When I started this lifestyle blog I knew that I wanted to use it not only to display cute outfits and natural hair products, but to showcase real life elements. I want to show genuine people not some fake crappy version of what life should be like based on what you witness on social media. Everyone is trying to make their way through this thing called life the best way they know how. And you know what it’s absolutely nothing wrong with that! With some grace and a dash of faith everything will work out for the greater good.
Everything is working out for this next queen on the Black Girl Magic series. Booked and busy Natosha Harris is also a new author who wrote My Love Journal. It’s about a phase of her life where she experienced an unpredictable relationship. I am telling you as soon as I started reading it I could relate to it immediately. Haven’t we all had that ONE relationship that almost drove us completely insane? Long sigh. Eye roll. But the beauty of it all is that although she went through that crazy roller coaster ride of emotions and changes she surpassed her expectations of succeeding.
Currently working as an Account Payable Administrator, Natosha is also a mother of a cute, little one year old girl. She has a Bachelors of Science in Healthcare Administration. Additionally, she is currently attending University of Phoenix obtaining a Masters in Psychology. I asked her when did she make the decision to write her book seemingly since she has a lot on her plate. She stated, “I’ve always wanted to be an author. I started writing and journaling when my mother and father separated around second or third grade. It was an outlet for me to release rather than act out as a child. I remember having a Maya Angelou book full of poems when I was in the fourth grade and I used to say I wanted to be a writer just like her.” She explained to me that her daughter is her real life inspiration. And furthermore wants to be build a legacy so that she can pass that on to her child. That’s one word that’s missing in black communities… legacy! Can we teach legacy instead of twerking? Questions that need answers.
Natosha expressed to me that writing this book did not interfere with Mommying at all. Knowing what she wanted to write about and doing it to generate additional income made things especially easy. Writing is her passion and sharing her stories is a form therapy. We definitely need more Maya Angelou’s going forward. You can find her on Instagram at a.mouthful. Follow her and grab a copy of her book on Amazon. Thank you Natosha for sharing your gift with the world. I can’t wait for part two of My Love Journal.
Queen number three is Tomeka Burkely. Fashion Guru. Crafter. Mommy. Visual Merchandising Manager. This chick wears many hats and does it fashionably effortlessly. I first encountered Tomeka on the “Gram” a couple years ago. Isn’t this how we meet everybody now? Via social media… lol! She made this shirt and posted it on her page that read… “A Lil’ Bougie”. I had to have it! Lol! I contacted her via DM. She was very professional and the shirt was very good quality. I still have it to this day. I love clothes that I can keep for a while that never fade after a few washes.
Since then I have watched her grow her business Crafty And Chic. She started about five years ago. Her daughter Chloe was her inspiration behind the idea. She began because she always got Chloe things monogrammed or personalized. So to save money she started crafting. DIY is pretty popular nowadays. Pinterest and YouTube are filled with DIY inspiration and projects. Her first project was all shorts for Chloe’s ninth birthday party. The theme was glitter and shine. Everything was handcrafted from the banners, food, labels, etcetera. Tomeka posted her work on Instagram for fun. But what started out as a hobby is now a full time business. She does it all from children’s parties, wedding decor, teacher gifts to personalized glassware. Once her products started getting recognized on Instagram it turned into a t-shirt/sweatshirt business. And from then it took off like a rocket.
I asked Tomeka how she juggles Crafty and Chic, being an awesome dance Mom as well as being in a management position at her job. She explained to me that it is a constant struggle to balance it all. As soon as she gets off work from her 9-5 she has to pick her daughter up from school then it’s straight to dance practice or a football/basketball game with Chloe. After she gets home she still has work to accomplish. She has to fulfill all the orders that have been placed. She says though that seeing the outcome of all the work as well as the support of her clients make it all worth while. You can find Tomeka on Instagram at Craftyandchic_. I’m excited to see what’s next for Crafty And Chic. Thank you for keeping us cute and fashion forward with your amazing work!
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