Creativepreneurs: Brittany Anderson-El
Creativepreneurs: Brittany Anderson-El
I met Brittany about five years ago when we both worked as academic advisors. We've both since moved on from that work (blessings!) and I'm happy to present Brittany's entrepreneurial story to you. She is the owner and creator of Nola's Blossom "where beauty & healing dwell".
What is your creative work and what inspired you to start?
My entire life is my creative project, however the one piece of work I am currently indulged in is Nola's Blossom. It is a business venture dedicated to an organic approach to hair and body care maintenance. I started to develop my own hair care products in 2011 and over time began to make products for my close friends and family. As the demand grew so did my desire to build my brand.
The inspiration was actually triggered by my relationship that ended the spring of 2015. My recovery was going terribly and I needed something to pour myself into. My mother saw how badly the break up was affecting me and encouraged me even more than before to start the groundwork for my business. So with a sweet mix of passion and anxiety, I conjured up the nerve and I went for it. Nola's Blossom launched on August 3rd of 2015.
How do you access your creativity and prepare to do your work?
When I need to be inspired, I have to be in complete silence not just as it relates to Nola's Blossom but anything. Writing, working, dreaming, it all has to be done in the confines of my solitude with no distractions. It is there that my creativity feasters. I also need cleanliness. To focus and prepare orders, or organize my online shop, or brainstorm on new ideas, my entire workspace has to be spotless. This may seem minuscule but it's one of the most important parts of my process. I find that if my work environment isn't welcoming and neat then my creativity won't flow.
What do you hope to inspire or accomplish?
I want to inspire women not only to return their hair back to its natural state but also invest in quality products that will nourish and provide sustenance for their hair as well. Also I want to help women transition from using skin products filled with alcohol and sulfates to products that are made with ingredients from the earth that complement their chemical makeup.
What if any surprises or challenges have you encountered?
I can't say that this was a surprise or a challenge more so than it was a realization. And that is the amount of money it took to start Nola's Blossom. I was so detailed in what I envisioned for my brand, and that meant purchasing high quality ingredients, paying for professional photographs, buying the expensive appliances that were best suited for what I wanted to create. There was no room for cutting corners. Was it worth it? Absolutely, but my goodness it cost me.
How do you practice self-care and recharge?
Besides being a business owner I am also an Advanced Reiki Practitioner. Reiki is a Japanese form of touch therapy. It promotes inner healing and self awareness. So I'm big on meditation and silencing the mind. When I need to get away and gather myself it is through reiki healing and sitting with myself in silence. And as random as it may seem, recharging sometimes involves the maintenance of my hair. Putting in a deep conditioner or moisturizing my scalp is so relaxing, lol and it truly helps me unwind.
What advice do you have for women considering entrepreneurship?
The first time I attempted to make a whipped shea butter I failed horribly and had to throw it away. However, I kept at it and I knew I wanted to be an Alchemist of some sort. So I tried again and again and again until I got it down to a science. When something tugs at your spirit, you are required to respond. The universe will guide you, so let it. Your passions, your skill sets, your visions, take them with you everywhere you go. Allow them to enter all of your conversations. Write them down over and over again. Become obsessed until you can no longer stand your visions not being manifested. And then,…. just fucking go for it.
What are your other dreams and goals?
I aspire to become a Master Teacher in the field of Reiki. I am currently a vegetarian and I am striving to be a raw food vegan. I have an obsession with interior design and one day I desire to be a consultant for the design of homes and small businesses. I'm currently working on a chapbook which will be a collection of my poetry from 2014 until now, it is my hope that it will be published late next year. It is my goal to one day be a wholesale distributor for raw and organic ingredients. I also want to be a certified Doula focusing on prenatal and postpartum care. And yes, the cliche dream of having a family, in whatever package that comes in, I want that too.
What are you most proud of with your business?
That I have full creative control over every product that is in my shop and that the decisions I make regarding Nola's Blossom are done with integrity.
Where can we learn more about you?
Instagram: Nola.Darling
Snapchat: Nola.Darling
Facebook: Nola's Blossom
And of course, to purchase items for yourself or someone you know Nola's Blossom is available on Etsy at www.etsy.com/shop/NolasBlossom
Learn about other creativepreneurs.
Simple Life: Bullet Journal
Bullet Journal: The last planner (agenda, journal, notebook, calendar, etc.) you will ever need.
I say this with confidence. For the last five months, this is what I’ve used to organize and envision my life.
I’m a lover of notebooks, journals, planners, agendas, and most paper products in general. I love to write and sketch and plan, but on my minimalist journey, I realized I was a bit of a hoarder when it came to these objects.
Having multiple notebooks and planners was not helping me live simply or stay organized. I even designed my own planner, but it still wasn’t simple enough for my needs.
So I went pinteresting for all-in-one planners. I came across the popular Day Designer and I was tempted to purchase the Passion Planner, but I felt there was something even simpler that could meet my needs and that’s when I found the bullet journal.
The bullet journal is simply a series of lists. You can add more to it, but at it’s core the bullet journal is all about lists.
I’m going to outline the main pages of the bullet journal and I have included pictures of my journal below.
Main Components of a Bullet Journal
Key
Index
Future Log
Monthly Log
Monthly To-Do
Daily Log
Special Pages
Key
The key tells you about each type of entry on your various lists. Some types of entries you may have are tasks, notes, events/appointments, transactions. You can further notate these entries to show priority, favorites, research needed, complete, migrated, scheduled or questions. This is the key I use, but you can create your own type of entries and notations to suit your needs.
Sidenote: After using the journal for a few months, I realized I only use a few of the entry types and notations consistently. These are the ones most intuitive and integral to my thought process and I will only include those in the key of my next journal.
Index
This is probably self explanatory, but this is where you will list your pages and page numbers.
Tip: If you write a lot like me and notice you’re running out of space on the index page, you can leave the back page blank or make an entry for index #2 at the bottom of the first index page.
Future Log
This section allows you to do an at-a-glance look at your next six months. It is not meant to be super detailed, but to note any major events you're aware of and goals you want to achieve in the next six months.
Monthly Log
The monthly log is your calendar in list form. I enter the first letter of the day and the date on each line. Here you will fill in events and tasks for that month. Once you’ve completed your monthly to-do page (next section), you can go back and fill in more events and tasks. You can do the monthly to-do before the monthly log, but either way, I recommend having the pages facing each other.
Monthly To-Do
On the monthly to-do page you will list everything that needs to get done that month.
Daily Log
This is where you note what needs to get done on a daily basis. You will use the monthly log and to-do lists to schedule your days. The bullet journal website recommends completing daily logs no more than 1-2 days in advance and I agree.
Focusing on a few important things that need to be completed that day will help you be more productive and remain present. It allows you to give each day it’s space and reflect.
Long term planning is necessary, but what you focus on day-to-day will ultimately determine if you’re successful in those long term goals.
Special Pages
Special pages can be anything you want. My special pages include a savings tracker, sales tracker, journaling, blog post drafts, checklists, and lots of other content that don’t fall into the categories above.
Your life made simple.
It’s so simple. All you need is a notebook. You can use plain, lined, or graphing paper. I created my own notebook with leftover graphing paper I had and used the cardboard backing to create covers. I purchased metal utility wire for $1 to create the notebook rings. I also bought a small notebook for $1 I only use for my day job. You can also buy the official bullet journal, but it’s not necessary.
What I love about the bullet journal is it keeps you focused on the moment and what’s going on in your life currently. You create it as you go along and you only ever have the one day before you. For me, it makes me feel my day and life in general, are conquerable and mine to control. You can personalize it. Do a search of “bullet journals” and you can see how creative some people are with their journals, but regardless, it is yours to shape, just like your life.
What is one organizational tool you cannot live without?
Black Minimalists: Cicely Renee
Black Minimalists: Cicely Renee
Cicely was featured in Black Minimalists on the Web Part Two.
When and why did you start your minimalist journey? What are your goals in living simply?
I started my minimalist journey Summer 2015. I realized I was stressed and it wasn’t due to work. I noticed I would get less productive with too many things and people in my space. I realized it wasn’t just stuff but was thoughts, people and busyness that needed to be minimized in my life. My goal is to have quality over quantity in every aspect of my life so that peace remains constant despite the chaos I cannot control.
You wrote a great post on 20 things to let go of before the new year. What are some things you left behind in 2015?
A few that stood out to me were, leaving behind my comfort zone, Facebook life comparisons, and last year. I left my comfort zone as I recently relocated to Dallas to really begin living again. I missed challenges and adventures and this was a great way to do so. I had gotten so comfortable and it made me so uncomfortable.
Facebook comparisons is a big one. After my divorce, I looked at people who got married around the same time celebrating their anniversaries, new babies, and purchasing their new homes and it hurt. It was taking too much space in my mind and was driving me crazy. Although it still is a struggle, I am making a conscientious decision on removing the thoughts and feelings.
In regards to last year, it was a rough one with my divorce and all. Life had changed drastically and I was just going with the flow. I couldn’t do that anymore and needed to be more intentional with my life and so in order for me to move on, I had to leave last year in its lane.
You mentioned you relocated across the country to Dallas. How did the move impact your minimalist journey? How did you prepare for the move? What minimalist tips do you have for others looking to relocate?
The move made me realize that I had too much stuff that brought me no joy. The move literally made me get rid of so many things. I was going to be staying with my aunt so I had to keep everything to a minimum and did not want to pay for storage. The move is allowing me to really start over and this allows me to be more thoughtful when I move into my new place.
When thinking about preparation, it was a huge mental thing because I was like what do I get rid of? My books were the hardest things; I love books.
My advice to minimalists looking to relocate is plan far in advance. Maybe you can sell the things so when moving, the costs won’t be so high. Also, think about it this way, this is the perfect opportunity to start from scratch and only have things that bring you joy.
You have some posts on "Masterpiece of Minimalism". PLEASE EXPLAIN THE PHRASE and what minimalism means to you.
I first heard the phrase in a negative context on Love Jones, when Lorenz’s character was asked about his book he was writing and he responded, “Masterpiece of Minimalism” and it stuck in my head. But when thinking about it in a freeing way, it brings a sense of mastering the art of minimalism in our lives. It is something we are aiming for.
You have talked about going through a divorce and often speak about it on your blog, how did that experience impact your journey? What advice do have for others on letting go, living single, and being happy?
I never thought about minimalism when I was married. I was focused on acquiring the perfect marriage, children, marriage activities and more. I wanted more out of my marriage and when that just brought more headache, I realized that less is really more.
My happiness was not attached to him, the things, the ideas of what marriage is “supposed” to look like. There were other things that were added in my life that brought so much stress and I was feeling so weighed down.
Although there was a lot of good in my life, there was so much bad that was weighing heavy and I had to reflect on what those things were and a plan to let those things go. My peace and joy means a lot to me and when I realized I was losing more peace and joy and gaining more headaches, it helped me come to terms with my divorce.
My advice would be not to focus on the bad or the good in your marriage, but on what you need in your life to bring you peace and joy. The divorce is an event that happened in your life, but your peace is something that is connected to you mentally, spiritually and emotionally.
Once you find your peace you will quickly notice when your peace is interrupted by things and people that enter your life and when you know it, it is easier for you to keep things at bay so that you can keep your peace. It is a freeing thing really. At this point living minimally comes more naturally.
In addition to blogging, you are a Social Media Marketing Strategist and you recently began work as a College and Career Coach (congrats!). Many of us are entrepreneurs and side hustlers in addition to our day jobs. What tips can you give on balancing and managing your passions, obligations, and personal life?
My biggest thing is organization. Oh my gosh, get a calendar and follow it… get your to-do list and do it… this was a hard reality I had to learn and messed up some things because I double booked.
My key tip is if you are working 40 hours for someone else, you need to work at least half of that for yourself. If you are passionate about what you do and want to become a full time entrepreneur, do not slack on your personal and business goals.
Also, find a job that will allow you the time you need to work on your endeavors. I was very excited about my new job because of the hours… I realized that I work best in the night time and day, NOT EARLY MORNING. So my new hours are 2-10 pm M-Th and 9-6 F.
I know that I can stay up late to work on blogging and getting things together. Between 10-1 I can work on my other business ventures. When I worked M-F, 9-6, I would be so exhausted and just sleep the rest of the evening or watch tv. With this new schedule I get to start with me first and that makes me happy. So knowing how you work and finding the right fit to allow you to work on you is key.
Additionally, what is one quick tip you can give minimalist entrepreneurs on simplifying our social media presence/marketing without reducing its impact and usefulness to our communities?
Social media marketing for business is King. Finding apps that help minimize the time spent pushing your content is key. Learning how to interconnect your platforms will be awesome when you can spend less time pushing and more time doing other things. I also do not think you need to be on EVERY app; no more than 5 will help keep your sanity. I personally use 3 for business and 2-3 for personal use.
What is your take on black minimalism?
When I think about black minimalism, I think first on the opposite end of the spectrum where being materialistic having more than enough comes into play. I just feel like when black people acquire things, they feel more powerful. I feel the release of things and ideas is so much more powerful. Letting go of the need to possess people, things, and ideas in fact is so much more freeing. I think black minimalism is a way to really cut the chains of bondage which will allow us to have a deeper connection to what is real and brings life to dead places.
where can we learn more about you?
You can learn about me at:
Site: www.bougieblackblogger.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/love2loveyawords
Instagram: @bougieblackblogger
Twitter: @cicelyrenee
Email: bougieblackblogger@gmail.com
Learn more about other Black Minimalists.
What is a Black Minimalist?
Why black minimalist?
When I first had the idea of focusing on black minimalists, I had doubts. Did I need to place black in front of minimalist? Was I needlessly separating myself from the larger minimalist movement? I was also nervous about how my non-black readers would receive this new direction.
I was curious about whether our experience of minimalism was different from the dominant perspective. At the very least, I needed to tell my story. I felt there might be others needing to tell their stories, and still more, needing to hear stories that resonated with their experience.
I started searching for black people who identified as minimalists or who were living simply in some way; however they defined it.
When I talked with other black minimalists, I realized this could be something big. The response to my first post, Black Minimalists on the Web, was overwhelmingly positive and it affirmed our need to connect with one another.
What is a black minimalist?
A black person who adopts a simpler lifestyle as a means of liberation from anything that no longer serves her best self. The adoption of minimalism could be a response to overwhelming physical clutter, emotional baggage, financial debt, health concerns, or oppression. Any deep-seated desire to change one’s life can prompt a minimalist lifestyle. It also springs from a desire to liberate and positively impact black communities.
Why do we need a black minimalist movement?
I was perusing the web recently, doing my periodic search for black minimalist stuff to see if anything new turned up, and I stumbled upon this comment on a blog post from Joshua Becker’s site, Becoming Minimalist.
Jon says
March 31, 2012 at 3:45 am
Let me put forward a different perspective and one I’m sure may rub some the wrong way. I agree owning stuff is a burden on many levels but what if you are not white as many of you appear to be. Is minimalism and the discarding of all outward signs of status and identity a luxury only those in society who aren’t judged by virtue of their race necessarily can afford? If you were African American could you live a minimalist life, a life of simplicity and still be respected and treated well? Could it be that society would see you as inferior pandering to stereotypes if you don’t have wealth and material sign posts to validate your standing? For many minorities, having an outward display of abundance is the only way to gain respect and a foothold in a very unequal society. Therefore, is minimalism, much like golf, a white man’s philosophy?
Jon’s questions are important and some I’ve asked myself on this journey. His comment and some of the responses made me cringe a little though. For one, he is asking this question on a forum created by a white man and used by mainly white people. I don’t fault him for this because where else would he have asked this question. So much has happened in four years and there weren’t as many minimalist forums, let alone any platforms catering to black minimalists at this time.
Some of the responses, in my opinion, were dismissive of his concern or missed the point because if you’re not living the black experience in this country, how do you even know where he’s coming from? Fortunately, a few commenters did offer understanding and empathy for what Jon was trying to express. He never responded to the replies, but I hope he saw those last few comments affirming his experience.
Read the whole comment thread.
This movement is needed because we need a space where Jon and any other black person can feel comfortable asking these questions and not worry about rubbing someone the wrong way. I want for black people who want to live simply to know there is a community of people who understand where they are coming from and can offer insight. For these reasons, Black Minimalists will be expanding into an entity of its own in the near future.
Furthermore, the historical, social, political, economic, cultural, and spiritual implications of life in America, in the African Diaspora and on the African continent, also makes this movement necessary. Our liberation as individuals and communities is at stake. This is a call to create, build, and uplift our people in a way that disengages us from the norms of oppression. It reaffirms and celebrates the fact that we are enough and that we already have everything we need to free ourselves.
Questions from a black minimalist
I would like to briefly answer Jon's questions and invite you to share your thoughts in the comments.
Is minimalism and the discarding of all outward signs of status and identity a luxury only those in society who aren’t judged by virtue of their race necessarily can afford?
No and yes. It’s complicated. Any person, regardless of background, can do anything she wants in theory, including living simply. You can’t deny though, that we (black people and other minorities) are under a microscope. I’m at a point in my personal life where I care less and I think other black people are starting to care less too and the carefree black girl/boy movement beautifully shows that.
I think MamaJama’s comment hits on what Jon was getting at:
MamaJama says
July 28, 2014 at 8:48 am
In many cases, it can be shown, without a doubt that appearances can make or break (literally) a minority man. You’re debating a philosophy, a lifestyle, we’re talking about the freedom to live (in any form that doesn’t lead to one’s death based on one’s skin color). Don’t take your freedom (that eludes others) for granted.
If you were African American could you live a minimalist life, a life of simplicity and still be respected and treated well?
Yes, we do it everyday. I personally haven’t encountered any negativity regarding my lifestyle, but you can’t necessarily identify a minimalist just by looking. I don’t wear a sign that says “minimalist”. You’d have to take the time to get to know a person before learning that information unless they offer it upfront. So most of the time, we are not judged by our minimalist identity, but by other external factors.
Could it be that society would see you as inferior, pandering to stereotypes if you don’t have wealth and material sign posts to validate your standing?
Yes. Forget about minimalism for a moment and focus on history. American society has shown us repeatedly how it feels about black people and all other groups who do not fit in with the majority. We as a society place value on the attainment of certain material possessions and status positions. This is real regardless of your lifestyle.
People will judge you regardless of what you do, so why not live a life that is authentic and meaningful to you?
Is minimalism, much like golf, a white man’s philosophy?
No. Minimalism is a universal philosophy that has existed since humans came to be. Many people, including certain nomadic and religious societies, still practice living simplistically . White men and women may have popularized minimalism as a lifestyle trend in recent years, but minimalism is for everyone.
For those asking these questions, this is why I highlight black minimalists through interviews and roundups, this is why I talk about minimalism and black liberation, and this is why we have started having discussions via twitter. This is why I put black in front of minimalist.
Where can you learn more about black minimalists?
You can now find us on our website: blackminimalists.net.
Interviews
roundups
Black Minimalists on the Web Part One
Black Minimalists on the Web Part Two
Black Liberation + MINIMALISM
Minimalism for Black Liberation: Intro
6 Minimalists Principles for Black Liberation
Black Minimalist Icon: bell hooks
Discussions
Culture
Carefree Black Girl As Minimalist
Join the conversation on Twitter + Youtube.
ARE YOU A BLACK MINIMALIST CONTENT CREATOR? contact us at blkminimalists@gmail.com to BE FEATURED.
#BLKMINCHAT: March Recap
#BLKMINCHAT: March Recap- Minimalist Beauty
We held our second Black Minimalists twitter chat on minimalist beauty on March 3rd. Barbara from Jacq's Organics was our special guest. There were lots of great information, tips and hacks shared on simplifying your beauty routine. Check out the conversation below.
Question 1: Tell us about your beauty routine.
@blkminimalists A1: I'm Nyasha. I'm an academic/writer. I have a minimal beauty routine but have too many products. #blkminchat
— Nyasha Junior (@NyashaJunior) March 4, 2016
A1: @blkminimalists Hello Maggi here and this is my routine #blkminchat https://t.co/o8mQUt7CdL
— CluelessCurl (@CluelessCurl) March 4, 2016
Great routine. One way to maximize minimalist beauty is doing d.I.y. treatments at home #blkminchat https://t.co/0OXVh46DY3
— JACQS ORGANICS (@JacqsOrganics) March 4, 2016
Hi, my name is Aissatou & I blog at https://t.co/Z80bG2sPvQ. Moisturizing is key to my beauty routine. #blkminichat https://t.co/3oBgGibPES
— Aissatou (@cltrdmisprint) March 4, 2016
Yolanda here. Hi, everyone. Sorry I'm late. A1: My routine is super simple. Black soap, olive oil and bentonite clay mask. #blkminchat
— Yolanda V Acree (@YolandaVAcree) March 4, 2016
Question 2: What benefits have you experienced with simplifying your routine.
@blkminimalists @JacqsOrganics Time, money, and the creativity. #blkminchat
— CluelessCurl (@CluelessCurl) March 4, 2016
@blkminimalists @JacqsOrganics I've gained clarity. I needed clarity.
— Wilsar™ (@CallMeWilsar) March 4, 2016
Question 3: What resources have you used to help simplify your routine?
Sleep & water! I could do away w/ concealer if I slept for more than 6 hours a night & drank water #blkminchat https://t.co/ZVcwIVHrAR
— Aissatou (@cltrdmisprint) March 4, 2016
Q3: @blkminimalists @JacqsOrganics The Internet and also the people we follow on social media #blkminchat
— CluelessCurl (@CluelessCurl) March 4, 2016
Question 4: Share one of your favorite DIY treatments, hacks, tips or minimalist product.
A4 To close my pores before adding makeup. I massage my face w/ an ice cube. @blkminimalists @JacqsOrganics #blkminchat
— Cleverly Changing (@Cleverlychangin) March 4, 2016
@blkminimalists @JacqsOrganics #blkminchat Don't throw away bottles. I transfer new into old b/c of leak proof top pic.twitter.com/nHwoJtsZGO
— CluelessCurl (@CluelessCurl) March 4, 2016
Black soap worked wonders for my acne and I only use it every other day. I also use witch hazel to tone. #blkminchat https://t.co/UGflRUBhZX
— Yolanda V Acree (@YolandaVAcree) March 4, 2016
You can also leave your moisturizer or serum in fridge which helps with this and closing pores. #blkminchat https://t.co/WYUMoSakGK
— JACQS ORGANICS (@JacqsOrganics) March 4, 2016
Q4: You can also use toilet seat covers as blotting paper. @JacqsOrganics JacqsOrganics @blkminimalists #blkminchat
— CluelessCurl (@CluelessCurl) March 4, 2016
Thank you to everyone who joined us. Our monthly chats will continue and the next one will be April 7th. The topic will be minimalist style with wardrobe stylist Lemar Moda.
