Tag Archives: Young Professionals

FINANCE 101: TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR FINANCES WITH TONYA RAPLEY

Posted in Finance by

It’s never too early or too late to take control of your finances. When I found myself discussing finances with friends instead of my parents, a part of me cringed at the idea that I’m no longer a child, more like an adult, whose still looking for an Adultier Adult figure.image2

Regardless, knowledge of how to manage your finances can dictate your financial future. Tonya Rapley, Founder of MyFabFinance.com definitely understands the meaning of managing money. Over the past couple of years she has become the go-to woman for providing finance tips to young professionals/ millennials.

FullSizeRender 2Her FREE E-Book launched last year : 7 LIFE CHANGING MONEY TIPS tackles some of our spending habits, but also teaches us how to save for retirement or much more in a easy manner.Click the here to download her FREE E-book and feel free to subscribe to her blog.

Even though we are half way through the year, we can still change some old habits. Start Reading/ planning for your future today. 🙂

GENESE JAMILAH: THE GO -TO WOMAN WITH ALL THE TOP NOTCH EVENTS

Posted in On The Rise, Out and About by

Industry: Digital Production

Hats: Founder and Editor-in-Chief, I Don’t Do Clubs, Digital Production Manager at Ebony Magazine

School: Savannah State University

Major: B.A, Mass Communications

In the past couple of weeks, you might have come across “30 Best Summer Trips for Black Professionals In 2015” from the blog, “I Don’t Do Clubs”, floating around on your social media networks. If you’re a social butterfly like me, this list was a saving grace. The woman behind the list, is Genese Jamilah, the Editor in Chief “I Don’t Do Clubs.”

20141105_201318Before becoming the go-to woman for young professionals who are looking for a “different way to party,” Genese moved from Atlanta to New York City, where she set forth to find where young professionals, commonly known as ‘yo-pros,” like herself were hanging out. Since entering her new venture, Genese’s blog has gained the attention and trust of young professionals across major cities in the United States. Besides managing her blog, Genese is also the Digital Production Manager for Ebony Magazine.

  1. We know you as the Digital Production Manager at Ebony, events connoisseur and blogger, which title do you enjoy more? 

It has to be Editor of “I Don’t Do Clubs”. It’s my project, which captures my voice; I don’t report to anyone. Although I love what I do at Ebony, blogging has helped me reach out to an audience that has become part of my family, I feel like I am helping others connect and network.

  1. Where were you 6 months after you graduated from Savannah State University? 

I was contemplating on my next move, which was moving to New York City. Although I love being in Georgia, I always wanted to experience the NYC scene.

  1. Where did you work prior to Ebony?

I interned at CNN, worked at Six Flags Corporation, where I oversaw 16 websites and also managed Scholastic.com – the parent’s editorial section.

IDDC_logo_no_tagline    4. Fast forward to 2011, what sparked the idea to create a blog?

At the time, I was working at Hot 97.1 and I was rubbing shoulders with bloggers all the time and I was intrigued by how they were using their platform to share information but also monetizing it. So one day I picked up a book called “Angel’s Laws of Blogging” by the blogging maven Angel Law, which focuses on utilizing a blog as a business venture. From choosing the right name, to managing comments the book covers the basic and vital parts of blogging. I ended up reading the book within a few days because I was stuck in the house due to Hurricane Sandy. I would definitely encourage any bloggers out there to read this book.

  1. How do you monetize on your blog?

At the beginning stages of the blog I used Google ads, however once I was overwhelmed with submission I started charging $12 and eventually created sponsorship and speaking engagements packets.

  1. Do you notice a change on how millennials are networking?

Millennials are creating more ways to network which each other by merging it with an activity, which makes it comfortable to talk to strangers and exchange information. Regardless of the new methods, networking demands keeping in touch in order to keep the relationship going.

  1. Did you ever imagine the blog being such a huge success?

At first, not really. However, I realized that it was appreciated when others who shared the same sentiments as me, sent messages about how much they love the idea and also the events I promote.

  1. What are your top three favorite places for happy hour in NYC?
  1. What advice would you give to an aspiring editor or writer?

Decide early on which route you want to take whether it’s the technical/ coding or writing aspect. Internships will definitely help you find which one best fit you.

  1. Imagine you are writing a letter to your younger self; what would you say to her?

Dear Genese,

Don’t be afraid to move; don’t limit yourself. Think beyond New York, California, perhaps? What about going abroad? You overthink things; go with the flow. Things will work [out] eventually.

Stay connected with Genese

Website|Twitter| Instagram

 

 

How’s your New Year Resolutions Going?

Posted in Empowerment by

My vision Board

Just wanted to check up to see how everyone is doing with their new year resolutions. Thousands, if not millions of us embarked on a journey that involved losing weight, working out, finding a new job, going back to school and so forth.By the end of the first week, we probably started doubting ourselves with the decision we made. Regardless, I’m here to let you know that you can achieve your new year resolutions with just these 4 tips to keep the momemtum going.

Choose an Accountability Partner 

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Hopefully when you decided to throw yourself a vision board party you made time to consider who would keep track of you during the year. We all need someone to push and motivate us and that’s where the accountability partner comes in handy. Not only will they keep you on track but you too will help them as they face challenges throughout the year.

Tackle them by Bits

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If you decided that saving money was something you wanted to do this year, that’s great. However, instead of putting $1000 a month toward your savings why not break it down to $250 a week instead. That way it doesn’t feel like it’s a daunting task.

Write Down the Small Achievements

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Some of us love to complain about the negative things that take place in our lives or beat ourselves up for not achieving a goal on time. Well let me shift the conversation, why not instead create a jar of “Good Deeds, or Achievements” that take place during the week. You’ll be surprised by how much the good outweighs the bad

Don’t Give Upgiphy

So you had a slip up and skipped leg day or ate a bacon cheese burger. Too often people throw in the towel on resolutions because of one slip up. So what, you had a moment of weakness. It happens! Just take a deep breath, capture how it made you feel, forgive yourself and keep trying.