BOSS Spotlight Feature: Porsha Hargrove, Founder of Affirming Black Voices, LLC
Porsha
founded Affirming Black Voices, LLC, a company that creates and promotes
positive content through the power of representation in books, business,
digital content, and film. Her first initiative is the Joyful Black Child book
series. A book series created to AFFIRM and EMPOWER children of color. She
mentors, coach and encourages children and young adults to become the best
versions of themselves. She earned a BA from the University of Missouri Kansas
City and continued her graduate studies at UMD Baltimore County. She is
currently seeking to pursue her Master’s Degree in Psychology.
1.
What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting
your business or career?
During
the beginning process of starting my business, I found it challenging to
balance my time between being newly married, being in a leadership position at
my day job and going through the discovery/building process of my business. I
come from a science and technology background, so learning a new industry and process
was a bit intimidating at first. After extensive research, reading and
mentoring, I was able to overcome the fear and embrace the process.
2.
What inspired you to break into your particular industry?
I
was inspired by my mother and unborn child. The company and book started as a
passion project. I started writing as a way to cope with my mother's death and
experiencing a miscarriage. Through writing, I realized how blessed I was to
have such a loving and affirming mother. She spoke so much life to my siblings
and me as children. I wanted to share her wisdom and insight with adults and
children who were not as fortunate to have the same experience. Through
mentoring, I realized a lot of children and young adults carry a lot of
insecurity, self-doubt, and feelings of inadequacy based on things that were
said or done to them as children. The controlling negative images in the media
doesn't help. Instead of waiting for an external group to showcase the
greatness and speak life into our community, I decided to do what I could to
become a part of the solution that will help propel us forward.
3. How
do you balance your personal and professional life or have you been able to
find a balance?
I
learned to balance my personal and professional life by PLANNING and
SCHEDULING! A wise woman told me "What you don't schedule won't
happen." I'm huge on being present with family and friends; it brings me
peace and balance. My husband and I have such a good time together, so we are
very intentional when it comes to making time for each other and our loved
ones.
4.
What is an inspirational quote that you live by?
The
inspirational quote I live by is "In order to live a purpose-driven life,
all of your actions must conform to that purpose." -Hill Harper. When I
was young, I read his book entitled Letters To a Young Sister. This quote
propelled and changed my life by challenging me to become more disciplined and
intentional in my pursuits.
5.
Who were some influential people or mentors that helped or encouraged you along
the way?
My
mother was the most influential person in my life. She was one of the most
optimistic people I have ever met. She taught me to view life through a
different lens and perspective. When trials happened, instead of being consumed
by them she taught me to find the hidden blessing and lesson inside of every
burden. I attribute my success in life to the wisdom, morals, values, and
education I received from her. Additionally, I've been blessed to have some of
the best mentors ever! Representation truly does matter. Many of my mentors are
former colleagues, managers, and directors that I worked with over the years.
I'm a walking living example of how representation can drive and motivate a
young person to pursue their goals and passions audaciously.
6.
What are your “must-haves” to keep your career or business going strong?
My
Top 3 must-haves for keeping my career or business going strong:
• Planners and notebooks – I'm a visual learner,
I like to write and draw out ideas and plans.
•
Cell Phone- Maximizing technology that promotes efficiency and increase productivity is essential.
• Prayer and Meditation-Health is wealth. It is important for me to decompress, regroup and recenter my mind, body, and spirit on a daily basis.
7.
What is your definition of a BOSS?
A
BOSS walks boldly and valiantly in their purpose while teaching and cultivating
others to do the same. They never shrink themselves for someone else's comfort.
Instead, they operate out of confidence, love, and respect, not fear, arrogance
or jealousy.
To find out more about Porsha Hargrove, visit her at:
Instagram:
Website:
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