Black 2 Black Magazine - June 22

Black 2 Black Magazine VOL. 1 ISSUE 1 MY JUNE 2022 MOTHER, THERE'S ASK THE NO LOVE EXPERTS LIKE IT! MIGNON

htneetenuJ Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans. It is also often observed for celebrating African-American culture. Originating in Galveston, Texas, it has been celebrated annually on June 19 in various parts of the United States since 1865.

contents 15 COVER FEATURE: MIGNON THOMAS 3    Editor's Note 4   Contributing Writers 7 My Mother, My Queen Donita Banks 15 “Life is Uncomfortable; Pleasantly Uncomfortable.” ~ Coach MT 16 Grants for Women 25 The Mindset That Sets Apart Great Leaders Matthew Santana Jr.   16    Tina Young-Holman Grants for Women in Business

Black 2 Black (BPSNB) was established in 2006 with the idea to support black women & men in business. Networking and support in their endeavors. Resources to help develop and grow their businesses. So in doing so the idea for a magazine comes to mind. That will designate a place to share our business and give resources we normally don't know anything about. The group allowed potential customers to join that could use our services and products so in return more eyes on what we offered. So, the group is a place to share your product or services. Black 2 Black for the business owner and entrepreneur looking to show authority in their area of expertise or skills. I'm a serial entrepreneur/ business owner. Started in 2004 as a single mom trying to bring in extra income without a second job. Started online selling a variety of products, no specific product. That's a no- no if you're just buying and not selling. So, I end up with a lot of products that I bought based on products sold already. Had to rethink my strategy. Lesson learned because what you don't know you don't understand. So, I made it my mission to disseminate information about the business world so that we're not left out of the loop. So, I joined a different organization to gather information so I could educate our community. Then I noticed how they didn't want us to know because that's how they manipulate the system. The information is free to get but we're not out trying to get it. So the system has been used to their advantage. That ends today if we work together and not against each other. Tina Young-Holman & Jamari Holman Editor n Chief Email: [email protected]

Donita Banks Tracie Conyers Mignon Thomas Tiffany Larnette Contributing Writers



M y M o t hDeor ,n iMt ya QBuaenekns My Mother of Honor is none other than I never saw my mother drink, smoke or treat anyone wrong. I did hear my mom \"try\" to use the word damn a few times. We laughed Queen Mother, Henrietta Ridley so hard I think she gave up trying to use it. It Thomas. Every mother is special and just didn't sound right coming from her. unique in their own way to their child There are so many blessings from my mother. My mother didn't tell us to pray morning, but the gift of my mother goes beyond noon, and night. We did it as a family daily. her children. The most unique thing We started with morning family devotion. about life that I have experienced is the morphing into my mother. I'm looking more like her. I'm sounding more like her. I'm acting more like her. She said you don't need anybody in your business but Jesus. She told us to put God first in everything we do at home, work, or play. Mamma was not perfect by any stretch of the imagination but she is the perfect Mother for me.

The only time our hot breakfast Mamma had jobs galore. Nothing wasn't cold each morning was if we was too menial for her to do. She had cereal. In that case the milk cleaned homes, offices and The would be hot by the time you poured Pines Theatre. She ironed it on your cereal from our long clothes,kept kids and taught kids in prayers. Mamma didn't tell us to do the home. She made it. She picked our best. She demonstrated and up cans, bottles and old demanded our best. Mamma trained newspapers. She made it. She sold us by her doing, to give first to God pies, popcorn balls and candied and your fellowman. My mother was apples. She cooked at The Blue six years old when her mother died of Bonnet Cafe. She made it. So much cancer. This was a difficult time, prior of this wasn't about her making to her passing and afterwards. She ends meet for family, but like many helped nurse for her mother as a little of you know about me, there are girl during this difficult transition. always the extra children that you She made it. The church mother's bring into your family from the that I've spoken on this past week neighborhood, church and school. were the kind of women my mother She made it. This included every had in her life, very specifically, Silsbee Tiger football game, Mother Comie Graham. This is the basketball game, many volleyball reason we call the Grahams family. games and baseball games. We My mother and aunt actually spent a didn't get refreshments though. She great deal of time living in their said you can go to the game or stay home. Many people don't have time home and eat. Working at the Pines for others these days but I thank God we and those with us got to sit in for The Village, especially The the segregated balcony free because Graham Village. she worked there. No refreshments during the movie but all the free Mom gave birth to 4 children and I popcorn we could eat before am number 3. I wasn't the oldest or cleaning the grease grossed popcorn the first girl. I wasn't the first boy. I popper. wasn't the baby. I was just me. Mamma equipped us for life. Each of us attended college and chose our paths. I think she's pretty proud of us. Mom missed her senior year of school due to a burn that slowly healed. She graduated a year later. It was another difficult time in her life but she made it.

Mamma was a licensed life insurance On Saturdays, we would go do deep agent for many years. In 1972 I cleaning at the picture show, the believe, she took a nurse's aid class, bank, doctors offices, lawyers CNA's today, and began to work at offices and South Hampton. Mamma Silsbee Doctor's Hospital until she said we did this in case the previous retired. Our lives upgraded financially week we missed something or for but our family time was never the the upcoming week it wouldn't be so same. It did afford us additional dirty and hard to clean...lol. Kinda opportunities in private classes, extra think this taught us work ethic. curricular activities and vacations. Mamma was also the one who made We haven't been to Alaska but we've sure the community donated to the pretty well covered the other 49 American Cancer Society.Yep, we states, Mexico and Canada. Being the collected door to door every year. super mom she is...she still made all She collected yearly for NAACP of our school events. She was never dues. She was an active Eastern too tired or sleep deprived to teach Star. She was a member of the her Sunday School class. She still Royal Cloverleaf Women's Club remained active in West Side Mission until it disbanded. She was director on Mondays, Church Prayer Meeting of the Senior Citizen Center for and Worker's Conference on years. Mamma campaigned for Wednesdays. Thursdays she visited many political candidates from local the nursing homes and shut in. to national levels. Mamma taught in Tuesdays and Fridays she still The National Baptist Convention, attended school events. If nothing USA from local to national levels. was going on, she visited our teachers She was a licensed counselor for just because she was our mother. Billy Graham and E.J. Daniels Crusade. These are some of the Mom gave birth to 4 children and I highlights. She did even more. So, am number 3. I wasn't the oldest or when I say this motherless, single the first girl. I wasn't the first boy. I parent mother, lived to have 5 wasn't the baby. I was just me. generations, is better than yours...I Mamma equipped us for life. Each of say it bursting with pride. I salute us attended college and chose our and honor My amazing, God- paths. I think she's pretty proud of us. fearing, Woman of God, Mother Mom missed her senior year of school Henrietta Thomas of First due to a burn that slowly healed. She Missionary Baptist Church. She graduated a year later. It was another attended FBC for 84 years. Her difficult time in her life but she made works go before her. Please join me it. in honoring My Mother, My Queen the grandest Mother's Day ever on the other side.

Remembering Mamma A Blessed Mothers Day

I'm a mom, wife, security guard, caregiver, business owner, and serial entrepreneur. I'm a Certified Score Mentor that helps small businesses and entrepreneurs give information and resources to grow. I have business Black 2 Black Consulting to help the business with more resources. Occasionally I do these services. I'm a License life insurance Agent. Queen Kingdom Travel is an independent travel agent. QueenKing Beauty has hair products sold online. I hosted Pop-Ups for vendors and the Black Excellence Gala event through T & J Emporium(TNJ Hous3 Enterprise), my online general merchandise store. https://www.tnjemporium.com This magazine will be for us to uplift, motivate and educate through our services and products. Give resources that we usually are not aware of that can help in business. Welcome, all black women businesses and men that provide a service or product for the black women. I have a passion for helping black women/men because we're left out of the loop on so much. Veterans information to start a business as of right now if you're a new business you can get LLC paid for until they stop it again. Business Misconception This is only my opinion, not legal advice. Structure of business Everyone should LLC their business at start-up. You should only do this when you have potential liabilities or getting ready to do business with the government(contracts). Everyone has a chance of being sued so yes LLC is recommended. Protect personal assets and if sued it will affect LLC. Protects if you get sued for a product or service you made and distributed. Need for setting up a minority business certification in most cases. Start- up businesses should wait if they're not making any money yet. That expense should be added later. Example food vendors, candle makers, soap makers, etc. Certain businesses, yes you should get it if you know you could have a liability potential. But if you're on a shoestring budget that could be added later. Just get the proper license for your businesses and DBA(Doing Business As). Work on LLC once you're making a profit. Once you are ready to LLC (Limited Liability Company) just do paperwork and keep up with tax liability. Make sure you are part of the process once you start your LLC to make sure to file on time. If you plan on taking out a loan or getting investors or having more business partners, start as an LLC first. Yes, start a sole-proprietor if you're not looking for funds such as loans, grants, investors, partners, or selling products you make if you don't have funds to pay.

Do you own a small business? Join THE BUSINESS DIRECTORY, FROM THE THE MIND OF A LEADER! We help connect small businesses with customers, services, and products in a big way. Our small business directory provides entrepreneurs an easy way to locate resources – and an effective way for companies to reach out to new markets, business partners and customer groups. With local, regional, national and global visibility online, our directory can play an important role in helping you reach a vital business market by putting your listing right in front of customers and businesses when they are researching and ready to buy goods and services. Hi entrepreneurs! We're starting a directory that potential customers/clients can reach you for your services/products. Hopefully, this helps add another stream of revenue for your ever- growing business. If your business is ready-to-go, has the capacity and you would like to be added to our directory, fill out this form! Think of these questions. 1. What is your mission? 2. Who is your customer? 3. What does the customer value? 4. What are your results? 5. What is your plan?





“Life is Uncomfortable; Pleasantly Uncomfortable.” ~ Coach MT Who is Coach MT? Well, she is a fierce, beautiful, resilient yet gentle blend of unpleasant imperfections. Society tends to praise the black woman for neglecting her most precious blessing, herself. This is the stigma we silence every single day inside of Coach MT VIP. Coach MT has over 10 years of Nursing experience and recently left her “good government job” to pursue her life’s dream of entrepreneurship. She also shows up daily as a nurse consultant and mental health advocate in her community. She is evolving into a force to reckoned with and loving every moment. Coach MT works with minority women that seek growth on their entrepreneurial journey. Coach MT is the CEO of Coach MT VIP an elite mastermind membership dedicated to freeing minority female entrepreneurs from mindset stigmas. She has overcome many obstacles during her journeys such as grief, imposter syndrome, self-doubt, unworthiness, racism, depression, and lack of support. This is what lead her to create her membership and signature program Pleasantly Uncomfortable. Pleasantly Uncomfortable is a guided group coaching program that brings awareness to the why behind the why. Why are we afraid? Why are we failing? Why are we stuck? What do we want? Why am I broke? These are just a few of the deep mindset revelations this program will provide. Unlike most programs, being pleasantly uncomfortable provides awareness and assists in resolving those mind- boggling barriers. Why? Because the only thing stopping you is YOU!” This leads to clients achieving success on a level they could not even fathom before meeting Coach MT. If you are tired of being stuck and truly seeking clarity run over to www.Coachmtvip.co and submit your application. Yes, application as we only work with the BEST. It’s the VIP Treatment with Coach MT for me! www.coachmtvip.com

Grants for Women We can help you navigate the right resources. Disclosure: I'm sharing info and not affiliated with any of these on a business level. I do not make a profit from the list. Check out the links for further information. Grant finder is what I'm providing for women of color. The list doesn't apply to everyone and grants are not for everyone if you don't meet the criteria. But read them all and see what's required and get a certification, etc. Some require an income requirement that you must meet. No now means maybe later. So don't give up keep trying to reach your goal. Stay tuned I will add once I find any that might help you as black women succeed. When doing the application answer all questions if you can't don't submit that means you're not ready. Pause and get the information needed then submit. Remember you are not the only one who submitted and answer questions. So make sure you put your best effort into completing the application or form. Listed in no particular order just sharing is caring! Black women find funds! https://ifundwomen.com/caress

Awardees will also receive tactical help navigating the fundraising environment at large so that they will have a more equitable opportunity at scaling the next billion-dollar idea. They will also receive lifetime “ask-me- anything” access to the SoGal Foundation and SoGal Ventures teams. We know this is a small start, and we are hopeful that it will grow. We believe in a brighter future where the next world-changing business does not go unrealized because of systemic discrimination. To qualify, you should: – self-identify as a Black woman or Black nonbinary entrepreneur (inclusive of multiracial Black women and multiracial Black nonbinary folks) – have a legally registered business – plan to seek investor financing to scale, now or in the future – have a scalable, high-impact solution or idea with the ambition to be the next billion-dollar business. All Grants/WomenNet https://ambergrantsforwomen.com/all-grants/

More than a grant opportunity As the founding partner of IFundWomen of Color, Caress invested $1M to fund, support, and elevate women of color founders. This year, Caress is continuing their commitment to diverse entrepreneurs. The Caress Dreams Fund will bring 60 founders through crowdfunding accelerator programs culminating in a $5,000 grant for each business, opportunities to pitch, plus the coaching and creative services they need to execute successful fundraising campaigns. Applications for the spring cohort are now closed. https://www.webackblackbusinesses.com ELIGIBLE BUSINESSES MUST: – Meet the criteria for being a Black-owned enterprise in a qualifying industry (See details below in “Who is eligible to apply?”). – Employ between 3 and 20 people, including the owner and any full-time employees, part-time employees, or individuals working under a 1099 or similar contractual agreement. – Be located in an economically vulnerable community, according to the Distressed Communities Index. – Have been harmed financially by the COVID-19 pandemic. https://collab-capital/process/ We are looking for early-stage companies. At a minimum, we like to see a minimally viable product that has already been tested. Ideally, the product should already be on the market and generating some recurring revenue, as it signals that people are willing to pay for it. If your product is still in the idea stage, or you’re still building your MVP, you are likely too early for us. Most tech enables solutions for workers and workplaces of the future. An entrepreneur who is reimaging and designing technology to increase access to all aspects of health & wellness, feminine care, and eldercare. Learning for schools and colleges and universities start-up on the cusp of the latest research and trends in education who are finding innovation via technology. https://www.iamsogal.com/black-founders-startup-grants/





Tracie Conyers has been a licensed Realtor for 17yrs and has a mortgage background that started before my career in Real Estate. I am so glad I prayed and asked GOD for guidance and he has directed my paths towards the most rewarding career ever- Helping His People Reach Their Dreams Of Homeownership. I have met so many wonderful people during my career and believe it or not the majority know and love God, so it has made this journey delightful. I am a Listing and Buyer's agent I pride myself on well-established and I sell Commercial, Residential, relationships, transactions, and Land, Investment Properties, and finding the best grants that have paid Seems Like All Things Real Estate many of my client's Down Payments as I am an Investor as well. and many sellers who have paid their closing costs. We have slapped the It's been my mission to help all myth of the 20% down payment people, yet it's been a pleasure requirement in the face. Veterans assisting low-moderate income have a $0 down payment, and we families to obtain the dream of appreciate their service, and so can homeownership where the mind was you as a consumer acquire that same to believe that it was unreachable. benefit by utilizing me and my We have shamed the devil as he resources. I also have access to a wants us to have nothing and to program that offers a Third Party believe that we can't have what Owner Finance Option- Your Money GOD has truly stated in his word. is your credit. I have over 20 years My \"No Client Left Behind of experience in the Industry and my Initiative\" has changed the mindsets name Tracie Conyers speaks volumes and lives of so many people and I in millions of households. For a free have been most grateful to be a part consultation, please call 409-499- of all under God's Directive. 8095.

TAKE RISKS.  INACTION IS AS MUCH OF A RISK AS ACTION.  ALEC ANTOINE

JSpence JSpence is no stranger to dedication and hard work, in fact, he started his career as a hometown rap artist in Memphis, TN, and grew to a viral internet phenom. The clothing brand was born from his 2017 hit single “Cocky”. He began with T-shirts and Hoodies with the words Cocky on them which created a buzz in the TN area. He continued to inspire others with his message of self-love, not arrogance but was paused for three years due to untimely incarceration after he graduated from Tennessee State University. This time away only inspired JSpence to plan how to better structure his business and return stronger. Upon his release, he continued to perform his catchy and trendy music and expand his brand by adding CSO “Cocky Shit Only” which introduced the recognizable bear and the slogan, “if you don’t see the bear you a square\". Spence Cocky Gear Inc. continues to thrive and is currently able to be purchased in Styles Clothing Store in Hermitage, TN. The company continues to inspire everyone to love themselves fully, no matter who they are or what they look like, without needing the influence or opinions of others to validate who you are.



The Mindset That Sets Apart Great Leaders by Matthew S. Santana Jr. When you're in life's business, you'll f you’re a leader, ask yourself these questions: occasionally be knocked down, and some people will simply stop there... You must When something goes wrong, do I try to pin the rise and try again, but this time think blame on other people? outside the box and do something different. An entrepreneur's business relies Am I afraid of failure? If so, is it because I don’t heavily on networking. want the responsibility? Take advantage of the opportunity to meet In what ways does responsibility end with me? new people because networking is an important part of running a business. What steps can I begin taking to accept more responsibility? Are you leading yourself before you lead others? Step one? Make the effort and take the leap of faith. Here are some helpful questions to ask: To be honest, business networking is a fantastic method to broaden your knowledge, learn from Do I expect others to do what I won’t do others' successes, attract new clients, and myself? promote your firm. Am I focused more on my own need for Many successful entrepreneurs credit their growth or others? success to the help they received along the way from others. Am I setting an example that should be If you have a strong professional network, you followed, or do I hope others won’t notice can attain goals that you wouldn't be able to what I do? reach on your own. Am I constantly pushing myself to grow? Business networking is unquestionably the best tool for finding solutions to seemingly You aren’t perfect and never will be. You insurmountable problems, as well as word-of- shouldn’t expect perfection from yourself mouth referrals that can help you expand your or others. However, you should expect customer base. more from yourself than from those you lead. rise as high as you.

Your business goals will be easier to achieve if you follow up on these referrals/leads and convert them into clients. Networking leads are frequently more resourceful than other forms of marketing. The most obvious benefit is increased business, but there are many others as well. Networking is Crucial! Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you? In my capacity as a business coach, I encounter so many entrepreneurs who Success is finding that place of joy in all still believe networking is all about aspects of your life. It is living the life you selling and persuading everyone that envisioned for yourself and finding balance in what you have will change the world. achieving your goals. Success is achieving While selling is still important with what you set out to do but knowing that all customers, networking with colleagues things unfold in divine timing. Meaning what and investors is still about developing is for you is for you, and you will achieve relationships, listening to others' needs, your goals with the help of God, focus, and recommending a win-win situation. intention, integrity, a great work ethic, and faith in God and yourself. What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in Shift your Mindset for Success their life? • Change your Self-Talk. ... Only you can define success. What • Change your Language. ... success looks like for me may be different • Determine the mindset you need and act as for you. However, whatever that picture if. ... of success is for you, put it in your mind. • Identify & overcome your Personal Mental See it, feel it, and then go after it, and Blocks. ... don’t let “No’s” stop you. • Learn & apply... • Surround yourself with people that match your desired mindset. ... • Create new habits to support your mindset change. www.santanaglobal.com



The King By: Sunni Pouncil Being a Father takes strength and courage. If I can say anything to anyone that does You're the man of the house all the have a Father that is still living on this Earth with them, love your Father. Learn to responsibilities of a household rely on you. If develop and have a relationship with your you fail to come through on your end, then it Father. Fathers are a great source to rolls onto the wife or your significant other to connect with because it gives a different help fulfill those obligations that need to take point of view from a male's perspective especially if you're a daddy's girl because care of a family. you get to understand what type of man you would want to marry. As a male, you learn how to become a strong man and how to I grew up without a father. I've seen my take and endure different situations that life father maybe twice in my entire life. I've will throw you away. Whether it be a race always wanted to be a daddy's little girl. I matter or an economic setback from jobs, or would miss having my Father around to be low-income housing issues, the list can able to walk me down the aisle on my continue. wedding day or to be there for the birth of his Grandchildren or any other special occasion. Don’t speak what you see. Speak what you WANT to see. You can decree and Those are the things I will miss. declare over your situation and change it. Sunni P. My husband Carl W. Pouncil, Jr is very much the role of a Father figure. He Be the Father that wants to fight to keep his daughters off the poles and the corners. genuinely cares about the well-being of our boys, their mind, body & character. Being that they are 20 years apart from each other Be the Father that helps his son understand you started with one and just as you finish his rights as a man of color. To be able to you start with another. I love the wisdom, take accountability for his actions. To know strength & courage that my husband gives to when you create a family, that you are our boys in learning how to grow from boys taking on a huge responsibility in raising a to young men. My oldest son is my “BONUS” family. You are now the man of the house. son, Carl W. Pouncil, III whom I've been I tell my son daily, to make smart decisions around since he was 3 years of age, I love & to be kind to people. You do have a choice him as if he’s my own. to speak life or death over you & any situation you face. Happy Father’s Day to you I take my hat off to those single Fathers that are raising their children who have absent Mothers for whatever the circumstances or reasoning’s that will include divorce, death, or being strung out on drugs. Stand strong my brother, for you will be rewarded.

Jewel Alexander Grandma comes to stay with Gem and her mom. When Gem discovers her beloved grandma's memory is fading, she devises a plan to help her remember. Statistics suggest that many families will encounter the effects of cognitive impairment in a loved one over the age of 65. Further, according to Alzheimer's Disease International, \"someone in the world develops dementia every 3 seconds.\" Through Gem, children will learn that there is still hope when life situations change, and they can use their creativity to cope with these challenges. This heartwarming story reveals Grandma's love of music and her Order Today! pioneering spirit. For children ages 5-11, parents, and anyone caring for a loved one who is experiencing cognitive decline. Grab your copy now to discover how Gem helps her Grandma! Jewel Alexander was born and raised in the twin-island Republic of Trinidad & Tobago. Music was an integral part of her early development, as she began piano lessons at the age of three. Later, she became a pannist with Solo Harmonites and Amoco Renegades, two leading steel orchestras, playing for many years at the annual Panorama competition held in Trinidad. She graduated from Andrews University, with a degree in Behavioral Sciences and Music Education. In her final year of studies, she undertook Creative Writing as an elective. Her professor encouraged her to pursue the art of writing, and there, the seed of becoming an author was planted. She won a writing competition facilitated by The University of The West Indies, in collaboration with The Cropper Foundation. She was offered a place in their Residential Programme For Emerging Caribbean Writers. Although it was a dream come true, she eventually declined the offer, due to the demands of her personal life. Jewel now resides in Tennessee, USA with her family, and works at a public library where she is able to indulge in her love of books. Her debut children’s book, Grandma’s Song, is based on her personal experience of caring for a parent with memory loss.

Black 2 Black Magazine VOL. 1 ISSUE 1 JUNE 2022 MIGNON