Kwanzaa: Honoring African Heritage

Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26 to January 1 and is a relatively modern holiday, created in just 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga. Its roots in the African harvest, centers around traditions and emphasizes the seven principles, including Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith). During the celebrations, families light a kinara, exchange handmade gifts, and share meals featuring African-inspired dishes.

If you want to get into the spirit of Kwanzaa, for this year’s celebrations, host a Kwanzaa dinner that combines your family’s traditional dishes, whether it be a stew, okra, yams or spoonbread with some of your modern favorites. You can even create your own traditional meal as long as your goal is to share and be in community with others. Don’t be afraid to share these principles with younger family members by creating vision boards together for the new year to continue passing along to future generations.

Diwali: The Festival of Lights

Although Diwali is typically celebrated in October or November, its essence of light triumphing over darkness resonates throughout the holiday season. Originating in India, it’s marked by decorating homes with oil lamps (diyas), wearing traditional Diwali garb, and sharing sweet treats.

To incorporate Diwali’s light-centric symbolism into your December festivities, consider enhancing your holiday décor with string lights or hand-made Diwali candles. You can also combine traditional mithai (sweets) with your favorite modern holiday-themed desserts to create fusion treats. Don’t forget to dress up! There are a number of places to rent this clothing if you do not have easy access to it. 

Las Posadas: A Latinx Celebration of Faith

In many Latin American countries and Latinx communities, Las Posadas re-enacts Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. The name Las Posadas translates to “The Inns,” symbolizing Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter in Bethlehem before the birth of Jesus. This nine-day celebration, typically spanning from December 16th to December 24th, involves processions, prayers, and lively gatherings with food, music, singing and celebrating with family, friends or even your small community.

You can adapt the essence of Las Posadas to your holiday schedule by hosting a one-night celebratory event. You can include modern touches like a holiday playlist that mixes traditional villancicos (Christmas carols) with contemporary Latin music while organizing a small group of friends or family to represent the journey of Mary and Joseph. Remember to incorporate festive and colorful papel picado (paper decorations) and serve dishes like tamales and ponche to guests while singing over candlelight for authenticity.

Hanukkah: The Festival of Dedication

Hanukkah, an eight-day Jewish celebration, commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple, originating from the Maccabean Revolt. It is a time for family, community, and the celebration of freedom and faith. Families light the menorah, a nine-branched candelabrum, play dreidel games, and enjoy traditional Jewish foods, such as latkes and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts). Special blessings are usually recited followed by the singing traditional songs such as Maoz Tzur. 

If you are celebrating Hanukkah traditions, try modernizing your traditional recipes by experimenting with different flavors by adding global spices to latkes or creating fusion doughnuts. You may also consider using technology to connect with family and friends who may not be able to join using a digital menorah during video calls. 

Indigenous Winter Solstice Ceremonies

For many Indigenous communities, the winter solstice marks a time to honor the cycles of nature through deeply spiritual traditions and the wisdom of ancestors. These ceremonies mark the Winter Solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year, which usually falls around December 21st or 22nd in the Northern Hemisphere. The solstice is a time of transition, reflection, and renewal, rooted in the cycles of nature and a profound connection to the Earth. While customs vary widely among different Indigenous groups, common themes include honoring the changing seasons, celebrating the return of the sun, and fostering gratitude, community, hope for the future and encompass storytelling, drumming, and communal feasts. 

Because Indigenous customs vary by region, it is common for customs to be quite different across the board. Modernizing Indigenous Winter Solstice ceremonies can involve blending a few traditional practices with contemporary elements in ways that maintain cultural integrity while resonating with modern lifestyles such as blending holiday traditions, youth-led ceremonies, promoting conservation efforts and blending new and old traditional recipes that reflect your community influences.

If you’re looking for ways to incorporate more diverse practices and customs into your holiday celebrations this year, remember to keep in mind a few things:

• Ensure to educate yourself and others: Take time to learn about your own cultural traditions and share with friends and family through understanding the origins and meanings behind rituals which can deepen their significance.
• Incorporate Technology: Use video calls to include distant relatives in celebrations or create digital scrapbooks to document your family’s unique holiday blend.
• Create New Traditions: Don’t be afraid to innovate. Combine elements from different cultures or add a modern twist to traditional recipes and rituals.
• Invite Others In: Share your traditions with those closest to you. The exchange of cultural practices can enrich everyone’s holiday experience as long as you stay respectful and honor the heritage being celebrated.

By blending the old with the new, you’re not just honoring your heritage — you’re keeping it alive for generations to come.

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To begin with this approach, consider defining your “why.” Reflect on your career. What brings you joy and fulfillment in your work? Is it creativity, leadership, or making a difference? Let your goals flow from this understanding. Instead of solely focusing on leveling up and getting a promotion, aim to enhance your skills while networking to align with your passions. To make this task less daunting, break larger aspirations into smaller, actionable steps, such as taking on one challenging project each quarter and that you can apply your enhanced skills to. If you document your progress in a career journal, it can help you recognize your achievements, big and small, which ultimately motivates you to keep pushing forward.

When it comes to finances, shifting your focus to values rather than numbers can be truly transformative for your mindset around your financial health. Instead of setting a strict, broad goal like saving $10,000, create a financial plan that supports your long-term well-being. This involves you to review your financial habits to ensure they reflect your current priorities. For example, if travel brings you joy, consider creating a travel fund rather than cutting corners everywhere. You may also start improving your overall financial literacy by reading a book or attending a workshop that empowers you to make better choices. You can also simplify the process with automatic transfers to savings or investment accounts which can reduce decision fatigue and make progress feel effortless and attainable.

Getting healthy always seems on the list for a new year. For health, start embracing wellness as a lifestyle rather than chasing a specific outcome; that mindset shift leads to more sustainable change. Just by shifting your focus from your appearance to how you feel while prioritizing energy and strength leads to an overall state of wellbeing. You may also find that exploring various forms of exercise until you find what you genuinely enjoy can be beneficial to staying on track; whether that’s dance classes, hiking, yoga, pilates or even weight lifting with a trainer. By pairing this with mindfulness practices like meditation or journaling, you are naturally supporting your mental health alongside physical goals.

Personal growth is another area where intentions can make a profound impact. Dedicate time each week to activities that nourish your mind and spirit. You can set aside specific moments for introspection and self-reflection to understand what personal growth means to you—whether it’s learning, exploring your creativity, or establishing a stronger connection in a specific area of life. Step out of your comfort zone by joining a class, learning a new skill, meeting new people or even volunteering your time. Growth often happens in unfamiliar spaces so the more you try, the greater your chances are at recognizing your growth. Strengthening your personal relationships by being intentional with your time and energy can also contribute to your overall sense of fulfillment, with quality over quantity being key.

Success is not a destination but a journey. By focusing on intentions instead of uncompromising resolutions, you create space for unexpected opportunities and evolution. Regularly reflecting on what’s working well in your life and practicing gratitude can fuel further growth but remember to be gentle with yourself; life is unpredictable, and perfection isn’t the goal. Just because you’re staying your course, doesn’t mean unexpected set backs in life may not occur. Give yourself grace and adjust your path accordingly. Celebrate the effort and persistence you’re applying to each area of your life, even if plans shift.

As you step into the new year, remember that you have the power to shape your life in ways that feel meaningful and authentic. By setting thoughtful intentions and remaining open to the journey, you can create a year that’s not just successful but deeply fulfilling.

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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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Q: What does it mean to be a Black woman doing this work with Moms in Music?

A: I think it definitely adds a different type of notch to the belt because we are resilient in general. Although we serve members that are all ethnicities, for me specifically as a Black woman, I identify on a whole other level in terms of being a part of communities that have been marginalized while understanding how important it is to have a voice and to loudly be able to share that with other women who have felt like they’ve been rejected or placed behind closed doors. I think it just adds a different type of motivation and inspiration. Oftentimes society is quick to not only count you out as a woman, but also, count you out when you are a Black woman. We see that happening in the world today in various ways. Being a Black woman is something that I hold near and dear to my heart as I think it comes with an extra set of superpowers. While it’s not something that I feel like I have to lead with because it’s clearly obvious, it just puts a different type of battery in my back.

Q: What would you say is the most impactful part of Moms in Music whether it be with programming, events, etc?

A: When members join our organization, they get access to our member directory that has hundreds of women in various cities and various industries, from entry level to C-suite executives.We’re shared in this common thread that everyone is a mom in music. I think there’s a lot of power in that. So many of our members have told me that they’ve been able to connect with people just by being a part of the directory. That’s more of an internal benefit but externally, we are very active in the community by partnering with local organizations. We’re currently outlining who we’re going to partner with around the holidays so we can give back to moms and children that are in need. That’s something that’s a personal passion for me. I think with the power and influence of music, my goal is to be able to leverage that in ways that we can create real change and impact both internally in our industry and externally by being able to serve.

Q: Throughout this journey of being a founder, what would you say has been the biggest lesson that you’ve learned along the way? 

A: I’ve learned a lot of lessons. The biggest thing for me is to trust your instinct. I’m really big on my gut instinct which is what made me start this organization to begin with. It’s from my own personal need. I started this organization because I was craving community. I was the president of a record label at the time and also pregnant. Everyone in my company was under 25 so nobody had any clue about being a parent and so I felt like I was on an island alone. Little did I know that was the seed that was building what is now Moms in Music. I think really being able to lean into that gut instinct and allow myself to be led in that way is really powerful. We often get those little nudges of the spirit, or whatever you may call it, and you can easily question or second guess it. I have really learned to lean into that instinct and into those nudges and it continues to pave the way for me.

Q: What would you say is your biggest superpower?

A: I think I am a natural leader. I know innately how to relate to people and how to identify the best in people in terms of their strengths and helping them to see it. I think that’s a natural gift of mine that I didn’t realize until I really got into my businesses as an entrepreneur and having the opportunity to source and identify great talent. I’ve also been able to train that talent in order to identify their good qualities to help them become great. I have a list of people that come from the ‘school of Brit’ who have started as interns that are now in executive positions. It’s that ability to identify seeds in order to help people become better personally, professionally, and spiritually. 

Q: If you could give your younger self any words of wisdom or just send her a message, what would that message be?

A: I probably have a lot of messages that I would tell my younger self, one of them being that it’s not going to happen the way you think it’s going to happen, whatever that thing is. I saw myself being the president of a record label until I got in it and realized I actually don’t want that, I want something else. I want my own. Knowing that, I would tell my younger self to trust and know that it will happen but it’s not a straight path. It will be windy and curvy so just embrace the ride. Enjoy the highs and the lows and just trust the process. When I look at all of my career moves, I realize all of them were setting me up for who and where I am today. When you’re in it, you don’t understand that concept but like looking back in hindsight, it all makes perfect sense. 

Stay connected to Brittney Brock:

• Instagram: @brittneykingbrock
• Personal Website: visit here
• Moms in Music website: visit here

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Q: What led you down the path to making your own tequila?

A: It truly goes back to my husband. When we met and were dating he was what I called at the time, a ‘tequila snob’ and because I’m a pancreatic cancer survivor, I’m pre diabetic, so I need to eat mostly like I’m diabetic. There are sugars in most wine so my body can’t really tolerate too much of that so in dating him I started researching tequila. Together we started talking about having a tequila brand and researching more about it. I’m not a doctor, but it’s good to know what you’re putting into your body and if you choose to imbibe in spirits, then I truly believe you should research and know what you’re what you’re putting into your body. In our research we found that the natural sugars from the agave plant are recognized by our body so they are digested with no issue. Tequila doesn’t have all those sugars and carbs that a lot of other spirits have. I don’t add sugar to my tequila. It truly became a labor of love because I basically made a tequila I can drink with ease. For me, it’s ultimately about educating the public and our consumers about becoming more health conscious about what they’re eating and drinking. They say if you can’t find it, make it yourself.

Q: What does it mean for you to be the first Black woman-owner of a tequila brand?

A: I actually got a proclamation from the city of Atlanta two years ago when I moved here for being a pioneer in the spirits industry, but also for being an entrepreneur and a businesswoman. I think for me it is very rewarding to be able to say that, while I’m hopefully inspiring and motivating other women, especially Black women, to go after their goals and the dreams that they have. 

We believe that everyone has a legacy within them. One of our taglines for our tequila brand is, Create Your Legacy, because we truly believe that everyone has a legacy within them. They have something to offer to the world. We also have another tagline that says, Live Significantly, because even though I’ve been through cancer challenges, I still live every day with some sort of significance while making sure that I am enjoying this journey. I’m also making sure that I’m helping along the way. Making sure that I am giving back to my communities by either motivating, inspiring and supporting. I also value being a mentor as well to young women leaders. That is something that is very close to my heart. So on a daily basis I’m always trying to be my best.

Q: What is your biggest dream for Anteel Tequila? 

A: My biggest dream and goal is to be a nationally recognized tequila brand. While we’re recognized in 20 states, we want to be a nationally recognized tequila and for people to understand and know that a Black woman is leading the brand to that national recognition. There are some other Black women in the tequila space, but there are only a couple of us and there needs to be more because we all have something different to offer to the consumer.  The recipes for our tequilas are different and unique, therefore, I truly feel like there should be more women of color in this space.

Q: Who or what is your biggest motivator right now?

A: My motivator is truly me. More often than not, I’m competing against myself every day. I try to make each day better than the last but I am also human and work to create a balance in my life with the many things that I need to do. I falter in many ways and in many things because there’s so much to do.  I would also say that my daughters, who are 16-years old and 28-years old are my biggest motivators, as I know they are watching everything that I do. My 16-year old lives with me and is seeing the challenges I face every day, but she’s also seeing the great experiences that I’m having so it motivates me to continue on and be the best that I can be. 

Q: What is next for Nayana and Anteel Tequila?

A: World domination! I will continue to work on Anteel Tequila, but I will also continue to work on my inspirational speaking, as I am paid to speak at conferences and events about having faith in self and having a great mindset to get you through life and business challenges.

I will continue my story with being a national advocate for Pancreatic Cancer.  I have been in a commercial and have spoken in front of Congress for the Pancreatic Cancer Network, so I will continue to share my story for awareness and hope, especially in Black and Brown communities.  As those communities do not know that there are resources and support available for pancreatic cancer, I hope my story, as an almost 19 year pancreatic cancer survivor will offer hope. My goal is always to give hope, support and awareness to people going through pancreatic cancer and their families.  I feel that my purpose in life is to inspire, motivate and give hope to those that I meet.  

Stay connected to Nayana Ferguson:

• Instagram: @nayanaferguson and @anteeltequilas
• Personal Website: visit here
• Anteel Tequila website: visit here

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Q: What does it mean for you to be a Black woman in this industry?

A: That’s a good question! I would have to say it has been challenging. My first real job was at MTV, working for Viacom. Viacom was an umbrella that hosted MTV, BET, VH1 and  Nickelodeon. I started working as a freelance artist in 1999 and 2000; that’s when I first started with them. Even though I worked with those companies, I was the only brown-skinned girl on set. I always noticed that there was a difference in the treatment coming my way, but I held my own, and hopefully opened some doors for other brown-skinned girls along the way.

Q: What has been your favorite, or most impactful, project or artist you’ve worked with?

A: I actually did the Tony Awards just last month, and I did makeup for Kecia Lewis, who’s leading Hell’s Kitchen, the Broadway play from Alicia Keys. I got to be in the rooms with some really big names like Billy Porter along with other big names on Broadway. That was pretty amazing. I never expected to even get into the afterparties so it was pretty exciting for me to be there and an unforgettable  experience to have. I felt really fortunate because I also didn’t see very many brown-skinned people in those rooms.

Q: Do you do anything to continue learning and stay current on the trends that your clients may ask for?

A: Absolutely. As an artist, the learning never stops. I can learn from a seven year old. Just the other day, I saw on Instagram a seven-year old makeup artist, and she was really good. As I was watching her, I liked how she lifted the foundation into the blush and then made it highlight, which is something different than what I did. You just have to stay humble as an artist and continue learning. I do a lot of YouTube tutorials, I take classes, and I read. It’s a business like any other business so I went to school and I studied for it. There’s different facets of makeup artistry; there’s fashion, there’s photography, there’s editorial, there’s film, there’s television, there’s prosthetics, there’s weddings, etc. So, once you learn color theory, then you can go into whatever avenue that you want to but there are different doors that you can enter. As an artist, television and red carpets are my forte. 

Q: What is your biggest tip or piece of advice for someone just getting started in this industry?

A: I get asked that question a lot and I tell everyone that I started doing counter makeup with MAC and Fashion Fair. My first job was actually selling fragrance with Christian Dior but the girls at the makeup counter were so glamorous. They had their little blue skirt suits and looked so polished and proper. With my modeling background, I realized I wanted to be behind the counter so I applied for a makeup artist position with Christian Dior here in Atlanta, at Lenox mall. At the time, I was studying fashion at the Fashion Institute of Technology, which was across the street from the mall and that’s where it all began with makeup. 

So, when anyone asks me how to get started I would still say to get a counter job. It helps you interact with people and come out of your shyness. Even though you’re more of a salesperson, you’re still going to learn color theory and how to work with any race and every skin tone because you don’t know who’s going to walk up to your counter. It’s good to be universal. I meet a lot of artists, even to this day, that don’t know how to do Black skin. Whoever sits in my chair, they can be Asian, Black, Indian, Spanish, Latino or African. As an artist, you’re supposed to be able to do makeup on anyone, from the lightest color skin to the darkest. 

Q: Who or what is your biggest motivator?

A: My mom. She was a fashion icon. What fascinated me about my mom is her ability to transform herself; sometimes with just a bold red lip color or she’ll wear fake eyelashes. It was never a whole full face of makeup, but she would just tweak little things and add big, bold earrings to accentuate her huge afro (we’re talking about back in the 70’s). With her, she always was able to put herself together so beautifully and I was always in awe.

I also was always inspired by other makeup artists such as Sam Fine, and Kevyn Aucoin. Kevyn had a book called Making Faces, and the way he would transform every nationality, from the lightest-skinned person to the darkest-skinned person was amazing. That to me was a true artist. I was in awe of his work and I was very sad when he passed away. He just had these gifted hands. That book is my coffee table book. Sam Fine has also touched every famous face and had a knack to make someone look naturally beautiful without transforming their look. Sam Fine’s talent was bringing up your best version of yourself and I feel that I’m that type of makeup artist. I’m not your Instagram makeup artist where you have loads of makeup on. I like to take your natural beauty and just enhance it. 

Stay connected to Crystal Foster:

Instagram: @crystallizedartist

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Q: With an organization so committed to the guidance and development of young women, what is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from a mentor?

A: The biggest one? There’s so many things, but my answer would probably be integrity. My mentor would always say, ‘I’ve got to do the right thing, because I have to sleep at night.’ I met her in my early 20’s, and I really didn’t grasp what she meant at that time, but as we grew together, I got to get to know her more and I started maturing on my own. I learned when you are faced with important decisions you have to make, things you choose to be involved in, and even things you say, you have to put yourself in a position to really influence others. People are looking to you for a response or even just the way you carry yourself. So as it relates to integrity, any decision that I made for myself, personally and with the organization, I have to be able to sleep at night and know that I made the best choice for all involved.

Q: What would you say is the most impactful initiative or program that Girls of Excellence provides?

A: Probably our leadership camp. I get feedback throughout the year of the impactful moments that happen for the girls but our leadership camp accumulates the whole year. We’re in the thick of it now getting ready to launch for 2025 but by the first weekend of June, all the programming has ended and we get to host our leadership camp. This camp came to me literally in a dream. I initially wanted it to be a typical overnight, sleepaway camp experience, your typical camp, but Covid happened so we had to change up our plan. So, we did a weekend in June instead. It’s three intense days, 12 hours per day for 100 middle and high school girls. We set up workshops, do physical activities, set up self care activities and even host a Career Discovery Fair. One impactful thing for the girls is the exposure; taking the girls out of their neighborhoods, and putting them someplace that they’ve never been or wanted to go. We always do a community service project and have a party that allows them to let loose. They love it! This year, we took a field trip to Savannah State. 

The feedback that I get from that camp gives me so much energy to keep going because in this type of business, being a non-profit, you’re always looking for fun and making new relationships. I’m selling a mission to get funding in order to further serve the girls so the camp is probably the most impactful thing that we do where we’ve been consistent and have gotten great feedback. We know it’s good when we can’t even get new girls in because all the old girls want to keep coming. 

Q: What do you consider to be your superpower??

A: I would say leadership. Yes, I started the organization and I’m the Founder, but I like to just work, be in the background and just make sure things are efficient, organized and coordinated. When people make compliments on my leadership, I had to take a minute, take that in, and just accept it because nothing happens without my leadership.

Q: If you could give the younger version of yourself one message or any words of wisdom, what would that be??

A: I would say to her it’s going to be okay. All the worrying that you’re doing, just know that it is going to be okay but it is not going to be easy. Your heart will break. Your disappointment will settle in. You will feel all types of emotions that you don’t understand. You will face challenges for several reasons, but in the end or after the fact, just know that you came through and you are okay and you will be okay. 

Q: What is next for Girls of Excellence?

A: Our plan is to continue growing the program but the next big thing is opening a Girls of Excellence Center For Excellence; an actual brick and mortar building where the girls have free reign. What I mean by that is they’re welcoming each other coming into the door, welcoming clients and/or donors, and hosting workshops along with peer-to-peer mentoring. I’ve love for the center to have a goal planning room and a financial literacy room and an entrepreneurship room or green space. So the Center of Excellence will be all about the girls and what their needs are, making sure that they feel empowered to be the best versions of themselves that they can be. For me, I want to leave the legacy of exactly that. 

Stay connected to Toya Russell-Phillips:

• Instagram: @girls_of_excellence_inc
• Website: visit here

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Q: Where did your interest in film come from? 

A: When I was a kid, originally I wanted to be a doctor, and when I went to school people said, ‘You are so dramatic, you should be an actress.’ I’ve been dramatic since I was a little girl. I had never thought about that. I then went to acting school and it was up from there. I never thought about working in production until I moved to Atlanta in 2021. While I was working at the aquarium, one of my friends who’s also an actress told me the way to get into the industry is from behind the camera. I always wondered what it took because it always seemed like there were so many moving parts. I made my way in, and I’ve learned many different departments. I love it, it’s my world. So, if I’m not in front of the camera, I’m still in my element.

Q: Are there any actresses that you looked up to in childhood, or even today? 

A: I absolutely love Viola Davis! People don’t understand that in this acting world, still to this day in 2024, colorism is a thing. I come from a large family and most of the time, I was the darkest one. When I was younger and in school, we didn’t realize that the world we live in, trains you to think that your color is bad. So growing up watching Viola Davis from her early ages to now, she’s paved the way for brown skin women to embrace what they look like and how they feel. That confidence draws people to you, no matter what they learned before. Viola made me feel comfortable knowing I’m not the only one. The decision of how you feel doesn’t come from what people may say to you, but how you feel about yourself. That stood out to me.

Q: What does it mean for you to be a Black woman in this industry?

A: It means challenge. It means perseverance. It means to be solid but to still be graceful. Sometimes women become so hard trying to prove to men that they’re able to do it all that they forget grace. While you become respected in one thing, you lose your feminine energy. Atlanta is more of a Black Hollywood than it is Hollywood. In Hollywood, they respect you a little bit more as a woman, but at the end of the day, you still have to prove more. They don’t give you as many chances as they would a man, but you do get chances. You have to block out what you think might hinder you from pushing yourself forward. Overall, it’s not easy for Black women. They always say in this industry that you have to be a little crazy to be here but to be a Black woman, is to be something to be intimidated by. We are powerful! That’s why it’s so hard for Black women to conquer because we’re intimidating without trying to be.

Q: You wear many different hats. Which one is your favorite and why?

A: My favorite was being a Director’s Assistant. I got to get into the mind of not only the director, but of the creator of the project. To see what the creator said verbally and on paper, then to see how that transformed to the director’s mind in front of me as it was happening live was a beautiful thing. Currently, I have stepped into the world of creative producing and I am part of that creative process and it is amazing. I love seeing people’s vision come to life and being a part of that. 

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

A: I think I’ve lived my biggest dream. My dream was not as big as God’s will. I wanted my own network, Oh Dolly Networks, I want it to be multitude of things. Before it becomes a streaming network, I want it to be a place where people can come and gather resources for production. I want it to be a place where they can show off their talents and even book other people and build community. Eventually, I want all Oh Dolly Networks to be an actual network where people can showcase their talents for real entrepreneurs and passion-driven creators. But for now, that’s it. Of course, I can’t let go of acting. Every time I think I’m letting it go I get a call with a request to audition so I always say ‘yes!’

Stay connected to Dolly Jones:

• Instagram: @Ohdollynetworks
• Access to Linktree: here

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Q: What does it mean to be a Black woman in your industry? 

A: To be a Black woman in this industry and the access that I have gained is unheard of. Many times, I am the only, however I find it to be a profound and honored position that I hold with great pride. Being able to access opportunities that are often unheard of for individuals like me is a testament to my resilience and determination. As one of the few Black women in the private and public cross-sector field, my faith and perseverance serve as pillars of strength, allowing me to navigate challenges and stand out in a competitive environment. The intersection of my identity as a Black woman, my faith, and my perseverance contribute to shaping my unique journey and impact in the industry.

Q: What does it mean to you to be a visionary community leader? 

A: Being a visionary community leader means looking beyond the present moment and envisioning a future where positive change and lasting impact are achieved. It involves identifying opportunities and developing projects or programs that not only address current needs but also have the potential to create generational change. As a visionary community leader, I strive to implement initiatives that not only benefit the community today but also set a foundation for long-term growth and transformation. By focusing on sustainable solutions and investing in the future, I aim to leave a legacy that will continue to benefit generations to come.

Q: What is your biggest dream for your career?

A: My biggest dream for my career is to leave a lasting legacy through the implementation of significant changes in the Columbus region. I aspire to positively impact the behaviors and lives of many residents, creating a ripple effect of transformative outcomes that will endure for years to come.

My biggest motivator right now is me. I strive daily to become a better version of myself and let the Glory of God be reflected in my life. I believe with God all things are possible, and I want to leave a legacy behind that effectively changes individual and community trajectories toward pathways of success in every area of life.

Q: What is an initiative that you have led that has had the greatest impact?

A: I am dedicated to providing trauma-informed practices and support to youth and communities. By spearheading a multi-agency program in Ohio that addresses Adverse Childhood Experiences and advocates for BIPOC youth and families, I aim to break down barriers and create more inclusive and supportive communities for all. Through collaborations with law enforcement and firefighters, I am committed to building a brighter future and continuing to make a lasting, positive impact. With the impact that has been made, I get goosebumps. I’m in awe when families and a young person comes up to me and says, ‘Ms. K, you made things possible I never would have thought of.’

Q: What is the biggest tip you can give other community leaders across the globe?

A: My biggest tip would be to be true to yourself first, then grow from there. Leave room for God to be God. My motto is: prepare for an opportunity that doesn’t exist yet. People-pleasing gets you nowhere but pain and anxiety. Embrace your uniqueness and have confidence, knowing that no one is like you!

Stay connected to Kirstin Buckner:

LinkedIn: Kirstin Buckner

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