Lifestyle: Searching for Purpose| Vision| Dreams

I don't know about you but I've seen so much growth in myself over the past few years. But, one things is there is still so much more that I want to learn, to do, and discover. Not only in the world, but in myself. PURPOSE is what I've been searching for. I have visions, dreams, and goals but they are all mixed in with the purpose that I am seeking.

Have you ever sat still for a moment and thought "What Am I Doing" or "Why am I not fulfilled in life"? That's because there is something deeper in you waiting to be released. Self- awareness is huge, sometimes I have to say GOD, X-ray my life and find what I need to change or do.

We all have dreams, goals, aspirations that we want to achieve. It is all VERY MUCH POSSIBLE! Believe in yourself and work hard. REMEMBER that everyone won't be there to applaud your forthcoming's but it is not there vision and that is okay. If you have not started on the thing that is eating at you everyday, I'm here to tell you that you better fasten your seat belt and LET LOOSE! I've made up in my mind that I'm not stopping myself and no one else will be either.

Lipstick & Love,

Erica 

Life Haul Master Class: Courtney (ThinknGrowChick) & Myleik (CEO, Curlbox)

Last Night, Blogger Courtney of ThinkNGrowChick and CEO Myleik held a Life Haul Master Class on Google Hangouts and to say that it was great is such an understatement. Can we say EMPOWERING, MOTIVATIONAL, INFORMATIVE...

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I was sitting at the computer taking notes and texting my friends many of her statements. By the end of the night I just had to tell them Goodnight because I know they were tired of hearing me. When you are motivated and inspired at times others won't understand the way that you feel and it is okay. I have to remind myself that it is not anyone else's vision other than mines. 

I just want to state some pointers that she spoke on last night that really stuck with me.

1. Have your MINDSET together.

2. She states she is not lazy and she is competitive. Sleeping in has a big impact on your life.

3. Don't have too much pride where you feel as if you can't do something that your coworkers do. i.e, take out the trash.

4. Learn that if people do not like you, it has nothing to do with YOU. 

5. You will often be OVERWHELMED. But you rather be overwhelmed with your business than being broke and not able to pay bills.

6. When you start GIVING, the MONEY CHASES YOU.

7. Jobs will put you in a salary mindset.

8. College sometimes have you thinking in a limited way. If you take this and this then you can make $60,000/year when some people bring that income in monthly.

9. DO NOT get off of your SCHEDULE.

10. Start trying to figure out ways to INCREASE your INCOME.

11. DON'T put things off.

12. Get your FOOT IN THE DOOR and GO OFF!! Those chances lead to more opportunities.

13. When people come to you with their issues, POLITELY HAND THEM BACK!

14. Black women spend the most on hair products, and services. 

15. Maintain relationships with people, whether it's old coworkers or friends. You never know who may be of help.

16. You should ALWAYS be SAVING MONEY. Save money so that you don't have to put up with other's bullsh** and so that you can have freedom.

If you want to see the video or read the notes from last night's Master Class, head over to thinkngrowchick.com/myleikmasterclassnotes.

Let me know your thoughts and which number was your favorite on thee list!

Lipstick & Love,

Erica 

BIG Business 1587: Business Woman Files

We are back at it today with BUSINESS WOMAN FILES. This woman is THEE bomb.com to me and many others. Better known as she would like to say "Mother." Today I salute AprilDivahStyles as the BIG BUSINESS WOMAN. Can we say humble, driven, down to earth and a BEAUTY!! Listen to me acting as if I've met her in real life, lol. I have not met her yet but she will be someone that I would like to meet.



Baltimore Bred she states how she has once lost everything and now she has gained it all back, plus more. She's an entrepreneur, owns a hair salon (also hair company, Divah Glam Hair) and barber shop. She also shows her amazing side of being a mommy and a wife.

January 18th, 2014 will be a BIG day for her as she will be having a full out event that you do not want to miss if you are in the area. 100K networking event is $100, 1000 times. It will be a networking event with the best of the best in the building. I must say she is someone that you can learn from and definitely want to follow. She is a Motivator.

If you don't build your own DREAMS.....

   You know the quote that states "If you don't build your own DREAMS, someone will hire you to help build theirs?"

What does this quote mean to you when you read it? Does it make you draw back and think about your own life or are you taking the necessary steps to build your own DREAM?

I walked into work today, the day after CHRISTMAS and as I got out of my car in the cold weather still very tired, I said to myself WHYYY? Why do I have to keep going into someone else's dream job day after day tired, dragging, and feeling like my dreams are just at a stand still.

Many times we push our goals to the side because of doubt and fear. We are afraid of failing and it hinders us from even taking the initiative to get started. Or once we do start then we stop. I remember as a kid I had so many dreams, I always knew that I was designed to be GREAT. But, as I've grown a lot has changed. Each day I battle with what my purpose is and why I'm not living my to my full potential. The potential that I know for a fact is inside of me fighting to come out of it's shell.

Are you feeling the same way? What passions and desires do you have that you are sweeping under the rug?

We live in a world now where there are so many women out here building their dreams and branding themselves that we all can do it. It's going to take a lot of blood, sweat and tears. It will be days that we want to throw in the towel and give up, but we have to remember that the ending will be much greater that our beginning. Let's stop wasting time, Let's knock down the door of fear and procrastination. 2015 will be the year that we see our Dreams Flourish into something that we would have never imagined. You READY B? LET'S GO!

Lifestyle: Career Choices

Filed As: Lifestyle/Career/Success/Future

...In this day and time every one wants to be known as being the successful person or living out their dream job. All women want to be CEO's and I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T Chicks in my "Boosie Voice". It's the right thing to do, I guess. Instagram has all the ladies looking like they are the best of the best with having their own business or starting from the bottom, now they are here. I may sound very catty right now but I am honestly speaking the truth. Honestly, what I am trying to say is that I am proud of Us, Ladies. But what we need to show as well to the women of the world that it is not all peaches and cream, and it takes a lot of dedication and hard work to build an empire. It's not always lavish and there are some days where things aren't amazing, but if one keeps pushing then she can achieve anything that she have in her mind. 

So, in good news. My career life has been a fluctuation of good news and not so good news. I changed job roles in the past months and to say the least it has been one of the most challenging experiences ever. But, as of August I am now a part time Medical Instructor/Teacher at LAI. I will be teaching Anatomy and Physiology for a few weeks. I am excited and nervous because 1. I have never taught in my life before, 2. I am teaching older individuals like myself, and 3. I don't even know where to began, I am self taught. But you know what is crazy, I don't have any teaching degree just my medical experience. So to say it is a BLESSING, is definitely an understatement. 

I think I may have a few pointers for others like myself when it comes to career goals and such. 

1. You do not have to keep chasing your dreams, BEGAN to CREATE them.

2. When one door CLOSES, remember another one will OPEN.

3. Be a RISK-TAKER, dive head first.

4. Find others in your CAREER field to help mentor you.

5. SURROUND yourself with people who want to see you SUCCEED and mean you WELL.

6. STAY PRAYED UP, remember that your plan does not work out, GOD already has PLANS for you.

6. Don't be afraid to TRY NEW things, you may never know how GREAT you can be at it. 

Lipstick & Love,

XOXO, Erica W.

HAPPY NEW YEARS 1.1.14

HAPPY NEW YEARS!! The official first day of 2014. I wish you all Good health, happiness, prosperity and abundance. I am excited to see what this year has in store for me and my loved ones. Let's claim betterment and positive progression in all of our endeavors. 

I began creating a vision board. A vision board to me is creating what you want to come into your life, the law of attraction, it is putting the pieces together to complete a puzzle. Your finances, budgets, dreams cars and jobs, vacations, education, life with family and friends and it shows the lifestyle and success you want to have. It is the moments that bring about the pounding of your heart, and swear of your palms knowing that you can have and do what it is that you want. 

I also wrote down some goals in my journal. I don't make resolutions for the new year, because in reality it's another day with a new date. I believe that working on yourself each day is what needs to be done instead of thinking that a new year will change you. "No new person, just better choices that creates a better me". 

I am planning to take Thee Lipstick Canvas to the level I know that it can be on. I am so ready for greatness! 

Last year .2013. was an amazing year. There were challenges, obstacles, let downs, and hardships but there were also unlimited happiness, new endeavors, goals accomplished, and so many lessons taught. 

I've always stated that mediocrity is not for me. God did not ordain me to be average. I can't limit myself because of how others may feel about me, and if it makes them insecure or not. 

Are you ready to be amazing? Well do what needs to be done! 

Lipstick & Love, XoXo 

Spotlight: YK Owner Yonikka Kae'

Photo Credit: ykbeads.myshopify.com

It's Monday Loves, and I hope your weekend went well. I had a very busy weekend Christmas shopping and spending time with my family that I did not blog much. But, today I am back and I wanted to start off the week with a SPOTLIGHT feature. To me SPOTLIGHT is showcasing a hardworking, business oriented and humble individual, those are just some great assets to the person.  

Yonikka Kae' is a woman who I followed on Twitter and Instagram and she was the inspiration behind me starting my own jewelry line called JW Collection which has been put on hiatus. She is the owner of YK beads which is a line of unique handmade beaded pieces that all represents meaning and healing. She also has other items such as earrings and necklaces. I first learned of YK beads through BrookandtheCity and I adored it at first sight. Not personally knowing Yonikka but I admire her ambition. She seems to have a humble spirit, working hard in her YK Warehouses, taking care of her adorable son, and pushing herself towards her greatest potential. She recently offered to share her advice and tips for others who wants to start a business through a series of sessions and you could email her and the price was very reasonable. I can't wait to see what else she has in store for the world! Go check out YK Beads and shop for great jewelry! 

Lipstick & Love XOXO