“Life has a funny way of helping you out.” 🙏🏾~Alanis Morissette

what my sisterlocks taught me about business (#382)

Recently, I celebrated my 2-year Sisterlock-iversary! 🎉 Two years ago, I took the plunge into this permanent hairstyle. This move made sense to me as I could not handle my hair and preferred to wear it in protective styles (like braids). Once the process was done, though, I was not a fan. It was thin and stringy and most of all, it didn’t look my mom’s (her hair inspired me to go down this road).

But Kettya, my loctician, gave me some wise words:

• Trust the process

• Your journey will look different from everyone else’s (including your mom’s)

So I took a deep breath and did exactly that.  And, as you can probably guess, little by little, my hair grew and thickened, becoming the healthiest it’s been in a long time. 

And even when I start comparing myself to the progress of others, I look back at my own pictures from 3, 6, and 12 months ago and realize how far I’ve come.

from left to right: day 1, 1 year later, 2 years later

This journey has reinforced a valuable lesson that applies to business as well:

Trust the process and remember that your journey will be unique.

Building a side hustle requires patience and faith. Your journey is unique, and that’s what makes it special.

Here are some other takeaways:

1. Set small, achievable goals: Break down your big dreams into bite-sized goals. It’s like watching your hair grow—progress might seem slow, but every inch counts.

2. Celebrate your wins: Whether it’s a new client or a small milestone, take time to celebrate. 🎉 These moments keep you motivated and remind you why you started.

3. Consistency is key. Even if you can only dedicate a small amount of time each day to your side hustle, it adds up over time.

4. Reflect on Your Progress: Take time to look back at how far you’ve come. Reflection helps you appreciate the journey and plan your next steps.

On to the picks!

P.S. What's one small step you can take today towards your side hustle goals? Share it with me—I’d love to hear from you! 💬

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Note: This email may contain affiliate links. If you click through my link and make a purchase, I may receive “thank you money” at no additional cost. I only recommend products that I use and love.  

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#loves 😍

• 📚. Reading: The Widow’s Husband’s Secret Lie. I’ve been in a weird reading funk lately. I’ll finish a book in a week, and then every book I try to start just feels meh. Thinking a short story might help, I picked up Frieda McFadden’s latest release - a satire of psychological thrillers. And wow, it was awesome! The title alone is brilliant. Don’t you just love these over-the-top thriller titles? Reminded me of this Kristen Bell show that playfully mocked thriller movies. It’s funny how sometimes a change of pace can reignite your love for reading. I’m really glad I gave this one a shot!
  

• 📺. Watching: A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder. Speaking of psychological thrillers, I recently dove into this Netflix series without having read the book it’s based on. The show starts off slow, a la background-story-building, but patience pays off and by episode 4, things really start to pick up. This series is a classic whodunit revolving around a five-year-old murder case that keeps you guessing at every turn. And how could you not root for Pip? She believes there’s more to the story and will stop at nothing to get the answers.

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#reads

Why You Should Always Be Ready to Leave Your Job

Building a side hustle isn’t just about planning an exit strategy - it can be a great way to future-proof your career. While you are not trying to leave your job necessarily, you are building skills, connections, and a platform that will come in handy for your next career move, whenever it may come. (And building those entrepreneurial skills can also be beneficial to your current role).

Future-proofing your career has no downside.

You don’t need to leave your job. But chances are, you’ll eventually do so. Regardless of who makes that decision.

If you don’t leave, becoming a thought leader can be used to stand out within your current organization and negotiate a raise or added responsibility.

If you leave (or get let go), having an audience gives you a network to leverage, can get you recruited, or help you stand out against your competitors.

If you start your own business, it gives you a leg up on getting your first clients.

And it could be used to add 1-2 clients on the side as a side hustle.

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50 Positive Things To Do During Mercury Retrograde

This retrograde is really retrograding, am I right? I like Theresa’s ideas on using this period for some positive changes. Here are a few things I’m doing:

• Eliminate streaming services you never watch.

  • I’ve already canceled Paramount+ and AMC+. It feels good to cut out what I’m not using!

  • Tip: Review your subscriptions regularly to avoid paying for unused services.

• Sign up for a massage.

  • Got one scheduled for Thursday! Yay, self-care!

• Get rid of clothes that don’t fit.

  • While some of my clothes fit, I’m pulling together ones I never wear for donation.

What can you plan to do during this retrograde?

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#icymi

• 😍. Last issue’s top pick: 750 Words

“Our passion is simply the work we’ve trusted ourselves to do.” ❤️‍🔥 ~Seth Godin

• 🎤. ASK: My goal is to book 3 2 1 (!!) paid speaking gig this year. If you know of one, I’d love an intro. I talk about side hustles, newsletters, and finding self-care in a busy life. Learn more about my speaking offerings here.

• 💡. Want to start your side hustle but need a game plan? My new $9 offer is for you!

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• Organize + grow your biz! YAY Planner: create your 6-month plans, read inspirational quotes, set intentions + more! Grab yours!

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#lifevibes

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#supporters ☕️

Thank you, Kelly, Melinda, Tawanna, Gia, Lori, Ayana, Krista, Jessica, Annetta, Constance, Tunde, Jen, Michelle, Emile, Bex, Kim, Angela G., Lauren B., Chelsea, Amy, Ricky, Kirsten, Vin, Julie, Nicole, Hmza, Greg, Kristin, Kirstyn, Jess, Cheryl, Krysta, Adrena, Vidya, Kristyn, Danielle, Keryn, Terry, Vanessa, Meredith, Lauren, Meg, Maria J., Chivon, Kim, Luciano, Colie, Chasity, Laurie, Latienda, Collette, Anne, Kristen, Liz, Katherine, Monale, Betsy, Melissa, Lindsay, Jennifer, Kayla, Madison, Rae, Stephanie, Christine R., Christine M., Frances, Hannah, Chris, Brandy, Mea, Kristian, Maria K., Avery, Adam, Barbara, Shenee, Desiree, Lisa, Kandice, L’Oreal, and LaVerne for being #jesspicks supporters!! ❤️

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