Hi everyone! I hope that you all are safe and have had a decent June. This month has been a whirlwind of events for me, which essentially inspired this post. I want to take this time to express my thoughts on recent events, highlight some business updates as well as make a special announcement.
Stay tuned until the end to see the announcement!
Since launching my business earlier this year, I've reflected on both my business and my personal life as recent events have called for it. As a Black woman in this country, my heart is often heavy as I live through the disparities that stem from systemic oppression. Social media hasn't made this any easier for me to digest. This month, I logged out of all of my social media accounts several times because I became very overwhelmed with seeing content related to racism, violence, and the heartbreaking murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and most recently Toyin Salau. Social media has been very heavy lately, and yet I find myself glued to my phone, but also wanting to disconnect.
As a new business owner, I understand the value that social media has in terms of marketing your brand. People within the business industry have encouraged me to promote myself heavily on social media to essentially let people feel like they “know who I am” in a sense. I get that, but times are different now.
I haven't felt really confident to post much about my business while Black people are dying at disproportionate rates due to police brutality on top of the COVID-19 virus. "Read the room" is a phrase that I've heard recently, where people gauge the mood of their audience before posting on social media. I've been reading the room a lot, and still don't know when it'll be a good time to post business-related content.
I don't want George Floyd or Breonna Taylor's murders to become old news, especially when justice hasn't been fully served. I feel like the country is slowly starting to revert to the toxic fast-paced mindset that existed prior to this pandemic, meaning that we're constantly bombarded with so much information almost every second of the day. I want people to be aware of what's going on but also prioritize their mental health. We're living in a pandemic as well as a revolution, so I want people to remember that surviving is just as important as standing on the front lines to fight for change.
Despite being overwhelmed by social media, I've managed to keep my sanity through it all. I'm meditating more than ever before, journaling frequently, and prioritizing my mental health. I've also gotten into the habit of saying "no" a lot more, which feels amazing! I've learned over time that I cannot do it all as I often have a superwoman complex. It's okay to set boundaries and put yourself first. In recent talks with my therapist, we've acknowledged that I'm transitioning while living in a transitional time. Knowing that assures me to pace myself and pack some patience.
Business Updates:
While business is slow, I've taken this time to update my event services. At this time, I am accepting bookings for virtual consultations, virtual speaking engagements, and event day coordination for small gatherings. Be sure to check out my services and FAQ page for more details regarding these services as some restrictions apply.
Special Announcement:
I recently joined a group chat on GroupMe through a great friend of mine. This chat has allowed me to connect with amazing Black women business owners and creatives. One of which is now my writing coach as I am writing my first book! That's right, I'm on my way to becoming a self-published author!
My book is about student loan debt and its impact on my life in relation to the financial disparities that exist amongst the Black community. My goal is to inspire others to learn from my financial experiences, along with providing them with a good laugh or two while reading my memoir. I'm very excited about this new journey and I look forward to launching my story to the world once it's time. If you are interested in learning more about my book, please send me a note so that I can add you to my subscription email list.
That's all for now. I appreciate you all for taking the time to read my blog. Until next time!
Remember to stay safe, wash your hands, and prioritize your mental health