I'm the CEO of my Destiny!

I am a proud member of a black greek organization. While taking the steps to join my organization, like others that have completed the journey, I learned a poem that changed my life. I love every line of the poem but one line ignites my core every time.

"I am the master of my fate. I am the captain of my soul."

That is deep, y'all. In the context of my journey to joining my illustrious sisterhood, this line means no one but YOU can stop you from achieving your goals. It means you are in control of your life, decisions and strength. 

In my the context of my life, almost 7 years later, what does it mean?

As a young professional woman trying to make it in corporate america, in NYC, it's easy to feel like I am not in control. Other people decide my salary, how much my rent is, if my subway train will work - and those outcomes have larger implications in my life. 

My salary can dictate my quality of life. If rent is $2000/month for a one-bedroom, that has huge implications (because I am NOT paying that much for a space I do NOT own). If my subway is not working, forget it. I'm mad and not going anywhere. Like this morning, we got over 20 inches of snow in NYC this weekend and my trains were a HOT MESS.

Then I remembered, "I am the master of my fate. I am the captain of my soul." I remembered my goal for 2016 to be more present. I remembered, I cannot control the subways. I cannot control how my supervisor will treat me. However, I CAN control my response.

This is how I'm stepping into this week. I have a positive attitude ready to deal with the negativity that others may throw my way. Your joy and strength should not waiver because of your haters. They're still going to hate so might as well continue to SHINE!

In 2015, I made the decision to focus on positive things in my life. In 2016, I am taking the time to appreciate those things every day and make my life the happiest it can be. My happiness and joy has manifested into success at work and with my nonprofit organization. We're rolling out two brand new programs and I've already received sooooooo much positive response. 

Email hello@thecolormeb.com to nominate an honoree!

#SheLeads, Leadership + Empowerment Conference

The positive impact is a reflection of my peers and other millennial women embracing my genuine passion for helping women be their best selves at work. 

Are you walking and talking in your truth? 

Are you letting go of fear and insecurity and embracing your true passion? 

Do it! Don't be scared, we can do it together! Sign-up for our mailing list so I can check on your progress and you can hold me to my goals!

xoxo,

Courtney

@TheColorMeB 

Super FLY CMB Item of the Week!

Hellooooooo!

Happy 2016, everyone! 

In 2016, we're switching things up at @TheColorMeB! In 2016, a big goal for me is to be more present. I want to learn how to seize the day and every beautiful moment within it - the good, the bad and the ratchet. (I like a little ratch in my life from time to time.) I also want to learn more about myself and express it to the world. 

Let's start with how I love regal things and will save my money to buy one FABULOUS fashion piece. I'm not ashamed to admit it either! More regularly, I'm looking for a good deal/bargain, but every once in a while, I will splurge. This first CMB Item of the Week is dedicated to my audacious alter ego (need to name her in 2016). 

Photo credit: Who What Wear

She is soooooo fly! So many hot items in this picture - sunglasses, her flawless natural hair, the super cute purse - I want everything!

Since it's finally feeling like winter in New York City, I'm going for the coat! You can get this coat at Nordstrom. It's really well-made and will keep you warm and stylish in the winter time. You could pair this coat with all types of scarves and boots for the perfect work fashion outfit!

Photo credit: Nordstrom.com

Details about the entire outfit are on WhoWhatWear.com. Do you like the coat? Tell us about it in the comments or on our IG @TheColorMeB!

Join our mailing list so we can keep in touch and talk more work fashion :)!

Hello December? OMG, 2015 is Over!?

Hello December!
Can you believe 2015 is almost over?! Me neither!!! It went by so fast. It's already the time of year when people reflect on all the ups and downs of the last 12 months and start thinking about what opportunities the new year will bring.

When I think of the year, especially the last three months, I think about the amazing strides we've made with CMB. We've raised our visibility tremendously this year. Since September, we've launched our mentor program, hosted two webinars, organized fabulous meet-ups and made strong connections with other lady boss millennials. **happy dance**

We had so much fun hosting this meet-up with
Marissa Germain's blog, "The Millennial Takeover!"

It has been amazing and if you follow us, you've seen my face all over these events. I love it all- our programs and services, our mission, networking- I'm always reppin CMB, hard! What some people don't know, is I also work just as diligently and passionately for my full-time position, in human resources.

While growing CMB, I've been grinding just as hard at my 9-5, implementing new processes and tightening up others. I expose myself to every learning opportunity because I want to both be better at my job, and use the knowledge to help my CMB community. It has been a wonderful learning experience but guess what?!

I was exhausted!

Don't get me wrong, I realized committing to this Hustlapreneur life would be a lot of work. Balancing a full-time corporate job, a part-time stylist position, and managing a nonprofit keeps me very busy honey. 

Photo cred: https://ronetheboxhouston.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/boss.jpg?w=300&h=225

What I didn't realize is my ambition and drive for excellence had taken priority over my personal life. In 2015, I can count on one hand how many times I've gone to brunch with my girlfriends. My calls home have decreased, and I feel that love and laughter missing from my everyday life. Shame on me. Family and friends are the cornerstone of my success. They are so important and instrumental in my life. I need to prioritize them as I do my professional life. 

In 2015, I focused on gratitude and being thankful for all the experiences God blessed me with - the good and bad. In 2016, I want to focus on being present. I want to be more present with my family, friends, future friends and colleagues. Seizing the day and appreciating life's moments will be the focus of my life next year. 

What are you looking forward to in 2016? Let's hold each other accountable and help each other achieve our goals. Join our mailing list so we can keep in touch. I want to be more engaged with millennial women in 2016 so expect opportunities to meet-up and talk about our work life, the struggle, millennial fashion and more!

<3

xoxo,
Courtney
www.thecolormeb.com

3 Things to STOP on Job Interviews

There are so many jobs available right now! I see scores of postings added to job boards every day. If you're thinking about leaving a job or if you're a recent grad that has not found work yet, continue searching because there are positions for you! If you're at the interviewing phase, congrats! Now it's time to let your amazing, confident, hard-working personality shine fiercely. We talked about interview tips a few weeks back on "Krystal & Courtney's Career Chat." You can watch it here. You can also download "10 Really Hard Interview Questions Answered" when you join our mailing list!

www.thecolormeb.com

 

I want to elaborate on a topic we discussed on a couple weeks back. These no-no's apply to everyone, but I had millennial women of color in mind when I crafted it. Read these tips and make sure you're going into job interviews with your mind on getting that offer!

1. Stop coming unprepared Friends, it is 2015 and recruiters expect a lot more from you than the ability to talk about your qualifications. You have access to the job description, the company website, employee blogs, and the company's social media stream. In addition to your own qualifications be prepared to discuss

• why you specifically want to work at that company

• how you see yourself growing in the position, at that company. Are you looking for a promotion in 2 years? Are you trying to leave in a year? Be able to articulate a plan for your future at the company because these are things recruiters want to know

• how you're a great team player. You should have examples of how you work well with a multitude of people. You should also have examples of how you overcome conflict and obstacles with your team. We had great conversation about this on the periscope broadcast.

2. Don't apologize for your confidence and stop complaining about your haters

Job interviews are the time to "toot your own horn." You have to market yourself in a way that the company see value in hiring you. Don't apologize for your confidence or belittle your achievements because it shows lack of confidence. You're awesome! If you don't think so, email me and we'll make a list together! It's ok if you're a recent grad and most of your experience is in student leadership. It's just as impactful and amazing. Proudly share those experiences. As you're sharing the positive, you might remember some of the less positive moments of your work experiences. You might have had a crappy boss or a really negative experience. Be careful not to get too much in the details of that experience. Instead, focus on how you persevered and displayed tenacity.

Don't apologize, own your fabulousness and rock that interview!

3. Stop being too relaxed - #sorrynotsorry I love being a millennial. I love being part of a generation that ignored society's tendency to function in "black and white." We like to live in "the grey." When it comes to interviews, specifically in corporate america or a professional organization, dress code is clear. You should dress for the job you want. I always go in with collar, more than likely a blazer. I also wear minimal jewelry and will have my hair pulled back. I'm not saying you have to dress like me, but I strongly recommend you leave casual clothing at home and bring professional attire to the interview. Research the company ahead of time and figure out what their culture is. You don't have to spend an arm and a leg either. H&M has great separates to mix and match. Ideel.com is also a great site for affordable, super cute and professional attire. 

If you enjoy this blog post, sign-up for our mailing list to receive all the latest and instant access to our products and services!

xoxo,
Courtney
www.thecolormeb.com

CMB How To: Job Offer

Hey everyone!
"CMB How-To's" are email templates to help you communicate specific work situations. Here's the newest template - "CMB How-To: Job Offer."

Obviously, there is a lot to consider when accepting a job offer. You can also reference the CMB How-To on salary negotiation (below). I suggest scheduling a time so you can review your entire compensation package and, if necessary, review expectations and responsibilities. I think that's best to do in person or over the phone, so start with this very brief email. Also, you'll notice I use "thank you" as a salutation. You can use what you deem appropriate.

We've given all the templates a new look. Check them out and tweet us topics at @thecolormeb!

Informational Interview

Resigning

Salary Negotiation

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A few of our CMB Mentors shared their wisdom and experiences during the #SheLeads2016 virtual conference. Our facilitators shared tips on networking, taking on leadership roles at work, self-care and more! Sign-up here and get access to some of these fantastic workshops!