The BOSS Network Blog

Zakiya Larry ,  CEO of Quest Media Training providing media coaching  and public relations. She has been a speaker in the East Room at the White House,  managed publicity for Jumping the Broom, Heaven is For Real, and coordinated production for Oprah.   Her media features include Ebony, The Washington Post, Tom Joyner’s Black America Web and more.  Zakiya has also held 13 pageant titles including Miss Black Texas USA. She is a member of the Public Relations Society of America, National Association of Black Journalists and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. TheBOSSNetwork: What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career? Zakiya Larry :  Most of my major obstacles were internal. I feared no one would want what I offered. I was afraid that my ideas would always be bigger than my revenue.I thought that my race and gender would hinder my company's growth. As a former journalist, I'm a researche...

Tina Brown , CEO of Tina Brown Productions  (TBP), a dedicated, multi-faceted full service entertainment company That provides event management, concert promotions artist management, and film events. TBP is focused on providing the best possible entertainment  and event experiences.Tina is a mother of four who heavily relies on her faith in God to persevere and move forward in life. TheBOSSNetwork :  What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning  process of  starting your  business or career? Tina Brown:  Obtaining enough capital to start up a business was very challenging to me. Obtaining a small business loan was not an option because initially, I did not have a track record.I ended funding the business with my personal assets. BN: What inspired you to break into your particular industry? TB: I volunteered to work with  the American Black Film Festival for a couple of years in Miami Florida.  I found that ...

Chanette Sparks , Public Relations and Marketing professional with over 10 years of business management under my belt. I was born in New Jersey, but have spent most of my life in North Carolina. My mission in business is to help small businesses and thriving entrepreneurs excel in their professions by getting media ready.I have four beautiful children who I credit so much to all of my accomplishments. I hold advanced degrees in both marketing and media relations. When I’m not spending time with my family or working at my company, I am indulging in meditation, reading or healthful living activities. TheBOSSNetwork: What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career? Chanette Sparks :When I initially started my business, I faced several challenges. Over the past 14 years I have been involved in many diverse business endeavors of some sort. However, it wasn’t until 2010 that I finally launched into a lucrative and profitable professi...

Lauran Smith , is Founder, CEO and Principal Publicist at PRbyELLE77, a PR firm with a social media management focus. She received her BA in English, is a Freelance Writer, created the first Chicago Black Restaurant Week, and also works with some of the world’s most elite professionals and celebrities. TheBOSSNetwork: What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career? Lauran Smith: Obstacles that I faced while starting my business involved still having to work a full time corporate job at the same time. It was not a “walk in the park” to handle the demands of a full time job and also setting the groundwork for my business. BN: What inspired you to break into your particular industry? LS: My inspiration for starting a social media public relations firm was my authentic and organic love for the social media atmosphere. BN: How do you balance your personal and professional life or have you been able to find a balance?...

I finally learned how to take back my life and become the fabulous and faithful woman I was purposed to be If you’re anything like me, you struggle with insecurities. If you were an appraiser, you would value your home (Your Spirit) below the actual market price. I have had successful careers, super chic clothes, and yet I would come home and doubt the temple that God had created. I went to church, sang the well-known gospel tracks, and even found time to mentor young girls. I was playing a role but didn’t understand why I was selected for the part. Have you ever felt this way? Always wondering if you’re worth it. Always minimizing your success or thinking that you are inferior to someone else. I finally began to listen to God. I mean really listen. My Spirit had grown tired of pity parties and self ridicule. I wanted to be free to love myself and all the beauty that comes with walking in transparency and authenticity. I knew that this transformation would propel my business to ...

Mekeva Miller , is an entrepreneur, business consultant and philanthropist. If you ask her how she’sable to simultaneously hit the trifecta, she will tell you one thing, she hustles. Mekeva founded World Wide Hustle, LLC in 2013. Shortly thereafter, she launched International Boss Lady, a networking platform for women entrepreneurs. TheBOSSNetwork: What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career? Mekeva Miller: In the beginning, I spent a lot of time developing World Wide Hustle’s legal structure, accounting for taxes, and registering for the appropriate permits. As entrepreneurs, we tend to focus on the  product or service. However, administrative tasks are equally important. BN: What inspired you to break into your particular industry? MM : My shopping experiences as a consumer informed and inspired me to offer my own line of  products. When I go into a store and can’t find a product that suits me, I immediatel...

This article is for you if…  You are over ready to ignite and share your brilliance and unique greatness with the world. You want Divine Direction. You want to live in the flow of passion and purpose. You want to follow your heart. You want to stand fully in your power and give yourself permission to be who you really are. You want to break open and pull out your untapped potential. You have a burning desire for something more. Here are the three keys to Super Soul Success.   Acceptance “Life will give you whatever experience is most helpful for the evolution of your consciousness. How do you know this is the experience you need? Because this is the experience you are having at the moment.” –Eckhart Tolle. The first step to change and creating your best life is accepting your life where it is right now. Acceptance doesn’t mean you like it, it simply means you are aware of your reality. Are you ready to accept your life the way it is right now?   Ask “A l...