Atl Lunch & Learn Panel June 2016

I was invited to be to be a panelist at the Atlanta Lunch & Learn event this month. To be frank, I had no idea what I was getting into. A fellow business associate asked, and I obliged. I arrived a little early because I wanted to get a feel of what the environment would be like. The event was held in an average size boutique on Peter St. called Tees & Quotes. I was pleasantly surprised with the quaint location and I loved the intimacy.

I was first greeted by who I am assuming is the manager of Tee’s & Quotes and she invited me to look around and informed me of their daily specials. What is cool about the location is you can get shirts made on the spot. Being the supportive woman that I am, I put in my order. The shirt was complete in about 30 minutes and the quality looked great. I am always looking to support Black businesses, so I will definitely be back.

People began to arrive around 12:00pm and the vibe was cool. Everyone had that “About My Business” look. (lol) I saw some familiar faces that support all my events, which was a pleasant surprise. The photographer was snapping pictures and the guest were eating. We began the panel around 1:00pm. I was happy to share the stage with rapper/actor Lil Zane, singer/songwriter Tiyon Christian, BLIZM of K100, and Rachel J of I Beat Daily. The event was hosted by BE Magazine editor J. Write.  

Everyone was engaged as we were asked questions about our careers, motivation, obstacles, and upcoming events. I felt privileged to be a part of something so powerful and to be panelist with these amazing people in the industry. One of the guest was an amazing young man by the name of Kendyl Q. He is a 7 year old CEO and published author. He asked us all any advise we could give a your entrepreneur and my advice was to follow your passion and know that its okay to make your own lane. He was suck an inspiration to me. I love the youth.  At the end of the panel we all networked and exchange information. 

I will be sure to attend the next ATL Lunch & Learn Panel, as a panelist or not! 

Maria Wills 

The 2016 Pink Champagne Gala

Stepping into the Charge Up Charge Pynk: 2016 Pynk Champagne Gala was not only a fun experience, but also a humbling one. The event was laced in pink and featured amazing vendors, performers, and speakers. I checked in with the Media and received my media pass along with a list of all the honorees, speakers, ambassadors, supporters, performers, and hostess. I was extremely excited to meet and interview these amazing women and men. My goal was to interview and/or take pictures with as many participants that I could. Luckily I had my partner in crime Ms. Toni Preyer there to cover the Gala with me. 

As guest began to arrive we set up at the Pynk Carpet and took turns interviewing the beautiful and strong women and men as they entered. Everyone was dressed so eloquently in their different shades of pink and formal wear.  We were able to speak with so many survivors and supporters and couldn’t believe the testimonies they shared. One of the most touching interviews was with Honoree Felecia Mahone. Felecia Mahone is a Breast Cancer Survivor. She lost a lot of her family to cancer and is the only surviving. She shared her hardships, but concluded with her blessings. She explained how she never asked God why, because if it wasn’t her who would it be. I was so moved by her strength she brought my partner, Toni, and I to tears. It was true honor meeting her. 

I also had the pleasure of interviewing Ambassador Robin Dyke from Bravo TV's Mother Funders. Her personality lite up the room. She was so much fun to get to know. Robin shared her relationship with the founder of the Pynk Chanpagne Gala, Charessa Sawyer, and how she got involved with the event. She was so honored to be a part of something of this magnitude. 

In conclusion, The 2016 Pynk Champagne Gala was a complete success and I am honored to have been a part of it. I want the only girls with out pink on, so i had to spruce up my lips with a shade of All Around Town by M.A.C to kinda fit in. I had an amazing time and I hope to be invited again next year. 

Maria Wills 

A Life Changing Experience: Browngirl Village 2016

Have you ever been a part of something that was so much bigger than you? That was my experience as the Host of the 2016 Browngirl Village retreat in Baltimore, MD. I have always had a desire to give back to young women, but I never imagined how much they would give me. Browngirl Village is a one day retreat for brown girls ages 12-17. The event teaches encouragement, motivation, etiquette, and embracing the beautiful you.

Hosting Browngirl Village 2016 opened my eyes to see a glimpse of my purpose. The event was a total success. It was located at the Four Season Hotel in Baltimore, MD. It was a rainy day, although it did not affect the turn out. We had roughly 150 girls at the retreat this year. They arrived bright and early to be a part of history. DJ Beauty & The Beatz opened up our day. This young phenomenon had the crowd to their feet and dancing early in the morning. We learned that it was her birthday and she was only turning 15 years old! I couldn’t believe it. Someone so talented and professional was only 15 years old. When she shared her age and story with the young ladies they were in awe. She set the tone for what was to come.

Throughout the day we had some amazing men and women come and speak to the girls. The speakers included actress and vocalist China McClaine, Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Senator Catherine Pugh, recording artist Brave, Beauty expert Maisie Dunbar, actress Cyrene Tankard, and so many more. The girls were able to partake in a question & answer session and they were engaged. We also had an etiquette lunch where the girls learned formal dining.

I had the pleasure of interviewing our special guest China McClain from Disney’s the Ant Farm and Tyler Perry’s The house of Payne. China was inspiring. She took her time to make sure the girls could ask her anything they wanted, with no limitations. She took her time giving out advice and taking pictures with everyone. She enjoyed the experience just as much as they did. She was one of the highlights of the day.

As we concluded, I had several of the girls come up to me and ask advice, for pictures, and hugs. It was life changing. I honestly didn’t know why they were interested in me with all the greatness in the room. I was able to share my story with them throughout the day and give advice. I honestly didn’t know how much it made an impact. I am so grateful for the experience and I cannot thank Sharon Page, director of Browngirl Village, enough for the opportunity.

I am going to do all I can to bring it to Atlanta. Stay tuned. 

Maria Wills 

My first Media experience at the 2016 Black Enterprise Entrepreneur Summit

They gave me my first Media Pass!!! This April I was hired as the Media Correspondent for Girl Power Hour Radio. I told myself in the beginning of the year that I would get involved with radio. More specifically, I want to be on the RADIO! I had an interview, got the job, and my first gig at the 2016 Black Enterprise Entrepreneur Summit in South Beach, Fl.!

I am a women on the go juggling being a entrepreneur and motherhood,  so I am use to the elevator spill and speaking with people. But this experience was a new challenge and I was a bit nervous about it. I wanted to make sure I was prepared so I studied the BE Summit itinerary and the featured speakers. I am horrible with names so this was a must. (Don't Judge Me).  There were several people that I was excited to have the opportunity to meet and pick their brains. I specifically wanted to keep my focus on Women Entrepreneurs to stay true Girl Powers Hours. I immediately felt a connection to Cameka Smith with The Boss Network, Miko Branch founder of Miss. Jessie's hair products, Lisa Price founder of Carol's Daughter, and Caroline Clarke host for Black Enterprise TV. Being an entrepreneur myself this gig was a win win for me.

Day one I made sure I reached out to as many people as possible, doing small interviews, taking pictures, and shaking hands (well hugs because I am a hugger). I was able to chat with Lisa Price and Cameka Smith. Both are women to look up to with a lot of advice to give. I was able to sit in on several seminars and I learned a lot. Several things stood out to me. The general consensus is that you need to have a strong email list and make sure you are able to contact your traffic out side of your social media accounts. Secondly, you need to be able to identify the challenge or problem that your business solves. The advice that stuck with me the most is to send your traffic/followers to something you own.

The panel in the Driving Sales using social media technology emphasized on the benefits of social media, but also the restrictions. Manny Ruiz with Hispanicize said you should never put all your content on social media. Direct your traffic back to your website (something you own) for the meat and potatoes. One of my favorite quotes from Manny was "As a small business owner it is easy to be cheesy" so make sure your content is professional and up to par. Needless to say, day one was amazing. 

Day two was show time! I lined up my interviewers and we knocked that thing out of the park. I had the pleasure of interviewing Kim Lewis with Curl Mix first. She has a natural hair product do it yourself box that is supper cool. Next was lifestyle couch, Blondy Moore. She was glowing and was the "Women on the go" for the Girl Power Hour show. I also interviewed Marquis Mullings, VP of HSH Media, and producer of the African America Festival Shalonda and Sharon Page. 

My first experience as a media correspondent was successful. It clarified my thoughts. I will be on the radio and this is just the beginning. Stay Tuned! 

Maria Wills