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April 26, 2013 

HARRY JEROME AWARDS: 7 Questions With Award Winner Anne-Marie Woods

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The 31st Annual Harry Jerome Awards are one day away, and I couldn’t be more excited! As part of my official HJA blogger duties, I’ve been posting interviews with various award and scholarship winners – and today I’m hittin’ y’all with one more before the big night!

The Harry Jerome Awards celebrate excellence in the African-Canadian community in all different arenas, and today I’m highlighting Anne-Marie Woods, winner of the G98.7FM Excellence in Entertainment Award.

Anne-Marie a.k.a. Amani is an actor, poet, singer, writer, artist educator, producer, and creative consultant. With a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre from Dalhousie University, Woods has used her talents to achieve some incredible feats. Performances at the St. Lucia Jazz Festival, opening for legends like Maya Angelou and Roy Ayers, and headlining at the world-famous Nuyorican cafe in New York City are some of the items on her resume. She is a resident Artist Educator at Young People’s Theatre, created a theatre outreach program for youth called Word Up and continues to give back to the community via workshops on literacy, anti-bullying, and diversity at schools and organizations around the world. Without further ado, let me take it away to Ms. Woods, who tells us a bit more about herself in my 7 Questions series.

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Tell us a bit about your business and what you do. Also, what is one interesting or little-known fact about you?

Imani Enterprises is the name of my company and it was founded in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1994 as a response to the need for positive cultural programming with an arts education focus. I moved to Toronto in 2000 and my company has continued to evolve over the years. We are now a Global Arts Education Service that introduces creativity as a means of communication and outreach. We provide creative and innovative services to individuals, schools, community based organizations and corporations. Our services are designed to help our clients realize that arts and creativity can add to a better quality of life and we make our clients part of the creative process. I am also currently in the middle of developing my third diversity presentation contract for TJX Canada/Winners Distribution Centre in Mississauga and Brampton, Ontario.

As a multi-disciplinary artist I am a: singer, writer, dancer, spoken word artist, producer and artist educator.  I started my company and often have to deal with the many misconceptions about what being a professional artist actually means. My degree is in theatre, I have an SEB Small Business Certificate, and years of experience as a professional performer.

In the 90’s I  founded the Imani Women’s Artistic Project, a theatre program developed for young women in Nova Scotia aged 16-25 to enhance their self-esteem through theatre and performance art.  In 2011 during my Artist Educator Residency at Young People’s Theatre I started I started the Word Up Spoken Word and Theatre Youth Outreach Program and have directed three productions – the first two at YPT and then the last one this February as part of Kuumba at Harbourfront Centre.  So, the question is: how do I earn my living when I do so many different things?  To me it’s simple. I teach, write, act, produce, perform and create. I will focus on three major projects a year and I make sure that my work is excellent which is why I have recurring clients.  I have been teaching theatre at Young Peoples Theatre for five years now and have also done work for various schools and school boards repetitively since I moved here in 2000.

One interesting or little known fact about me is that I have been on my own in every way since I was in grade 12. So, I know the true meaning of success through hard work, of finding a way to be able to put myself through University and finding my way from a very young age. It’s why I have that fighting entrepreneurial spirit to this day.  Another fun little known fact is that I started out as a rapper and won the first major Rap Contest in Nova Scotia held at George Dixon Community Centre in 1986.

What was your first reaction when you heard you won your Harry Jerome Award? What did your family/friends/colleagues think?

My reaction getting the news was probably a bit out of the ordinary (just ask Angelina [Harry Jerome Award Chair] who called me). I was taking a nap because I had a performance that evening for the Viola Desmond Awards. My phone rings and this lady says “Hi, this is Angelina Williams and I’d like to congratulate you for winning the Harry Jerome Award for Excellence in Entertainment!” To which I responded…“huh?” so she repeated herself, and then I said “What um uh…is this a real phone call?” She laughed and assured me the call was real. So, I was definitely completely thrown off guard, and I stayed that way for a few weeks – probably until the actual Media Launch in March. My family is proud of me, including my siblings in Nova Scotia and my family back home in Trinidad. I have had emails and support phone calls from various key members of the Black Community in Nova Scotia as well.

My cousin who has never been to Toronto is coming up to support me the night of the event, my niece will also be there and 2 of my good friends bought their tickets right away. My really good friend Tara was also proud, and the youth that I work with also gave me props. It’s been an interesting journey for me. But the praise I also listened to was the congrats and well deserved comments from the many mentors in my life…that was definitely a good feeling. And of course the public congrats from Diaspora Dialogues on Twitter and their website and also from the Playwrights Guild of Canada made me smile deeply when I ran across them online.

The one feeling I didn’t know I would have was a bit of sadness having lost a sister to lupus and my mother to breast cancer, and it made me sad to think they aren’t here to experience this. However, that soon passed and I feel that their spirits will be with me on the 27th smiling and cheering me on.

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Have you been to the Harry Jerome Awards before? If so, what was one of your top memories of the event?

I have never attended the event outside of being a performer, and that is primarily due to me being self-employed. In the year 2002 I opened up the Harry Jerome Awards with a poem I wrote for the event called I Am Canadian. It was a take on the beer commercials that were on at that time, but I made it about African Canadian History. That poem earned me a lot of recognition in Toronto and I performed it at many galas, conferences and events for the rest of that year, and to date I have integrated into one of my artivational speeches “Why Black History Month is for Everyone”. I remember being nervous because I opened up the entire award show… but I had the full support of the audience for that performance and it was exhilarating!

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s awards? Is there anyone you’re looking forward to meeting?

I am looking forward to sharing this special night with my cousin and niece and my good friends that will be attending. I am also looking forward to sharing the night with the other recipients and hoping to really be able to connect with them though we represent so many different walks of life. When I was at the Media Launch in March what I truly loved about the recipients was that amongst us there are those who are well recognized for their contributions and there are a few of us that are unsung Sheroes and I really liked that element… that perhaps some of us who are involved in grass roots work may not be the type of person that is normally recognized.

I also hope that there will be youth in attendance who will find each of our stories motivational and inspirational.  As far as looking forward to meeting anyone, I really am just looking forward to living, breathing, and taking in the entire experience because it is a true blessing.

What do you feel is the significance of the Harry Jerome Awards in today’s African-Canadian community?

Having also performed at the Awards last year, as well as having to look up the history of Harry Jerome, I feel that knowing our history is so important. A few ladies in my church were friends with Harry Jerome so since this happened I got to hear about the type of person he was, how he truly cared about community and was humble. I feel that by recognizing individuals through his name we are keeping the history of his story alive in Canada. It is so important to let our HIS stories and HER stories continue to live!

What does winning this Harry Jerome Award mean to you personally?

Personally, this means that for those of us who are self-made, and who may have been voted least likely to succeed when we were younger because of our skin colour or behavioural issues, that we can persevere through anything and gain recognition. It means that the little girl who came to Nova Scotia from Trinidad that they wanted to kick out of nursery school for telling the kids scary stories had a future after all. It means that dedicating my life to performing and working with youth and always being diligent and excellent in my artistic endeavours has proven to be a good thing. It means that I am glad I have always faced my fears or else I would still be sitting in a room in Nova Scotia dreaming about many of the places I’ve traveled or performed or taught. I have always been one to face my fears even when I was truly afraid to make that phone call or pursue that festival or showcase – I would never let that fear stop me. Finally it means that even when we think no one is paying attention…someone out there is, so always be mindful of what messages you are putting out there. I am a product of my family, my culture, Nova Scotia, Trinidad, my education and my miseducation. So it means that if I can live dreams especially doing this on my own, then anyone can!

Finally, what is your key to success?

My key to success is my sticktoitiveness, my perseverance, and my ability to never take no as an answer. My key to success is also having faith and a huge sense of humour to get me through the challenging and difficult life moments. I believe in what I’m doing, have done and will continue to do.  I will continue to be organized, focused, driven and never see my confidence or the successes that are yet to come as a negative. And I will continue to live by my daily Mantra “Work Hard, Play Hard, Rest Hard, Pray Hard!”

Keep up with Anne-Marie via her Imani Enterprises site! Will you be at the Harry Jerome Awards tomorrow night? If so, make sure we meet! If not, keep up with my Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram as I capture the night – and tune in to Caribbean Connections TV for a live feed of the blue carpet at the awards! Stay tuned for more awards fun! 

April 24, 2013 

HARRY JEROME AWARDS: 1 On 1 With BBPA Scholarship Winner Heather Tay

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This coming Saturday, I’ll be attending the Black Business and Professional Association’s (BBPA) 31st Annual Harry Jerome Awards, and I’m SO excited! Never mind that it’s my first time attending this event – it’ll be even more special since I’ve been named the Harry Jerome Awards’ official blogger!

If you aren’t familiar, the Harry Jerome Awards is an event held here in Toronto to honour the achievements of Black Canadians in a variety of fields. The awards are named after Harry Jerome – one of Canada’s famed Olympic athletes whose social consciousness and civic works matched the impact he made on the track. Every year since 1982, this illustrious awards ceremony has recognized excellence in the Black Canadian community. Amazing people like Tonya Lee Williams, Trey Anthony, and Ben Johnson all call themselves Harry Jerome Award alumni, and this Saturday, more names will be added to the list.

As the official blogger for the Harry Jerome Awards, I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing current winners, past winners, and even a past BBPA scholarship winner. Today,  I want to share one of my features so that you can get a feel of what the Harry Jerome Awards and scholarships are all about. So without further delay, meet Heather Tay – a past BBPA Scholarship winner!

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Here’s Heather’s impressive bio:

Heather is technology executive with a passion for design.  In the midst of a career change, Heather consults with and is part of the Advisory Board for the Israeli based mobile start-up tawkon.  She is on the board of OCADU’s (Ontario College of Art and Design University’s) Imagination Catalyst creative industries incubator in Toronto where she now lives. She also serves on the Board of Directors for ODC/Dance in San Francisco, currently holding the position of board secretary.

Prior to that, Heather was Vice President, Client Services for The Nielsen Company’s Telecom Practice Group (former tech start-up Telephia) in San Francisco.  There she led teams in providing market research and business insight to senior management clients at companies including AT&T, Sprint, Bell Canada, Telus, RIM and Rogers Wireless.  Her focus has been on strategic revenue growth for mobile service providers and handset manufacturers.

Before joining Nielsen, Heather was a management consultant at Adventis advising telecommunications companies on international expansion strategies, market growth and business plan creation.

Prior moving to San Francisco, Heather spent a year in London, England at a Nortel joint-venture start-up marketing their new Internet access technology solution to energy companies, which included time in Iceland helping to secure their first client.  She spent other brief stints living in Copenhagen and Paris consulting for companies such as Bang & Olufsen.  Prior to that, Heather was at Nortel Networks in Toronto where she led manufacturing operations teams whilst contributing part-time to the development of Nortel’s diversity strategy and training programs.

Heather holds an MBA from McGill University and an honors degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Waterloo in Canada.  She is deeply grateful for her Barbadian and Ghanaian parents who provided structure, guidance and exposure to many amazing opportunities.

Tell us 3 interesting/little-known facts about yourself.

1. I speak a little Danish – just enough to entertain a three year old.

2. I ride motorcycles. My last bike was a 750cc Ducati Monster in matte black. Now in the summers I get around in a cute little Vespa scooter.

3. I am a big believer in personal development – education outside the standard classroom.  I’ve pursued development through Landmark Education, PAX Programs, and mindfulness training among others.  This, alongside formal education, has had a huge impact on who I am and where I am today.

What year did you win the Scholarship?

In 1986 I believe.  I graduated high school in 1987 so that should be right.  It was a long time ago.

What subjects did you pursue?

I studied Electrical Engineering at the University of Waterloo, graduating in 1992.  I later went on to complete my MBA in International Business at McGill University.
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What did winning the Scholarship mean to you?

It meant recognition for the work and focus I had put in in high school.  When studying long hours I sometimes questioned “Why? What’s the point?” It was encouraging for me to have my efforts be seen (and rewarded) outside of my immediate circles.

What advice do you have for other scholarship winners in terms of pursuing their dreams?

Do it!  And learn as much as you can about your dreams through lots of different channels.  Go talk to people, try out internships, go to conferences (many offer student discounts), shadow a person in that field.  The more you learn, the better you’ll be able to see if your dream aligns with you and what you really want.  As you find out more along the way, don’t be afraid to update what you dream about doing.  Nothing is fixed in stone.

What do you think needs to be done for our youth?

Exposure, exposure, exposure – to different people, different cultures, different professions, different religions, different ways of living.  One of the quickest ways to expand one’s world is to see how other people live, what’s important to them, what choices they make and the impact of those choices. It will help youth to expand their knowledge and in-turn what they dream about doing with their own lives.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5-10 years?

These days it is getting harder and harder to predict where one will be in future.  I hope to be combining my love for design with my background in business and technology, ultimately helping people to see beauty in their everyday lives.

Heather Tay is a shining example of what passion, dedication, and recognition can accomplish. Assisting youth to find their passion, motivating them to stay dedicated to their development, and recognizing their achievements are all crucial to their future. Thanks to the BBPA scholarships, more students have the chance to follow in Heather’s footsteps and become our communities’ next success story! Are YOU going to this year’s Harry Jerome Awards? I hope to see you there!  

April 11, 2013 

SLASH ARTISTRY: Balancing Life As An Employee And Entrepreneur

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Hi. My name is Bee, and I’m a slash artist.

A slash artist (as I define it) is a person who carries multiple roles and titles, in a career sense. A few years ago, if you asked me what I did, I’d say “I’m a mental health researcher” or “I’m an account manager for a medical tourism company.” That’s what I did, that’s how I made money, and that was it.

These days, things are different. In efforts to go after goals, indulge in passions, and develop skills that I wasn’t developing in my regular 9-5, I have a new answer to the “What do you do?” question. I can now say that I’m a healthcare professional/blogger/freelance writer/speaker/social media consultant. My linear way of thinking has slowly fallen to the wayside, and I’m more of a Venn diagram of a chick.

Many of the people in my close and extended circles (especially my fellow Gen-Y/Millennials) are also slash artists. Embracing entrepreneurship, seeking out multiple streams of income, and finding ways to go after their dreams have all led to this slash artist boom. It’s a unique place to be in, and comes with its own set of challenges and successes – so how do we make it work?

For me, it’s not as black and white as forcing myself to choose between being an entrepreneur vs. working a traditional 9-5. At this point in my life, I benefit from both, and seek to make both work for me in a symbiotic way. In attempting to do so, I often sit back and take inventory of the things I’m doing, and see how they may be helping or hurting me. If you’re a slash artist who’s juggling both traditional work and passion work (for lack of a better term, since your traditional work may very well be your passion), you might want to do the same.

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Be careful of the hurts

It’s wise to be aware of the fact that your side hustles can come back to hurt you in different ways – especially when working with people who aren’t slash artists. Not everyone understands or sees the benefit in being a diverse person. Some may feel that your aspirations outside of the office will negatively impact your work within the office, even if you’ve never once given them any evidence to support that argument. I was once (allegedly) called a racist by a Google-sleuthing colleague with too much time on their hands. Their overzealous need to understand what I did on my free time led them to deliver “proof” of my extra-curricular activities to the higher-ups who created a mountain out of a mole hill. Guess what happened a year later? That same higher-up requested my help with a project based on the fact that I possessed a specific skill set thanks to those initially problematic extra-curriculars. One day I’ll elaborate, but I’ve learned a few things from that incident:

  • Ensure that you don’t give anyone a reason to believe that your out of office work is taking away from your in office work.
  • Employ whatever set of privacy tools (writing under a nom de plume, restricting access to social media profiles, etc.) you feel are necessary.
  • Educate yourself by reviewing your company’s policy list, and ensure that none of your extra-curriculars breach any of the terms of your employment contract.

My biggest takeaway? Assume. Even though we are told not to assume anything lest you make an ass out of you and me, this is one area where I assume all day long. I consistently assume that employers (whether current or future) have access to my blog, my Facebook, my Twitter, my LinkedIn, my Youtube, my about.me page – to anything that is in anyway public. I assume that and remain intentional in everything I do. If a blog post, Facebook post, tweet, or participation in an event comes back to bite me in the 9-5 ass, am I prepared to stand by it and accept my fate, or will I regret doing it? I weigh that out every time I engage in MY work, and it guides me well.

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Look for the positives

Given some of the places I’ve worked and some of the experiences I’ve had, I’ve become hyper-conscious of how my social media/blogging/freelancing/speaking life impacts my 9-5 life. However, I’m happy to see that more and more employers are beginning to understand the value of the slash artist. A friend mentioned that she obtained her corporate PR job because of the fact that she had a personal blog – and this is becoming more common from what I see.

A quick glance at open job descriptions shows that more employers are looking for people with skills that may or may not have been developed in the traditional sense. Social media is becoming very prominent in business, so your side gig as a freelance social media consultant could come in handy. Positions that call for a candidate who is resourceful, creative, and organized may find their pick in someone who’s organized events in the community. If you’ve been invited to speak at a conference in your given side hustle field, sliding that into your resume may help you snag a corporate position. As the “do what you have to have to do, not what you want to do” generation of workers clears out, we may just find that more employers will embrace diversity in skill sets and experiences outside of those displayed on the typical resume.

You may choose to live a Clark Kent/Superman existence and keep your lives as separate as possible as opposed to blending your various skills and experiences – and that’s OK. It may actually be preferable based on your particular fields, but if your side-hustle skills can give you a leg up in the job hunt or help you win an internal promotion, use them! I’m a firm believer that one can wear both hats – you can be a valuable and productive employee and still have the passion and drive to go after your personal dreams. To be a successful and balanced slash artist, be wise, be intentional, and be creative. You never know how things might work out!

Are you a slash artist? How do you juggle your various hats? How has being a slash artist hurt or helped you? 

February 11, 2013 

DOPE READS: Britni Danielle’s Break Out Of Your Box E-Book

When you’re on the track to success and pushing towards your goals and dreams, there’s nothing like having a support group of sincere and likeminded people behind you. Sometimes we’re lucky enough to have family and friends in our corner that push us along, but that isn’t always the case.

Here’s where I’ve found social media has stepped in to save the day. A loooong time ago, I started following writer Britni Danielle on Twitter. I loved the links she posted to her writings, and soaked up the advice she graciously doled out for other aspiring writers and dreamers. When she began mentioning that she was creating a Facebook group called the GOALDiggers (ha!) Project, I made sure I was one of the first to join in. Since then, the GOALDiggers group has served as an awesome sounding board for advice, a place where I can toot my horn, an understanding group where I can vent frustrations, and an environment where I can encourage and help others in their goal attainment as well.

Britni also served as my writing coach for a few sessions, and the knowledge and advice she gave me was priceless. As a writer for publications like Clutch Magazine, JET, Ebony and others, I knew I had to absorb what she had to offer – and her advice has helped me tremendously with my own writing.

In a day and age where people seem to selfishly hoard who they know, what they know, and how they do what they do, Britni is one of the most unselfish and giving success stories I know. While she will humbly say she’s still on her way, I can definitely say she has achieved a level of success many of us will never know – she took charge of her life, created her own lane, and is doing what she loves while taking care of herself and her family. Now, Britni has found a new way to give to those of us who need a push forward with our goals – her new free e-book, Break Out Of Your Box: 5 Steps To Start Following Your Dreams!

As a member of the GOALDiggers Project, I was able to get my hands on a preview copy late last week. I took the time to read and ingest the beautifully written and designed book, and LOVED it.

Want to get a copy for yourself? Click here!

As per Britni’s site, this book covers:

  • How to get clear about your vision
  • How to network with others who will support your dream
  • Why you need to give yourself a concrete deadline
  • How to set measurable goals to achieve your dream
  • How to overcome the need to be perfect
  • Resources to get your started on your journey

I read it, took notes, evaluated what I was currently doing and how I was doing it, and decided to make some tweaks to my game plan based on Britni’s thoughts and examples. At just 30 pages, Break Out Of Your Box is a clear-cut, entertaining, and motivating read that will really start to get your juices flowing and get your wheels turning. Even better – any book that uses a Biggie line as its dedication is good as gold in my eyes!

If you’ve been looking for a way to start making ANY kind of positive change in your life, try Break Out Of Your Box as a guide. Acknowledging that you want better for yourself is the first step – but that self-revelation will be in vain if you don’t start taking the steps towards initiating those improvements! Put Break Out Of Your Box on your must-read list, and get to work! Hey – you can even make it one of your 5 Before 8 and get your day started right ;)

Check out Britni Danielle’s site, and spread the word about her book via social media and email! Have any questions for Britni? Reach out to her via email (Britni@BritniDanielle.com), follow her on Twitter, and check out the GOALDiggers Project Group on Facebook! 

November 22, 2012 

SHOP TALK: Why I’m Saying NO To The Malls & YES To Small Businesses

Photo source: Daily Delights

I don’t know how this happened, but it’s almost December, y’all. It feels like I JUST put away my summer clothes in favour of my fall jacket, and soon I’ll be scrounging around for my winter coat.

December for me means snow, family time, food, celebration, and reflection on the year gone by. However with the holiday season, I always seem to get swept up into the madness of gift purchases and exchange. I’ll admit, I love getting gifts – but I adore the feeling I get when I gift someone with an amazing present. It could be something they truly wanted, or it could be an unexpected gift that fits their personality to a tee. Either way, the satisfaction I get from friend’s and family’s happiness will forever keep me in the gift-giving cycle – however, I plan on doing things differently this year.

Unless I know that a friend/family member wants a specific gift that I can find at the mall, I’m avoiding traditional shopping altogether this holiday season. I plan to support as many small businesses as I can – especially Black businesses that are just starting to forge their way to success. Let me explain why.

  1. I cannot STAND the insanity of malls and shopping centres. I have no patience for fighting for parking spaces, plowing through crowds, lining up in ridiculous lines, none of it.
  2. I want to purchase gifts that are as unique as the people I’m giving them to. Like I said earlier – if a cousin wants a specific toy, or a friend wants a specific sweater, I’ll brave the malls to satisfy them. However, I’m leaning more towards giving gifts that are more personalized and one-of-a-kind.
  3. I’m much more comfortable with online shopping now. Many small businesses are online, which speaks to point #1, and allows me to shop from the comfort of my own home. As always, ensure that if you shop online, you do so from reputable and protected sites.
  4. I want to support people who are doing amazing things. My favourite small businesses are people who are offering products of impeccable quality, and do so out of sheer passion for their work. I want to support that. I’m also a major proponent of supporting Black businesses in order to circulate money in our community and to help provide financial stability. Dropping bands to make the owners of Old Navy and Toys R Us dance doesn’t quite fit with those intentions.

Photo source: Feature Pics 

Though I already celebrated Thanksgiving here in Canada last month, the awareness of the US Thanksgiving – and subsequent Black Friday sales – is apparent. This Saturday is known as Small Business Saturday, and is set up as a day for small businesses to get some shine during this heightened shopping time. This weekend might be a good time to investigate and start making some purchases for the special people in your life, while supporting hard-working entrepreneurs at the same time.

Looking for some awesome small businesses to check out? I got you!

If you know someone who’s into hair and skin care, check out Ixora Botanical Beauty and Whipped Body Goods. I follow both of these amazing entrepreneurs on Twitter, and the incredible handmade products they sell have been getting rave reviews all over the cyber world. Check out some of Ixora’s testimonials, and this Black Enterprise feature on Whipped!

Looking for jewelry and accessories for men and women? Hit up Absynia, who I’ve featured right here on this site. GORGEOUS pieces with incredible prices. For some local Toronto entrepreneurs on the jewelry scene, you’ve got to check out Glass Hearts and The Diana Tracy Collection. Gifting from one of these small businesses will ensure that your recipient will likely never be wearing the same tired accessories as everyone else – and even better, personalized customizations may be available!

Need some unique threads for that special somebody? Why not take a peek at Afrodelik? I also featured this Toronto-based business a while back, and I adore their designs. Two other amazing lines are Mina Danielle and Kaela-Kay Collections. Both of these lines take African-inspired designs and find unique ways to merge them with street style and high fashion. Guaranteed – if you get one of these pieces, you’ll never walk into an event wearing the same thing as someone else.

For hair fanatics, you can support by purchasing products and gift sets from start-up lines like Earthtones Naturals or Shea Radiance. Get your friend a gift certificate to a local salon or barber, or pick up a gift card for a local store like Honey Fig (where you can shop online or in-store in Toronto)!

When it comes to gift-giving, think outside of the box! Books, art, even services – there are small businesses catering to almost any and every need you can think of. Take some time to research and seek out local or online businesses that can give you something of quality that no one else can – and support them!

If you’re in Toronto, Dwayne Morgan of Up From The Roots will be hosting a Pop-up Shop on December 8th! If you’re in the city and looking to support local small businesses, you’ve GOT to come out!

Are you gearing up for holiday shopping this year? Have you considered supporting small businesses? If you have others that you think we should know about, share them in the comments section! And a BIG happy Thanksgiving to my American readers!

November 15, 2012 

CAREER CHECK LIST: Find A Sponsor, Not Just A Mentor

Sponsorship takes on many forms…

Do you remember Teairra Mari’s song Sponsor?  These days, I’m thinking that she just might have been on to something.

Hold up.

I don’t mean ‘sponsor’ in the “pay my bills, buy my weave, make me your kept lady” sense – but in the business sense. You see, if you don’t have a sponsor, you might want to get you one.

Last month, I attended the She’s Connected Conference, where Kate White – former Editor In Chief of Cosmopolitan Magazine – spoke about her keys to success. One point she made was in relation to having sponsors versus having mentors. It was an angle I hadn’t heard before.

I’m paraphrasing Ms. White right now, but my definitions from her discussion are the following:

Mentors: people you look up to, who have the experience you are working to gain, who have been where you are and who are now where you want to be. People who you can connect with, learn from, seek guidance from, and bounce ideas and thoughts off of.

Sponsors: people who may do all the same things as mentors, but who have the ability to open doors for you, connect you to the right people, who can make positive change happen with a phone call or an email. Simply put, sponsors are power players who don’t just allow you to learn from them, but they make things happen for you.

Now, can mentors make things happen for you like sponsors do? Sure – but not every mentor can be a sponsor, and not every sponsor makes the best mentor.

I have mentors whose moves I’ve followed by reading their articles and interviews. Others who I’ve found on Twitter or Facebook and interacted with through social media. Others are face-to-face, particularly one amazing boss I had who I STILL keep in contact with and who helps me to figure out my next step. In my 9-5 and 5-? lives, I’ve found some great mentors who have been amazing go-to resources in my various career moves. However, a sponsor? That’s a different ballgame altogether.

After Kate White’s keynote speech, I realized I haven’t really had much experience with sponsors. I’ve usually used my own drive or tips from my mentors to knock on doors and get into the avenues that I wanted to pursue. I have seen other people interact with sponsors, and heard stories about how a lunch with one person led to a meeting with another, which led to an amazing opportunity. The closest personal example I could think of was when I had my sights on a new promotion at work. As soon as I saw the posting for the position, I set up a meeting with one of the senior people in the department and let them know my intentions. That senior person was able to connect me with my would-be boss for an informational meeting. I was successful in getting the position, and have that extra layer of connection to thank for it, as opposed to merely submitting my resume and hoping for the best.

Having a sponsor vs. mentor can give you more credibility. If your sponsor is an upstanding, respected member of their circle, the badge of approval that they give you will speak volumes. Mentors may not have that same connection ability, and therefore may not be able to vouch for you in the same way. However, not all sponsors will have the characteristics that make them great mentors. They may not have the time or the patience that your traditional mentors do – and that’s OK. In my book, everyone can’t be everything to everybody, so as long as your players play their positions well, that’s what’s important.

A point Kate White also made was regarding the fact that she feels men seek sponsors and women seek mentors. I have definitely seen this in my 9-5 life – more men seemed to be more active with their goal attainment, and seemed to know exactly who to speak to in order to make things happen. More of the women I know found mentors to help them figure out their next steps and to be a sounding board, but seemed to be missing that active agent. Research continually focuses on how ‘nice girls don’t get the corner office” – I’ve seen this play out with women who wait to be handpicked for roles, who plan to apply then find out who their competition is and drop out, or who simply don’t want to come across as too pushy or forward. If this sounds like you, take a look at your track record and see if it’s benefited you at all. If not, STOP IT and GO GET YOURS. Be intentional, be present, be active – and find the people who are not only going to help you plan the next step, but who will lead you to the tangible opportunities themselves.

So – how should you go about getting a sponsor? To be honest, I’m still figuring it out myself. My steps are to start off by watching and observing. Who are the “movers and shakers” in your industry? Who are the people that seem to be well-connected and well-respected? Who are the people that are where you want to be, or who are within 2 degrees of separation from the person who is where you want to be? Once you’ve identified the potential sponsor, you have to make that first move to be forward – find a way to meet them, to discuss your interests and intentions, and to build a rapport with them. We always hear stories of people who were minding their own business, doing what they do, and being handpicked by a sponsor who took them under their wing. If you’re lucky enough to have your sponsor seek you out, congrats! However, I don’t think we should wait for that magic moment, because it might never come. Get out there and start that connection – you’ve got to give something to get something. Once you’ve connected with your sponsor, stay connected. You want to stay fresh in their mind so that if an opportunity arises, you’re there – or if you decide to directly ask them to connect you to with another power player, their immediate response won’t be “And who are you again?” 

Long story short, if you’ve never considered the benefits of having a sponsor, you should. Having someone in your circle that can connect you to the right people, places, and things could prove to be invaluable. Don’t be afraid of seeking out and utilizing this resource, because I guarantee – if you don’t, the next person coming for your spot will.

What do you think about the differences between sponsors and mentors? Do you have a sponsor? If so, how did you find them? If you’re looking for another perspective on sponsors, check this post on This Is Your Conscience!

October 26, 2012 

RAMEN NOODLES VS. STEW: Our Addiction To Instant Success

One of the hottest debates on my Twitter timeline this week had to do with rapper Kendrick Lamar’s new album, good kid, m.A.A.d city. Among all the breakdowns of lyrical content and production quality, the biggest controversy came once fans started throwing the word “classic” around. Is Kendrick’s album a classic? Is it too early to tell? Whatever your stance, this discussion made me think about today’s society and our perceptions of success.

We currently live in a quick fix, instant reply, microwave-fast society. Things that are fast and easy are preferred, and this has affected everything from how we communicate to how we manoeuvre our way up the ladder of success. Looking at the corporate side of things, my generation of workers differs greatly from that of our parents’. Where they settled into a career and often stayed at the same company until retirement, my peers have more loyalty to their own path than they do to a specific company. Whether either practice is right or wrong doesn’t matter – times, opportunities, and goals are different, and that breeds new practices.

When I was younger, I realized quite clearly that some members of my family have a “get rich quick” mentality. When they weren’t making frequent jumps from one job to the next (for promised increases in salary that may or may not have actually appeared), they were utilizing their entrepreneurial spirit to create the next big thing. They were long on goals and dreams, but short on perseverance, practicality, and purpose – which reminds me of many people I come across today.

People have taken the phrase “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have,” and have turned it on its head to create a mirage of success and accomplishment. Taking a look in LinkedIn, everyone is an “expert” or a “visionary”. On Twitter, usernames are “@THEsuchandsuch”, bios include exorbitant claims, and profiles even have fake verified checkmarks. Sometimes, these accoutrements are warranted – but more often, they are not. Masters, experts, mavens, etc., are truly created when they’ve honed their craft and have found the right blend of goals, dreams, perseverance, practicality, and purpose. In our pursuits to carve out new paths to success, it seems that some of us have forgotten that – and it’s painfully obvious.

Taking shortcuts to success is why fans can entertain the thought of calling a new artist’s debut album a “classic” within its first week of release. If we’re so quick to bestow those statuses on ourselves, it’s not hard to imagine that we would do the same for others as well. The process of success – the act of inputting time and effort, of making mistakes and learning from mistakes, and the associated peaks and valleys – simply isn’t as attractive when compared to the satisfaction of making it. However, once you’ve made it – you need something to keep you there. I liken it to nuking a bowl of ramen noodles in the microwave compared to letting a hearty stew simmer on the stove. Sure, the ramen will be quick and might just hit the spot, but the stew will be so much more filling if you just wait until it’s ready. If ramen affects you like it does me, it’ll have you on the toilet within half an hour of ingesting…whereas the stew will give you the strength and energy to keep going.

All this to say that shortcuts, fast-tracking, and premature crownings of titles may do more harm than good. If you’re a master after your first project, where do you go from there? If Kendrick’s debut is a classic, does that leave room for growth and experimentation in the face of fans who expect greatness…5 minutes ago? I don’t want my arrival to the land of milk and honey to take an eternity, but I definitely don’t want it to happen tomorrow and fade by next month. Let’s all recommit to striving towards excellence, to creating a body of work, and to having a story of how “all the hard work paid off.”

What do you think? Are we working for longevity, or seeking out instant gratification? Does it help or hurt to reach for titles and accolades before we’ve technically earned them?

October 19, 2012 

STAGE, SCREEN, & IN BETWEEN: Interview With Playwright + Producer trey anthony

October is shaping up to be interview month on ’83 To Infinity! This one has got to be one of my favourites, simply because I absolutely love the work this woman creates. When you get to tap the brain of someone who has long inspired you, the resulting info becomes more than just another blog post – it becomes something personal. trey anthony, the comedian/playwright/actress/producer/artist extraordinaire will be back in Toronto this weekend for her Millionaire Artist Workshop, and I HAD to feature her on ’83TI.

Her play, I Am Not A Dinner Mint was the first artist outing I took when I moved to Toronto, and the experience has stuck in my mind ever since. From there, I saw her amazing play ‘da Kink In My Hair, and cheered for her when ‘da Kink was picked up as a television series! trey has the gift of portraying women in all of our strong/intelligent/vulnerable/sensual intricacies, and her work always touches me. Did you know that trey is also the 1st African-Canadian woman to have her own show on a primetime network? Yup – she did that.

Another thing that trey does is give back. From mentoring to volunteer work and more, trey is consistently supporting the community and helping to inspire the next generation of content creators. The Millionaire Artist Workshop on October 20th is trey’s latest gift to those of us who want to make our dreams reality. But without further ado, here are trey’s thoughts in trey’s words!

Introduce yourself to the ’83 To Infinity readers! Tell us 3 randomly interesting things about yourself.

1) I have a library card on me at all times that I actively use.

2) I meditate every morning.

3) I love anything with chocolate – especially chocolate ice cream!

Writer, producer, actor – what inspired you to live such an artistic life? Were you always headed down this path, or did you make a career change to follow your passions? 

I’ve always been interested in the arts and noticed from a young age that I am talented in this field. I love connecting with an audience. Because of this, I would say that I was always headed down this path. I maintained side gigs such as admin jobs, etc. to pay the bills but I always knew what my bigger picture was and what I ultimately wanted to do.  The jobs that I took on outside of my field were mainly to sustain myself and fund my dreams.

I’ve personally seen 2 of your stage productions, I Am Not A Dinner Mint and ‘da Kink In My Hair. Both are extremely empowering, woman-centric works. What were your motivations behind the creation of these productions? 

It’s very important for me to give womyn of color a platform to talk about issues that are relevant and important to us. I was motivated by this bigger purpose and belief in myself and my talents. I knew I was good and that I had something interesting and unique to share with audiences. Not even to be conceited, that’s just the damn truth!

You’re lauded as the first African-Canadian woman to have her own show on a prime time network. Having ‘da Kink on TV was INCREDIBLE for me, to be able to see stories and people that resonated clearly with my experiences. How did the move from the stage to TV impact you? What lessons did you learn from the experience? 

The main lesson that I learned was to always have a clear vision of yourself and your work. You need to know exactly what your brand is and what you stand for. I discovered just how powerful of a medium television is. In some ways it taught me to be careful what you wish for because you might just get it. This is because there were many things that I loved, including the ability to actualize my dream. But, there were also many things that I wasn’t prepared for. I didn’t realize that in television and being a part of this huge network that there would be so many people who would be involved in the decision making and a part of your creativity. Coming from creating, writing and producing things on my own previously, I wasn’t used to that.

Later this month, you’ll be hosting the Millionaire Artist Workshop, featuring yourself and a number of expert panelists helping artists to realize their potential. Can you tell us some more about this event? What will attendees get out of it? 

The Artist Millionaire workshop was sparked by a need, I receive so many emails each week from artists asking for advice on how to be successful and make money from their craft. I want to teach people how to, as one of my favorite artists Jay-Z famously declared in a song, “Not a business man – I’m a business, man”. Being a creative entrepreneur is a hustle that needs to be done smart and run like a business, even if you are just operating it yourself from your home.

The workshop will give attendees a sense of how to go after their dreams, knowledge of what this industry is about through stories shared by myself as well as the group of industry panelists that I have gathered to speak at the event, and learn how to stick to your vision and silence naysayers. It will also be a great chance to network with big industry players as well as fellow like-minded artists.

Through mentoring, volunteering, offering workshops, and now offering an inside look at your success with the Millionaire Artist Workshop – you’ve been very active in giving back to the community. Why is that so important to you? Do you see enough similar support in Toronto’s artistic/entertainment industry?

 Giving back is important to me because I care about connecting with people and finding out what issues are relevant to them, what impacts the community. I also like to make sure that the work that I do is sensible to people – that my events are affordable and that there are giveaways so that this form of art is accessible.

I do see similar support in Toronto’s industry but it needs improvement. We don’t support each other all of the time. There is a level of competitiveness that is quite sad. I find that there is still a kind of “old boys’ network” in the industry as we don’t have as big of a network to support womyn, especially womyn of colour. 

You’ve made it no secret that Oprah Winfrey is one of your biggest inspirations. What do you have to say to the people who view you as an inspiration? 

Wow, I’m humbled by this. I hope I live up to their expectations. No one is perfect, put no one on a pedestal. You have to believe that you can be where I am because I believe that I can be where Oprah is. Trust your vision and don’t give up. The only person you should never give up on in life is yourself.

What’s next for trey anthony? What goal(s) are next to be accomplished? 

I am working on producing ‘Da kink in My Hair in Atlanta and bringing the voice of that play to an American audience. I would love to open my own theatre here in Toronto. I also see myself heading into the movie industry to produce a feature film.

Many, many thanks to trey for taking the time to answer my questions! Congrats to Jay, the winner of my Millionaire Workshop giveaway – enjoy the event! If you want to attend, head here to register: http://theartistmillionaireworkshop.eventbrite.com/#, and make sure you catch up with trey online:

Website: www.treyanthonystudios.com

Blog: www.thetruthaccordingtotrey.blogspot.ca

Facebook: www.facebook.com/treyanthonyproductions

Twitter: @treyanthony

And don’t forget to submit your votes for ’83 To Infinity in the Best International and Best Writing In A Blog categories for the Black Weblog Awards! Finals voting ends on Tuesday! 

October 8, 2012 

THANKFUL: Being Grateful For Good News

Stretchy pants, Tupperware containers, and HomieLoverFriend’s famous cornbread are all prepped and ready to go!  This is the Canadian Thanksgiving holiday, and I have not one, but two family dinners on tap. Aside from all of the delicious food I’ll be consuming, I’m looking forward to taking some time to put the hustle on pause and catch up with family and friends I haven’t seen in some time.

It is, however, the hustle that’s giving me so many things to be thankful for this holiday. There are some new and exciting things goin’ on in the world of Bee, and if you’ll allow me this moment to share, I’d be much obliged!

They Said Yes!

I’m relatively new to the world of freelancing, and have already experienced some of the associated ups and downs that come with it. Well, lately it’s been more downs than ups. However, all that changed last week when a pitch that I worked REALLY hard on got accepted by Frugivore Magazine! Frugivore is a health & wellness online publication that partners with Clutch Magazine, and I’m so excited to add my voice to their site. While I’ve gotten other opportunities off the strength of blog posts I’ve written, this is the first time I had to navigate the pitch method (selling the idea of what I want to write about, and waiting for them to say yay or nay). I’m still a “see it to believe it” kind of gal when it comes to things like this, but I’m still celebrating the win of a successful pitch. You never know if an editor is going to be interested in your idea or if they’ll be impressed with your work, so I’m thankful  for this validation in my pitch writing.

Bee In Print

Writing online has been my thing as of late, but being printed has always been a goal of mine. I’m old school with my reading – I like the smell of books and flipping through magazines – and I’ve been slow to catch on to the e-reader movement. Print publications require a different set of game rules versus online pubs, but I’ve been lucky to find out about a really cool initiative that’s helping me realize that goal of seeing my name in print.

The Printed Blog is a Chicago/San Francisco-based publication that curates web-based material into print form. Publishing blog posts and photography that have gone through their submission process, the 11×17 glossy magazine is distributed across the US and to international subscribers. Each issue has a theme, and one of my favourite blog posts was accepted to be printed in the upcoming Intensity issue! I think The Printed Blog is a really cool idea. Aside from being ecstatic that I’ll be a part of it, I’m even more thrilled that so many people from all over are going to read about someone so special to me!

’83 To Infinity…Award-Winning Blog?

Soooo..remember my recent post about ’83 To Infinity being named a semi-finalist in the Black Weblog Awards? Well, guess what, kids! ’83 To Infinity is now a FINALIST in the Best International and Best Writing In A Blog categories! I am over the moon with the recognition, and ready to see if we can make ’83 To Infinity a winner!

I’m so happy every time someone comments, subscribes to the blog, likes the Facebook page, hits me up on Twitter, or does the “Oh! I love that blog!” when I tell them I’m behind it. I’m still in awe at how things have played out in the 14 months since I started this site, and I’m so grateful for all of the experiences I’ve had and people I’ve met through this outlet. It’s amazing to say that ’83 To Infinity is a BWA finalist – but it’ll be even more amazing to be able to say that it’s an award-winning blog!  I’m tryin’ to take this thing from Charles Barkley to Michael Jordan status, y’all – so I’ll need YOU to help me achieve that! Head to the Black Weblog Awards site and look for ’83 To Infinity on the finalist ballot under Best International Blog and Best Writing In A Blog, and VOTE! You can only vote once per device – so get on your computer, your mama’s computer, your phone, the library, your work laptop (don’t get fired though), and support with a vote or two or 5! As always, thank you guys for supporting ’83 To Infinity!

So, there you have it – a few things the hustle has brought my way to show me that it’s all worth it. I’m so thankful to have made these positive steps, and I’m looking forward to more great leaps and bounds! Because gratitude is something that we should take into consideration daily, let me know what you’re thankful for! And for my fellow Canadians, let me know how your Thanksgiving weekend was! 

August 10, 2012 

MIXIN’ IT UP: Exploring Digital Diversity (Or The Lack Thereof)

I’m lucky enough to live in one of the most diverse cities in the world. From food, to art, to the languages you hear on the public transit commute to work, Toronto seems to have at least 2 people representing every corner of the world. However, the overwhelming theme this week has been about the areas in which we don’t see that beautiful blend showcased. One of those areas is in the online sphere – where is the digital diversity?

Back in June, I attended the Blogging While Brown conference in Philadelphia and got bitten by the social media and writing conference bug. Since then, a number of amazing conferences like BlogHer and the Black Writers Reunion and Conference have come my way, but finances and limited ability to travel held me back from registering. When I found out about the She’s Connected Conference, scheduled for this October right here in Toronto, I was sold! A well-organized conference where I would undoubtedly learn tons and have the chance to network with other amazing bloggers and brands? AND I wouldn’t have to leave the city? It was almost too good to be true.

I pumped my breaks, put my credit card back in my wallet, and decided to peruse the She’s Connected site to see footage of last year’s conference before registering. What I saw was overwhelmingly positive – loads of smiling women, chatting, laughing, taking in words of wisdom from the speakers, and rubbing shoulders with big wigs from brands like Ford and Toshiba. The one thing that was missing? Women of colour. Among the photos I saw of the hundreds of women in attendance, I counted one Black woman and two Asian women. Sigh. So much opportunity, such little uptake by minority women.

For a city as diverse as Toronto, it was disheartening to see that it was not reflected in the attendees at the She’s Connected Conference.  Do I think that is some kind of reflection on the conference’s promotional procedures? Not at all. What I do think, is that women of colour (especially in the digital world) need to expand their networking circles, find their way to various events, and take advantage of the available opportunities.  I recently wrote a piece for another blog about American natural hair care lines and their seeming disregard for Canadian customers. We are disregarded because they feel there is no market, and we don’t let them know there’s a market because we don’t speak up. This is how I feel about the level of diversity in Canada’s social media landscape. Do brands know that we’re here? Do they know that there are women of colour who can offer unique perspectives on the reach of their products? Do we even know what other bloggers and social media mavens exist in Toronto and Canada at large? Attending Blogging While Brown (and having way too many people scoff at my attendance at a blogging conference) showed me that we have a lot of work to do up here.

While thinking about the She’s Connected Conference today, the resounding thought in my mind was “Closed mouths don’t get fed”. As a Jamaican-Canadian woman of colour involved in the blogging/writing/social media world myself, I see that my unique perspective isn’t being sought out like others’ may be. Does that mean I’ll be ignored? Nope! It just means that I’ll have to put myself in the face of the powers that be to ensure that my voice is heard. This is where attendance at events like the She’s Connected Conference is key. We will not be recognized until we make ourselves recognizable. We will not make connections if people don’t know we’re here for connection. We’ll continue to think that we’re the only ones trying to make a digital imprint as a woman of colour, until we step out and find the others who are doing the same.

Needless to say, I’ll be taking my credit card back out of my wallet and will be registering for the two-day conference. I’m ready to learn, to network, and to let Canada’s digital world know that without a doubt, I’m here.

Canadians, how do you feel about digital diversity? Is Canada’s much-heralded multiculturalism reflected in our online world? For those outside of our borders, what is social media and online diversity like in your neck of the woods? If anyone out there is registering for the She’s Connected Conference, let me know!

 

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