Pam Lawhorne

Pam Lawhorne

Pam Lawhorne, a small business expert and empowerment coach, provides advice, guidance, encouragement, and inspiration to individuals around the nation in her popular entrepreneurship and empowerment seminars and publications. She is the Chief Empowerment Officer of Empower U, Incorporated, a training and consulting firm that specializes in interactive workshops, seminars and coaching programs. Pam is the creator of Youth Empowered 2 Succeed (tm) and Women In-Powerment Network (tm) which are programs she created to promote entrepreneurship education to women and youth. Pam is the author of “From Minimum Wage To Getting Paid! How To Become A Successful Entrepreneur With No Money, Education, or Experience!” and she is also a syndicated columnist who writes articles on empowerment, entrepreneurship, and personal development. Her articles appear nationally in newspapers, magazines, business websites and online publications.

Posh Goddess Spotlight On Pam

What it means and takes to be a successful business woman today:

"I think a successful business woman is able to balance her personal and professional life in such a way that the two do not interfere with each other. As women we have a tendency to want to ‘do all’” and ‘be all’ but in reality, something or someone suffers in the end and that usually means us! Starting a business, any business, is hard but as women it’s our nature to innately take care of others which in most instances puts us and sometimes our business last. In today’s society most women take care of their family, their spouse, the household and still work or run a business. This is a sure fire way to burn out fast and with no hope for recovery. To be successful as a female entrepreneur you have to set priorities and boundaries. That may mean getting family and friends on board for the ride so that they can assist when necessary. It may also mean realizing that you can not ‘do all’ or ‘be all’ and get assistance from consultants and specialist when necessary. And most importantly you have to be determined that you will succeed regardless of whatever else may be taking place. "

Pam's Posh Goddess (tm) words of wisdom about getting over the hardships of running a business or doing business in a so-called "man's world":

"Simply put: Do you! Be the best you that you can be and your talents, skills and abilities will shine through every time. When I first got started in business more than twelve years ago I found that the more I tried to compete with the guys the more it seemed like I would fail. Why? Because my focus was on competing, not showing my clients what was special and unique about me and how I could take care of them better. As time passed I finally came up with a method for success and that was simply to meet my clients’ needs and exceed their expectations. I treat them the way I want to be treated but better! When I do I know that they will walk away happy customers and will send me referrals like crazy. That’s really what building a business is really all about, taking care of your clients because when you do it keeps them loyal and they will help you grow your business. One other benefit that we have as women is that we have the ability to make business relationships not seem so ‘professional’. It’s a known fact that people like to do business with someone they know or trust so if you can build that ‘friendship’ with your clients and give then more than what they are expecting you will end up ahead of the game every time!"

Quick Stats

Name

Pam Lawhorne

Company

Empower U, Incorporated

Position/Job Title

Chief Empowerment Officer

Location

Matthews, NC

Website

www.empower4u.com

Blog

http://blog.myspace.com/pamlawhorne

Paula Straub

Paula Straub

Paula Straub is a Capital Gains Tax Saving Strategist, a former Investment Advisor Representative and current Independent Insurance Agent and licensed Real Estate Salesperson based in Southern California. She works as a facilitator for clients who desire to minimize their capital gains tax obligation when selling highly appreciated assets such as real estate, businesses, collections, stock portfolios, etc. She is able to assist clients in all 50 states by working with experienced reputable national companies and a team of knowledgeable professionals. Paula is also the host of a weekly radio show “Simply Wealth” which airs on http://www.webtalkradio.net/. Topics include all timely issues affecting personal wealth and protection. Paula is an Educator, Author, Speaker, and has held professional positions with major corporations such as General Electric and General Dynamics, as well as being a successful business owner and entrepreneur.Paula's unique tax strategies have already saved hundreds of thousands of dollars for her clients. Paula’s websites include http://www.savegainstax.com/, http://www.savegains.com/, and http://www.saverealestategains.com/. Her educational resources include “The Definitive Beginner’s Guide to Potentially Saving Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars in Capital Gains Tax” and the “Interview with the Pros” series.

Posh Goddess Spotlight on Paula

To be a successful business woman today means:

"To be successful today, I believe it takes complete knowledge of the service/product you are offering/selling, enough operating capital for at least 2-3 years to become established, a solid business and marketing plan outlining specific goals and how you intend to reach them, and a lot of hard work. Few businesses succeed overnight and it takes a number of years to become established and grow a client base."

Paula's word of wisdom about how getting over the hardships of running a business or doing business in a so-called "man's world":

"In most businesses where entrepreneurs are involved I believe women have as much of a chance as men to succeed. Unless you are trying to break into a male dominated field or service area, it takes a certain amount of self confidence and drive no matter if you are a woman or man starting out. Don’t be afraid of failure. It is simply a chance to learn from your mistakes."

Quick Stats Name Paula Straub Company Save Gains Tax LLC Position/Job Title President Location San Marcos, CA Website http://www.savegainstax.com/ Blog Address http://savegainstax.blogspot.com/

Cheryl Wadlington

Cheryl Wadlington

Lauded as one of the nation's premiere fashion and beauty journalists, Cheryl Ann Wadlington is a leading consultant in the field of personal growth. As an accomplished writer, popular television personality and sought-after motivational speaker, she has reached millions of people with her advice and perspective. Wadlington is a co-author and contributing editor of SoulStyle: Black Women Redefining the Color of Fashion (Universe Publishing, 2000). She has also served as a contributing writer to Essence, Savoy, Black Enterprise, Heart & Soul, BET Weekend, London-based New Generation (NG), The Cleveland Plain Dealer, The Philadelphia Daily News, and BET.com. In addition, she served on the faculty of the Temple University (School of Communications), teaching fashion writing and as a fashion & beauty editor for BridesNoir magazine. Wadlington launched Evoluer Image Consultants (http://www.evoluerconsultants.com/) after decades of working in the international fashion and beauty industries to address the image needs of today’s females, a group diverse in culture and unique in personality. Establishing Evoluer was a natural evolution for Wadlington, who from 1986 to 1995 owned and operated Life Modeling Workshop International. Her nurturing influence can be seen through her formers clients, which include, NBC’s America’s Got Talent winner Bianca Ryan, neo-soul recording artist Amel Larriex, international model Debra Shaw and off-Broadway and Cosby Show actress Nicole Davenport. Under Wadlington’s creative direction, Evoluer strives to be the premiere accelerator for females who want to maximize her personal or professional image and style. The agency has a cadre of nationally recognized style experts, whose beauty and fashion, make-up, and hair styling credits include: Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Tyra Banks and Jill Scott, The Swan, American Idol and Oprah, and a host of national magazines and commercial advertisements. And as the name (Evoluer) implies, “it is time for today’s females to ‘evolve,’ – and experience the type of excellence Evoluer and its team of specialists deliver,” says Wadlington. She has received countless proclamations for her contributions to the fashion and beauty industries and youth development from the Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Mayor of Wilmington, Delaware, the Mayor of Hamilton, Bermuda and more. She has also received the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Coalition 100 Black Women Madam C.J. Walker Award, as well as the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs’ Professional Achievement Award.Wadlington majored in Advertising and Communications at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and Fashion Merchandising at Bauder Fashion College in Atlanta, Ga. She continues to earn her enhance position as a pre-eminent media authority in image and style as a motivational speaker, fashion analyst and journalist.

About Evoluer Evoluer Image Consultants, LLC is an award-winning consulting agency for the upwardly mobile woman and teen girl who want to maximize her personal and professional image and style. We offer useful, friendly, professional, confidential and independent services and advice on any aspect of dress, grooming and personal appearance. Our cadre of hand-picked, highly credentialed image, fashion and beauty professionals will come to your home or office. We show clients how to: Make a winning first impression; Look; good, feel great; Simplify your wardrobe; Save time and money; Interpret "business casual"; Create a professional look; Be a camera-ready professional; and Jump-start a career in the fashion & beauty industries.Based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Evoluer Image Consultants launched in 2004, and is owned and operated by Cheryl Ann Wadlington. Ms. Wadlington launched Evoluer in 2004 after decades of working in the international fashion and beauty industries, providing style advice and writing for some of the top fashion publications in the country, including Essence and Heart & Soul magazines.Evoluer's celebrity consultants have serviced: Procter & Gamble Company, Oscar de la Renta, Enyce, Angela Bassett, Eve, Queen Latifah, Mary J. Blige, and Destiny's Child. Evoluer was recently the winner of the internationally coveted 2008 Black Web Award for "Best Clothing, Fashion and Style Site." Wadlington was also a 2007 nominee for Pennsylvania's Best 50 Women in Business. Services • Wardrobe Audit• Personal Shopping with our Style Consultants• Personal Development Workshops for Teen Girls• Corporate Seminars (Appropriate Dress for the Workplace)• Fashion & Beauty Seminars• Makeup Instruction Sessions with Celebrity or Professional Makeup Artist (for non-industry female clients)• Makeup Instruction Sessions with Celebrity Makeup Artist (for professional, advanced and beginning makeup artists)• Girls-Night-In Makeup Party with a celebrity artist• Fashion Stylist Boot Camp• Model Boot CampAdditional Services Celebrity and professional makeup artists and image consultants, fashion and hair stylists are available for:• Weddings • Special occasions• Red carpet & media appearances• National ad campaigns,, video, film & television, fashion/beauty editorials• Publicity photos

Posh Goddess Spotlight On Cheryl

To be a successful business woman today means:

"Successful people succeed because they learn from their failures. Still, I define success for myself just by the mere fact that there’s a difference between success and greatness; and I am trying to be great. I don’t allow people to define who I am and who I will become because my possibilities are endless. I tend to think outside of the box as much as I strive to be the consummate polished, informed and gracious professional."

Cheryl's Posh Goddess Word's of Wisdom about doing business in a "so-called" man's world:

"Nothing is predestined: The obstacles of your past can become the gateways that lead to new beginnings. If you want the rainbow, you got to put up with the rain. If opportunity doesn't knock...then build a door!!!! So I am not bothered by the fact that it’s a so called mans world, because to me, nothing is more powerful than the hand that rocks the cradle – it’s a man’s world, under a women’s supervision. As W.E.B. Du Bois once said: "There is in this world no such force as the force of a person determined to rise. The human soul cannot be permanently chained."

Quick Stats

Name Cheryl Ann Wadlington Company Evoluer Image Consultants, LLC Position/Job Title CEO/Creative Director Location Philadelphia, PA Website http://www.evoluerconsultants.com/ Blog Address Cheryl Ann’s Fashion Diary http://www.evoluerconsultants.com/cherylann/

Joan Baker

Joan Baker Joan Baker is a widely known and very highly regarded talent throughout the voice-over industry, and she enjoys performing in front of the camera as well. Joan is an Obie Award-winning stage actress, with numerous film, television, and on-camera commercials to her credit. She’s also author of Secrets of Voice-Over Success. Joan’s professional voice-over credits include: The Muhammad Ali Center 2004 Olympic TV Campaign, narrating a documentary about the founding of the William Jefferson Clinton Library, now a part of the library’s permanent display and was tapped for a marketing campaign promoting The ABC Super Sign in Times Square. Other clients include: King World, ESPN, ABC NEWS, BLOOMBERG TV and radio, SHOWTIME, HBO, NBA Entertainment, COURT TV, Imus in the Morning, American Red Cross, Olay, Lens Express, Sony Music, JP Morgan Chase, American Express, Costco, The New York Times Classified and others. Joan has lent her voice as the live show announcer for The Vision Awards at the Beverly Hilton, NAMIC conferences, The Annual Matrix Awards for Women in Cable at New York’s Waldorf Astoria and for the television industry’s annual PROMAX/BDA Conference’s. She has been featured in Interview Magazine, Adweek, Backstage, The NY Post, Media Week, Cable World, The Daily News, Jet, Post Magazine and Black Enterprise. Also on Weekend Vibe, SHOWBIZ Today on CNN, Oprah & Friends, ABC News Now and E! News. She is represented exclusively by Innovative Artists. In addition to her successful voice-over career, Joan has for more than ten years taught speech and voice-over technique at The Learning Annex ( NY & LA), The Actors Institute (NYC), Acting Management (NYC), The Professional Performing Arts School (NYC), Western Kentucky University (KY), and New York University (NYC) A much sought after educator, she is responsible for training a respectable number of new voice talents entering the voice-over field each year, and provides private voice coaching for Fortune 500 CEOs and Executives seeking to enhance their public speaking skills for stage and on-camera. Among her list of clients are the late Johnnie Cochran and CNN’S/ Court TV’s Nancy Grace. Joan also oversees new business development as senior vice president of public relations for Manhattan-based advertising firm Push Creative, a company she co-founded in January 2000 with her partner. Having always been a sort of hired-gun entrepreneur, Joan is right at home juggling her performance career while taking on the new challenges of running a company. And her contributions have not gone unnoticed between the years 2003-2007, she won three PROMAX/BDA Awards for two TV campaigns she co-produced for SPIKE TV. She also won a Gold Promax/BDA and two Excellence in Multi-Cultural Marketing Awards and three Telly Awards for a series of spots she co-produced for Black History Month. Posh Goddess Spotlight on Joan:

What does it mean and take to be a successful business woman today?

"Being a successful business women is being clear about who you are going to be as a person, as a provider of services and as an employer. The more willing you are to know yourself as a women and a human being -- the more willing you are to assess your strengths and opportunities for growth, the easier it is to commit to something bigger than you know yourself to be. My entire life has been on the entrepreneurial side: first as a professional actor/dancer and teacher, and now as one of two principles in a thriving ad agency. Throughout all of my career, the single guiding principle have been expanding my natural ability to engage people, to network effectively while keeping a clear and disciplined focus my business goals. "

Joan's Posh Goddess words of wisdom on conducting business in a so-called man's world:

"The last thing to do is focus on- that it’s a “man’s world”-true or not. The first thing to focus on - is always, always seeking to uncover the best part of yourself. And with that your premier focus- the most special part of all is that you get the incredible adulation and respect( of men too) that you so deserve for being the loving human being that you are, making a difference in the world."

Quick Stats

Name

Joan Baker Company

Push Creative Advertising/ Voice-over teaching business /Author. Position/Job Title

SVP Public Relations/ Voice –over Artists/ VO teacher/Coach. Location

42 Broadway, suite 1135, NYC, NY 10004 Website

www.pushcreative.tv & www.joanbaker.tv

Janette Brin

Janette Brin

Today's Posh Goddess, Janette Brin is truly Posh in every way! A diverse background in retail, state government, marketing and fostering opportunities for Caribbean people, makes POSH MAGAZINE’s Publisher, Editor, and Founder (Janette Brin) an unlikely player in the consumer magazine industry. Yet, as a company, POSH MAGAZINE is a unique contender in the arena, and so is Brin. Her mission in creating and nurturing the brand involves so much more than the latest subscription or cover story... “POSH MAGAZINE gives Caribbean people opportunity for a positive and desirable level of exposure”, says Brin … “POSH aims to create many educational and business opportunities for the people of the Caribbean”. Born in St.Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands and raised in Tortola, British Virgin Islands and Bronx, New York, Janette received her Undergraduate Degree in Business Marketing from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland and MBA in Marketing from the University of Phoenix. In 2005, Brin founded POSH MAGAZINE with the help of family and close friends, excited about the possibilities of a business venture that incorporated her belief in enlightening and empowering Caribbean people, primarily women. Today, in addition to creating and developing new POSH MAGAZINE event products, Brin travels to spread the great opportunity offered by this dynamic and innovative company. In creating POSH MAGAZINE, Brin has brought a whole new dimension to the world of network marketing. The magazine is known for its easy to read clean and concise layout in addition to having features on Caribbean notables from communities around the world. Not yet a veteran, Brin has already interviewed some of the biggest names in Caribbean Entertainment including Diana King, Lady Saw, Alison Hinds, K-Mani Marley, Wyclef Jean, and Shaggy. Brin is also the proud mother of her ten-year-old son Keano.

Posh Goddess Spotlight on Janette Brin

To be a successful business woman today means:

"Confidence, patience, and an undying ability to believe in yourself – as women we tend to be rather emotional at times. As a business woman you have to be able to channel those emotions and be strong. Above all you must have faith in God. To be a successful businessperson period you have to understand that success won’t come overnight – God has a plan for you so trust in him and don’t give up."

Janette Brin's Words of Posh Goddess Wisdom:

"Society says it’s a “man’s world” but we do have choices – and we do own our own minds. A man’s world would be nothing without a woman – so it really a man’s world? So to get over hardships – I say get your mind right!"

Quick Stats

Name Janette N. Brin Company Caribbean POSH Magazine Position/Job Title Publisher & Founding Editor Location Baltimore, Maryland Website http://www.caribbeanposh.com/ Blog Address http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog&Mytoken=A0B52A65-69AF-4469-A2744FCF4315D55732567332

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Angie Rapson

Our first Posh Goddess of the New Year is Angie Rapson. She is the owner of Marketing 360, a company that sells promotional products and corporate apparel. Angie has been in marketing and advertising for the past 7 years and sales for 11 years. She was the Director of Sales for another promotional company before she decided to take on her own business. Angie loves promotional products because ther is something for everyone! In addition to being a successful business owner she is also married to an active duty military man (USAF) and has 2 beautiful children.

Posh Goddess Spotlight on Angie:

To be a successful business woman today means:

"Having the 3 D's~ Drive, Determination, and Dedication."

Angie's Words of Posh Goddess Wisdom:

"Believe in yourself and what you have to offer, if you have a service believe that your service is what drives people to come back for repeat business, if you have a product believe that you have a product that sells, and if you have both you have to tie those together. If there are bumps along the road know that if it were easy everyone would be doing what you are doing and succeeding. Just be satisfied with you and your company."

Quick Stats:

Name - Angie Rapson Company - Marketing 360

Position/Job Title - Owner Location - OK Website - www.mkt360.net