Sparkly Metals Made My Work Outfit Fun & Amazing!

What's up everyone!

I am super excited to check-in and talk about some #WERKFashion!

As you know, being present and being true to myself is a high priority for me in 2016. Hustlapreneur life can get crazy busy, and it's easy to get caught up in the busy-ness of everyday life, and forget to relish your accomplishments and success. I'm all about celebrating me and you in 2016! 

I'm also working on getting to know myself and sharing my authentic self with others. Fashion is a huge part of my everyday life. From me stressing over what to wear each morning, to falling asleep online shopping, I spend a lot of time thinking about what to wear. As a curvy, millennial, woman of color, working in corporate america, I'm conscious of how I represent myself and my community in the workplace. I want to have that reputation of being a compassionate, business-savvy, impeccably-dressed power woman at work. 

I usually get my fashion faves at TJ Maxx, Old Navy and H&M. Their clothes are good quality, affordable and really cute (don't go in there on pay day and mess up your life!). 

This past week, I knew it was going to be cray at work; so I made sure my business casual clothes were clean and ready to wear (yea, I did about 5 load of laundry on Sunday). One day, I wore a fashion tee from TJ Maxx, black skinny jeans, suede booties and a navy blue blazer. I wanted to dress it up, so I brought out my brand new Stella Dot accessories. Small disclaimer - I'm still mastering the full body shot so you get an up close and personal view my accessories. 

I love me some big, shiny jewelry (sue me). I'm in love with this necklace that looks great with a basic tee, from SD. I'm also wearing my new studs from S&D. The studs are awesome because they're classic. They go with so many different looks. Plus, it's just enough sparkle to make it pop.

I can't wait to share more #WERKfashion with you! I'd love to see yours too! Share your outfits on instagram and tag @thecolormeb and #WERKfashion. 

Here's some more #WERKfashion for you on our YouTube channel. Watch fashion designer and entrepreneur, Ari Takata-Vasquez tell us about transitioning from daytime to nighttime wear. Sign-up for our mailing list here and get connected with other fashionistas and hustlapreneurs.

This Millennial Fashion Visionary Opened Her Own Store Before 25

Ari Takata-Vasquez is an entrepeneur, visionary and BOSS!

We really enjoyed learning about how she started her company and opened a store front all in her 20's! Ari is the truth and an excellent role model for other millennial women. Watch the interview below -

Watch more career women tell their story!

Career women from many industries including health sciences, human resources, PR, business, production and more, participated in #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 interactive + fantastic workshops!

Calling all fly college + career millennial women to this awesome opportunity!

When I started CMB Professional Development Agency, who knew we would be blessed enough to start a mentor program. I started CMB when I was 25 years old. All of my close friends were out of school; and I had reached that awkward age where I didn't have any close friends still in college... I was starting to feel old!

Anywho, many of my female friends and associates started approaching me about wanting to get involved. We all wanted to find a way to help women in college and graduate school. We all wanted to be that rational voice that we once needed to hear the winter break before graduation when you questioned the last 3.5 years of your life. We wanted to be that boss career woman we sought advice from when trying to figure out what to do with our politics degree.

We, like most millennials, have this knack for wanting to help each other out. We also like succeeding at our passions. CMB Mentor is the avenue to embrace both of those millennial tenets. At CMB Mentor, we strive to connect millennial college women to career women in their industry. We do monthly check-ins via Skype/Facetime. I also host monthly webinars related to networking, career advancement, and leadership. 

This spring, I want to plan a brunch in NYC! I'd love to gather college seniors and career women for an afternoon of delicious brunch, networking and of course ki-ki'ing. We're also going to continue to dive deeper on our webinars. We'll build on the foundation we laid in the fall when we hosted "Critical Conversations on a College Campus," and discussed how to address acts of discrimination and racism on campus. We welcome students to share their experiences. We ask mentors to share their wisdom and offer support. It will be awesome!

If you're a millennial college or a career woman,

that wants to succeed in their professional aspirations,

that likes seeing other women "win" on their grind and in their hustle,

that enjoys attending fun meet-ups and ki-ki'ing with the girls -

CMB Mentor is for you! Sign-up here!

To apply to be a Mentor, CLICK HERE!

To apply to be a Mentee, CLICK HERE!

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!

Color Me Brave: Diamond Gallow #artist #entrepreneur #hairguru

Color Me Brave is a blog series that celebrates amazing women that are both successful in their careers and supportive towards other women trying to make it. This series was created especially for millennial women of color because I want them to see other women of color that have been in their place, walked in their shoes and persevered. Color Me Brave is full of fabulous women leaders with dynamic stories. Enjoy and join me in applauding these industry leaders. To contact our Color Me Brave leaders, please email hello@thecolormeb.com.

Diamond Gallow

Color Me Brave: Where did you attend college? Graduate school?

Diamond Gallow: I attended college at Fordham University in New York City. In the summer of 2012, I made a conscious decision to dropout with only 3 semesters to complete my degree. Why? Simply because I realized that not only was I wasting money, more importantly, I was wasting my time in school. School had nothing to offer me. The work was easy - I mean easy - as in I've written a 10-page paper in 1.5 hours easy. And got an A. 

I realized that I was paying into a system that was not for me. You see, I've never really been interested in getting a job. I've always been an entrepreneur. I sat down with myself and I said, "Self, at your core, what do you believe in". The response was easy. FREEDOM. I value and have always valued freedom much more than security. I'm ok with hardship. I've faced hardship. Don't let my grammar, college, or marginal success fool you, I'm from the hood of Houston, Texas. I have been tested and I do not fear hardship. Fear is an almost useless emotion that most people allow to dictate their entire lives. That being said I made a decision not to fear the future, or other people's opinions of me and I dropped out. It was the best choice I've made thus far! 

Color Me Brave: What do you do for a living? Where do you work?

Diamond: Entrepreneur - a person who organizes and manages any enterprise, especially a business, usually with considerable initiative and risk. I work for myself. I am a licensed realtor in Texas and New York, I use this license occasionally to make some money. It has a great purpose for my future, that with time will reveal itself to the world. 

My passion, currently is hair. I was blessed to have the skills to install and style hair extensions in ways that no one else has seen, done, or experienced.  My company is called Bombshell En Route. We are currently a mobile extensions salon in Houston and we will be branching out to other cities soon. 

Color Me Brave: Why did you decide to take on this position? Is it part of a larger plan for you?

Diamond: I took on this position because it gave me peace and passion. I learned how to do hair because my family was too poor for me to afford to get my hair done. I learned a lot about hair. At my heart, I'm an artist. I think everyone is! They just don't realize their talents. I took my gift, developed it into a skill and made a lot of money from it. Now, I'm ready to branch out into a corporation much bigger than myself and a few employees.

Color Me Brave: Are you a member of any professional organizations? If so which ones?

Diamond: I'm a member of HAR, Houston Association of Realtors. That's about it. It is something I am working on. I have a tendency to isolate myself. I use isolation to focus, and network to grow. I plan on joining a few organizations this year. They're great for networking, but they don't necessarily grant success. 

Your ability to think outside of the box (playing chess) and your tenacity dictate success. The truth is I find networking uncomfortable. It (doesn't feel genuine) so I avoid it. I'm just a really direct person. I don't want to dance around what I want from you. I don't want to waste time pretending like I want to get to know you better. Genuine relationships are built over time. If I want something from someone, I find them and tell them what I want. I don't want the responsibility of maintaining my position within a professional organization. I have a husband, 3 sons, and a business. My time is extremely limited and thus valuable. 

Color Me Brave: What are the biggest challenges you face in your job? In your industry?

Diamond: Challenges are problems but more importantly they are opportunities. There are a lot of people that are in the beauty industry. I guess you can call that a challenge. It means that I have to have the discipline to execute marketing. The mental capacity and creativity to think outside of the box. I have to be flexible enough to change with the market. 

I have to stay educated about the industry and just slay (execute) it. It's really that simple. I can't call them challenges. It's kind of just a task list. Focus and commitment are key. 

Color Me Brave: How do you overcome obstacles in the workplace?

Diamond: This one is hard. Lol so my personality type is an ENTJ (look it up). My workplace is me. All begins and ends with me. I like that. That's why I didn't see the point in college. I try to eliminate obstacles as much as possible. However, they still happen. When they do happen, I try to take a moment and evaluate the situation without my own ego. It helps me see clearer. 

After this, I coordinate a plan that I feel is mutually beneficial, I present it and we make edits from there that are fair. 

So overcoming obstacles in steps: 
1. Evaluate the reality of the situation without ego
2. Weigh the pros and cons 
3. Make a plan
4. Take action immediately

Color Me Brave: What’s something you wish you could tell your college freshman self?

Diamond: Don't become trapped in other people's ideas of who you are or who you should be. You are worthy and deserving of the best. Never settle for anything less. 

Also, don't run from pain and hurt. Face it, embrace it, feel it, accept it, discern it; then, use it as power. Great people are made by their ability to overcome struggle. The struggle strengthens you. Don't fear it. It's much like building muscles. It hurts at first. You think it's impossible on day 1. However, by day 90, you really get to see results and you start feeling great about it. In fact, you cant stop doing it. You see, muscles are built by tissue being ripped apart then forced to heal. This happens over and over and over again. Each time, building the muscle. 

It really isn't about how many times you've been hurt , broken, or ripped apart. It's all about your ability to heal. Get back up and keep going. In the words of Les Brown, "If you can look up, you can get up". 

Color Me Brave: How can women show their support for other women in the workplace?

Diamond: Remove your ego. Be honest. Say what's on your mind(with tact). Look for a solution together. Be conscious of when you're not being supportive, and make a decision to change that. 

Color Me Brave: What do you do to relax with your girlfriends?

Diamond: I don't have many girlfriends lol. Every once and a while we go out for dinner, or we sit and talk. We play board games, and we get responsibly wasted. I'm socially an extrovert, but the moment I'm home, or alone, I genuinely enjoy the silence and space to be left with myself and my thoughts.... I like doing all the above by myself too. Minus the board games lol Bikram Yoga helps a lot.

Color Me Brave: Anything else you want our millennial hustlapreneurs to know about you? 
Diamond: I have failed more times than I have ever succeeded. On a yearly basis I face an obstacle I feel at one moment I can never recover from. I get the stuffing knocked out of me. But I get up and I go harder. Go hard. You don't have anything to lose. The opposite is far bleaker. For in complacency you risk losing your very being, which is the greatest thing you have to lose.

For more information Color Me Brave and other CMB services, check out our website www.thecolormeb.com ! Click here to join our mailing list!

Continue reading "Color Me Brave" and learn about Lea's work at St. Jude's research hospital...

A couple of our CMBrave honorees 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 interactive + fantastic workshops!

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 :)!

CMB Item of the Week: $15 Old Navy Pencil Skirts!

Happy Monday everyone!!

Thank you so much for all of your positive back over the last week! My article, "What's a Hustlapreneur? 5 Tips for Succeeding in the Workplace as a Millennial Woman," was published in Bustle magazine last week, and I've received soooo many messages of kind words. It feels great and I'm elated that the article is helping millennial women navigate work life.

Over the weekend, I came across this steal at Old Navy. Check out these super cute and versatile pencil skirts! They are only $15 each! I also got 35% off! 

Old Navy is having a Labor Day sale this weekend too which means it's a GREAT time to find some work fashion pieces at a really affordable cost! Will you check it out?

I'll post a picture of the outfit I wear this week, with the skirt on our instagram. You can find us at @TheColorMeB and on our website!

UPDATE - I wore this skirt to our first networking event! I posted pics on our facebook and instagram and got soooooooo many compliments! 

Join our mailing list for updates on our blog , programs and services,+ exclusive access to my periscope tutorials !

xoxo,

Courtney

Founder/CEO 

@TheColorMeB

Old Navy - Women's Patterned Pencil Skirts!

LOVE!

CMB Item of the Week: Perfect little green dress :)

Happy Monday everyone!
I got this dress last week and had to share this excellent find! I spent my lunch break perusing the H&M sales rack, looking for a couple cheap dresses that paired well with a cardigan and were just long enough to wear to the office. It's still sooooo hot in NYC, and finding weather-appropriate and work-appropriate clothes has been hard.

Thankfully, the rich green in this dress caught my eye immediately. It's fun but also professional and chic. 

H&M Textured-knit dress

Let's be clear. The dress looked much longer hanging up. I bought it without trying it on because it was only $17.99! Can't beat that. The color is also super versatile. This is cool for a summer evening out for drinks with friends, followed by more cocktails at a chill lounge. 

But this green! It's perfect for a brisk fall day. I'll take these booties, or maybe some brown booties. If I'm feeling really jazzy, I'd grab some patterned tights too. 

(That's really living on the wild side for me. TWO patterned pieces in one outfit?! #yolo)

After I bought this dress, I hung it up and was so excited to wear it the next day. I got up that morning and put it on. Yup, just as I suspected. The front was long enough but the back was losing a fight with my backside. It was too short to wear to the office. Dammit.

What was I to do? I had 5 minutes left before I needed to leave home for the subway. I still had to make lunch, get my hair together and pack my purse. I grabbed a pair of long leggings (Target) and this necklace from Stella & Dot. I really like this necklace because it's a 3-in-1. I decided to wear one necklace and these studs.

When I finally put everything together, I liked it! Once I got to the office, I switched to some black leather flats (not pictured). 

Outfit plus a twist-out :)

Great pic of the Fortuna necklace.

Fun because I'm living for taking pics in cute outfits for yall!

What's your favorite new item of the week?

Join our mailing list for updates on our blog , programs and services,+ exclusive access to my periscope tutorials !

xoxo,

Courtney

Founder/CEO 

@TheColorMeB

CMB Item of the Week - Stackable Rings for $19!

Happy Monday! 

This week's item of the week is super versatile and perfect for your wardrobe as we transition to fall. 

I LOVE these Stella & Dot stackable rings. These rings are sterling silver. Yes, I said ringSSS. When you purchase this set for $19, you get three rings! Another reason I love it! I like to wear super cute rings when my outfit is a bit more dressed down/plain. 

Ann stacked rings by Stella & Dot. Only $19! 

Stella & Dot has tons of really cute and trendy jewelry. These rings are great for many work environments. You can also dress them up with a pearl bracelet or a nice statement necklace. 

I also wanted to feature this piece because Stella & Dot is all about women empowerment through business. S&D hires women to sell their products while also building their own empire. Check them out!

Also, I hope you LOVE our new blog and website as much as I do! Tweet us @thecolormeb with suggestions and feedback. 

We'd love to hear from you :)

Super cute as one ring too!!