The Vision 

I have had all of the materials I needed to complete my vision board since early January.  I was so enthusiastic about getting it done in the first few weeks, and had all intentions of showing mine off alongside all of the excellent examples on my timeline but I got sidetracked.  I cannot tell you exactly what I got sidetracked with because the list could go on forever.  It is now March 22 and I have finally completed my goal!

I read a few articles on Vision Boards, but I mostly just went with my heart and cut out things that meant something to me.  The areas I decided to cover are ones that are important to me.  Last year was the beginning of a transition to being fearless and intentional.  I stopped wishing and started doing.  I left all of the wishing behind and decided to take the necessary steps needed to achieve my goals.

This year has brought me to another level in my spirituality and faith.  I believe that I am where I am supposed to be, and I am going to do everything I said I was going to do.  So my vision board encompasses not just things I want, but people who I aspire to be like, things I want to give to others, and my true desire to travel more.

PEOPLE WHO INSPIRE ME 

This section covers 4 women who are doing exceptional things in the world and I am so inspired by their message and their truth.  I look forward to sitting across from Ellen, telling her how I started #BlackExcellenceSaturdays and how I am using social media as a tool to change the lives of many.

ESSENCE FESTIVAL 2015

I have been trying to get to Essence for years.  It is a very tough weekend to get out of town sometimes, so my plans have fallen through time and time again.  This year I am going to make a strong effort to get there.  I honestly want to be involved in the efforts to spread the word about healthcare prevention and the resources available across the nation. I have already put forth some efforts to make this happen!

MATERIAL WANTS

I am trying not to be focused on material wants, but there are a few things that I am going to enjoy when I obtain them. My husband gave me his car when I moved to Houston and has been driving my big Buick.  He is selling it since he will be traveling for the next year, but when he settles back home I am going to buy him his dream car, an Audi A8 (A4 in the picture, but you get the point).  I also will eventually need an upgrade, so I threw a new Lexus on there for myself.

As I expand my network, opportunities are presenting themselves that require a decent camera.  I have a lot to learn about the world of film, production, and editing, but the right tools are necessary to start the process.  My husband bought me the fragrance Flower Bomb a few years back and it is the best thing I have ever smelled. A new bottle would be greatly appreciated. (wink wink)

My husband and I did not have a wedding or a honeymoon.  We have never really had the money around our anniversaries to do anything special, but this year I want to change that.  We will make 3 years this July and we are planning something meaningful for ourselves, stay tuned.

STYLE

I have not focused much of my time or money on fashion, but I need to focus more on being a tad big stylish when I am out on the scene.  This is a work in progress and will be ongoing, because I struggle with spending money on clothes.  I have always been very practical and only purchased items that were very basic and plain.  It is time to live! Live in COLOR!

OUR NEXT HOME

After being in Houston for the past few months, I realized that I want to live in the city.  The ‘burbs are nice, but the things I enjoy the most are in the city of Houston.  Plus, the specialty schools are amazing in the city and I do believe my child will benefit from these experiences.

TRAVEL

Everyone says that they want to travel, but I am no longer wishing.  I want to be financially prepared for the next glitch fare.  We are actively making efforts to plan trips that will create memories.  My husband will be seeing the nation through his new position, but we plan to see more of the world together.  Kenya, South Africa, Brazil, Australia, Italy, and Germany are all on the lists of places to go.  Just waiting for the door to open and we will be flying through.

HEALTH/WELLNESS

I want clear skin.  Who doesn’t?

I am so unhappy with my current weight and I am struggling to find balance between work and caring for my son to get to the gym.  There are no excuses, but I am actively seeking out the time to get to the gym I want to join and to practice Bikram.  My biggest issue is childcare.  My family and friends don’t live close to either the gym or my house.  I will not stop trying to figure it out, until I have figured it out.

GIFTS/CELEBRATION

I want to use my gifts to help others and I want to be able to give wonderful gifts to those in need and whom I love.

My friends are doing big things here and across the world.  I hope to be able to celebrate with them soon.

This has been an amazing and eye opening experience.  I look forward to sharing my accomplishments that come from this post.  I love my life and cannot wait to do this again, with a new vision in place.

Until then. Be you. Do you. Tell your own story. On your own terms.

Here lies my first vision board: 

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#BlackExcellenceSaturdays List of Black Owned Businesses with Store Fronts/In Stores

Check us out on Tumblr 

Houston

Restaurant/Eateries 

Sweets

Entertainment/News 

Grocery

Health 

Fashion

The Arts

Beauty

Construction 

Cultural Activities 

Other

DC

Restaurant/Eateries 

Bars/Lounges 

Sweets

Food Truck 

Breakfast/Coffee 

Entertainment/News 

Grocery

Health 

Beauty

Florist

Fashion

Other

Harlem, NY

Restaurant/Eateries 

Bar/Lounge

Entertainment/News

Grocery

Health 

Beauty

Fashion

Brooklyn, NY 

Restaurant/Eateries 

Entertainment/News 

Grocery

Health 

Beauty

Wedding

Baltimore 

Restaurant/Eateries 

Lounge/Bar

Food Truck

Entertainment/News 

Grocery

Health 

Beauty

Fashion

Furniture

Detroit

Restaurant/Eateries 

Brands Sold in Stores

Sweets

Grocery

Entertainment/News 

Health/Fitness

Beauty

Bookstore 

Fashion

Nationwide

Restaurant/Eateries 

Sweets

  • Cheesecaked
    • The Mall at Peachtree Center Food Court
      • 231 Peachtree St. NE Suite #B02-B Atlanta, GA 30303

Entertainment/News 

Grocery

Health

Beauty

These additions came from Black Girl Long Hair’s Blog

2501 1/2 S. Shepherd Drive, #1

Houston, TX 77019

(713) 520-7179
http://www.tendrilsandcurls.com
From the owner: At Tendrils and Curls™, we are committed to providing a one stop shopping experience, both in our brick and mortar boutique in Houston, TX and our eBoutique. Our goal is to ensure that those with naturally textured hair have access to high quality products and accoutrements which highlight and nourish the texture and splendor of their naturally wavy, curly and tightly coiled hair from the inside out. We provide consumers with opportunities to compare and contrast brands in order to make educated decisions about what products will work best for the health, maintenance and styling of their unique hair textures and at addressing their specific concerns

  • Trina’s Beauty Supply & Salon
    4854 W. Pico Blvd.
    Los Angeles, CA 90019
    (323) 931-1359
  • Tru’Mane Natural (Grand Opening 12/6)
    332 S. Market Street
    Inglewood, CA 90301
    (213) 235-6533
  • Black Girls Divine Beauty Supply & Salon
    3904 Church Ave.
    Brooklyn, NY 11203
    (347) 365-7540
  • Hairizon Beauty (online shopping available)
    341 W. Main Street Ste. 104
    Durham, NC 27701
    (800) 557-9828
    www.hairizonbeauty.com
    From the owner: At Hairizon Beauty, we believe that hair care’s best ingredients are found in nature. Our goal is to provide products derived from earth yielded agents, leaving your hair healthy, vibrant, and fragrant. We select products that avoid any unnecessary chemical additives and instead incorporate essential oils, herbs, flowers and minerals to protect and strengthen hair.  Our products can be applied to all types of hair whether natural and/or chemically treated hair.
  • Pampered & Twisted Natural Hair Boutique (online shopping available)
    15015 Westheimer Parkway Suite L
    Houston, TX 77082
    (281) 86-CURLY
    www.pamperedandtwisted.com/
    From the owner: Providing healthy and natural hair care supplies and products to the Southwest Houston / Katy area, as well as the online community is the focus of Pampered & Twisted. We strive to assist our customers in achieving healthy hair by supplying natural hair care products for all textures of natural hair. The products we offer are designed for naturally curly hair, but are effective on transitioning and/or relaxed hair textures. The brands we provide aim to serve customers who not only care about the look and feel of their hair; but also about the knowledge of hair maintenance and management.
  • Jordan’s Beauty Supply & Professional Product Distributions
    1911 E 79th St.
    Chicago, IL 60649
    (773) 734-6268
  • Desired Beauty Supplies
    1174 Big Bethel Road
    Hampton, VA 23666
    (757) 827-6710813

Old Oyster Point Rd.
Newport News, VA. 23602<
(757) 595-2119
From the owner: Desired Beauty Supplies welcomes you. We are a family owned and operated beauty supply store located in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. Our mission is to offer hair and beauty products that are affordable and reasonably priced in a warm and customer friendly atmosphere. We believe in individual hair style and creativity, therefore we carry hair care products for all hair types from relaxed, to natural and in between! We would love for you to come visit us today!

  • Majestic Beauty Supplies Victorville, CA
    14580 7th St.
    Victorville, CA 92395
    (760) 843-8443
  • Diva Beauty Supply 
    3237 North Pleasantburg Drive
    Greenvile, SC 29609
    (864) 467-0790
    From the owner: Diva Beauty Supply was established over 7 years ago as a small 1,200 sq. ft. store in Greenville, SC. Thanks to our great customers and hardworking employees, we have grown to over 4,200 square feet as one of upstate South Carolina’s leading beauty supply stores! Customer satisfaction is paramount here, at Diva Beauty Supply. Let us help you beautify yourself and live life to the fullest!
  • Epic Curls 
    Regency Square Mall
    1420 North Parham Road
    Richmond, Virginia 23229
    (Located on the 2nd Level across from The Body Shop)
    (804) 741-1540
    From the owner: Epic Curls was founded by three sisters on a mission to find hair care products to treat there tresses for their specific needs. At the birth of Epic Curls one owner was natural, another transitioning and the other relaxed. Our mission to find products without chemicals, to find products that truly worked and that did not require us to go to more than one location to get them inspired us to create Epic Curls. Having used natural hair care products for many years we decided to bring what we’ve researched, learned and what we love to you. Epic Curls is your one stop shop for all the products you need to maintain, treat and style your hair. We believe hair should thrive, and be as lively and lovely as the person wearing it!
  • Head Games Beauty Supply
    671 N. Pleasant St.
    Amherst, MA 01002
    (413) 253-7478
  • Healthy Hair Dimensions
    The Shops at Heritage Place
    4450 Hugh Howell Road Ste. 13
    Tucker, GA 30084
    (770) 908-8020
  • Nyenzo Natural Botique (online shopping available)
    918 Rock Quarry Rd. Ste. 103
    Raleigh, NC 27610
    (919) 649-1063
    http://www.nyenzo.com/
    From the owner: Nyenzo Natural Boutique is THE preferred choice for quality natural haircare and skincare products. Unlike many haircare and skin care stores, we actually use the products that we retail and therefore are able to share our personal experiences. Since 2009, Dionne Blanks, the founder of Nyenzo Natural Boutique, has assisted countless customers with successfully selecting products based on their specific needs. Experience the Nyenzo difference for yourself by shopping our detailed webstore.  We thank you for visiting our site and hope that you enjoy the carefully selected natural products that Nyenzo Natural Boutique has to offer.
  • Truly Natural Boutique Chicago (online shopping available)
    1926 S. Wabash Ave.
    Chicago, IL 60616
    (312) 674-9080
    https://trulynaturalboutique.com
    From the owner: Shine, dine, wine, and gain knowledge of the world’s best natural beauty products at truly natural boutique in Chicago. Spend $75 or more and qualify to book your Curl Coaching session with a licensed stylist. Learn how to get the best use from your natural product purchases and learn to perform the natural hair styles of your choice. We are here to deliver unique solutions for your daily wavy, kinky, curly hair care regime. Say goodbye to unnatural frustration. Pamper yourself with our truly unique Magnificent Mane session and add makeup/ professional photography to your Curl Coaching Session. Celebrate your natural style at Truly Natural Boutique Hair Care + Accessories!
  • Mine, Naturally (online shopping available)
    4875 W. 56th St Suite E
    Indianapolis, IN 46254
    (317) 295-8905
    http://minenaturally.net/
    From the owner: Mine, Naturally is an Indianapolis based beauty supply store dedicated to providing products to those who choose to live a chemical-free lifestyle. We provide the highest quality of customer satisfaction through excellent service and quality products. The creation of Mine, Naturally is in direct response to the growing demand in the community for a local natural beauty supply store. Our mission is to establish Mine, Naturally as an important brand that represents quality in natural skin care & hair care. We are dedicated to providing quality products and maintaining high customer satisfaction by rendering excellent service and furnishing an enjoyable, friendly atmosphere.
  • Simply Wholesome
    4508 W. Slauson Ave.
    Los Angeles, CA 90043
    (323) 294-2144
    From the owner: Simply Wholesome is dedicated to providing the proper resources to living a healthy lifestyle. We believe in promoting and celebrating our cultural diversity, combined with exceptional customer service in a warm and comfortable setting. Our motto focuses on “keeping you looking good and feeling good.” Simply Wholesome commits to serving you best. We believe that our business is a genuine reflection of this community & we serve the greater Los Angeles area.
  • Naturally Me Hair Store
    3535 Sherwood Forest Blvd. Ste. 142
    Baton Rouge, LA 70816
    (225) 448-5662
    From the owner: Naturally Me is an independently owned and operated natural hair products store locally serving Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and the surrounding areas. We understand the importance of embracing your natural hair texture. We offer a wide variety of specifically selected natural and organic-based products designed to nourish, strengthen, rebuild and maintain healthy natural hair. Naturally Me provides customers helpful information on caring for natural hair, which has been gathered from outside educational resources.
  • African Naturals
    4511 S. Kingshighway Blvd.
    St. Louis, MO 63109
    (314) 768-0710
  • Go Natural 24/7
    4721 SE 29th St.
    Del City, OK 73160
    (405) 601-4673
    From the owner: The owners at Go Natural 24/7 believe in taking a holistic approach to care. “It’s simply not enough to look beautiful…our goal is to inspire our customers to take proactive measures to adopt a healthy lifestyle to feel beautiful from the inside out.” At Go Natural 24/7, we offer a diverse selection of health supplements, organic essential and carrier oils, raw ingredients for formulators and natural & organic hair and skin care products.  Go Natural 24/7 also manufacturers their own line of fair trade organic and natural hair & skin care products.  We have also recently opened a non-chemical hair salon at our Del City location. We have received so much love and support from natural enthusiast throughout Oklahoma, across the United States and abroad and we would like to take this opportunity to say, Thank you!
  • Shades of Afrika
    1001 E 4th St.
    Long Beach, CA 90802
    (562) 436-2210

114 E 6th St.
Corona, CA 92879
(951) 284-7888
From the owner: Shades of Afrika began with a concept when we noticed that there were too few places that offered affordable Afrikan Art, Afrikan made products, and even fewer book stores. There seemed to be a pressing need to tell our story, establish ourselves in the community,  and provide a positive environment for businesses in our community. There were lots of Afrikan writers, artists, jewelry makers, seamstresses, and entrepreneurs, in the area and they helped bring Shades of Afrika to life. To those then and now, we give thanks. We are dedicated to the betterment of our community, and it’s the community that we have seen grow just as we have grown. Shades of Afrika has evolved from being a small retail store to being a cultural center that hosts a variety of social and educational events, lectures and study groups.

Fashion

Construction 

Real Estate

Cultural Activities 

#BlackExcellenceSaturdays: A Lifestyle Movement

We can never go back to where we were before the death of Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner, and Mike Brown.  We knew that we were in trouble.  It was evident by the economic stress of many within our communities; the changes in Federal regulations that disqualified many minorities and low-income families for Parent Plus loans, the amount of debt that students are graduating with, along with the leveling of pay for professional careers despite inflation increasing the cost of everything.  The lack of trade schools or opportunities to learn trades in high school.  The cost of early learning programs for our children have skyrocketed.  Our mental health and substance abuse resources continue to be defunded, closing programs that are vitally needed in many communities.  The writing was on the wall and it was only a matter of time before the pot boiled over.  So here we are, in the middle of an uprising with a heart for change with the need for sustainable plans to continue the path to progression.  Hence the birth of #BlackExcellenceSaturdays.

My goal is for us collectively to take control of our narrative and stop waiting on someone outside of our communities to tell us how to rebuild our communities.  We know how and we can do the work together.  Here is a way in which we are going to work together to support and connect with Black businesses:

  1. The 50 people that I have ultimately connected with will help me find 3 Black owned businesses in their city.
    1. An eating establishment/bar/lounge
    2. A business that provides a good or service
    3. A cultural/health focused activity
  2. We are going to use our social media connections to promote these 3 businesses/activities and encourage participation on that designated Saturday of the month.
  3. We are going to do this for 12 months.
  4. We are going to show up on that designated Saturday and support that businesses with our dollars.
  5. We are each going to bring our family and friends and ask them to bring their family and friends.
  6. We are going to network with each other and share our personal business ventures.
  7. We are going to rebuild our community connections in person and have knowledge of the businesses in our community and those who may be able to help us in our own ventures.
  8. We are going to build the movement by posting pictures on our social media outlets using #BlackExcellenceSaturdays

The goal of this initiative is to eventually subconsciously patronize Black owned businesses and local businesses in our community that support our community.  We hope to inspire and encourage other entrepreneurs to open and establish businesses in our communities because they know that they will have our support.  This is not an organization but a lifestyle.

Suggested Attire:

Whenever possible, we encourage those attending to be dressed to the 9s, including our children.

Purpose:

  1. To bring positive attention to the movement
  2. You are more likely to compliment and easily connect with someone who is dressed up
  3. To honor our ancestors who used every opportunity to celebrate our beauty

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Here are some suggested looks but we encourage you to celebrate with us however you feel comfortable:

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