you in the rightdirection to get started. I inhaled and inhaled and inhaled the air of “Anythingis possible, process is part of progress, and progress births product”mentality. My aunt with whom I visit when in SanFrancisco, a banker turned business consultant was very instrumental inexposing me. She made it her mission toensure that I took in as much as I could to stir my creative juices. She introducedme to dozens of entrepreneurs, gave me books and magazines to read,provided feedback on initial drafts of the vision and mission of Phreedum, and so much more.
Her taking the time to expose me did twothings. One, it exposed me. It expanded my mind to endless business possibilities and options. Two it showed me just how much I didn’t know andcould benefit from knowing. It unveiled my ignorance and that knowledge is actually bliss. Exposure shed light on my insecurities about my abilities to be a small business owner. It single handedly and mercilessly deconstructed every anxiety. Notice I didn't say it provided solutions. It simply disarmed the strength I had given my fears about being a small business owner out of ignorance.

It’s just about the end of the year. This year, 2011, is wrapping up and2012 will be here before we know it. If you’relike most people, you will spend the remaining weeks celebrating, attendingsocial events, and traveling. Amidst all of that you will spend time reflecting andresolving. You will reflect on all thatyou have experienced this year- the super highs, the low lows, and thememorable mediocre moments. And then youwill resolve to have higher highs, lesser lows, and figure out how toobliterate mediocrity.

You will start to think about 2012 and it will become morereal to you that its arrival is eminent and that you will be granted 366 days (it's a leap year) to do something. Now what that something will be is up to you. But if I mightbe so bold as to make a suggestion, I would implore you to consider exposingyourself. Keep your shirt on, please and thank you. When I talk about exposure here, I'm talking about you trying somethingnew.

I want to encourage you as you anticipate the new year tonot just anticipate life as usual. I want to encourage you to anticipate lifeas unusual. I want to encourage you to think about how you can expose yourselfto new people, new ideas, and new places. How can you expose yourself in a way that you didn’t in2011?

And it’s not that hard. Exposure can be anything from the independentcoffee shop instead of Starbucks, the trolley instead of the train, shopping atSuburban Square instead of center city. It may mean skipping hump day happy hour to go to a free workshop on being tech savvy offered by the Empowerment Group,giving up going to Nordstrom for the third time this month to volunteer with theCupcake Society, recording the game and attending Arts Beats and Eats, or whenit’s your turn to plan the next ladies night foregoing that “new spot” andgoing to a Common Ground Management and Concretecakes event. Or, you could do like me, pack a bag and headwest for a week.

Whatever you decide just know that change is conceived in thewomb of exposure. Exposure provideschoices. Choices require decisions. Decisions lead to action. Action gives birth to change.

By the way, if you are interested in exposing yourself by supporting any of the local small businesses or entrepreneurs mentioned above just look them up on facebook or follow them on twitter,@EGEntrepreneurs (Empowerment Group) @CHANGE_MAKERS and/or @Curran_J (Arts Beats and Eats) @CupCakeSociety_ (The Cupcake Society), @ CGMPhilly (Common Ground Management), @ConcrerteCakes (ConcreteCakes)

Phind out Phriday: Phree to be Beautiful with Danielle Lewis of Danielle Lewis Beauty

2011-11-24T18:49:00.001-08:00

Usually on my day off there are certain things I must do.This includes not setting my alarm, eating a big breakfast (pancakes, turkeybacon, eggs, and orange juice), and wearing something that is absolutely positivelywork inappropriate. However, thisparticular day I had set my alarm, breakfast was going to wait, and by 9:30am Iwas on the phone with the CEO of Danielle Lewis Beauty, Ms. Danielle Lewisherself. It was clear when she answered the phone that this 26 year old entrepreneur of Baltimore, Maryland had been up and herday was well underway. I suppose that happens when you’ve seen your husband offto work, have a toddler who’s definitely awake, you’re amidst updating yourwebsite, and preparing for making the most of the day.

As I thanked her for making time to speak with me, she laughed and thanked mefor the interest in speaking with her. It was 9:36 and I was already asking…..

Phreedum: Who are you in 5 words?

DL: Hardworking, committed, fun, driven, and confident.

Phreedum: So how did you get into the business of beauty?

DL: Well that’s a good question. While I’ve always loved make up and have wornit as far back as when my mother first allowed (or maybe before), my backgroundwas in marketing. But that wasn’t what Iloved. It didn’t really excite me. Makeup however did. So I quit my job andwent into makeup full time. I started with bridal then with fashion make up.And I’ve been doing that for the past 4 years at this point.

Phreedum: What has been your greatest success so far?

DL: By far, launching my lip gloss collection and seeing itbecome successful overtime. It’s easy to get people excited to buy somethingfor the first time or one time. But to have people keep coming back and leavinggreat reviews is wonderful. I love having a great product that speaks foritself and has bought me loyal customers. I would also have to add being a mom and a wife and fulfilling thoseroles well.

Phreedum: How does Danielle Lewis Beauty change the lives ofothers?

DL: I think in a couple of different ways. Take bridal beautyfor example. I get to help someone on one of the happiest days of their lives.I get to enhance their beauty for a moment that will be etched in their memoryfor a lifetime. I would also say I haveoften been told by others how watching me build my business has been aninspiration. People have shared howseeing me hit bumps and maneuver road blocks on my journey has encouraged andmotivated them to persevere so they too can accomplish their goals.

Phreedum: What has been one of the biggest lessons you havelearned so far?

DL: Everyone wants to be successful but aren’t willing to dowhat it takes. Grinding takes 113%. You cannot take out what you have notdeposited. You have to be proactive, no waiting to wow people.

Phreedum: Sounds like what you’ve learned that your businessis what you make it.

DL: Exactly.

Phreedum: Who has been the most influential in allowing youto phreely pursue your business?

DL: My husband has been AMAZING. He has been great atallowing me to pursue what I think I want and ultimately coming to therealization of knowing what I want. He’s understanding and supportive. He’s adreamer and he allows me to dream. That’s my boy.

Phreedum: How long have you guys been together?

DL: We’ve been together 9 years, and married for 3 of thoseyears.

Phreedum: What’s been the best advice you’ve received as youhave been making your mark?

DL: “Don’t let peopleliving their nightmare tell you you can’t live your dream.” I think I saw thaton twitter. But I really liked it and I hold on to it.

Phreedum: What has been one challenge you’ve had to work toovercome as an entrepreneur?

DL: I don’t know if I have overcome it per se, but I know Iwork hard at it. And that’s doing it all with a family. I have my wonderfulhusband and a not quite two year old little girl. Sometimes it’s tough tomanage, but I have a great support system which allows me to go to meetings,see clients, and be present as both a wife and mom. People say that want itall, but what are you going to do when you have it all?

Phreedum: You’ve said that you have a great support systemwhich is really important. What else do you do to maintain balance andmotivation?

DL: I am a list girl. Thant means I make lists and I put myselfon the lists. When I put me on the list, that includes time with my husband,going to the gym, etc. My family is definitely a priority and having familytime also energizes me to do all that I do as an entrepreneur.

Phreedum: You’ve talked a good bit about the importance ofyour family and how much they support you. As a mom of a young daughter, whatkind of legacy do you hope to leave?

DL: I just want her to see something different and know shecomes from a supportive family. If she wants to move to Wyoming and be asbasket weaver I want her to know she is supported and can be secure in herself.My mom has been a great example of what it means to be supportive and what itmeans to provide security. Not just financial security but encouragement hatbuilds confidence so one is secure in who they are. I want to be able to do thesame for my daughter Logan.

Phreedum: Any words of wisdom for other entrepreneurs?

DL: Step out of your comfort zone and use your fear. I wentto a Reggie Wells seminar (Reggie Wells is the make up artist for OprahWinfrey) once and I had a question I wanted to ask. But I was so afraid. But Idecided to just ask. He pulls me up in front of the room and inspects my makeup,providing commentary, in front of everyone. But I got the answer I was lookingfor.

If you don’t step out you won’t grow. When you open yourmouth you open yourself to get the help you need.

To learn more about Danielle Lewis or purchase her productsplease visit http://daniellelewisbeauty.com/

Our Own Hurdle Part 3- Be Regular

2011-11-21T17:49:00.001-08:00

Ok, this is it. After this you should be over yourself. Or at least confident that you will be ableto get over yourself.

If you’ve been following the blog for the past couple ofweeks, I’ve been talking about this idea that sometimes we are the ones whostand in the way of our own success. I’ve talked about how we slide intosecond, grab our silver, smile politely for the cameras, and go home only to dothe same thing all over again, never getting past number two.

In my first post I shared that sometimes we hinder ourselvesbecause we focus on past mistakes or set unrealistic expectations. In thesecond post I shared sometimes it’s fear. Sometimes we are so afraid we can’tand don’t move forward. It may be the fear of the unknown, failure, or evensuccess. Yes that’s right. Some people are afraid to succeed.

This week, as a conclusion to this series, I want to talkabout one other stumbling block that I think gives a nice hard push into thelap of mediocrity.

Lack of Discipline-Doesn’t give warm tingly feelings. I know. Probably makes you want to say “I’mgrown, I know what I’m doing.” If you did, then why are your trophy casesfilled with silver medals and newspaper clippings about you being the runner-up?

Now, I don’t want your OCD to kick in as you read this. AndI don’t want any latent insecurity about being imperfect or not doing enough tosurface. Achieving your goals doesn’t mean being perfect.

What I do want is for you to be honest with yourself aboutwhat you are giving CONSISTANTLY to your goal. The key word being CONSISTANTLY.

If I received a nickel for every time someone said they havedrive, they’re focused, they go at it with 200%, etc. etc. I could probably payat least two months of rent. I hear itthat often. I meet and know a lot ofgreat innovative driven people. Butdrive doesn’t equal discipline.

I think what ultimately separates the “done it” and “doingit” from the” I was trying to” and “One time I did it” is discipline.Consistency is important. Constantly giving 200% is what makes the difference.

When I’ve interviewed entrepreneurs for Phind out Phriday on the blog several entrepreneurs have shared that lack ofmotivation creeps in, rejection is pretty regular, and the process of becoming great is truly a process. This whole pursuing dreams, reaching yourdestiny, living a life of passion and purpose thing is not easy. Therefore itdemands that you consistently go at it with your very best. It requires thatyou figure out how you can regularly ensure you are making calculated stepstoward achieving your set goal.

I have definitely been learning to be more disciplined withPhreedum. I can honestly say I am one to have more passion than patience. Andif the patience is lacking the discipline won’t be there. I can also say thatas I have kept the goals of Phreedum in front of me (literally) I have beenable to strategically map out how to use my time and talent in a steady mannerto further develop and grow my business.

Discipline is a conscious dedicated choice to devote regulartime, energy, and resources toward a desirable goal. That’s it. The people we admireare the ones who do this. And I don’t just mean our great historical figures orcelebrities. But also the men and women who serve and protect our country. Wedepend on their discipline to protect and ensure our freedoms.

It’s not enough to want your goal. It’s not enough to becreative or passionate. That alone willnot get you where you want to go and where you can go. What will get you thereis that concentrated steady effort. That commitment to not doing whatever ittakes, but doing exactly what it takes. The foregoing social events, thestaying up late or getting up early before the 9-5 gig, the enrolling in thesmall business development classes and attending all 8 classes on time withassignments complete, the weekly trips at a minimum to the free library toaccess boatloads of data for research, the finding a mentor, etc.

Whatever you are going after, just go after it systemicallyand steadily. Despite the rejections,setbacks, and disappointments, keep going at it with all that you have. If you remember to be regular, you won’t haveto worry about being “almost” remembered.

Phind out Phriday: Catered Creativity, Adjoa Idun of Tasty Buds

2011-11-17T18:06:00.001-08:00

Sometimes I pay attention to events and inboxed messages on Facebook. Sometimes I don’t. This time I did. It was an event, stating that Tasty Buds was officially starting their holiday baskets filled with all kinds of sweet treats. I wasn’t quite sure where to even begin. I have a thing for oatmeal cookies, who doesn’t love chocolate chip cookies, and let’s not start on special orders for cakes and pies. (Did I ever tell you I was a generously proportioned child?) While my mind had drifted off into a mental sugar shock of sorts, reading the "Contact Adjoa Idun" smacked me back to reality.

I’ve known Adjoa since I was about thirteen years old. Our families went to the same church. And as we have gotten older, attended different churches, and I’ve taken to passions for people and design, she has taken to catering and event planning. I didn’t email her an order at first, I emailed her for an interview. And of course like the gracious person I've known her to be, she said she was more than happy to give be interviewed about her catering and event planning service Tasty Buds.

Phreedum: Who are you in 5 words?

AI: I’m committed, ambitious, open, Life –earner.

Phreedum: What is Tasty Buds and how did you begin?

AI: Tasty Buds is a catering and event planing service. Now, I didn't initially go to school for culinary arts or event planning. I went to school for behavior health and human services, but always had a knack for cooking and hosting. I would do small functions, mostly for church and family. At these functions people would always ask do you cater? I never really wanted to spend school time for my culinary fancies but then I decided to go to the restaurant school at Walnut Hill Culinary school. I was there a year and a half but wasn't super thrilled with the direction I was going in. I appreciated the skills and learning about culinary art, but I didn't want to be in someone else’s kitchen. I wanted to be in my own.

Phreedum: But you don’t just cook right?

AI: Right. That was also part of my decision to discontinue the program. I didn't want to just cater. I wanted to create a lifestyle moment for people. I wanted to do the entire event, the planning, selecting a venue, floral arrangements, décor, and the food.I wanted to do it all.

Phreedum: How long have you been practicing your craft?

AI: I've been at this for 7 years. Recently I think I’ve gotten to a point where I am not working to define my worth, but I know what I am worthy and am charging accordingly and accepting engagements accordingly. It’s definitely been a process.

Phreedum: So as you continue in that process are there any particular events or moments that you consider to be the most successful?

AI: I can’t say there is a particular event that sticks out. I can say that when I am able to coordinate the entire event, venue election or assistance, floral arrangements, décor, menu, etc, I feel like those are my most successful events. I often have these opportunities with weddings. And, I recently was awarded the the Iron Chef Marriott Resorts winner.

Phreedum: Well congratulations on that.

AI: Thank you.

Phreedum: So, tell me about lessons you have gleaned along the away.

AI: The biggest lesson I think I’ve learned so far is the relationship between cost and production. While it may be better in terms of financial resources to have less staff, typically I find there is better production if I have more help. More help equals more money but also equals better production. I’ve learned whatever I think I am saving by utilizing less help, I’m not because I run myself ragged. So maybe the real lesson is me learning I have limits and it’s in the best interest of my business and my sanity to hire help.

Phreedum: Okay, so we talked about the success, and the lessons, but what about sacrifices. Greatness does not come without sacrifice.

AI: You know, I think it’s been a lot of the normal sacrifices that come with the territory of being an entrepreneur, especially the start up costs. A lot more goes out than stays in. I love what I do. However in all honesty, at 30 I thought I’d be completely independent and not in my parent’s home. But it makes sense right now to be here and allows me to use the money I’d be using to pay a mortgage for other things like health insurance.

Phreedum: What do you consider your greatest resource?

She laughs.

AI: The Internet.

We both laugh.

AI: I do a lot a lot of research through the Internet. I do a lot of looking at companies that I hold in high esteem and learn about their path to achieving their success. I want to grow and get bigger. The research not only provides helpful concrete steps I can consider taking but also provides encouragement. I am reading about people who just like me have had to experience failures and make sacrifices. And another great resource has just been experience. I can see a lot of growth and I also take time to look at events and assess what I did well and what I can do better.

Phreedum: How have your entrepreneurial pursuits impacted your relationships?

AI: Well, most of my close friends are entrepreneurs so that has been really helpful. With my family, they are pretty involved in my business, sometimes too much, but again I’m grateful. Now, as for personal relationships, right now I can’t say I have the time right now. Tasty Buds is my husband, baby, and job.

Phreedum: Who has been the most influential in allowing you to pursue your business?

AI: My parents. Well all of my family has been supportive and the immediate family has often served as a part of my team, but my parents have been a huge blessing. They have let me turn their home into a design firm, catering company, floral factory, etc. Whatever I needed it to be in order to be successful they have allowed it to be. My sisters have also been a great help and are the backbone of my business. They , my parents and sisters, are the reason why Tasty Buds is going where it’s going.

Phreedum: One question I like to ask entrepreneurs is how does their work change the lives of others?

AI: I think there are two main things that Tasty Buds does to change people’s lives. For one, we employ people. Second, we provide excellent service. Our mantra is “Excellence is the standard not the goal.” When people leave our events they experience something different. Thy experience excellence. They know that I and my team have made the happiness of them and their guests a top priority. You shouldn’t have a special event and not feel special.

Phreedum: What has been the best piece of advice you’ve ever received as you have pursued this goal?

AI: A close friend and mentor once told me, "If you don’t quit, you win."

For more information about Adjoa Iden and Tasty Buds visit their page on facebook and become a fan of Tasty Buds Catering Service or email Adjoa at adjoaidun@yahoo.com

Our Own Hurdle Part 2- Phree to not Fall Prey to Your Own Fears

2011-11-14T17:31:00.001-08:00

Glad you didn’t make an “almost” comeback.

So last week I started the conversation about how we cansometimes be the reason we don’t succeed. I shared that sometimes we buy into mediocrity because it doesn’t makeus an ultimate loser. Remember, we “settle for the silver “cause it’s “betterthan the bronze”.

I also shared that there are several reasons I believepeople stand in their own way, including, but not limited to past mistakes andunrealistic expectations. And, I also promised if you came back, that I’d sharea few more ways people stifle and stumble to second rate success. So here wego. Reason number three people stand in their own way…..

Fear- Pursuing adream takes courage, and it takes it for the long haul. However, if you are like people (I won’t saymost because you’re ego may lead you think you’re not, but you are more thanyou probably want to admit) amidst courage, every now and again there is somefear. Fear is normal. It’s what you do with fear that distinguishes thechampion, best, and number one from “What’s that guy’s name. Uh, you know theone.”

So what are you afraid of?

The Unknown- Sounds kinda crazy, I know. But it’sactually a pretty common fear. Fear of the unknown is the new fear of the monsterunder the bed. Pursuing dreams as I saidtakes courage which means taking risks. The unknown is inherent to risks. Surewe can run numbers and look at “market research”. But nothing in life iscertain, including how our dreams unfold. Often times I encourage people to think of theworse that could happen. Then I encourage them to think of the best possibleoutcome. That often works. The envisioned joy, triumph, and satisfaction of thebest gives gumption. But then there are some who are still skeptics. So, Iencourage them to go back to the unknown and ask themselves if the decisionwill lead to death or the loss of basic needs (i.e. housing, a job that couldlead to lost housing, etc.). If there are no consequences that would incurdeath or loss of basic needs then by all means, do it. Besides, when youfinally do do it, it’s not unknown anymore now is it?

Failure- Similar to mistakes, failures happen. Don’t think because you graduated with the3.89 you’re excluded. You’re not. Failures can be pretty hard to overcome. They can definitely make youwonder “What’s the point?” No one likesnot making the mark. However, you won’t know if you make the mark, or supersedethe target if you don’t try.

I remember a friend who is a fellow entrepreneur asking me “Howmany shirts do you want to sell each month?” And I remember thinking “Amillion.” However, what I said was, “I’m not sure.” A million may or may nothave been realistic, but what made me verbalize the “I’m not sure” was I wasafraid that I could set a number too high and fail to reach the number.

Well I eventually settled on a “realistic” number. And somemonths I hit that number, twice I sold double, and several months I soldconsiderably under. Phreedum hasn’tclosed shop.

Success- That’s the goal, yes? However, there aresome who worry about their ability to succeed and how it may change them orchange their relationships. You know thesong “Mo’ Money Mo’ Problems.” Yeah, the more successful Biggie and Diddy(formerly known as Puff Daddy) got themore they incurred problems. And I’m sure their problems were like many peoplewho have accumulated financial wealth as a part of their success, including butnot limited to a more challenging time trusting people, defining andmaintaining their identity apart from their status and success, etc. Success also brings with it expectation. Thereis an inherent expectation to continue to succeed and to actually supersedeyour initial or former success. It’s great the first time you hit a goal. It’sgreater not when you hit it again, but when you go above. For some that can be anxiety producing andthe familiarity of mediocrity can become quite appealing. Don’t be fooledhowever. Just as beauty is in the eye ofthe beholder, so is success. You define success. Not the number of sales,amount of money amassed, cars or properties purchased, degrees received,children had or not had, or number of years in a marriage or whether it’s thefirst or third union. Success is basedupon ideals, and you decide which ideals you adhere to.

Fear is real. But so is achieving your dreams. They are tworealities that often vie for much of our time and energy. The more we give thepossibility of achieving our dreams a chance, the less fear has of impeding theprocess of possibility becoming reality.

I’m not sure where you’ve been but I’ve got a hunch you areheaded to greatness. Not almost greatness either. So, take a few moments to think about yourjourney to greatness. Check and make sure you aren’t carry a three pieceluggage set marked fear of unknown, fear of failure, or fear of success. And, if you are put the bags down, and gopack again. And if you can only take one bag on this trip, let it be faith.

Alright, well you already know, check back next week. Iactually have one more reason why people slide into second place so easily. Youknow you’re curious, so just give in. Curiosity killed the cat, not people. Live a little, and check back.Until then, go be phearless.

Phind out Phriday: Charles Gregory, House of Charles Gregory

2011-11-10T16:29:00.001-08:00

It was perhaps one of the most gorgeous days of fall to date and I just grabbed a table along the back wall of the Greenline coffee shop on Baltimore Avenue. Not more than two minutes after of my texting “Here!” in walks the man of the hour, Charles Gregory of House of Charles Gregory. He casually looked over the room as to not seem too obvious that he is there to meet someone. He sees me at the small table for two in the back and smiles. I walk over and we order tea, Earl Grey for him, Green with Jasmine for me. We take a seat at the table I selected and begin catching up. We are friends first.

After I share about my sister and new nephew and challenges of the 9-5 and he shares about new clients and his work with kids we get down to business. He laughs at the idea of being interviewed about House of Charles Gregory, but indulges me nonetheless.

Phreedum: Who are you in 5 words?

CG: Oh gosh, I don’t know. I think I need more than that.

He pauses and starts to count on his fingers.

CG: Okay, got it. I am ambition redefined.

Phreedum: And you didn’t even need 5 words.

CG: I know right.

Phreedum: So how exactly did you use this ambition and get started as a stylist and image consultant?

CG: I started designing in undergrad at Temple University. Most of my designs were couture pieces. But a lot of times people would ask me how to wear the item I designed or something they saw and wanted to wear, or something they bought and knew they weren’t wearing well. So I started to shift from designing to wardrobe styling. In 2006 a friend of mine and the Editor in Chief of Avenue Report magazine asked me to assist her fashion director on a photo shoot for the first issue. I was definitely down to help, but the day before the shoot, the fashion director quit. She just said she couldn’t do it. So, I was asked to take over. I made a few phone calls to friends, used some of my own items, and was offered the position of fashion director for the magazine. Someone else’s can’t became my can.

Phreedum: What has been your biggest success so far?

CG: Being recognized and respected as a legitimate stylist and image consultant by my peers. And, when my client’s are pleased.

Phreedum: happy clients help for sure. What has been the biggest lesson learned so far?

CG: Be humble. Everything isn’t about money. Learn from your past and build up your knowledge bank. A part of that learning should include swallowing your pride. It is easy to get blackballed in this field. I’ve learned to appreciate opportunity and exposure. The opportunity with Avenue Report magazine for example, really helped my portfolio and provided other opportunities for me.

Phreedum: How does your work as a stylist and image consultant change the lives of others?

CG: As an image consultant I take styling up a notch and really become a client’s coach. I help client’s understand how their appearance affects behavior and what it communicates about them. I help client’s use what they have to create the image they desire. People tend to underestimate how their image really impacts their behavior and happiness. When people finally have that “aha” moment, they get the connection between the two, I love it, and they are the better for it.

Phreedum: Who has been the most influential in allowing you to phreely pursue your career as a stylist and image consultant?

CG: Me and my clients. I am constantly pushing myself and staying on top of things. And my clients, especially Kindred (Kindred The Family Soul), trust me and encourage me to do what I do. They have given me full autonomy when it comes to styling them.

Phreedum: What has been the best advice you’ve ever received?

CG: Never give up and that the goal should be to be extraordinary. Steve Harvey once said “The difference between ordinary and extraordinary people is that extraordinary people do extra.” Giving 100% is average. Giving 120% is extra. I try to keep this in mind daily.

Phreedum: What has been your greatest sacrifice?

CG: Relationships and time. Well I guess time to dedicate to relationships. I don’t regret it however. But, I do hope to find someone who likes what I do and supports me as I do what I do.

Phreedum: What do you consider your greatest resource?

CG: My house. It’s where I do a lot of my work. It’s where I’ve done a lot of designing. It’s where I house the pieces I collect and use to style clients. Right now, with all that I have collected at my house, I could easily style 12 men in three different looks each.

Phreedum: What kind of legacy do you hope to leave?

CG: I’ve always had a dream to employ 100 of my own people. And by that I mean, at risk youth who weren’t supposed to go to and graduate from High School, let alone undergrad and grad school, but were supposed to get locked up. Those are the people I have always had a dream of employing because that was me. I just want to be able to give back.

Phreedum: What advice do you have for aspiring stylists and consultants?

CG: Don’t give up and ignore the “No.” I have a pretty big ego and it’s easy to blame yourself and have your ego bruised. But the reality is it’s not always about you and something you did or didn’t do. The “No” is not always about your skill, talent, or creativity, so don’t take it personal. Oh, and Keep hope alive.

To learn more about Charles Gregory and The House of Charles Gregory visit www.houseofcharlesgregory.com

Our Own Hurdle- Phree to make it over (not under) to number one (not number two)

2011-11-08T04:38:00.000-08:00

There’s a commercial out for new Samsung Galaxy S II cell phone that I really like. The ad is based upon the idea that no one wants to be “almost.” No one strives to be second, goes for the silver, or wants to be “Uh what’s his name? You know the one.”

I absolutely love that commercial. In part because it’s humorous. In part because it’s true in terms of desire, but it’s not so true in reality. Somehow some of us end up being “almost”, walking away with the silver and saying “It’s better than the bronze.”

So how do people become number two instead of number one? How does “Go for the gold” become “Settle for the silver?”

Well, I’ll give you a hint.

It’s not the economy. If you take a hard look at the numbers there are businesses thriving in this economy. And whether we like it or not, even if the economy was booming, there would still be businesses going under.

It’s not your product. In the 1980’s they sold pet rocks. If you can make money off of selling pet rocks, I’m sure you can make money selling whatever product or service you are trying to sell.

It’s you.

I know. I know. Usually I try to give you "make you feel good" posts or "make you ponder" posts. And me saying that maybe you are why you’re consistently being the runner up doesn’t make you feel good and may not make you want to ponder, but I think you should ponder.

Just trust me on this one.

You’ve heard the cliché “You’re your worse critic.” I’m also sure you’ve heard “My best friends are me, myself, and I.” But what we don’t hear as often is “I’m my own hurdle.” However, sometimes we are our own hurdle. Sometimes we are our biggest obstacle to whatever we are hoping to achieve. Sometimes we impede our own progress. We leave ourselves to sit in the cage with the door completely open for us to phreely fly out.

Sounds kind of ridiculous right? Like the cell phone commercial says "no one wants to be almost…” But it happens, and this is why I think some find themselves being “Uh what’s his name? You know the guy.”

Past mistakes- None of us are perfect. None of us get it right every time. So, that means, we sometimes get things wrong. Totally cool. But, when we let those mistakes become hindrances to our ability to move forward, totally uncool. Mistakes should serve as learning opportunities. Nothing more, nothing less. I’ve made my fair share. Between poor choices in printers, printing every design in the same color (I learned black doesn’t look good on everything), charging too much (lots of leftover stock) or too little (not even making enough for cost of production)for a product. And, my mistakes have cost me. They’ve cost time, energy, and definitely money. But Phreedum hasn’t closed shop.

Unrealistic expectations- It’s good to have expectations, an intended goal, a target. I am pro vision, pro mission, mixed feelings about how a business plan should look but am pro plan. I’m also pro reality. I think we can undermine our success by having unrealistic expectations. Sometimes the most unrealistic expectation is understanding the role of time as it relates to our goals. When we underestimate the value and role of time we can indeed be setting ourselves up to fail. If you look at any professional you admire, they will tell you it was a process. Kobe Bryant did not come out of the womb hitting the numbers he currently (well if there wasn't the lockout)hits. It took practice and time. Martin Scorsese didn’t make an amazing film in a day. It took days upon days and years upon years for him to create the films he creates and garner the respect and praise he receives as a filmmaker. Beyonce talks a lot about singing from the time she was in elementary school, giving up “normal” adolescent activities to price and hone her skills as an entertainer. Anyone who has achieved “greatness” has realized that they have to have realistic expectations. If not they leave themselves prey to discouragement. Discouragement kills creativity, motivation, and productivity. Review your goals, your personal and professional vision/mission, assess for unrealistic expectations and adjust accordingly.

And, I have a realistic expectation of my own. Don’t give too much information at one time. If you do, people, including myself, don’t get all of the information and tend to forget the information. So, while I have a few more reasons as to why you might find yourself walking away with honorable mention, but, you’ll have to make sure you check back next Tuesday. Don’t think about checking back. And definitely don’t “almost” check back.

Phind out Phriday: God Bless America and God Save the Duke, Seun Oludodun of Duke&Winston

2011-11-03T17:31:00.000-07:00

In the fall of 2009 I was pretty excited about attending Philadelphia’s fashion week final fashion show. I won’t comment on the show, but I will comment on the vendors. One in particular was Duke&Winston, a t-shirt line that I never heard of. The competitor in me was skeptical, but the creative in him easily won me over. The designs were solid and the owner was personable. A couple of years later running errands in the city I see a big ol’ white van driving up Walnut street with “Duke&Winston” in big black letters artistically angled on the side. I made a mental note to google the brand and see what I could do to get an interview.

And sure enough after errands were run, Duke&Winston googled, an email was sent and then it was like two weeks before Seun Oludodun, owner of Duke&Winston, emailed me and shared that my initial email went to his spam folder. Within two days I was in his new showroom space in Northern Liberties, talking with him and the Duke about Duke&Winston. This is what I phound out.

Phreedum: So tell me a little bit about how you got started?

D&W: So I went to a talk in here in Philly given by the guy who owns Johnny Cupcakes, a t- shirt brand based in Boston. As I listened to him I thought to myself “What if I did that?” I’m a web designer by trade, went to Temple for Computer Science ad Business Administration , but I was confident I could create a graphic t- shirt line for my demographic here in Philly. So, I piloted some of the designs and sold them at the Piazza in Northern Liberties in the summer of 2009, quit my job as a web designer pretty soon after, sold my car, and I’ve just been going at it ever since.

Phreedum: Sounds like you took some of the skills you had and maximized them, added a healthy dose of confidence and determination and went for it. Cool.

D&W: Thanks.

Phreedum: Tell me, who would you say you are in 5 words?

D&W: I am pretty focused.

Phreedum: Clearly. You didn’t even use 5 words.

We laugh.

Phreedum: Alright, what has been your biggest success so far with Duke&Winston?

D&W: I think creating designs that people connect with on some level. I’ve done a lot of trunk shows and I get to interact with people individually, so I get to have those conversations about why they are purchasing a particular design.

Phreedum: What’s been your biggest lesson learned so far?

D&W: When your resources are tight, don’t move too far ahead of yourself. Use what you have to get what you need. You don’t need a million bucks to start a company; you do however need to know how to work with what you have.

Phreedum: How does the work you do change the lives of others?

D&W: I think it just shows people that they can do whatever they want to do in terms of being an entrepreneur and they can do it right here in Philly. I’m not just a Philadelphian creating a line for Philly. I’m a part of a network of Philadelphians creating a brand for Philly. By that I mean, all that I need to turn my concepts into tangible pieces people can wear is within a 2mile radius of where I live.

Phreedum: Who has been the most influential person in allowing you to phreely pursue this passion?

D&W: My dad. When I first started both of my parents were a little worried. But, as I’ve moved forward my dad has been really encouraging. He sends ideas he thinks I could use for designs, news articles, etc. He keeps me motivated and I need that sometimes.

Phreedum: How would Duke describe you in one word?

He laughs at the thought of his dog diming him out.

D&W: Duke would say I’m tough. Well that I am one who is about tough love.

Phreedum: Every entrepreneur is always doing a million and one things. But I like to think that at some point amidst all the doing is some relaxing. So, how do you relax and de-stress?

D&W: I don’t. I need to. But, when I’m stressed I revel in it and use it to just keep going. During the summer while at the shore I got busted by the cops while I was selling shirts outside because I didn’t have a permit. So I made a deal with the restaurant that I was selling in front of that I would design shirts for them and we could split the sales and I could still sell my own designs if they let me continue to sell in front of their restaurant. It worked out and I didn’t get a citation or anything from the cops.

Phreedum: Wow. Way to turn a stressful situation into a way to sell your product. So wait, no socializing? No just chilling with people or meeting people for the heck of it?

D&W: Nope.

Phreedum: Not even birthday celebrations?

D&W: Nope.

Phreedum: What about walking the dog?

D&W: I do walk the dog, but it’s nothing long or leisurely.

Phreedum: Wow, you are pretty focused. What would you consider you greatest resource?

D&W: My upbringing. They way I grew up, I didn’t need a lot. My family didn’t raise us to place too much value on material goods. Starting Duke&Winston I didn’t have a lot. I had to downsize, hustle, and not care what other people thought. My upbringing helped me to see what’s important and to be tough. Oh, and my dog is a great resource. He’s basically the brand marketing manager.

Phreedum: Tell me about the sacrifices you have made since starting Duke&Winston?

D&W: I think the normalcy of what this time in most people’s lives looks like. Most people in their 20’s and 30’s have jobs, houses, cars, health insurance. There is some stability they have. I don’t have those things, at least not right now. If this falls through, then what? So I mean I work hard at this because this not working out is not an option and I think in a lot of ways that helps me to be cool and see the sacrifices as just necessary parts of the process.

To find out more about Seun Olubodun and Duke&Winston, please visit http://duke-winston.com or follow him @godsavetheduke

Purpose and Practicality for the Long Haul

2011-11-01T04:21:00.000-07:00

Purpose. Depending on the context the word can seem easy to refuteor extremely difficult to explain, pursue, and accept.

When I was little, the second of five kids in a three bedroom rowhouse on a little street right off of 60^th and Market streets inWest Philadelphia, there were plenty of run ins, disagreements, andconfrontations. And we, my siblings and I, quickly learned the art ofapologizing. We never got away with just saying “Sorry”. Andthere definitely was no “My bad.” Such terms were not sincere enoughaccording to our parents and suggested that our actions were thus purposefully intended.And if our actions were purposefully intended they warranted some form of punishment-usuallya good ol’ beating with a belt or maybe the loss of dessert for a few nights.We had to say “I’m sorry for____________.” We had to convey that we didn’tbite, smack, punch, or push the other person on purpose.

Throughout my life I have had conversations or listened to talksand sermons about finding your purpose, recognizing your purpose, having morethan one purpose, etc. etc. etc. Purpose as I’ve grown has become way biggerthan the intent to harm a sibling. It’s become the intent to live life.

So I was not terribly surprised when I sat in church recently andthe pastor talked about purpose and practicality. He was taking something thatas I’ve gotten older has been made deep and mystic and was bringing itback to mere practicality and application.

He talked about two shoe brands. Toms and Sole Rebels. Tom’s has aBOGO philanthropic philosophy. For a pair of shoes bought they are committed todonating a pair of shoes to children in need. Sole Rebels, an Ethiopiandeveloped and based shoe company, is committed to employing 100 people ata rate three times higher than the average pay for many working citizens,providing healthcare, and paying for the education of their employee’schildren. The way Sole Rebel’s sees it; children will grow out ofshoes and need new ones. But, employing parents and paying for education meansfuture generations of more educated and higher earning families. It means notonly a nation with protected feet, but a nation rising out of poverty because itspeople are. It means addressing poverty from its source, lack ofemployment, health assistance/care, and education.

As I listened to the tale of the two shoemakers I saw both ashaving a purpose, but one as being more purposefully practical than the other. Isaw one creating a sustainable vision to enable people to live practically foryears upon years. I saw one in it for the long haul. And not the long haul oftheir own business, but the long haul of the lives of the people whom theyintend to impact.

The sermon made me think of Phreedum, and how, or if I am creatinga business where its purpose has met and become well acquainted with practicality.Am I creating a business that uses its resources to impact people’s lives in amanner that challenges or encourages them to do things with their lives thatwill live long after they have or am I creating a company that uses thecreativity of design to create an impact that may last a few months and is thenoutgrown?

I’m still learning the essence of purpose. I used to think it wassomething to avoid or deny so you didn’t get beat with a belt or had to miss dessertthe very night your mom made her renowned apple or peach pie. And if you ask mysiblings, I got the least amount of beatings growing up and I was a ratherplump child. I also used to think it was something super deep and that was whyat 20 something years old I could still be searching for it. Sundayhowever I learned that purpose is and can be quite practical.Phreedum can use the creativity of design with the intent to create practicalchange that will impact the now, like Toms, or practical change that will impactthe future, like Sole Rebels.

As I continue to grow my business I am bent on not only makingsure that it maximizes its potential, fulfilling its vision and mission, butthat I grow a business that is purposefully practical.

Phind out Phriday: Me'LisaJema Matthews of JEMA

2011-10-28T05:05:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month I introduced you to one of the designers I had the privilege of meeting at at The Second Annual Lypstick Fashion Competition held here in Philadelphia. Well this week, I have another designer that I got to meet at the show and see showcase some of her amazing talent on the runway. In fact her talent was so amazing, she, Me'LisaJema Matthews, actually won the competition. Me’LisaJema Matthews bought to the stage color, culture, and couture. Her pieces truly highlighted the spirit of her brand, JEMA- Jenuiune Exclusive Modern Authentic. So as usual, when an entrepreneur agrees to chat with me about their entrepreneurial journey, I am quite excited and eager to share their story with you. My excitement was no different when Me'LisaJema Matthews agreed to chat with me about JEMA.

Name: Me’LisaJema Matthews
Age: 23
Brand: JEMA
From: New York, New York
Experience: Sewing forever, started JEMA in 2009

Phreedum: Who are you in 5 words?
MM: I’m Jenuine (the expression of passion, sincerity, and honesty.) Exclusive (absolute in being one of a kind.) Modern (timeless progression.) Authentic (original individuality.)
Phreedum: How does JEMA change the lives of others?
MM: I design pieces that exude confidence. I think my collections help people feel good about themselves and help them express their individuality. My designs challenge and encourage people to dare to be different.
Phreedum: Who has been the most influential in allowing you to phreely pursue your dreams?
MM: My mom and my four other siblings. They are my number one fans. They constantly remind me that I can do this.
Phreedum: What are some of the sacrifices you have had to make as you've pursued making JEMA a success?
MM: I think in following my heart I’ve had to risk standing alone sometimes. I had to choose to go against what others thought was best. Sometimes you have to sacrifice familiarity and comfort to pursue your dreams.
Phreedum: What has been your greatest success so far?
MM: I think just all of the love that I have gotten from all of the cities I have visited so far. People believe in me like I believe in me. Philly showed so much love at the Lypstick competition. When what you spend time and energy creating is well received with different groups of people in different parts of the country, how can you not consider that a part of the succuess on your journey?
Phreedum: How do you define success?
MM: I think it is being content with knowing that you are bringing 150% to the table. When you have done that, whether people acknowledge it or not, I think that’s when you can say you’ve had success. All you can ever offer is your best, and I think successful people do that. They go in offering their best. I've been fortunate to have experiences where my best was well received.
Phreedum: What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned o far?
MM: Don’t be afraid to take risks and make sacrifices. And don’t be afraid of rejection. It happens a lot, but don’t be afraid of it.
Phreedum: Who do you admire or look to for guidance as you continue to build JEMA?
MM: To be honest, other young entrepreneurs. When I see other young entrepreneurs who are motivated, creative, and committed to making their dreams realities, it just motivates me to keep doing what I am doing.
Phreedum: At the show I saw your mom doing a lot. Everything from helping with the models to passing out your business cards. And I noticed you said she is one of your biggest fans. How would your mom describe you in one word?
MM: Driven. She has always seen and known me to set a goal and just go after it.
Phreedum: Okay, last question. On occasion I like to ask entrepreneurs to compare their brand to a sport. So, if JEMA was a sport, what sport would it be and why?
MM: Swimming. Sometimes it feels like you are in over your head and you just don’t want to go under. So, you keep swimming, you keep at it despite currents or waves, you keep going because you are determined to survive.

R is for Resources R is for Relationships

2011-10-26T06:43:00.000-07:00

Okay usually when I talk about pursuing goals, entrepreneurship and phreedum R is for resources. But today, R is for relationships.
Recently while interviewing a designer for Phindout Phriday I asked about how he de-stresses. He responded that he doesn’t and uses stress as a motivator. Which was a pretty solid answer. But then he also shared he doesn’t really socialize or do the club thing, doesn't really date which he attributed to a decrease in disposable income. He chooses to put the money, time, and energy into his business. Again, solid response.
But then as I thought about the response I began to think about other entrepreneurs that I have interviewed or consider as friends. And as I went down the list, I realized most of them, especially the guys, were not in any type of committed relationship. They socialized infrequently or super on purpose (i.e. "If I don't foresee me walking away with contacts to benefit my business I'm not going"), they had girls they liked or were talking to, girls they were having sex with, but that was about it. They had family and friends whom they would grab dinner with or got to a movie or event with, but most of their time was not spent with them either.
So it made me wonder, is dream pursuit (whatever your dreams or ambitions are, including but not limited to being an entrepreneur) and having healthy fulfilling relationships (romantic or not so romantic but more than sexual) incompatible? Is having a relationship, particularly during the beginning stages of dream pursuit, one of the inherent sacrifices?
Personally I think the two can work. I think the key is integration. And if you can’t integrate (have boundaries that allow you to live a well rounded inclusive life, none of that personal vs. professional), it doesn’t matter if you are starting a business or have been running one for thirty years, satisfying relationships won’t work.
One of the key components to pursuing goals, ambitions, dreams, and businesses is time. One of the key components to developing and having a healthy satisfying relationship is time. As the keeper of your time, you choose how it is spent. You choose how you invest it. And I won’t knock anyone who chooses to invest it in pursuing their goals, dreams, or businesses instead of a relationship. I will knock using your goal, dream, or business as a reason not to have a relationship.
Sometimes we think our dream, whatever it is and it may be having a thriving business, is the big picture, and when it’s achieved we have thus been successful. But I think it’s bigger than that. I think there is a bigger picture and that picture includes people with whom we have relationships. Not even just romantic ones. The road to our dreams and goals does not have to be as lonely as we sometimes make it. And I think we can experience a greater sense of fulfillment and success in our lives in general when we make room for relationships.
Personally, I don’t want Phreedum to be all that I want it to be at the cost of me having meaningful relationships. I don’t want to get to the top and have no one else see the view with me. I don’t want to reach new goals that are a part of the business plan and the only other person who rejoices with me is either my banker or financial adviser.
I do want Phreedum to be all that I foresee it being and to know it has been achieved because I have accessed and maximized my time and relationships. I have maximized my team, and by team I don't just mean the professionals, I mean the friends, the favorite cousin, the always good for a laugh uncle, and the down for what ever not afraid to see me thrive motivating significant other.
I like the idea of doing things by any means necessary. I love twits and facebook statuses that say “Focused" or "Giving it 200%" or "Eat Sleep Grind”. And I am enough of a realist to know that when you are in the thick of pursuing your dreams tunnel vision can set in and exclude relationships, current ones may fall to the way side and new ones don’t get cultivated. I’m also human enough to know that we can’t exist without relationships. And when we sacrifice relationships we may underestimate how we may undermine our efforts to actualize our dreams and be successful, unless, your dream is to be alone.

Phind out Phriday: Forever Young, Kate Clark of GenPhilly

2011-10-20T19:13:00.000-07:00

Recently State of Young Philly hosted a two week conference for young professionals in Philadelphia and how they can continue to work to make this city even greater. Events focused on everything from the state of education to the state of the economy to the arts to volunteering and getting involved with various agencies within the city as young professionals. During one of the events I attended, I got to meet two members of GenPhilly, a network of young professionals dedicated to encouraging Philadelphians to connect with older adults through their work and personal lives, working to change stereotypes and create an age friendly Philadelphia. Completely intrigued by both their passion and mission I got in contact with their chair, Kate Clark, to phind out a little bit more about what it really means to be a part of a volunteer network dedicated to inspiring an age friendly Philadelphia. When I talked with Kate, I talked with a woman who was just as passionate as the two members I initially met. I talked with a woman who loves Philadelphia and as a new young mom has no intent to leave the city when she is no longer a new young mom.
Phreedum: Who is GenPhilly in 5 words?
KC: network, inspiring, age-friendly, innovative, Philadelphia
Phreedum: How did GenPhilly get started?
KC: GenPhilly started in February 2009 with a group of 7 young professionals who were all working with the senior population, but in different fields. As we would gather and process our work and look to each other for support we thought it would be great if there was a larger network for young professionals working with this population to receive support. We decided to start with a list-serv where we could send information to people who were a part of the network. We would send everything from conference information about working with seniors, to job announcements, to articles about policies that would potentially affect seniors. Then we incorporated bimonthly events. Events range from community gardening, to guest speakers such as the mayor’s office director of civic engagement talk about the city’s efforts to bridge generation gaps through various programs, to film screenings and discussions.
Phreedum: What has been your biggest success so far?
KC: We have grown from a network of 7 people to 250 people in the course of two and a half years. This means we have been getting more people and their agencies/organizations and networks to think about aging and creating an age friendly company and city.
Phreedum: Okay, now on the end of the spectrum, what has been the biggest lesson learned so far?
KC: Definitely how we define ourselves. We started off as a membership type of network. We had requirements in order to be and maintain membership. But that was not yielding the results we wanted. We realized that young professionals are really busy people, but part of that business is they are genuinely interested in doing a lot of different things. So if we were going to get young professionals involved with our network we were going to have to offer a membership that was more conducive to their lifestyle, but would still accomplish our goals. We decided we were less of a traditional member organization and more of a movement. We wanted people to join our movement, and thus by joining the movement (i.e. joining our listserv, attending events and meetings that are bi monthly and offer socializing and professional development, etc.) they are members.
Phreedum: Who has been the most influential in allowing you to phreely pursue GenPhilly?
KC: Well, prior to starting GenPhilly I worked at (and still work at) the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA). When I shared the work I and the team were doing through GenPhilly, PCA took GenPhilly under its wing. PCA saw GenPhilly as a network that would further enhance their own mission. They allow me to use office time to further develop and promote GePhilly. They readily believed in GenPhilly’s potential to inspire an age friendly Philadelphia.
Phreedum: Where do you hope to see GenPhilly in 5 years?
KC: I really hope we keep the momentum that we have right now. I don’t want to see it fizzle. I’d also like to see members create even more projects independently and incorporate the senior population. I want to see the social entrepreneurs in our network expand their strategic plans to incorporate seniors in whatever capacity makes sense to them. Our members are already doing some great work and I just want to see more of it.
Phreedum: To grow from 7 members to 250 members in two and a half years and to have a large, well respected non profit such as PCA supporting you, you guys are clearly identifying and using your assets well. With that being said what do you see as GenPhilly’s biggest asset?
KC: Our diversity. We have a lot of diversity amongst our members. We have members who are lawyers, artists, social workers, doctors who love animals, gardening , cooking, etc. For the most part, you name it, we’ve got it. And I think the diversity adds to the richness of support and skills we can offer members and the community.
Phreedum: How does the work you do through GenPhilly change the lives of others?
KC: At a minimum I hope it raises people’s consciousness about being an inclusive society and valuing people at every age and stage of life. At best, I think we have seen it inspire people to really invest their resources- time, skills, talents, in building relationships with seniors and tearing down negative stereotypes of the senior population.
Phreedum: Okay, before we wrap up. You have talked genuinely and passionately about GenPhilly. It’s evident that you love what you have been able to do as an entrepreneur through GenPhilly. What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs who are just as passionate about their dreams and goals?
KC: Collaboration is more important than competition. You can never have too many partners, so be willing to bring as many people in as are willing.

For more information about GenPhilly and how you can get involved visit www.genphilly.org

Round 3

2011-10-15T17:04:00.001-07:00

Earlier this year as I sat down with myself and looked at where Phreedum was going and where I wanted it to go, I decided that Phreedum was only going to be as phree, or successful, as it’s owner. Me. So, I decided to start another journey, another type of freedom. But, just say you know, spring 2012, fingers gnarled, the two freedoms/phreedums will meet.
You see as I have embarked n the personal freedom journey I have discovered some things that are inherently and uniquely me. I can’t and won’t waste any more time trying to hide theses characteristics down play them, or curse them. And as I have come to not only accept, but revel in these attributes, each has gotten a graphic, one that will be a part of the spring 2012 collection.
One of the attributes I came up with is fighter. It’s funny because every time I think of myself as a fighter I am reminded of the story my mother told me about me as a baby. Shortly after my birth and my parents were adjusting to having a new little girl with a disability the doctor encouraged them by sharing “She’s a fighter. Don’t worry.” I think he meant it to encourage my parents that I wouldn’t let my ability define me and that I wouldn’t resign myself to being judged by my abilities or lack thereof. He was spot on. But I don’t think he knew that I would also be one to fight despite life circumstance that had nothing to do with my ability, but at times my skin color, my age, my gender, my beliefs, my own self esteem. Those are all of the things that at some point I have had to fight in order to sit at my kitchen table and continue to plan to pursue phreedum.
But recently I read about another fighter- Dewey Bozella. In case you haven’t heard, Bozella was wrongfully convicted of a murder of an upstate New York woman in 1983 and was incarcerated for 26 ears in Sing Sing before being phreed. Before being imprisoned he was pursing a dream, to be a boxer. While in prison, sentenced for 20 years to life, he continued to work on his skill because he was convinced his conviction would be overturned. He was convinced if he kept fighting his dream, things would pan out. In 2009 he was released from Sing Sing and on October 15th, 2011 he got in the ring with Bernard Hopkins. He got in the ring to fight his dream.
There are a lot of resources that are so necessary to being a healthy successful person, let alone entrepreneur. One is honesty. It is crucial to make sure that you are consistency being honest with yourself about yourself. The second is resolve or being a fighter. The ability to fight for and hold on what you know to be true about yourself and your goals is what will ultimately get you to your goals.
When I read Bozella’s story I thought, “this is phreedum. “ Despite that which is stacked against you, you take what you know and you use it to go for the goal. You use it until there is nothing left to use. You use it until you walk away from a 20 years to life sentence after being wrongfully convicted. You use it despite your upbringing, race, gender, or ability. You use it because you refuse to lose it.
Whatever it is you are pursuing, just be resolved to fight for it. Be resolved to go round for round, blow for blow, until you’ve got a TKO.

Phind out Phriday: Phinding You

2011-10-13T18:46:00.000-07:00

Over the course of the past couple of weeks I’ve posted a good bit about resources and their value. The posts have included everything from the value of taking inventory of your resources, to choosing the right team, to the power of words and how the messages we tell ourselves impact our progress and process toward our destiny, and ultimately our identity or brand.
Identity and brand development are integral parts to living a fulfilled life and building a strong business. It’s important to know who you are in order to know where you are trying to go. It's important to know what your business is and where you are trying to take it. One of my favorite questions to ask entrepreneurs is “Who are you in 5 words?” Some don’t think twice before sharing their response. Others try to condense two words into one so they can squeeze in an extra word. But all of them can tell you who they are in 5 words. And if I always posted the unedited versions of the interviews, you’d also phind out that over time they have known themselves and dtheir brands to be these things.
It could just be a reflection of where I am personally and professionally and my own need to pause and remind myself who I am (in more than 5 words)as I prepare to make some pretty big life changes, but this Phriday I wanted to encourage readers to think about who they are. "Phind out Phriday" is usually about providing an opportunity for readers to learn who someone else is and what their business is about. So this week, I’m posting the various responses of different entrepreneurs featured on the blog regarding who they are with the hope that this Phriday you can answer the question “Who are you in 5 words?”
Phreedum: Who are you in 5 Words?
Brandon Davis of American Dreaming Magazine: A young relentless American Dreamer.
Cyril Bullard of SWAG: Servant, activist, artist, intellectual, entrepreneur
Nia Minard of Souled Out: Funny, efficient, a social engineer
Khary Blackmon of Sit, Good Dogs: Focused, driven, big dreamer, average
Maurice “Rico” Demosthene of Ronin Real Estate: Man, son, husband, and servant of Christ
DJ Ricochet: The best DJ in Philly.
Lunden Abelson of Seeds of Potential: I’m a creative arts therapist.
Chill Moody: In Five words- I’m Chill
Annie Baume Stein of Milk and Honey: I am a mom and business-owner
Yusuf Muhammad, Videographer and Photographer: Aware, honest, learning, Africa, passionate
Carly Goldberg of The Women’s Collaborative Circle: Mother, feminist, wife, social-worker, women’s-rights-activist.
Curran Swint of Kings Rule Together: I am a young king
John Gorodetsky, Freelance Designer from New York: Empathic, pensive, contradictory, on edge
E Bond of RoughdrAft Books: Maker, teacher, explorer, traveler, interesting.
Ontario Armstrong and Clifton Wilson of Armstrong&Wilson: Driven, passionate, quality, integrity, creative.
Shenille Latrice of ichoose2ive: God fearing, passionate, driven, compassionate, student
Aeleise J. of HairLoveArt of Chicago: Wife, mother, friend, lover, artist
Serena saunders of PassionArt Designs LLC: Mother, teacher, painter, designer, Christian
YOU, of ______:_______,_______,______,______,_______

The Writing On The Wall

2011-10-11T04:44:00.000-07:00

Writing on the wall
If you ever visited any of my offices (old and current ones) you would find cork boards full of pictures, post its, and torn sheets of paper with phrases like “Never Hide”, “Be Wise as a serpent and gentle as a dove” “Give a Damn” “Nike it” “Writer” “Phreedum” “Dream” “Bold Radiant Glamorous” and the list goes on. It’s truly extensive. The words have been taken from cards, conversations, and magazines. In fact I bought an entire magazine before for one ad, that if I could have ripped the one page out of the 200 plus paged magazine and not felt guilty about it, I would have. Oh, you’re probably wondering what the ad was for and said. It was for a super cute out from Banana Republic with the black curly haired model leaping and captured midair with a caption that says “Exceed Expectations”. Oh and that ad was in Vougue’s September 2010, so that was a little over 900 pages.
But before I go off on a tangent about magazines, super cute outfits and the like, let me remind you that the purpose of this post is the power of words, and how what you tell yourself regarding your purpose and passion in this life truly will determine the fruition of your vision.
I keep the aforementioned words and phrases in my line of vision at all times. That way I am constantly coaching myself regarding who I am, what I believe, and where I am going. The road to your destiny is so full of distractions. Sometimes the roads are smooth and have clearly just been paved and painted, other times it’s potholes and dirt roads chock full of different sized rocks.
During my 9-5 gig I work as a clinical counselor for individuals who have been sexually abused and assaulted. Often times there are three theoretical paradigms I work from. The first is systems theory. In a nutshell this theory says people are impacted by the systems (family, community, work, religion, time, etc.) to which they are a part. As an entrepreneur systems are super important, that’s why we network all of the time.
The second theory I work with is humanistic. This theory suggests that ultimately the client has the answer to achieving treatment goals and they usually just need help with finding the answers. As entrepreneurs we utilize a lot of resources to get to our goals, but the biggest ones are things we posses, such as our craft, creativity, and determination to succeed.
The third theory I typically use is Cognitive Behavioral Theory (CBT). This model maintains that if you want to change behavior you have to change your thoughts. Changing thoughts usually means changing the messages one is saying to oneself. As entrepreneurs, dreamers, people with purpose, what we say to ourselves effects what we believe bout ourselves which affects our behaviors.
I’m sure if you are reading this and you are an entrepreneur you have a vision and a mission. I’m sure if you are reading this and are employed you know your company’s vision and mission. But beyond visions and missions which can be a little wordy, there are mantra’s. These are the “Just do its” of Nike and the “Rebel with a cause” of Phreedum. These are the snippets of words that have to be before you at all times so that as your thoughts reflect on these words and you believe them your actions follow suit and you continue to move forward.
Put the writing on the wall if you haven’t already. You are what you think, so choose the words that create your thoughts wisely and act accordingly, triumphantly, and phreely.

Phind out Phriday: Lights, Sewing Machines, Brush Strokes- Serena saunders of PassionArt Designs LLC

2011-10-06T16:47:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to attend a great fashion show competition here in Philadelphia hosted by Lypstick. Not only did I get to attend the show and see amazing collections by local and not so local designers, I got to meet the designers who participated in the show. Each designer bought their own unique style to the runway. One particular designer not only bought style, but she bought lights. Kanye West’s song "All of the Lights” played as models walked the runway in bold shapes, hues, and lights.(Some of the pieces were glowing!) The use of color was amazing. But then again, what else would you expect from Serena Saunders, owner of PassionArt Designs? What else would expect from a teacher, painter, mom, designer, seamstress, teacher, Philadelphian, all things art local entrepreneur?
I was thrilled when I sent Serena a “remember me from the fashion show” email and she agreed to an interview. I was even more thrilled when we got to meet at Starbucks and talk over coffee cake and tea and she got to shed some light on who she is. This is what I got to phind out.

Phreedum: So how did you get started?
SS: I’ve always been an artist. When I was little I knew that’s what I wanted to be. I preferred construction paper instead of dolls. I went to high school and college for art.
Phreedum: Where did you got to school?
SS: For high school I went to CAPA and then I started college at Tyler School of art and am finishing up Moore College of art.
Phreedum: So has it always been fashion or painting or both?
SS: I’m a painter. I started as a painter and my degree will be in fine art. In 2009 I taught myself how to sew. Initially I started with bags and clutches. But then I realized a shirt is just a square with openings for the arms. Sleeves are just cylinders attached to the square. So the fashion has been more recent. I paint by day and sew by night. On occasion I bring the two together as my clothes do have some of my paintings on them.
Phreedum: Who are you in 5 words?
SS: Mother, teacher, painter, designer, Christian.
Phreedum: What has been the biggest lesson you have learned so far as an entrepreneur?
SS: There have been so many lessons. But you know I think the biggest one has been to stay in your own lane. Just stay focused and don’t make stops to compare and see what other folks are doing. I would also say learned to find joy in the now. Embrace all parts of the process, including the struggles.
Phreedum: What do you hope to communicate to others through your art?
SS: I want to visually document African Americans. Art is historical documentation. It existed before letters and words which have created language and literature. As a people we are still making change. It’s not like when Dr. King did, but it should be captured nonetheless. I think the change we are making is more individual, one person changing at a time, but that ultimately make a collective effort and that effort is what I hope to capture in my art.
Phreedum: Who has been most influential in encouraging you to phreely pursue being an artist?
SS: Hmmm. You know it’s been a lifetime journey really. During most of it I have felt alone, but there have definitely been different people cheering me on along the way. I think following my dream I have lost more people in my life than I’ve gained. I hope that in the end sacrificing socializing and having a large support system and network has been worth it.
Phreedum: How does the work you do as an artist change the lives of others.
SS: Well. You know people are surprised to see young Black artists. A lot of people I meet say that have never met an artist and they think art is that foreign thing in museums and is extra expensive. It’s nice that by me being me and pursuing my dreams that I get to expose and expand people’s conception of art and artists.
And, I teach how fashion/design classes to 13-19 year old girls through my program Art of Fashion.
Phreedum: Wow, okay talk about giving back. How long have you been teaching?
SS: Well actually I have been teaching in general for the past 8 years. I started working with The Village as a poetry teacher. Several of the girls in that class said they wanted to do a fashion show. Initially we started by just collecting clothes and styling them. But, as I taught myself how to sew I began to teach them and that’s where the Art of Fashion classes that I teach now came from. The models at the Lypstick Fashion show were actually my students.
Phreedum: That is really great. So how would your students describe you in one word?
SS: Okay the word that comes t I mind is artsy, but that’s because you said I had to use one. I think they would probably tell you I am like their mom. I just don’t know how you say that in one word.
Phreedum: Speaking of mom, you are a mom. So what do you hope our son sees as you pursue your dreams?
SS: Well, I hope my son and my students see my resiliency, to love and live your dream because anything is possible. I also am sure to let the m see the process so they know what it takes to makes dreams become realities.
Phreedum: So with all that you do, painting, designing, sewing, teaching, being a mom, how do you stay motivated and balanced?
SS: God keep me motivated. And then painting. Painting just recharges me. I get to take nothing and turn it into something. I can’t help but want to keep doing that. And as far as the balance, it’s really all connected.-the painting and the designing and the sewing. Each part impacts the next part, but each part has it’s on demands and requires that I kind of switch gears, but I still get to stay in the creative world despite the mediums.
Phreedum: From whom do you get inspiration?
SS: As it pertains to visual art I admire Frida Kahlo and Jean Michel Basquiat. I always imagine Basquiat as like an older brother. Now with Fashion, huge Coco Chanel fan.
Phreedum: What do you believe is your greatest asset?
SS: My faith. It gives me hope and hope for me is everything. It allows me to live in my vision and what I know will be. If I lived in reality it wouldn’t be good. I live what I see, not just what is.
Phreedum: Okay, so last question. As an entrepreneur and an artist of so many different mediums, what advice would you give to budding artists and entrepreneurs?
SS: What I’ve learned is there is no grey. As long as you live in grey you won’t experience the fullness of either side.

For more information about Serena and PassionArt Design LLC visit www.serenasart.com or follow on twitter @PassionArtDLLC

Wee Wee Wee all the way to Greatness- Guest Blogger Garron Gibbs on Picking the Right Team

2011-10-04T04:53:00.000-07:00

Last week I talked about the importance of taking stock of your resources and using what you have to get what you want/need. When I did my own resource inventory I realized I had a team, albeit a small one, but a team nonetheless. As I consider growing to greatness,I know I will need my team to grow. So, I utilize a new member of the Phreedum team and occasional guest blogger Garron Gibbs. He brings candid honesty and practicality as it pertains to personal and professional growth. This is what he has to say about picking the right team.

So you’ve just conjured up the greatest idea EVER! You’ve done your research to see how viable your idea is and the results are in your favor. You’ve gathered your resources and you’re almost ready to let the games begin! You step on the field and realize that it’s just you. You’re on the field, ready to play against a formidable team of naysayers, financial uncertainty and self-doubt and you realize that you’re playing alone. No one in the history of progressive action has won their fight alone.

So you need a team.
But how do you select the right team?

It depends on what type of team you need. If you just need a team of people to do busy work, then raise some capital and post the job on craigslist. However, if you need your team to actively participate in some type of creative/non-repetitive work then you’ll have to adjust your approach.

First, you must create a list of tangibles that you’ll need from your team. Where are you lacking? If you’re a diligent worker but can’t stand attending networking functions, you may need a publicist or marketing professional. If you’re a creative visionary but don’t know how to translate your work online, then you need a web/graphic designer. Sometimes we think we just need to clone ourselves, but that could actually stunt your growth because you may pass on someone whose unique talents is what gets you over the hump.

Now create a list of intangibles you need your team to have. Don’t settle for a list of cliche attributes such as ‘hard worker’ ‘creative’ or ‘results driven.’ You’ll benefit more by being specific. What does hardworking look like? Do you need someone willing to leave a 9 to 5 and put in an additional 5 to 6 hours working with you? Do you need someone willing to get up at 5am on a Saturday to drive with you to DC so you can attend an event? What does creative look like? Do you need someone who can creatively pitch ideas to your vendors? Do you need someone to creatively adjust your budget so you’ll have a large enough margin to re-invest in your business? Do you need someone driven to create measurable results within the community? The more questions you ask yourself, the better choices you’ll make. Also, people tend to respect a person more who can articulate exactly what they want.

Third, you need to create a list of expectations. Don’t confuse expectations with policies. Expectations are less about the day-to-day tasks and more about the overall result. When building a team, one of the intangibles you’ll want them to have is a sense of autonomy. A person who feels they are in control of their own path tends to be more engaged in their work. This benefits you because it’ll eventually save you time. So when setting expectations, speak from the point of view of what ultimately has to be done within the next year/month/week and work your way backwards to day-to-day suggestions on how to get there. If you’re running a lifestyle publication one expectation you may have is to have a member of your team provide three articles about fine dining by Friday so they’ll be ready for restaurant week. Once expectations are set, you’ll be able to measure how effectively your team performs and whether or not your work philosophies are in sync.

Finally, the most important thing to realize when selecting the right team is that a cohesive team works just like any other cohesive set of parts. For example, a brand new car is expected to work flawlessly because it’s been manufactured by experts and it has passed a set of rigorous tests. However, just like a car, in order to maintain a cohesive team, that team will have to undergo scheduled maintenance. That maintenance comes in the form of daily motivation. It’s not enough to work with self-described “self-motivated” people because even these types need a jump every now and then. Contrary to popular belief, money is not a key factor in motivating the creative/ambitious type. To keep these types motivated you’ll need to maintain a consistent environment where your team feels a sense of autonomy and purpose. (See What Drives You To Be Great on ConcreteCakes.com) If you can do this effectively, your team will exceed expectations for years to come.

It’s one thing to know what to look for when picking the right team but it’s another to thing to know where to look. I suggest you look at your list of tangibles and intangibles and make an educated guess as to where these people may be found. More importantly, make sure you can articulate the value you bring to the team. Remember, teamwork is an even exchange. You get what you give and you attract what you disseminate. Goodwill hunting.

For more information abouut Garron Gibbs visit www.ConcreteCakes.com

Phind out Phriday: Choose life with Shenille Latrice of ichoose2live

2011-09-29T17:26:00.000-07:00

Recently, well okay almost two months ago, but not too long ago, I had a birthday. And I had a great time celebrating it. One of the highlights of the celebrating was going to see a play, Popular, written by a local playwright. I thoroughly enjoyed the show but more that the show I enjoyed phinding out that the playwright, Shenille Latrice, was also an entrepreneur. After learning about the startling statistics of rates of HIV among women between the ages of 25 and 34 in one of her classes at Drexel University a few years ago, what was initially designed to be a class project, turned into a business, ichoose2live, which is dedicated to inspiring and motivating youth through education and outreach in Philadelphia.
Phreedum: Who are you in 5 words?
SL: God fearing, passionate, driven, compassionate, student
Phreedum: What has been the biggest lesson you have learned so far as an entrepreneur?
SL: If you have a dream, pursue it. Once you have an idea, write it, plan it, and go for it. It might not be easy, may require some sacrificing, but go for it. A dream is possible.
Phreedum: What have been some of the sacrifices you’ve had to make along the way?
SL: Well there have definitely been some sacrifices. Some of which have been money, time, and the lifestyle I was accustomed to. You are constantly making your own way, and you have to remain innovative with limited resources. You have to be 100% focused on creating the path to accomplish the goal and that means sacrifices like the ones I mentioned. And to be honest I can’t say I regret making those sacrifices. Being an entrepreneur there is no set path.
Phreedum: So as you are pursuing your goal and making sacrifices, what keeps you motivated?
SL: Reading the Word and my purpose. I know God has a plan for me and I didn’t always know that. I stay in my WORD.
Phreedum: Do you have a favorite scripture?
SL: Sure do. I have two actually. Prov. 24:10 (“If you fail under pressure, your strength is too small.”) and Phil.4:13 ("I can do all this through him who gives me strength.").Between those two versus I can do whatever cause I get my strength from God so I know I won’t fail.
Phreedum: What has been your proudest moment so far?
SL: Well, recently I completed a documentary about HIV . To see that 4 years ago I took an idea and here I am being able to see that idea as something concrete, relevant, and something that gives a voice to such a huge issue is really great.
Phreedum: What does the documentary capture?
SL: It’s a ten minute documentary with a series of interviews and commentary from professionals in the field, a young person living with the virus, and talking to people on the street about the virus. Oh, and there is some comedic commentary.
Phreedum: That is definitely cool.
SL: Thanks.
Phreedum: No problem. As you have been working on all of these projects, running ichoose2live, writing and directing popular, and the documentary, who would you say has been the most influential in allowing you to phreely pursue all of this?
SL: That’s a good question. I would have to say God.
Phreedum: Of course.
We laugh.
SL: And my older sister. When I worked for corporate America I told her how miserable I was and what it was I really wanted to do. She told me to follow my dreams. She has been very inspiring in that capacity, make me feel like I could be phree.
Phreedum: How does the work you do change the lives of others?
SL: I think it makes people think about the power they have to create change in themselves and in the community. Each person counts.
Phreedum: If you could go back in time and give the Shenille of 10 years ago advice, what would it be?
SL: Start exploring you options now. By that I mean, options beyond college and corporate America. And establish a relationship with Christ, a genuine relationship.
Phreedum: If ichoose2live was a sport, what sport would it be and why?
SL: Hmm. Let’s see. Okay, boxing. As a small company with limited resources you take a lot of blows, and it is a constant fight to not lose.
Phreedum: Okay, last question. Earlier you told us what you’d tell the you of ten years ago. But where do you want to see you 5 years from now?
SL: I want to be a household name. I want everybody knowing our mission and the power of choices. Everything in life is a choice even if the choices are not favorable.

To learn more about Shenille Latrice and ichoose2live visit www.ichoose2live.com

What's in your hand?

2011-09-27T06:35:00.001-07:00

As time progresses I continue to get a better understanding of this whole entrepreneur gig. It really is an ongoing process. And once you think you’ve up and conquered one thing, there are like easily 10 more that you “need” to accomplish.
Don’t get me wrong. There are definitely solid moments where you have accomplished a set goal. And it’s amazing when you do. And that goal can totally be anything from obtaining x amount of friends on facebook or followers on twitter, to selling x amount of products, to obtaining x amount of new clients, to maintaining product placement in x amount of stores, to finally creating a logo you love.
For me, right now I am basking in the way I have managed to better utilize twitter, blog regularly, and how my idea to interview entrepreneurs has opened so many doors and has been so well received. A year ago, I could not have sad this. A year ago I was still looking for the “trick” to twitter. A year ago I think I may have had 7 followers and tweeted 14 times. Today I am still working on getting followers, I’ve gained some and lost some, but I’m okay with that. A year ago, my blog primarily consisted of my designs and the stories behind the designs. Lying. A year ago my blog still sold a lot of my products as my website was still amidst being designed. A year ago I was considering closing Phreedum altogether. I was considering stamping F for failure. Or to be cute, Ph for Phailure. A year ago I was focused on all I didn’t have, couldn’t do and where my business wouldn’t be. And, I was thinking and feeling this with a smile and not telling anyone except one of my trusted friends. I wasn’t even telling the therapist I was paying to see all of this a year ago.
So what’s made all the difference in a year? A lot of things. But what I think has been the biggest contributor is my realization and understanding of resources.
When I stopped spending time ruminating about all that I didn’t have or didn’t have access to and started thinking about what I did have and how I could use it to get what I needed, it made a WORLD of difference.
First I started with a list of what I had. And this list included everything from determination, creativity, time, passion, a co designer who has been 100% on board and still was since the beginning, a great screen printing team, supportive friends and family, access to books and classes to further develop skill sets I believed I needed, access to networks with other entrepreneurs, relationships with other small business owners and Executive Directors of non profits, and Jesus. And that is not the complete list of what I knew I had a year ago.
Then I started the list of what I wanted/needed to accomplish within the next several months. This list included learning how to use twitter beyond having an account (like seriously I didn’t even know how to tweet people let alone reply or retweet), developing something that was not so product marketing based but still branded the idea of the brand beyond the designs, and increase my own comfortability with networking and meeting people. And there were a few other things on the list, but this was where I wanted to start.
So next I started looking at what I had and how I was going to use it to get what I wanted. One of the best things that has been a result of going through this process, Phindout Phriday.
Each Phriday on the Phreedum blog I post an interview I’ve had the absolute pleasure of doing with other local entrepreneurs. More recently, the Phourth Phriday has been reserved for “not so local” entrepreneurs, so that means entrepreneurs from New York, Chicago, Baltimore, and San Francisco have been also sharing their journey as entrepreneurs and what entrepreneurship has looked like in her parts of the United States.
Phindout Phriday has helped me further develop relationships and expand my network. It’s also showed me how to continue to use the resource I have, but in a way that I may not have considered before. It’s also bought a lot more traffic to the blog and has helped in my overall goal of phreedum being bigger than the designs.
Freedom doesn’t happen overnight. History has shown us this. No group of people had the idea they ought be free, declared it, and got it. For some groups it has taken longer than other groups. And, beyond receiving or being granted freedom, then there is the process to establishing what that looks like. Phreedum has been no different. Being an entrepreneur is no different. It is a process, but it definitely helps when you are aware of your resources and how to maximize them to get where you want to go. I can’t wait to write and tell you all where I am a year from now.

Phind out Phriday: Chicago keeps it natural with Aeleise of HairLoveArt

2011-09-23T04:25:00.000-07:00

It’s that time of the month again. No, not that time. Don’t start writing me any checks (unless you really really want to). Rent is not due. It’s that time to phind out about a “not so local” entrepreneur. While Philly entrepreneurs definitely bring some amazing talent and skill to the Entrepreneur block, we do have some pretty amazing neighbors. One such being artist and stylist, Aeleise J. of HairLoveArt in Chicago, Illinois. Take a look at what I got to phind out.

Name: Aeleise J.
Age: 27
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Length of time in the field: 5 years

Phreedum: Who are you in 5 words?
AJ: Wife, mother, friend, lover, artist
Phreedum: Why “HairLoveArt"?
AJ: I’m a dancer/painter in love with my wife, my child, textured hair, and all things beauty related. I wanted to create a company which encompasses all of who I am.
Phreedum: So, you are in the beauty business. How do you define beauty?
AJ: Health, wellness, and a positive outlook on life. That’s what I am about and that’s what I try to cultivate.
Phreedum: What has been your proudest moment so far as an entrepreneur?
AJ: Growing my business from $0 revenue and 0 clients to a profitable, recognized brand in one short year. It’s hard work, but hard is not impossible.
Phreedum: What is the most challenging aspect of being an entrepreneur?
AJ: Always being on. In reality I can be super anti social at times but natural (hair) women approach me to talk about hair pretty much anywhere. I engage them because I want them to get facts, not fiction along their journey. I want them to take care of their hair.
Phreedum: When working with your clients what kinds of challenges have you encountered?
AJ:Sometimes clients have unrealistic expectations. I'm a technician not a magician and can only enhance, not create or repair, what you have.
Phreedum: Who has been most influential in allowing you to phreely pursue being an entrepreneur?
AJ: My mother and my grandfather were both successful entrepreneurs who showed me that this life was possible. My wife supported me and us financially as I started from scratch.
Phreedum: How does the products, services, environment of Hair Love Art change the lives of others?
AJ: Self knowledge. When my clients can properly care for their hair themselves using my professional advice it seems to boost the respect and love they have for their hair and for themselves.
Phreedum: have you evolved as a person? As an entrepreneur?
AJ: I've learned that failure is not the end of the world and actually it can be the start of a glorious venture. And patience is a virtue that can be learned.
Phreedum: What do you love about being an entrepreneur in Chicago?
AJ: Everybody here respects this as a business not a hustle.
Phreedum: How do the locals show you love?
AJ: Not sure how to answer this, but my clients are loyal and serious about our healthy hair care partnership. They really listen and in what I offer and see results. And they send new clients my way which helps grow my business. Who doesn’t love growing their business?
Phreedum: What words of wisdom for other budding entrepreneurs?
AJ: Plan your work, work your plan and just do it.

For more information about Aeleise J. and HairLoveArt visit www.HairLoveArt.com
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Don't Be a Mooch!

2011-09-17T07:49:00.001-07:00

A few years ago I remember watching television and a celebrity verbalizing that they did not believe just because they were a celebrity they were obligated to give their money away. They believed that whether you made $40.00, $40,000.00, or $40,000,000.00 you and you alone had the right to decide what you did with your money.
I remember initially thinking “But don’t you want to give back?”
A few days ago I had the same conversation with a fellow entrepreneur. As he talked not only about the nuts and bolts of his business, start up costs, day to day operations and the like, he talked about the importance of giving back. And he further described giving back as not only meaning financial contributions, but time and other non monetary resources.
I won’t lie. I do feel that we, and by we, I mean any living and breathing person, so you, are obligated to give back. And what that looks like I certainly think is up to each individual person. And I certainly think you are phree to disagree. I’m a big girl, my feelings won’t be hurt.
But let me share a little more about my “obligatory” thoughts.
The way I see it, no one exist alone. No one exist outside of or a part from anyone else. It’s not possible. It’s nice to think people got o where they are in life on their own, but they didn’t. First, none of us willed or wished ourselves into existence. Our mere physical presence on earth depended upon someone else. Second, anything we utilize is a result of someone or something else. I didn’t create the laptop I’m writing this post on. Heck I didn’t even buy this laptop. All other folk. Sure someone “invented” particular items. But they invented them with other things that existed and they manipulated. And other things existed either via another human being or bare minimum nature. Third, less we forget the power and influence of words and the presence or absence of others in our lives. Often the people who like to think they are self made were motivated by someone else. They were motivated by the absent parent, the teacher who said they were dumb, the smarter more attractive more athletic cousin, sibling, neighbor. Or they were motivated by the present parent, the teacher who saw something in them, or the same cousin/sibling/neighbor who told them they were equally as talented.
As Saint Francis of Assisi put it, “No man is an Island.”
Phreedum would not exist without the influence of others in my life. Period. It would not exist without the exposure I had to both happiness and hurt, failures and possibilities, laughter and tears. It would not exist without college in central Pennsylvania, trips to California, Philadelphia public schooling, working with individuals infected and affect by HIV/AIDS, murdered family members, cancer beaten family members, disabled family members, friends, prayers, and even Hollywood. And that’s not even my complete list of contributing factors for my desire to start a company and build a brand that knows its success is measured by how many people it helps. And that means whether the images and phrases used inspire dialog or change or money is donated to contribute to a scholarship fund or a much needed alternative education program, phreedum is designed to help.
Just because I believe we are obligated to give back doesn’t mean I get to tell you where, to whom, and how much. You can start micro (give someone a compliment, tutor your neighbor’s kid after school or buy a cup of Alex’s Lemonade for a dollar) or meso (organize a team for the Breast Cancer Walk or HIV/AIDS walk, organize and start a community garden) or macro (decide that whatever business you start or have will make a commitment to donating part of it’s assets (money, skills of your staff, physical space to host charity events, etc) to a larger cause that means something to you and your team.
“Service (giving back) is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth”- Shirley Chisholm
Don’t be a mooch!

Phind out Phriday: A girl named King interviews Curran J. of Kings Rule Together

2011-09-15T15:04:00.000-07:00

You know guy who knows a guy who introduces you to a guy. Well Curran J. is “that guy”. Correction, “that King.” I was introduced to Curran J. at a play where he styled the cast. He definitely did his thing. And as I later perused his website, I saw he doesn’t do his thing, he is his thing. And as usual, a few emails, phone call, random run in at the Liberty place, and g -chat conversations later, I got to phind out quite a bit about Philly’s favorite Fashionable Nerd, the man behind Kings Rule Together (KRT).
Phreedum: Tell me a little about the name “Kings Rule Together.”
CJ: “King” is a word of endearment I use to uplift the male generation. King is a positive term. In terms of “Rule Together,” when Kings come together it’s a bigger impact.
Phreedum: I can get down with that. So what’s the main purpose of KRT?
CJ: The main goal is to help people. There is a philanthropic aspect to KRT. Giving back is really important. Then there is styling. I get to help people pull a look together and present themselves in a confident cool and together look.
Phreedum: Who are you in five words?
CJ: I am a young king.
Phreedum: What is most fulfilling about the work you do?
CJ: Helping people, seeing people happy, and inspiring people. Sometimes I don’t have it in me but knowing there are people who like, respect, and follow my work is pretty cool. I did an interview with a kid once. He showed me four pictures in his phone. The four pictures were pictures of Kanye, Pharell, Andre 3000, and me. That was encouraging.
Phreedum: Okay, let’s take it to the other end of the spectrum. What has been the most challenging aspect of your work?
CJ: Still trying to be positive. I have a lot of eyes on me and a lot of pressure. I’m trying to be responsible and a good leader. When people hate, and it doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it does kinda hurt. The way I see it, there is no need to compete. We can all eat together. I really try to have a collectivist mindset because I believe unity is possible and important.
Phreedum: How do you define success?
CJ: When you can really do what you want and whatever makes you happy. I think I have done successful things and I am happy. But I also think I can be more successful and can happier.
Phreedum: Who has been influential in allowing you to phreely pursue your dreams?
CJ: Fajr Muhammad. She created my blog. She has been really helpful and I would say she has been my backbone. Women in general have been really supportive. Whether I know them personally or just seeing women doing amazing things in society, business, and entrepreneurship.
Phreedum: You don’t just do KRT. You are also apart of Arts Beats and Eats (ABE). Tell me a little bit about how that came about.
CJ: My friends and I were tired of throwing parties. We wanted something where entrepreneurs could come together and mix creativity and business. At a party you don’t usually talk and network in that sense because you don’t get the chance to. At ABE that’s the whole purpose. You get to find out a lot about people and their passions. There are spoken word artists who highlight a lot of things going on in society. Then there are vendors who get to have an outlet to showcase their talent. And people definitely need an outlet.
Phreedum: You’ve done a lot, you do a lot, and I have no doubt you will continue to do a lot. I’m pretty confident you have had to make some sacrifices along the way for your dream. Tell me about some of those sacrifices.
CJ: The sacrifices I've made so far are being myself and not fitting in. People don't like to understand what they're not accustomed to. It's easy to look, think, and act like my peers. I refrain from a lot of things most young 20 somethings do to make myself better and to live life off of a natural high. Being an individual is a sacrifice.
Phreedum: I’ve definitely phound out a lot about you, but I am curious as to something most people don’t know about you.
CJ: I ride around in my car with silence. No radio. No CD. No Ipod. My friends get mad sometimes.
Phreedum: Yeah you are different.
We laugh.
Phreedum: Okay King, last question. Since I don’t get the sense that you plan on slowing down any time soon, where do you see KRT in 5 years?
CJ: I don’t like that question.
Phreedum: Why not?
CJ: Because I can’t say I know what I want it to look like in 5 years. I just want to keep the momentum that I have and I want to be a household name. I don’t want to look back and say I should have or could have done this or that. I just want to keep learning, building, and growing. Whatever I achieve in 5 years is what I achieve in 5 years.

Better than Before

2011-09-12T20:12:00.001-07:00

“I love color,” she shared.
“Mmhmmm.” I said.
“So why did you change your mind?,” she asked.
“I just am not sure if I want that color. What if it’s too bright.” I said.
She continued to massage my scalp and let the warm water run through my curly hair.
“Well you know we could gradually lighten you up.” She said.
“Mmhmmm.” I responded.
“I could do gradual," I thought. I was and am still determined to color my hair, but I’m still amidst finding the right hue. This is my head we are talking about. I don’t want to look like a clown and I don’t want to gradually go bald by making it too light.
“What I love most about coloring hair is it’s one thing but it can completely change a person. It can give them a new sense of who they are. So many women come in here to color their hair after a break up, or losing their job, or something else. They want a fresh start, you know, they want things to be better than before,” she said.
I wasn’t sure how a box of Clairol was supposed to erase the past, but there was something to what she said about things being better than before.
As I continue to learn and grow as an entrepreneur I am continuing to learn that the goal is always to be better than before. Whatever changes are made, new contracts drawn, staff hired, printers selected, designs drafted, colors chosen, it must be better than before. And they mustn’t be better than before for the sake of being different. You can be different without being better. Heck you can be different and actually be worse. No, the choices, decisions, alterations, and changes must demonstrate forward movement. It must demonstrate the active usage of potential to create, do, and be better than before.
In his book “Repositioning Yourself”, New York Times bestselling author TD Jakes talks about those rubber clear glitter super balls that you can get for $.50 (they used to be $.25)in the little machines. You know the ones that if you bounce it really hard it always bounces way higher than the original point from which you dropped it. He talks about how in order to move forward, or reposition yourself, you must not stop when you are dropped and just hit the ground and roll upon whatever surface you find yourself. Instead you must bounce back and you must bounce higher than the point of origin.
Whatever decisions you are making in your life now, personal or professional, must be ones that will change your life for the better. They must be decisions to start to move you forward, add highlights, bounce you higher. If it means finding a mentor, by all means find some people you want to emulate, put the designated “happy hour “money into the designated “coffee and conversation with the perspective mentor” fund. If it means setting a date to quit the full time job to pursue the dream, then set the date and tell someone who can hold you accountable. If it means skipping girls or guys night out in order to attend a networking function that you would normally shy away from but you are curious about a different or new market, by all means, skip on. If you need a new tagline for your business, play around with a few and print sample business cards, circulate them, and see what the feedback is.
Just know that the one decision you make today can be the decision that gives you the fresh start. The one decision to not only bounce back, but bounce higher, can be the decision that takes you to the next level.
And no you don’t have to rush or make brash decisions. But I bet as you are reading this a few decisions that you have yet to make have come to mind. So revisit them, just make sure whatever you choose it will be better than before. Go ahead. You are totally phree to go blonde, black, or red, short or bald, heels or wedges, call her under 48 hours or at 48 hours, use some of your 401 K or extend the quitting date so you feel more secure, turn down the fourth freelance photographer you met with today or take the first one you meet tomorrow. As always the choice is yours. Just ask yourself is it for the better.

Phind out Phriday: Armstrong & Wilson, Square is the New Black

2011-09-08T16:59:00.000-07:00

Not only is Philadelphia the city of brotherly love, it is the city where brothers like to and know how to get dressed. Two such fashionable brothers are Ontario Armstrong and Clifton Wilson, the owner’s of Armstrong &Wilson, perfecters of a distinct men’s accessory, the pocket square.
Phreedum: How did you two become a team?
A&W: We met in 2000 at the Art Institute of Philadelphia. We always wanted to develop our own product and brand; we just weren’t initially sure where to start. We both did a good amount of freelance design work for others. We did everything from shirts, to pants, to suits. Financially we were not ready to launch a line of suits so we just kept with the freelance work. Finally we thought we would give men’s accessories a try and that’s when we decided on the pocket square. So we took the concept of the pocket square, added a few things, and it really took off.
Phreedum: Who is Armstrong &Wilson in 5 words?
A&W: Driven, passionate, quality, integrity, and creative.
Phreedum: What is most fulfilling about the work you do?
A&W: There are a couple of things that are rewarding about the work we do. For starters, creating a brand that people love. Customers send emails or mention us on their blogs speaking highly of our craft. People gravitate and love our vision. People spend their hard earned money on our product.
Phreedum: Who has been the most influential in allowing you to phreely pursue Armstrong&Wilson?
A&W: Definitely the support of family and friends. There have been days we didn’t think it would work out, but our friends and family consistently told us to stay true to our vision. That got us over many humps.
Phreedum: What has been your proudest moment so far?
A&W: Seeing growth. We’re not Gucci yet. But we see growth. We have celebrities that wear our product. We have worked on building this type of brand for 11 years and to just see our vision come to light really does give us a great sense of pride.
Phreedum: How does your work change the lives of others?
A&W: Our product pushes the envelope of men’s fashion. It gives men an opportunity to add a unique but classic aesthetic to the gentlemen’s look. It gives men an opportunity to bring some personality to their look.
Phreedum: How do you guys stay motivated?
A&W: There is no plan B. When you see no safety net you have no choice but to make it work.
Phreedum: And after all the work how do you guys unwind?
A&W: A night out with the fellas. We’re not big on clubs but we do love our cheesesteaks. Big fan of Larry’s.
Phreedum: How would you guys describe each other in one word?
Armstrong on Wilson: Creative
Wilson on Armstrong: Determined.
Phreedum: Such a great combination for the work you do. Where do you hope to see your company in 5 years?
A&W: We want to be able to add more accessories to our line. Right now we are doing well with the pocket squares. But we do want to add neckties, suspenders, and just really make our mark on the men’s accessory market.
Phreedum: If you were to liken Armstrong &Wilson to a sport, what sport would it be?
Armstrong: Basketball. It’s up and down, fast pace, and you don’t always know what will happen.
Wilson: Same. Basketball is unpredictable and it keeps you on your toes.
Phreedum: Okay, last question. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
A&W: Stay true to the vision. Keep the integrity of the brand. You don’t need to do what is right for someone else; it needs to be right for you.

For more information about Armstrong & Wilson please visit http://www.armstrongandwilson.com/

When life gives you lemons...

2011-09-03T11:52:00.000-07:00

Feel phree to give them back. Perhaps the greatest phreedum we have is the phreedum of choice. Perhaps the most under utilize phreedum we have is the phreedum of choice. The smart entrepreneur, visionary, go getter, or dream actualizer not only is aware that choices exist, but they are aware that they have the choice to not conform to choosing from the typical buffet of options or what they were given.
We’ve all heard the saying “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” And you could most certainly choose to do that. You could choose to take something that was handed to you and make it work. In fact, we typically applaud the person who makes it work. In America a large portion of the entertainment business is steadily growing based upon reality shows where contestants have to “make it work.” Take the popular show Project Runway. The budding designers are constantly given limited access to unique materials such as corn husks or duck tape and limited time to create a couture look. And by the shows end, someone’s couture look was not so couture, rather it looked like a third grade art project gone awry, and they are sent home.
Now some may say that “making it work” forces creativity and can reveal creative genius that may be have otherwise been hidden. In some occasions I would concede to this. However, too much buy in to the “make it work” theory can mean unnecessarily using your resources, the same resources you could use to create a new choice.
If you think about it, lemonade without you already having or having access to a pitcher, water, a knife, a spoon, and sugar is still just lemons.
It’s okay to reject things. In fact I think that’s probably inherent to being an entrepreneur. There has been a rejection to the notion that the standard has to become your own standard. There is an inherent belief that you don’t have to make lemonade with the lemons given. You could give them back. Or you could let them adorn the counter top and see what else you have in the kitchen of your life and make something totally different. And, if whatever you choose to make happens to call for lemons, then by all means use them. If you’re going to use your resources, (time, energy, finances, relationships, etc.) use them to create things that you are passionate about. The choice is always yours.