"Make bravery a part of your DNA!" This amazing quote came from today's guest, Beverly Akufo-Addo, and in this episode of Bet On Yourslef, Sis!, she encourages, motivates, and inspires Black Women Entrepreneurs to do just that. Bev is a Joy Activist, Social Catalyst and Free Spirit. And, she guides women to lead a life of freedom without fear, shame or guilt, through coaching sessions, workshops, talks and other events.

In this engaging conversation, Bev and I explore the concept of joy activism, the choice of not having children, and the importance of entrepreneurship as a means of achieving freedom. We discuss the significance of boldness, especially for Black women, and share personal stories about overcoming self-doubt and building confidence. We emphasize the power of visibility and the unique qualities each individual brings to the table.

Bev and I also explore themes of authenticity, entrepreneurship, and the journey of self-discovery. We discuss the importance of showing up as your true self, the challenges of navigating rejection in business, and the myth of overnight success. We highlight the need to embrace opportunities in obstacles and the significance of valuing your worth in the entrepreneurial landscape.

We talk:

07:12 - Bev's entrepreneurship journey

13:06 - Embracing boldness and visibility

19:01 - Building confidence and overcoming self-doubt

25:28 - Seeing opportunities in obstacles

32:30 - The power of observation and presence

55:29 - Navigating financial realities in business

1:15:54 - Bravery as a lifestyle

1:18:44 - Entrepreneurial advice: taking action

Episode References:

Ali Abdaal

Connect with Bev! - IG @bevdidthattt - TikTok @bevdidthattt - LinkedIn @beverleyakufoaddo

Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprod

Follow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis

This episode of Bet On Yourself, Sis! is jam-packed with advice, tips, and resources, thus the name. :) Today I keke with Marquita S. Myrick, licensed Psychotherapist, National Certified Counselor, Professional Speaker, and Anxiety Coach for women. And, the owner of Find My Therapist, a private pay mental health provider directory.

Marquita discusses the critical importance of mental health for entrepreneurs, particularly Black women. She shares her journey from aspiring therapist to entrepreneur, the challenges of finding the right therapist, and the stigma surrounding therapy in the Black community. Marquita also highlights her business, Find My Therapist, which aims to connect individuals with mental health providers. She emphasizes the freedom and control that entrepreneurship offers, as well as the importance of building community through service.

In this engaging conversation, Marquita and I explore the multifaceted world of podcasting, entrepreneurship, and mental health. We discuss the joy of connecting with others through podcasting, the importance of therapy for entrepreneurs, and strategies for managing burnout and anxiety. Marquita emphasizes the need to understand the underlying issues behind procrastination and anxiety, advocating for therapy as a tool for personal growth. She also gives us practical tips for managing anxiety and reframing negative thoughts.

We discuss the importance of recognizing when you have outgrown a therapist, the autonomy clients have in choosing their therapy paths, and the resources available for mental health support, particularly for Black women. We also touch on the launch of Marquita's podcast, 'Anxiety and Free,' which aims to inspire and encourage individuals to seek therapy and embrace their mental health journeys.

We talk:

05:52 - Navigating therapy and cultural stigmas

12:01 - Marquita's entrepreneurial journey and personal growth

17:52 - Advice for aspiring and established entrepreneurs

31:33 - Understanding anxiety and its physical manifestations

48:01 - Navigating the therapist-client relationship

01:00:04 - Introducing the "Anxiety and Free" Podcast

Episode Resources:

Marquita's website

Find My Therapist

The Loveland Foundation

Support for the Psyche

Life Coach Zen

The Blox - S15

Connect with Marquita! - IG @marquitamyricklpc - TikTok @therapyinsight - YouTube @anxietyandfree

Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprod

Follow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis

Happy Mother's Day to all the mom's out there, especially mine! :) In this very special episode, I talk to my lovely mother, Doris Arnett-Gary, artist, overall creative, and owner of Dreams Fulfilled, Event Design Services.

My mom shares her journey as an event planner, discussing her transition from casual planning for friends and family to establishing a sustainable business model. She highlights the challenges faced in the industry, particularly regarding pricing and expectations from family and friends. She emphasizes the importance of professionalism and setting boundaries to ensure her business thrives while still providing exceptional service to her clients.

In this conversation, we explore the intricacies of entrepreneurship, affirming the importance of balancing community engagement with business needs. We discuss the freedom and happiness that comes with being an entrepreneur, the significance of pursuing passions, and the value of curiosity in discovering your path. We encourage listeners to embrace the process rather than fixate solely on your destination and pursue your dreams while maintaining a steady income.

We talk:

08:53 - The shift to a sustainable business practices

18:01 - Community engagement and pro bono work

29:45 - Leaning into your curiosity

35:19 - Building your dream while working

46:12 - Collaboration over competition

Connect with Doris! - IG @dreamseds

Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprod

Follow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis

Welcome back to the second episode of Bet On Yourself, Sis! Today I'm talking to Wendy Green, founding partner of P31 Consulting and Academy, and the sister of Tish Baldez, who I interviewed in the first episode.

Wendy shares her insights on the consulting industry, particularly for women of color. She discusses the flexibility and opportunities that consulting offers, the importance of mentorship, and the pursuit of excellence over perfection. She emphasizes the significance of building strong client relationships and balancing entrepreneurship with family life, drawing from her personal experiences.

In this conversation, we discuss the significance of community support, the journey of entrepreneurship, and the transformative power of shifting mindsets from corporate constraints to creative freedom. We emphasize the importance of making mistakes as a pathway to building confidence and the necessity of having a supportive network, especially for those considering starting a family or a business. The dialogue highlights personal growth, the value of flexibility in work, and the realization that one can choose their path in life.

We talk:

04:36 - The importance of mentorship

16:29 - Building strong client relationships

28:28 - Wendy's entrepreneurial journey

38:51 - Discovering freedom and what it feels like

45:28 - Building confidence through making mistakes

59:06 - Creating supportive spaces for Black Women

Connect with Wendy! - IG @tishandwendy - TikTok @tishandwendy - YouTube @TishandWendy

Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprod

Follow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis

Welcome to the first episode of Bet On Yourself, Sis! Today I'm talking to Tish Baldez, a seasoned management consultant and entrepreneur, and Leader at P31 Consulting and Academy.

Tish shares her journey into consulting, the challenges she faced, and the importance of integrity in business. She emphasizes the need for WOC to embrace their unique experiences and skills in the corporate world, advocating for a balance between work and family life. She also explores the distinction between confidence and ego in entrepreneurship, highlighting the importance of serving clients without comparison to competitors.

In this conversation, we explore themes of humility, collaboration, and the importance of insightful questioning in entrepreneurship. We emphasize the value of learning from others, the necessity of support in business, and the significance of crafting unique value propositions. The discussion also highlights the power of gratitude and acknowledgment in personal and professional growth, particularly for WOC entrepreneurs.

We talk:

02:05 - Tish's journey into management consulting

09:46 - Challenges and learning in entrepreneurship

18:02 - The importance of integrity in business

28:50 - Empowering WOC in consulting

37:07 - Confidence vs. ego in entrepreneurship

47:31 - Collaboration and support in entrepreneurship

01:04:05 - Creating unique value and clarity

Connect with Tish! - IG @tishandwendy - TikTok @tishandwendy - YouTube @TishandWendy

Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprod