Category Archives: Career

On the Rise: Tola Lawal

Posted in Career, Empowerment by

2015headshot2-1When I think of the word Go Getter, there are a few individuals that comes to mind and Tola Lawal is one of them. Having been the driving force behind some of the best marketing brand , Tola’s work ethic and knack for marketing speaks for itself. These days, you can find Tola doing another type of branding – one that involves providing the youth with the tools needed to pursue a higher education. Read more about Tola below!

1.Where were you 6 months after college?

I always knew I wanted to be in PR/ Marketing but I didn’t know how to get there. After graduation, I applied to various roles in marketing however, after many failed attempts I came across a temp agency that helped me get to my destination and the rest was history. I highly recommend college graduates to reach out to a temp agency and build a relationship with a recruiter in the beginning of their job search.

2.Tell me about your career journey to counseling.

Throughout out my career, I have always been the point of contact for advice, especially when it came to college counseling. When I was laid off in 2014 from BET, I took that opportunity to fuel my curiosity. I first started with doing a tour discussing the transition from high school to college which was sponsored by Black Enterprise. I then launched my non- profit organization Gyrl Wonder. Now, as Assistant of Director of College Success I have never found myself more comfortable and passionate about my job and I enjoy every second of it.

tola_in_class3. What sparked Tola Speaks?

I am a Marketer by nature, I realized that if I wanted to do speaking engagements focused on the youth, I needed to create a successful brand around it.

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On The Rise: Ayana Iman

Posted in Career, Empowerment, Life after., On The Rise by

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Around this time last year I stumbled across an article titled Letting Go: I Quit My Job” as I was on my way home from work. Not wanting to miss the context, I held my phone tightly and searched for a nearby bench to digest every word the author Ayana Iman penciled down.  She was very clear on why following her own happiness was more important than clocking in. Since then, I have been a supporter of this amazing soul who  whose risk taking abilities has open new door of opportunities. Let’s find out more about Ayana Iman below.

Tell me a little bit about yourself. 

My name is Ayana Iman, I’m a 25-year-old professional speaker and aspiring life coach. I am the mother of one, a beautiful three-year-old girl named Ayo, the joy of my life. I hold a Bachelors Degree in Journalism and a Masters Degree in Strategic Communications. My professional goals include creating a conference in 2018 for the expansion of #AuthenticConvos, and helping 100,000 people cultivate an attitude of gratitude

Where were you 6 months after college?

6-months after undergrad, I was fired from my first post-graduate job and on the verge of becoming homeless. Soon after, I found out I was pregnant. Let’s just say the top of the year; including graduation, a great internship and travel were a stark difference than how it ended.

You launched an e-book on gratitude last year, how important is it to be grateful?

It’s very important to be grateful, especially because it is the starting point of all abundance. Gratitude remains when happiness fades, it keeps us present and allows us to experience some joy. It is the same reason my current situation looks completely different than 4 years ago. Instead of focusing on lack, I looked at the areas I was abundant, from the love of my family to my health; it all played a role in my progression.

54c1bb94-bc3a-42ff-81e6-9e09491ee16bYou are a serial entrepreneur, how do you stay on top of things while managing your personal life?

I am still in the beginning stages of my career building a foundation and learning how to become a successful entrepreneur. However, being busy comes with the territory, and I prioritize my time with my family, especially my daughter and boyfriend. They are very involved with my projects so it makes it easier to manage my personal life.

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On The Rise: Sara Crawford

Posted in Beauty, Career, Empowerment, Fashion by

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Sara Crawford is the Jill of all trades. As a wife, entrepreneur, blogger, fashion designer and stylist, she is focused on helping others to stylishly put their best foot forward. She is the curator behind the popular lifestyle blog Blondie Jones, a platform she uses to share her creative fashion views with the world. Let’s find out more about Sara journey.

1.Tell me a little bit about yourself (i.e.: education, career, personal interests, etc)

I am a designer and stylist for my brand Anara Original. I am the editor for Blondie Jones Life & Style Blog and author of The Playbook to Essential Style. I have an AS & BA degree in Fashion Design and Marketing, which  I completed in 3 years. I love all things fashion, however I also love to write, I love music, I love visual merchandising – I create a career and life that I love filled with all the things I love. In my spare time I love watching Big Bang Theory, Cooking & entertaining, Planning Parties, Singing, and Traveling.

2.How did you fall into the fashion industry?

I was always around well-dressed people; I believe this made it easier to love fashion. From the time I was about 11 or 12 I knew I wanted to be a fashion designer. My fondest memory as a child was going to Donna Karan Outlet with my family and I  immediately fell in love with her designs. It was at that moment I knew I was going to be in the fashion industry and that I had expensive taste.

3.You are a serial entrepreneur; how do you stay on top of things while managing your personal life?

I am still learning how to balance and separate the two. However, I have a to-do  list handy, and I have a schedule of what tasks should happen on their scheduled day. This strategy keeps me pretty focused. Prioritizing is definitely key to getting my duties completed.

4.Tell me about your book?

The Playbook to Essential Style is all about the essential garments and accessories you should have in your closet. The book offers strategies on how to build your wardrobe from the ground up. I discuss play by-play tips and directions on how to define your look, exploring your style, and executing pairing and versatility option effortlessly.

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