F’ that Plan‼️

Have you created a plan, itinerary, or goal? If so, have you ever been angry when things don’t work out exactly how you plan? I’ve always been a STICKLER about sticking to the plan and being on time. If I am late or someone makes me late then I will have the biggest attitude ever and every one will know it.

For Spring Break, I had the best itinerary for my trip to Memphis. It was specific to where we were eating, the mall where we would shop, the trip to the zoo, and even our down time in the hotel room. It was planned to the T but of course we didn’t leave on time. Then, our tire went flat and left us looking every where for a replacement. After three stops and five hours later we finally got the tire changed. I was livid due to the fact it pushed me back in my schedule and caused us not to go every where that I wanted our family to go. Nonetheless, I did have a great time! I learned new things about my history and culture then had an amazing time at the Zoo. Also, let’s not forget that God blessed us to have a safe trip there and back with no problems. Thank you Jesus!

HOWEVER, I learned very quickly that it does not always work that way! It’s the main reason for the creation of the word tentative. Here are three things I learned about having a plan:

1. Nothing is set in stone! Be ecstatic to live in the moment. In the end, I was still satisfied that we were all together and doing something with our time besides sitting in the front of the television.
2. Don’t set your self up to fail! Be realistic and flexible at all times. A plan is great to have but do not overload your self. Only you know what you are capable of doing and think about the obstacles that can interfere with your plan or goals so that you can be better prepared.
3. Have fun! No one is saying don’t create plans and don’t set goals for yourself. However, do not get so wrapped into them that you forget the main reason for creating them. Live your best life and do not be afraid to live in the moment. If you do that you will just be Plain Jane who never has fun! Who wants to be around someone life that?

Never forget the journey and appreciate the present! Forget that plan!

Satisfy that Sweet Tooth

I am elated to publish this “sweet” interview that Mrs. Dinesha did with me about her business and how she has taken her entrepreneurship to the next level! She started off small and is expanding her business by offering more sweet treats! 

 

Sweet by Genee’ is a small dessert shop that specializes in no-bake cheesecake jar desserts. She offers a multitude of flavors including: strawberry, oreo, red velvet and brownie cheesecakes.  It is a family operated business dedicated to sweetening the lives of others with sweet and delicate cheesecake along with other homemade sweet treats.  It is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.  Customers can expect the treats to be fresh, homemade, and made to order. Nearly all ingredients are authentic and made in house.  She stated, “It may seem extra to some but providing fresh and a home-style taste is a priority and that’s the only way.” Her ultimate plan is to expand her skill set and brand her name to cater to small events (weddings, birthday parties, and showers). 

 

Please continue reading to learn more about Sweet by Genee’.

I started this business by accident, actually.  As a wife, I am always looking for new foods and desserts for my husband to try.  I started cooking around the age of 13, maybe even before that. I can remember one holiday my mom asked me to make the cheesecake for her.  It was fairly simple and became a big hit at Thanksgiving dinner.  After that, I always wanted to cook different things.  The trial and error I experienced during that time were very helpful when going into my marriage.  Pinterest was my best friend when looking for new foods or dessert to test out. After successfully making something, you know it was only right if I snapchatted it. My desserts were always a big hit. My first hit was the peach dump cake in September 2018.  I had a few people ask for one and for a moment, I thought, are my desserts really good enough to sale? I asked a few people that had already tried it, and I was assured that it would be worth it.  I then thought about the first thing I remember making, cheesecake. I made them in jars and posted three kinds, strawberry, oreo ,and banana pudding. The orders took off from there.  I have been working to expand my sales and advance my skills ever since. 

  

In starting a new business, she would like to offer these following tips:

I would definitely say, just go for it.  Take a leap of faith and trust in your work. I would also say invest in your passion.  We spend hours and hours at our jobs making someone else’s dreams come true, meanwhile, we put ours on hold.  I would advise anybody to believe in themselves and their work, and put in the time, even if someone else is doing it.  I always tell people that no one can do what you do better than you.  It may just be different.  Lastly, I would advise people to be open to accepting constructive feedback.  We all know that everybody is not going to like what you do, but if you have consistent support then accept feedback that would be beneficial to your work. 

 

Lastly, what is being successful if you are not being active in the community? Mrs. Dinesha is very involved in the community and always share opportunities for others to get involved as well. 

She volunteers at P.A.R.K, Positive Atmosphere Reaches Kids.  There, she works with at-risk youth who struggle academically. The program offers assistance by supporting with homework, tutoring in science, recreation activities, leadership development and involvement in community services. She also is an officer for FRG, Family Readiness Group, as a volunteer treasurer.  FRG is an officially military-sponsored organization of family members, volunteers, and Soldiers belonging to a unit, that together provides an avenue of mutual support and assistance, and a network of communications among the family members, the chain of command, and community resources.  During school hours, she is also sponsors a school-based community service team called LIT, Leaders in Training, comprised of students 9th-12th grade.  During those hours, the students work on school improvements and actively seek other ways they can support other organizations around the school.  Finally, she also supports the community service efforts of my esteemed sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. 

 

Be a Better You with Angel!

This week we are highlighting entrepreneur Angel Livingston! She offers products that are not only for health but for the entire body as well! She’s a JACK of all trades! Thank you for sharing your business and time with us Angel and please read her interview on becoming a better you below!

I have my own online marketplace in which I offer a variety of major brand items in various areas (health & wellness, beauty, bath & body, and home goods). My goal is to build my business as an asset that creates ongoing passive income.

I started my business in July after feeling burnt out as a new graduate nurse. I didn’t feel fulfilled at my current workplace. I felt that I was being overworked and getting paid less than what I was worth. I couldn’t see myself doing that job until I was 50 or 60. I needed more options in my life other than nursing.

I like to say that I am woman who has all of your needs! I like to fill the needs of individuals who are looking for high quality products and looking to support my dream. Because of this, I have never had any complaints! I also offer great customer service and several perks when you become a customer.

When starting a business, my biggest piece of advice is to have a mentor. I am blessed to have mentors in my life who have built this business and can give advice based on experience. 

I set up booths at different events in the community to display products. I also like to encourage people to start their own business and want to help them do so! I think this can have the biggest impact on the community. Imagine if everyone decided to take control of their future and build their own business!

Best Regards,
Angel Livingston BSN, RN

Get Down with Royaltybyroots!

This week we are highlighting Royaltybyroots as Black Business of the Week!

Royaltybyroots is an upcoming and thriving business that is booming by providing consumers with the best holistic products! Jessica Miller, owner of Royaltybyoots, prides herself on providing a healthier lifestyle and awareness to those who are around her.

Jessica Miller is a 22 year old Dumas-native who is currently attending Natural Choices Botanica School of Herbalism and Holistic Health in Clarksville, Tennessee. Once she has complete the program, she will be a certified Holistic practitioner. Ms. Miller caters a product line to all natural skin, hair, body and oral care to aid with any skin & body issues or irritations. Her purpose is to advocate a healthy lifestyle, open the mind, and uplift the community. All of Royaltybyroots products are handcrafted and made with 100% natural ingredients for your desired needs. Ms. Miller’s goals as a professional is to help her community be more health conscious about what we are putting into our bodies and/or consuming. Ms. Miller reports, “as a community, we lack important key factors on maintaining a holistic lifestyle.” Her mission is to guide the community to the natural form of healing and provide resources in balancing mental and physical health.

Ms. Miller took a leap of faith on May 7th, 2017 in starting her business. Ms. Miller states, “I was at a point where I was trying to find my true self, dealing with anxiety/depression after spending majority of my life living for others.”

Please take a closer look as she provides her testimony, health tips, and advice on stepping out on faith!

Dealing with personal issues affected my self-esteem and caused me to believe a misconception that I was only beautiful with makeup, hair extensions, and exposure clothing. At this point, I knew I needed to change for the better, and surround myself with true happiness. Growing up, dealing with insecurities from having on-going acne and getting little to no results using common commercial products led me to create Royaltybyroots. I did not know that my DIY intentions would turn to a dream come true.

As a natural health & beauty specialist, it’s very common to hear , “Will your product work for my skin, how fast are the results, do you have soap for my skin condition?” However, what really matters is your diet. What you ingest in your body is very important because that determines your health. “You are what you eat.” It’s just not my product alone that guarantee results, it’s teamwork! 

I recommend everyone to start a business! Having a business, is not easy, but the results are bittersweet. Having my own business has definitely been a confidence booster. I suggest being mentally ready to start your business. Your business is like a baby. You have to sacrifice, nurture, and provide. So before taking that step, just make sure you are ready to commit no matter what. Secondly, invest in needed materials and training to promote growing a successful business. If you literally want to be the best and have unlimited success, participating in workshops or training will enhance your creativity. Lastly, networking is extremely important. Networking is something that I honestly underestimated. I can say without networking I wouldn’t be in the position that I’m in today. Networking has opened so many opportunities for me and I’m beyond grateful.

“Reclaim. Believe. Rise.”

To hear more from Ms. Miller please check out her social media links below:

Website/ Health & Wellness Blog: www.royaltybyroots.com

Facebook Business page:@royaltybyroots

Instagram: @royaltybyroots

Twitter: @royaltybyroots1

 

S U S, That’s My Best Friend

(Drop the beat & grab the microphone.)

Friends, how many of us have them? Honestly, how many of us have those true friends. Friends that will help you in a time of need, help you when you don’t have a $1 in your pocket, let’s you know when you’re wrong, and that will STEP for you? I can say that I have a couple and that’s a blessing!

But how does a friend fit in when your family constantly preaches, “blood is thicker than water?” I’ve constantly heard family is here to have your back and you can count on them. I’m here to tell you that is a straight lie! It’s not the entire truth. I’ve had family members talk about my relationships (in the past but not my love now) indirectly and not to my face. I’ve had family members who asked me for money but told me no when I all I needed was $10. I’ve had family members who said I’ll hook you up when you go to college but move-in day is here and I don’t have a damn thing! I’m not upset or angry but I have learned that you CAN NOT always depend on family. But a friend has your back to the end of the earth.

Now, a friend is someone that I have learned to depend on even when I can’t depend on myself. They’ve let me know when I am slacking and when I need to better because I can do better. They encourage me. I’ve had friends for over 20 years and some for 1 year that I can depend on 100%. I’ve heard a pastor say, “you need at least one good friend.” That’s absolutely true. I’ve never had a friend that I couldn’t depend on. If I could not then he or she really was not my friend. I’ve been at my lowest in life and some of my hardest times were in college. If I didn’t have any money I would hear, “don’t worry I got you.” If I didn’t have a babysitter I would hear, “Oh, we will come over there and chill.” They have always gone out of THEIR way for me so I will always go out of the way for them.

So, the next time you see a family member bring a friend to the family reunion or cousin’s party stop shaming and embarrassing them. Especially, when you know you haven’t offered support, growth, and love towards that family member. That friend is that family member. Don’t question it! Embrace it and find you that everlasting friend!

Disclaimer: This post is not intended to harm feelings or discredit those family members who are great resources but if you are not then be a better family member!

Call It Like It Is

These times that we are living in are tumerous. As a society, we are infecting ourselves by playing the game of “monkey see, monkey do.” Sadly, it is accepted. As citizens, we sit back and watch then post and comment on social media. Yet, we take no courage nor initiative to fix the issue at hand.

The school shooting and massacre that took place in Florida is sickening. The videos that were shared were horrifying. It was not the first school shooting in history or even for the year for that matter. However, there have not been significant precautions and enhancements to protect our children. Since the massacre, the number of terroristic threatenings and school shootings has increased especially in Arkansas. Tragedy always has to take place in order to strike a conversation of prevention and strategies to rectify the issue. It is pathetic. There was a statistic released reporting that there were 18 school shootings thus far in the year of 2018. However, according to the Washington Post, it is a false statistic. It was revealed that some of those incidents where not in fact student related and that some of those incidents did not take place on school property. One of the incidents reported in 2018, was a patron attempting suicide in his vehicle on school property. Nonetheless, why did it take place on school property? Adults are the protectors of children and we cannot continue to minimize the attacks that are taking place on our children.

Our nation, cannot continue to accept these terrorist attacks on our children. Yes, terrorist attacks. If you call it anything less than a terrorist attack then it will be downplaying the issue. Furthermore, let’s have a quick lesson.

A terrorist is defined as a person who unlawfully uses violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims. Now, by definition does that not identify Nikolas Cruz as a terrorist? Cruz reportedly hurled slurs at Blacks and Muslims and has ties to the White-supremacists. At no degree am I discrediting the fact that he has a mental illness. However, what makes him different from those who we identify as terrorists? Muslims, Indians, African-Americans, Hispanics, and etc. that are easily tagged as a “thug” or “terrorist” and is identified as such in media. Whites are the majority of offenders who causes school shootings and incidents. The media is swift to identify white offenders as victims or reveal that the individual is mentally ill. Why do they not earn the title of terrorist? Does the media think that it is impossible that whites can hurt their own country? The answer is simple. Whites are privileged and subsequently some believe they are above the law because they are better than those who are of color.

• It is time that we take responsibility. Stop letting our children/young adults pass. Yes, we love our children (because I love mine) but we have to stop making excuses for them. To protect and guide them they must learn how to take accountability for their actions and be held responsible.
• Call it like it is. The saying, “look at the pot calling the kettle black,” is very present in this time frame. You cannot call someone else out on their discrepancies without identifying what you did as well. For instance, if someone is bullying another individual and the bully is caused harm then the bully cannot scream that he/she is an innocent victim. If you are doing wrong, do not cry wolf when the repercussions of your actions are knocking at your door because they sure will be.
• Share love with one another. People, especially children and teenagers, search for love and a sense of belonging. If we would show each other love and care for another genuinely in this world then it would be a better time to raise your child in. As individuals and families, we are selfish. Of course, we can donate monetary but the most selfless act would be donating your time and genuinely getting to know a person in need on a deeper level. It reveals to that person that someone indeed does care about them as a human being.

Monday, oh Monday, I Love You!

Monday is a drag. I know it is; you do not have to tell me. We drear Monday because of the activities that we did on Friday and Saturday plus the lack of sleep we did not get on Sunday. It’s a horrible combination. I have been there and done that. Whether it’s the kids, husband/wife, job, or family, it seems like it’s a day we cannot get through. However, I am here to tell you that you can!

I love Monday. I cherish Monday.

It’s weird. It’s weird because who would honestly love Monday. Sunday does the begin the new week but Monday begins the new work week. You have that one co-worker who irks your last nerve and that one annoying supervisor who makes it unbearable to go to. I know that it’s like you just cannot move forward but I am here to tell you that you can.

1. You have a job! Not everyone can say that. You have money to pay your bills, eat, and purchase what you want. Be thankful boo! For those who do not have a job, you have the potential to get a job. Get up & look!

2. It’s another day! God gave us another day. Plenty of us do not have the chance to see another day. Think about that family member, loved one, or someone you may have known that simply did not make it to see today. You should be thankful that you got to see another day. Appreciate it and make the most of it!

3. It’s only temporary! There are only 24 hours in a day. The people who irritate us and make our work day unbearable do not live with us. They do not sleep with us. Stop letting people have the power over you. Stop letting people determine your mood and your day. Those people and that day are not permenant. Make a choice to make your 24 hours positive not negative.

God did not give us another day to use it grieving and being depressed. He gave it to us so that we will have a new opportunity. A fresh start so that we can do what we are destined to be. Be Great! Don’t get discouraged. Don’t drown yourself in wallows and worries. Be encouraged. Enjoy your Monday!

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

My Life Has Ended

Two years ago and around this time, I was at nearly at every event in the south especially the homecomings. I do not remember a year that I did not go to UAPB’s homecoming and I was never a student there. My friends and sisters would invite me and with the blink of an eye I was there. I would stay up all night! We would talk, laugh, drink, and then head home at 3 or 4 in the morning just to wake up and do it all over again. It was as if I didn’t have any responsibilities but I did. At the time, I was a full-time college student who had a full-time and part-time job. A little much? I know but I had to take care of myself, pay for books, and help my family. That’s pretty much the story of every student these days.

Then as time passed, I met the chocolate of my eye. Yes, chocolate because this is proud #BlackLove. When we met, I was still in college and he was there for me when I finished. He still is now. So, in addition to my already busy life I added my relationship. After graduation, I started my career. The first state and professional job I ever had. Naturally, I really did not know how to balance a demanding job and my social life. Sadly, I started losing friends. It was a huge transition. Now, add being pregnant onto the equation. I’m sure everyone that has a child knows that takes a lot out of you alone. My social life dwindled and my job was restless. As I look back, I never got the chance to enjoy my pregnancy. I didn’t get to sleep all day, eat ice cream while watching Lifetime and cry, and all of the other things you expect to enjoy while you’re pregnant. I decided that when I had my daughter I wanted to focus all my attention on her because it takes an even stronger presence of two parents in the household to raise children in society today. Needless to say, I resigned from my job and I do not regret it. God chose a different path for me.

Fast Forward …

One day while I was at work and sitting at my desk, my buddy and I were having a conversation, about the things we have done in our lives. Far as were we both have traveled, things we have done, and things that we would like to do in our lifetime. Then, he stated, “Your life has ended because you have a child.” Initially I was angry because of the stereotypes that state, “as mother you can’t travel, accomplish your goals, and your life has ended.” That mindset is false. There are mothers who prove this wrong every day. Taraji P. Henson, Tamera Mowrey, Tameka “Tiny” Harris, and Monica are a few examples of mothers who proceeded with their lives after the birth of their children. At that point I responded, “You’re right my life has ended.” My life has ended and our life has begun.

There are things that I can do now that I couldn’t have done when I wasn’t a mother. I can hear “muma” a thousand times a day and still smile. I can feel her on my thigh with a rattle when I’m not paying her any attention while I’m trying to wash dishes. I absolutely love it. There’s simply some things that you can’t do when you don’t have a child. Trips to the pumpkin patch, the library, Disney on Ice, and parking in the park are all sweeter when you can spend it with your child making him or her smile. You have a lifetime companion, bed mate, and an endless love. Nonetheless, you can still do these things but what fun it is when you do not have a child.

So, yes my life has ended and I will end it time and time again to begin our life again. I love my family, they love me, and we love each other.

Paralysis in the Black Community

“Wise decisions based on lies we’re living.”
If you’re a Tupac fan, I’m pretty sure you’ve heard his song “All About You.” The song continues with, “scandalous times, this game [is] like my religion.” Tupac was known as a revolutionary for the Black community and everyone could see his truth. He was right, we are living in scandalous times. More scandalous than the Civil Rights Movement where people didn’t care what they said/did in a black person’s face. Now, that since we have more opportunities to be more and make more for ourselves we STILL cannot advance. Those who are not even qualified for jobs are still getting ahead without even having to meet basic requirements.
So, it has become a time were as human beings we don’t think about the expense of others as long as we see our benefits. There are those who have gone to the extreme of robbing our elderly patrons, who are our grandparents and parents, just to get a quick buck. Just the other day, I seen on the television where a young man attempted to rob an older lady and when she resisted he went to the next store and robbed another older lady. Then, there were even two older men who pulled a gun on a group of children because they wanted their backpack. The children fought back but luckily, they did not get hurt.

Now, let that sink in …
Our elders and our children are being attacked. No one is safe. That is not an understandment.

Now, when I speak it is about the black community because I am black. However, it does not limit these experiences to only the black community. I speak my truth and the truth is that in the Caucasian, Hispanic, and even in Chinese community if you are not where they are from or have the same financial standing you are “black” in their eyes. I have witnessed  a white person call another “white trash” because she lived in a mobile home. Oh, let’s not forget if you date outside your race. You will definitely get the stare.

That is when those who looked down on the black community can finally understand what a black person goes through. Yes, we commit crime for various reason including drugs, gang-affiliation, and financial issues. However, others would not truly understand until they have been us.
As a community and culture, we cannot overcome these setbacks simply because we cannot stick together. We are quick to throw everyone under the bus for the smallest of reasons. It’s usually for a quick laugh at the expense of others. Love & Hip Hop is a great example. I’m guilty of watching especially when everyone was in love with the “Beefcake” and “Bread” in my Joseline voice. I laughed at them now I realize and ask myself, “What is it giving us?” All I see is embarrassment. They’re getting paid to make a fool of themselves. I would love to see more examples of them sticking together. I would love to see more of that in my everyday life. But what I can do is be an example. I’ll support you-like your page, share your page, and if I can I’ll even donate. However, only to reasonable causes and hustles. We have to show each other that we are greater than the drama and the scandals that occur.
The black community is so much stronger than what we exhibit. We are more than bundles, cadillacs, and MAC. We are a force that cannot be wrecked.

It Starts at Home

“Spare the Rod, Spoil the child” Right?

“Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.”Proverbs 13:24

That is what us southern Baptist have always been taught. Or at least, this southern Baptist was. There wasn’t, “Oh, Sarrah please sit down,” or “Timmy, you won’t receive dessert tonight if you do not sit still.” No, we got our ASS beat. Whenever, However, and with Whatever. So, the respect, manners, and expectations set the stage at a young age. I remember being in the 9th grade and some of my classmates were like, “I got my phone taken,” and it was really the beginning of the era of “punishment.” I would sit there and say to myself I wish that would happen to me because just last week my momma whipped my behind for getting detention hall. I remember my momma having this thick, black, leather belt made by the inmates from the local prison, with “Grant” engraved in her the middle. I’m pretty sure everyone from the south knows what it means and how it feels to be hit with that belt. Needless to say, it was time to get right because the games were over! I learned my lesson one time and that was all it took because my momma hit me so hard with that belt that it left “GRA” printed on the side of my right cheek. Ever since then, I weighed my options: behave in school or face this whipping when I get home. Let’s just say my mom didn’t have any more problems out of me that school year.

These upcoming generations are becoming lackadaisical. We’re only interested in pleasing others before pleasing ourselves. We are more worried about social media, cars, sex, money, and alcohol before we are worried about our 401K, homes, and what we will be leaving for our children. We do not care about the effects until after the pain and hurt has already been delivered to whom we intended to hurt. But what about before? What happened to stopping and thinking?

I hear the old folks say, “babies are just having babies.” At first, I was thinking it was about age but no, it is about the mentality! The babified stated of mind that has been created by our young people.

One day I was driving and listening to the radio and I heard a caller say on Power 92, “I can’t control what my child does when he is not in my sight.” I should have obviously pulled a Queen Maxine and stated, “Relaiming my Time.” How can you not control what your child does when he or she is not in sight. It was the most absurd thing that I heard at the time. A child’s behavior and actions are always a reflection of their parents. Therefore, it is not the responsibility of the teachers, bus drivers, and any other personnel that are around the children. It is the parent’s job to give their children morals and values. It is Ours. The child begins their first years at home before they ever enter the school environment. Before the child every steps a foot in the facility, he/she should have the foundation of morals, values, and good behavior.
It starts at home!!

Either you train your child in the way that he/she go or you sit idly waiting for the child to become another statistic. I’m tired of seeing our young people lose their lives due to,  “I can’t control what my child does when he/she is not in my sight.”

Aren’t you?