Do You Own a Business? Consider the BOND Card Incentive Program

Bringing On New Direction (BOND) is a Maryland based, membership driven nonprofit that hosts networking & social events, facilitates personal & professional development workshops and coordinates volunteer opportunities for women of color.

In 2015, we would like to partner with women owned businesses to offer BOND members discounts for a variety of services/products. We would like to include your business in this opportunity. Your business name and web address will be listed in our quarterly newsletter. There is no cost to you!

Also, we will be launching our Business Membership in the coming days.  This membership will offer additional marketing and promotion opportunities for your business.  Please let me know if you are interested in receiving information about our business membership.

If you are interested in growing your customer base by participating in our incentive program, please reply with the following information at your earliest convenience. 

PSST…DID YOU HEAR THE NEWS??!!

Jazzy Studios

 

 

CARLEEN SMITH

 

is the winner of BOND Inc's

1^st Annual Mother’s Day Makeover Contest



Carleen's Reaction to Winning...

Jazzy Studios

I was shocked and honored that my cousin views my life as a success story and submitted my name for the mother’s day makeover.

The makeover was an exciting moment which consisted of a make-over by a makeup artist, wardrobe and glamour shots.  I felt it was a very special day, which made me feel special and appreciated.  The makeover has made me realize that I have neglected myself and showed me the importance of self-appreciation by routinely getting massages or manicures.  I must admit that no one had ever done something this nice for me. Therefore, I feel blessed to be nominated.

I would like to extend my gratitude and appreciation to Ms. Nayvette, the founder of BOND, for bringing this event to fruition. She is a visionary who realized the need for an organization such as BOND.  The organization recognizes hard working females by giving them an outlet to help relieve stress, and uplift their spirits.

I also want to thank my cousin, Rachel, for thinking highly of me and making this special day possible.

**************

 

Nomination written by Carleen's cousin Rachel Joy:

 

Jazzy Studios

Ever since I was a little girl, I always admired my cousin Carleen for her tenacity, independence, work ethic, fighter spirit and smile.  She is outspoken and tough at times, but has a big heart.  Although I never told her, I aspired to be like her when I grew up.  See, my cousin had a very challenging time during her teens and early twenties.  She hit hard times, spent time living in shelters with her son and eventually went on public assistance to make ends meet. I loved that the hard times didn't stop her or dull her spirits.  She never, ever made excuses.   She put herself through undergrad and grad school working 2-3 jobs so that she and her son would NEVER have to darken the doors of another shelter.  She eventually earned her Masters in Psychology and became the 2nd person ever in my family to earn a college degree! She currently works as a School Psychologist in the DC Public School System.

Today she is raising two daughters as a single mother.  Although a bit tarnished by the rough waters of life, she still stands resilient.  I would like her to win this contest because she rarely does anything for herself.  Since having her first child as a teenager, she has always worked solely to support her children.  I think this Mother's Day Makeover will be a special treat for a truly special woman.

Jazzy Studios



Jazzy Studios

A special thank you to Jazzy Studios, Sieva Floyd MUA, Compass Consulting & Training Solutions, LLC for making this event possible.


 



This Week's Spotlight ~ Rachel Dolcine: The Will to Live and Succeed.

Rachel Dolcine was born in Jamaica, West Indies, raised in Brooklyn, New York and relocated to Baltimore nine years ago.  She is  the oldest of six children raised on public assistance by a single mother.  By all accounts, she should not have turned out well.  However, her mother prayed for her children every night and although born premature, Rachel had a will to live and succeed. 

Here’s Rachel's Story…

I must credit much of my success to the principle of giving back to others.  Giving back defines my life and I am raising my son to understand the importance of citizenship and “being your brother’s keeper”.  I am also a business owner, mother, wife and mentor.  I have been an avid volunteer since the age of twelve.  The last 10 years of my volunteer career has been spent helping at risk women and their families discover their potential and guiding them through the process of accessing resources to improve their quality of life.

I obtained a Bachelor of Arts from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Baltimore and completed the Associated Black Charities (ABC) Board Pipeline Leadership Program.  I am an Adjunct Faculty member at Anne Arundel and Baltimore County Community Colleges; an approved Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Childcare Trainer; an experienced GED Instructor; and a certified Health & Safety Institute (HSI) CPR/First Aid Instructor and CPR/First Aid Train the Trainer Instructor.

I have worked in a management capacity in the Nonprofit sector for the last twelve years.  My most recent position was the Outreach, Partnership and Training Director for Baltimore Reads, Inc., a local nonprofit that provides adult literacy services to adults with the lowest literacy levels in Baltimore City.  Throughout my Nonprofit career, I have been recognized and sought after for my experience and expertise in strategic planning; program development, implementation and assessment; curriculum writing and development; social enterprise development; professional development planning and implementation; and resource partnership recruitment and retention.  I also have experience in Nonprofit Board development and grant writing.

In 2010 I started Compass Training Solutions with the intent to offer trainings to individuals that were looking for ways to build their professional and personal portfolios.  In 2011 I added on a Consulting component renaming my business to Compass Consulting and Training Solutions.  I added the consulting component because I realized that there were so many people who wanted to start their own businesses and nonprofits, but had no idea where to start.  Some were brimming over with ideas, desires, commitment and passion…BUT…their fear crippled them and banished their dreams to the desert of “I wish I could”.

Today, Compass Consulting and Training Solutions, LLC focuses on the individual who has limitless potential but is held back by fear: fear of failure, fear of making mistakes, fear of being incompetent, etc.  We help clients develop a plan and connect them with the best suited resources for their business needs.  Additionally, we offer high energy, hands on trainings that are specifically designed to suit the needs of an individual who has the desire to add value to their professional and personal life by attending professional and personal development trainings and workshops.

Our motto: We know where you’re heading…we’ll help you get there.

 

I currently serve on the Imagine Discovery Public Charter School PTA Executive Board and Bringing On New Direction (BOND) Board of Directors.

My Greatest Accomplishment to Date Has Been:

My greatest accomplishment has been two-fold: becoming a mother and taking the leap of faith to focus on building my business.

The Most Challenging Thing I Ever Experienced:

Taking the leap of faith to focus on my business without working full time or part time.  It is amazing that over my professional career, I have been praised for my brains, wit, work ethic, commitment, drive, tenacity, conscientiousness, thoroughness and passion whilst making a living working for someone else.  Yet, the moment I decided to use my brains, wit, work ethic, commitment, drive, tenacity, conscientiousness, thoroughness, and passion to making a living working for myself…I had a room full of doubters.  A never ending commentary from the “but sayers”…”but this”…”but that”.  I actually had more job offers when I became a “free” agent than I have had over my entire career.  Nevertheless, I stepped forward bolding.  After all, the response my associates confirmed that I had indeed made the right choice to work for myself.
 

10 Most Valuable Lesson(s): 
1.) The most valuable things and relationships are worth a relentless fight

2.) Nonprofit work and small business ownership is not for punks

3.) I attract what I think.  As a man/woman thinketh in his heart, so is he/she

4.) Sometimes the road to small business success is a lonely one

5.) I am my brand…my brand is me.  I am Compass Consulting and Training Solutions, LLC.  When clients see me, they see Compass Consulting and Training Solutions…so…I better live right!

6.) Not to cast my pearls before swine.  My business and time are valuable.  I have learned to be more discerning with whom I share my business and my time

7.) God has given me these talents.  If I do not use them to the best of my ability AND to give him glory, they will be taken and given to someone else

8.) Trust is a two way street.  It is earned not given

9.) Forgiveness is a choice.  When you choose to forgive yourself, it is easier to forgive others.  Love your neighbor as yourself.  You can’t do one without the other

10.) I am awesome! I am created in the image of an amazing, wonderful and powerful God.  So, I can’t help it…I’ve got to be on point!

Final Remarks: 

“As you travel through life, keep your eyes on the donut and not on the hole cause you might fall in” (my elementary school custodian).  Be grateful! Be thankful! Be grateful! Focus on what you have…not on what you don’t have.  Focusing on what you don’t have will only lead you to a bottomless hole of misery that takes a hell of a time to climb out of.

For more information on Rachel Dolcine or Compass Consulting & Training solutions visit www.compasscts.com or email compasssoultions@gmail.com.

BOND Inc Spotlight features ordinary African American women from all around who are doing extra-ordinary things. If you or anyone you know would like to be featured, send your requests for more information to iambondinc@gmail.com.

Favor Ain't Fair!!! Tune In Tonight!!!

 

 

·  Nayvette Fowlkes the Founder & President of BOND Inc will be tonight's special guest host on the "Date With Destiny" blogtalk radio.

Tune in tonight at 6:30 PM  EST as she along with hosts Lyse Saunders and Teresa Hamilton discuss the importance of recognizing "Favor" in your life and embracing it with FERVOR!!

Call in with your thoughts and personal testimonies on FAVOR @ (347) 237-4518.
 
JUST CLICK THE LINK TO TUNE IN AT 630PM TONIGHT!!! We'd love to hear from you.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/a-date-with-destiny/2013/04/15/a-date-with-destiny-favor

Be sure to click the link below at 630 PM EST to listen in. See you there!!! If you're unable to make it tonight you will still be able to listen to the pre-recorded version.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/a-date-with-destiny/2013/04/15/a-date-with-destiny-favor

BOND Inc Quarterly Newsletter- April - June 2013

Happy Spring to You!

Aren’t you excited that the weather is finally beginning to break? The sun is beginning to shine much longer, the flowers are starting to bloom and slowly but surely we are starting to ease up on having to bundle up. Similar to the change in weather, BOND Inc is also changing…for the better.

In the last few months I have realized the importance and the necessity for the need to evolve. BOND’s mission is to “uplift, motivate and empower women of color to reach their highest potential”.  I often struggled with the question...

Click here to continue reading


 

That Darn Oprah...She's Done It Again

Did you see this? Did you hear about it? Well as I was perusing through Facebook checking messages and sending out some announcements, I came across a rather short yet one of the most powerful videos I’ve seen in quite some time. You know I had to watch the video because the discussion was centered on a subject near and dear to my heart. Women getting along. Not to mention, the video had two of my favorite people, Iyanla Vanzant and Oprah Winfrey in it. So you know I couldn’t just bypass it right?

In the video, Iyanla shares with the audience, “5 Reasons Women Betray Each Other”. In the midst of Iyanla going through the various reasons, my girl Oprah chimes in and hits the nail on the head with this very powerful statement here ...

"If you want to know the difference between a truly successful woman and one that is just trying to be..."Truly successful; powerful people want other people to be empowered".

 

Did she step all in BOND’s business or what? This is the very principle that BOND Inc continues to drive to home since day one. We don't take our name lightly; hence the name Bringing On New Direction nor do we our mission; which is to uplift, motivate and empower women to reach their highest potential. Our very existence is to support women of color in any way we possibly can.

But don’t take our word for it. Go ahead and check out this short video so you can learn a thing or two. And while you’re at it, let us know how we can continue to uplift, motivate and empower you?

5 Reasons Women Betray Each Other

It's often the first weapon women use against one another. Watch as relationship expert Iyanla Vanzant runs through the reasons betrayal is so common in female relationships.

For more information on BOND Inc click here

Top 10 Most Read Post of 2012

While we’re grateful for a brand new year and all the wonderful things that God has in store for us individually and collectively. However 2012 was a very good year for BOND Inc. Our readers were really checking us out this year. Want to know the top 10 post of 2012? Go ahead and knock yourself out.

Am I My Sister’s Keeper  –Guest Blogger Stephania Vereen

Best Hopeless Romantic Love Story Contest- Meet the Belvin Family

Best Hopeless Romantic Love Story Contest- Meet the Metcalfe Family

January 2013 BOND Gathering- “The Law of Attraction”

Grief and Forgiveness For the Daddies Little Girl That Never Was –Guest Blogger Stephania Vereen

Want to Join the BOND Sisterhood-BOND Member Benefits Explained

Best Hopeless Romantic Love Story Contest-Meet the Hughes Family

Great Template on How to Apply Eyeshadow

Product Review: Knot on My Watch

We Are Just So Sad!!! We Can’t Seem To Sit Still

The Law of Attraction Explained Interview

It brings me great pleasure to interview not one but two powerhouse women. This dynamic duo and our two guest speakers for the March 8^th BOND Gathering- “Law of Attraction” is none other than Teresa Hamilton and Lisa Saunders.  Ms Hamilton, a self-published author of “Eight Steps to A Fulfilling Life”, a motivational book that helps people lead successful lives. Her current projects include developing a Purpose Profile to help people discover their God-given purpose while on earth. Ms. Saunders is a public speaker, wife, mother and most importantly a child of God. She is rising to National prominence by delivering high energy messages which helps people to live up to their greatness, and their God given potential.

BOND Girl: Thank you ladies for joining us for this interview. The buzz is growing with next month’s Gathering. What a great way to bring in the New Year. Our guest are really excited about you both coming. 

So Lisa, tell us how helping others realize their dreams became your own personal mission in life?

Lisa Saunders

Lisa Saunders: Helping others realizing their purpose/dreams is something I have always done even as a child. When I was younger, I was just doing what came natural not realizing it was a “gift.” As I continue to grow in wisdom, I realized that not everybody has this gift. It wasn’t long before I realized that this is my “calling” and my purpose

BOND Girl : How important is it to know your purpose in life? 

Teresa Hamilton: It is critical to know your life’s purpose.  I believe that when we were pushed out of the womb that God gave us a destiny or purpose.  When we are on that path, we feel joy and peace.  However, when we are not on the path we feel lethargic, and unsure of ourselves.  When we are truly operating in our purpose, we are sure of our path, and find that in most cases things turn-out our way.  Hence, the Law of Attraction is truly working in our favor.



Teresa Hamilton

BOND Girl: Why do you think some people find it difficult to realize that one “thing” they are good at doing?

Teresa Hamilton: They do not have a connection to God, or they have not done enough introspection within themselves to find out their true passion.  Society does not teach us about purpose.  We are often taught to “go to school, get good grades, and get a job”, but not to follow our true purpose in life.  Most successful people, like Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, and others had a burning passion or desire to do something in a given area, and they will tell you that they were inspired by God or the object itself (computers).  Hence, when you have a connection to God and maintain the connection.  He will eventually lead you to your ultimate destiny.

BOND Girl: Lisa in those cases where someone is already well on their path of realizing and fulfilling their dreams, is a vision board even necessary?

Lisa Saunders: Yes. A vision board is very necessary. No matter who you are and how far we have come on our journey, it helps to not only mentally have a vision, but to put it in front of you so you can SEE it all of the time.  

Habakkuk 2:2 states: “And the Lord answered me saying, “Write the vision, and make it plain on tablets so one may easily read it.” A vision board is all about “focus.”

BOND Girl: Teresa what are some obstacles that stand in a person’s way of realizing their dreams and aspirations?

Teresa Hamilton: There are both internal and external obstacles that keep us from pursuing our dreams. The internal obstacles are our thoughts and they are numerous:  “I’m too old to start doing…,  I do not have the money to ….., I do not have the confidence to …., I have never done this before…, I am afraid…”,   The key is to replace these negative thoughts with positive ones, “I will have the money to….,  I am able to exceeding and abundantly, more than anything I could think or ask, according to the power that is within me., I am more than a conqueror through Christ who strengthens me.”

And then there are those external obstacles. The external obstacles are the noise that you hear from those closest to you, or those you may come into daily contact.  The external obstacles are our family, friends, and others. They say things such as; “You are just like your father, and you’ll never amount to anything, you are foolish to consider….you will never succeed, you need a better work ethic, you can never get it right, and you have two left feet….” “”What makes you think you can dance?”  Whenever, you hear these words from others you must reject them immediately, and replace them with positive affirmations such as:  “I can accomplish whatever, I desire, I am born to do…., I will be successful.”

BOND Girl: Is there anything that the ladies should bring with them on that day?

Lisa Saunders: Bring pictures of things that they would like to have now or in the future. Most importantly, bring a Creative mind and a positive attitude!

BOND Girl: Who do you think should attend March's Gathering the Law of Attraction?”

Lisa Saunders: Anyone who wants to move to the next phase of their journey in love, peace and joy! Anyone who wants to make radical bold changes in their lives by starting with the “renewing of mindset!” Anyone who has a dream that they want to see manifest. And anyone who wants to have FUN while learning something “NEW!”

Teresa Hamilton: The Law of Attraction March Gathering should be attended by anyone who desires to live a joyous and peaceful life.  Each day we wake up, we should feel good about our lives.  We should have so much joy that we feel like we have a million bucks or more.  We should also have love for ourselves and our brother.  If we are lacking in any of these areas, then we need to have a significant change in our lives. Most importantly, if you feel a lull in your life, and not quite satisfied, but you cannot put your finger on what is bothering you, then you should attend this session so that you may GET on purpose”!

BOND Girl: The older I get the more I realize the importance of keeping your vision in the forefront. What better way to have a constant reminder than with a vision board. Ladies, thank you both for this wonderful opportunity.  We most certainly are at the edge of our seats waiting to see you both in action March 8^th. The RSVPs have been pouring in and I’m just excited about the things to come. I think these women are hungry for this type of Gathering. 

                                                    ************************

For more information on the March 2013 Gathering, “The Law of Attraction” click here.  Due to the overwhelming responses RSVP's will shut down March 1st. If you RSVP after that date your name will be added to the waitlist.

You May Also Be Interested In Reading

January Gathering Guest Speaker-Lisa Saunders
January Gathering Guest Speaker-Teresa Hamilton

BOND Gatherings- A Space Free to Be Exactly Who God Intended Me to Be

www.iambondinc.blogspot.com

Anybody Need A J.O.B?

 

I’m sure every one of us knows someone who has either lost their job or looking to switch jobs. BOND Inc has partnered up with Compass Consulting & Training to provide a platform for those who are seeking new employment.  Our ultimate goal is to share job openings to as many folks as we possibly can especially to those who are without employment.  

If you or anyone you know is either looking for a new job or you are aware of any job openings please send the information to iambondinc@gmail.com so that we can share the information to the masses.  Regardless of the location, background, education level or job markets, you can rest assure that there will be something for everyone.

If you would like to receive job listings as they become available please send your wish list, background and location to iambondinc@gmail.com. Be sure to add "HOOK ME UP" in the subject line.

We greatly appreciate you and hope to hear from you soon.

Click here for Job Listings

The Choice Is Yours

Saw this quote on the wall at work and thought I just had to share. This spoke volumes for me and hope it does for you too. 

We do not choose to be born.
We do not choose our parents,
Or our times or country of birth,
Or the circumstances of our upbringing.
We do not – most of us – choose to die
But within all this realm of choicelessness
We do choose how we shall live –
Courageously or in cowardice,
Honorably or dishonorably,
With purpose or adrift.
We decide what is important and what is trivial,
What makes us significant is what we do,
Or refuse to do.
We decide and we choose
And so we give definition to ourselves.

--Joseph Epstein

Want to Join the Sisterhood... BOND Member Benefits Explained

Dues ensure that any fees generated cover the cost of producing and maintaining membership benefits such as Gatherings, guest speakers, sponsored events, administrative costs and much more. Dues are paid yearly and/or at the time you apply for your membership with BOND Inc. As a member you gain access to a wider range of benefits including networking opportunities, discount products, events and much more. We are constantly evaluating current benefits and researching for additional ones. Click here for a membership form. We'd love for you to join us.

This Week's Spotlight~Laquita Thomas-Banks-"A Natural Born Leader"

At the age of 13, Laquita Thomas-Banks started an in-home braiding business, styling hair for her family and friends. She's been styling hair - doing everything from natural hair styles, braids and weaves for over 25 years.  Laquita also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism. Throughout her writing career she's written and edited for both print and online media. Over the past few years, she has been combining her writing skills with her love of natural hair and had the opportunity to write for several online and print magazines and hair sites. She loves sharing the knowledge that she's gained throughout her natural hair journey - i.e., hair care and maintenance techniques, DIY recipes and hairstyles. Laquita has written for Clutch magazine and its sister site Coco and Cream, She writes for the Examiner.com as the DC Natural Hair Examiner. She also writes natural hair articles for Pumpsicle, AfroGlitz, Living No Lye, Sanata International print magazine, and a guest blogger on Kinnks. Laquita also has her own blog and YouTube channel All Naptural. She's also a member of eBraiding/eNaturals Advisory Board, where she assist with the eBraiding/eNaturals’ mission of helping uplift the hair braiding and natural hair care industry into a healthy environment, and promoting unity within both hair care communities. She works as one of the Press, Advertising and PR board members, providing guidance and input to the organization’s executive team.

My Greatest Accomplishment to Date Has Been:

Along with sharing the knowledge that I have gained throughout my natural hair journey, I started my own natural hair products business. Bobeam (bo-bee-um) Natural Hair Products.  Bobeam’s specialty is shampoo bars made with all natural ingredients and they can be used on all hair types. 

Through Bobeam I have been able to donate proceeds to various organizations including 1 in 8 Foundation.org - supporting the fight against cancer through early detection, and S.E.L.F. Image Awards Foundation, a non-profit organization that aids families affected by domestic violence.

The Most Challenging Thing I Ever Experienced:

I would have to say the most challenging, but still rewarding thing that I have experienced is creating products that will work for all types of hair. This is a challenge because what works for some may not necessarily work for others. In turn it’s rewarding when, through research, I come across natural ingredients that are beneficial to all types of hair.

Most Valuable Lesson(s): 

The most valuable lesson that I have learned so far is to make my passion my business. My mother always told my brother and I to work for ourselves, turn what we like doing - things we are passionate about - into our business.  It took me years to realize that in doing so - waking up every morning doing something that I love, writing, creating my own products, giving back to others - is the key to a happy, stress-free life, and I encourage others to do the same. It’s never too late.

Final Remarks: 

I would like to thank BOND Inc. for giving me the opportunity to be profiled along with all the other African American women who have been spotlighted. I feel that recognizing African American women who are doing extraordinary things personally and/or professionally, and sharing their accomplishments is a great way to encourage and inspire others.

For More Information Visit:

All Naptural Natural Hair Blog http://allnaptural.blogspot.com/
Examiner.com Natural Hair Articles http://www.examiner.com/natural-hair-in-washington-dc/laquita-thomas-banks
Bobeam Natural Hair Products http://www.etsy.com/shop/Laquita33
eBraiding/eNaturals http://www.ebraiding.net/

BOND Inc Spotlight features ordinary African American women from all over who are doing extra-ordinary things.  If you or anyone you know would like to be featured, send your requests for more information to iambondinc@gmail.com.