June 13, 2013 in Character, networking
Author Nicole K. Garner, founder of The Garner Circle PR, celebrated the book launch for “Are You In Inc: PR’s Alter Ego” and the kick off for the “Running In Heels” Multi-Market Tour at TAGS boutique (owned by Bravo TV’s Kandi Burress). This ultimate guide focuses on niche Public Relations and publicity disciplines of fashion, music, entertainment and film. Read the rest of this entry →
May 27, 2013 in Finance, Goal, Leadership, networking
(ATLANTA) May 24, 2013 – Dr. Heavenly Kimes – board-certified dentist, entrepreneur and author of Dr. Heavenly’s Business Prescriptions – will host her first annual two-part business seminar “Dr. Heavenly University” on June 28, 2013 and October 4, 2013 at the Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta Airport. The goal of this seminar is teach aspiring and existing entrepreneurs how to start and run a successful business.
Conference speakers include Dr. Heavenly along with Margaret McIntyre (Dental and Medical Business Management), Kevin Thomas (Owner, Kevin Thomas Financial Services, LLC), Tommy Lester (Vice President, Healthcare Business Banking, PNC Bank), and Cary S. King (Senior Attorney, Jacobs & King). Read the rest of this entry →
February 27, 2013 in Leadership, networking
February 1, 2013 in Finance
(NATIONAL) – January 29, 2013 – Bestselling Author, Radio Show Host and Keynote Speaker Kenny Pugh who released his bestselling title, “Can You Do It Standing Up? A Different Position on Relationships” in 2011 can now add ‘columnist’ to his growing list of titles. As the new “Love & Money” columnist for BlackEnterprise.com, Pugh will share his expertise on managing credit, personal finances and life and relationship principles that will engage readers into thought-provoking online discussions, challenge readers to create lifestyle choices that will lead them to success and at times cause a little controversy. Darren Sands, Editor of BlackEnterprise.com Love & Money Channel shares, “Kenny’s insight, thoughtfulness and presence as a multimedia personality is of great value to what we’re doing at BlackEnterprise.com and I couldn’t be more excited for what the future holds.” Read the rest of this entry →
December 28, 2012 in Finance
Mogul and head woman in charge, Kandi Burrus had an opportunity to sit down with Black Enterprise and share tips on how she builds her “The Kandi Empire”. Check out the interview below:
Fast forward, what is in your portfolio as of now?
I have the music thing going, with songwriting and royalties. Then I have “Kandi Koated Enterainment” which has a production division and talent management division. I have multiple real estate properties, some are rentals, others I just have. I have two clothing boutiques in Atlanta. I have “Bedroom Kandi” which is my “adult luxury” line. I have my “Kandi Koated Spades” game on the iPhone. I have “Kandi Koated Nights,” my online radio show. I have my own TV show, “The Kandi Factory” on Bravo too now. Kandi Factory isn’t just a show either, it’s also a building I have for artist development. I’m also adding TV and video production into my portfolio, everything is going to the next level right now.
How was it breaking into the sex toy or “adult product” industry?
I have “Bedroom Kandi” and I have “Bedroom Kandi Boutique Consulting” where we come to your home to present the products. Since Kandi Koated Nights became popular on the internet, I figured we needed to do some kind of product to go along with the show. I stopped by Dr. Laura Berman’s show for an interview and she gave me some of the products from her sex toy line. Of course as a woman I’ve owned some toys, but it never crossed my mind to have my own line. I figured if she could do it, so could I.
When I did some research I found out that one of the richest women in Europe was a billionaire from having her own toy and lingerie line. So I found a smaller company that had the technology to make toys that could vibrate to music. Later on, a bigger company that knew of me and my interest in the industry through RHOA, reached out to me wanting to license my name. So I had to decide between licensing my name for six-figures, or take the gamble of owning my own company. I believe in ownership so I took the risk and partnered with the smaller company, OhMiBod, to develop my toy line and within the first couple of months of release we won an award for “Best Toy Line at the AVN Awards. Within the next few months we made all of the money back.
After that we launched the boutique consulting and have over 20,000 women wanting to sign up. So the Bedroom Kandi brand has really taken off. And it’s classy and promotes health and wellness too. There is a lot more to sex toys than just being raunchy. I know women have them, women with children have them, so why not make it more acceptable.
How much of an investment did you have to make initially?
It was a few hundred thousand dollars that we had to put into the initial production of our first two toys in the collection. Now we are developing more products like candles that turn into massage oils and vibrating lollipops. At first we were going to do just one item, but within 4 months there was so much talk about it that they said we might need to make more. I thought it was a good idea to do just one toy because I’m not known for adult toys, plus the African American community is so hush hush when it comes to sex, but it turned out to be a great decision.
What made you want to jump into retail?
I just wanted to have multiple sources of income. As a person who came up in the entertainment business, I know you can go through slow periods. So I wanted to do something that I could have a steady flow of cash coming in. My friend Peaches had stores before and decided to stop because of divorce and other things. She had an eye for clothes and knew how to run a store. One thing I hate to see is people make money and jump into a business and get a cousin or friend who doesn’t know what they’re doing to run it, I hate that. I had the finances and she had the know how, so I thought Peaches was perfect to partner with. After five years of convincing she finally said OK.
How have you used social media to promote your brands?
When it comes to social media, when you stay engaged with the people who support you, they love that. People will support you if they see you are in tune with what’s going on. So I started doing Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and all my businesses are a part of that too. I think I might have been one of the first people to put together a “tweet and meet.” It was me, Rashidah, Diamond and some of my friends. I figured we could invite people to hear our new music. I just wanted to go to Dave & Busters or something. But the response was so overwhelming. There was a line out the door and there were people who flew in from the Bahamas just to see us. That’s when I learned how big of a tool it was. It’s even better if we are showing support among each other.
READ MORE ON BLACK ENTERPRISE
December 18, 2012 in Goal, Leadership, networking
(ATLANTA) December 17, 2012 – Leading Atlanta dentist and founder of Heavenly Dental Associates, Inc., Dr. Heavenly Kimes is an author, inspirational speaker and business powerhouse.
For over 12 years, Dr. Heavenly has been making her mark on the dental industry and the business world with her straight-talk style, strategic expertise and proven credentials. Not only is Dr. Heavenly a board certified Dentist, but she also owns four dental practices in Metro Atlanta (she’s owned as many as seven at one time!) and has sold two profitable clinics. She graduated at the top of her class with a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Meharry Medical College and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Military Science from Florida A&M University.
Now, the Miami native and co-author of the best-selling series Wake Up…Live the Life You Love, is sharing the keys to her success in her informative new book Dr. Heavenly’s Business Prescriptions (available at Amazon.com now), a motivating advice guide that breaks down complex business concepts to their simplest forms and offers personal insight and strategies for building a successful business. In this new release, readers will not only gain business tips, but learn remedies to heal personal doubt and frustration, maintain work-life balance, and develop the confidence to pursue one’s personal goals.
To learn more about Dr. Heavenly and to purchase her new book, visit www.drheavenly.com or Amazon.com or follow her at
Twitter.com/Dr_Heavenly and Facebook.com/DrHeavenly
November 24, 2012 in Character, Finance, Leadership
Elaine Sterling is originally from South Africa she holds both the prestigious CIDESCO (Switzerland) Diplomat and ITEC(London) certifications. A licensed Esthetician and Licensed Esthetician Instructor, Elaine has a passion for skin health and while speaking and writing about the “Theater of the spa experience” she is passionate about the power of the well trained spa professional and how their healing touch can affect peoples lives.
Elaine’s professional positions have included Director of Education of a large skincare school in Atlanta and Esthetic and Training Director at Spa Sydell, a highly successful and innovative Day Spa group also based in Atlanta. Read the rest of this entry →
November 24, 2012 in Finance, Leadership
In 2009, energy veterans Kerry Breitbart and Carey Turnbull founded North American Power, emerging from retirement to be part of energy’s next frontier: retail electricity and gas. Within this $70 billion industry, North American Power is one of the fastest-growing energy suppliers in the country, a fact that recently earned the company a spot on Forbes’ list of America’s Most Promising Companies.
North American Power provides renewable energy that gives back to charity and delivers the power to earn each time a customer flips the switch. The company currently serves customers in deregulated energy markets including Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania with plans to expand to additional markets and introduce natural gas service in 2012.
HOW IT WORKS Energy deregulation gives customers the power to choose who supplies their energy, and in the 25 deregulated states across the country, many are switching from their utility to a retail energy supplier. The customer is still billed and serviced by their local utility, but their supply is provided by a company that can be more responsive to market conditions and deliver benefits that go well beyond keeping the lights on.
RENEWABLE ENERGY North American Power is dedicated to improving America’s energy independence by providing greater access to homegrown renewable energy in all 50 states. In the deregulated markets the company serves, every customer that switches to North American Power automatically chooses 25% renewable energy and has the choice to upgrade to 100% renewable energy. Plus, with the company’s national renewable energy product, American Wind, North American Power is offering all Americans the power to help green the grid.
GIVING BACK In April 2011, North American Power made a bold commitment to giving back with the launch of Mission to Millions. This ongoing philanthropic initiative allows customers to direct North American Power funds to deserving charities each month when they pay their bill. Through Mission to Millions, the company has given nearly $100,000 to partner organizations including Action Against Hunger, Malaria No More, Dress For Success and Little Kids Rock with giving set to increase as North American Power expands its customer base in this one-for-one model. www.napower.com/m2m
POWER TO EARN Each customer who switches to North American Power has the opportunity to earn cash rewards with the company’s groundbreaking customer referral model. Customers who refer three friends or family members who sign up within 30 days can earn $50 and keep earning every time they share North American Power’s products. Plus, customers who are interested in pursuing greater earnings can sign on as an Independent Representative to take advantage of a zero-risk, zero-investment home-based business
opportunity.
Click here to learn more
October 26, 2012 in Finance, Leadership
Many families continue to fight to survive tough economic times. Many strive to identify why their bank accounts continue to leak money although they have made their best efforts to plug the holes. Retirees are unsure of the best strategies for maintaining savings, increasing income through consulting or navigating turbulent financial waters on a fixed income. Teens, college students and recent graduates just starting a work and career life want to know more about saving, investing and cash purchasing power. In response, Zion Hill Baptist Church located at 6175 Campbellton Road in Atlanta will launch the “Money Smarts Series” on Saturday, October 27, 2012, from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Attendees will be able to talk with experts about the best strategies for handling income, credit, budgeting and debt. The perspectives include:
· Money Smarts for the “Next Stage” ages 25- 65 (Working adults have careers, perhaps families and are building wealth, or want to know the best steps for building wealth.)
· Money Smarts for Retirement ages 65+ (Older adults may not be seeking income actively; some may be consulting; many may be living on a fixed income or investments; others may be concerned about passing on wealth.)
· Money Smarts for Young People ages 13-25 (Young people are in the first part of their careers, whether it’s the first job ever, or it’s the first job after college. Saving, investing, credit and cash purchasing power are areas of exploration for those who want to make a strong start in handling their income effectively.)
The “Money Smarts Series” workshops will be held in four 2-hour segments that will be held concurrently. The segments are Credit, Debt, Budgeting and Income. The Series will be scheduled four times, so that participants can take part in each of the four segments.
Issues to be covered in the sessions include budgeting, understanding credit and debt, identifying sources of income and discovering new sources, spending—how one can impact its outcome, tithing and much, much more.
Members of the community can learn how to use their financial resources more efficiently, build and maintain wealth and provide for the work of the church through their tithes. Money Smarts is a service of the Zion Hill Baptist Church Community Action Business (CAB) Ministry.
For more information about the “Money Smarts Series”, call the church at 404-691-8025.
“Money Smarts” is a public service presentation of Zion Hill Baptist Church and does not serve as an endorsement of any individual presenter nor does it support any product or service of any presenter or participant. All material or information provided is the responsibility of the presenter/participant.
Money Smarts Presenters
Rogelio Brathwaite is a business professional with over 30 years of experience in both the corporate and entrepreneurial environments. He has led, coached and mentored hundreds professionals to their success. As a qualified business coach he specializes in small businesses.
Wendy Labat has been an entrepreneur for almost 30 years. Her company, M3 Enterprises LLC is a tax preparation and business development firm. Wendy is pursuing her doctoral degree in Business Administration specializing in Entrepreneurship.
Courtney L. Teague, social entrepreneur and founder of C7 Enterprises LLC has worked in the education and social media fields for over 8 years. As an educator, instructional designer, and blogger, Courtney brings expertise in computing, social media and technology.
Pam Middleton, a Chartered Financial Consultant with thirty four years of experience as a Financial Planner and Accountant, specializes in retirement planning.
Evelyn St. James is a CPA with over 30 years in the finance field, specializing in corporate taxes. Most recently, upon retirement, she has joined forces with North American Power to help people create sustainable income from Energy products that positively impact the environment.
Paula Washington assists executives in advancing their careers and business owners in transforming their companies and achieving incredible results. Paula’s passion for the empowerment of women, girls and families, led her to establish Wise Women Speak Foundation, Inc., where she serves as Founder & Chair.
