Tara Jefferson was a new mom with lots of dreams, but she was still in college and didn’t have what she considers a “real” job to support her new family. She made a commitment to herself then and there that by the time her daughter was 2 years old she would be supporting herself in her own business. That’s some unusual grit, but Tara had it, and her dream has become what is now www.TheYoungMommyLife.com, a blog and resource for young mothers. Tara’s site provides teaching, advice, support, and encouragement for young moms who want to be great moms and even better women. In this episode Tara’s going to share her journey with you, the ups and downs, the struggles, and the victories. You’re sure to get a lot of encouragement and ideas from this great episode.

You have to take care of yourself.

Many young mothers are determined to prove to the world that they can be a great mom. That’s a great goal. It shows the kind of determination needed to be a young mother. But many times that determination translates into a work ethic that denies that she, the mom in question, has very legitimate needs herself. In that scenario she usually winds up giving and giving to others without filling up her own tank. Tara Jefferson has made it her goal to build a site and community that supports those moms and offers them a load of resources to make sure that they are able to take care of themselves first. You can hear Tara’s journey story to her successful mommy-support business in this great conversation.

She tracks her time to make herself aware of where she’s not being productive.

In this conversation one of the intriguing topics that came up was personal productivity and goal setting. Rosetta asked her guest, Tara Jefferson, how she goes about keeping herself productive in any given week. Tara shared a simple but very effective tool that has helped her stick to her priorities and get things done. She used a free “time tracking” app to keep track of what projects she’s doing and how long it takes her to get them done. Doing this enabled her to see what she’s doing repeatedly that is a time waster, how much time she should allot for typical tasks like writing a blog post, and how she can streamline her workflow to get more done. It’s a valuable tip she shared on this episode, and there are lots more where it came from, so make sure you listen.

What is freedom, to you?

That’s a question Rosetta likes to ask all of her guests, and today’s guest, Tara Jefferson answered in a very common sense way. Freedom for Tara is being able to make her own decisions about what she’s going to do everyday. If she wants to start work early, she can. If she wants to start later, that’s up to her. If she would like to take the day off to go to an activity at her child’s school, she can do it. She doesn’t have to ask anyone. She doesn’t need permission. She’s able to adjust her schedule and plug things in where they make the most sense on any given day. That, to her, is an amazing freedom she didn’t even know she’d love so much. Tara shares so much, in such a genuine way, on this episode.

An event for moms who need a time of refreshing.

One of the things Tara Jefferson loves to do most is to host events for women to come together, learn, get a break from the responsibilities of everyday life, and build relationships of support that can sustain them over the long haul. She’s done quite a few of these events to date. If you’re interested in connecting with women in a supportive, encouraging environment, this is the event for you. You can find out more details about the event at www.YMLRetreat.EventBright.com. 

Outline of this great episode:

• [0:24] Welcome to this episode – introduction of today’s guest: Tara Jefferson
• [1:24] Tara’s story and her mission with Young Mommy Life
• [5:41] The topics and themes Tara has been sharing on her blog.
• [7:15] What made Tara decide to turn her blog into a business and what tools has she used to do that?
• [9:17] A typical day for Tara as a blogger and business owner.
• [10:04] Tara’s family and the load she carries day to day.
• [11:51] What does freedom look like to you, Tara?
• [14:15] Setting goals and being productive in the midst of life.
• [18:10] Looking ahead:What Tara hopes for in the future of her business.
• [19:53] Events coming up in Tara’s community and a great success story..
• [22:57] What inspires Tara to keep going?
• [24:45] What makes Tara happy?
• [26:12] Tara’s favorite things to read.
• [28:00] One of Tara’s favorite personal mantras.
• [29:07] Tara’s #1 piece of advice for women wanting to start a business they love.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Tara’s website: TheYoungMommyLife.com
• Tara’s favorite productivity tool – the Time Tracker app
• BOOK: Get Yours
• Tara’s retreat: http://www.theyoungmommylife.com/self-care-retreat

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She pivoted her firing into a brand new business, on the spot.

In this episode of The Happy Black Woman podcast you’re in for a real treat…it’s the story of how Dr. Monikah Ogando became a leading business coach and instructor as well as the CEO of her own business. It wasn’t your typical journey. She had been teaching a course for her employer all over the country and felt she was very successful in corporate America. But when she was called in to a meeting that she believed was going to be a positive one, she was actually fired. The company intended to hold on to the intellectual property she had created, but she hadn’t signed an intellectual property agreement. So she kept her training course as her own, struck a deal to be a consultant with the company to continue the trainings for them, and started her own business on the spot. Hear her tell the story herself, on this episode.

Facing cancer and starting a business at the same time.

When Dr. Monikah Ogando was fired from her job at a high level financial planning company she pivoted the rejection into one of her greatest opportunities. But there was another big problem. She’d just been diagnosed with cancer and didn’t know what impact that might have on the fledgling business she was starting. How would you handle that? Would you have the strength, confidence, and resilience to fight both of those battles at the same time? Listen to Dr. Oganado’s explanation of how it happened and glean some principles of mindset and belief that you can apply to your own journey.

“You have to decide if you’re going to live or die.”

When Monikah was diagnosed with cancer her head was spinning. Then she got fired from her corporate job and that same day began her new consulting and speaking business. It was a tough week. In the back of her mind her health situation loomed. She made her decisions in a non-committal way many times because she wasn’t sure if she’d actually be around to enjoy the fruit of her labors. That’s when a mentor said, “You have to decide if you’re going to live or die. Because the things you do will be different if you intend to live than they will be if you intend to die.” That moment of clarity gave Monikah the ability to set aside her fears and fight the cancer, with every intention of living to care for daughter and build her business. Hear the whole story on this episode.

How an introvert CEO keeps herself going.

Very few people who meet Dr. Monikah Ogando would think she’s an introvert, but that’s how she describes herself. When she’s in her role as CEO of her company or coaching and training, she’s outgoing, friendly, and engaging. But that’s her business role. She steps into those shoes because it’s her calling, her passion. But as a true introvert she needs time alone to unwind, regroup, and rejuvenate for what lies ahead. How does she do it? It all comes down to the way she manages her weeks and protects her weekends. She sets boundaries and guidelines that serve her health, emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and physically. That way she’s ready to go when Monday comes again… ready to fulfill her calling. You can glean some valuable tips from Dr. Monikah on this episode, so take the time to listen.

There is nobody coming. God sent you!

There’s something about modern culture that pushes us toward depending on others or hoping for a circumstance to turn out fortuitously in our favor. But Dr. Monikah has learned that hoping doesn’t get the work done. Hoping doesn’t accomplish things. Hoping doesn’t fulfill dreams. As a result she’s developed a short saying to remind herself to go for the dreams she’s got inside. “There is nobody coming. God sent you!” The idea is that she shouldn’t be looking for someone or something to rescue her. Instead, she needs to understand that God placed her exactly where she is, at this time, in this place, for a reason. SHE is the one who’s supposed to make the changes that she’s hoping will come about.

Outline of this great episode:

• [0:24] Welcome to this episode – introduction of today’s guest:  Dr. Monikah Ogando
• [1:26] Dr. Ogando’s story of how she came to be an entrepreneur.
• [7:11] How Dr. Monikah has come to see being fired from a company as a blessing.
• [9:30] Dealing with a diagnosis of cancer and how it pivoted her into something new and better.
• [14:29] Dr. Monikah’s rebirthing that is happening now.
• [16:40] A typical week in the life of Dr. Monikah.
• [18:00] How she turns her introvert tendencies toward serving people.
• [19:38] Where is Dr. Monikah’s business headed right now?
• [21:38] What feminine leadership looks like.
• [23:42] The Hero’s journey.
• [26:45] Dr. Monikah’s favorite book right now.
• [29:12] What is your personal mantra, Dr. Monikah?
• [30:50] Dr. Monikah’s #1 tip to women just starting on the entrepreneurial journey.
• [34:14] Dr. Monikah’s contact info and a FREE GIFT!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• monikahogando.com – Dr. Monikah’s website
• BOOK: The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell
• BOOK: A Course in Miracles
• UnlockYourInnerCEO.com – Dr. Monikah’s new book

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In today’s episode of The Happy Black Woman Podcast, we have the honor of speaking with Molesey Crawford, founder of “The Queen Code,” a personal development community that is changing the lives of women all over the globe. As you listen to this episode you’re going to hear how Molesey learned about her own feminine desires and self, how she channeled that into a business that was true to who she really is, and how that business has grown to provide her with the true channel of expression and purpose she was meant to have while providing her and her family with the freedom they enjoy today. Be sure to take the time to listen to this one, it’s a real gem.

What IS the Queen Code?

Molesey’s journey toward becoming the founder of the Queen Code has not been overnight or easy. It’s through that journey that she discovered the principles of the Queen Code in the first place (as it should be, right?). She believes that there’s a feminine evolution happening in the hearts of women all around the globe. Women are beginning to awaken to the truth that they are here for a reason. She believes that women all over the globe are feeling the calling to return, rebirth, reconnect, recover, remember and reclaim their feminine birthright. She desires to support those women on a journey of deep healing and transformation. Hear more of her journey to those realizations and how she’s helping women all over the world as you listen to this episode.

Finding a mentor early on made all the difference.

Molesey’s business was still very small and she had almost no money when she first decided to find and pay for a mentor – and she’s never regretted it. In fact, that decision was the catalyst to moving her life and business forward in a powerful way. She started with $10 a month as part of a coaching program and now has elevated her involvement with her coach to a much higher level, and it’s continued to reap great rewards. If you’re stuck, needing help, or even moving backwards in your entrepreneurial or personal development, you may need to take that bold step and find a coach or mentor that fits your lifestyle. These two ladies (Molesey or Rosetta) may be just what you need. Find out more on this episode.

Be. Do. Have. That’s the sequence in which personal transformation and business success comes.

Molesey Crawford has discovered that nobody can have a truly free lifestyle and invigorating business without first going through this necessary sequence. BE – has to do with discovering who you are and what you are passionate about. Only when you function out of the fullness of your identity are you able to bring your intended value to the world. DO – This is the action step, where you put your dreams and calling into action. Most people start here and find themselves spinning their wheels and becoming burned out and frustrated as a result. HAVE – This is the aspect where you begin to receive the fruits of your labors and see the fulfillment of the calling you’re acting on. Hear Molesey explain this progression on this episode.

Slow down so your blessings can catch you.

Too often women are so busy doing that they fail to BE who they truly are. Too often they believe that what they do is what makes them who they are. But the reverse is true. It’s time to stop all the hustle and busy-ness so that you can find your true self, learn to do your work out of that place, and see the blessings that flow more naturally as a result. Moseley Crawford has learned these principles and they are what guide her work at The Queen Code. Hear her explain the importance of embracing and applying these concepts on this great episode of The Happy Black Woman, with Rosetta Thurman.

Outline of this great episode:

• [0:24] Welcome and introduction of Molesey Crawford, today’s guest.
• [1:30] What is the “Queen Code” and Molesey’s calling?
• [3:56] What caused Molesey to turn her passion into a business?
• [6:40] A typical day for Molesey in her business and life.
• [11:13] At what point in your journey did you realize you needed a mentor?
• [15:15] The value of making an investment in herself.
• [15:54] Why “Be, Do, Have” is so important.
• [22:51] What does freedom look like to Molesey?
• [26:50] Molesey’s favorite book for inspiration.
• [30:52] Do you have any other personal mantras you live by?
• [32:59] The #1 tip Molesey gives to women wanting to start a business.
• [34:55] How to find out more about Molesey and the Queen Code.  

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• The Queen Code – go to Molesey’s website to get your free audio!
• The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks
• Unlocking the Queen Code – Molesey’s book

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Today’s podcast is all about you and equipping you to build the life that you’ve been called to build. And today’s guest is going to offer some spiritual inspiration AND get down to the practical nuts and bolts of how to do it! Girlfriends Pray founder Dee Marshall is considered to be on the short list of top coaches for women. She has built a women’s empowerment empire that inspires, encourages, motivates, challenges and supports women. In this conversation with Rosetta Thurman, Dee shares some of the best get-your-life-in-order tips we’ve had on the podcast yet! You’ll walk away with some great ideas and plenty of strategies you can do to take not just your business, but your everyday life to the next level.

Business and ministry, all in one package.

When Dee Marshall talks about “Girlfriends Pray” she lights up. That’s because the mission of the organization is something God put in her path and that she delights to be a part of. It’s a movement to get women all over the world united in prayer, seeking God and His best for their lives and the worlds they touch. But Dee is also a businesswoman and coach whose expertise and knowledge is sought out by many top level women of faith who are in the business world. How does one woman pull off so much in two distinctly different areas? She shares the key to her success in this episode of the Happy Black Woman podcast, and you’ll be surprised how simple it is.

How structure can set you up for massive success.

There are lots of “free spirits” out there, women who love to be spontaneous, living on the edge day to day, enjoying whatever life brings their way. Dee Marshall is one of them. But she says that women who are leaders cannot allow themselves to be so free spirited that they lose all sense of intentionality. Leaders have to live according to structure because people and results depend on the actions they take. For that reason they need to organize their lives around basic structures that can provide the context through which their dreams can be realized. Hear how Dee Marshall does this in her own life as she breaks down her daily schedule for all of us to hear, on this edition of the podcast.

What really makes you happy in life?

That’s the question Rosetta Thurman asked Dee Marshall near the end of this conversation, and Dee’s answer was very powerful. What she says is this: When you live a life of purpose, you are happy. She wakes up happy every morning because she knows that the things she will be involved in during that day are lasting, important things that will make a difference in people’s lives. That’s meaning. That’s purpose. And it’s the source of ongoing happiness for Dee. Listen in to hear how you can find that purpose for your life as Dee shares her perspective on how to get it.

Dee Marshall’s #1 tip for women who want to build a business they love.

Dee doesn’t hold back on this episode. When Rosetta asks her to share her best tip for women wanting to move forward with a passion or a business, she says this: You do need to pursue something you are passionate about, but don’t let the passion take over the business. It IS a business so make sure you run it like one. You have to be concerned with things like income, costs, conversions, bottom line, because if you aren’t you might as well quit today and just follow your passion as a side project or hobby. Keep clear on the facts that if you want to have a business that follows your passion, you’ve got to organize and structure it so that it can support you to pursue that passion.

And a bonus tip from Dee Marshall…

If you want your level of success to grow, then you’ve got to be growing. Work on you. Keep yourself always in the stream of personal development. Without constant improvement you’ll fall into the rut of seeing things the way you’ve always seen them. You can’t afford that. Your success and business growth will be hampered by it. That’s it. Keep growing. Hear more powerful but practical advice like that on this episode of Happy Black Woman.

Outline of this great episode:

• [0:24] Welcome to the podcast and introduction of Dee Marshall
• [1:57] The work Dee is called to: Inspire, motivate, encourage, challenge, and support women
• [3:54] What is “Girlfriends Pray” and how did it start and grow?
• [8:59] What happens when you make yourself available to God.
• [12:21] What is your typical day like, Dee? The power of structure.
• [20:17] Getting a handle on your life so you can do what is on your heart.
• [24:22] Why leaders can’t be the “free spirit” all the time.
• [26:05] What do you see happening in the next 5 years, Dee?
• [30:19] What makes you happy, Dee?
• [32:46] Dee’s #1 tip to women wanting to create a business and life they could love.
• [35:10] One additional tip: Develop yourself and develop your craft.
• [37:27] A free gift from Dee to you to help you create a structure for your life.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Dee’s website: http://www.deecmarshall.com/
• The Girlfriends Pray website – http://girlfriendspray.org/
• BOOK: The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod
• John Wooten, the winningest coach

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Finally, please consider leaving an honest rating and review for The Happy Black Woman Podcast on iTunes or Stitcher to help spread the word about the show and help more black women find our tribe!

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