New Everything

2015 is the year of excellence. Over the last couple months, I've been saying "we're on the precipice of change." So many things are happening politically and socially in our cities, our country and globally; and millennials are involved and influential in this discourse. From the #blacklivesmatter movement to the upcoming presidential election, we are informed, opinionated and motivated to make change. Some call it idealistic, that's fine. I know communities can come together and make sustainable change. That's why I started my company.
 
And that's totally characteristic of the millennial generation right? We see a problem and we look beyond the black and white binaries of the world, and find a solution in "the grey." 2015 is our time.
 
We're trying NEW things! I look around my social and professional network, and my peers and I are switching it up and attempting to mitigate social problems created and exacerbated by institutional isms-racism, sexism, ageism, etc. We are taking the social justice theories taught to us in school and applying it to real world problems to find peace, safety and fun.

Ari Takata-Vasquez opened Viscera, a 3-D printed apparel company and storefront in Oakland, California. In addition to her products being fabulous and innovative, they're all made on the U.S. Perhaps her masters degree in urban planning from UC Berkeley influenced her decision to operate in and produce her pieces in the United States. She is combating some of the adverse effects of globalization and adding jobs to the city. She's also providing us with really cool, unique fashion!

Viscera Studio



Viscera Studio

Viscera Studio

Viscera Studio

Many of you know @TheColorMeB is involved with the 2015 Global Millennial Conference. GMC15 is a premiere conference for millennials, by millennials. GMC15 will focus on career and business development, as well as networking. Part of the reason conference producer, Amber Aziza, decided to develop the conference was to give the millennial generation an experience that fits their unique needs. The conference is a place for millennials to market their personal brand, to conduct business with other millennial game-changers, and to grow their network!

www.gmc15.com

www.gmc15.com

www.gmc15.com

Are you interested in attending the Global Millennial Conference, but you're unsure if it's right for you? Want to learn more from the Millennial Powerhouses that will attend, present, and perform at the conference?
Click here for more information

To cultivate peace and balance, a group of friends and I have decided to commit more time to nurturing our spiritual selves. We are going to read Purpose Drive Life by Rick Warren and discuss it together. Some young professionals have the opportunity to live their adult life near their family. Some of us have the opportunity to go far away. Nonetheless, you might go through a time in your early adult life where you lose touch with the institution that helped form your moral compass. That institution might have been family, church or a support group. We are starting this Bible study group to learn more about God's word, and also, to find support and solace in our girlfriends during these difficult times in society.



Purpose Driven Life

As my network grows, and I connect with more people in career consulting, I'm noticing a void in the industry. I've found so many wonderful women-run career fashion blogs. Awesome! I love it. However, it has been difficult to find women of color on these blogs. I am committed to finding more women of color that blog/post career advice and fashion tips. I am also stepping out of my comfort zone and creating my own content. Leading by example :)



@thecolormeb





@thecolormeb

@thecolormeb

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

xoxo,

Courtney

Founder/CEO 

@TheColorMeB

The Women of 'Orange Is the New Black' Are #Winning and Teaching Social Justice

Yessssss! The women of Orange Is the New Black showed up and showed out at the SAG Awards. The show's cast took home many awards, and looked absolutely fabulous! Such a powerful moment for women of color. OITNB is a show about a woman serving a sentence in a federal prison. This primarily female, diverse cast is hysterical, so you should watch.

Photo Credit: Jezebel

Furthermore, I encourage you to watch a couple episodes because they're addressing issues that relate to incarceration and implicitly people of color. According to the NAACP's Criminal Justice Fact Sheet, 1 million of the United States's 2.3 million prisoners were black people. Black men alone account for 700,000 of the 2,000,000 people in US prisons.

Photo Credit: ACLU

For more information about the prison industrial complex, I highly recommend Michelle Alexander's The New Jim Crow. In season 1 of OITNB, after years in prison, Tasha "Taystee" Jefferson (played by the fabulous Danielle Brooks) gains freedom.



Taystee ends up back in jail before the end of the season because she has no resources to help adjust to freedom in her familiar surroundings. High recidivism rates are a problem in urban centers like San Francisco and Cleveland; but in today's media, we only hear one side of that story. According to "a 2012 report by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, just over 65% of those released from California’s prison system return within three years."

The story sounds like this. "Person of color goes to jail. POC gets out. POC gets arrested and is in jail again." In states with a three strikes law, the story  could read:

"POC goes to jail for stealing swishers. POC is imprisoned for ridiculous amount of time for robbery. POC gets out. POC is disenfranchised and cannot find a job with a felony on their record. POC steals bread to eat or sells weed to make money. POC  goes back to jail and will probably go again after that. 3rd strike. Life."

Sorry, had to speed it up at the end because I'm tired of hearing this narrative. While the story is quite simplistic and somewhat silly, you get the idea. You don't hear about stories like Taystee. What is it like for black women when they're released from prison? I don't know, but this show has given me a lot to further research. The show has also given me a lot to celebrate, like the perseverance and creativity of women of color in extreme circumstances; and I'm happy the SAG Awards honored them. This is a huge moment in history because shows like OITNB and Blackish are redefining our representation in mainstream media. These hilarious story lines tell stories that people of color tell at their kitchen tables or at a family function, inherently beginning to breakdown the stereotypes about people of color.

 The women of OITNB are so talented and STUNNING! Check out their SAG fashion below:

The cast of Orange Is the New Black accepting the SAG award for best comedy show



Actress Danielle Brooks, she's so stunning!

Actress Uzo Aduba who won a SAG Award for best actor in a comedy

Always elegant actress Laverne Cox

Actress Dascha Polanco. Her dress is fabulous! 

Actress Jackie Cruz. This dress is EVERYTHING!

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

xoxo,

Courtney

Founder/CEO 

@TheColorMeB

The Precipice of a Movement, Hello 2015!

As I reflect on this year, I've realized it went by extremely fast! There were some amazing highs and utterly exhausting lows. Because 2013 was such a tough year for the black community with unbelievable headlines about heartbreaking events like Trayvon Martin’s killer being acquitted and the mysterious death of Kendrick Johnson, I dedicated 2014 to my community. 

Trayvon Martin

Kendrick Johnson

When it came to the greater community, 2014 was worse than 2013, however. My natural and Christian inclination to help my community brought many nights of pensive, anxious and somber feelings this year. In 2014, we saw the personification of the pain that Ferguson citizens and those that stand in solidarity with them, experience regularly.

I have refrained from discussing Ferguson or the Eric Garner verdict because I agree- burn it down, shut down Grand Central and the Westside Highway. My emotional, visceral response is one of anger and embarrassment. At 26, two degrees later, I understand what James Baldwin meant when he said, “to be a Negro in this country, and to be relatively conscious, is to be in a rage almost all the time." I have three nephews, a brother, and boyfriend at home that I could easily lose like the families of Michael Brown and Eric Garner lost their loved ones. To think, to even slightly imagine that I could lose them, and their killer walks, makes me sick.

In 2014, I spent a lot of time in prayer. I prayed for the families of victims of gun violence, especially the mothers that lost their children. The state of black women in America has been characterized by the stories of Janay Rice, #iamjada, Stephanie Moseley, and grieving mothers.

Janay Rice

#iamjada

There's so much to unpack with all these moments - spousal abuse, sexual assault, cyberbullying, suicide, etc. Each of these women experienced something terrible and had their stories broadcasted. These stories about black women are quite different than the stories about black men in the media this year. As a critical race scholar, I argue that one resounding theme of these 2014 headlines is #blacklivesmatter. Our voices, our lives, our bodies, our privacy – it all matters and should be respected at all times. I'm tired of the contention, apathy and ignorance towards that fact.

As I prepare to start 2015, it is hard to be optimistic. It’s hard to believe that real change involving community-police relations will happen when representatives from the NYPD blame the mayor and describe their relationship with the community as “in wartime.” It’s hard to believe that real change involving women and our bodies when Jada, after months of living through this horrific experience, still gets little support from her own community. It’s hard to be optimistic when media and society are constantly telling me that my life and community is not worth as much as others.

It’s hard to be optimistic, but it is easy to be motivated, passionate, angry, and most importantly, faithful. 2014 was a rough year, but we made it and gained wisdom and understanding. I’m going into 2015 with a new found awareness of what it is to be black in America and leveraging my power to help my community. 

The deaths and tragedies in the black community in 2014 started a dialogue that will facilitate change; and I want to be a visionary leading that charge. Thousands of people continue to congregate nationwide, in protest about police brutality. Thousands of people joined the #iamjada campaign via twitter and social media; and eventually the alleged perpetrators were apprehended. 

Millions March Los Angeles

Harvard Medical students "die-in"

We are at the precipice of the next great social movement, and now is the time to decide what your role will be in the movement. In 2014, I started my nonprofit to mitigate the cyclical social issues that millennial women of color endure. In 2015, I will continue to do great work with my organization. I will also make a conscious effort to use my organizational reach to spread love and positivity to our community.

What will you do in 2015 that will positively impact your community? Take a moment and fill in the blanks below, save it somewhere and make the conscious commitment to do it.

“In 2015, I will________________________________ to help the _____________ community.”

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

xoxo,

Courtney

Founder/CEO 

@TheColorMeB

Need to Update Your Resume?

"27 Beautiful Résumé Designs You’ll Want To Steal" via Buzzfeed

10 Work Wardrobe Essentials!

When you look good, you feel good. When you feel good, you do better work. I feel exponentially more confident at work when I look fly. From my hair, to my accessories, to my outfit and of course, my shoes, I like to look suited and booted at work. I am dressing for the position I want, a potential networking opportunity; and, as Papa Pope would say, because "we have to be twice as good."

Building a full-blown, all seasons, flawless work wardrobe can be daunting and costly. I want to open my closet and see Ann Taylor and Banana Republic pieces. I also want to pay my student loans in a timely fashion; so I have learned to balance my financial priorities with my love for over-priced blouses.

To build your wardrobe, you should start with the essentials and slowly add your personal favorites. Here are our 10 favorite work wardrobe essentials. You probably already have some of these pieces. Great! If you’re wearing one this week, post it and tag us in it @thecolormeb!

1. WORKING watch

This is the watch I wear to work every day. It matches pretty much anything I wear. It is fashionable and professional. Wearing a working watch also let’s your colleagues and supervisors know that you are aware of time and (hopefully) punctual! MK and other designer watches can be pricey. You don’t have to buy one a month, but maybe consider splurging. Until then, you can fake it until make it or buy a similar style watch from a less expensive brand.

2. Wool scarf

A nice scarf can add a pop of color to a work outfit and keep you warm in a chilly office.

3. Blazers

Blazers can easily “dress up” an outfit. I like to wear a blazer with a plain dresses. Depending on the accessories and shoes, I could be in training for the day or meeting with external clients. I’ll add a big necklace, comfy shoes and I’m ready for anything.

4. Ballet flats

If you know me, you know I LOVE flats. They’re easy, comfortable, fancy, versatile, all of the above. You can find flats at any apparel store but finding cute and professional flats are clutch. I love Tory Burch’s signature flats.

5. Nice fitting slacks     

Sigh, my favorite – not. When you have a butt, hips and thighs, it is hard to find pants period. For the office, it is almost impossible to find pants that fit AND the fit is appropriate for work (not hugging your goodies). For well-fitting pants, you have to go to the grown women stores. I like buying Banana Republic’s tailored pants. H&M and Forever 21 have cute work clothes and if you can fit them, go for it. However, if you’re thicker than snicker, go ahead and upgrade.

6. Tights/Stockings      

Stockings and tights are essential because they keep you warm and they help you pull off skirts that are just a bit too short for work. I recently started wearing more patterned tights. I usually pair them with a very plain dress and cardigan and add pearl/stud earrings.

7. Black pencil skirts

Black pencil skirts are flattering, super cute and really easy to match and dress up. Keep in mind, your black pencil skirt should fit loose enough that it is appropriate for work. When I wear a pencil skirt, and it’s too tight on my bottom half, I wear a longer top and/or a blazer. J.Lo always looks flawless. In this pic, the skirt is too tight to wear to work (perfect everywhere #werk), however. If it's your only option, definitely consider wearing a long blazer.

8. Pearl/gold/diamond stud earrings

Accessories are great for dressing up you work wardrobe. However, sometimes we can’t use the same accessories at work that we use at brunch with friends. You can wear colorful jewelry but it should never be distracting or too flashy. Stud earrings are classic and chic. I like wearing oversized studs to compliment my toned down outfits.

9. Comfy Pumps          

A nice, reliable, comfortable pair of black pumps are also essential. Actually, you can get them in every color. Comfort isn’t a requirement either. When it comes to shoes, the more you have, the better. They can be fun – just not distracting. Please please please make sure you know how to walk in them #noshade.

10. A smile

:)

Follow @thecolormeb for more #workfashion tips. When you post a pic, wearing one of these work wardrobe essentials, tag us! 

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

xoxo,

Courtney

Founder/CEO 

@TheColorMeB

2015 Global Millennial Conference

CMB's Founder/CEO, Courtney Ball, is on the board of advisors for the 2015 Global Millennial Conference! This one-of-a-kind premiere conference brings together 500 working professionals between the ages of 18-33 and will focus on their career and business development, as well as networking.  The Global Millennial Conference is being held May 15-16, 2015. 

www.gmc15.com

Help Your Girlfriend Find a Job

"Girrrrrllll my boss had the nerve to ask me to...."

"Yea, they told me 'it's just not a good fit' and let me go"

"I'm giving these people another two weeks and I'm out!"

My girlfriends and I have started too many stories with these phrases. How many of us work somewhere where we feel undervalued? How many of us have been denied a job because we, in all of our beauty and uniqueness, are not "a good fit?" (What about us doesn't fit is another post for a different day, perhaps February). How many of us have girlfriends that simply work for some out of control managers?!

It's part of the journey that every woman experiences in the early stages of their career. Employees work through many situations that can lead to frustration and dissatisfaction with the workplace. And vice versa. You know you have that one girlfriend that tells her work stories and leaves out a week's worth of information! Sometimes employees let their negativity affect their work; and employers may choose to let them go. Whether it's voluntary or involuntary, two things remain true. You shouldn't feel trapped at job where you're unhappy and unfulfilled. Secondly, if you call on the courage to leave, your girlfriends will have your back and help you get through it.

5 ways to help your girl!

Here are 5 suggestions to aid you and your girlfriend find her a position:

1. LinkedIn! Update your linkedin profile with information that will accurately describe the work you've done in your more current position. Yes, you might have had a bad experience, but you worked diligently to make it better and do your job. Incorporate that skillset into your resume and Linkedin profile. Please use a super cute and professional profile picture. Use a friendly, welcoming photo that will invite potential employers. I chose mine because it looks like me going to a job interview. Try a combination of the two, with the understanding that your Facebook or Twitter profile pics will not work #justbeinghonest. Finally, get recommendations from former supervisors, mentors and professional colleagues. This is a great way for recruiters too see that you perform well and maintain a good rapport with colleagues.

Good Profile Pic 

NOT Appropriate for Linkedin Profile Pic

2. Your College/University! 

Check out your college/university's alumni relations page. More than likely, your college has an office that engages alumni. These offices also tend to have networking opportunities and job boards. Your college may also have an office of career services. These offices help you throughout college and some have staff dedicated to supporting alumni. As an alumni, you probably still have access to the university job board. Check that out!

3. Indeed 

Sooooo many companies post on this website. Also, Indeed searches the web for positions that match your preferences so there are a ton of jobs there. If you upload your resume, Indeed will forward it to employers for consideration. If you're like me, you ignore the jobs that say, "sponsored by," in pink. Look at those! Many people don't realize those are priority jobs!

4. Staffing Agency

A good staffing agency can help you tremendously during a search, especially if you're searching while working. Do some research for your girlfriend and find a reputable agency in your area. Robert Half is a popular, nationwide agency.

5. @thecolormeb
Direct your girlfriend to my organization's website. We have links to job boards, interviewing tips, work fashion inspiration and more!

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

xoxo,

Courtney

Founder/CEO 

@TheColorMeB