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Netwerk To Networth Recap

It is just something about being in a room full of like-minded girl bosses that just motivates you to level up. This past weekend, I attended the Philly stop to the Netwerk to Networth tour.

This is the first year for this tour that is helping women connect on an authentic level and learn from each other. Netwerk to Networth was created by Personally Rachel Group and PR Girl Manifesto (which I later found out that this was two black girl bosses #blackgirlmagic).

The first day of the tour started with a happy hour. It was held at Marsh and Mane which is a Black Owned natural beauty supply store and lifestyle boutique. I was excited to be able to visit this store and even chatted with the owner for a bit. She started this business after being let go from her 9 to 5 and it seemed to work out.

I loved the atmosphere of the happy hour. It was intimate and relaxed. We had some drinks, light refreshments and even got to shop in the store! I was excited for the next day!

The next day started off with some mingling, breakfast and pictures ( I absolutely loved the selfie wall). I was excited to network with some amazing women and learn from them. I was happy that I came to the event with some of my friends because I usually go to these events by myself.

The event started off with the founders giving an introduction and thanking all of us for attending. They handed it off to the moderators who guided us through the day.

The first speaker is one the reasons why I purchased a ticket lol. Melissa Alam, creator of The Fearless Con (which I have attended and blogged about before) told us how to secure the sponsorship bag.

She gave us a lot of tips on how to be organized when pitching to companies, what your pitch deck should contain and how important it is to follow up. Your pitch or sponsorship deck (which you can make through Canva) should contain the following :

  • Cover Page
  • Your Story and Event Info
  • Audience Demographics
  • Package and Rates
  • Sponsorship Benefits
  • Contact Info

Next speaker had everyone in the room all in their feelings. We all had to stand up and find someone in the room you didn’t know and pair up with them. We had to make eye contact and repeat the affirmation to each other. I’ll admit I got a little emotional and vulnerable. Everyone felt closer and just all full of good vibes.

Delilah Dee, founder of Delilah & Company LLC and recent Philly Promotions Director of iHeart Radio reminded us about Community over Competition.

She reminded us that as women, we need to be more supportive of each other, be the cheerleader for your people and don’t withhold information that can help someone else. She stressed the importance of having people in your tribe that benefit you, support you and your aspirations and just there in your corner.

Next up was Kate Marlys of Philly PR Girl who told her story of accidental entrepreneurship.

Kate just started a PR blog and  throwing her own networking events and just followed the path that lead her to Philly PR Girl. I love how transparent Kate was about her journey and about starting a business. She stressed the importance of investing in yourself, never stop learning and everyone should have a LinkedIn profile.

The last speaker was Rakia Reynolds of Skai Blue Media who taught us about being a fan of your brand and how non verbal communication plays a big part in business.

Rakia dropped a lot of knowledge on her experience starting her business and how to be truthful and authentic. She gave us tips on defining your brand, what its purpose is and some interesting facts about certain colors to wear like yellow and blue. She also stated that everyone should have a friendtor, which is like a mentor but gives you the real, real.

After all the speakers we had some lunch, drinks and did some more networking. I made sure to get around to as many people as I could and it just felt so easy talking to everyone.

All the speakers sat down for a panel of q&a. We talked about self care, when sliding in the DM is the last resort when trying to contact someone and proper etiquette if you have to send someone a DM and so much more useful information. I took in everything that was said and will be applying it.

We had a little bit of a happy hour after the event with a DJ and more drinks. It was another opportunity to network and talk with other women in attendance.

Overall, Netwerk To Networth was amazing. I enjoyed everything, met some dope, creative women, caught up with some friends and just had a great time. The tour is still going on and I highly recommend that you attend a stop if it is near you. You can check out the site here https://www.netwerktonetworth.com/home

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Black Owned Business Feature: The Precious Home

I can’t believe it is February already! I am so ready for the nice weather to get here, we had a little preview this week but Winter will be back soon lol. Today’s Black Owned Business Feature is a pretty new company and a recommendation from Ivy’s Tea Co(I talk about this company a lot if you haven’t noticed lol). If you guys know me, I love candles and I knew I had to support The Precious Home.

The Precious Home was created by Dacia Page in 2018. The vision for this brand was to create candles to help you enjoy the space you are in. I just love that their philosophy is a this bible verse from Proverbs which fits the company so perfectly: A HOUSE IS BUILT BY WISDOM AND BECOMES STRONG THROUGH GOOD SENSE. THROUGH KNOWLEDGE ITS ROOMS ARE FILLED WILL ALL SORTS OF PRECIOUS RICHES AND VALUABLES(Proverbs 24:3-4) The Precious Home is not just about the candles but is also an Interior Design company and offers E-Designs as well.

What is so unique about The Precious Home’s candles is that they are made with 100% Soy wax and free of dyes. I didn’t realize that some candles contain a lot of harmful ingredients and soy wax is a safer alternative to use for candles. It is also eco friendly and from American grown soy beans. I noticed the difference whenever I burn these candles verses other ones I own. The ones made with soy wax burn so evenly and do not burn the sides of the container.

Whenever I burn one of these candles, it does make home feel better and cozy. I just loves these candles and their unique scents.

They also just launched a massage candle just in time for Valentine’s Day or any relaxing day. I can’t wait to try mine soon!

I highly recommend everything from The Precious Home. You can check them out here: https://www.theprecioushome.com 

Please support this Black Owned Business and I will see you guys tomorrow!

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Sometimes It’s Hard….

I often visit my old blogging platform and came across this post I did back in July. It made me think about what is currently going on and about life. Life is not meant to be easy, there are going to be some rough times. I just wanted to spread some encouragement today. Enjoy!

You know when you keep thinking of something and you just feel like you have to get it out? That was me before sitting down to write this post. I had something else planned to write but I kept thinking…sometimes its hard and it just evolved from there.

We all heard the sayings, life isn’t fair, life is hard and so on. Sometimes life can be hard but we don’t experience it for long. There are so many things that I want to do but I know I can’t do a million things at once. I can’t just pick and go anymore, I’m someone’s parent now. There are times I want to but I know things have to be planned out now. I will get to those places I want to go, just have to be patient and plan it out.

It seems like we focus so much on what is hard about life that we forget about the easy stuff. We sometimes forget about all the good things that happen and to be grateful for getting through those rough patches. You may not like your living situation but you have a roof over your head and a place to call home. You may not like the place of employment but you have an income and can say you have a job. We are somewhat taught by society to focus on those hard times, it makes us forget about the good in the world.

I remember a time that I took my son to Chick Fil A and it was super crowded. I think it was one of those days that there was no school and all the parents were thinking the same thing lol. I kept thinking we weren’t going to find a a place to sit and I know he wanted to sit inside and eat. My son asked about where we were going to sit and I said I hope we can find a seat when the woman in front of me turns around and says to her friend to save a table and she said I got you. She didn’t have to do that but it made me forget the crowded place and the worry about finding somewhere to sit. It was such a nice act of kindness. I was super thankful and so appreciative. It made me think about doing more random acts of kindness to spread more positive vibes around. We need that more than ever today.

I just want to encourage all of you reading this to think about the good more than the bad. Yes there is a lot of horrible and bad things happening but it takes a few seconds to think of something good and it could change your whole mood. 

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On A Personal Note….

2019 has started out on a good note so far. I’ve been so busy with so much and can’t wait to share. I’m so happy to be seeing another year and my birthday later this month. I can’t believe I’m turning 35 this year!! How Sway?? I’m grateful for looking so much younger than 35 but I’m just thinking about how old I’m getting lol.

I’m also happy that 2018 is behind me. I’m thankful for all the lessons learned and all the people I left behind that no longer benefit me. I am ready to move forward in a more positive direction. I have to keep reminding myself to tackle things one at a time so I don’t get so overwhelmed and stressed out.

I feel like 2018 was a real teaching moment for myself. My eyes were open to so much that I did not see before. Last year came with a lot of challenges, tears, fears, meltdowns, chaos and so much more. I felt like I was walking around most of the time lost with no direction. I felt so all over the place and couldn’t figure it out until it hit me one day. I’m just so thankful for that light bulb that finally went off.

I was trying to do too much at once and push too much. I got so overwhelmed and drove myself crazy. I had to realize I can’t do everything at once. I know things will flow better once I manage my time better and have a better daily schedule. I’ll get myself back in the gym, have better eating habits, make time for my family and friends and much more. I can do it all….in moderation lol!

I don’t make resolutions anymore but my theme for 2019 is Level Up and my word is consistency. I’m ready to be a better version of Drea and stop living in fear. I’m just ready for what the rest of 2019 has in store for me.

What is your focus for 2019? What are planning to improve on this year?