It’s important to own who you are when it comes to decision-making. Your feelings and thoughts are valid. Trust your intuition. Lakiesha Barleston shares how she overcame needing validation from other people and trusting her intuition. She used to question her voice, seeing herself as less than, and struggled with knowing her worth. “My worth was found through God. I was rehearsing scriptures daily to build my worth. It helped me to think more clearly and more wisely”. – Lakiesha Barleston

Lakiesha is a Writer, and Certified Life Coach with mission for a helping young woman discover and reach their purpose. Her transformation came after hearing these words in a prayer line, “you’re worth more than you’ll ever know”.  Those words disrupted her course of life and changed her relationship with God and herself. This is when “Worth More” is born.  With poems like “Detoured”, and “Peter” she seeks to not just entertain but spread love in the process.

A fixed mindset is an attitude of “I can’t do this” or “things will never change”. A growth mindset is an attitude of “I can do it” or “I’m going to work on it”. You either have a fixed mindset or a growth mindset. We have to be aware of our thoughts and how it can cripple us. Amanda Simmons talks about how she had to break free from needing validation from people who were negative. She also talks about how she set standards to help her to stop going in circles with situations that weren’t going anywhere. She gives tips and Advice on how to build a growth mindset.

Amanda Simmons is from Charleston, SC. She is the owner of Lashtique Boutique. She stated "Some things that I've accomplished within myself is learning to stop reopening doors that were meant to stay closed! I’ve vowed to myself to remain true to self!!!" She ended failed relationships while doscovering self-love. 

Everybody has a purpose in life. Many times we can get in our way way due to our thoughts and actions. Hattie Inese talks about how she had to overcome “getting out her own way” mentally. She gives strategies and tools on how to fight that fear and use that energy to start believing that you do it. She also talks about mental health and her struggle with seasonal depression due to the COVId-19 pandemic. 

Hattie Inese is originally from Detroit, MI now living in Orlando, FL. She graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelors degree in Retail Business in 2009. Growing up with parents who struggled with drugs Hattie had to overcome a lot. Being able to express herself through dance and music was her way to escape from the negativity.  As someone who didn’t have the advantage of cultivating her talents at an early age she began to work on being someone who can bridge the gap for those who are less fortunate.

July of 2015 she wanted to seek opportunities outside of Michigan so she moved to Orlando, FL. Here is where she decided to officially register her nonprofit, Creative Purpose Productions.  As the Founder and Creative Director she collaborates with creatives to create content that inspires and uplifts. To be the best at what she is doing she decided to further her education at Full Sail by applying for their Graduate program for Public Relations. As the Creative Director, she creates video content, live productions, as well as programs for the youth. All content  has a message, as she highlights everyday struggles we may face while providing a positive message.

Our voices are needed in this world.  Tonya Mayo shares how she had to use her voice during her college experience in moving back home with her parents as well as advocating and bringing awareness to the issues and problems that are happening in the  African American community. . She talks about how she navigates these neccessary conversations with young people to help them understand the things that are happening around racism and police brutality. 

Tonya started a organization called  Kids ACT- Kids Are Creative Thinkers where children can creatively express themselves through various projects and activities. She is currently a teacher. She recently graduated from the University of the Arts with a Bachelors in Vocal Performance and Masters degree in Teaching! 

Mental health challenges doesn’t define where you are going life. Candice shares her story about how she deals with dipolar disorder and lives a purposeful life at the same time. She gives tools on how to seek therapy and how to self-motive yourself. She talks about the importance of talking about mental health in black families and breaking the stigma.

Candice Watson is a newly published author and was born to write unique stories.  She always knew that she wanted to be an author since she was a little girl.  She loved reading books! Her life took a major detour from her dream job. She worked in several positions before starting a career in the financial industry.  She was climbing the corporate ladder when life changed for her.  In 2010, she was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder II, PTSD, Anxiety, and Depression.  She was devastated and didn't accept her diagnosis well. She struggled with taking medication and it led her to be hospitalized multiple times.  She finally hit rock bottom in 2014 and could no longer function at her job.  She had to go on permanent medical leave. It got worse as each year passed because she was not taking her medications regularly. It caused her to have a psychotic break. In 2017, she decided to get help. It was the best decision she ever made in her life. She took back control of her mental health despite the stigmas.

She didn’t start writing until late 2018.  With no formal training or degree, she taught herself how to become a writer and she never gave up on her passion she knew it was always there. In 2019, she signed to Major Key Publishing and has pusblished six novels on Amazon and plans for many many more.

Have you ever heard of the term “colorism”? Colorism is a prejudice or discrimination against individuals with a dark skin tone, typically among people of the same ethnic or racial group. Lavoughnda White is the Founder of “Nah I’m Just Pretty” which is a social enterprise that combats colorism through organizing and advocacy as well as merchandise to bring awareness. She shares her experiences dealing with colorism and how it has impacted her life. She also talks about her plans to create spaces to help change the narrative and educate people about colorism.