Leena Speaks: Building The Foundation Within

Leena Speaks: Building The Foundation Within: My boutique is putting together another event. We believe support is very important and this event would be a great lever to bring men of di...

Building The Foundation Within

My boutique is putting together another event. We believe support is very important and this event would be a great lever to bring men of different backgrounds together to help them build their dreams regardless of their backgrounds. It is a great idea to bring men together, to expose their brand but also hear the struggles of men who came from:

• Discrimination 
• Poverty
• Single Family Homes 
• Domestic Violence
and 
• Jail 

Men who come from different backgrounds but who were able to beat the odds and now are successful entrepreneurs who want to share their story to help up build men who want to be successful but don’t have the motivation, drive or positive association.

 In a article in the NY Times it was written: "Blacks spend less money in black-owned businesses than other racial and ethnic groups spend in businesses owned by members of their groups, including Hispanics and Asians. A report by Nielsen and Essence estimates that black buying power will reach $1.3 trillion in the next few years, yet only a tiny fraction of that money is spent at black-owned businesses. Unless black people devote more attention to building wealth within the black community, Ms. Maggie Anderson author of “Our Black Year,”and others contend, they will always be behind."

According to the 2007 and 2012 census report the number of minority men owned businesses in NJ is at a low compared to those of other backgrounds.

 We want to the community to realize that there needs to be support within, rather than complain to why certain groups aren't as successful as others.
 We have put this event together to help inspire and motivate men and women. We also want the number of minority based businesses to rise as well as the number of supporters to rise as well. We have to build the foundation within our own communities in order to be successful. Community involvement and support is a key element to longevity.

Below is the link to the event.

We are also looking for sponsors and men lifestyle vendors who would be interested in working with us. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/strong-foundation-within-mens-networking-event-tickets-24747415185

HIGH HEEL EXPECTATIONS: WOMEN'S NETWORKING EVENT

 On Saturday April 9th, 2016 I presented everyone with my first event

HIGH HEEL EXPECTATIONS: WOMEN'S NETWORKING EVENT.

As a single mother of two, I was tired of seeing women just being mean, shady, not supportative, negative or plan old hating on one another. After, a bad experience with an old HS friend I wanted to do something to bring women together. I wanted to help bring positivity between women and have them learn how to be a support system, A REAL support system for all women to know that there are others that understand them and made things happen despite struggle, setbacks, negativity, race and lack of support.

I had female geared vendors, I had light appetizers provided by Chef Bryant Hargrove and dessert provided by Maggie's Sweet Indulgences along with a panel and audience discussion.

The main part of the event was the panel which consisted of three beautiful women:

A native of the Dominican Republic Jeannette Miguelina, who had the example of her mother who came to the US in the early 80's and only worked a job for a short time before becoming an entrepreneur in New Jersey and didn't let language, race, being a mom and wife be an excuse as to why she couldn't be her own boss. The example of her mother made her the women she is today: a Paralegal, owner of Deli Delish Grocery, owner of Truck Permits Express (specializing in trucking permits) and part owner of Pink Diamond Entertainment. For a female in her early 30's she is a perfect example of what anyone can accomplish with obstacles as long as they are dedicated and serious.

Jeannette Miguelina (right) along side her Pink Diamond Entertainment business partner Tiffany Rolston (left)

Lynn Hobson a Washington DC native and is a Hip Hop Publicist, Life Coach and Author of "Diary of HIP-HOP Publicist." I first met Lynn Hobson when her then client Kaylin Garcia a former cast member of Love and Hip Hop: New York was doing a workout and game session in Englewood, NJ. My daughter was participating and despite being someone who is famous, her personality reflected humbleness. I knew I wanted Lynn to be part of my event, just from the short interaction I had with her. Sometimes you meet people and their personalty is an essence of beauty, and that is what I saw in Lynn. I was so delighted when she agreed to work with me. Lynn had a past involving domestic violence hasn't let that stop her. She was so encouraging, despite her fame she is supportive of other women. She made it very clear to those in the audience that building a relationship with God was very important and talking to him is what moves her everyday. As of today Lynn's roster of clients consist of  the Hip Hop duo and Love and Hip Hop: New York cast members BBOB as well as Ceaser and Dutchess of Black Ink Crew.

Hip Hop Publicist Lynn Hobson along side her book Diary Of A Hip Hop Publicist which is now available.


I was looking for another inspirational women, that was not only doing something positive but could be that kick in the butt to make you get up and do something. So while speaking to a women in a Facebook group i'm in she suggested Pastor Dolevera Derilus. While speaking to Dolevera she informed me she was a Get It Girl Life Coach. Get It Girl by itself sold me, because every female need someone that says "get it girl." Speaking at the event Dolevera mentioned she had negativity thrown at her but overcame the negative by proving that she could do whatever it was she wanted. No matter what life throws at you, you have to ask yourself "how bad do you want it?" If you really want something you have to keep going no matter what until you reach your goal, but don't stop there, keep going. Dolevera also made an important point on who you surround yourself with. You can't get to where you want to go if you have negative weight holding you down, that is a very important because that one negative person you have around can suck your hopes, dream and happiness right out of you. You need people around that let you know you can do it and that will support you while you are making it happen.

Pastor Dolevera Derilus (right) speaking at High Heel Expectations Networking Event along side event host Ms. Evanna K (left)



EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

YOU WANT CLEAN CARPET OR DIRTY CARPET

People say they want love. People say they want loyalty. People say they want someone who will care about them. People say they want honesty. People say a good person is hard to find. However, when someone comes in people lives that are offering those things they don't appreciate it.
It reminds me carpet: You have nasty old carpet and a nice and clean carpet, a person will wipe their feet before stepping on the dirty carpet and say I gotta keep my carpet clean, but take their dirty shoe and just walk all over the clean carpet and then say I wish I had clean carpet. 

After reaching a certain age you would think people would have enough sense to wipe their feet before they step on clean carpet so they don't have to complain and wish they had a clean carpet. However, that's not the case. People will ask and receive all the things they want in a person just to treat them like dirt then wish they had a person with those qualities. Like, you did and you trashed that person.

Yeah, I want love, I want loyalty, I want someone who cares and who is honesty. A good person is hard to find. Especially today, people are so self centered, so dishonest, so fake and so distrusting it hard to figure out anyone. People may say: "it's you,"it could be or could not be. Everyone in this world is damaged goods. Yes, you are. However, it is up to you to let that define you as a person or not. You can't let every piece of rejection, heartache, dishonesty or hurt effect every relationship you have with someone. No two people are the same. Sometimes you have to give someone A chance. Yes, they may get you dirty, but realize it and won't do it again. Communication is very important between people but yet we as people forget that. If people would communicate the truth, more people would respect them. In today's world people are so caught up with being so damn selfish and hurt they forget how refreshing it is to be truthful and loving to someone else.

Just some food for thought, next time a person shows you some love, loyalty and honesty RESPECT IT and at least give them honesty in return!!!

Wipe your feet before you step on the clean carpet before complaining you wish you had a clean carpet!!! It's hard to remove stains.