At my 1st generation college party when I graduated the 1st time, I gave out plaques to family members for supporting me down through the years in one way or another, limited resources and all. I think I was thanking them for there “presence” in my life no matter how small or great. Being that I came from a “single parent” household and their were many “financial struggles” after my parents divorce when I was 11 years old. So, that was always a factor in everything. The other factor is that my parents were not able to come together to do certain things after the divorce. At the graduation party, I gave my dad a ThankYou plaque and he shook my hand and said, “ThankYou I should be giving you a plaque Kristie for graduating from college.” I made a “blank stare” and smiled. Deep down inside I felt a lump in my stomach because he was right. My family should have come together to throw me 1st generation college graduation party. They should have had a plaque, flowers, balloons and a great send off for me right? Did they not realize that I had just overcome a generational “thing?” My parents graduated high school. Mom completed some college. My grandfathers brother dropped out of primary school in the 3rd and 6th grade to help with sharecropping and picking cotton to help their families. My maternal grandmother got her G.E.D and my other grandmother was not able to finish high school I don’t believe. So my 1st college graduation party was the start of a legacy and a change in the trajectory of my family of origin and immediate family line. Well, in this podcast episode I discuss “throwing my own party” but I am just now realizing that I wanted to be “seen, heard and validated” by my own family first. My father is deceased now. He never came back and gave me a plaque for it but he did help me get back in school the 2nd time I transferred. My family didn’t exactly “understand” why I was going to college anyway. But hey at least they were “present” at my graduation ceremony and my party that I had to organize. Now this is about my college graduation. Let me make it clear that my maternal grandfather DID help keep a roof over our heads and food on the table for many years. So by the time we got to my 1st college graduation he and my grandmother had already done enough really! So, it was really up to my parents at that point to come together and throw a graduation party for me or any of their children. It may not have happened the way I “envisioned” but I still graduated! My family was there and that was what I could hope for at that time. But to reframe, I’m going to acknowledge that moment in time by doing something nice for myself. I will get a plaque or certificate for myself. And I will have my “You Go Girl” moment and move on. It’s all about healing and reframing those “broken pieces” and making them whole. I’m not mad at my family that I had to throw my own college graduation party. I just feel a sense of “relief” that I finally acknowledged that they should have stepped up and gave me a plaque too. That’s all. It’s over now. Can’t wait to create my certificate! What a relief to get that out. I hope this podcast gave you some insight on your journey. Please hug your family and tell them you love them anyway. Some of us may get “overlooked” at times even in our own families but God will always “count us in.” Be blessed.

Test Pilot Episode #21 - “Testing Podcasting Mic - Why I Love To Travel!” I decided to talk about one of my favorite topics while testing out this new podcasting mic! Do you like to travel? I certainly do. Find out what impressed me about life in the southern tip of Spain and about Germany culture. Let me know what you think! Thanks for tuning in. #kristiejanelconversations

Test Pilot Episode 20 - “Nobody Can Beat You At Being You”

Kristie Janel Conversations - Test Pilot Episode #19 - “3 Tips For Small Biz StartUps From A Person Who Managed 200+ Contracts”

Test Pilot Episode #19 - “3 Tips For Small Biz StartUps From A Person Who Managed 200+ Contracts”

In this episode Kristie Janel discusses 3 important things for small business start ups to consider when embarking on a new business venture. She explains that it is important to believe in yourself and your vision, the importance of just getting started + utilizing professional development as a tool to learn and grow and remaining adaptable to deal with the process of highs and lows in small business. The reference and examples that she uses is managing over 200 contracts in a former family small business that she ran with her Iraqi Veteran Ex husband that did over $1/2 million in sales in 5 years. Another experience that she draws from is when she managed a collegiate program as an associate professor of human services for 9 years that grew over 100%. This is a great episode for those who are just getting started in small business or thinking about it. If you would like to leave comments or ask questions, click on the message button. Thanks for tuning in! Please considering subscribing and supporting the podcast here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kristie-janel/support - Thanks so much!

Test Pilot Episode #18 “Healthy Relationships Start With You & Overcoming The 3 C’s.” This episode is about having a healthy level of self awareness first so that you can be whole and present in a relationship. The three C’s are discussed as challenges to overcome in modern day pop culture such as co-dependency, toxic competition and conflict. The conversation is directed to help bring awareness to some of the disparities in relationships in the black community. However, the principles discussed can be applied to any relationship of any race. Thanks for tuning in. What are your thoughts about overcoming the 3 C’s in a healthy way?

Test Pilot Episode #17 “The Importance Of Accountability “- This episode is about the benefits of having accountability in your life. It’s like an example I gave in this conversation about a person who was going to a party and knew that they didn’t need to have more than “two drinks.” So they asked an accountable “buddy” to remind them after 2 drinks to drink water or a non-alcoholic beverage. The goal was “not to over drink” be safe and get back home alive. So having the accountable support helped to meet that goal. There are so many ways to have “accountable voices” in your life whether it’s through mentoring programs, a teacher, a pastor, best friend, relative, a podcast, a book, article or source of information or whatever is deemed an accountable source. It’s that “thing” that serves as a “checks and balances” system in your life to help you make the right decisions or even better decisions for yourself. Accountability could look like your “higher power.” Mine is God. The Bible or inspirational content could be another example of a source of accountability. You holding yourself accountable is a source of accountability! Wanting better for yourself is what influences you to surround yourself with accountable people. It starts there. To find out why having this level of accountability is good…well listen to the entire episode to find out! The question is: Why Accountability Important?

Test Pilot Episode 16 - My “Facebook” Crossroads

I’m trying to think of ways to stay connected on Facebook so I’m trying out some new things. I have been making some adjustments. Honestly, I thought about leaving Facebook all together. I don’t “like” the “high school” “competitive” nature of Facebook. I feel that it is “numbers” and “popularity” based driving people to do “insane” and “fake” things to get noticed. That is not what I am here for. I use Facebook as a portfolio, to blog, share content, share my creative talents and spread some type of inspiration to the people that follow me.

I also have experienced “trolls” and “haters” in this same space. So I will continue to pray about it and ask God to lead me with what to do. I have met some wonderful people in this virtual community. Literally there are people on here (all 5k) from all over the country and all over the world. Some, I remember from the very beginning in 2009 when journey started on Facebook. I don’t just look at “numbers” on FB. Numbers mean nothing if it’s trash and low value in nature. I’m inspired by positive content and controversial content at times truthfully. Transformational content is what inspires me the most.

Being on social media comes with rewards and risks. I want to be more intentional about acknowledging genuine support on my page from time to time. I am also at a cross roads. There are some people from my past I don’t want to be on this “personal” page anymore. I do have a music page @kristiesingsmusic and a public page @kristiejanel for the general public as other options. Some people are “spies” for my ex husband or some individuals who are associated with him who do not have my best interest, caused division during my divorce and some stole money from me. I have no interest in being connected to those individuals. I do not have any type of association with them whatsoever, including my ex husband. They are only interested in being “aggravating” like they haven’t already done enough. I don’t need to waste a whole paragraph on individuals who don’t like me either. They don’t deserve it. I will continue to pray for them and keep it moving. I will continue to ask God to help me with my forgiveness walk. 🙏🏽😊

Anyway, I’m interested in staying connected to genuine people who want to see me WIN just like I like to see other people WIN. So as I continue to “evaluate” my internet “presence” please be in prayer for me. I pray that you will experience divine transformation in every area of your life.

I have a unique “community” here. There are people on my page from all walks of life and industries. People who met me as a married woman are used to seeing “ Superwoman” Kristie. They really don’t know what to do with the “Solitude” “Single” Kristie. I’m figuring life out. That’s my process right now. I reached a humble place going through a divorce and aftermath. Going through “court” processes for a total of 7 years has been exhausting to say the least. So please pardon me or be patient with me (perhaps) as my “rebuilding” “restoration” process continues. I thank God for this grace and mercy.

My desire is to walk in his purpose for my life. I am NOT perfect by any means. Sharing my testimony is important to me. It includes my successes, mistakes, highs, lows, bad and good experiences. It makes me human like you. And I want to hear your stories! I hope my journey inspires others to want to transform their lives even if it is in a small way. That’s my prayer. In this season I want to be connected to the right people with the right intentions. If I did decide to leave, I would redirect my following to join me on another platform. If I’m going to be on here I am going to be more intentional in some areas. WHATEVER I decide to do, I will evaluate a little closer moving forward and make adjustments accordingly. Thankyou to those who have shown support. I appreciate it.

God bless you. Thankyou. Kristie Janel LinkTree: Kristie Janel Social

Test Pilot Episode #15 - What Happened To Those Last Few Contracts From The Family Business During Your Divorce? That’s a good question! In the course of the life of C&K Catering, LLC I managed over 200 contracts in 5 years. Under the guidance of legal counsel, I closed out the last few contracts that were already planned and signed off on. There were a few corporate events and weddings during that time. Although my ex husband (who was the chef and owner) had already left, I still honored the contracts because it was the right thing and ethical thing to do. I did not want to leave anyone “hanging in the wind” with their event. Those contracts were executed with a small skeleton crew and closed out that I managed. Whatever my ex husband was doing on his “own at that time and up to present date with other people is between he and them. I have nothing to do with that. I will update this preview later but that’s what this episode is about. Let me know if you have any questions!

After speaking with a few people who have traveled overseas either during the pandemic or post pandemic, I thought about some travel safety tips to consider. One person gave me an example of a friend who traveled overseas who got sick and ended up in the hospital with doctors who could not speak English. So, this person had an unexpected “extended stay.” They had to stay until they could get well enough to travel back to the U.S., quarantine and what not. Sounds kind of “nightmarish” right? Thankfully they finally made it back. I imagined being in that person’s shoes. What would I do in this situation? What would you do in this situation? What kind of travel safety plan do you have in place for traveling out of the country? Thanks for tuning in!

I was moved to tears when I heard this lady’s story about being married for a such long period of time. She shared her story out loud in a store while working her gig job. The first marriage was 17 years. The 2nd marriage was 30 years. I suspect that the limo business she co-owned with her X husband hit record numbers in profit and the X got with a younger woman and left with a lot of money. I think the process took a devastating emotional financial toll on the X-wife and she just said “forget it.” After 30 years she probably feels no “energy” in trying to build a new business. It’s a lot to rebuild especially with little to no support. So she’s delivering food now. I’m sure some days she may just feel like she lost a whole legacy! I mean retirement and all! On top of that, society doesn’t help with making it seem like women aren’t “attractive” after the age of 28. That’s a whole lie! I hate these unrealistic expectations that society puts on women!

Well she looked about 68 and that’s when she should be settling into enjoying her retirement. Sounds like the legal system got that.

Wow. I consider her to be a miracle. It was inspiring to see her out here still trying. And she made me think about the roll coaster ride that I’ve endured post divorce. It’s exhausting. But at least I get to start over this time on my own terms. A divorce bombshell and betrayal can pretty much ruin your life or at least have you feeling that way. Your confidence is shattered, your social status changes, people will treat you like an “outsider”, people will judge you and talk about you, it may have negative impact on your career, your finances may just completely change, your support system will quickly dwindle down, and the depression and grief is so REAL.

I dare you to just keep waking up and putting one foot in front of the other if you are divorced and starting over. New opportunities will begin to emerge. You will meet new friends, hopefully learn how to love yourself better, see the world differently and learn healthy boundaries. A lot of things will change for the better. It just takes time to get through the rough spots. I’m glad you’ve made it this far. Keep going and listen to this podcast for some inspiration. 🙏🏽