Tell me about your business or support group “Girl Talk :Women Empowering Women” and what pursue you to choose that name?
Girl Talk: Women Empowering Women LLC is a worldwide community of women who come together for the sole purpose of building each other through love, honesty, and spirituality regardless of demographic segmentation. We zoom in on factors such as power, purpose, prayer, mental/physical health, community service, and self-love/acceptance. It is a movement of restoration, rejuvenation, and complete realness amongst women. The name came to me through quality time with God. It’s exactly what it says…Girl Talk! Not gossip, but real life conversations that speak life, abort fear and strongholds, and break the common myth that women can’t genuinely uplift each other.
What led you to start a women empower support group?
I’m learning that my most fruitful ideas are given to me during my own personal “downtime”. Back in July, during my unemployment I had a lot of time to actually write out visions and a plan concerning what God was showing me with “Girl Talk”. I put the idea of monthly meetings for women in my community on social media and the response was amazing. Although I didn’t have the budget to plan the events how I wanted, I decided to create a support group on Facebook and build from there. I had no idea it would go viral in less than a week and that so many people would support the vision. Girl Talk became a buzz and now is a growing business.
What make your support group unique from other support groups?
I honestly believe that dreams and goals are given to everyone but they have to be God-driven in order to thrive! I would say Girl Talk is different from other support groups because it is built on transparency and realness. I’ve used my own experiences as a guide to know what other women need and I encourage all the members of the group to do the same! We aren’t just scratching the surface; we are getting to the root of issues. This group contains women who are licensed therapists and counselors who volunteer to offer services. There are nurses, fashion consultants, MUAs, lawyers, Evangelists, intercessors, etc. This group has all of the resources in one room!
Is this your first group or business? If not, what other ventures have you pursued?
Girl Talk: Women Empowering Women LLC is my first official business but I do own a Christian T-shirt Line called “Wear God Apparel” and a small custom crafting business called #OrasAdORAbles.
What has been your biggest challenge since you start the group?
The biggest challenge was the negative feed-back from those who didn’t know exactly what the group stood for. It is a private group and not everyone can be added. Even with this I know that the challenges and negativity is NECESSARY when you are doing anything great!
Are finances a major concern for you to start this support group or business? What advice can you offer that will aid other supporter along their journey?
Finances are a concern since this group/business was started while I was unemployed but it has not stopped the growth or the success of Girl Talk. I’ve just been telling everyone that I am literally stepping out on FAITH. When God gives you a vision, he always makes provision.
In what areas do you seek to expand your support group?
I have a very big vision for Girl Talk…community service projects, monthly meetings, conferences, and so much more.
What drives you to get out of bed and invest in this?
The private messages I get from the women in the group saying how this group is changing their lives is enough motivation for me. To know you are operating in what God has called you to do is a feeling like no other.
What upcoming events do you have planned?
We are currently wrapping up our first community service project, “Booting Up Domestic Violence.” We collected boots for a local organization that services battered women and children. November will be centered around the homeless for us. We also have our first official meet and greet coming up!
How important do you feel it is to support black owned businesses/entrepreneurs?
Support is essential to helping any business thrive so as African Americans we have to put forth an extra effort to keep the black businesses relevant in the community.
In what areas of business would you like to see more black entrepreneurs/artist?
I would love to see more educational/community support businesses; that way we aren’t just selling products but we are nurturing the minds of our people. We already know how to “look good” but we have too many people not feeling good, who are mentally fatigued.
Are there any other black owned businesses/ artist that you feel should be recognized?
I am connected to so many amazing black entrepreneurs!
What is your method of self-care to prevent burnout?
I hardly stop moving but I love what I’m doing so I hardly feel burned out.
What are a few things that you must have, or do, every day to function at your best?
Working out really makes me feel good. Prayer and a good worship experience also uplifts my spirits!
What are three things that you are grateful for?
I am grateful the most for my relationship with God, my family/friends, and for my gifts.
What books, or podcasts, are you currently reading, or listening to?
The books I read when I get a chance are “Year of Yes” by Shonda Rhimes, “No More Sheets” by Dr. Juanita Bynum II, and “Living with Purpose” by Dr. Myles Munroe.
Is there anything else you wish to share with readers?
I just want to encourage everyone to think highly of themselves. We tend to not think we are capable of accomplishing “big things” because we are so stuck on who we are and what we’ve done! I would be so further along if I just believed in what God had already placed inside of me but I’m here now, moving purposely. You don’t have to know how everything is going to play out but in the words of my brother Dejaneiro Davis, “Just Run The Play!” Jeremiah 29:11 says “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” That’s enough to step out on!