BIG Business (Woman Files) 1587: Want to be FEATURED on THEE BLOG?

                                                   CC: 123rf.com/google.com


Besides my love for beauty and skincare, this blog is solely based on Lifestyle. I consider myself a (Newly Founded) Business Woman with a  Lifestyle and Beauty/Skincare Blog. It's not always easy being a woman and creating a business, especially an African-American woman. But, we have broken barriers, statistics, and we are honestly doing our thing when it comes to entrepreneurship and careers.

What is sometimes sad is that we as women feel insecure, can be jealous, and want to compete with other women because we don't want them to get to the top spot? LET'S JUST KEEP IT ALL THE WAY REAL FOR A SECOND LADIES! You know this happens in the world everyday.

BUT....

We also have women who love to empower other women, and support them. We see now that ladies are actually building a partnership and brand together. WHICH I THINK IS FABULOUS. Sometimes we don't realize that team work makes the dream work, and that if we help one another out we all could build our dreams and goals personally.

SO.....

Enough chatting,

If you are a woman who has a sense of STYLE, a woman who is all into BEAUTY and MAKEUP, or you are an ENTREPRENEUR, working a 9-5, I want to feature you here on the THEE LIPSTICK CANVAS.

Not only will I ask women to be featured because I think that they are amazing at whatever it is that they are doing, I want you to be able to feature yourself to give us more insight into your business.


To be considered for a feature, contact me via email at : theelipstickcanvas@gmail.com

Subject Line should state: Business Woman Files or BIG Business 1587


I look forward to shining some light on you all!

Lipstick & Love,

Erica 

Lifestyle: LIVE + Fitness

I've talked before about being alive but not truly feeling alive. It could be that you are drowned out by your career, your lifestyle, bad habits and/or relationships. 

One thing that has had me in this state has been my career, searching for purpose while pursuing passion. One day I woke up and decided that I no longer wanted to feel stressed and on top of that I no longer wanted to feel uncomfortable in my clothes and unhealthy. 

I woke up grabbed my Polar Fitness Watch, threw on clothes and plugged Pandora into my ears and started for a 30 minute walk. Upon that walk I felt motivated, released baggage, and kept pushing and I haven't stopped yet. 

I started March 8th, and it has felt really great. Now there have been setbacks such as this week, I've ate poorly and have had minimum exercise but trust me when I tell you I won't be giving up this time around. To see and feel those small changes is empowerment to keep going. 

Find someone who motivates you or find reasons why you should stay determined and BEGIN! Can't wait to show progress pics, more detailed food and exercise regimens, and workout gear. 

Mommy Mode: J.Cole on Tavis Smiley

I am the Mother of a 9 year old son. He is amazing, talented, and truly a gift in my life. His name is Jhalen (prounounced J-len). As a mother I always have lots of concerns such as am I raising him right, showing him how to be a gentleman and I am on the right path when it comes to his education.

As we all know, knowledge can never be taken away from you. That is a gift you will always have and it can take you places that you have never imagined.

My son loves to read, he loves school but he also is a typical child who gets frustrated with Math, who likes to sometimes talk and play when that is not the lesson at the moment. He attends a school known for excellence and they will do what it takes to make sure that your child excels and works very hard. One thing that is so different from when I attended school is the way that lessons are being taught, it is called common core. The way that my son learns to break down his math equations is totally different from back in my day. Now, imagine trying to be the wing and tutor at home when math isn't your best subject either.....

I'll wait...... LOL!

Also, as a teacher I have seen that students learn subjects in different ways. They may grasp it by visual learning, or maybe by being hands on. But, have you ever realized that sometimes when doing work, you may not be retaining the information but you have mastered how to pass the tests and lessons to get to the next level?

This is what J.Cole spoke of in his latest sit down interview with Tavis Smiley. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from St. Johns University, which is not always common for everyday rappers that we listen to on the radio. But, one thing is that J.Cole always knew he was going to go to college; in 1st grade he would always ask his teacher what his grades were, when they were only stamping Satisfactory and so forth on papers.

One thing, that stuck out to me is that he said he mastered how to take tests, you know cramming the night before and then going into class and blowing it out of the water. But, he felt as if he did not retain a lot of information as a student.

click to SEE THE INTERVIEW HERE...

It was an AHA moment for me. Why? Because I am so hard on my son when he does not do great on a test, and I am so hard on myself when it happens as well. I'm all discombobulated and upset, and asking myself where have I failed at because he didn't get the A+. We, as parents and just as individuals have to learn that ONE BAD or ONE GOOD TEST does not DEFINE how SMART we are, it does not make us DUMBFOUNDED, and it is just material that coincides with the lesson that is being taught. What it can do is help us learn more, or help us in areas where we may need to study.

LET ME KNOW YOUR FULL THOUGHTS about this perception and his interview.

Currently....

Happy Saturday. Just Peeking my head in to let you guys and gals know that I'm still alive. I'm just trying to find my way, make sense of my journey, and feel truly ALIVE without just living. 

I'm working on ME... 

Currently Loading, AGAIN..... 

Talk to you all soon *Kisses* 

Lifestyle| You Can't SATISFY EVERYONE!

 Have you checked out the latest video on my Channel? Do you seem to get overwhelmed or beat yourself up when you feel like someone is not pleased with you. Have you ever took into consideration that no matter how hard you try or what you do, YOU CAN'T PLEASE EVERYONE?!

Let me Hear your Thoughts on this! 

If you enjoy my Motivational Videos, Make sure to LIKE| Comment| Subscribe and Visit again for More :)

Branding: Youtube: January Favorites|Growth|Healthy Skin Routine

Happy Monday to you Beautiful People. It's a new week, a new day and a new month to become a better you. We are already in our second month of 2015 and I must say I am excited so far. Why? Because I've been taking action to set myself up for a great year. Besides Blogging again, I have started working on my Youtube Channel as well.

I started the videos to become more personable with you all. So, if you do not FOLLOW my blog or you aren't SUBSCRIBED to my channel, do me a favor and click those wonderful little mini buttons. Youtube Name: Erica Lipstick

My channel will feature beauty tips, fashion, lifestyle such as motivational talk, careers, passions and so much more. I'm excited! Three new videos are up so grab your tea, or cocktail and watch them all.

Lipstick & Love, XOXO

Erica

1. JANUARY FAVORITES| or NOT : Featuring Beauty|Skin|Hygiene|Natural Hair Products

2. GROWTH| Where were you a year ago?| Hello, Older Me.

3. Healthy Skin| Prepping After Cleansing & Before Makeup

Lifestyle: Habits

hab·it

ˈhabət/

noun

plural noun: habits

1. 1.

   a settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up.

   "this can develop into a bad habit"

There are many habits that one can develop. We all have good and bad habits. I won't speak for everyone, but I know that I do. Our daily tasks in life creates the habits that we form. Keeping those great habits breeds success but it takes a lot of discipline, consistency, and hard work. Whether you realize it habits are formed everyday so we should be careful in the tasks that we daunt in consistently (if bad).

 

Each day continue to create habits that will help to become a BETTER YOU! 

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.

Lipstick Canvas: Lifestyle Inspiration

I absolutely loved this quote as soon as I seen it. Isn't it crazy how when you are struggling or not in the realm of where you should be, you see how others don't believe in you. They may downplay your motives, kill your dreams or belittle you. You can tell them of your dreams or the actions of your life plans and you see how they brush it off like she will never do it. 

But, as soon as you surpass to a new unexpected level you have people questioning how did you achieve this and that, now they are intimidated by your ambition and hard work. They question your achievements and accomplishments. You know why, because they didn't believe in you in the first place. 

Make sure to surround yourself by people who truly care about you and your life. Many don't want you to succeed and are only there to hear of your downfalls. 

I asked myself the same question after reading this quote. Erica, why are you stuck in the same position and feeling how you are when you the sky isn't even the limit, you can go above and beyond. It's time to change and transition my life. 

This quote speaks directly. Just reflect on it for one moment. It screams my name all over it. 

Photos: IG 

Real Talk: Keep Pushing Forward

Sunday is closing and the weekend is coming to an end. We dread knowing Monday will be here and it's back to reality if you're like me and work the 9-5. Can I be honest? I'm absolutely not in the most amazing place when it comes to my job. I transitioned from a medical office to medical insurance call center without realizing how big of a difference it was. It leaves me frustrated, mind boggled and very impatient. I don't want to go back to my old job because I feel like a failure but I also don't want to stay in the current because I feel like it's not for me. 

How we do thrust forward? How do we step away from doubt, fear and frustration and find that happy place in our career? 

Thee Lipstick Canvas has been a passion of mine for many years and yet I feel like I've accomplished nothing in my blog. TLC is here for the woman to create her own art, her own beauty and lifestyle. It's to empower and motivate. 

So what have you all done to change your career that you weren't satisfied with or what have you done to make your dreams come true? 

I know the Best is Yet to Come and even when my faith seems so far off I won't give up or stop believing. I CAN, I WILL. 

Lipstick & Love,

Erica 

Lippie Thoughts: Dear Diary...

Dear Diary, 

I was just laying here with a mind full of thoughts..... 

THINKING..... 

I've been to the top and I've been at the bottom. I've had a lot, and I've had nothing. I'm not impressed by much because I know that we can have everything, just as well as we can lose everything. We experience losses just as we can experience gain. 

Life is a Maze, a roller coaster ride. We become comfortable and we become frustrated when we are out of the comfort zone and feel change. Sometimes we don't think but we act fully off of emotions. 

But all in all, Life is merely up to us. It's what we make of it! 

Sealed with a Kiss, 

Lipstick & Love. 

Lipstick 1.4: Career Life

Well Hello Weekend! Mine did not officially began until the clock striked 12 and I left those office doors. 

So I have almost closed the chapter from my current job that I have worked at for 3 1/2 years, but I began a new journey as soon as those doors close in less than one week. 

Sometimes we become so comfortable in our job role that we take our time to seek other opportunities because of the unknown. But when it is our time to go where we can go grow and find new meaning nothing can stop it. Think of when a flower is watered, it begans to bloom with all of the proper nurturing. 

So what I want to say is that when you feel like your time is up somewhere, take that leap of faith to sought out what will contribute to your success. Every opportunity is a stepping stone to the next level in your life. Go where you will be appreciated and not where you are tolerated. If it is for you, remember nothing or no one can stop it. 

Don't dim your light because others are insecure. Walk into a room and own it! You have a purpose, you are destined. When people see that you are moving forward they will be intimidated, they will speak down about you and they will pass their judgement but remember that's why they are still sitting in that same seat. 

With Lipstick, Laughter & Love XOXO 

Chasing Dreams: Paying the Cost for it.

Chasing our Dreams is a distinction of living and not living, our fantasy and our reality. Your dreams only become your reality when you take a step towards making it happen. But dreams can be confused with our true purpose. I believe that your true purpose is something you go to sleep thinking about, wake up too, and can't stop thinking about it. It is what you know so badly you were put on earth to do. It is not your get rich hustle or get known quick scheme. It is merely breathing life into what you love!

You have to pay the cost for your dreams. At times you will not make any money from it, when you first began you may be putting all of your money into your dreams. But showing your passion and perseverance while still working hard without any currency will eventually bring great rewards and benefits. You have to learn to start from something and build from there. It is like being an intern for yourself or for a company that brands what you want to do, and working your way from the bottom to the top.

Sometimes your dreams may require you to leave behind a current job that is stable which brings in your source of income to take care of yourself. Some people are not scared to leave their job and pursue their dreams full time. It may take moving to a state where your dream is known on the forefront and taking a low paying job for now; stable income vs minimum income. This will disrupt your financial stability but it will only disrupt it for a temporary time, just think there are bigger things ahead. Moving away can also mean getting a roommate, but just wait on it.... That penthouse that you have been eyeing is still in position to be yours.

I don't think that Chasing your Dreams only bring about negative effects and situations because in the end when you finally reach that level that you have been working so hard to get too it will leave you fulfilled and happy. Now I can't claim that once you get there it will be all gold and glitter because that would be like saying we never have any bad days. More Work, less Rest. But realizing the reward is far greater than the struggle. And always remember do not let others kill your vision because they don't have one of their own.

~Happy are those who dream and are ready to pay the price to make them come true ~ Leon J. Suenes

Photo Credit: Google Images

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 

Let's Talk: Empowerment

It's been awhile, the holidays had me very busy and now we are winding down 2013 to began our New Year. 

I was thinking about our career, dreams, the roles we play in our life and others and thought what if no one have us credit or acknowledged our achievements and positives? Would you stop doing those things that you loved, that helped someone or whatever it may be because you were overlooked? 

Often times people only remember the bad, they pick out our weaknesses and cover up on our strengths because of fear of the unknown, intimidation, and their own lack of vision. You put in your all to be the best person, to grow in all areas of your life, and to change who you were to who you want to become. Maybe you feel as if no one notices how much you are working on oneself, your career or the things that you want out of life but know that it's someone rooting for you, they see your full potential and the ones that can't, don't let that get you down. Embrace who is there for you! Even if it feels like no one gives you credit for pushing towards your goals give yourself credit, it all starts with YOU! 

Lipstick & Love XOXO 

Empower: Who is in your Circle?

Photo Credit: Google Images

Today I was thinking what should I write about that could motivate us or fuel our mind and this topic came to me quickly. Last night I had a group chat with my friends and we talked about great things, motivation, buying homes, and our accomplishments and such. I said to them I look at what I have achieved and the things that I have accomplished and yet the things I still have to do. You know you can either look at the glass half empty or half full, or you can just be grateful that you even have a glass. 

But the main question to this is WHO IS IN YOUR CIRCLE? Your circle consists of the people that you are around, that can add or subtract into your life. Remember the saying birds of a feather flock together? At one point I would say that was not true, you don't have to be like the people you hang around but you know what, the people that you closely associate yourself with can have an impact on your actions and lifestyle just as well as the surroundings you sit in. Keep business minded, positive people in your circle and you are likely to set goals, learn new things to embrace into your future, and reach your highest potential. Keep shallow minded people, gossip, negative thinking, negative acting individuals around and you are likely to drown in your own misery and theirs as well. One message that I keep posted up around me so that I can always reflect back on it is from Colin Powell. Let these words sink in, and you know what before the new year comes go ahead and CLEAN HOUSE! You have no more time for people who can't push you to soar to newer levels, to the TOP we go!! 

The less you associate with some people, the more your life will improve. Any time you tolerate mediocrity in others, it increases your mediocrity. An important attribute in successful people is their impatience with negative thinking and negative acting people. 

As you grow, your associates will change. Some of your friends will not want you to go on. They will want you to stay where they are... Friends that don't help you climb will want you to crawl. Your friends will stretch your vision or choke your dream. Those that don't increase you will eventually decrease you. 

Consider this: 
Never receive counsel from unproductive people. Never discuss your problems with someone incapable of contributing to the solution, because those who never succeed themselves are always first to tell you how. Not everyone has a right to speak into your life. You are certain to get the worst of the bargain when you exchange ideas with the wrong person. Don't follow anyone who's not going anywhere... 

With some people you spend an evening: with others you invest it. Be careful where you stop to inquire for directions along the road of life. Wise is the person who fortifies his life with the right friendships. If you run with wolves, you will learn how to howl. But, if you associate with eagles, you will learn how to soar to great heights. 

"A mirror reflects a man's face, but what he is really like is shown by the kind of friends he chooses." 

The simple but true fact of life is that you become like those with whom you closely associate - for the good and the bad. 

Note: 
Be not mistaken. This is applicable to family as well as friends. Yes...do love, appreciate and be thankful for your family, for they will always be your family no matter what. Just know that they are human first and though they are family to you, they may be a friend to someone else and will fit somewhere in the criteria above. 

"In Prosperity Our Friends Know Us. In Adversity We Know Our friends." 
"Never make someone a priority when you are only an option for them." 
"If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters." 

“Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude..".. 

Colin Powell 

Lipstick & Love XOXO 

Empower: Staying Passionate about your Dreams

Photo Credit: Google Images

Do you have dreams, goals, and aspirations? Are you doing everything in your power to create possibilities for them? We all have a purpose in this life, a calling and not just a hustle that brings money. I believe that some people confuse their true purpose with their temporary careers. You know that feeling you get when you know what you want to do in life, when you see something that reminds you of your dreams, and how you just want to do everything to bring it all to life. At times, we let obstacles block our view, we let fear keep us from getting started, or we let others talk us out of our own visions. 

"Allow your Passion to become your Purpose, and it will one day become your Profession." It is important to stay passionate about what is on the inside of us. We have to keep our flame lit so that our light keeps burning and never dim down. I think that in order to stay passionate you have to feed your mind and creative being each day with new ideas. You have to also stay consistent with your passions. Don't let days slip by and procrastinate, remember the saying don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Journaling your thoughts is one way to open your mind up and fuel it. Get started, you can be whatever it is you want to be, you can do whatever it is that you want to do, but it all starts with YOU!

Lipstick & Love XOXO 

Monday Motivation, Our Credit: Becoming Secure and Stable

Happy Monday Lipstick Lovers! It is the start of our December and the ending of our year of 2013. Yesterday I woke up and said it is December 1st, and I need new goals and new challenges to make myself better for this month. I keep a journal of my thoughts, my bills, goals and much more. I try to reflect on what I need to improve or what was accomplished within myself even if it is small or a task rather big.

One thing I will be honest about is that I have not always been great with saving, investing or my finances. And still I am no where near where I could or should be but I have improved myself. I find that writing everything down is very helpful such as when a bill is due and the amount, then going back to mark it off as paid or whatever the case may be. When you organize yourself you can understand what is going on with your finances.

I have been holding on to my credit report for some time, and today I decided to print off a brand spanking new one. Credit is so detrimental to our lifestyle and it affects us tremendously when applying for homes, cars and even minor retail credit cards. The first step to fixing our credit is becoming educated with what everything means and admitting that we can work on it unless you already have that 800 credit score. *Closes eyes and wishes* lol! I have been educating myself on the terms of credit and taking notes for improvement.  Free Credit Report is a helpful site in printing and viewing your score and report. Another helpful tool is going to your bank and speaking with a Financial Adviser which can be beneficial in understanding where to begin and what you are looking at when reading your report.

Isn't it amazing what numbers can do to your life? I want to be able to buy my dream home and dream car, I want to be able to relax after retirement, and send my kids to college, I just would like to be debt free. So my motivation to you & I is that WE HAVE TO BEGIN SOMEWHERE AND LET'S BEGIN by BECOMING STABLE AND SECURE so THAT WE CAN DO WHAT WE ALWAYS WANTED TOO!

Lipstick & Love xoxo

Photo Credit: Google, entertainmentpic.blogspot.com

Happiness

We all want Happiness in life. The question is who or what do we allow to define our happiness? Sometimes we let others and even challenges and outcomes become superior of our smiles, laughter, and joy. Learning to see the bright side of everything, laughing more than frowning, and enjoying who you are and your life despite any barriers are all helpful keys of happiness. I heard the saying one time of a teacher who asked a child what did he want to be when he grew up, the child simply stated "happy". The teacher spoke and said "You don't understand the assignment, with the child replying back "You don't understand life". I thought this was great! We all are programmed to think of our career and lifestyle as we grow up but not the true feelings of oneself such as being happy and our inner being. I wish you all love and joy !!

Lipstick and Love xoxo