We like the sounds, the sounds that go BOOM!

Let's get to know Celeste!

Owner of Hotwire Electronics

21750 Main Street Unit 5 

Matteson, Illinois 60443

What is your favorite quote and why? 

Great question! I have a few, but the one that speaks to and for me right now would have to be:

"Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do."- Bruce Lee

What led you into this avenue of business?

Celeste Jackson

I have always loved music and as a teenager in the 90's if you had a car you wanted the music to be loud. Even   as a teen I have always had the mentality that work has to be about more than just a paycheck. I decided to get a job at the largest electronics store around at the time (Circuit City) so that 1.I could buy my first car at 18 and 2.To make sure my trunk sounded amazing! I knew there would be more in store for me if I stuck with an industry that I was passionate about and girls weren't as interested in.

It didn't hurt that my high school sweetheart knew how to install electronics; so I assisted him in getting a job at the same store where I was employed. We both worked for 6 years, in management. And once we married a few years later, we founded our own company. We celebrated 15 years in business recently.

So your husband is your business partner?

Yes he is. We have two businesses together and I have two that I own as a sole proprietor.

So you own two other businesses as well? You are a busy woman honey.

Yes ma'am! Mr. 50's Customs is a window tint and customization business that I purchased early this year from an older Italian gentleman who has been in business in my area for thirty-one years. It complements my original business very well because we do some of the same things. I also obtained  all of his clientele and dealerships that he was able to acquire over his thirty-one years. I also have a company called Installs2U where I have 6 technicians that work on the road on semi trucks installing different aftermarket equipment.

It is hard separating business from home life?

Separating business from our everyday life is one of THE most difficult parts of being business partners. The work ALWAYS comes home with us, which can be a strain if you're not a strong couple. Aside from the stress of bringing work home, I would not change anything because my business partner is my best friend and I know that I can trust him.

Honey Hush I am over here all in love with the story. Ha-ha

Lol.... Thank you

What is a fun fact about Celeste?

I think I'm a pretty dope adult however the only fun fact I can think of is winning a local beauty pageant at 3 years old! Ha-ha

Thank you for your time today! Last but not least, where are you located and how may we contact?

Our bricks and mortar location is about 20 minutes south of Chicago in Matteson, IL.

We have a website & email address where we may be reached.

Click the link and head on over to the site!

www.hotwireelectronics.com

Hotwireelectronics@gmail.com 

Phone: 708-283-9473.

NikkinTheKnow

Let’s get to know Nikki Ortega

Event Planner

Date Coordinator

Chef 

If you have not noticed my first question is always, what is your favorite quote and why?

My favorite quote is actually a poem.

What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore and then rub? Does it stink like rotten meat or crust and sugar over like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags like a heavy load. Or does it explode? Langston Hughes

My dream exploded on 10.22.16.

Are you referring to the amazing Sip and Mingle?

Yes ma'am

How long have you been wanting to throw this event?

10 months! I've dreamed of putting events together for awhile but FEAR held me back. Walking into that space that I decorated and seeing people who want to see me win. Meeting new people who believed in me enough to come together was indescribable. I cried in my car afterwards!

Happy tears of course?

Yes! Happy tears!

So you mentioned fear, fear of what exactly?

Nikki Ortega

Failure, I honestly believed that no one would show up. I believed no one would get why NikkinTheKnow is so needed in a place like Phoenix. Honestly a lot of people whose opinion I valued told me that my idea was stupid. Having that negativity in my space hindered me. Now that I've found an internal peace, I went for it.

So what made you say FUCK IT, I am making my vision happen?

You!

Me?

A little insight on our friendship! You inspired me! Listen, with you Being AnnekeMarie and putting yourself out there? I couldn't move in a room with the likes of you and members of our village allowing fear to hold me back.

You know you are dead ass wrong for saying me right? You know I am emotional.

Okay! Let’s bring it back.

What do you have to say to the people that stated your vision was stupid?

Lol its true check my first post on the Sip n mingle. In regards to the people who said my vision was stupid, I wish them the best but they will never be allowed into an event of mine. That energy can't coexist with my positivity.

Well, I heard that. So what can we expect from Nikki n The Know?

You can expect the unexpected moving forward. I want to elevate the event life in Phoenix with affordable gatherings. Next month will be The Eligible and Available Single Mixer. This will be for all my singles looking to meet someone in a more relaxed environment. I will close the year off with promoting a mixer for January since we all know the holidays are a busy season! Stay tuned!

How can everyone connect with Nikki and be N The Know about upcoming events and such?

Right now they can follow: @NikkinTheKnow on instagram for all events. Also, for any plan your ideal date ideas they can reach me at: NikkinTheKnow@gmail.com, the website is coming soon!

Pause! Please elaborate on this plan your ideal date situation.

Plan your ideal date are for the people who want to step outside the dinner and movie dates and do something different. Many guys and some girls don't know all the cool things Phoenix has to offer for date ideas. Trust me, I was one of them until I said, "I'm over these types of dates let's try something different." I've made it my mission to think outside the box and ball on a budget to have a different dating experience.

That is exciting, may I get the homie discount?

Lol! Make my WRAP then we can talk!

Ha-ha Touché!

Oh, Suma!

Let's Get to know Suma Hodge!

Licensed Therapist

YP Membership Chair

Favorite Quote and why?

That's a tough one, sheesh. I have many and if you know me, I love quotes and throwing them out there as they relate to a situation.  But for the sake of blog space I'll give one that I recently used.  I try to be as honest as I can. So one is "What is done in darkness, will come to light." This could be good or bad. Lol. But means whatever you try to do and hide someone will eventually find out. 

Also, Everyone knows the Golden Rule. But we need to start living the Platinum Rule: Treat Others As THEY Would Like To Be Treated. What you want for yourself is not necessarily what another want for themselves. If we could live this Rule, more Respect would start.

Can you give us a little more insight on the program that you facilitate and manage? 

Suma Hodge , M.S, L.A.C

I manage an outpatient department in the west valley for my program. I oversee three programs in that department; the day program, adult mentors and child mentors. I ensure that the programs all have a therapeutic environment. I also facilitate groups, individual counseling and family counseling (as needed.)

Were you a mother while in school?

My daughter was two months when I went back to grad school full time. Oh, and worked full time. Crazy, I know.  

How did you balance college and parenting? 

Balancing grad school and an infant and then toddler was difficult. But I knew it was something that had to be done to give my daughter the quality of life she deserved. I worked full time as well. I would work during the day, mommy mid day and when she went to sleep I was a grad student. I had some days where she would spend with her dad and those would be my study or work times.  

 Do you have any advice for a young mother trying to pursue her goals and also parent?

Just do it. Push through because children see everything. I remember a night I was so broken down exhausted and my daughter was next to me as I was typing. At this time I was working 40 hours a week, interning 20, doing papers for other classes and a loving and caring mom. The next early morning I took her to daycare I said mommy has to go to school (internship) and she said "to make us more money." I smiled and was welling up with tears and said "yes baby to make us more money." I had felt so horrible for having her spend long hours in daycare but that moment made me understand that it was all worth it. She understood at the tender age of 2.5 that what mommy was doing was for "US." So pursue. Children are resilient. I knew if I spend time away from her, it better be damn worth it. It's possible and don't let anyone tell you any different.  

Alongside of being a therapist, what else does Suma have going on in her life?

Suma is starting a business with you. lol. #CourtMe is for young girls and women alike to appreciate who they are and what they have to offer. It is about knowing yourself worth and being able to teach other how to treat you. And if they treat you anything less than you know what you're worth how to leave it. Teaching how to not accept the bare minimum but demand the best. 

Let’s discuss your dating life, are you currently dating or being courted?

I would say I’m in the middle. I believe we are shifting from dating to courting.

Oh! So it’s pretty serious? Can we officially say Suma is off the market?

It is pretty serious. I will be officially when this shift takes place.

Any new business ventures? 

I'm also working on a blog to have finish before the end of this year. I secretly like to write. I'm no novelist or writer. I just have thoughts on things and I get them out. Most of the time it's related somehow to my therapist side but it's my passion. It's in everything I do. So I write. I get it out. Writing has saved many friendships and relationships now. I don't say everything. This blog will be about my life as a mom and therapist and how I fit into the world of politics, love, parenting, business owner, manger, therapist, etc.  

So when are you releasing the blog for our reading pleasure?

January 1, 2017!

You can connect with Suma via Facebook: Suma Hodge 

or IG: @withmycrownon

Two Faced Pretty Face

Let's get to know Ray!

Freelance MUA

Phoenix, AZ

What is your favorite quote and why?

My favorite Quote is, “Always stay gracious the best revenge is your paper.” I love this because when you are trying to succeed in life there is always going to be a hater.  Someone will always try to bring you down! So instead of being wretched and nasty with those hoes, just stay cool! There is no need to get revenge because when you getting this money that’s enough!

Before and After

Is makeup a passion of yours or is it just for fun, like a hobby?

Makeup is my passion; it allows me to be who I am! It makes me feel like the baddest bitch walking. It allows me to express what I am feeling at that time.

Ray I don’t know about the baddest bitch because that’s me!

What makeup artist inspires you?

Patrick Starr, that bitch is flawless.

How long have you been beating faces?

I have been doing makeup for about 4 years. However I’ve only been doing it professionally for about 7 months.

Do you feel success comes a tad bit harder being a male in this industry?

No, not at all I think anyone can become successful no matter what gender or what field they are in. I believe it’s all about applying yourself and never giving up.

So who is Ray’s biggest supporter?

I don’t just have one supporter. My family, friends and boyfriend are my biggest supporters. They fuel me to keep going even when I want to stop. My loved ones wouldn’t allow that, and that’s why I love them so much.

How do you respond to negative comments about your work and naysayers in general?

Eat my p*** Bih.

Well! There you have it, HA.

What’s next for Ray?

My next step is building my brand by getting my name known.  I’m booked for a few large events such as weddings and photo shoots.

Okay we are almost done, tell us a fun fact about Ray.

I often dream that Beyonce and I are best friends. 

IG: @Two_Faced_Pretty_Face

Facebook: Raymond Peeples

Email: twofaced.prettyface@gmail.com

YouTube: Ray Peeples

Nail polish fit for a Queen

OOO Polish is vegan, toxic free and blended by hand!

Let's get to know a little more about the woman behind the brand. 

What led you to start your company and why nail polish?

 Unfortunately, for women of color, we have a hard time finding beauty products that match our skin tones and our varying undertones. We've just learned to try and try and try again until we find the right products! Many times, when we do find the right products we are extremely limited to and rely heavily on those few products to keep us beautiful. OOO Polish believes representation matters, and I wanted to create unique colors while challenge the idea that women of color have limited options for beauty. This idea is not true, women of color, can wear any color of the rainbow, and our goal is to allow you to visualize that on women that look just like you. As always, all OOO Polishes display beautifully on all skin tones and I welcome and embrace everyone to enjoy my polish! The idea for a line of polishes specifically catered to the many shades and undertones of women of color came from a simple nail shop visit that turned awry and my love of beautiful hands and feet! I love to try different colors that bring out my skin tone and I want to bring that experience to everyone.

What is your favorite quote and why?

 "I am because we are" (Ubuntu), I even have a tattoo of it in Sanskrit. The success of people of color overall is more important than my own individual success.

I love that! Okay let's move on :)

Have you encountered any major setbacks during the process of bringing your vision into fruition? 

 Definitely! I made a few bad decisions (like giving away too many free products! Lol) but I am so grateful to have family and friends who have been business owners for years help me prevent a lot of mistakes.

What can we expect next from your brand?

 I plan on releasing at least two more collections by 2017, totaling over 55 hand blended colors to choose from! 

That’s amazing, you already have amazing colors. My personal favorite is Oya from the Orisha Collection.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

 I can't paint my own nails! I'm so terrible at being patient enough to let them dry and I always get paint on my clothes!

 

Symantha Onyechi

Creator/Owner

OOO Polish

www.OOOPolish.com

info@ooopolish.com

Houston, Texas

Taylormade Financial

Get to know Roxi Taylor

Accountant

Assistant Director and Programs Coordinator 

for Empowerment Social Action Group of Arizona. 

Secretary of BLM Phoenix

What is your favorite quote and why?

My favorite quote is if you don’t stand up for something you’ll fall for anything. I love that line because it is true in all literacy. If you don’t believe in something, have morals or a standard, you will fall prey to anything the world will offer you.

How long have you been an entrepreneur?

I’ve been an entrepreneur for nine years now.

Are you a baller?

Not only am I a baller, I'm also known to be a shot caller.

What were you doing prior to being a baller and shot caller?

I did a little of everything.  I was in the mortgage world for awhile doing underwriting for Wells Fargo and Bank of America. After I left the mortgage industry, I was an office manager and accountant for several companies.

So what made you take the leap into entrepreneurship and what exactly does Roxi do?

Well,  I’ve been doing accounting for several years. I went to school to be an accountant. I was getting so many requests from people asking me to manage their books and do their taxes on the side. So it hit me like wait, I should just have my own business doing this. I received some advice from a friend and made that leap.  I’ve been working for myself ever since.

What advice do you have for women thinking about doing the same?

JUST DO IT! Don’t think about it, that was my hold up. I pondered on the idea instead of hoping onto the IRS website and getting the paperwork started.  I literally did everything in one day.  My website, filing my paperwork, starting my social media and, once I start a project my blinders are on. 

                             "Put your blinders on, just like a horse in a race...Focus."

                                                                                                - Roxi Taylor

Roxi give us a fun fact about you.

I play five instruments. I play the sax, flute, piccolo, clarinet and oboe.  My first love is the flute; I’ve been playing the flute since the 3^rd grade.  I also read and compose sheet music.

Well I am blown all the way AWAY!Do you except all business or large contract only?

I do work for all clients. I have clients who are artist, small businesses right on down to multi-billion dollar companies, mainly throughout Arizona, Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland.

How can we contact you?

You can contact me by email at jai@taylormadeaccounting.com or by phone (602) 245-3805. 

Beautifully Flawed

Let's get to know Chere!

Traveling Hairstylist and Lash Tech

What's your favorite quote?

“My mission in this life is not merely to survive, but to thrive, and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style."

Why start your own business? 

I wanted freedom, freedom to make my own schedule, freedom to live. Lashing has become an outlet for me. I meet beautiful people, I get to help others feel beautiful and I enjoy doing so. 

What is most fulfilling about your career and being an entrepreneur? 

It has made me more confident than ever. I have two children and my career allows me to show them that you don’t have to wait on or work for anyone, the world is at your fingertips. 

How long have you been a hairstylist?

I've been doing hair for over ten years, but professionally for two years. 

Tell me a fun fact about Chere.

I loooooove to sing, I wanted to pursue a music career. 

What can we expect from your brand in the future?

I will be holding training classes in the near future. 

How do we connect with Chere?

I am working on my site now! In the meantime you can follow my Instagram page @beautifullyflawedbf. 

Chere Bryant

Bay Area, CA

Phone: (209) 406-9433

Email: Beautifullyflawed247@gmail.com

Friday Spotlight!

Can we please have a moment of silence, for how cute these soaps are? Can we give a round of applause for BLACK women starting businesses before the age of 25? 

At the tender age of 23 Kayla used her creativity to create such a beautiful household staple. Well soap is for me anyway. Do you wash your...never mind. Moving on, Kayla started making soaps as a way to bring in an income while being a full time college student.

The soaps come in  an array of colors in scents that you can choose or customize. These are glycerin with a Shea BUTTA base, with the option to add coconut oil at your request. Kayla promised that there are no toxic chemicals used only skin sensitive safe dyes are used. So by all means, please click the link below and check out her site!

Click here: SoapWorks

Owner: Kayla

SoapWorks

Richmond, VA

“Not only is it fun, it’s rewarding.”