Where did you grow up and what was your childhood like? Did you have any particular experiences/stories that shaped your adult life?

I grew up in Long Island, NY the suburbs to New York City. I then went to college in Manhattan and began my adult life in Brooklyn, NY. During my pre-teen and teen years, my Dad worked in the city and would bring me a copy of Essence magazine, a monthly lifestyle publication for black women. As a single Dad, he figured the articles would help support my curiosity and social development as I transitioned into womanhood. They did. By the time I got to college, I had an opportunity to meet then fashion editor, Harriett Cole. I told her about my Dad and the magazines and how much they had helped shape my views on being a young, black woman. She offered me an internship in the fashion and beauty department where I would work on the editorial spread for the launch of supermodel Iman’s cosmetic line. I was over the moon. Being around all these stylish and cultured women 3x a week was life-changing. Susan Taylor, Mikki Taylor, Sandra Martin, and others served as mentors and really helped me find voice. Interning at Essence with those women truly helped fill in the gap of being raised by a single military man. My Dad was the greatest. He was always strategic in teaching me and those copies of the magazine would become part of a bigger plan. Twelve years later I would garner my first placement as a publicist with Essence. 

See?!   Everything is always working out for me. ?

What is something you wish you would’ve realized earlier in your life?

The therapeutic benefits of distance running. I was a sprinter in high school. After a bad break up at 34, I took on distance running. What started as a mile warmup before lifting weights ultimately led me to run the NYC marathon in 2014. Running helps clear my mind and heart and it is really good for my body. 

Years later I shared the news with my former track coach. We had a good laugh about my commitment to running 26.2 miles, after reminiscing on the sass I gave him about running 400 meters. Life really teaches you something. 

What are bad recommendations you hear in your profession or area of expertise?

I am not a fan of the phrase “fake it until you make it.” I believe that if you are “faking it”, then you are not seeking the information and support you truly need to excel. 

The other is, “you can sleep when you are dead.” I’ve never liked that advice. You will die sooner if you don’t sleep. Being exhausted and over-committed shouldn’t be a badge of honor. 

Tell me about one of the darker periods you’ve experienced in life. How you came out of it and what you learned from it?

As I mentioned previously, I was unexpectedly let go from my last full-time job two weeks prior to the holiday season. I was heartbroken, scared, and angry. I discovered my own resilience and talent as a creative strategist for authors after committing to entrepreneurship. 

After being let go, I reached out to all the authors, bookstore owners, editors I had met in my 2 years working with an indie author. I shared the news that I was starting my own agency to be of service to more authors of color. Everyone was so excited and supportive of me. 90% of my clients come from author and colleague referrals or online research. What I learned is that when you are destined to do something, you will do it. I never planned on having a career in publishing or publicity, but here I am—thriving and making a difference. 

What is one thing that you do that you feel has been the biggest contributor to your success so far?

I am open to sharing and I have integrity. I don’t work with anyone unless I truly believe in their work. I speak and teach at conferences and libraries on best practices to find success as a self-published or traditionally published author. 

I understand the seemingly endless challenges in publishing and promoting a book. My responsibility is to help bring clarity to the process so that authors can make educated and strategic decisions that will help manifest their dreams of becoming bestselling authors.   

Being transparent and pragmatic in my approach is what keeps the referrals coming. 

What is your morning routine?

In support of a client and her early morning social media discussions I wake up at 6:25 am and login to her IG Live at 6:30 am. What started as support for her has turned into a 4th quarter routine that I am planning to continue. I get so much done for myself between 7 am-10 am. I can do longer yoga sessions, read, eat a full breakfast, and sit and do research or take an online class all before 10 am.

To achieve this, I go to bed between 10 and 11 pm. I want my 7-8 hours of sleep.

What habit or behavior that you have pursued for a few years has most improved your life?

Prayer and using affirmations. Both of these helps to defeat self-doubt and anxiety. I understand that I can’t do everything I want to accomplish in this life without help from a higher power. My faith is what has gotten me through the first 16-years of my career, and it will propel me into the life of my dreams. 

What are your strategies for being productive and using your time most efficiently?

For me to be productive I must set boundaries with clients and colleagues. I love but I believe my high energy makes others believe that my battery never runs low. I do my best to make it clear that I need my weekends, holidays, and evenings to myself in order to recharge my creativity. I am unapologetic about taking time for myself after witnessing a client being admitted to the hospital because she was burning from both ends. When I can go a day or two uninterrupted by the thoughts and concerns of others, I can come up with some pretty amazing things.  To be more efficient I am hiring more administrative and technical support. I focus on what I am good at and hire out for the rest. I think most entrepreneurs have to learn this the hard way. I did. ?

What book(s) have influenced your life the most? Why?

The Power of a Praying Women by Stormie Omartian.  In December 2020 I celebrated my 16th year as a solopreneur. In 2002 I was unexpectedly let go from my last full-time job two weeks prior to the holiday season. I was heartbroken, scared, and angry, but I had to move on with my life.

I had been going to church consistently for two years and a friend suggested this book. It became my lifeline and taught me how to pray through various challenges. There is no way that I would have survived all that life has brought to me over the years, had I not understood and depended on the power of prayer. I named my company Dream Relations, PR & Literary Consulting Agency. The word ‘Dream’ is an acronym that stands for divine relationships in entertainment and media. Every client, every placement, every deal, and every relationship is because God allowed it. Knowing this allowed me to push through year after year trusting that I am living in my purpose. 

The other book I would say is an urban fiction novel Secret Society by Miasha. Miasha had received a 2-book deal with Simon & Schuster. Shortly after meeting her editor in NY, I contacted her to share that I had started my agency. She became one of my first clients and I worked with her to launch her career as a published author. I garnered some of my first national broadcast and print media placements with her. It made my work as a publicist very visible and well respected. 

In 2020 she completed production on the book-to-film adaption of her debut novel, and we are planning something special in 2021. Our relationship is divine, 15 years later. 

Do you have any quotes you live by or think of often?

Years ago, two friends introduced me to the law of attraction teacher, Abraham Hicks. This solopreneur experience has been a roller coaster ride. These teachings offered much needed spiritual comfort and support. The most life-changing quote that I took away from the teachings is, “Everything is always working out for me.” It’s a powerful affirmation that speaks to believing that you are where you are supposed to be, nothing is a mistake, and it all works together for you good even when you can’t see it. 

I live by this because it has proven to reduce my anxiety and lack of patience. 

The words are life-changing.  I invite you to try saying it on a regular basis and watch what happens.