Recently, I realized that even though I no longer have to there were clear ways that I was still operating as if I was in survival mode. In this episode, I unpack what this looks like for me and how being in "survival mode" manifests itself in different areas of my life. I also share some immediate things I plan to do or am already doing so that I can truly thrive. When talking about this episode online, use #TheSakitaMethod hashtag​: Instagram.com/MissSuccess Twitter.com/MissSuccess Instagram.com/TheSakitaMethod Twitter.com/TheSakitaMethod Grab your 'Done is Better Than Perfect' journal at ItsTheSakitaMethod.com/shop​

Cornell McBride Jr. is the president and CEO of McBride Research Laboratories – a family-owned business best known for creating the legacy haircare brand Design Essentials. After 31 years of creating and bringing innovative brands to the global beauty marketplace, Cornell is on a personal mission to share all of the lessons and best practices he’s learned along the way to help others achieve similar long-term success. On this episode, we discuss longevity and legacy and the tools and mindset today’s business owners need to achieve both. You can find Cornell on IG @DesignEssentials and @Cornell_McBrideJr When talking about this episode online, use #TheSakitaMethod hashtag. Grab your 'Done is Better Than Perfect Journal' here: ItsTheSakitaMethod.com/shop. Instagram.com/MissSuccess Twitter.com/MissSuccess Instagram.com/TheSakitaMethod Twitter.com/TheSakitaMethod

Samia Gore is the Founder and CEO of Body Complete Rx, a plant-based health and wellness nutritional supplement brand. Samia is one of the few Black women who has been able to influence and impact the male-dominated supplement industry. From a brand that launched focused on weight-management, Body Complete Rx has recently expanded its offerings to include a full range of wellness products with benefits focusing on health and beauty from the inside out. In just under 5 years, the self-funded start-up has earned millions in sales and Samia shows no signs of slowing down now. On this episode, we talk about how she started the business and her plans to continue to grow it into a major global wellness empire that centers Black women. You can find Samia on IG @SamiaGore and @BodyCompleteRx When talking about this episode online, use #TheSakitaMethod hashtag. Grab your 'Done is Better Than Perfect Journal' here: ItsTheSakitaMethod.com/shop. Instagram.com/MissSuccess Twitter.com/MissSuccess Instagram.com/TheSakitaMethod Twitter.com/TheSakitaMethod

Rochelle Graham-Campbell is the Co-Founder and CEO of Alikay Naturals. As BlackOnyx77, Rochelle was one of the first SIX women on YouTube talking about natural hair. After big chopping her hair for the second time, she realized that she needed to grow it back quickly and decided to make a growth oil using her Jamaican heritage as a guide. Soon people began asking her if they could purchase her oil, so she took $100 in tips she earned during a shift at Olive Garden and made her first batch and soon Alikay Naturals was born. On this episode, she talks about that moment and what it has taken to grow Alikay into a multi-million dollar enterprise. You can find Rochelle on IG @TheRochelleGraham: Instagram.com/therochellegraham and @AlikayNaturals Instagram.com/AlikayNaturals When talking about this episode online, use #TheSakitaMethod hashtag. Grab your 'Done is Better Than Perfect Journal' here: ItsTheSakitaMethod.com/shop. Instagram.com/MissSuccess Twitter.com/MissSuccess Instagram.com/TheSakitaMethod Twitter.com/TheSakitaMethod

A few weeks ago, I tweeted "when it comes to promoting your business, don't be afraid to be annoying." It went viral, with mixed reactions. On this episode, I breakdown the nuances of the statement and why it isn't actually about being annoying, but about shifting the negative perceptions we all have around self-promotion. I also announce that the first product in The Sakita Method collection: the 'Done is Better Than Perfect' journal is available for pre-order NOW at ItsTheSakitaMethod.com/shop. When talking about this episode online, use #TheSakitaMethod hashtag. Instagram.com/MissSuccess Twitter.com/MissSuccess Instagram.com/TheSakitaMethod Twitter.com/TheSakitaMethod

Julian R. Addo is the founder of Adwoa Beauty – a clean, gender neutral beauty brand for kinky, curly hair textures. Julian has a long and successful track record in the beauty space which she leveraged when launching the brand three years ago. On this episode, she talks about her journey from launch to Sephora in less than three years and how being told 'no,' is what ultimately led her to create her own brand. You can find Julian on IG @JulianRAddo: Instagram.com/julianraddo and @AdwoaBeauty Instagram.com/AdwoaBeauty When talking about this episode online, use #TheSakitaMethod hashtag. Instagram.com/MissSuccess Twitter.com/MissSuccess Instagram.com/TheSakitaMethod Twitter.com/TheSakitaMethod To join #TheSakitaMethod community, text SAKITAMETHOD to 33777.

Tonya Rapley is a millennial money expert, author and serial entrepreneur best known for her award-winning site My Fab Finance. On this episode, she shares details from her entrepreneurial journey, breaks down her money mindset and reminds us all that "passive income is active at first." You can find Tonya on IG @Tonya.Rapley: Instagram.com/Tonya.Rapley When talking about this episode online, use #TheSakitaMethod hashtag. Instagram.com/MissSuccess Twitter.com/MissSuccess Instagram.com/TheSakitaMethod Twitter.com/TheSakitaMethod To join #TheSakitaMethod community, text SAKITAMETHOD to 33777.

Abu Fofanah is a serial entrepreneur and CEO of a digital marketing agency called House of Fofanah. He runs the 'Power Your Launch' accelerator to help founders learn how to strategically use paid ads to grow their product and service based businesses. Since the launch of the accelerator in 2019, he has helped over 500 founders begin monetizing and growing their brands online and has himself, recently joined the 7-figure earnings club. You can find Abu on IG @AbuFofanah: Instagram.com/abufofanah When talking about this episode online, use #TheSakitaMethod hashtag. Instagram.com/MissSuccess Twitter.com/MissSuccess Instagram.com/TheSakitaMethod Twitter.com/TheSakitaMethod To join #TheSakitaMethod community, text SAKITAMETHOD to 33777.

Krystle Watler is the Managing Director for Virtue North America. Virtue is a full-service creative agency born from what many of you know as VICE Media. In her time running business development and now the entire agency for North America, she has helped win business from Urban Decay, Target, Beats by Dre, Indeed, AT&T and more. On this episode, we talk about how she left corporate banking at 25, taking a 55 percent pay cut to start from the bottom in a brand new industry to being named to Ad Age’s 2019 Women to Watch list. She also shares tips and best practices for how creative service-based businesses can continue to pitch and win business during today’s uncertain business environment. You can find Krystle on IG @Krystle_Watler: Instagram.com/krystle_watler When talking about this episode online, use #TheSakitaMethod hashtag. Instagram.com/MissSuccess Twitter.com/MissSuccess Instagram.com/TheSakitaMethod Twitter.com/TheSakitaMethod To join #TheSakitaMethod community, text SAKITAMETHOD to 33777.

Zim Flores has accomplished a lot of things throughout her career, but the thing she's most known for is creating Travel Noire and forever changing the conversation around how Black people travel. On this episode, we talk about the early days of Travel Noire, what led her to eventually sell the business and how her faith is a guiding force in every move she makes. Zim's first book 'Dare to Bloom' is available for pre-order at DareToBloomBook.com. And you can find her on Instagram.com/Zimism. When talking about this episode online, use #TheSakitaMethod hashtag. Instagram.com/MissSuccess Twitter.com/MissSuccess Instagram.com/TheSakitaMethod Twitter.com/TheSakitaMethod To join #TheSakitaMethod community, text SAKITAMETHOD to 33777.

On this episode, I talk about the importance of always showing up with excellence at work and for your clients regardless of what the circumstances are. Sometimes people will do a less than stellar job as a way to hurt their boss or place of work, when in actuality what you do and how you show up will always be a reflection of you and end up hurting you the most in the long run. When talking about this episode online, use #TheSakitaMethod hashtag and tag @MissSuccess and @TheSakitaMethod on both Instagram and Twitter. To join #TheSakitaMethod community, text SAKITAMETHOD to 33777.

Today’s guest is Ron Robinson, a beauty industry veteran, cosmetic chemist and the founder of BeautyStat Cosmetics. In just over a year, BeautyStat has quickly become a critically acclaimed brand best known for its Universal-C Vitamin C serum. On this episode, Ron shares details from his 20+ years in the beauty industry and why he launched BeautyStat Cosmetics after saying that the world didn’t need another beauty brand. We also talk about how we met and how Ron made one phone call that helped change the trajectory of my business. When talking about this episode online, use #TheSakitaMethod hashtag and tag @MissSuccess and @TheSakitaMethod on both Instagram and Twitter. You can follow Ron @RonRobinsonCosmeticChemist and @BeautyStat. To join #TheSakitaMethod community, text SAKITAMETHOD to 33777.

On this episode I chat with Denequa Williams Clarke (@DWil), the maker behind luxury candle company @LitBklyn. We talk about why she started the company, what drives her to create and why integrity and authenticity will always be at the forefront of everything she does. When talking about this episode online, use #TheSakitaMethod hashtag and tag @MissSuccess and @TheSakitaMethod on both Instagram and Twitter. To join the email list, text SAKITAMETHOD to 33777.

When I first interviewed Necole Kane in 2016, she was only a few months into her new media venture, xoNecole, and wasn't sure if the business would be as successful as her first. She couldn't have been more wrong. On this episode, we talk about her journey over the last four years, COVID-19's impact on the business, xoNecole being acquired by super producer Will Packer and Necole's insightful and ever evolving views on life, love and business. When talking about this episode online, use #TheSakitaMethod hashtag and tag @MissSuccess and @TheSakitaMethod on both Instagram and Twitter. To join the email list, text SAKITAMETHOD to 33777.

On this episode, I reintroduce #TheSakitaMethod mindset with a new intro that includes the most important TSM mantra: Done is Better Than Perfect. When talking about this episode online, use #TheSakitaMethod hashtag and tag @MissSuccess and @TheSakitaMethod on both Instagram and Twitter. To join the email list, text SAKITAMETHOD to 33777.

Welcome to The Sakita Method podcast! In this episode, I talk about the podcast name changing from Hashtags+Stilettos to The Sakita Method and what you can expect going forward. Thank you so much for listening and for continuing on this journey with me! Social Media: Instagram.com/MissSuccess Instagram.com/TheSakitaMethod Twitter.com/MissSuccess Website: ItsTheSakitaMethod.com Hashtag: #TheSakitaMethod Like this episode? Write a review on Apple Podcasts!

On this episode, I talk about how I've been navigating my anxiety and fears during this current moment of uncertainty with the COVID-19 pandemic. For weeks I was having a hard time coming to terms with all of the ways that this has impacted my business and during those dark moments, a common thought kept popping into my mind to "remember who you are." I wanted to share those thoughts with you in case you too needed the reminder. Email hashtags@hos-pr.com to submit questions or comments. Social Media: Instagram.com/MissSuccess Twitter.com/MissSuccess Show Notes: HashtagsandStilettos.com/​remember Like this episode? Write a review on Apple Podcasts!

On this episode, I talk about 5 times or ways that I've caught myself playing small and getting in the way of my own goals. And why I'm no longer going to engage in the same behavior going forward. Play Next: Ep. 12: Stop Talking Yourself Out of Sh*t Email hashtags@hos-pr.com to submit questions or comments. Social Media: Instagram.com/MissSuccess Twitter.com/MissSuccess Show Notes: HashtagsandStilettos.com/​stop-playing-small Like this episode? Write a review on Apple Podcasts!

On this episode, I​ answer 10 listener questions about how to navigate the waters of brand partnerships. ​I draw from my own experience of having been on both ​sides of the coin, as someone who has successfully pitched for partnerships for my personal ventures and as a PR agency own who facilitates partnerships on behalf of our clients. ​Questions Answered on This Episode: ​1. What Do I Need to Start Doing to Become an Authority in My Industry? 2. How Do You Show a Company Your Value With Low Social Media or Website Engagement? 3. Is Having a Media Kit Necessary? 4. Do You Recommend Seeking Out Local Brands or National Brands for Partnerships? 5. A Brand Turned Me Down for a Project, When Should I Reach Back Out to Them? 6. How Do I Introduce Myself to a Brand? 7. What Can I Do to Establish Myself as an Influencer to Brands? 8. Do I Need to Pitch My Full Ideas in the Introductory Pitch Email? 9. At What Point During the Pitch Process Should I Bring Up Money? 10. When Starting a New Podcast or Project, When Should You Seek Out Sponsorship? Play Next: Ep. 33: 5 Things You Should Know About Brand Partnerships Email hashtags@hos-pr.com to submit questions or comments. Social Media: Instagram.com/MissSuccess Twitter.com/MissSuccess Show Notes: HashtagsandStilettos.com/​brand-partnership-qa-part-one Like this episode? Write a review on Apple Podcasts!

On this episode, I talk about how writing your intentions down can alter the course of your life. I tell this story using a letter that I wrote to myself at the end of 2016 about what I wanted my 2017 to look like. When I opened the letter at the end of 2017, I realized that most of what I had written down in the letter manifested EXACTLY the way that I had written it, reminding me of just how powerful the words we choose to speak over our lives truly are. At the end of this episode, I invite you to write your own letter and lean into the work that must be done going forward so that you too can begin to realize your wildest dreams. Email hashtags@hos-pr.com to submit questions or comments. Social Media: Instagram.com/MissSuccess Twitter.com/MissSuccess Show Notes: HashtagsandStilettos.com/write-your-intentions-down Like this episode? Write a review on Apple Podcasts!

After a long Summer hiatus, I’m back with a new episode of the #HashtagsandStilettos podcast! On this episode, I talk about where I’ve been and what I’ve been up to and address a topic that’s been weighing heavily on my mind. It’s about all of the unnecessary pressure and stress that we put on ourselves every single day and how to bounce back after you’ve dropped the ball in your personal or professional life. Email hashtags@hos-pr.com to submit questions or comments. Social Media: Instagram.com/MissSuccess Twitter.com/MissSuccess Show Notes: hashtagsandstilettos.com/drop-the-ball Like this episode? Write a review on Apple Podcasts!

Chris-Tia Donaldson is the founder and CEO of Thank God It’s Natural (TGIN), a company that manufactures all natural hair and skin care products that she launched in 2013. A few years prior to launching the company, Chris-Tia wrote a book about natural hair after struggling with accepting her own while working in corporate America. The book and the product line were well-received, but Chris-Tia decided to keep her job as senior corporate counsel at a Fortune 100 company while she grew the business. After years of performing this delicate balancing act and enduring a months-long battle with breast cancer which is now in remission, Chris-Tia finally walked away from that job to focus on TGIN full-time earlier this year and is now pulling back the curtain to share this part of her journey in hopes that other people can learn something from it. On this episode, I talk with Chris-Tia about her incredible career and entrepreneurial journey so far, how being diagnosed with and surviving breast cancer has influenced and changed her business philosophy and outlook on life, what’s it’s been like working a high-powered job while also running a business that seems to keep growing by the day and so much more. Email hashtags@hos-pr.com to submit questions. Social Media: Instagram.com/TGINCEO Instagram.com/TGINatural Twitter.com/TGINCEO Twitter.com/TGINatural www.ThankGodImNatural.com Instagram.com/MissSuccess Twitter.com/MissSuccess Show Notes: hashtagsandstilettos.com/christia-donaldson Like this episode? Write a review on iTunes!

Demetria Lucas D'Oyley is an award winning journalist and author who at 30, leveraged her 'ABelleinBrooklyn' blog into a dream job as the relationships editor at Essence Magazine, guest starred as a relationships expert on her first reality show and landed a book deal with Simon and Schuster. Safe to say, things were going pretty well. Then, she quit that job she loved so much to pursue a life of entrepreneurship and eventually self-published her second book. On this episode, we talk about the origins of her blog, her early career moves, why she left Essence, navigating entrepreneurship as a writer and how she's been able to basically write her way to a life on her own terms. Email hashtags@hos-pr.com to submit questions. Social Media: Instagram.com/DemetriaLucasDoyley Twitter.com/DLDoyley www.demetrialucasdoyley.com Instagram.com/MissSuccess Twitter.com/MissSuccess Show Notes: hashtagsandstilettos.com/demetria-lucas-doyley Like this episode? Write a review on iTunes!

About a week ago, Shea Moisture, a company that specializes in organic hair, beauty and body products for multicultural consumers released an ad on Facebook focused on “Hair Hate,” that immediately caused a firestorm of controversy and led to a huge PR fail for the brand. In this episode, I talk about what happened in the immediate hours and days after the ad was released, dispel some popular myths about the company for context and provide 10 tips for Shea Moisture and any other brand, beauty or otherwise, on how to best market their consumer products to diverse audiences. Email hashtags@hos-pr.com to submit questions or comments. Social Media: Instagram.com/MissSuccess Twitter.com/MissSuccess Show Notes: hashtagsandstilettos.com/shea-moisture-problems Like this episode? Write a review on iTunes!

Ever wanted to start a business to solve a problem but didn't know where to start and or you don't think you have the prerequisite knowledge to get it done? Vivian Kaye, the founder of Kinky Curly Yaki, found herself in that position TWICE; but she never let it stop her. Kinky Curly Yaki, her second business, was one of the first companies to make hair extensions for textured hair and was born out of her own desire to find blendable extensions that didn't compromise her own style. On this episode, I talk with Vivian about her career and entrepreneurial journey and the steps she took to both of her businesses in industries in which she had no prior knowledge or experience and how she's been able to troubleshoot her way to seven figure success. Email hashtags@hos-pr.com to submit questions. Social Media: Instagram.com/QueenofKank Instagram.com/KinkyCurlyYaki Twitter.com/KinkyCurlyYaki www.KinkyCurlyYaki.com Instagram.com/MissSuccess Twitter.com/MissSuccess Show Notes: hashtagsandstilettos.com/vivian-kaye Like this episode? Write a review it on iTunes! (Note: Kinky Curly Yaki is a House of Success PR client)

Many people believe that in order to become an entrepreneur they have to get struck by lightening and have an amazing once in a lifetime idea, get funding or find other ways to get it out into the world and then they'll be successful. Adenah Bayoh turns that notion right on its head. Adenah is the founder and CEO of Adenah Bayoh and Companies, which is the parent corporation that owns IHOP franchises in Paterson and Irvington, NJ and a real estate development portfolio with more than $225 million dollars in urban redevelopment projects. This Summer, Adenah will launch a signature fast casual, farm-to-table soul food restaurant called Cornbread. On this episode, Adenah and I talk about how she got started with investment properties and how she used real estate development and franchising as a path to entrepreneurship and what we can and should be doing now if we want to take a similar route. (Note: The audio on this episode is glitchy. I apologize for that and thank you in advance for listening to Adenah's amazing story!) Email hashtags@hos-pr.com to submit questions. Social Media: Instagram.com/Ihopfoyafoods www.adenahbayoh.com Instagram.com/MissSuccess Twitter.com/MissSuccess Show Notes: hashtagsandstilettos.com/adenah-bayoh Like this episode? Write a review it on iTunes!

Six years ago I quit my job in order to focus on building my PR firm House of Success full-time. The person who hired me for that last job and who was one of my last bosses was Dawn Kelly. Dawn Kelly is an OG in the PR world. Over the course of her long and storied career she has worked her communications magic for AARP, served as the director of public relations for York College and spent the last 16 years working in the global communications department at Prudential Financial where she last held the position of Department Vice President of Global Communications. On this episode, Dawn and I talk about our relationship, how to best bridge the generational gap between Black women in the workplace, how to reinvent yourself as a free agent and entrepreneur after spending 20+ years in the corporate world and so much more. Email hashtags@hos-pr.com to submit questions. Social Media: Instagram.com/PRMaven17 Instagram.com/TheNourishSpot Twitter.com/PRMaven17 Instagram.com/MissSuccess Twitter.com/MissSuccess Show Notes: hashtagsandstilettos.com/dawn-kelly Like this episode? Rate and review it on iTunes!

The topics covered on this episode will provide some key insights and hopefully answer any initial questions you may have about securing brand partnerships or extending the brand relationships you already have. My hope is that I can get you to think differently and strategically about how YOU, yes, YOU, can work or collaborate with brands even if you don't have a blog or a huge following on social media. Working with and pitching brands is one of my favorite topics to discuss because of the unique vantage point I have as a publicist and a creative. I get to see both sides of the coin and know what works and what absolutely will not fly. Another reason why I just can't stop talking about this topic is because there are so many people who get these interactions wrong every day. Email hashtags@hos-pr.com to submit questions. Social Media: Instagram.com/MissSuccess Twitter.com/MissSuccess Show Notes: hashtagsandstilettos.com/5-things-to-know-about-brand-partnerships

Recently, I asked myself a question that changed everything. I asked: Is there a prize that you've received from purposely being less than who you know yourself to be that you still have today? The answer was no. Listen to this episode to learn more about this moment and how I plan to show up in the world, personally and professionally, as my full self from now on. - - Email hashtags@hos-pr.com to submit questions. Social Media: Instagram.com/MissSuccess Twitter.com/MissSuccess Show Notes: hashtagsandstilettos.com/be-yourself Like this episode? Rate and review it on iTunes!

On this episode, I talk about the realities associated with pursuing your dreams based on an epiphany I had a few months ago at 5am. - - Email hashtags@hos-pr.com to submit questions. Social Media: Instagram.com/MissSuccess Twitter.com/MissSuccess Show Notes: hashtagsandstilettos.com/ugly-dreams Like this episode? Rate and review it on iTunes!

On this episode, I answer another round of small business and career questions straight out of my inbox. I tackle how to add online courses to your resume, how to pursue a personal passion such as international volunteerism while also wanting to further your education/career, how and why businesses should be responding to customer complaints on social media, why you shouldn't be so quick to jump on the podcast bandwagon just because it's popular and more. - - Email hashtags@hos-pr.com to submit questions. Social Media: Instagram.com/MissSuccess Twitter.com/MissSuccess Show Notes: hashtagsandstilettos.com/small-business-and-career-qa Like this episode? Rate and review it on iTunes!

*Anniversary Episode* Yes, that's right. Today, the Hashtags and Stilettos podcast turns one! It all started a year ago with the first episode "Done is Better Than Perfect," so it's only right that I talk about why that mantra still and will always apply to our lives and how we can apply it. Email hashtags@hos-pr.com to submit questions. Social Media: Instagram.com/MissSuccess Twitter.com/MissSuccess Show Notes: hashtagsandstilettos.com/done-is-still-better-than-perfect Like this episode? Rate and review it on iTunes!

On this episode, my goal is to give you "invoicing 101" tips to create flawless invoices so that you always get paid on time! You will learn the questions you should ask a new client or partner before you create or send an invoice. How you should submit that invoice. The pieces of information that should be included and when it's appropriate to follow-up regarding payment after you've sent your invoice. Email hashtags@hos-pr.com to submit questions. Social Media: Instagram.com/MissSuccess Twitter.com/MissSuccess Show Notes: hashtagsandstilettos.com/invoicing-101 Like this episode? Rate and review it on iTunes!

On this episode, I answer your most pressing small business and career questions straight out of my inbox. I tackle the importance of streamlining your business's customer service response system, provide tips on differentiating your online store so that you can attract and retain customers, share alternatives to having interns or employees work out of your home office, talk about the benefits of staying in your own lane in business even when your customers are the ones who want you to branch out and more. Email hashtags@hos-pr.com to submit questions. Social Media: Instagram.com/MissSuccess Twitter.com/MissSuccess Show Notes: hashtagsandstilettos.com/small-biz-questions Like this episode? Rate and review it on iTunes!

Myleik Teele is the founder and Chief Experience Officer at curlBOX, a monthly subscription service that changed the way women buy and discover products for their curly hair needs. She is also the host of the #MyTaughtYou podcast where she provides invaluable career and business advice to thousands of women. On this episode, I caught up with Myleik, whom I first interviewed in 2012 a few months after she launched curlBOX, to talk about some of the things she said during that interview and to learn more about the lessons she's learned as a serial entrepreneur about scaling a business and building a dream team. Email hashtags@hos-pr.com to submit questions. Social Media: Instagram.com/Myleik Twitter.com/Myleik www.Myleik.com www.curlBOX.com Instagram.com/MissSuccess Twitter.com/MissSuccess Hashtag: #HashtagsandStilettos Show Notes: hashtagsandstilettos.com/myleik-teele-podcast Like this episode? Rate and review it on iTunes!

Marie Denee, better known as 'The Curvy Fashionista' is a fashion blogger, freelance fashion writer and a respected voice and influencer in the plus size fashion arena. With over eleven years of experience, Marie has made it her mission to continuously show women that they can be Curvy, Confident and Chic. In 2008, Marie founded TheCurvyFashionista.com after realizing that when it came to great stylish clothing for plus size women, options were limited. Armed with an MBA in marketing, fashion experience and pure passion for empowering women of every shape and size, Marie has turned TheCurvyFashionista.com into a must-visit destination for more than 400,000 visitors each month. On this episode, I talk to Marie about how she's become one of the most recognizable voices in the plus size market and fashion blogging as a whole and we talk about how she's grown into and evolved with her brand. Show Notes: hashtagsandstilettos.com/marie-denee Social Media: Instagram.com/MarieDenee Twitter.com/MarieDenee www.TheCurvyFashionista.com www.TCFStyleExpo.com Instagram.com/MissSuccess Twitter.com/MissSuccess Like this episode? Rate and review it on iTunes!

On this episode, I reference a 2012 blog post titled the "Sakita Method," and go deep on the tried and true strategies that I've used over the years to create my own luck in my career and in business. I swear by this method and can wholeheartedly say that if you employ the tips that I outline, you will be successful in getting a new job, client or opportunity. Don't waste another second of your life waiting for things to happen or allowing things to happen to you. You have more power and influence over your life than you realize and its time to put that power to work and begin to create your own luck. Show Notes: hashtagsandstilettos.com/the-sakita-method-episode Social Media: Instagram.com/MissSuccess Twitter.com/MissSuccess Like this episode? Rate and review it on iTunes!

Olori Swank is a serial entrepreneur, celebrity stylist, fashion designer and she recently became an author with the release of her first book '101: The Blueprint for a Swank Life,' which she describes as a "fashion and lifestyle advice guide that provides tips on style, dating, finance, entrepreneurship and more. As a celebrity stylist, Olori has worked with notable names such as Keyshia Cole, Tyrese, Teyana Taylor, Lance Gross, Keke Palmer and others. Using the knowledge she gained from styling, she was able to create a successful online store called SwankBlue.com where she sells affordable, high-end fashion. And in true entrepreneurial fashion, when that business took off she launched a workshop series to teach other people how they could build a success e-commerce shop or make a name for themselves in the styling world. On this episode, Olori talks about how she's been able to build a recognizable personal brand (yup, we talk about that blue hair!), and how she's been able to leverage her passion and skill set into such a well-connected multi-business ecosystem. Show Notes: hashtagsandstilettos.com/olori-swank Social Media: Instagram.com/OloriSwank Instagram.com/SwankBlue Twitter.com/OloriSwank Instagram.com/MissSuccess Twitter.com/MissSuccess Like this episode? Rate and review it on iTunes!

Crosby Noricks is the founder of PR Couture, a top editorial destination serving, supporting and celebrating the field of fashion communications. Crosby is also the author of Ready to Launch: The PR Couture Guide to Breaking into Fashion PR as well as an experienced digital marketing strategist and business coach who is currently in the process of establishing the first trade organization for fashion communicators called Fashion Communicators International. On this episode of the Hashtags and Stilettos podcast, Crosby talks about how she started PR Couture 10 years ago, why she chose to focus on Fashion PR and the power and benefit of focusing on a niche market and audience. Show Notes: hashtagsandstilettos.com/crosby-noricks Social Media: Instagram.com/CrosbyNoricks Instagram.com/PRCouture Twitter.com/CrosbyNoricks Twitter.com/PRCouture Instagram.com/MissSuccess Twitter.com/MissSuccess Like this episode? Rate and review it on iTunes!

Renae Bluitt is the founder of Crush Media, a beauty PR and lifestyle marketing firm she founded in 2008. Although her firm has been behind campaigns for marquee clients such as EDEN Body Works, Elasta QP, Karen's Body Beautiful and many more, she is perhaps better known as the founder and editor of InHerShoesBlog.com, a platform she lovingly refers to as a "one stop shop for women who are the captain of their own ship." On this episode of Hashtags and Stilettos, Renae talks about why she chose to create a blog for Black Women when few existed and provides tips and advice on how and why we should be creating our own projects and businesses or at the very least, supporting those who do. You can find Renae on Instagram and Twitter @InHerShoesBlog. Show Notes: hashtagsandstilettos.com/renae-bluitt Instagram.com/MissSuccess Twitter.com/MissSuccess Have Feedback? Rate and review this episode on iTunes and send Sakita additional feedback on twitter: www.twitter.com/MissSuccess.

Networking has become somewhat of a dirty word and that's mainly because people are doing it wrong. Most people view the concept of networking as trying to know as many people as possible so that they can use them for some future gain. However, it's much more than that. Are you an introvert? Do you hate going to networking events and happy hours but want to build a killer network? Then the tips provided in this episode of #HashtagsandStilettos are for you. Show Notes: hashtagsandstilettos.com/introvert-networking-tips Instagram: Instagram.com/MissSuccess Have Feedback? Rate and review this episode on iTunes or send Sakita a message on twitter: www.twitter.com/MissSuccess.

Tahira Wright (@ItsTahiraJoy) is the co-founder of The Cut Life, a blog and digital platform created in June 2013 to celebrate all things related to short hair. The Cut Life has amassed a large and loyal online fan base that recently crossed the 1 million follower mark on Instagram. On this episode, Tahira talks about that growth, The Cut Life's early beginnings and how her team plans to turn their digital community into a booming business as the authority on short hair. Show Notes: http://hashtagsandstilettos.com/tahira-wright/ Have Feedback? Rate and review this episode on iTunes or send Sakita a message on twitter: www.twitter.com/MissSuccess.

Melissa Kimble is a social media expert and the founder of My Creative Connection, a platform for Black creative millennials that provides community, resources, tools and strategies to help them create the lives that they envision for themselves. On this episode, Melissa talks about the evolution of My Creative Connection and how the idea for the #BlkCreatives chat was born. She also discusses her creative process, her unique approach to cultivating ideas and she provides tips for how others can build a digital community through social media. Show Notes: http://hashtagsandstilettos.com/melissa-kimble/ Have feedback? Rate and review this episode on iTunes or send Sakita a message on twitter: www.twitter.com/MissSuccess.

Mattie James is the editor of the lifestyle blog Mattieologie.com. Last Summer, after being unexpectedly laid off from her 9-5, Mattie decided to pursue her years-long dream of turning her blog into a full-time business. On this episode, we talk about the exact moment she was laid off and how she kicked her blogging business into overdrive and is making it both profitable and sustainable. Show Notes: http://hashtagsandstilettos.com/mattie-james/ Have feedback? Rate and review this episode on iTunes or send Sakita a message on twitter: www.twitter.com/MissSuccess.

Necole Kane is a digital media maven and the editor of xoNecole(.)com, the premiere online destination for millennial women. xoNecole covers a diverse range of topics such as business, beauty, sex, career and travel and seeks to educate, inspires, entertain and most importantly empower and remind women that not only are you in control of your own life, but you also have the power to rewrite the script at any moment. On this episode, Necole talks about life after shutting down Necole Bitchie, shares some major business tips and reminds us that in life what you risk reveals what you value. Have feedback? Rate and review this episode on iTunes or send Sakita a message on twitter: www.twitter.com/MissSuccess.

This episode tackles a question or conundrum everyone has experienced at one point in their lives: knowing when to walk away from an opportunity. Knowing what she knows now, Sakita shares tips on how to make more informed decisions in these moments instead of operating purely from a place of "need" or "want." Have feedback? Rate and review this episode on iTunes or send Sakita a message on twitter: www.twitter.com/MissSuccess.

Whenever I get overwhelmed with work or want to make headway on a specific project or task, I deliberately schedule a #PowerHour on my calendar. Designating some time to be fully present and give my undivided attention to one thing has done wonders for my productivity. On this episode, I also introduce a new segment called 'PR Problems,' where I discuss a celebrity or company who is in the news with a PR crisis or problem and I prescribe a solution for how they can navigate their way through it. Show Notes: http://hashtagsandstilettos.com/power-hour-method/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/MissSuccess

I recently joined the Joblogues podcast to discuss how anyone can use branding principles to position themselves for career success. On that episode, I broke branding down to its most basic level: "Your brand is not what you say it is, it is what the audience says it is." However, I didn't get a chance to go deeper and explain that while this is true, you have a great deal of power to influence how your audience views you and/or your business.

A great opportunity lands in our lap or a colleague suggests that we throw our name in the ring for a new job or project and instead of preparing a pitch or application, we instantly disqualify ourselves and make a list of all the reasons it won't work out or why we're not good enough. This is called rejection committee thinking and on this episode, I share a few tips on how to do away with this terrible habit. Show Notes: http://hashtagsandstilettos.com/stop-talking-yourself-out-of-shit-podcast-ep-12/

Today marks the start of my 5th full year as an entrepreneur. I remember the day that I quit my job at the end of 2010 like it was yesterday. It's been an interesting five years full of highs, lows, really tough moments and major triumphs. I'm so grateful to have made it to this important milestone and wanted to share some of my experience and reflections with you. In this episode, I'll be sharing 5 reflections, 5 mistakes and lessons learned and 5 things that I'll be taking into the next 5 years.

We don't talk enough about money. And we don't talk enough about what happens at the negotiating table, when you're an employee or when you're a business owner. It's easy to make mistakes when you just don't have the knowledge or experience which is why I wanted to share some of my biggest negotiating fails. A lot of people are struggling privately when it comes to negotiating (and leaving a lot of money on the table in the process), so I wanted to be transparent about some major ways that I've f*cked up while negotiating, so that you don't make these same mistakes.

When James Wright's review of Patti Labelle's Sweet Potato Pie went viral, it sent the pies flying off the shelves at Walmart. It was a PR gift wrapped in gold and bedazzled in diamonds. Instead of riding that wave, Patti threw it away by saying that the pies were selling out before the video. On this episode, I talk about that crucial mistake, the nature of viral videos and if they can be deliberately created. I also discuss the power of social influence and how to leverage a "viral moment" if it happens to you or your business.

If you've ever felt like giving up, quitting a job or project or giving in, this episode it for you. Lately, I've been having a lot of conversations with other creatives and entrepreneurs and a common thread seems to be that all of us have reached some sort of breaking point or moment when we're ready to quit projects or our entire business and do something else. In this episode, I share my own story about wanting to give up and explore the ONE thing we should do when those begin to seep into our minds.

Fake gurus are the people who wake up on any given day and just decide that they are going to be an expert, coach, consultant or thought leader in a particular space, even when they don't have any actual expertise in that area. You can find fake gurus in your current work place, in your industry and especially on social media. But instead of getting frustrated that they are muddying the waters and making things difficult for people like you, who actually know what you're talking about, you should focus on the one thing that they get right all the time! Visit HashtagsandStilettos.com for the extended show notes.

Most people don't understand what public relations is, but they know they need it. Evidence of this can be found during some of my recent conversations and on Twitter whenever I ask people to submit PR questions and get crickets in return. However, my inbox is consistently inundated with questions about different topics that fall under the PR umbrella. Which led to a recent epiphany: even though people know to bring these questions and issues to a publicist, they weren't able to make the connection that they were actually asking PR questions. In this episode, I give some real life examples of PR problems, that on the surface may not immediately appear to have anything to do with PR. I also explain why everyone needs to employ a PR mindset so they can think more strategically about the impact of their choices and actions.

We live in a world where influence among every day people, bloggers and celebrities is rightfully wielded as a superpower. Every business and brand wants a piece of that influence and to get the attention of their captive audiences, but when does it make sense to pay cold hard cash for it?

Sitting in traffic at a red light the other day made me think about all of the different automated signals we have in our life that enable us to mindlessly go with the flow and how that expectation then seeps into other areas of our life causing us to wait for some type of signal or green light to move forward. I thought about this in relation to all of the things we say we want to do and accomplish but we never make a move. Why? What are we waiting for? And what if the things that we’re waiting for never appear?

If you're not already blogging about your brand or business, you should be. In this episode, Sakita talks about the common excuses entrepreneurs and creatives give for not blogging, the benefits of using blogging to become a thought leader in your industry and the many platform options that exist that make it super easy for you to share your first post today!

Mitch, the founder of Boy Beads, a men's accessory line asked for advice on how to turn down business opportunities and requests that may be beneficial to his business without ruining the business relationship. In this episode, you'll learn to identify the moments or circumstances in your business when you should turn an opportunity down (1:20) and Sakita provides some quick examples of how to respectfully pass on a potentially lucrative deal without completely ruining the relationship (3:03).

On the first episode of the Hashtags + Stilettos podcast, Sakita talks about how to get more done by removing the pressures of perfectionism using two very simple concepts: the 'done is better than perfect' mindset and the 'Power Hour.'