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SHEKINA MOORE’S STYLE AND BRAND AGENCY OF ATLANTA

Last Thursday, I had the pleasure of attending the Grand Opening of Shekina Moore’s Style and Brand Agency of Atlanta. This sold out event was absolutely amazing!

Her agency is the first of its kind, and Mrs. Moore is truly the queen of all things fabulous. This gorgeous fashionista, took a more intimate route with her grand opening and welcomed her guests into her beautiful office space and studio.

Shekina Moore and Brett Jeffries

Shekina Moore and Brett Jeffries

Being one to uplift women, her special guest was Harpo Studios Associate Producer, Brett Jeffries. Jeffries spoke about how important “dressing” is in Corporate America. She also explained how dressing professionally helped her to become an associate producer at Harpo Studios at the young age of 26.

This is what the Style and Brand Agency of Atlanta is all about!

Baddie, Baddie Girl, Blogazine, Interviews, Talk, Girl, Relationship, relationships, exclusive, conversation, lifestyle, news, entertainment, Shekina Moore, Blah, to, fierce, book, challenge, motivate, empower, women, VIPIf you are a leading lady, then you know your image and brand is important. The purpose of the Style and Brand Agency is to be the safe haven for women in the public eye. Whether you’re an attorney, television personality, or radio host, Mrs. Moore has her agency set up to empower who you are through your image. This is so that you can reach your audience and make the right statement at any given time.

Her services include image consulting, color personality testing, style analysis, photo shoots and more! You can also become a VIP member, for a small monthly fee, where you will be able to attend workshops for 50% off, you’ll get 10% off all services offered at the style and brand agency of Atlanta and more!

I was able to speak to Mrs. Moore about her agency, and she told me about her stepping out of her comfort zone and starting her agency in a new city.

At a young age, she was a victim of molestation. After the incident, she became a victim of the rumor mill, where it was said that she brought on her abuse through the way she was “dressed.” However, she refused to become bitter and took control of her own life, and the lives of others by bringing awareness to their image. She promotes positive body image and gives women power through style.

Baddie, Baddie Girl, Blogazine, Interviews, Talk, Girl, Relationship, relationships, exclusive, conversation, lifestyle, news, entertainment, Shekina Moore, Blah, to, fierce, book, challenge, motivate, empower, women, VIPWhen you meet Mrs. Moore, she exudes style, and it is obvious that she loves everything about fashion and empowering women. Her latest book, “Blah to Fierce” does exactly that: empower women. She gives you a 30-day challenge to help you come out of that grey area and bring out the best in you!

Be sure to visit her in her Atlanta office for all of your styling needs!

*Posted intially on 7/15/13*

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AN EXCLUSIVE TALK WITH ACTRESS TANJAREEN MARTIN

Tanjareen Martin is an actress who is not shy to play any character, because she can instantly own any part. Despite the many different personalities she’s had to embody, when you meet her, and talk to her, you’ll see she’s like a big sister: full of advice, and experience. You may know the sun-kissed beauty from Johnson Family Vacation, Miss March and Love For Sale, to name a few. I had the wonderful opportunity to interview  Ms. Martin (Twitter: @Tanjareen), and we talked about everything! The best part is she didn’t hold back on anything! Here is what she told me:

On ZANE’s “The Jump Off” Series

I wasn’t sure if I wanted to expose myself, because in my last film, Miss March, I showed my breasts, but it was a comedy, and it was one of the favorited scenes of the film.  I was very happy with my decision, because when it came out and tested, everyone wrote in their papers that they loved my scenes. So I thought, I don’t want to show my boobs again, I don’t want to be stamped as the girl who flashes her boobs around town, but they kept calling me, and Amin (Joseph) asked me to audition personally, and I thought well you know what? This could be fun, since we already have a chemistry—we’re already friends, so let me just go ahead and go to the audition, and see what they’re talking about.

I asked the guy I was dating at the time; “Hey, do yo mind if I happen to audition for a Zane show?” He was like “You know what, do your thing, its acting, why not.” That gave me the extra push. I went and Amin was in the audition with me and we had such a great read together, that they called me the next day and told me “You have the part, you start tomorrow, we’re about to email you 13 scripts to read them so you can be ready.” I was like “Whoa, whoa, whoa, slow down,” but they were like we’ve been looking for this character for over a month, and finally you came in and worked with Amin, and you nailed it! So I think Amin played a big part in me actually wanting to do the part, and being free enough to do a sex scene.

Being An African-American Actress

I can honestly say that most of my work, especially from urban films or TV, have come from relationship. Auditioning has gotten me some of the main stream roles, but for some reason people in the urban world are told they have to hire a name, they don’t really look out for new talent too much.

So I think that’s why people like Marlon Wayans, as big as he is, he went out and made A Haunted House because he said there aren’t a lot of parts for Blacks, so I have to make my own. And my family, we’ll write our own roles, because no one is writing roles for us—and that’s the truth.

Hollywood doesn’t usually cast a dark Black leading man with a dark Black female love interest. Perhaps middle America finds that too threatening. Therefore, if I had a curly fro, I could probably do a bunch more McDonald’s commercials. If I was of mixed-ethnicity, maybe I would get cast more as a leading lady in mainstream projects, but I love being a chocolate girl! It works for me.

Celebrities She Admires

Regina King, Kerry Washington, Jennifer Garner, Taraji P. Henson, Angela Basset,  and Pam Grier

Why: They show that you have to know your character before you step on set, you have to know what they want out of a scene. How they would dress, how they would wear their hair, what color would their polish be? You can’t just show up, these women really invest in preparing, and that influences me.

Words Of Wisdom To Aspiring Actors

  1. Build your resume up.
  2. Study, take classes, read books, watch biographies, and learn from other’s mistakes.
  3. Respect everyone on the set. Hollywood is so small, so be the person that you’d want to work with over and over again.

Why She Chose To Document Her Celibate Life

I used to attend a huge church in L.A. that had about 20-thousand members, and most of us were single. The pastor would preach a lot about fornication, and how that was a huge sin and I felt really convicted; really guilty like I was a thief, robber or murderer. So I decided to practice celibacy and wait for marriage. It lasted for three years.

During those three years there were so many funny stories about the way guys treated me when they realized I was serious. A lot of girls say it, but then you take a shot of Hennessy and all of a sudden you’re in your panties. But [the guys] would realize that I really wasn’t doing anything, but then there was that whole “How far will you go?” I would talk to my home girls, and I realized they were going through the same thing trying to be celibate, and guys were trying to press, “how much can we do?”

How serious is a relationship if the guy can’t be physical with you? Is he going to date you with someone else on the side? Because it’s a need? I said I was going to write a book on it, but then I realized I don’t feel like writing a book, and no one feels like reading all the time. I decided to make this easy, so I created a YouTube page. I wanted to put something out there that was five minutes, so the book became a web series.

What She Learned Through Her Celibacy

I learned my energy. When I save myself and I’m not having sex, I’m able to accomplish a lot more because I’m not focusing on dating. There is something spiritual about saving your sexual energy and putting that energy into getting things done—completing tasks, following your goals, and knocking things off the checklist. This happened a lot easier when I was celibate.

I also learned the truth about the guy I liked, because we became friends instead of just somebody they were trying to smash. They immediately tagged me in the friend zone, and I got to know the real them, and a lot of them are still my friends 5-10 years later, because I really had no choice but to get to know them. Once you sleep with somebody, you start to become blind to their faults, and they don’t have to be their real self anyway, but when you’re not sleeping with them, you find out, “oh he does have a drinking problem.”

 On Being A Vegetarian

My smoothies are my morning coffee. I do vegan soul food dinners at my house, and I do give recipes out to friends on vegan dishes. I take a dish that you love, and I teach you how to make it vegan. People are really impressed because there’s no meat, cheese, or milk, and the dish that they grew up eating is so much healthier for them, their body, their heart, and their blood.

You too can Eat Clean with Tanjareen!

The Biggest Misconception People Have About Her

[People] probably think because I dress really sexy I’m not as bright as I am or that I might be easier to get with than I am, but once people get to know me they always tell me that they had no idea how I really am. The real me, is super Earthy. I buy everything organic; I don’t drink soda or coffee; I’m really spiritual; I donate to the homeless every week; I’m really into making photo cards. I read a lot, I’m sure that when people look at me, they don’t go, she probably has a huge book collection, but I do!

I think I dress this way because when I was doing the celibacy thing I was so insecure about having hips and a butt that I wore baggy clothes; but I have come to a point where I can embrace my hips and thighs, and I’m proud of my curves. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to have sex with you, it just means I like my shape.

About Her Upcoming Projects

I have my own project “The Celibate Nympho Chronicles.” I have more episodes to release and more to produce. That’s the web series about my dating life, or lack there of. So far Malik Yoba, Rodney Perry, Tony Rock, Wesley Jonathan, and other celebrities have made guest appearances. It follows my journey on trying to hold out from giving up the snatch until I find the right guy—its not easy.

You can find it on YouTubeFunny or Die, and Vimeo.

A Message To Her Supporters

I need you, I love you, and I appreciate you, and stick with me, because there are a lot of sides to me, and you’ll never know what’s going to come up next, but I definitely promise that it will be shocking. I try not to do anything that is expected. I’m not important without you, and it is going to be a fun journey!

Fun Facts!

  1. Tanjareen likes to put on her bikini, grab her blanket and lay out at the park.
  2. She likes TrueBlood and nighttime soap operas like Scandal and The Sopranos.
  3. She decided at 6-years old that she would be an actress after acting in her first play as the gingerbread man in “Hansel and Gretel”

Be sure to catch Tanjareen on Zane’s “The Jump Off” on Cinemax and on TVone’s “Family Time”!

*Posted intially on 5/16/13*

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MEET ASHLEE BABBS OF BELLAAMORE HAIR

Started in June of 2014, BellaAmore Hair was started to help the everyday woman buy luxury hair for an affordable price. Ashlee Babbs, founder of BellaAmore Hair, knows from first hand experience how expensive quality hair can be, and how much more money we have to invest in the install as well.

How is BellaAmore Hair able to make their products affordable?

BellaAmore Hair has bundle deals, student discounts, and if you stay up to date with them on socially, you can be apart of their giveaways!

BellaAmore Hair sells a variety of 5A grade hair, including Brazilian, Malaysian and Peruvian in the forms of straight, body wave, and loose wave. FYI: The grade of hair is determined by the year of the donor. If the grade is 7A, that means that the hair donor is a younger person, usually 15 years of age or younger. BellaAmore sells grade 5A, which means the hair donor is 25-30 years old.

BellaAmore3

 

What are some goals for BellaAmore Hair?

  • To become a household name, and have a strong presence in people’s homes.
  • Growing the BellaAmore sisterhood within the Officially Kissed Sorority distribution program; making BellaAmore Hair the “Mary-Kay” of hair.
  • To be able to donate a small amount, from each order that is placed to a charity.

Ashlee has a lot of insight in starting and investing in your own company. She says that once she made her company into an official LLC, she wasn’t scared. Her advice to the Badd Girl Society is:

“Don’t be scared! I have a degree in Political Science, so when I started my business, I had to learn everything. There are a lot of things people pass up because they’re scared. I’m now reaping the benefits of success. Have confidence in your business!”

She also wants us to know that it takes money to make money, and that you have to invest in yourself and your company. You have to do the proper research, and be sure to write everything down, and keep your receipts.

Want to know a couple of fun facts about Ashlee?

She’s a lieutenant in the military! She’s also a human resource manager, and she’ll be deporting for Kuwait soon. But there’s no need to worry. Even though she’s leaving, you can still place orders, and you’ll receive the great affordable hair you wanted with a guarantee of great customer service.

BellaAmore2

If you’re interested in becoming a distributor for BellaAmore Hair, and joining in this unique sisterhood, be sure to check out Officially Kissed Sorority.

Check out these review videos!

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7 WAYS TO BECOME THE BEST YOU

There are so many ways to better yourself, and grow daily. Everyone wants to be the best, but only a few actually put in the effort to be the best. If you’re serious about growing yourself, here are seven easy and effective ways to become a best you. 

7. EDUCATE YOURSELF

Education is important, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. I’m not saying we should all be walking around with graduate degrees, but never be afraid of learning more, and going beyond. Learning isn’t always in a classroom. You can learn some of the best lessons in the real world and through traveling. 

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”
-Benjamin Franklin

You will always reap beautiful rewards when you’re open to learning more.  You will never know your own potential if you never get out of your one dimensional box. Never settle, you deserve to explore. Be vulnerable to new experiences, take yourself out of your comfort zone and be free.

6. FIND YOUR PASION

Have you found that thing that you LOVE? That thing that moves your spirit and makes you feel alive? If you haven’t, that’s okay, because you’ll know when you find it.

When you find your passion, it will move you and those who you come into contact with you. If your passion is in drawing, writing, or building putting your all into it will be effortless. Don’t worry about anyone’s opinion, because there will be so many people that will love what you do because they will see the passion you’ve poured into your craft. We often look to be perfect at our passion, but perfection is nonexistent, because you get better each day. Continue to pour into your passion and share your passion.

5. FIND A MENTOR

Motivational speaker and self help guru, Jim Rohn, once said,

“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” 

This speaks volumes. I guess momma was right, huh? You are who you hang around. So make sure those five people count!

Be careful who you put your energy into, and who’s energy you allow into your life. You always want to be around those who want what’s best for you, and you should want what’s best for them in return. Although you will learn from your mentor, remember that it’s still a two lane street, you both should offer something to each other that will grow you both. You never want to be a person who continuously takes from others. Just as you are happy to receive, you should be just as happy to give.

4. BE A MENTOR

Selfishness is never a quality you want to have. Give freely, teach someone about something they don’t know, or want to know. You never know what impact you may have on somebody. You could bring out the potential and success of a person that they may not have known they had. You don’t have to tell all of your secrets, there are some things only you should know, but never be afraid to help grow someone. 

3. POSITIVE PEOPLE ONLY

Negativity won’t do anything good for you anyway! Some people may not understand your plans, and future goals, so keep yourself around like-minded people who will push you to better yourself. Remove all those leeches from your life! You deserve to be uplifted even if you feel your goals are small. Pessimistic people are no good for you if you are trying to be successful at anything. Remember, you are who you attract, so if you find yourself around a lot of negativity and unhappy people, check yourself. Make sure you have a positive outlook on life, and are determined to show the greatness within you. You’ll be surprised how much your positive attitude can change your perspective, and life.

2. GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE

If you want to grow, place yourself in uncertainty. I dropped everything and left for Washington, D.C., and I don’t regret it. My struggle was truly real in the city. I experienced everything from a homicide on my block, no heat in the winter to my car being crashed into in a stolen car chase. However, I met some amazing people, and I worked everywhere from NBC to the Capitol. Personal growth only occurs when you are faced with an unprecedented situation that forces you to expand your comfort boundaries. This is how you become stronger.

1. VISUALIZE WHO YOU ARE

As I continue to move forward with entrepreneurship, I often wonder what is my niche, and what I want to be known for. One of my girlfriends saw me struggling with this and she told me to write out my obituary one day. I thought she had gone crazy, (things that makes you say WTF?!). Little did I know this was one of the best things I could ever do! I had to force myself to think, how do I want to be remembered when I depart this Earth, how I want my future great-grandchildren to see me, and, in all, the legacy I would be leaving behind. I tell anyone who is trying to find themselves to do the same. Of course you don’t have to write your obituary, but at least write out the type of woman you want to be, and what you want to be known for. Sit down, write the vision and make it plain!

Remember that you’re valuable, know yourself worth, and believe in yourself; I promise you will be happy, and live an awesome life. Go get what’s out there for you, whether you start your own business, or go overseas to volunteer. Never stop growing, accept your flaws, and know that your life has already begun.

What are you doing to become the best you?

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ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER: DON’T BE CONTROLLED BY HIS WORDS

So, I’m sitting in Sunday School, one Sunday (long ago-okay not that long ago…okay it was long ago), and we’re discussing the power words have. My teacher began talking about how there is power in our words, and that we should speak life.

 

Many of us are told this, but how many of us actually believe there is power in our words, and actually speak positivity into our lives and the lives of others?

 

So of course twenty minutes in, my mind has wandered off, (sorry Jesus), into how powerful words are in relationships. I began to think how much power we, as women, put into a man’s words, and how we often give men power so willingly just by the words he speaks.

 

Ladies, we have to remember that although there is power in the words a man speaks, there is also power in the words that we speak.

 

We all know there are so many men, who will tell you any and everything you want to hear, just to get you were they want you. This is why actions are so important. So many times we pay attention to only what they say, and let their words take control, when we should also stay mindful of their actions because they are saying everything. For example, they aren’t calling as much, they are texting. They stop asking those caring and important questions like “how are you” or “did you have a good day?” But because they throw around a few “love you’s” we no longer look at their actions.

 

Men can speak really great game, and they know this. They know they can finesse, charm, and be the casanova they so anxiously want to be.

 

I always tell my girlfriends to know they’re man, decipher through the talk, and access effectively. I am a firm believer in men tell you everything in the beginning. Men love to “lay down the law,” think about it. If you pay attention and listen to him, you will learn a lot more about him than you think. Men talk just as much as women. So when you go out, talk less, and listen more.

 

When you do speak, think first. He doesn’t need to know everything on the first date, or the fifth date. Let things flow, and grow organically. But never be afraid to say what you want. This doesn’t mean put everything on the line on the first date, but you should know what you want, and not be afraid to have expectations. You can’t waste your time having two-hundred first dates in a year.

 

Dating is fun, but know what you want so that you don’t waste your time on unnecessary men, and possibly unnecessary heartbreak.

 Are your eyes and ears open?

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NO MORE RAINY DAYS: 4 WAYS TO SAVE MONEY

Don’t save for rainy days, save to keep them sunny! Here are a few ways to save money so that you can have everything that you want.

“You save money to keep from having rainy days!”

That’s what my mom would tell me when it came to saving money.

“Always have money, because you never know what may happen. You don’t want a situation to happen that costs hundreds of dollars that you need, and it leaves you in the hole. Budget wisely,” she’d tell me.

(She’s an accountant, so I guess she would know.)

Here are four easy ways to save money:

1. COOK MORE, EAT OUT LESS!

Rest in peace to all the money spent on fast food this year alone. How many meals have you cooked this year? Have you made any effort to cook?

Eating out gets costly, and eating fast food everyday is dangerous. I’m not saying that eating healthy is cheaper, because it can be costly too, but it is not as unhealthy and costly as ordering a number two-larged, for seven days straight. Cook a meal every Sunday, or on the day you have some free time. Left-overs aren’t going to kill you. If you can’t get enough of eating out, try and make it count and eat out only on the weekends, you can start with Friday.

2. PLAN AHEAD!

Want to go out of town for the weekend next month? or buy ten new outfits for the season? or purchase some new bundles of hair  for an event at the end of the year?

Then it’s time to start setting extra money aside along with the money you should be putting aside for your savings. Planning ahead is all about budgeting. You need to know how much whatever it is you want will cost. Once you know that number figure out a date that you want to purchase it. When you know the cost and date you want it buy, you can start saving, whether you’re putting an extra $50 or $100 dollars to the side. But remember to still put aside your regular savings money. Be smart about your money, you’ve worked too hard for it.

3. COUPUN IT!

Did you forget about the Sunday paper? They still get printed, and have so many coupons available.

Coupons are not for the frugal, but for the money conscious person who knows the value of a dollar. This is one thing you don’t have to be extreme about although there are many who are. Even if you don’t want to buy the paper, you can go to your favorite brand company website, and they usually have many coupons available. There are also many sites that have coupons waiting to be used. Also, read the coupon, you don’t have to get what’s pictured, there are usually a list of products for you to choose from. See? Knowledge is power!

4. GIRLS NIGHT IN!

Picture it! Your besties, board games, girl talks, good laughs, delicious food and lots of champagne. Sounds like fun, huh? I know!

Spending a night in with your girls, can be just as much fun as going out. The plus is that you can save more money because you won’t have to pay for parking, an entrance fee, food, drinks, and whatever else. Hanging with friends will be fun no matter what, so have a budget friendly night in one or two nights a month. You can cook, everyone can bring a dish, or you can order wings, and make a few sides. I promise you’ll save money, and still have fun

What are you doing to save your money to keep your days sunny?

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FRIEND vs. FRIENEMIE: SHOULD YOU DO BUSINESS?

Doing business with friends is a topic that some stay away from. Some people are all for it, while others are totally against it. One thing is certain, before you do business with anyone, you have to know who you’re dealing with, and if true colors surface later, listen to Maya Angelou: “When someone shows you who they are—Believe Them!

 

If you truly know who your friends are, there won’t be a problem if you do business with each other, and it could possibly enhance your friendship in a positive way. If you know that your personalities will clash with the vigorous scheduling and tight work schedule, then of course, doing business will not be the best thing to do, as there will be many late nights, and trust will be tested on a regular basis. Ground rules must be set, a plan of action needs to be put into place to work through the business plan, and you all must have the same vision and end goal in mind.

 

Working with friends, is about overcoming the difficult situations, and working through the uncomfortable moments that matter. As friends if one of you are unhappy with an outcome, you have to take time to sit down, and give each other the opportunity to both say how you feel, understand what each other are saying because both of your feelings are valid. Then begins the process of moving forward, and making conscious efforts to be effective still while meeting everyone’s desires. That’s how real women take charge-friends or not.

 

However, it seems that many women don’t know how to choose friends, or it could be that we as women put too much on the table in the beginning. Women gain “frenemies”, or in nicer words acquaintances, because they put too much trust in untrustworthy people, and untrustworthy people will turn on youWhen you make new “friends” you have to treat it like a real relationship, because in the end it will be. 

Working with friends

Start on page one and you move forward one page at a time. Don’t move to chapter eight, because you like what they’ve shown you in a few days. Take time and feel people out, especially those who you want to invest in. You don’t have to put your whole life story on the table, with who you know, and how you plan to be successful. Don’t give chapters one through thirteen over dinner one night in a short synopsis.

 

You should never be putting more out than the other person, unless you are the CEO. If this is an equal business endeavor, it should be an equal give and take process. You’re building not only a friendship, but you’re building a work relationship. Going through things, and seeing how people handle situations help you to determine if someone has good character and are worthy to be your friend. No more meeting and instantly you’re besties.

 

Be wise about who you tell your business to, and who you do business with. Doing business with friends can be a beautiful thing, if you both have an understanding of each other, and are both working towards the same goal. However, when you mistake frenemies for friends, that’s when ugly situations arise, and you’ll become vulnerable, because you’ve shared your all, and they will use your all against you.

Do you know who your friends, and freneimies are? Do you believe in doing business with friends?

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BOOK REVIEW: A BLACK GIRL’S GUIDE TO DATING WHITE MEN

A Black Girl’s Guide to Dating White Men– Niki McElroy

BlackwomanWhiteMen

I have a strong interest in sociology and human relationships (interracial relationships in America in particular), and I came across this book while browsing at the library. Since it is thin, I figured I would be able to finish it rather quickly. Fortunately, it didn’t take more than 1.5 hours to work my way through this “gem.” And honestly, I would be upset if I had spent any more time studying this guide on How to Be A Foolish Black Woman  (ok, I might have taken some liberty with my rendition of the title).

But honestly, I think this book truly deserves a negative rating – it is horrendous. In addition to the stylistic and grammatical errors that run rampant, the actual content of the book is so stereotypical and prejudiced – it is hard not to call the book trash.

Truthfully, I don’t want to throw too much shade at Niki, but I was continually stunned by how ignorant the author sounds. While I commend her for encouraging black women to be more open to finding love outside of their race, the manner in which she does so is borderline appalling. She speaks about white men as if she is a hunter on safari looking for a white tiger, and she tries to rope the reader into her hunt by giving out tips and tricks for how to catch ‘em.

The cover display is two half-naked people feeling each other up and this pretty much sums up everything you need to know about this guide — it just is not to be taken seriously. After reading the first page, I honestly thought this was satire, but unfortunately, the author is beyond serious with her overplayed stereotypes of black and white people. She talks to black women as though they are all angry, culturally incompetent, and thirsty enough to use her tactics to find the all-revered white man. She speaks of white men as though they are all shy and intimidated when it comes to talking with black women and she has created three neat categories to place them into (the businessman, the jock, and the edgy guy/artist). The gross generalizations get old quickly.

I also took issue with the pictures she included. They were poor quality and of no relevance, whatsoever. I suppose she adds pictures of random white men and women who are supposed to be dating, because it is a guide and she does want readers to learn something from her book. So at the very least, you can walk away saying you know what a black woman and white man look like when they are sitting with each other.  The pictures are also interesting because she seems to flaunt these couples as people you should know, but when you look at them and read the captions, you realize very quickly that you definitely do not know any of these “super successful white men” and random black ladies. I mean seriously, these people are not even halfway relevant. I mean who is Leonardo Attolini? I have never heard of him. I googled him and still couldn’t find anything.) Not to mention the fact that some of the white guys she features look like men that rolled straight off the Jersey Shore – I’m reading this book thinking to myself, “Niki, you can keep that.” But I guess it’s none of my business if women want to be with Pauly D….

I am sure there is a certain audience that would benefit from reading this book. (Isn’t there always something for everyone?) The only potential positive I see is that maybe some women will be encouraged to open their minds and hearts to finding love outside their race.

I could give you a much shorter summary of this guide in one phrase, “Girl, Bye!” I’m not kidding.

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I sent excerpts to my boyfriend (who on a semi-related note is white), because I was literally tearing up from laughing so hard.

Here are some of the quotes I sent him along with my commentary:

  • “White men don’t typically cook for themselves and would rather go out while still enjoying a lovely dinner with a desirable ambiance.” (Yeah, all those white men I see at the local Chinese takeout…. They really enjoy the lovely dinner and desirable ambiance.)
  • “There are many different locations white men frequent. I find that they are creatures of habit, so if there is a place they enjoy, you can catch them there over and over again.” (She sounds like the Crocodile Hunter here….)
  •  “Or teach yourself to enjoy a little Coldplay, John Mayer, or James Blunt. It’s actually pretty good music and you may find yourself liking it better than this new wave of 21st century hip hop.” (Are we still on the whole black people music and white people music thing? This is just so so so played out. And James Blunt is terrible. But I did get that new Coldplay CD though!)
  •  “To not look ‘tacky’, unless it’s in combination with a more delectable dish, stay away from the California Roll. It’s very cliché for blacks to order the simple rolls, just as we do the sweet wines.” (I think Boo would be happier if I got simple rolls, it’d keep more dollars in his pocket! J)

There are a plethora of books that give the topic of interracial dating a much more thoughtful and enlightening treatment than this one. For starters, I recommend “Is Marriage for White People?” by Ralph Richard Banks and “Don’t Bring Home A White Boy” by Karyn Langhorne Folan.

Baddie, Girl, Interracial, Relationships, black, women, white, men, barbie, ken, book, review, guide, dating, marriage, advice, niki, mcelroy, stereotypes, statistics

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