Q: What does it mean to you to be a Black woman working in the tax industry?

A: It means a lot and I think it’s important because we’re starting to see a lot of other faces getting really big in the tax world. Of course, Caucasian people have been in it. A lot of them are my mentors and I’ve learned a lot from them, but I think it’s important to have faces and people that you know you can trust. I’m a big advocate for small business owners in general, but specifically Black-owned businesses. A lot of times we’re the first in our family to own a business so we don’t always have the training or the education on how to run a business. We’re often figuring it out as we go along. The average business lasts a max of five years because they can’t sustain the roller coaster ride that comes with being in this industry. My goal is that I want us to be able to see us and know that there’s one of us that they could trust. I think it’s important to be able to build with us so that’s why I bring a level of relatability to other Black-owned business owners. We’re just a little bit more familiar with our own struggles.

Q: What is the biggest lesson that you’ve learned about yourself since either starting a business or doing this type of work?

A: I’ve learned a lot. When I first started, I had a sense of imposter syndrome, which sometimes comes with being an entrepreneur, especially with social media amplifying everybody doing great things. What you don’t see a lot of times is the struggle before you get to a certain point. As I was going through my journey when I first started a lot of people felt like I needed a CPA. I always felt like people needed somebody that knows what they’re doing. So I was concerned. The tax side of my business was doing well. Even though I went from working at home in my basement to having an office, I was not doing the big jump that I needed to in order to sustain so I went through really tough times.

I’ve done a lot over the years, and I’ve progressed. I’ve learned how to be strong and really believe in myself. I know what I bring to the table. I had to be okay with letting certain clients go in order to open my hand up to receive who is supposed to be for me. It was a learning curve but once you get through the bumpy moments then you’ll start getting your avatar client. You’ll start getting your people…your village. So after my 10 years of being a full time entrepreneur, I’ve learned a lot. Now, I’m able to understand why God wants me to take this road to get to what I truly want to do, which is help small business owners. I got all the intel during the process, and now I’m building out my community that will help small business owners on a grander scale. 

Q: What is the biggest dream you have for your career? 

A: I’ll say it’s multi-layered. I have a great passion for wanting to help the person who wants to start their business, like mentorship and guidance. A lot of times, small business owners don’t have someone come in and ask the important questions about how to make money and whether to start an S-Corp. So my goal is to help small business owners survive. Nobody starts a business to close a business. I want to be that trusted resource and business coach that helps entrepreneurs build and grow their business to whatever level they want for their business. 

Q: Who or what is your biggest motivator?

A: My biggest motivator is my sister. Taisha. She passed away in 2021 but she always believed in me. She’s always believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. She was my battery pack and fed me what I needed. She always told me ‘you’re the one, you got this.’ Dealing with that loss is a continuous process. 

Q: What would you say is your superpower?

A: Over the years what people appreciate about me is my listening skills and being able to explain to them the technical things in layman’s terms so that they can understand. When I was in the corporate world, my supervisor used to get upset with me for not speaking in accounting technical terminology. I would tell him all the time that I’m not speaking to accountants, so they’re not going to understand certain things. When I meet people, I have an ability to get them to understand, even when it’s just a consultation. Being able to take the time to be relatable with small business owners  is my superpower. 

Stay connected to Tarryn Sampson:

• Instagram: @tstaxservicesatl
• Website: visit here

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Q: What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned thus far?

A: My biggest lesson has been that everything will be fine. I’m not going to break, no matter how bleak things may look. 

I’ve also learned how to work in this space as a Black woman. Because there are so few of us, people have the misconception that when one of us gets in, others expect you to carry all of the Black products, just because you’re Black. Unfortunately, I can’t carry the product, if it’s not a good product for our customers, however I get it. There are not a lot of avenues for us to do down, so finding someone who looks like us to give us a shot is difficult. 

Q: What does it mean to be a Black woman working in a business dedicated to healthy baby products?

A: It feels great! There’s not a lot of people of color in our space. There are very few baby stores that are owned by Black women or even baby products that are made by Black women or black people in general which makes it an interesting space to be in. 

And then it can also be really difficult on the other side, because there are not a lot of us in this space. There are lots of doors that I’m knocking on that haven’t been knocked on by people who look like me before, and it’s harder to get in. 

Q: What do you consider to be your superpower? 

A: My creativity and ability to push forward. Because we are a Black-owned business, we are often judged more harshly as a business. We’re just perceived differently and sometimes that can be really hurtful to see played out so we have to push past that. We’ve had customers leave Google reviews that their product didn’t work correctly because we were a Black-owned business. We have to be so much better that it’s unfair. How we’re perceived out in the world, follows us everywhere, even when we should be celebrated. 

Q: What has been your greatest impact since starting this business?

A: One of the greatest impacts I make is through the flexibility I offer my employees to also be parents. At Happy Mango, I strive to create a workplace that genuinely supports working parents, with “school shifts” allowing employees to arrive after school drop-off and leave in enough time for pick-up. This scheduling is a lifeline for moms with younger children, while those with older kids can opt for full shifts if they prefer. With the store closing at 6 p.m., all employees still have the chance to be there for their families in the evening. This approach is redefining work-life balance for our team, making this business a space where parenting and professional fulfillment go hand in hand. 

Q: What is your biggest dream for Happy Mango?

A: My dream is that we can become an entity that is helpful for parents everywhere to set up a different trajectory for all families moving forward. Even though I’m in retail, I’m a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST), so I’m also licensed to do car seat installs. There is so much lack of information that we take pride in being able to impact the lives of others through information transfer. That’s how we start to make true change across the board with everything, with information.  

I also strive to create a legacy my children and descendants can be proud of.

Stay connected to Phnewfula Frederiksen:

• Instagram: @phnewfula @shophappymango
• Website: visit here

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Maïré’s journey starts from humble beginnings in her home country of Guadeloupe, a small French territory in the southern Caribbean Sea. Maïré believes her upbringing greatly influenced her path forward along with her perception of success. 

“My background is very important because often people overlook us because we are French– we are Black French. People automatically think that life is easier for us because we’re French, but it’s not,” emphasizes Maïré. 

While being raised in Guadeloupe offered no favors for Maïré, it only strengthened her deep desire to be in service of others. Upon leaving her home country at the tender age of 17, Maïré pursued a career in social work after studying Criminology in Canada. While there, she experienced her first taste of working for the greater good by helping young people transition away from street life and connecting them with tools and resources to land jobs and start small businesses.   

“Helping these young people start their own business was the most exciting for them. Usually, if you do well doing illegal things in the street life, you’re likely to do well as an entrepreneur because it’s the same type of mindset and struggle,” reveals Maïré. “It’s very linked.”

Some could say that Maïré’s work with leading others to the path of entrepreneurship was an omen to her own destiny, however she had other plans for her future. 

“I always knew I didn’t want to be an entrepreneur. Growing up, I watched my parents struggle to run their own business,” admits Maïré. “My parents also didn’t want me to be an entrepreneur, that’s why they sent me to Canada.”

But as life works, fate had other plans. Upon falling in love with the city of Atlanta during a layover visit, Maïré was so infected with the desire to be around Black excellence that she made her own move to the city in 2011 and never looked back. She realized that out of all the places she had planted roots, Atlanta was one of the only places she felt comfortable enough to spread her wings and fly. She instantly felt at home, which would set the stage for her own journey to come. 

“I don’t want to live somewhere where it’s not exceptional to do great things and be Black,” says Maïré. 

For Maïré, her journey to entrepreneurship happened completely by chance, perhaps the best foundation for an extraordinary success story. After ordering a pair of shoes she didn’t like, Maïré decided to sell them through Facebook. To her surprise, she received an outpouring of interest from friends in Guadeloupe and France, who couldn’t find similar styles locally, leading to an intense demand for these types of products. This prompted Maïré to start a Facebook page, listing products, handling payments, and learning the ropes of drop-shipping—all from her bedroom

As demand grew, Maïré launched a more formal parcel forwarding business, which allowed her clients to purchase goods from the United States and have them shipped to countries that lacked such fulfillment options.

“I quit my job and I was like, this is it, this has to work, states Maïré. “Mind you, I didn’t have any background in logistics and my English was still not all the way there but the business was growing. So much so, that I upgraded from my bedroom to the living room, then to the garage.”

Maïré was now a full-time entrepreneur with a growing client base. Maïré eventually was forced to move to a larger commercial space, which only intensified her journey. Although business was continuously growing, the isolation combined with Maïré’s lack of guidance caused her to make many missteps and lose significant amounts of money. Without a community or mentors to lean on, every decision felt like navigating in the dark. 

“Back then, there weren’t many resources for someone like me—a Black, immigrant woman in business,” she explains. “It was only recently that I realized how essential it is to have a mentor or join an accelerator program. Guidance can make or break your business.”

Despite the many setbacks, Maïré stayed the course and continued to believe in herself, her mission and her vision for the future. The business became more than just a meal ticket for herself, but it blossomed into an opportunity for others to forge a path towards an expansive future. 

In 2020, after years of building her network and capital, Maïré launched ECOMSPACES, a business incubator and fulfillment center designed to support other aspiring entrepreneurs. What started as sharing her space with entrepreneurs who couldn’t afford their own grew into a full-fledged business that now supports over 75 members with logistics, content creation, and mentorship.

Looking towards the future, Maïré’s ambitions are global. With her sights set on Africa, she aims to establish a supply chain hub in Ethiopia that will enable products to be manufactured and shipped directly to global markets. By building these connections, she hopes to disrupt the direct-to-consumer supply chain and empower African economies, a vision that’s fueled by her observations of untapped potential in emerging markets.

“Africa is filled with resources and talent,” Maïré explains. “I want to ensure that people in our communities don’t wait for others to step in and shape our economies. We can build and control our supply chains, with our own standards and pricing.”

For Maïré, balance doesn’t mean separating work from life—it’s about weaving them together. Her passion remains rooted in community support and helping others build their dreams. One of Maïré’s most rewarding moments came last year, when large logistics companies began adopting her efficiency-boosting processes. She also placed second in her first pitch competition, thanks to the Black Ambition program founded by Pharrell Williams, which helped her secure her first formal mentorship.

Maïré’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of community, and the necessity of building each other up as we climb. Maïré exemplifies what it means to persevere and build a destined path for others to follow.

For those starting out, she offers a simple piece of advice: “Ask, negotiate, and don’t be afraid of a ‘no.’ Each step brings you closer to your goal.” Maïré’s path is both a celebration of the American dream and a roadmap for those seeking to create impactful, community-centered businesses.

Stay connected with Maire Bavarday-Rosa:

• Website: www.ecomspaces.com  
• Instagram: @maire.b.rosa

The post The Destined Gem: Maïré Bavarday-Rosa appeared first on The Bold Maven™️.

Reject the Grind—Embrace Ease

For too long, we’ve been conditioned to equate success with overworking ourselves. But soft life teaches us that it’s okay to slow down. Success can still come when we take breaks, recharge, and focus on what truly matters. Hustle culture had its moment, but this is the era of intentional living.

Curate Your Inner Circle

Soft life means protecting your peace, and that includes evaluating your relationships. Are the people around you supportive and uplifting? If not, it might be time to create some distance. Your peace of mind should never be compromised for the sake of maintaining friendships or family ties that drain you.

Indulge Without Guilt

Living the soft life isn’t about reckless spending—it’s about intentional enjoyment. That can mean booking a solo vacation, splurging on self-care products, or just taking time off to binge-watch your favorite shows. It’s about doing what makes you feel good without feeling guilty about it.

Practice Financial Self-Care

A soft life includes financial wellness. Align your money habits with your values—whether that means saving for future experiences or investing in things that bring you joy now. Financial self-care can look like automating your savings or simply saying “no” to expenses that don’t serve you.

Set Boundaries Like a Boss

Creating boundaries is a form of self-love. It’s okay to say no to things that disrupt your peace. From turning off notifications at night to skipping events that feel like obligations, setting boundaries lets you reclaim your time and energy.

Soft life is more than just a buzzword—it’s a lifestyle movement rooted in self-love and intention. It invites Black women to reclaim their joy and prioritize their well-being. And the best part? You get to define what your soft life looks like.

The post Why “Soft Life” Is the New Manifestation—and How You Can Start Living It Now appeared first on The Bold Maven™️.

This year, enjoy the festivities without having to worry about expenses. The Bold Maven invites you to savor the festivities with confidence, and most importantly, free from financial stress. Whether you’re planning gift shopping, travel, or hosting gatherings, our team has you covered with tips and tricks that allow you to enjoy every moment without overspending. 

By incorporating some of these budgeting hacks, stay smart and savvy with your spending while still embracing the holiday spirit. 

And I’m Sticking to It (The Budget,That Is) 

Before diving into gift shopping or travel plans, start by setting a realistic holiday budget. Decide how much you can afford to spend in total, then break it down into categories—gifts, travel, entertaining, and miscellaneous expenses like holiday decor. This clear framework will keep you accountable and make it easier to track your spending throughout the season. Many budgeting apps, like Mint and YNAB, are great for monitoring expenses and setting category limits. 

Check out CNBC Select’s top-rated budgeting apps—reviewed for their standout features, user ratings, and free trials to help you find the best fit for your holiday budgeting needs.

Plan and Prioritize

Gift-giving brings so much joy to the holiday season, but it can also add up fast. Start by making a list of everyone you’d like to shop for, then prioritize based on your budget. If money’s tight, focus on immediate family and close friends, and consider affordable, heartfelt gifts for others. Thoughtful options like DIY crafts, homemade treats, or framed photos can be just as meaningful without breaking the bank. Michelle Perry Higgins from Investopedia recommends using a budget template to track every holiday expense—food, gifts, travel, decor, and more—to help stay on track. By setting a spending limit upfront, you’ll find it much easier to avoid those tempting impulse buys

Swipe Right on Savings: Utilize Cash-Back and Discount Apps

Take advantage of cash-back apps like Rakuten, Honey, or Ibotta to earn a percentage back on your holiday purchases. These platforms partner with major retailers, allowing you to shop online and receive cash rewards directly into your account. Many of these apps also provide exclusive coupon codes and discounts, which can lead to substantial savings on your holiday shopping.

Travel Smart

If holiday travel is in your plans, try to book flights and accommodations as early as possible to snag the best rates. Use platforms like Google Flights, Kayak, and Skyscanner to compare prices and ensure you’re getting the most affordable option. If you’re hitting the road, fuel reward programs and apps like GasBuddy can help you find the cheapest gas along your route. Flexibility with travel dates, especially around peak holiday times, can also lead to big savings—consider flying the week before or after the holiday to lower costs. 

According to Google Flights, the ideal window for booking holiday travel at the best prices is between Oct. 28 and Nov. 19, with 58 days before departure being the sweet spot for cheap fares. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are usually the most budget-friendly days to fly, and flights with layovers are often cheaper than direct ones. 

“You want to book before prices spike but not too far out,” travel expert Clint Henderson shared on Good Morning America. He advises booking Thanksgiving trips immediately and Christmas flights by Halloween, as prices are set to climb daily after that.

Score Big with Sales and Deals

Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and pre-holiday sales offer great opportunities for saving, but approach them with a plan. Make a list of items you genuinely need, whether for gifts or personal use, and avoid impulse buys that can quickly eat into your budget. When shopping online, use price-tracking tools like Rakuten or Honey’s Droplist feature to monitor discounts and receive alerts when prices drop on specific items.

Limit Credit Card Usage

It’s easy to reach for your credit card during the holidays, but high-interest rates can quickly turn holiday cheer into New Year’s debt. To keep spending in check, try using cash or debit for purchases, or, if you’re using a credit card for rewards, make sure you have a plan to pay off the balance before interest kicks in. Setting aside a portion of each paycheck as a dedicated “holiday fund” can also keep you from relying entirely on credit.

Discover offers some key holiday credit card tips: create a spending plan so you know what you can afford for gifts and décor; consider credit cards that offer extra rewards like cash back; and regularly check your statements to catch any unauthorized activity early.

The holiday season is a time for celebration and fellowship. With a little planning, you can capture the season’s best moments without overspending. 

Follow these budgeting hacks to stay on track financially and make the most of your holidays—leaving you with more room to enjoy each and every special moment.

The post Try these 6 Budgeting Hacks to Save Money this Holiday Season appeared first on The Bold Maven™️.

It boats serving “decolonized” food, meaning no wheat, butter, dairy, cane sugar, black pepper, chicken, beef, or pork—ingredients introduced during European arrival to the Americas. Instead, the menu is curated to include indigenous ingredients such as game meats, corn, and wild plants sourced from local and national indigenous food producers. 

The drink menu does deviate from the decolonized model a bit in that it serves coffee and alcohol from women-owned, black, indigenous, people of color producers, with primarily Indigenous-produced wine from California, Mexico, and Māori wines from New Zealand. 

The restaurant’s staff is comprised of a majority of people from Native nations such as Anishinaabe, Mdewakanton and Wahpeton Sisseton Dakota, Navajo, Northern Cheyenne, and Oglala Lakota and is now owned by the non-profit North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems (NATIFS), also founded by the head chef and original co-owner of Owamni, the Sioux Chef, Sean Sherman. 

Having attended a presentation of his, Sherman’s vision is one where Indigenous people reconnect with their original food traditions, ways of cooking, and thus revive a part of their culture stripped away by colonization.

While the Owamni does accept walk-ins to be seated at the bar, it is recommended to book reservations weeks in advance for a place in the dining room. The experience and the view of course does not disappoint. 

In case there are issues getting a reservation, NATIFS does host another culinary endeavor in Minneapolis’s Midtown Global Market, the Indigenous Food Lab which acts as a “a professional kitchen and training center” following the vision of Sean Sherman , where you can get a delicious grain bowl or salad of decolonized food to whet your appetite for when you are able to dine at Owamni.

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From the sweetness of apples to the savory comfort of chili, these seven quick and easy fall recipes are sure to elevate your kitchen game. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking to try something new, these dishes will bring the flavors of fall to life.

Bacon Apple Grilled Cheese

A new twist on a classic! This grilled cheese features crispy bacon paired with sweet, tangy apples for a perfect blend of savory and fruity. The melty cheese holds everything together, creating a sandwich that’s a must-try for any fall meal. 

Check out the recipe on TikTok from @chizobacu for a step-by-step guide.

Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Twist

Nothing screams fall like pumpkin and chai spices! This indulgent pastry combines the two, delivering a warm and comforting treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. Each bite is a delightful mix of cinnamon, chai, and the signature flavor of pumpkin. 

Watch the magic unfold with @chizobauwakwe on Instagram.

Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots

Give your carrots an upgrade with a sweet and tangy honey balsamic glaze. Roasted to perfection, these carrots are tender with a caramelized finish, making them the ideal side dish for any fall meal. 

The full recipe from @kalefornia_kravings is available on Instagram.

Lasagna Soup

If you love lasagna but want something lighter and cozier, this viral Lasagna Soup is your new go-to! It’s been blowing up on social media for being hearty, rich, and packed with all the flavors of traditional lasagna—just served in a bowl!

The comfort of soup meets the classic Italian dish in this satisfying recipe from @swishtrish on TikTok.

Apple Pie Cookies

Craving apple pie but don’t have time to make a full one? These Apple Pie Cookies are the perfect solution. They’re bite-sized, sweet, and filled with all the deliciousness of a traditional apple pie, in a cookie form.

Find the recipe from @purewowrecipes on Instagram.

Roasted Fall Vegetable Salad

A colorful medley of roasted fall vegetables like sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and carrots, this salad is not only nutritious but also packed with flavor. The roasting process enhances the natural sweetness of the veggies, making this dish perfect for a healthy yet tasty fall meal. 

Learn how to make it on Instagram from @minimalistbaker.

Chipotle Chicken Chili with Cheddar Biscuit Topping

Warm, spicy, and topped with cheesy biscuits, this Chipotle Chicken Chili is a fall favorite. The smoky flavor of chipotle pairs perfectly with the tender chicken and beans, while the cheddar biscuits add a comforting, homemade touch. 

You can check out the recipe from @theshayspence on Instagram.

These seven fall recipes are like a big, cozy sweater for your taste buds—warm, comforting, and oh-so-satisfying! Whether you’re flipping grilled cheese like a pro or whipping up some spicy chili topped with cheesy biscuits, you’ll be bringing serious autumn vibes to your kitchen. 

So, grab your pumpkin spice, fire up the oven, and get ready to serve up some seasonal magic. Your kitchen (and stomach) are about to have the best fall ever!

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