#CoffeeTalk

I consider you one of my go to influencers when I’m looking for information to help push my brand and for guidance toward helping my business grow. What are some of your favorite influencers, bloggers or books you reference to help you in these areas? I’d like to add more to my catalog. 

Thank you so much love! If we’re being honest, the only two influencers I ever learned anything from were Emmelie De La Cruz and Melyssa Griffin, who’s known for her Pinterest expertise. I had a really hard time finding influencers who were honest, transparent and actually knowledgeable. It was the main reason why I began trying things through trial and error and figuring them out on my way. It’s also the main reason why I try twice as hard to provide value to all of you because I know what it feels like to be bamboozled. Some books that really made me want to hustle were Girl Boss by Sophia Amoruso and Self Made by Nely Galan.

The Brand Beginnings workbook is truly a heaven sent, thank you! Now I plan to launch my website by the end of this year and I have majority of the fundamentals prioritized. Which came first for you? Was it your content or overall web design? Do you think you would of had your website up sooner had you used your workbook? I know building a site requires quality invested time, but social media waits for no one who isn’t consistent! Especially in the beauty industry.

Before I ever launched The B Werd, I had a ton of posts written in Word documents. I began writing as a way to reflect, share, learn and grow even before I had anyone to share it with. It worked out because once I actually launched my site, I had content ready to go. The Brand Beginnings workbook was created specifically because I wanted to help others avoid the hurdles I had to jump. I would’ve been twice as successful by now had I had a tool to map out my brand, instead of experimenting with what works. Now that I know for myself, I’m simply paying it forward to make it easier for all of you.

Congrats on all your recent accomplishments. I wanted to touch base with you to get some tips on starting up a side hustle. I am kind of torn between starting a blog or going into makeup (I know I’m clearly confused…right). Being in the blogging industry do you have any suggestion on which direction you would suggest? I know it’s up to me ultimately to figure out which I would enjoy doing more but I’m seeking advice from you because you are experienced.

The first thing I want you to know is that blogs aren’t side hustles, or businesses. They can be, but initially they’re not. It will take you a lot of time and work before you’ll be able to generate income from a blog. I didn’t see a dime from all of the work that I put into my blog within the first year and invested several thousand. If you’re looking for an immediate source of revenue, go with makeup. It’s a simple transaction where you provide a service and are in turn given money.

Which website did you use to start your blog initially? I have a low following (a little under 1k) so that’s kind of a deterring factor for me along with other fears (people not being interested, what if I fail? etc.) so I have been procrastinating for the longest. Share your thoughts and advice please!

I began with and still use WordPress. I have no issues with them and have been nothing but pleased with them. I had the biggest increase in followers once I actually began blogging. When you create content that other people find valuable, interesting and useful you’ll attract them much faster than waiting for them to find you where you’re at. The most successful people had to start somewhere. My friend Ciera, who owns Babes and Felines was just remembering how she’d only get one or two orders a week. Now she’s shoveling out hundreds of orders a day. The sooner you start, the quicker you get to where you want to be. Just know sitting still won’t get you there!

When I first started at my company the dress code was business but it changed to business casual.  Through the years it has become more casual but I want to change my personal brand and transition to a more fun youthful business look. I’m stuck in the comfort rut and need help on making the transition. Any thoughts or recommendations?

You can still be comfortable and business casual. On the days I don’t want to get dressed up (which is almost every day as of late) I’ll settle for ankle pants, a nice blouse with a blazer or a flowy swing or wrap dress. Believe it or not, H&M has some great work-wear that’s good quality and inexpensive. I love shopping at J. Crew cause the clothing lasts me so long but I will only do that if there’s a sale. I can’t make myself pay $120 for a pair of slacks. They have an extra 50% off of sale items right now using code “EXTRA50”. I’ve picked a couple of good beginning items below –

What was the name of that book you posted on your Instastory Thursday morning?

It’s called The Maxwell Daily Reader by John C. Maxwell. It was gifted to me by an old friend a few years ago and I still enjoy it. It’s 365 pages of enlightenment. I suggest it for anyone looking to have a fresh perspective of each day.

I’ll be in North Carolina this weekend for my cousins wedding so enjoy your weekend! All questions for next week’s #CoffeeTalk can be left below in the comments or sent over to me via email.