Creativepreneurs: Baiyina Hughley
The Creativepreneurs interview series explores the entrepreneurial journeys of black creatives.
What is your creative work and what inspired you to start?
I’m a designer focusing on all things Interior Design. My latest ventures include teaching an online decorating class, selling vintage rugs and shopping for home makeover shows. Ever since design school, I knew I wanted to own my own business. I have many journals filled with notes detailing business ideas and entrepreneurship.
How do you access your creativity and prepare to do your work?
The excitement and challenge of new projects creates an electrical buzz which is where my creative ideas come from. It’s intuitive for me - I can usually walk into a space and immediately start visualizing ideas. To execute a project, I use my logical side and follow a step by step process I’ve developed from experience. I can’t work if my space is messy or disorganized, so I’ll clean up or rearrange if I feel unmotivated or stuck. I also work best in the evening and typically need to have Netflix or talk radio on to get into it.
What do you hope to inspire or accomplish?
I hope to accomplish creating a lifestyle for myself that feels fun, free, creative and thriving, all the while helping people create better spaces and give them access to really neat quality finds that they cherish for years.
What if any surprises or challenges have you encountered?
My biggest challenge is having staying power to stick with one idea/ focus. I prefer lots of short term projects and gigs within design. I’ve never been able to stick with just one thing. And I’ve struggled with accepting if that’s okay.
How do you practice self-care and recharge?
When I’m burned out the thing that brings me the most joy is hopping in the car with my best friend for a day trip and the city behind me - and even better if it’s a weekday. On a smaller scale, massages and vegging out on the sofa with Project Runway helps too.
What advice do have for women considering entrepreneurship?
Test your ideas by trying to see if you can sell before you create a whole website, register your business and order the business cards. Start before you do any of this. Also, follow what feels good and uses your natural talents.
What are your other dreams and goals?
My dreams include owning a home, opening a furniture/ home decor store and starting a family.
What are you most proud of with your business?
I’m most proud of the fact that I've genuinely been able to pursue my passions. I’m not where I want to be fully, but I’m working on it.
Where can we learn more about you?
My website baiyina.com or my youtube channel www.youtube.com/quirkyliving.
Anything you would like to add?
The biggest thing I’ve learned is that you just have to be who you are. One of my favorite authors Jean Haner wrote a book called “Your Hidden Symmetry”. And it’s all about understanding your true nature and then creating your life around that, rather than trying to change yourself to fit a life around you.
Baiyina is also featured in Black Minimalists on the Web. Learn about other creativepreneurs.
Photos courtesy of Baiyina Hugley.
Creativepreneurs: Tasha McZorn
The Creativepreneurs interview series explores the entrepreneurial journeys of creatives of color.
I first met Tasha when we were both studying at the Art Institute of Philadelphia and she was my Resident Assistant. Later, we both went on to do AmeriCorps during the same time and now we're both on our entrepreneurial journeys. I'm proud to share her story.
What is your creative work or hustle and what inspired you to start?
Well my new venture is called BossLady Entertainment where I currently operate as a Talent Manager. I manage the work, career, and sometimes the life of my solo R&B/Soul artist, Soultareek.
Well my inspiration plays out twofold. Since high school and in church I was curious about the music industry. I love music and always was surrounded by music. The beginning of my life mostly consisted of gospel due to being Pentecostal, but my friends at school started to expose me to Hot 97. My mom told me stories of groups and bands running in my family and then a businessman I worked for put me on CD 101.9. I also observed my cousin Aaron take his music career on the road and people like House Divas, Barbara Tucker, and Dawn Tallman sing as part of the Praise & Worship team at my church.
That let me know you can love God and still love all types of music while moving in the business. I tabled that thought of being in the business at age 17. The second part... 17 years later (crazy right!), my now artist Soultareek resurrected this idea. He approached me about managing his career. I was totally against it due to knowing nothing about how the business works and I wasn't confident I could do it. I'm in Education and manage middle school students and teachers, not music careers. We realized I could take those same skills I use every day in education and transfer them over to his career. I got my hands on some resources and read up on some dos and don'ts, connected with some veterans from the industry, and can say I'm very proud of myself. That was a long inspiration...lol
How do you access your creativity and prepare to do your work?
It's a combination of picking the brains of veterans and collaborating with my artist. We function more like a team then he wants me to go do this and that. We meet the first week of the month and set goals for him as an artist, myself as a manager, and collaborative goals for ourselves. Afterwards, we go back to the board and see what we accomplished, what we need to roll over to the next month, and what are our next moves.
I also have to say my spirituality. I ask God what is the next move, and thank him in advance for the people he lines up for me to connect with. I ask daily for guidance for me so I won't miss opportunities I normally wouldn't accept.
After that I'm unleashed! Lol! Things and people start to line up based off those goals that are set in the beginning. It's done effortlessly! I don’t have to force, push or step on anyone’s toes to prepare for what I do. Which is definitely the perception and truth about this business.
I read up and watch how well known talent managers, who are responsible for a lot of celebrities’ careers, move or moved. How are you going to know what to do if you don't seek the wisdom from those who’ve already done it? I connect with local talent managers as well.
What do you hope to inspire or accomplish?
A few things… I hope to inspire others to go for your dreams. I hope to inspire others to go with the flow. Sometimes you have to turn the control button off and stop trying to force things to go this way when you know good and well God got this sharp left turn coming. Just go for it!
I hope to inspire others to go own your own. Whatever it is, don't let your plan be to retire and live off your pension. You have your 9-5, great! Is that something you can leave for your grandchildren? your great grand? Remember to build a legacy for your family!
What I hope to accomplish with BossLady Entertainment:
- I hope, no will, accomplish being the "go to" establishment to package independent artists and present them for successful distribution and record deals. I don't expect to have a bunch of artists on my roster, but I do expect to have a successful track record of building artists up and getting them out there into the world.
- I'm looking to extend my service at BossLady Entertainment managing Fashion Models careers (I graduated with a B.S. in Fashion Marketing) as well as event planning for upcoming and known artists.
- Just because I feel how this flow is going and I'm not going to question it or ask how and why...it will all come together, have my very own establishment where I can offer the record deals and distribution.
At this point anything is possible and I'm NOT going to second guess myself or say NO to anything that God put in place for me to get there!
What if any surprises or challenges have you encountered?
Yesssss!!!
Challenges:
Finding the balance managing your dreams and life while driving and pushing to make someone else’s dream come true. Unexpectedly your life becomes intertwined with the people you manage. I noticed that with my work as BossLady and in my 9-5 job as a Director. Just finding that balance, but also being realistic that hey, it's going to be like this sometimes but don't have to be all the time.
Surprises: How many people believe men and women can't work together unless there are hidden agendas. I know we’ve got Love and Hip Hop giving everybody some insight into the industry, but my name is Latasha "BossLady" McZorn...ummmm I don't WANT or NEED to roll like that to make ish happen. And that is that!
Support and Supporters! Very shocked to see how artists will get love and actually help from the people outside of their camp or city. Strangers will support you sometimes better than your own family. So to see that happen and hear a lot of other artists mimic the same message is helping me steer a different way in managing my artist.
Lessons: (I'm adding this)
Somebody can big you up all they want, but when you ain't buying the CDs, downloading the iTunes, attending the shows, helping you post or share or coming out to help or even ASK how can I help.... You note it and move accordingly.
How do you practice self-care and recharge?
I plan for it and follow the shifts in the season. I fall back and make sure I take care of me, my family, and my needs. You can end up as an entrepreneur doing everything yourself or pushing so hard for somebody else vision you forget about your own personal needs. So I plan it and just do it! What good are you for the people you are planning to serve or product you are planning to produce if you're off! Nobody else will take care of you better than you! So do it!
What advice do have for women considering entrepreneurship?
- You get the idea and write it down. Now I remember writing my ideas down about the music when I was 17. Boom in my journal, done. So that is the first step.
- When something opens up that connects to your vision and dream, entertain it.
- Start researching it up! Get some resources. Look up career stories of individuals who successfully made it in the field you are interested in pursuing.
- Be open to a mentor. I have someone with 10+ years in the industry I can call on to ping ideas off, reflect on my actions, and see if I'm on the right path. Some of you will seek and find your mentors. Other will have people whose been watching your moves and the mentors will just come into your life. The mentor shows up when the student is ready. So be open to one!
- Just go! Get started, get the LLC, go ahead and build the site, start the instagram page, get the business cards. Just go ahead and do it. The worst you can do is fail! Guess what? Remember that last thing that failed or didn't go through? How you doing? It’s over right? Had some stuff you had to put back together and changes had to be made..but it’s over right? Okay, so just go! Failure is temporary, so just start. People are in graves with dreams they never fulfilled or was too scared to start. Think of this... Whose dreams, jobs or legacy are you holding up because you won't fulfill yours? People are waiting on you!
Girl just go and get started!
What are your other dreams and goals?
I would love to have my own school. Start from preschool to whatever grade I can fulfill during my life. My children, grand-children or great grands might fulfill my legacy but I can at least start it.
Another is to travel the world! I want to take my artist all over the world because sometimes your own backyard won't recognize your skills and talents until others do. So one of my goals is to take BossLady Entertainment international!
Of course one of my other goals and dreams is to be married and have my own family. Sometimes women entrepreneurs be faking the funk like they don't want no man. Remember a BossLady needs a BossMan so one of my dreams is to marry my King and build our own legacy. ;)
Another dream of mine is to either have my own successful segment on a radio or television show.
What are you most proud of with your business?
I am so proud of everything! BossLady Entertainment’s one year anniversary is coming up in two months. Not having any industry background, my artist Soultareek has completed his first EP. He just released his first album (which is fire!!!), had his album release party, participated in DJ Absolut’s Rock the Mic showcase in NYC, his first music video about to drop on VeVo in a few days, building his collabo portfolio with other artists, and I have a new opportunity to become a talent manager for an independent record label. All from just saying YES and just going for it!
I am still in awe and thank God every day. As long as I follow and listen to God I know he got my back and I will keep going until he tells me... done!
Where can we learn more about you?
Request Me
You can hear me online w/my co host Frisco Kid on Saturdays, 9am-12pm on Kingdom Wave Radio.
Also join us on FB:The Frisco Kid's Kingdom Wave Radio Show.
Anything you would like to add?
Yes! You know I have to promote! :)
Follow my artist, listen, and share his music.
His album Consciously Thinking is available on iTunes, TIDAL and Google Play. Download, Share, Comment!
Also, I’m looking for new Female and Male artists ages 15 & up in R&B, HipHop, Gospel and Pop. Hit me up at bosslady.management14@gmail.com
Thank you so much for reading and I hope I inspired at least one person to get up and go or to keep going!
-BossLady
Productivity in 6 Minimalist Quotes
Source: CreateHer Stock
One principle of minimalism is to eliminate what is unnecessary and this is the key to productivity.
The reason you are not reaching your personal and professional goals and living the life you want is because you are too concerned with things that don’t matter.
This particularly concerns our daily schedules which are often cluttered with useless activities.
Here are six minimalist quotes I love that'll help you change your perspective on what it means to be productive and just busy.
“Time is what we want most but what we use worst.” -William Penn
A simple google search reveals millions of resources on time management. It would seem that we don’t quite understand how to manage our time properly, but I don't agree.
We talk about time slipping away from us and not having enough of it, but how many of us are doing what we really want to do with the time we have?
We know exactly what we need to do in our lives and what we want, but we avoid them by procrastinating and doing everything else under the sun we can think of.
Time is the one resource we have that is finite and uncertain, use it well.
“Beware of the barrenness of a busy life.” -Socrates
If you want to have a full life, stop being busy.
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines busy as engaged in action, full of activity, foolishly or obtrusively active and full of distracting detail.
You only have to scroll through your various social media feeds as proof of the glorification of busy and our obsession with proving we are doing something worth posting about.
Stop trying to appear busy and go do something that matters to you.
“Never mistake motion for action.” -Ernest Hemingway
For all the time wasted being busy, the things that matter: our health, relationships and goals, take a backseat to our to-do lists.
Just because you’re constantly on the go, doesn’t mean you’re achieving anything of value. You're exhausted and you don't have anything to show for it.
If you stop moving for a moment and focus on what’s important to you, you can accomplish a lot more.
“You don’t need more time...you just need to decide.” -Seth Godin
Prioritize. Prioritize. Prioritize.
Prioritizing is the first key to being productive.
Start with your to-do list and whittle it down to only the essential tasks.
How do you decide what is essential? This is where the importance of big picture planning and goal setting comes into practice.
Ask yourself, “is this task or activity moving me towards my goals?”. If the answer is “yes”, press forward. If the answer is “no”, cross it off your list. It’s that simple.
“Life is frittered away by detail. Simplify. Simplify.” -Henry David Thoreau
You may have heard the expression “the devil is in the detail”, meaning beware and look closely at things, but did you know that it was actually preceded by the phrase “God is in the detail”.
Both expressions mean essentially the same thing, it’s important to pay attention to the details.
What Mr. Thoreau was getting at is not to get stuck in the minute, petty details, and busy work.
Active and intentional planning leads to increased mindfulness and productivity while we are in the midst of our detailed lives.
“Do less with more focus.” -Unknown
Presence, also related to intent and mindfulness, is the other key to being productive.
When you know the purpose of your actions and see how they relate to the big picture, you are fully engaged in the experience.
You also realize that you don’t need to do all that extra stuff. Not only will you become more productive, but you may even understand happiness.
Here is a simple equation you can use to be more productive:
Prioritizing + Presence= Productivity
"Stop being busy and start being productive." -Yolanda
What are your tips for being productive?
Creativepreneuers: Kaneisha Trott
Source: Kaneisha Trott's Facebook Page
What I enjoyed most about Kaneisha's interview was her transparency and authenticity.
I know Kaneisha Trott as "Nee Cee" and have known her since freshman year of college way back in 2001. We met in our freshman english class, took calculus together, and lived in the same dorm complex.
The essence of who Neecee is hasn't changed. She is intelligent, hilarious, generous, and kind. It's been great to watch her mature in her perception of self and on her spiritual journey.
Watch my in-depth interview with Kaneisha Trott as she talks about her dreams and music ministry.
She has already impacted many through her music ministry and her daily walk with God and I know she will touch so many more with her gift.
Support NeeCee on Facebook and Twitter.
She debuted last spring, live in concert, to a packed house at Power City in Smyrna, Delaware and I was fortunate to attend.
She brought down the house, with the help of Jesus of course.
You can hear a snippet of one of her tracks here.
What did you take away from NeeCee's interview?
Creativepreneurs: Kathryn Buford
Kathryn Buford is the co-founder of Live Unchained.
I met Kathryn Buford around 2006 when I was a student at UIUC.
I have had the pleasure of following her journey and creation of Live Unchained, a site that highlights women artists across the African Diaspora.
Being one of the sweetest people I know, Kathryn graciously agreed to be interviewed about her art, inspiration and creativity.
What type of artist are you and what is your creative work?
I'm a writer, curator and entrepreneur -- I consider all of these arts.
How would you describe your inner artist?
I would describe her as communal. She most comes alive from the support of kindred spirits. Even if I'm not working directly with someone on a project, just sharing my ideas and getting encouragement to take risks inspires me to create.
How do you prepare to do your creative work?
It's a mix - there's no standard formula for me. I've learned to love the experience of a good creative flood where ideas just come rushing in, I get tingly and have to write on whatever used computer paper, napkin or receipt is nearby. The thing with this is, in the moment you feel confident, but later on, you can second guess yourself. When I prepare to do work after an episode like this, I get really easy on myself and recognize that I may not use it, I may have to tweak it, but I'm going to at least acknowledge it.
More recently, I've just started to think more strategically about what do I want this article or event to communicate and what's the best timing.
What does it feel like when you’re in the groove with your work?
Effortless.
What do you hope to inspire or accomplish with your work?
I hope to show that you don't need to come from a certain background or have been well-connected to be a successful artist. I want to show people that with the right outlook and strategy you can realize your highest creative self. It certainly takes more than affirmations and positive thinking - though that is essential - it's about understanding the field in which you work so you can master it.
Will Smith once said, "It doesn't matter how talented you are, if you're not skilled, your talents will fail you." What I wanted to accomplish with Live Unchained, where we've feature more than 100 interviews with artists from over 16 countries, is show that even accomplished artists are still grinding, honing all types of skills - people skills, interpersonal skills and trying to be better people.
We focused on black women because I wanted to be an intervention in the media. Too often, dominant representations don't reflect the diversity of our perspectives, experiences and even nations we come from and languages we speak.
What artists have influenced you?
Every artist I've featured on www.liveunchained.com. I think the reason people respect us so much is because our sincerity shines through. We've only featured artists who truly resonate with us.
Do you have a tribe? Who are they and what do they look like?
I'm definitely an inter-tribal woman. But, currently I feel drawn to the tribe of quiet doers. I have slowed down output with Live Unchained to work on the next direction we'll take with our recent grant and from new funders. I'm taking my time, thinking things through with my team and getting things in order for a solid re-launch. I say all that to say this tribe of mine is made of the people who know you don't need to peak to soon and don't just want to take pleasure in having accomplished dreams, but in the journey to realize them. We are the people with active goals, we don't dream of having done something, but doing it with visionaries that are just as committed. We know we don't have to choose between the two, but we'd rather play the long game and be relevant than have instant success and be popular.
What are your dreams and goals?
One of my favorite media experts, Ryan Holiday, is also my new favorite philosopher. His thinking on work and life is simple: "Be a good person. Love what you do." The big dream and only goal is to be able to do the good I want through my writing, curation of exhibition and events and any collaborations life wants to surprise me with. I want to love what I do so it doesn't feel like work until the check comes in and I realize how well-compensated I am.
I've already lived out my dreams of working with friends and interviewing artists, activists and intellectuals who inspire me. I'd really like more of that on a greater level - working more closely with the mentors who have become my friends and more interviews. I just want to get better and better at my craft, I want to be put in positions to learn as much as I can.
How do you practice self-care?
I have a life coach whom I love. Whenever I reach a roadblock she helps me think of ways to rethink the situation and move forward. I consider meeting with her, someone who has my best interest and success at heart, with no judgement or agenda, a form of self-care.
What does spirituality mean to you and how important is it in your life?
I think spirituality is the practice of honoring your spirit. It's essential everyday because it's how I protect myself from doubt and criticism - whether it's coming from me or someone else. Recognizing that my soul is all peaceful, has infinite knowledge and can never be harmed helps me remember that whatever challenge that's going on in front of me isn't all that's going on.
What advice would you give women trying to discover their inner artists?
This is an interesting question because it reminds me of how I answer the question: "What does it mean to Live Unchained?" To me living unchained means having nothing to prove and nothing to hide.
My advice to someone on the creative journey is this: Don't worry about impressing people with your uniqueness, rich friends, snarky wit or number of Instagram followers. Always do your best in creating and marketing your art - if you have to market it yourself step up to the challenge and learn how to do it well. If you want a meaningful career, this is a marathon not a sprint - take the time to hone your skills. Don't compromise your integrity for fame. When you make a mistake, forgive yourself as quickly and completely as possible. You have nothing to prove and nothing to hide.
Connect with Kathryn Buford and Live Unchained.
My favorite quote was, "When you make a mistake, forgive yourself as quickly and completely as possible. You have nothing to prove and nothing to hide." What was yours?