Nikki Maria

Nikki Maria

Nikki Maria is a freelance editor and published writer. Some of her clients include: magazines, marketing/PR companies, and non–profits. Nikki is also the proud writer (and Boston blogger) at HONEY magazine; a New York-based publication that inspires women by encouraging them to define and achieve success on their own terms. Nikki Maria is the founder (and author) of an Internet site called Fashion Frenzy. The site’s mission is to keep a close eye on haute trends, fabulous wear, design labels, and inspirational style. To compliment Nikki’s freelance endeavors, she is also the Director of Programs for a non-profit organization in Boston. Nikki develops programming that support the academic growth of inner-city youth in grades 4 through 12. Nikki Maria is passionate about urban education, women’s studies, fashion – and of course, the art of words.

Posh Goddess (tm) Spotlight on Nikki Maria

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

"In order to be a successful businesswoman one must be passionate about the goals they are trying to achieve. I believe it’s important to pursue the things that your heart truly desires. When one finally figures out what they’d like to accomplish, setting goals and committing to them is critical. Don’t let “bumps in the road” defer your plans of succeeding. Remember – life happens, bite sized delays are ok some times. Secondly, one must research the potential business endeavor – look for trends that would suggest a business’ success, then market yourself! We won’t believe in you – if you don’t believe in you. Don’t forget to build your network of professional friends – use them as resources. Lastly, the beauty of brainstorming can be your deadliest weapon, so learn how to narrow down your ideas (mind maps are great!) – think through them strategically, and make sure you assign yourself some action items. I’m a huge fan of Microsoft Outlook’s “task list.” Execute your plans; don’t spend a decade talking about them. Be a go-getter, and don’t let anyone (or thing) hold you back."

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

"Running a business in a so-called “man’s world” is not relevant, because it’s [your] world, not his. If you fall, get right back up. Have no regrets. Simply learn from your setbacks. Continue to strive no matter what. For it is you – that hold the key to your own destiny. Not a man. "

Quick Stats

Name

Nikki Maria

Position/Job Title Writer and Editor

Location Boston, Massachusetts

Website http://www.nikkimaria.net

Blog Address Fashion Frenzy

http://www.nikkimaria.blogspot.com

Penny Crosson

Penny Crosson

Penny is an inspirational speaker along with teaching and training nutrition, skin care & make-up for the health and beauty of all who desire to learn. Her passion is to inspire women to become all of who they were created to be. Penny is one of a group of experts in a 10 years younger program. She writes her own monthly Timeless Beauty monthly newsletter and is the beauty columnist for The Baby Boomers Rock Dream-zine and the author of Daily Make-up with the Master.

Posh Goddess Spotlight on Penny

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

"True success comes when we connect to God and through Him discover our passions. Life is about relationships and what we are passionate about is the tool that connects us to each other that promotes personal growth.

Psalm 37 : 3-4 Trust in the Lord and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.

Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

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

*Be thankful you are not a man, we have way more cute shoes! If some of the most successful people in your profession are men, remember that it takes both men and women to make this world a better place. Know that everyone brings something different and valuable to the table and never forget that you are unique.

Psalm 139:14 I will give thaanks to thee for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

*Live a life of intergity 24/7. Whoever you are at work, is who you need to be at home or vise versa. What ever talk you talk, then walk that walk. If you say you are going to do something for someone then do it, if you can't then say you can't. Being a woman of your word speaks volumes. Just make sure your life is speaking good things.

Proverbs 10:9 He who walks in integrity walks securely.

*Become an expert in your field. Always invest in yourself whether it is training or education and you will become more valuable to your customers and business associates. Listen twice as much as you talk.

Proverbs 1:5 A wise man will hear and increase knowledge.

*Be teachable and coachable. A good leader is a good follower first. Be your best example to others.

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.

*Become a great source of reference for others. Be someone who truly wants to help others and watch God promote you above what may seem impossible.

Proverbs 3:27

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to do it.

Luke 1: 37

For nothing will be impossible with God.

Quick Stats

Name

Penny Crosson Company

Timeless Beauty Studio

Position/Job Title

Owner of Timeless Beauty Studio

* Cosmetologist * Certified Beauty Educator * Author * Inspirational Speaker * Beauty inside and out product broker

Location

Garland , Texas

Website

pennycrosson.net

Blog Address

http://pennyscrosson.myblog.com/

Lorne Wellington

Lorne Wellington

My name is Lorne Wellington and I am the creator and owner of Sculpted Silhouette. I am best known as a Fit Specialist. Like so many women, I believed I was wearing the right bra size and style. This was based upon what was recommend and available at local retailers. Not until 3 years ago, did I learn that I was wearing the incorrect bra size. Moreover the myth that there were not a lot of fashionable or stylish selections was rejected. The catch 22 to the scenario was that I was in a boutique in Paris! On one hand I wanted to walk the streets of Paris wearing my new bare essentials. The bra fit so well and it was pretty, I wanted to share that moment with the world. Yet I was in a distant land and questions began to burn in my head. For example, why haven’t I seen this brand before? Or, where can I buy this style or similar style in Los Angeles, my home? Time passed and while taking some courses at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM); I decided to look into the lingerie business in LA. I found that while there has been a lot publicity encouraging women to get fitted, they are still not doing so, why? I believe it is primarily convenience. Most large and upscale retailers that provide fittings are not as assessable to the broader female market. Then I saw my niche…I decided to offer personal fittings and shopping to women, and men who are buying for their special lady, in the privacy of their home or in the setting of a home shopping party. For me it is simple, if ladies today can buy spa treatments at a home party why can’t they be properly fitted and purchase exquisite imported lingerie from France, Italy and the United Kingdom that is well constructed and feminine. My first lingerie parties were actually in South Africa, where I lived for several years. I hosted Lady’s Day gatherings and women bought out all the Spanish and Italian bra sets. My supplier couldn’t keep enough on hand. However, my size ranges were limited. So with research and additional fashion courses under my belt, I created Sculpted Silhouette.

Posh Goddess Spotlight on Lorne

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

"To be successful in business you 1st have to know what success looks like of your endeavor. Express it in terms that have meaning but express it nonetheless. Review that often as it directs your path while you move forward in business. Being requires your presence uncompromised and alive. Yes there are decisions to make but don’t loose yourself in the process of building your business to succeed. Don’t lose out on moments in time that you know you can’t get back. For me that meant taking time off for 8 months until my mother recuperated from brain surgery. For you it could mean picking your child up from school dally. I know reaching a certain level of success requires discipline. You have to make those sales calls. Imagine this, if you called 3 people a day for 30 days you would have touched 90 people. Depending on your business and how well targeted your call list is, your success rate has the potential to be higher as compared to someone who is waiting for the phone to ring or the person who quits calling after the 1st no. If your aim is 100 sales calls per month, then break it down into small chunks. You will surprise yourself as to what you achieve. Finally have fun. I am so amazed at how many people say their passion is their business but when they talk about it is a chore! Don’t lose sight that you are doing this thing for countless hours a day. HAVE FUN!"

Lorne's word of Posh Goddess (tm) wisdom about how you get over the hardships of running a business or doing business in a so-called "man's world":

"Here are some tips or lessons that are important. Be the best at what you offer. Be generous with time and information but not to the point that you get nothing done in a day! Maintain a great support network. Know that you can’t do everything well so allow others to do what you can’t do excellently. Take the risks. It will never be prefect so ACT Set a time to evaluate (regularly) your efforts, your team efforts, business activities and the businesses services/products. Some activities may not bring in cash initially (it should at some point, it must pay for itself) but create the buzz you need. When evaluating, have a clear goal in mind so you can determine when to stop an action/relationship or to keep going. Lastly, HAVE FUN!!!!"

Quick Stats

Name

Lorne S. Wellington

Company

Sculpted Silhouette

Position

Fit Specialist - Bra Lady

Location

Los Angeles, California

Website

http://www.sculptedsilhouette.com/

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

Brandy Adamson

Brandy Adamson Today's Posh Goddess™ feature is the lovely Brandy Adamson. She is very professional and inspirational. Brandy Adamson has over 12 years of professional experience in the oil and gas industry as well as education and non-profit sectors. Adamson is the owner of Alive Incorporated, a firm providing it clients with business consulting, brand management, marketing and coaching services. Through its newest addition to the Alive Incorporated family, Siri Publishing, Adamson also publishes Alive Magazine, a bi-monthly publication for aspiring and current entrepreneurial women of color.This magazine motivates, inspires, and encourages women to bring dreams to life. The mission of this publication is to nourish women’s dreams through access to resources, networking, development opportunities and avenues for advertising her business. A business and life coach, she coaches entrepreneurs and professionals to identify priorities and align their values and actions while developing effective strategies to make progress toward life goals. Her e-newsletter and blog talk radio show provide inspiration and motivation to its readers and listeners. Adamson is also a public and motivational speaker who has been invited to be the keynote speaker for various retreats and special events as well as a member of various panel discussions. A native Tulsan, Brandy has a history of leadership and community involvement. She is past President of The Metropolitan Tulsa Urban League’s Young Professionals Auxiliary and now serves as Vice President. She has also served as a consultant and mentor for Junior Achievement. She is actively involved with Women’s Advocacy the Minority/Majority of South Florida. She currently tutors elementary students in mathematics and reading. Posh Goddess™ Spot light on Brandy To be a successful business woman today means: "When individuals ask me what it takes to be successful, I tell them that its drive and persistence. We have to celebrate our personal successes and those of others. We must reach one teach one, planting those seeds in others. We must expect greatness not only from ourselves but others." Brandy Adamson's words of Posh Goddess™ Wisdom: "People often compare themselves to individuals they know either personally or professionally. Individuals look on the outside at another individual's circumstances and because they are seemingly similar, they begin to doubt themselves, become upset with what someone else has accomplished or begin to develop an attitude of defeat. Rather than compare myself to someone else, I am my biggest competition. As you establish and grow your business do not give up. When you can help another individual and more specifically a woman, do that! What does it cost you to share information? Remember, opportunities are endless. Be creative. Network, network, network!" Brandy Adamson's Quick Stats Name: Brandy Adamson Company: Alive Incorporated & Alive Magazine Position/Job Title: CEO and Editor In Chief Location: Oklahoma Website: http://www.aliveincorporated.com

Linnyette Richardson-Hall

Linnyette Richardson-Hall I am honored to introduce Linnyette Richardson-Hall as the Posh Goddess™ of the Day. Linnyette Richardson-Hall started her career as a professional wedding planner in 1993 as her own nuptials in the making. With her sense of good taste and unique style, clients have come to rely on her wedding "savvy" to make their celebrations shine! Artistic, intuitive, and with a penchant for creating events that touch all five senses, Linnyette and her company, Baltimore-based Premiere Event Management (http://www.theweddingdiva.com), take wedding and special occasions to the next level for discerning clients locally and across the United States. Television audiences have come to know Linyette as the out-of-the-box, no-nonsense, designing diva on the Style Network's hit reality series, " Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?". She is also the Senior Contributing Editor and featured columnist for "Signature Bride" magazine, a wedding/lifestyle publication specifically designed for the African-American bride and groom. And as a wedding planning advisor for the WeddingChannel.com in the "Circle of Experts" section, her practical advice, expertise and style were found every month in the form of articles, a question/answer section and regularly scheduled interactive sessions. Linnyette is the Special Contributing Editor and national spokesperson for the best-selling book series, "Going to the Chapel - The Ultimate Wedding Guide For Today's Black Couple," which was released in December 1998 and published by Penguin Putnam, Inc. As the spokesperson for the two book series, Linnyette traveled across the United States, sharing her vast knowledge of wedding planning with couples who are in great need of calming, reassuring presence she gives - not to mention the opportunity to get the information they needed from a true expert! Becauswe of the knowledge and expertise in the special events industry, Mrs. Hall has been a guest on many national and local television/radio programs and as a dynamic business leader, she is often quoted in numerous print publications and asked to speack at various functions. Her other company, The Business of Matrimony(www.thebusinessofmatrimony.com) offers seminars and international networking conferences for those persons who wish to enter the wedding industry as well as various workshops and programs for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Posh Goddess™ Spotlight on Linnyette Richardson-Hall To be a successful business woman today means: "Basically-it takes guts and determination. It also takes a significant amount of vision- you have to be able to see what it is you're doing as well as the route you need to take in order to get your goal. I find that many women still live in the "shoulda, woulda, coulda" world - and to be perfectly, bluntly honest (as I always am), you can't do that and expect to run a thriving, successful enterprise. It simply ain't gonna happen!!! Instead focus on what the long term picture is, you know that you want to be the 'mistress of your own destiny'. Then by all means do it! Don't allow other folks to whisper in your ear about your business - how you run the game is all on you..." Linnyette's Posh Goddess™ Words of Wisdom: "You must be passionate about your business. Live it, eat it , breathe it, - let it come through every fiber of your being. When you invest that knid of energy into your enterprise, it comes back twenty-fold. And lastly - speak truth to the universe. That may sound kinda sketchy, but the buttom line is real. When you send positive vibes and pathways out - they come back to you. If your heart and soul is invested in what you, then let the world know. Don't be shy - simply have no reason to be!!!

Linnyette's Quick Stats

Name: Linnyette Richardson-Hall

Company: Premiere Event Management

Position/Job Title: Principal Consultant

Location: Baltimore, MD

Website: http://www.theweddingdiva.com

Blog Address: http://confessionsoftheweddingdiva.blogspot.com

Roynette Brown

Today our lovely Posh Goddess™ is a fabulous woman by the name of Roynette Brown. I have had the pleasure of being able to network with her personally, and I am proud to say that she is a Posh Goddess™! She is a strong, sophisticated, passionate, fashionable,fierce, creative, ambitious God loving woman who visualizes and dreams outside of the box. Roynette believes that faith is everything and without faith you have nothing to lean on when times get rough. Roynette Brown is the President/CEO and Founder of SayWhatNews - your on-line entertainment magazine with an urban touch. SayWhatNews features the latest news in music, movies, TV, arts, literary, fashion and celebrity news. SayWhatNews is the media outlet for up and coming artist who have not been signed to a label or who are just getting started (even if they are signed to a major or independent label).

Posh Goddess™ Spotlight on Roynette

To be a successful business woman today means:

"A successful woman is one who still gives a lending hand to those who are need no matter what type of hardship she is going through or how busy she gets. Success is not determined by the money you make but by the person you strive to be (and continue to be even after you become successful;) and how you in turn give back and help make the world a better place.

Roynette's Posh Goddess™ Words of Wisdom:

"Never give up on your dream/vision. Although you may not see the light at the end of the tunnel, hold on to your faith, work hard and never stop believing in your ability to be successful.

Quick Stats

Name: Roynette Brown

Company: Say WhatNews online magazine

Position/Job title: President/CEO and Founder

Location: Cinncinnati, Ohio

Website: http://www.saywhatnews.com

Khrys Vaughan

Our fabolous Posh Goddess™ of the day is Mrs. Khrys Vaughan. I am honored to feature her and her business here on the page. She is so posh! Even her logo is posh! Be sure to contact her she can help all you startups and you seasoned entrepreneurs! Khrys Vaughan is the founder of Her Startup, a company providing Business Development services to female entrepreneurs and women-owned businesses. She has over seven years experience in Project Management and Business Development; and has worked with various Telecommunication companies since 1987. Khrys holds degrees and/or certificates in Project Management, Business Management, and CIW (Certified Internet Webmaster). She volunteers as Web Coordinator for the Hampton Roads Civic Ballet, and is a former Board Member of The Bread Ministry. On a personal note, Khrys is very happily married and mother to four children. Posh Goddess Spotlight on Khrys What Khrys thinks it means and takes to be a successful business woman today... "I have a saying – A woman must know herself as well as she knows her business. But she must know herself first. Success takes on different forms and is not determined by our station in life. Whether you are a mom, wife, employee, business owner, or even a combination of roles, you can still be successful. There are ups & downs with anything. It’s sticking with it and giving yourself room to grow (and change) that leads to success. " A word of wisdom from Khrys Vaughan... "Start replacing the word can’t with the words let or choose. Can’t can unintentionally turn into a crutch. ‘I can’t develop a business plan’ sounds different than ‘I choose not to develop a business plan’. One sounds agreeable, the other should make you cringe. If your ‘can’t statement’ makes you cringe, then take it as an indication that you should acknowledge your responsibility, and do something about it. " Thoughts on doing business in a man’s world... "Who says? There’s one world and we all have a unique place in it. Challenges do come up along the way and may very well be the result of someone’s ignorance, but you can either waste your time and energy trying to prove someone wrong, or use it to create your own opportunities. Yes there are differences, but like anything else, you can focus on differences so much that it paralyzes you. If it was such a man’s world, corporations would not be ‘enlightening’ its staff that there just may be something to female intuition and thought, and definitely would not be pouring dollars into understanding the female consumer in order to change marketing strategy. " Quick Stats on Khrys Name – Khrys Vaughan Company – Her Startup Position/Job Title - CEO Location – VA, USA Website – www.HerStartup.com Blog Address – www.HerStartup.com/hblog/

Julie Lenzer Kirk

Julie Lenzer Kirk

Welcome Julie Lenzer Kirk, our premier Posh Goddess™ of the Day!!! She is a lovely role model and women to network with, with a very successful business and tons of knowledge. I know you'll enjoy her as much as I do! Julie Lenzer Kirk is an award-winning entrepreneur who is passionate about empowering others into entrepreneurship. She is a business owner, mentor, author, international speaker, community volunteer, and mother of two. Julie founded her first company, a software and services firm called Applied Creative Technologies, Inc. (ACT), when her children were young and grew her business to multi-millions in revenues as she raised her children. After cashing out and selling ACT’s software to a business partner, she now teaches entrepreneurship at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, writes a column for Enterprising Women magazine, and is the entrepreneurial “Ask the Expert” on Working Mother Magazine’s website. She is also the Founder of Path Forward International which offers workshops, consulting, and keynotes to give entrepreneurial companies and individuals a “Boot in the Butt™” to launch new ideas, grow existing ventures, find their work/life balance, and fine-tune their leadership skills. Her book, “The ParentPreneur Edge: What Parenting Teaches About Building a Successful Business” which is published by John Wiley & Sons is available online and in bookstores internationally. http://www.julielenzerkirk.com/.

Posh Goddess Spotlight on Julie: To be a successful business women today means:

"It is critical that we don’t get drawn into what everyone else defines as success so success is whatever you define it to be. I believe it takes persistence, passion, vision, resourcefulness, and, unfortunately, patience to be successful."

Julie's Words of Posh Goddess™ Wisdom:

"If you focus on the obstacles (such as being a woman in a mans’ world), you’re sure to hit them. Focus, instead, on your own path forward."

Julie Lenzer Kirk, truly is a remarkable woman! Be sure to purchase her book, and check out her website. I also recommend that you contact her for any future speaking events! She's empowering, passionate about what she does, an expert, and very professional! Truly a Posh Goddess, inside and out!

Quick Stats:

Name: Julie Lenzer Kirk Company: Path Forward International Position/Job Title: President & CEO and author, “The ParentPreneur Edge: What Parenting Teaches About Building a Successful Business” (Wiley) Location: Damascus, Md Website: http://www.julielenzerkirk.com/ Blog: http://blog.julielenzerkirk.com/

Are YOU a Posh Goddess? Be featured HERE!

posh (adj) luxurious, elegant, smart, and fashionable goddess (n) a woman with extraordinary beauty, charm, and grace. A woman that is admired or adored.

Posh Goddess™

Is a business woman that is smart, sophisticated, and stylish. She knows what she wants and how to get it!

PURPOSE

The purpose of this blog is to honor, recognize and network with other Posh Goddesses. Everyday a new Posh Goddess™ will be chosen, featured and recognized here on this blog (free of charge!) The "Feature of the Week" will be featured here and also on the Blog of the CEO/Founder of Posh Goddess™ (http://poshgoddess.blogspot.com/) every Monday (how's that for PR!!!) To nominate yourself or someone else send the following information to posh.goddess@yahoo.com

Subject:POSH GODDESS APPLICANT

1. Name

2. Company

3. Position/Job Title

4. Location

5. Website

6. Blog Address

7. Pic (1 of you, 1 of product/business card/logo)

8. html to banner (for posting on the blog) if you have one

also in paragraph form include:

1. A short bio of who you are and what you do

2.What you think it means and takes to be a successful business woman today.

3. A word of wisdom to other Posh Goddesses (and other readers) about how you get over the hardships of running a business or doing business in a so-called "man's world"

I can't wait to hear from all you Posh Goddesses out there!