Category Archives: Blog

2023… now what?!

We’ve made it to 2023! We’re supposed to be full of life, joy, hope; all the newness and renewed energy to push forward. However I found myself in a mood… it started last night but today I’m definitely in a mood. I didn’t want to speak on it through my podcast because I’ve had moments of feeling like I’ve wanted to cry all day. I’ve been on holiday break from work since December 23rd and yet I still feel like I need more time off the clock. These days of peace and freedom to do what I want, kind of when I want, to enjoy my creative side and also just enjoy just being. It took me a while to even sit up to write this, first because I couldn’t even get logged in. I guess I needed to just sit in my thoughts for a second.

So for me, this is how I get it out my head, I write. I’m sure there may be others that may not necessarily be in a “New Year, New Me” mood; crazy enough I was in a decent mood for the most part all while I was on break. As I’m on the brink of returning back to reality and having to go back into the office and after hearing of someone losing their life senselessly after just ringing in the New Year, I’m feeling so down. I rang in the New Year with my son, at home. I love my job, I love the people; however I do miss when I was furloughed during COVID. My mind was free! I was able to create. I could sleep in and get much needed rest. I realized what it felt like to be “wealthy, white people.” This is why I say that; when I was younger, I used to sit as a model for art classes (yes, I was fully clothed). The fact that people just took time out, in the middle of the day to simply just paint. I do not recall any black people in the classes, and I have no idea if these people were wealthy but they had a sense of peace and no worries. They might be eating cucumber sandwiches and sipping on Fiji water, I don’t know but there’s a part of me that wanted that freedom. And for a moment, I had it! I would paint, I would sing, I would write, I’d have more time with my son; yes it was in the midst of a pandemic but I barely had any restraints. SO in 2023, I am pushing to get back to that, and my income being completely as an entrepreneur. My full time is my main source of income, but I want that to switch and/or even be eliminated. Let me be me and make money in my sleep.

I need to travel and LIVE MORE! There’s family and friends that I NEED to see. Life is so short and you never know when it’s your time. It’s hard when you have a connection to someone that’s not in the same zip code but your coins get in the way of enjoying quality time. It’s hard when you have family with ailments, and we’re all not getting younger but you have to consider bills before you jump on a flight. It’s hard when you need to self care and get to somebody’s ocean to get a little sense of peace but you have to make good adult decisions. I have to change the narrative!

Now that I’ve let my brain throw up, I feel a little relieved and had a phone call from a person that helps calm me down. So I hope that this has helped someone in some way, sometimes you just need to write it down or talk it out, get it off your shoulders. Just take a few minutes if you’re feeling down, get it out your head and take the weight off.

I’m already working on my 2023 plans, basically an extension from 2022 goals, still leveling up in business and my personal life. At the end of each year, I recap on what I have accomplished; you’ll be surprised. Sometimes we forget how much can happen in 12 months, yes there may be some heartbreak and pain, but there has also been some amazing experiences with amazing people along the way. Focus on that! Focus on the things you can change. Focus on you and creating the best version of yourself. You have the pen, you have the paintbrush, create the life you want. It may not happen overnight but keep working towards your goals and making YOU happy. Life happens…make the most of each moment!

Let’s talk about Hair…

“… Remember there’s a lesson 

In Every crevice 

Every curve 

Every dimple

Every scar

Every follicle

There’s a lesson in loving on yourself

Love the parts of you that you keep hidden behind the shadows…”

Press PLAY to hear episodes of Through the Eyes of NiSi: The Podcast

I’ve been on a hair journey for years. I’ve gone through styles and colors. One thing that is not consistent in my journey… is my hair. For years now, not many people have seen my hair in its natural state unless it was a short, relaxed style. I don’t think I consciously had a dislike for my hair, I just liked my hair better, in certain styles, with hair.

Not all my hair
Not all my hair
Not all my hair
My hair
Not all my hair
Not all my hair
Not all my hair
Not all my hair
Not all my hair
Not all my hair
Not all my hair
Not all my hair
Not all my hair
Not all my hair

This is a short glimpse of my hair journey, but one thing that is present in the majority of these photos is NOT my hair standing alone. I started doing my own hair, along with family and friends around the age of 16 I believe. So its been a long time, maybe since a child that I’ve gone for a long period of time just wearing my own hair in its natural state. Are you the same way? Do you feel pretty in all your natural glory? Why or why not? These are questions I’ve been contemplating over the last few weeks. In the past, I’d play in different styles and switch up with no problem but never with my own natural hair. It’s funny, I think of Tabitha Brown and her hair “Donna,” like what would my hair really say to me if she has been hidden all these years? What has she been saying? I think I’m starting to listen. Can you be around someone you like with no additional hair or makeup? Can you be around people you don’t know au naturale? Do you feel naked without it all? Why don’t we feel pretty as we are? What has society put in the air that makes us feel that we can’t (or won’t) stand on our own beauty? Because yes, it is a choice, yes it is your perogative what you do with your hair. I just want you to think about it, do you know you or your hair without adding to it?

This loc journey that I am embarking on is going to be hard. It’s been hard and I haven’t even had my appointment, just the decision alone has been tough for me. Feel free to join me, cheer me, share advice, etc.; I’m still working on not talking myself out of the appointment. As I am walking in this self reflection, how can I consider having a organization for young women to aid them in building their self confidence, but not accepting me as I am? I can’t name it ‘Lov’n Me,’ if I’m not. With all these self reflections, I’m taking the jump.

My hair

Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Click HERE to schedule a what day works best for you or feel free to email me at: info@NiSisEyes.com with the subject: Throu6gh the Eyes of NiSi: The Podcast

Click here to get your signed copy of Yonitry: Volume 1

(Volume 2 coming November 2022)

Women’s Empowerment Summit

So, I promoted it for weeks, maybe months. The date has come and gone but the gems and nuggets shared, will last for a long time. August 6th was a full day, including an 8:30am client. Here’s how it all went down.

Plans change…

With most clients that I book, I try to keep being mommy and being a businesswoman separate, but a lot of times they come together. Plans changed the day prior to the summit so my son came along for the ride and I booked a makeup client. I received a referral from one of my Bennett sisters who had a friend, who a friend that needed makeup for her videoshoot with Moneytrain and Anthony Hamilton. In order to have her on time for her video shoot and to give me a cushion for traveling, we left Greensboro a little after 6am. Luckily we did because we ran into construction on the way to Charlotte.

Let’s get started…

Tam was ready to get makeup started once we arrived (yes, I gave her a heads up that my son would be accompanying me). We talked, we sang, my son played video games (she has a son about the same age so she knows how things go), we enhanced the natural beauty and did a quick little photo shoot. Tam is a beautiful person, inside and out. Once I got cleaned up and packed, it was time to head to the summit.

Moneytrain feat. Anthony Hamilton ”Down” video coming soon

SIDE NOTE: Ya girl was awake but I knew my sleepiness would set in soon. After all, I did go see Barn Dinner Theatre’s ”Soul Sistas” with the Drunk Talk Live crew on Friday night, but I’m a night owl so I figured I could make it through. We had an amazing time and the cast was phenomenal!

Alright now back to this summit.

We arrived a bit early, which gave me time to touch up my makeup and change clothes. So imagine this, my makeup kit is in my back seat so I’m taking out what I need so I don’t look like I need to go lay down somewhere. I’m going from the front to the back seat for about 20 minutes. Sitting, standing, sitting, standing, and fighting the heat while looking for the rain as well. Alright, face is on, then I had to change my shirt and shoes. Now I’m sure most ladies know how to do this without the goods hanging out; from having to do and assist with quick changes in public, you become a pro.

Time to begin…

The Women’s Empowerment Summit was amazing. I was one of the first to speak. This is a little bit of a different stage for me but truly honored to be in the presence of some amazing women that all had something to offer, and so many connections were made.

From knowing your worth, to knowing your value, to speaking up, to always making time for self care, to retiring yourself, to investing, to taking chances on yourself… there were so many gems.

Janelle Marie– teacher, administrator, site liaison, staff developer, and life coach
PRESS PLAY TO HEAR ”PUSHIN P”
LaWana (Slack) Mayfield– City Council at Large Elect
Chiquita Lindsay– Real estate Coach. She helps Women to retire early with real estate.
Patricia Johnson– Songstress, Mother, Graduate student- Professional Counselor
Virlynn Randolph– Rose of Audacity
Dr. Burnout (Kimberly Wilson)– Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Dr. Shana Lewis– Licensed Professional Counselor and a National Certified Counselor
Denise Bryers– Certified Personal Fitness Trainer
Brandi Morris– Owner of LADIWORKZ and Creator of “Know your Business”
Dr. Syleecia Thompson– Entrepreneur, Educator, Best-selling Author (The Resilience Factor), and Entertainment Executive
Founder of The Ageless Woman presents The Women’s Empowerment Summit- Theresa Flatts

I was able to connect with women from around the world and by being in attendance, I may have the opportunity to travel and share my gifts with more people. There are doors opening that I had no idea there was even a window.

Arleen
Dr. Shana
Tina Skindiva– Skincare Coach/ Author &
Arleen Jamison– Entrepreneur/ Author/ Life Coach
Bryson hung out with me too

And guess what? My day still wasn’t over! Bryson and I stopped by one of my best friend’s house to see their house and catch up with her and her family. We made it back to Greensboro around 11pm, so it was indeed a jam packed day and we were ready for sleep.

Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Click HERE to schedule a what day works best for you or feel free to email me at: info@NiSisEyes.com with the subject: Through the Eyes of NiSi: The Podcast

Click here to get your signed copy of Yonitry: Volume 1 (Volume 2 coming November 2022)

FYI: Annual Women in Power Brunch! Business Women of the Year Awards!

Uncomfortability is Non-Negotiable

Sometimes God puts you in uncomfortable places to push you to move or make changes. As I grow older, my uncomfortability is non-negotiable. So maybe you need that push to do what’s best for you too.

Click above to listen to the newest episode and/or all episodes.

This blog may rub some people the wrong way and for that I apologize, however, hopefully by the end of listening to the podcast and reading the blog, you’ll get a better understanding of why looking out for my well being is non-negotiable.

Dana Chanel

As a woman, as an entrepreneur; I am constantly learning that I have to be assertive, speak my mind and be solid. This is in regards to business and personal relationships. Some people think just because you’re not getting cursed out, or my neck isn’t rolling, that I’m okay with certain situations. When in actuality, I am trying to keep my peace, my sanity and not come off as the angry black woman. My poetry and my art are my self expression and therapy for me. Oddly enough, doing this podcast and writing this blog gives me the opportunity to vent and sometimes just hear myself out loud. So when my clients receive emails and contracts from me, I have put my all into making sure that neither one of us are stressed, and that neither of us is uncomfortable. I love my clients, we get to know each other really well and sometimes that can be too a fault. However, please understand that NiSi’s Eyes is still a business and will be structured accordingly. So as I continue to gain knowledge, experience life, receive lessons, achieve victories, and sometimes be uncomfortable; things have to shift.

My uncomfortability is non-negotiable!

I may lose some clients, my circle of friends may get smaller but it is just about as big as a mustard seed already, but I have to make sure I’m good in all situations that I allow myself to be in. I’ve tolerated things for too long and I am the one that feels some kind of way at the end of the day, and in most cases it’s because there was miscommunication or something was lost in translation.

James Fortune

God knows what I can handle, and I have been put in some positions that could’ve broken some people. There were times that I felt that I’d break as well. I’ve been in positions where I didn’t know how rent was going to be paid, in positions where I was taken advantage of, someone breaking in my car within minutes of me coming back to my car with my child. God has put me in some uncomfortable positions because he knows I probably won’t move due to being content. So in being content, I don’t feel like I am using my gifts or growing as I should and being a vessel for others. So, that tells me it’s time to move. So in relationships, business and personal, I have to state what I require! If by me having requirements doesn’t work with you or your finances, I may not be the right person for you. Thank you for thinking of me… maybe next time or next lifetime.

Taronza Graves

@iamtaronza Ladies! And my brothers with sisters, cousins, daughters, and nieces.. check out this 60 second T Talk! #fypシ #SHEINcares #WelcomeBack ♬ original sound – IAmTaronza

There have been times where I haven’t spoken up because I was worried about how someone would feel or how they would take the information. However, that puts me in a position where I am the one stressed out and the other person/people may not have any idea that they are stressing me out and making me uncomfortable. Lately, I have been speaking out more on life lessons. Coming up as the baby of the family and a preacher’s kid, I haven’t spoken out about my life experiences because I knew my parents would hear it and it may affect them in a certain way. There’s a lot of poetry that I haven’t put out publicly because it’s my truth and in some cases, it’s erotic poetry so I keep those things out of the public eye as much. I am 40 years old and a lot of times still feel like I’m still a little girl. It is an uncomfortable fight that I have with myself on a regular.

As I am growing personally as a woman and in relationships, it allows me to grow in business as well.

Here’s what’s changing for me to be comfortable in my business and personal life:

-Yonitry Part 2 & 3 will be out by the end of the year and more of my life will be revealed

-I will walk more, drink more water and figure out my migraine triggers

-Out of town/overnight bookings (which means you have signed a contract and put a deposit in) will now include the fees to cover my hotel room for the duration of travel

-Relationships/ Situationships require 2 people, I will not be the one doing the most reaching and that same energy not be returned

-All Bridal/Pageant appointments will require a 30 min or less video chat to make sure we’re on the same page and review contract

-I will push myself to be involved in more opportunities to share my art (poetry and visual)

-I am releasing a poetry/vocal album by the end of the year along with my first book

-I will continue to be available to communicate and help my clients the best way I can so that they continually feel comfortably flawless.

Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Click HERE to schedule a what day works best for you or feel free to email me at: info@NiSisEyes.com with the subject: Through the Eyes of NiSi: The Podcast

The Ageless Woman

Click above to listen to The Ageless Woman episode or all episodes

Sign up for a free Spotify account so you can listen to the podcast, click HERE!

This week’s episode of Through the Eyes of NiSi: The Podcast, we speak to the amazing Theresa Flatts. I met Ms. Theresa through the ‘Curvy Doc,’ Ms. Janelle Simmons (click HERE to learn more about the Curvy Doc).

You never know who you will cross on your journey that may be an integral part of your path. By meeting Ms. Theresa and having genuine conversation, we got to talking about our purpose, our passion and here we are today with her putting the final touches on her event, “The Ageless Woman Women’s Empowerment Summit” with me providing spoken word for the event. The organization, The Ageless Woman has a primary purpose to educate, empower, mentor, share, and help build confidence by teaching women the 3Ps of Empowerment passion, power, and purpose.

I have many conversations with my sister, Tina. If you’ve been with me for a while, you know that we are like twins, ten years apart. Through our relationship; I have learned what things I may experience in my body, in my health, in relationships, etc. So by attending this women’s empowerment summit, it’s like having all of your sister’s, young and old, pour into you. By hearing these women’s stories and their journeys, take some of these gems and reflect.

As women, we hold so much in. We don’t let our voices be heard enough about what we’re going through on a daily basis. We put our big girl panties on and keep pushing through (and sometimes while being in pain mentally and/or physically). By attending this event, don’t just stop there; stay connected, don’t let the business cards you get, just sit in a wallet. Follow up and stay connected, that person could be your bridge to your next opportunity.

Here’s the links to everything we discussed:

7 Minutes

The Ageless Woman’s Summit

Let your Voice be Heard Podcast: Coming Soon

As most of you know, one of our own Queens, Ms. Cheslie Kryst died by suicide earlier this year. There was so much anxiety around her crossing the threshold into her 30s and what that meant for her career. She wrote an article in Allure magazine last year speaking candidly about her journey to her 30s. From watching to the Red Table Talk show with Cheslie’s family, one thing I gathered is to be kind to everyone because you don’t know what they’re dealing with behind closed doors. People can smile in your face and life can look amazing on social media, but until that person lets you into their world and their thoughts; you have no idea what is going on.

Read the article: A Pageant Queen Reflects on Turning 30

Red Table Talk: Miss USA Cheslie Kryst

Click here to pre-order to get your signed copy of Yonitry: Volume 1 (Deadline is 7/21/22 to be available for you at the summit).

Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Click HERE to schedule a what day works best for you or feel free to email me at: info@NiSisEyes.com with the subject: Through the Eyes of NiSi: The Podcast