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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.

Anthony Hamilton and TamTheModel
Moneytrain and TamTheModel
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
Dr. Syleecia Thompson (she received a copy of Yonitry: Volume 1)
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!

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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

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It’s been a long time… HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Hey good people, it’s been a long time but I figured I’d write you all and catch you up on what’s going on in the life of NiSi.  Last time I posted was in July, it’s been a crazy 5 months and it’s flown by; with pageant preparation, clients, work and a little travel.

So in July we talked about Self-Love.  Have you been loving on yourself?  Taking time for yourself and being true to you is what’s important in becoming the best version of you.  In July, I also had the opportunity to go home to Milwaukee and visit my family.  It was my parent’s 50th Anniversary and my sister and I surprised them by flying in town for a surprise party.  It was so amazing to see how many people have been affected by my parents love and their journey.  It was great to have some time with my sister and brother, we haven’t had much time as grown ups being in one room.  We even went out to the club before I had to fly back to North Carolina. Friends, how many of us have them? I had the chance to meet up with Charcora and Kaycee, 2 good friends from middle school that have stayed in my life.  I spent time with my ailing great aunt, Aunt Mary.  Glad that we made the time to do that, as she was laid to rest a couple weeks ago.

*If someone crosses your mind, take the time to reach out to them.  You never know when it will be the last time you have the opportunity to love on them.

August flew by for me, I had some moments that I had to look past and some amazing moments.  My sister celebrated her 31st born day AGAIN (I won’t mention that I’m the baby so I don’t know how this is possible, but I digress).  I ended July and began August, teaching the Barn Dinner Theatre cast of Addams Family Values how to do their makeup for their amazing show.  It was great to be thought of by my former manager, Ric (I used to work the Box Office and do occasional performances) to come in as a Makeup Artist with Director Pauline Cobrda.  I also worked with Hair Stylist extraordinaire, Jeff Hoyle as a Makeup Artist for the Labor of Love Fashion Show to benefit the Real Me Foundation.  I also said “Yes to the Dress” for my Ms. Full Figured NC pageant.

So September rolled through and Ms. Full Figured NC pageant was only one month away.  I booked a wedding for a client who has followed my social media for a long time.  We had a great time and I had my amazing MUA friend, Courtney of Perfected Gift by Kiani come through and pull off this big wedding party.  I did an amazing photo shoot with Nerd Photography for my pageant photos and had a great time.  You never know why someone crosses your path. I met the photographer, Crys through one of my first clients I connected with when starting my employment with Clinique.  After being in Charlotte for only 3 months, I was nominated for ACHI magazine’s Makeup Artist of the Year.  

*Keep doing the work, you never know who’s watching you.

October… The moment you’ve all been waiting for…. MS. FULL FIGURED NORTH CAROLINA PAGEANT!!  If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you may already have an idea of how it went down.  You are now reading the words of Ms. Social Media 2018 and 2018 Ms. Full Figured NC 1st Runner Up!!  Thanks to all that supported my journey by way of prayers, donations, sponsorships and your kind words.  Big thanks to my mother and father who flew in from Milwaukee and my bestie, Betty for driving to support me.  I did not win for MUA of the Year for the ACHI Awards, but it was amazing feeling to be nominated.  So even when you only get nominated, there may be other people who see your work and are excited for what you do.  The creator of Shuri, Reggie Hudlin from the comic Black Panther saw my makeup look for Halloween and replied, “She nailed it.”  That was an awesome feeling, one that I will not forget and I have to keep going.

November and December….it’s time to rest and get my life together.  I am nominated again for Makeup Artist of the Year for the 2019 Down East Awards.  The majority of the year, I was in pageant mode so it is time to focus on self and begin working more on NiSi’s Eyes Makeup Artistry and my pageant platform, Designing Women.  My platform focuses on building self confidence for young girls and women in transition.  So going into 2019, I want to focus on being the best Makeup Artist I can be and add to my clientele.  I will also be accepting speaking and mentoring opportunities, please contact me directly to discuss availability.

“And one day she discovered that she was fierce, and strong, and full of fire, and not even she could hold herself back because her passion burned brighter than her fears.” ~Mark Anthony

Happy New Year beautiful people! Remember #YouAreEnough just the way you are!!

~NiSi’s Eyes Makeup Artistry

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Self- Love Finale (June 2018)

24. List 24 things that make you smile…

My son, live music, great surprises, being in love, makeup artistry, food, seeing my client see their transformation, helping someone in need, modeling, comedy, accomplishing something, newborns discovering, people that underestimate me, seeing my family after a short/long time, my favorite artists in concert, when I receive reviews, when I receive referrals, seeing love, seeing my students perform and excel, a great massage, stress free vacation, fun times with my bestie, fun times with my sis, seeing my name tagged on great photos of clients and/or myself.

25.  My favorite quote is…

“Beauty awakens the soul to act!”  You see it on everything associated with my business  because I believe it to be true.  I doesn’t necessarily have to mean outwardly beauty, it could mean the inner beauty, the inner kindness that inner energy that exudes from person to person that travels.  When you feel that positivity or someone smiles at you and you instantly feel a little better, it helps someone else.  In my business and in life; when you look good, you feel good- wake up and make a change even if it is a small ripple effect.

26.  What does self love mean to you?

Self love means loving yourself enough to accept you with no makeup on, flaws and all.  Love yourself when you make mistakes or when you feel as if you are on top of your game.  Accept you when you are behind closed doors or in front of paparazzi and love yourself through it all.  

27.  What positive changes have happened in the last year?

I have become more open to risks, as scary as they are- I have taken a leap.  I have started working in my passion of being a full time makeup artist.  I am in my #journeytothecrown for Ms. Full Figured NC.   I am in transition of moving to Charlotte.  I am…

28.  I deserve happiness because…

I deserve it!  Why not?

29.  What are 5 things you are grateful for this week ?

I am grateful for family, life, a place to lay my head, employment, grace/mercy.

30.  How will you make next month a great month?

Continue to be migraine free, work towards my goals of becoming Ms. Full Figured NC (if you’d like to support my journey by donation and/or sponsorship, please click the link: https://www.gofundme.com/denises-journey-to-msffnc-crown).   I will be working within my platform, assisting young and mature ladies in becoming the best versions of themselves.  I will also be settling in Charlotte, NC and networking and making that my new home so any referrals , send them my way.

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A’jah Lip Creme

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Many of you are unaware that I wear a lot of hats; I am an actress, Makeup Artist, singer and model. Through all of these gifts, I come across a lot of people that are doing amazing things and doing it because they love it and are passionate about it. You never know why your path crosses with someone but it has to be for a reason.

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I met the owner of A’jah Lip Crème through a good friend that I perform with. You can say he’s like a brother, so he introduced me to a young lady named Tanita Winchester out of Charlotte, North Carolina. The fact that she had her own lip products immediately piqued my interest as a makeup artist. I’m always down for another woman in business doing her thing, so we connected and I learned more about the creation of A’jah Lip Crème.

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The name is sometimes pronounced wrong; it’s not like saying “A” in the English language alphabet. It’s pronounced like saying the A in the French language followed by ‘jah’ (Ah- Jah). She named the company after her daughter because she wanted to leave her daughter with her own company. “She inspires me to go harder everyday,” says Tanita.

Tanita Winchester is a small town girl, born and raised in Reidsville, North Carolina. She had dreams of being in the fashion industry, but ended up working for a linens company from the age of 21 to 28. She is now working for the biggest bank in the world while striving to build her own business.   She wants to be among other young, black, successful entrepreneurs in the cosmetics industry. Tanita came up with the idea of making her own lip gloss in February 2014 and started experimenting in November of the same year. As all women know, we buy makeup and end up having a drawer full of hits or misses, more of the latter most likely. She was the same way, bought some expensive lip-gloss and had buyers’ remorse but kept it anyway because of the brand and the price tag. She liked it, but it was also $22… “that’s gas money.” She spoke with her mother about how much she spent and her mother asked, “Why don’t you make your own?” The light bulb went off and the experimenting began. She wanted the lip-gloss to represent what she likes in a gloss; something thick, moisturizing and long lasting. She wanted to produce something that wouldn’t come off from simply eating or drinking. It had to pop because gloss is shiny; Tanita loves a shiny gloss like most women. She experimented with different natural products until she found the right products, the right consistency, and the right colors. A’jah Lip Crème was born.

A’jah Lip Crème is geared towards young girls and ladies as a whole. We are fun, outgoing, and colorful, have a sense of humor and ready for any adventure. A’jah Lip Crème comes in a variety of colors, metallics, and also matte lipsticks. Samples are also available for purchase. To order your lip crème or matte lipstick, visit: https://mkt.com/ajah-lip-creme. Have questions for the owner of A’jah Lip Crème? Email: ajahcosmetics@yahoo.com.

For more information on scheduling your Make Me Over Sessions, please visit: www.NiSisEyes.com

Photography: Derek Palmer Photography/ Makeup: NiSi’s Eyes Makeup Artistry