Support is Sexy

Anne Chertoff is the woman you want to help get you down the aisle. Sort of. Since she was younger, Anne has always loved throwing parties and events, and as she matured and began her career as a magazine editor, she fell into bridal and fell completely in love.

Today, in addition to being a busy mom of two, Anne consults a bevy of brides on the details of their weddings, works with companies, such as Vera Wang, covers bridal for several publications and web sites, appears on television giving bridal tips and is the founder and editor-in-chief of the wedding web site TwirlWeddings.com. Though she isn't a wedding planner (and doesn't want to be), Anne talks about the benefits of knowing the ins and outs of the wedding business, finding your niche, doing what you love, getting help and why you should consider her your wedding "best friend."

On this episode you'll learn…

The importance of having a team, especially as a consultant.The benefits of finding a niche that allows you to do a little bit of everything.The joys of doing what you love.How the weddings business works.Why national weddings magazines are closing and local markets are thriving.The truth about weddings reviews (and what you need to know).Some of her favorite weddings resources.What she wishes she knew before her own wedding.Her top favorite (and least favorite) bridal trends.And why she's not trying to be supermom.

Thank you for listening! And hey, if you love it, click here to leave us a Rating & Review on iTunes!

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Show notes, links, contacts and resources for this episode may be found at http://elaynefluker.com/podcast/

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[Music: "Someone Else's Memories" by Revolution Void]

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If you're going to talk about Eden Duncan-Smith, make sure you get her name right. In response to the dude from TMZ who mispronounced her name when revealing how much money the 16 year old made when she co-starred in the 2014 movie, Annie, Eden says the first thing she thought was: "Boy, you need to get my name right!"

Eden, pronounced eh-den, first fell in love with acting when she was 9, but when she was younger and auditioning, she didn't take it seriously. Until Lion King changed everything. After seeing the play and having friends who appeared in it, the self-described whimsical girl decided to get focused. At age 10, out of 500 kids auditioning for the role of young Nala, she got a call back that same day.

Today, as a triple threat performer, Eden realizes she has experienced so much more than the average teenager since she has been in the entertainment business. She has had to manage up, perfect her interpersonal skills and learn how to have thick skin, all by age 16. Now she says it's "second nature," and it's a skill that we all need for life, not just acting.

On this episode of the Support is Sexy podcast, Eden talks about her journey from the early days of starring in the Tony-award-winning revival Fences with powerhouse actress Viola Davis, her mentor, to her upcoming project, Roxanne, Roxanne, with another mentor, actress Nia Long, and she openly shares the real deal on what it means to be a child actor, how to get into the business, and how to stay grounded in an industry that can easily get you caught up.

On this episode you'll learn…

Eden's advice for young black actorsHow to stay focused on what's importantWhy you need to have the talent then cultivate itThe first step to getting into the businessThe benefits of "cattle calls"How to stay grounded as a young woman in the entertainment industryWhat you need to be aware of about social mediaWhat people misunderstand about the businessWhy her activism is around getting more girls to love themselves

Thank you for listening! And hey, if you love it, click here to leave us a Rating & Review on iTunes!

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[Music: "Someone Else's Memories" by Revolution Void]

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Decisions. They are a part of our lives, day in and day out. Yet we often agonize over them each time we have to face one that we think really matters. But they all matter, don't they? Our decisions shape our lives. I heard Tony Robbins say in a recent interview with Tim Ferriss that, "It's your decisions, not your conditions, that shape your life." And whether the decision is right or wrong, it doesn't even matter. What matters is: was it the best choice you knew to make at that time? Was it the next best move? If so what more can you ask?

I've had moments where I've been paralyzed, or on autopilot just doing what I've always done, because of indecision. Whether it was because I was comfortable, confused or complacent, I admit there are times when I have avoided making a decision for fear of making the wrong choice -- or, more accurately -- the winning choice. As entrepreneurs, as women, as ambitious go-getters, the "winning" choice is always on our minds. How do I win? You may phrase it as, "How do I make this happen?" But what you're really experiencing, in most cases is, how do I win at this? Or how do I avoid getting hurt? Or how do I avoid disappointing anyone? How do I avoid regrets? How do I avoid rejection? How do I make a decision, but still play it safe?

That's the thing. With most decisions, especially those that have the potential to change your condition or the trajectory of your life, you cannot play it safe. Sure, you want to be smart, you want to take care of yourself. But you if you want to experience the magic, something new, something inspired, something that could move you forward, you have to skip safe and see what it's like outside of your comfort zone. And yes, it's sometimes scary AF out there. But that's where you belong, where you thrive, where you show the world -- and most importantly yourself -- what you're made of and what matters to you. Make the decision!

On this episode of the Support is Sexy podcast, you'll learn...

Five things I've recently come to realize about decisions. How mine have impacted my life.How I plan to take a new approach to my decision-making moving forward. The importance of "maintaining fidelity to your purpose."The power of deciding what matters and what doesn't.

Thank you for listening! And hey, if you love it, click here to leave us a Rating & Review on iTunes!

Subscribe to Support is Sexy podcast on iTunes or on Stitcher Radio!

[Music: "Someone Else's Memories" by Revolution Void]

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Author and personal development coach Zara Green didn't realize until she was in her mid 20s that every person who influences you, whether positively or negatively, is influencing you for a purpose. She came to this realization when she accepted that the difficult relationship she had with her mother when growing up was because of their disparate personalities and not because of something that she personally did wrong. This truce with her mom helped Zara become much more accepting of herself.

Today, as co-founder of the relationship education company The Grown Zone, Zara teaches women, especially, that they dare not shrink in the face of a man (or anyone!) who tells them who or what they are supposed to be. On this episode, Zara tells us how to close our personal growth gap, how to make our next decision better and why our relationships should be based on H.E.R.

On this episode you'll learn…

Realizing that everybody is not going to like you.Be honest with yourself about what your relationship is with a person.How to be who you're meant to be.The power of permission.We all have good, bad and ugly.Why mistake is a myth, and failure is fiction.How to not beat yourself up about past decisions.Why happiness, wealth and fulfillment is an inside job.How your nature can trip you up.What it means to be "out of control."Why you have to stop believing the lies that hold you back!

Thank you for listening! And hey, if you love it, click here to leave us a Rating & Review on iTunes!

Subscribe to Support is Sexy podcast on iTunes or on Stitcher Radio!

Show notes, links, contacts and resources for this episode may be found at http://elaynefluker.com/podcast/

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR SUPPORT IS SEXY EMAIL and get access to incredible resources, private events and a community of ambitious, generous and badass women entrepreneurs!

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[Music: "Someone Else's Memories" by Revolution Void]

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I've interviewed 30+ women for the Support is Sexy podcast -- entrepreneurs, leaders, creatives visionaries -- and I am moved by them all, inspired by them all, in love with them all, with their gifts and with their willingness to share.

I always leave each conversation with some nugget of wisdom that I can use, and I often go back and listen to episodes again and again just to feed myself that positivity.

So, today, on what I'm calling "Feel Good Friday," I'm offering you a few servings of positivity from some of our previous beautiful and badass women who have appeared on the show and who, in each episode of the podcast, leave us with a parting piece of advice. Take some time to digest this, and savor it into your weekend and beyond.

Featured on this episode of #FeelGoodFriday...

Sian Morson, Founder of Kollective Mobile.

Patricia Moreno, creator of the Intensati workout.

Nicole Aguierre, CEO of Worn Creative agency.

Tanya Alvarez, Founder and CEO of Owners Up.

Amanda Miller Littlejohn, Founder of Package Your Genius.

Teju Owoye, Founder and CEO of Sulte Group.

Ouidad, Founder of Ouidad global haircare brand.

Moshay Laren, Real estate agent and Investor, Partner of Kimber Group Investments

Denene Millner, New York Times Best Selling Author and owner Denene Millner Children's Books.

Karen Taylor Bass – Marketing and Publicity Strategist.

Dee Poku, Founder of WIE Network and The Other Festival.

Kaira Akita, Actress, artist, creative.

Mitzi Miller, Television executive, Head of Development at Rainforest Entertainment.

Jessica Perdomo, Creator of JJ Gray Shoes.

Fila Antwine, Relationship and Life coach.

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As women, and as entrepreneurs, it's easy for us to get caught up in what's not working. Is it just me, or do you do that, too? If so, know that you are not alone. When you're an ambitious, results-driven person (as most of us are!) who wants to check things off your must-do list, it can be frustrating to think that you're not making a dent in whatever is standing between you and your dream in that moment.

I've been there, and that sort of negative thinking is a slippery slope. It's time for a mind shift!

What I make sure I do in those moments is to remember to pause, take a deep breath, and celebrate the small wins. In this episode (recorded at 3:33 in the morning, so...be gentle) I speak about the power of us intentionally celebrating ourselves and how small wins actually lead to major progress.

Have a listen, take on the celebrate-the-small-wins challenge that I mention, and remember, you got this!

On this episode you'll learn...

The importance of celebrating the small wins!Why small wins lead to major progress.Why you have choice when it comes to focusing on what's "wrong."How you can shift your mindset to remember what's working right now.Gratitude makes a world of difference.What are you celebrating about yourself today?

Show notes, links, contacts and resources for this episode may be found at http://elaynefluker.com/podcast/

Thank you for listening! And hey, if you love it, click here to leave us a Rating & Review on iTunes!

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR SUPPORT IS SEXY EMAIL and get access to resources, events and a community of ambitious, generous and badass women entrepreneurs.

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[Music: "Someone Else's Memories" by Revolution Void]

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When Camara Aunique Helps first met superstar stylist June Ambrose, she was working at the makeup counter at Lord & Taylor, and June—the creator of unforgettable looks for some of the biggest names in entertainment--was just passing through. But Camara had something she needed the legendary stylist to know, and that something was that she would do a skeptical-but-kind June's makeup one day.

That someday is today.

As we conduct our podcast interview, Camara -- now an in-demand celebrity makeup artist for stars like Chloe and Halle and Andra Day -- fields text messages from June (whose makeup she did, indeed, do and does, seven years after that encounter at Lord & Taylor) and from a list of other celebrity clients.

Hear Camara talk about her journey from makeup counter to making celebrities beautiful for red carpets, TV appearances, films and more, and how she made many sacrifices to keep her promise not only to June, but also to herself.

On this episode you'll learn…

The truth about the not-so-glamorous side of the makeup business.What it takes to break into the business.How to build your clientele.How far humility gets you.The importance of taking the time to learn how to be a better artist.What you need to know about working with celebrity clients.The importance of staying connected and staying ready.Surviving the slow season.How to handle slow seasons and manage your money.Why being an assistant and consistent learning makes you a leader in your industry.

Thank you for listening! And hey, if you love it, click here to leave us a Rating & Review on iTunes!

Show notes, links, contacts and resources for this episode may be found at http://elaynefluker.com/podcast/

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[Music: "Someone Else's Memories" by Revolution Void]

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Fitness expert and celebrity trainer Holly Del Rosso learned a lesson in resilience very early in her childhood, when her mom left their family when Holly was 12 years old, and she and her brother went to live with her Italian great aunt, who showed her what it was to "take the reigns" and work hard.

Since then, Holly has tapped into that resilience again and again as she fought to build a business and career that married her love of fitness, her activism, and her desire to change lives. On this episode, Holly openly shares her winding road filled with moments of disappointment, failures and bad waitressing, and how this all led her to creating a life where she is finally able to truly follow her dream.

As an expert who has appeared Dr. Oz, in Shape and SELF, Holly shares her morning routine, how to be healthy on your own terms, and how you can help her spread a little girl power to young women in South Central and East Los Angeles.

On this episode you'll learn…

The importance of having someone in your corner who tells you to get back out there and fight.When you do what you love to do, people notice.How to build your client list and show people your passion.What people misunderstand about the fitness industry.Why going above and beyond is a key to success.What working out does for women entrepreneurs.3 top tips for getting fit and eating healthy in a way that makes sense for you and your lifestyle.How a devastating moment in your life may be the best blessing for you.How business coaches and mentors should be a part of your team.

Thank you for listening! And hey, if you love it, please click here to leave us a Rating & Review on iTunes!

Show notes, links, contacts and resources for this episode may be found at http://elaynefluker.com/podcast/

FOLLOW SUPPORT IS SEXY

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[Music: "Someone Else's Memories" by Revolution Void]

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April McKoy Robinson's success story as principal and founder of the award-winning UA Gateway School of Technology high school in New York City is an unlikely one. As an immigrant from Jamaica, April's time in school once she came to America heavily influenced her. While she flourished due to attentive and brutally honest teachers in elementary school, she struggled at Bronx Science -- her high-achieving high school. Not because she wasn't bright, but because of a system that largely ignored the brilliance of her and the other children of color attending. April graduated and went on the college at Hampton University and grad school at NYU in spite of this. And today, she dedicates her life to leveling the playing field for her students, preparing them in meaningful ways for life and their futures, and recognizing the brilliant light in each of them.

Hear why April passionately believes that a child's demography should not dictate your destiny, the best thing about teaching and the must-read books that she recommends for every educator.

On this episode you'll learn…

3 Tips for successfully opening and running a schoolStereotype Threat and how it affects studentsThe dangers of adultifying young peopleThe importance of modelingThe power of having a growth mindsetTaking a chance on yourself, even if you're not certain that you can do itThe thing about difficult conversationsWhy educators need to be uncomfortableWhy it's ok – and even empowering – to cry at workWhy you must approach everything with radical sincerity

Thank you for listening! And hey, if you love it, click here to leave us a Rating & Review on iTunes!

Show notes, links, contacts and resources for this episode may be found at http://elaynefluker.com/podcast/

FOLLOW SUPPORT IS SEXY

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SIGN UP FOR OUR SUPPORT IS SEXY EMAIL LIST AND GET EXCLUSIVE CONTENT AND ACCESS TO EVENTS WITH GAME-CHANGING WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS!

[Music: "Someone Else's Memories" by Revolution Void]

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I almost didn't make it. It's an annual trip my girls – my best friends from my college days at Hampton University – and I take to Martha's Vineyard each August for the past 3 years. But this summer, I was going to skip it.

Why? Because I didn't have the space for it. Or so I thought.

I convinced myself just a week out from the trip that I needed to sit this year out and stay cramped up in my 2-bedroom apartment in Brooklyn working, hard, on my podcast, on my business, on everything else that I am creating. I saw this as the sacrifice I needed to make to "make things work." How could I allow myself to take a trip now with so much on the line? Doing so would mean I'm not serious about this work. Right?

Thank God, that those same best friends weren't having it. They respectfully supported my decision, but each in their own way nudged me to make a different choice. And that choice, as you will hear in this episode has done more for me and my business than I ever could have imagined. All because I gave myself some much needed space.

On this episode you'll learn the importance of giving yourself the space to…

Be you and exploreBe around people who lift you upBe with people who allow YOU space to do what you need to doBreak shitTo ask questionTo not know the answers and to LIVE the questionTo see just how far your business will take you and see it in action

Thank you for listening! And hey, if you love it, click here to leave us a Rating & Review on iTunes!

VISIT Elayne at elaynefluker.com

Show notes, links, contacts and resources for this episode may be found at http://elaynefluker.com/podcast/

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[Music: "Someone Else's Memories" by Revolution Void]

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