Full name: Jamie Fleming

Company: Mocha Writer, LLC

Position: Founder & Freelance Copywriter

Website: http://mochawriter.com

Year Founded: 2009

Tell us about yourself and your business: I’m a writer and blogger from GA. Admittedly, I’m somewhat of a work-a-holic, but in my spare time, I love to read, do my nails, spend time with my loves and just enjoy life.

Mocha Writer is a freelance copywriting service specializing in creating fabulous content for small, women-owned businesses and working with other small businesses, start-ups and individuals. I write copy for blogs, newsletters, articles and more. Additionally, I run a women’s lifestyle blog, for colored gurls.

What inspired you to start a business? Honestly, I started my business because I couldn’t find a job in media after I graduated from college. Writing has been a passion of mine since I was little, and I knew it was the career I wanted to pursue. However, since I couldn’t find a job, I decided to create a career for myself instead of waiting around. Now that I’m doing this, I can’t imagine doing anything else. I really enjoy helping people achieve their business goals.

Share one business goal: My primary business goal is to help other women and entrepreneurs achieve their dreams and goals with my services.

What would you say contributes to your success? Determination. This journey has not been an easy one, but I think the fact that I’m persistent and haven‘t given up has made me successful.

What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur? If it’s something you really want to do and you’re passionate about it, don’t give up. It might take you a long time to get where you want to be in your business, but if you’re determined and persistent, you will get where you want to be.

Additionally, don’t be afraid to dream big and go after whatever it is you want in life.

Anything else you want to mention about your business? I have a blog based on my business, Mocha Writes. The purpose of it is to help people succeed in both their personal and professional lives.

If anyone has questions about what I do, feel free to contact me: Jamie Fleming [at] mocha writer [dot] com.

Full Name: Kimberlee Thorne-Waintraub

Company: Small World Language Services

Position: Owner

Website: www.smallworldlanguages.net

Year Founded: 2004

Tell us about yourself and your business: I’m a US expat based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. We are a language niche company specializing in translation, proofreading and transcription.

What inspired you to start a business? It was a natural transition for me. I taught English for many years and then began hiring other teachers to help me. While I taught students, I realized there was a huge need for people to correct texts in English and to write well, so I started doing proofreading and editing (checking the original text with the translation for accuracy and quality).

With time, I became an in-house translator for a telecommunications newspaper online. As I developed better skills, the demand for my services also grew, and so did the demand. I made a lot of mistakes at the beginning, mostly because I would take on work I couldn’t handle. I’ve now learned that it’s better to only accept what you do well or you’ll disappoint your clients.

Share one business goal: I’d like to get to the point where people are breaking down doors to hire my services. Sounds funny, but it’s what I want. I want to be the one in demand – the one everyone wants and values.

What would you say contributes to your success? I’m not afraid of trying new things. I get these ideas and think, “Why not?” Most of the time, others tell me that it’s a great idea and that they loved it, so that encourages me to go forward.

I also work with a great team of linguists. Not only are they pros at what they do, but they’re also great people who bless my life in so many ways.

I must say that my husband is my main support. Without his encouragement, I don’t know where I’d be.

What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur? You shouldn’t think about it too much and just go forward with what you want to do, and not be afraid of risk. You’ll never be truly happy unless you give your dream a try. Just do it!

Anything else you want to mention about your business? Small World Language Services is the place where you can trust us with your language requirements. If you needed us yesterday, but you found us today, you’ll be glad you did!

Full Name: Natasha Clark

Company: The Lioness Group

Position: Founder

Website: www.thelionessgroup.com

Year Founded: 2009

Tell us about yourself and your business: Natasha Clark founded The Lioness Group in 2009 for the entrepreneur, small business owner and large companies that understand the value of keeping a “small business” mentality. Local business owners expressed a need for quality, low-cost writing and public relations services to help their consumer base expand. As a result, a high percentage of their business is from repeat customers and referrals.

The mission of The Lioness Group is to help small business owners and entrepreneurs get their message and passion to their target audience. They teach their clients the importance of branding, consistency and the benefits of learning to create a first-class press release.

What inspired you to start a business? I’ve always been asked if I do freelance work on the side. I never had the courage to actually step out and establish myself as a separate entity. But like so many other twenty-somethings facing this economic crisis, I realized that my future and talents are best left to be managed by me. The Lioness Group will allow me to do that on my own terms.

Share one business goal: My goal is to eventually hire an entire “pride” of smart, modern, ambitious women to work at The Lioness Group.

What would you say contributes to your success? I’m a people person. I love to meet new people and listen to their stories. Listening will get you a long way.

What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur? Even when you are wondering why you were crazy enough to become an entrepreneur, remember why you started it, and you’ll get through the day.

Anything else you want to mention about your business? Never, ever give up on your dreams. Believe you already received it, and the blessings will be yours.

Full Name: Stylicia  A. Bowden

Company: The Writer’s Block

Position: CEO/Visionary

Website: www.releasethepen.com

Year Founded: 2008

Tell us about yourself and your business: I am driven, motivated, and inspired to help women reach their full potential in life and their business. My business is a vehicle to help potential clients tap into a greater them in writing and business. I strive to provide a solution to their literary and business needs overall.

What inspired you to start a business? People would ask me how I went about getting self published so I decided to start my business to help aspiring writers gain knowledge on self publishing and other valuable information to assist them on their writing journey.

Share one business goal: I desire to connect with essential organizations especially organizations geared towards women to help them tap into their entrepreneurial gift, if they desire to own a business (motivational speaking).

What would you say contributes to your success? One word, determination.

What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur? Do not be defined by your failures but be refined by your determination to never give up.

Anything else you want to mention about your business? Every first Thursday of the month, I facilitate a call for my network group called Women On The Move, dedicated to women entrepreneurs learning essential keys for success in their business and personal life.  I also do career motivational speaking and conduct seminars/workshops for aspiring writers.

Full Name: Kimberly J. Bowles

Company: The Internet Celebrity

Position: Founder & CEO

Website: www.diamondmediagirl.com

Year Founded: 2006-2010 (several businesses, range dates)

Tell us about yourself and your business: As seen on Tyra, The Mike & Juliet Show, BET, MTV, TNT, CW, ABC, CNN and TRUTV Kimberly Jessy, Media Darling & Former Hollywood Publicist can show you the Key to Fame & Fortune! Kimberly Jessy can show you how to Celebritize your Business and Stand OUT from the CROWD. If your an Author, Blogger, Actor, Model, or Entrepreneur, Its time you become the Star of your BUSINESS & Gain Massive Followers! ”Celebritize Your Business”

What inspired you to start a business? I worked as a Psychotherapist and High School teacher after leaving the Military, I was always working while being a single mom to my only son Samuel. One day my son got sick and had a fever that was near “fatal” I was not able to be reached because I was with clients all day, the school could not get through to me for 8 hours and they needed permission to take my son to the Hospital, by law they could not do it without my consent. Long Story short, they got him there he turned out ok after treatment and at that point I made a decision to be present and available in my and my sons life on my terms.

Share one business goal: Help 1,000,000 Business Owners Stand out from their Peers.

What would you say contributes to your success? Determination, Creativity, and being Coachable.

What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur? Get a Coach asap, SPEND THE MONEY and Develop themselves and their business…after all they are going to be with each other (self/business) forever, **business if they choose**

Anything else you want to mention about your business? No, it speaks for itself…lol

http://theinternetcelebrity.com

http://theinternetcelebrity.com

http://pincarpetmagazine.com

http://kimpireworld.com

http://iwhwi.com

http://iwhbim.com

Full Name: Suzanne Deliscar

Company: Treasures Translations

Position: Lawyer-Linguist

Website: www.treasurestranslations.ca

Year Founded: 2002

Tell us about yourself and your business: I am a Canadian lawyer-linguist translating in the Spanish-English and French-English language pairs. I focus on certificate and legal translation.

What inspired you to start a business? I always wanted to combine languages and law.

I started out learning French in Late French Immersion in grade 7 and continued on throughout high school. I also took 3 years of Spanish in high school. During my first year of university I took both Advanced French and Advanced Spanish. I decided to do my degree in History and Latin American Studies. I also spent the second semester of my third year of undergrad in Chile.

Right after undergrad I went to law school, but I never left languages behind. I taught English and Spanish, did volunteer translation, and kept self-educating in French and Spanish.

Share one business goal: One of my business goals is to be the preferred supplier of Spanish certificate translation in Canada. Certificates include such documents as birth certificates, marriage certificates, transcripts, and the like. As a bilingual country, both English and French documents are acceptable for use in Canada for official purposes, so my focus is on the Spanish part of the certificate translation market.

What would you say contributes to your success? Networking has played a huge role in the success of my translation business. The same elements that grew my law practice come into play with my translation services. I have many repeat clients who came about through networking at different events. I truly believe that becoming visible is key to building a translation business. Many people have come to know me as a lawyer-linguist, and as I also learned how to parlay both parts of myself, as a lawyer and a linguist, and how the combination brings added value to my clients. A lot of people tell me that as soon as they hear someone else mention Spanish or French or law, they think of me.

What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur? Become known! Brand yourself as the go-to person. Like any other industry, there is a lot of competition but there is still a lot of work, enough to go around. If I just said I translate Spanish>English and French>English, I would not stand out. By promoting the fact that I am a lawyer-linguist, that I am a practicing lawyer, and that I am well-connected are just some of the things that have drawn people to me. We are all unique, show who you are and let your clients love you!

As well, it is not always a step backward to take on other work while building your translation business, valuable contacts can be made in-house. As well, become well-connected. Clients like it when you can point them in the right direction when you can’t help them yourself. I keep a list of translators in other language pairs and/or subject matters that I can refer work to.

Anything else you want to mention about your business? Right from the start, my first priority was and remains to fully enjoy the richness of language and translation. I have always loved languages and law, and want it to remain that way. I also made it a priority to use my language skills to reach and help others, and mentor other “double-hyphenates”.

Full Name: Zhana

Company: Zhana Productions

Position: Founder and Owner

Website: www.blacksuccess1.com

Year Founded: 2007

Tell us about yourself and your business: I am a writer, publisher and personal growth consultant. I produce books, CDs, trainings and a radio show to help people reach their goals and achieve their unlimited possibilities. My particular focus is people of African heritage internationally.

I have produced two books, Success Strategies for Black People and Black Success Stories, as well as ebooks such as What They Don’t Want Us to Know and the free More Black Success ebooks. I am now working on a series of relationship books.

Plus healing CDs Radiant Health and Healing, Detox Your Body and the new Deep Healing CD.

What inspired you to start a business? Wanting to help people grow and develop. I had already been teaching personal development courses for many years. I wanted to reach more Black people and support people who really needed my help.

Share one business goal: My new radio show (starting in May) will aim to reach a minimum of 20,000 people. I will be co-presenting the show with Joan Gosier of HBCU Kidz.

What would you say contributes to your success? Believing in myself and in what I have to offer, and coming from the heart. It’s also very important to be willing to learn and grow, and even change direction if necessary.

What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur? Find other people who are offering something similar to you and/or who share your core values, and partner with them. Don’t see them as competitors, see them as potential partners. And focus on how your work can help others. Plus, writing articles is a highly effective way to publicize your business.

Anything else you want to mention about your business? If you want to be featured in More Black Success, contact me via http://www.black-success.com/storieswanted.htm

Full Name: V. De’Vonne Williams

Name of your Company: Basil MAGAZINE

Position: Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

Website Address: www.basilmagazine.com

Year Founded: 2009

Tell us about yourself and your business: Proud single mother of a soon to be eight year old son. He is a straight – A student who loves school, basketball and drums! He is my biggest fan, my best buddy, my first priority, and most gracious gift! I have a background in world wide sales & marketing, culinary, event production and philanthropy.

About Basil MAGAZINE – We are truly excited to be the first global magazine that not only recognizes food, wine & spirits, but we also focus on life & lifestyle, philanthropy, chefs and foodies. Basil MAGAZINE is the only magazine today that can say that. Basil is positioned to be the “premiere” food and wine magazine offering a combination of radio, online and marketing channels working together to provide maximum brand exposure for our partners.

With an incredibly strong sense of style and a discerning palette, the Basil MAGAZINE reader is a sophisticate and affluent consumer. Our readers are a mix of global readers interested in food and wine; healthy living and lifestyle, and philanthropy leaders. All of whom have a dynamic mix of culture and entrepreneurism.

What inspired you to start a business? I have always been an entrepreneur. From selling Avon in high school, to starting my first event planning & catering company at the age of 17 to having my own real estate company, to having my own marketing consulting company. I’ve always been an entrepreneur.

What inspired me to specifically start Basil MAGAZINE? I was looking for a way to combine ALL things that I loved most in life, and wrap them into something that I could share with the world. I collaborated with my cousin who also has a background in world wide sales & marketing as well as restaurant management. We were looking to do something that would be globally catered to women. We were side-tracked by another project where we were asked to come on and do something that was in food & wine, but different. It was chaos! After a ‘very short’ stint off track, we went back to our original plan and have not looked back.

Although we were first going after women, we decided to include men too! We call Basil a food & wine magazine with a twist as we also include life/lifestyle, philanthropy, chefs and foodies. Since we had always been around food, wine and entertaining, we knew what we wanted to see, but took a year to do research.

Not only did we do a simple newsletter, but we also we went straight to our chefs and foodies that we know both in the states and abroad, and asked them what they wanted to see in a “new” magazine. As it turned out, they were looking for the same things we were, more!

They wanted to see more of themselves, more simplistic gourmet meals and cooking techniques, more information and tips on living and living healthy and more about what reaches and teaches the human heart – giving back.

We also wanted to share with the world all of the great diversity in the culinary industry. At Basil, we celebrate and highlight all of the wonderful chefs and foodies that are around the globe who are excellent and at the top of their games in their own communities. Some have tremendous credentials and experience and are not known outside of where they live, and some are well on their way. These days, unless you are on a network, we don’t know that they exist. We wanted Basil to be that platform that introduces/re-introduces chefs and foodies everywhere so that we all get the opportunity to know and love them as well.

Share one business goal: Educate. We at Basil MAGAZINE each month have one main goal in addition to entertaining and inspiring and that is to educate. We want our readers to know that “they” can. They can make the meals that they see on TV for them selves, friends and family. They can take back their power and live healthy lifestyles so that they can live harmoniously with their families. They can take the time to give back to someone in need and set the example and the foundation for their families so they can continue on the legacy of philanthropy in their family.  They can, and are doing all the same things that the chefs we see on TV are doing, Basil is just another platform to get them noticed.

What would you say contributes to your success? The Basil Team! We have a dynamic group of people who are involved with Basil all over the world. The Basil team is smart, sharp, creative, innovative and ahead of the game. It’s truly a blessing to have a like-minded team who are totally excited about what they are doing. Priceless…

What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur? Stay focused on your focus… If you have a dream, passion and desire to do something, then do it! Stay on your path and although you may be presented with other projects, they just take you that much further away from what you are created to do. Stay on your path! Always bet on you! Take all of that same energy and zeal that you work everyday 9am – 5pm with, and put into you. Since you are betting on you, failure is NOT an option. Yes, it will be hard, and everyone is not going to see and/or get your vision. That’s okay. Those won’t be the folks that you are focused on and market to. They will however, come around later and check you out, buy your product, etc. They just won’t tell you. Some people like McDonalds, some people like Burger King. Just remember that everything is not for everybody. Just go get your piece of the market share. There is plenty to go around.

Anything else you want to mention about your business? Yes, since our launch, we have received rave reviews from BRAVO TV and The Food Network and their Chefs. We are now on their “1^st-to-Know” casting call list for shows. They also go through our Chef’s Directory and cherry pick chefs that they want to audition for shows.

Newsletters – Please sign up for our newsletters as we have great giveaways from our advertisers and sponsors. We call our selves the “Oprah Winfrey” of the food & wine magazines as we have great giveaways every month in the magazine as well as in the newsletter.

Social Networking – Although we are building and adding more, please log onto our site and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and FoodBuzz. We also give away products on those sites as well.

Basil MAGAZINE Radio Show – We do a weekly radio show on Mondays. If you, or anyone you know would be interested in being a guest on the show, please let me know. The show is in the same vein as the magazine:  Eat. Drink. Live. Give. This is a great way to promote your business.

Chefs – If you know any chefs that you would like to see in our Chefs Directory, please send me an email as we would be happy to add them.

Recipes – Our recipes come from chefs and foodies around the globe. If you have a great recipe you’d like to share, with credits of course, please send me an email.

Media Sponsorships – If you have an event that you would like Basil MAGAZINE to be a media sponsor for, please let me know.