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Radical Kindness: How Customer Service Became My Love Language By Your Favorite Homegirl, Niehla O.

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Niehla O. spent over 20 years in the fashion and beauty industry, but decided to pivot into an industry that can make people look good on the inside. After a chance encounter with a tasty green hummus blend, a late night craving led her to begin mixing unique hummus flavors of her own. Her goal is to continue to spread love and hummus throughout our community. When I started Homegirl’s Hummus, I knew I was doing more than launching a food brand—I was creating a movement rooted in flavor, faith, and feeling. Every batch of hummus I make carries a story, but every interaction at our booth carries a deeper purpose. To me, customer service isn’t just good business—it’s a radical act of kindness. And in a world that often feels cold, fast, and transactional, kindness is a powerful way to slow things down and make space for humanity. I’m Niehla O., your favorite Homegirl and the founder of Homegirl’s Hummus. And let me tell you: I take customer service personally. Not because it’s trendy or...
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A Roadmap for Aspiring Black Women Portfolio Entrepreneurs By Dr. Bisa

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Dr. Bisa Batten Lewis is the heart and mind behind #ThePAIDeducator Movement. A beacon of expertise in professional competence and educator development, she is a best-selling author, a renowned public speaker, a philanthropist, and a successful serial entrepreneur. With a rich educational background, Dr. Bisa is a well-rounded visionary, motivator, and BOSS! A portfolio entrepreneur is someone who owns and manages multiple business ventures—often across diverse industries—leveraging each to enrich the others. Instead of putting all your energy into one company, you spread your talent, passions, and revenue streams among multiple ventures. This multitiered approach helps build resilience, diversify income streams, and amplify impact. Black women should consider a portfolio approach for the following reasons: Income resilience: If one revenue stream dips—like consulting during slow school seasons—others (like curriculum sales or speaking engagements) keep cash flow healthy. Brand ampli...
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Sweat, Sun & Fun: How to Make Summer Workouts Feel Like Play by Shavonne Reed

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Shavonne Reed  is  an acclaimed speaker, award-winning entrepreneur, and marketing executive. As founder and CEO of OPUA, a health and wellness company, she focuses on chronic disease prevention. A trained journalist and host of the Future Health NOW podcast, she’s passionate about promoting healthier lifestyles and generational health. Sweat, Sun & Fun: How to Make Summer Workouts Feel Like Play Summer is here, and that means longer days, warm sunshine, and the perfect excuse to ditch boring workouts for something way more fun. Who wants to be stuck in a gym when the great outdoors is calling? If you’re a busy entrepreneur, finding time to exercise can feel impossible, but when workouts feel like play, it’s a game-changer. So, let’s turn up the heat on your fitness routine and make movement something you actually look forward to! 1. Take Your Workout to the Water What’s better than cooling off while you break a sweat? Water-based activities are not only a fantastic way to...
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Boss Up with Prompts: Make AI Work for You by ShaRhae Carlock

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ShaRhae Carlock —a business and AI consultant from Kansas City, MO. I help brands and  organizations grow with purpose by blending smart strategy, innovation, and a whole lot of heart. Let’s connect on IG @sharhaestarrc or LinkedIn! Let’s Talk About the Prompts You’re Using You’ve got goals. You’ve got talent. And now, you’ve got AI at your fingertips. But if your results sound stiff, off-brand, or just… not you—it’s not your fault. The tool is only as good as what you feed it. Think of AI as a team member: it needs clear direction, context, and your voice to really deliver. It’s Not Google. It’s a Partner. Most people use AI like a search engine—dropping in keywords and hoping for magic. But you? You’re building something real. Your message matters. That means you need prompts that reflect who you are and who you serve. The Shift That Changes Everything Here’s a real story: A friend of mine—an incredible entrepreneur—was preparing to launch her new group program. She opened ChatGP...
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BOSS Member Spotlight: Alicia Thomas

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Alicia Thomas is the Founder of Lush Pops ATL, a self-care enthusiast, travel lover, and self-proclaimed chef and mixologist. Her entrepreneurial journey began in 2019 after she was laid off from her previous role. With limited new opportunities on the horizon, she decided to take a leap and bring an idea she had years earlier to life. Lush Pops specializes in handcrafted, fresh fruit popsicles and sorbets, crafted to bring back the nostalgia of a summer day with a refreshing frozen treat. Some treats even feature a fun twist, adding your favorite adult beverages for an extra kick. When Alicia isn’t serving up her delicious frozen treats, she works in the healthcare field, where she draws on her extensive background. She holds a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Management and a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. In her downtime, Alicia enjoys lounging in tropical climates, reading, exploring museums, cooking, and spending quality time with family and frien...
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BOSS Member Spotlight: Niehla O.

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Niehla O. spent over 20 years in the fashion and beauty industry but decided to pivot into an industry that can make people look good on the inside. After a chance encounter with a tasty green hummus blend, a late-night craving led her to begin mixing unique hummus flavors of her own. Her goal is to continue to spread love and hummus throughout our community.   What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career? One of the biggest challenges at the beginning of my business was accessing capital to get supplies, acquiring the proper licensing in a created, seemingly confusing environment, and gaining mentorship in my industry so that I could know my way around it. What inspired you to break into your industry? My desire to create healthy and delicious plant-based options inspired me to break into this industry. Since I changed my diet in 2020, it seemed like a natural fit. How do you balance your personal and professional life, or h...
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Target with Intent: How to Identify and Pursue Your Ideal Government Customer By: Dr. Zamora Crawford Olin, DBA, MBA

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Dr. Zamora Crawford Olin is the CEO of Crawford Olin, LLC, and Founder of the GovCon Growth Lab. An expert in federal acquisitions and small business development, she helps entrepreneurs navigate and succeed in government contracting. Learn more at crawfordolin.com and connect with the GovCon Growth Lab community. In government contracting (GovCon), opportunity is everywhere! For small business owners, especially those new to the federal marketplace, it’s tempting to cast a wide net and pursue every solicitation that even loosely aligns with your capabilities. But here’s the truth: trying to serve everyone often results in serving no one well. Success in the government space isn’t about bidding more; it’s about bidding smarter. The most effective small businesses don’t win by luck; they win by choosing their customers with care, learning everything they can about those agencies, and tailoring their approach for maximum impact. This article will show you how to create a focused ...
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