Category: Lifestyle

Ashley Savage

Posted on by Alyse Nicole

10 Questions with Entrepreneur Ashley Savage

 

We’re a little over half way through the month and almost done with my 10 Questions series, where I interview Back owned businesses at different stages in their career, asking them the same questions. Today, I’m interviewing entrepreneur Ashley Savage, owner of CoverdNCrochet and  P.O.U.T. Lip Lacquer. These are her answers.

 

1. What is your business, and how did it come to be?

I currently have 2 businesses: CoverdNCrochet, where I make crochet garments, accessories and some home decor items; and P.O.U.T. Lip Lacquer.

I learned to crochet when I was 13yrs old from a nice lady, friend of the family. Then years later I picked it back up as a means of therapy after a near fatal car accident.

I also just dipped a toe in the cosmetics business and launched a line of lip gloss called P.O.U.T. Lip Lacquer. The acronym P.O.U.T. stands for Perfecting Our Unique Talents. I was making lip gloss and lip scrubs with my nieces (I have 8 of them), and I just so happened to run across some videos on YouTube and saw that people actually sell the lip gloss they make. So I said to myself, “Ash you can do that.” So I wrote down a check list and for 60 days I went through the list, checking everything off, and I launched Jan. 15th.

 

2. What’s your proudest moment so far?

Just having the courage to take the leap with both businesses. When you want to start something of your own, there are a lot of people that’ll try to discourage you from doing so because they only see what could go wrong. Most people say, “What if you fail?” And I always ask myself, “What if I fly?” Then I get right to work on my written plans.

 

3. Do you notice any specific struggles or issues due to your business being Black owned?

I’ve noticed that a lot of people have some sort of stigma with Black-owned businesses, and unlike our white counterparts, people that have been successful in the same field or market are not willing to help anyone else. They have this terrible mindset and they think that if they help the next person, I’ll take away from their business.

 

4. Who would benefit most from your business?

My children. The pandemic has hit a lot of families pretty hard and no matter how bad this thing gets, the landlord still wants the rent, and I have to keep the lights on and the bellies full. I work for the State of Arkansas, barely making ends meet. So the rest has to come from somewhere. I’d do anything for my kids. So why not work for them too if I’m going to work everyday for somebody else?

 

5. Do you have someone you look up to in the professional world? If so, who and why?

Yes and no.

No because I actually look up to my parents. They have always been hard-working people and no matter what the odds were against them, they made sure that we didn’t go without.

Yes, I look up to Raynell Stewart, aka Supa Cent. I started following her long before the multimillion dollar cosmetic line. I followed her on YouTube and watched crazy story time videos. She started her business with just a plan and now look at it.

 

6. Since it’s Black History Month, what Black icon do you relate to most, be it a civil rights leader, celebrity, etc.?

I really can’t pick one individual. I have the determination so many people had before me. The drive to keep going when someone tells you or makes you feel undeserving.

 

7. What’s your next goal for your business?

I’m currently working on Spring/Summer swimwear for my crochet business and I have a gloss collection in the works for Women’s History Month In March as well as selling other items donning my logos.

 

8. What’s your most popular item?

Right now my most popular crochet item is leg warmers and my most popular gloss is actually my signature gloss called Perfect POUT.

 

9. What’s one non-monetary way someone could support your business right now?

Just like and or share the posts pertaining to my business on Facebook here and here. The more exposure I can get the better..

 

10. How can we shop with you?

I have a shop on Etsy, www.etsy.com/shop/CoverdNCrochet,  and you can purchase my vegan, cruelty free lip lacquer at www.poutliplacquer20.com.

Thank you!

Thank you so much Ashley for participating in this series! Thank you all for reading and  getting to know Ashley and her story. Please go to both of her sites to show your support!

Stewart and Daughters Global

Posted on by Alyse Nicole

10 Questions with Stewart and Daughters Global

 

We’re at the third interview from my 10 Questions series, where I ask Black owned businesses at different stages in their career the same 10 questions. Today, I’m interviewing Alexander Stewart, of Stewart and Daughters Global. These are his answers.

Alexander and Felicia Stewart

1. What is your business, and how did it come to be?

Ecommerce holistic business that gives the customer the ability to shop for wellness products, skincare, and home cleaning products at one stop. It came to be for me because I only like to offer products that I believe in and that will offer what is a need in your life.

 

2. What’s your proudest moment so far?

My proudest moment so far is knowing that I have products that truly are a need for my customers at this point and I can direct my customers to products that are safe and that I believe in.

  

3. Do you notice any specific struggles or issues due to your business being Black owned?

I have not noticed any specific struggles mainly because my business is Ecommerce and not a storefront.

 

 4. Who would benefit most from your business?

Anyone looking for all natural organic vitamins, weight loss supplements, or sports nutrition. Also anyone looking for all natural organic skincare systems or organic and biodegradable cleaning products. I believe I have what anyone needs.

 

5. Do you have someone you look up to in the professional world? If so, who and why?

 I would say I look up to Lebron James because he is doing what I always dreamed of doing which is giving back into his community and giving kids who do not have the support needed a chance to achieve their goals in life.

 

6. Since it’s Black History Month, what Black icon do you relate to most, be it a civil rights leader, celebrity, etc.?

My black icon is Kobe Bryant simply because he expected and pursued excellence in everything he did.

 

7. What’s your next goal for your business?

My next goal for my business is to earn more customer business and increase my customer sales by 15% heading into the summer.

 

8. What’s your most popular service?

My most popular item is the N* by Nutrilite which is basically saying (put more nutrition in you).

 

9. What’s one non-monetary way someone could support your business right now?

Simply by sharing the business with friends and family or anyone who wants the ability to shop for natural and organic nutrition, skincare, and homecare from a one stop shop.

 

10. How can we reach you to shop with you?

 I can be reached 4 different ways: Email (stewartanddaughtersglobal@gmail.com), Phone number (469-600-9196), and Websites (www.amway.com/myshop/DailyHealthBeauty)(www.amway.com/myshop/CleanFreshHouse)

Thank you!

Thank you Alexander for participating in this series! Thank you all for reading and  getting to know Alexander. Please be sure to visit his sites and support his family’s business.

 

Majestic Adult Living Home Agency

Posted on by Alyse Nicole

10 Questions with Majestic Adult Living Home Agency

 

Welcome back to the next interview from my 10 Questions series, where I interview Back owned businesses at different stages in their career. Today, I’m asking Aries Maxwell, owner of Majestic Adult Living Home Agency the same 10 questions. These are her answers.

1. What is your business, and how did it come to be?

my business name is Majestic Adult Living Home Agency. We are a residential in-home care, adult family home agency provider that provides 24 hour supervision, medication, administration, transportation service, respite care, etc, in Milwaukee, WI.

My business was inspired by my grandmother and mother, brother, and niece. My grandmother passed in 2015. She has always been known as a person to put a smile on someone’s face while dealing with her own challenges. When I was growing up, as a teenager, my grandmother lived with us. We used to see her talking to herself, but didn’t fully understand what was wrong with her, but we loved her anyway. Later we found out that she had schizophrenia and dementia, a mental health disorder. We didn’t know what mental illness was or even talk about it in our home. We just lived with it and loved on her despite her condition, and she loved on us back.

Another person who inspired me was my brother, who was born with cerebral palsy and a developmental disability, and his fight to not allow his disability determine his limits to living his best life. Lastly was learning my niece was born with a hearing impairment and watching her grow up as she excelled in school and listening to her plan her future. She has inspired me to understand how important it is to develop an environment where people need to feel love and acceptance from others whether it’s a mental illness, a developmental, or physical disability. They are still people who have learned to do things differently.

 

2. What’s your proudest moment so far?

My proudest moment when one of my resident thank me for being apart her life.

  

3. Do you notice any specific struggles or issues due to your business being Black owned?

Yes, financing and resources.

 

4. Who would benefit most from your business?

Families who are looking for a place for their grandmother, brother, aunt, uncle or child, also a Social Worker or Case manager who is looking to place someone into a good home.

 

5. Do you have someone you look up to in the professional world? If so, who and why?

Tyra Banks, because of her poise and business savvy and modeling. Also, Oprah Winfrey because of her heart for philanthropy.

6. Since it’s Black History Month, what Black icon do you relate to most, be it a civil rights leader, celebrity, etc.?

I want to say Oprah Winfrey and Michelle Obama.

 

7. What’s your next goal for your business?

Our next goal is to open 3 more homes within the next year to service more residents. Our long-term goal is to expand to other states, like Texas, Michigan, Georgia just to name a few. Our ultimate goal is to expand across the border to Ghana, Africa, where we plan on building our school and homes for women and children.

 

8. What’s your most popular service?

Personal Care Service and Pet therapy

 

9. What’s one non-monetary way someone could support your business right now?

Send referrals or like our social media pages on facebook and instagram to stay updated on what we are doing.

 

10. How can we reach you to work with you?

You can reach me at 414-253-6355 or you can visit us at our website www.majesticlivinghomeagency.com

Thank you!

I would like to thank Aries for participating in this series and for the great work she does. Thank you all for reading and  getting to know Aries and her story. If you’re in the Milwaukee area and are in need of her services, please contact her.

PrettyGirl Miinks

Posted on by Alyse Nicole

10 Questions with PrettyGirl Miinks

Hey y’all! Welcome back to the blog! For Black History Month, I’m asking Black owned business owners, from newly established to industry veterans, the same 10 questions to document the differences and similarities in answers. Follow along to read the various responses and to discover new (to you) businesses to support.

 

Today I’m interviewing LaQuisha Evans, owner of PrettyGirl Miinks and Creations. I asked her 10 questions. Here are her answers.

 

PrettyGirl Miinks

1. What is your business, and how did it come to be?

My business is PrettyGirl Miinks. It originally came from my desire to help ladies feel pretty. It later expanded to my new desire of ladies’ safety.

2. What’s your proudest moment so far?

I would have to say it was getting my first out of country order! I was more than excited to ship my products to Canada!

3. Do you notice any specific struggles or issues due to your business being Black owned?

Thus far in my business venture, I have not had any issues.

4. Who would benefit most from your business?

My products are mostly geared towards the ladies. However, I do offer versatile products as well.

5. Do you have someone you could look up to in the professional world? If so, who and why?

Rihanna because she has her hands in many different things.  She makes music, is an actor, sells makeup, and lingerie. I do have a goal of being into multiple things at one time.

6. Since it’s Black History Month, what Black icon do you relate to most, be it a civil rights leader, celebrity, etc.?

Madame CJ Walker. I can relate to her struggle of perfecting her products to be worthy of her customers. Even though there were other products on the market, she put out her own products.

7. What’s your next goal for your business?

My next goal is to grow my audience and product list.

8. What’s your most popular service/item?

My most popular item, I would have to say, is our safety keychain. The first version contains a window breaker, mini flashlight, lip gloss, wristlet, a fur ball, and lip gloss holder. The second version has the same items as version one with pepper spray added.

9. What’s one non-monetary way someone could support your business right now?

Non-monetary support I could use the most right now would be to promote business on a social media platform with a large following in order for me to gain more exposure.

10. How can we reach you to shop with you?

I can be reached via email at prettygirlmiinks@gmail.com, Instagram at @prettygirlmiinks, Facebook at PrettyGirl Minks, and Etsy at PrettyGirlMiinks.

Thank you!

I would like to thank LaQuisha for being my first interview in this series. I sent her the questions, and she sent the answers and pictures back no more than 30 minutes later. 

I would also like to thank you for reading and hope you stay tuned for all the other interviews to come!

 

Master Bedroom Makeover

Posted on by Alyse Nicole

Our Master Bedroom Makeover

We participated in our first One Room Challenge this Spring when I did a full makeover of our master bedroom. We’ve lived here since 2017 but had never done anything to it.

 

For those unfamiliar, the One Room Challenge is a usually 6 week long project where you choose a room in your home or someone else’s home and give it a full makeover. How big or little the makeover is up to you. You share your progress once a week via your blog, social media, or both. Then everyone does their big reveal on the last week’s post date. For the Spring 2020 challenge, we were given 8 weeks to finish to help with shipping delays caused by COVID-19.

 

A little back story, we bought a king size mattress when we first moved in and still used our full/queen size headboard that was handmade by my late father-in-law. So we’re definitely holding onto that. Since the makeover, the headboard has been living in the front guest bedroom. Below are some before pictures. I put everything on the bed and was trying to do a purge/keep situation. It was not successful. lol

   

 

When I saw that registration was open for the One Room Challenge, I immediately signed up, not even knowing what we’d do. I’ve been watching participants for years and was tired of cheering from the sidelines. So, I bit the bullet and registered. Later that day, i was lying in our bed, doing nothing, and I started looking around. My brain was like OF COURSE THIS IS THE ROOM! 

 

So I talked with William, my husband, and we agreed to redo the bedroom. Then to make it a bit spicier, I decided to do the whole thing myself and surprise William with the reveal. As a compromise, he has full control over curating the wall art. It’s currently still in progress. The pieces are all created. They just need to be framed.

 

I came up with this mood board after finding the paint color Night Watch by PPG. It inspired the entire design. I wanted to paint the entire room this color, but I was vetoed by William. So, accent wall it was!

 

 

The first step was to paint. All of our interior walls, except our master bathroom and laundry room, were painted a terra cotta color before we moved in. So, I chose to paint the remaining walls outside of the accent wall white, specifically Pure White also by PPG. It took 2.5 weeks for me to finish painting. So I did other projects in between, like assembling the bed and  building a desk. Click here to see the whole process in my Instagram highlights.

 

The bed was a mostly easy assembly. Fun fact: I really like putting furniture together, especially Ikea furniture! Our bed, however, was from Wayfair. For the desk, I bought two 1x12x6 common board planks, some hair pin legs, and a few 12″ braces from Home Depot. It all came out to around $80, with the pin legs being the most expensive at $45. I used the braces to connect the two boards. Then, I attached the legs about an inch from each corner’s edge. After that, I stained the wood with some walnut stain we already had and topped it with one thin coat of epoxy. Once that dried, I was done!

  

After finishing the desk, I had to do the last design step that I’d been avoiding since week 2 or 3, and that was cutting the trim for the door moulding. To start this project, I taped off what I wanted the moulding to look like. I then measured that several times and bought the trim from, you guessed it, Home Depot. We only had a jigsaw at the time, and I was scared to use it. So I taped off what I eyeballed to be 45 degree angles at the needed lengths and asked William to cut the first piece. He uses the jigsaw all the time. So it wasn’t a problem for him.

 

I watched him cut one piece. Then. I built up the courage to try with him supervising me. I did great on the first cut and became overconfident. That’s when the problems started. I cut the rest by myself, and it wasn’t pretty. The angles were off. Chunks of wood would break off the tips when I cut through, and it was just all around ugly. So I stopped cutting after what you see in the second picture above and rented a miter saw. That was one of the best decisions I made during this project! It was so easy to use, and the cuts were perfect and beautiful. So now, a miter saw is on my wish list.

 

The actual final step before decorating was putting up the tv. I envisioned mounting it and making a wooden frame/art piece to cover it. That didn’t happen for multiple reasons, the main reason being I had NO IDEA how to do that lol. So, I just had the tv mounted by Five Star Installations , a local company I found on Facebook. While Rashon, the owner, was putting up the tv, I finished the doors. These were the final steps before I could start making the room pretty, and I was so excited to almost be done and show William what I had been up to for the last 8 weeks!

 

Well, that’s all for today, but check back soon for the reveal of our master bedroom makeover, where I’ll go into full detail on sourcing the items and my thought process.