#Preptime #NoDaysOff #ProperPlanning #ProperPreparation #browngirlsbuildingbrands #workwerkwerqworkwerqwurk #Sunday #officeoftheday #officebed #PENtervention #LegendsPress #BlackNerdPower #MemphisUrbanYogaInitiative #TeenSummit #purplehairandconverse
Giovanni N. Dortch, when I first saw the name I aligned it with her iconic namesake. And I’ve found that it is a more than valid correlation. Giovanni, neé GioD is an Entrepreneur, Activist, Philanthropist, Womanist, Spiritualist, Mentor, and Coach, Scholar, Author, Pedagogue, Filmmaker, Domestic Goddess, Wife, Mother…
Giovanni Scholar
How she manages to find the time to be anything else while being in the dissertation stage of pursuing her Ph.D is beyond me… I can barely walk and blow bubbles at the same time… I kid, of course!
But she is, she is doing everything while completing her Ph.D in Sociology from the University of North Texas. Her work is focused on African Immigrants in the United States and Identity Formation and or Retention. How do they navigate the immigration process? What is it like being an immigrant of color? How do they identify or continue to identify? Is their identity defined by ethnicity, nationalism, or race? Very interesting work on navigating the process of immigrating and how it shapes identity… Although I’m not an immigrant, I am relative to more than a few and that whole process… Just whew! And identity, Listen Lindas and Lonnies! People of Color, don’t we know something about that identity…Or we learning.
Giovanni, Scholar (photo credit: Quinn McGowan)
Giovanni Wife and Mother
And while she is in pursuit of her continued advancement in academia she continues to foster and model friendship, parenting, and love gracefully. Married for 2 ½ years to her best-friend and prom date (it really is one of the sweetest real-life love stories) and mothering 3 teenage boys– one in public school, one in charter school, and one being homeschooled… YAZZZ! Wipe your brow honey, she is doing that, seemingly with ease (and it’s not always easy, but she makes it look that way). Her career, scholarly pursuits, and family oft overlap as she lives out her politics and very full and colourful life. One awesome overlap is Co-Ownership with her husband, Quinn McGowan aka The Mighty Quinn of Iron Mic Coalition(but this ain’t about him, I’ll do that another time…) in Legends Press Comics. Her role as Business Administration means keeping the business end of thing in balance… And if you hadn’t figured out by now… This Libra woman knows something about balance and keeping it together… Can you say “In touch with your star player…”
(Giovanni, Wife, Mother, Friend… photo credit/ artwork: Quinn McGowan)
Giovanni Entrepreneur
Which brings us to the business woman… As Owner and C.E.O of Zenzile’s (pronounced Zin. Zee.Lay) Way Consulting, Giovanni is leading the way in Public Speaking, Writing, Editing, Coaching, Diversity Training, Workshops and Corporate Communications with creative magic and keen insight. Through her company and aligned with her astrological nature, Giovanni will be launching her Luxe Libra Lifestyle brand (Coaching) in the upcoming month, which promotes “Better living through balance.” And has already embarked upon a partnership, The Scoop Divas, with Black Opal Media– a division of Harkins House Productions– offering on-site social media management and public relations… Meaning they can take our local events, GLOBAL! Somebody shout Gloowwwwray with me!!!
Giovanni Activist
And just when it looks like her plate could get no fuller, Giovanni adds just one mo’ thang! Community Service, again the GioD lives her politics and she does so seamlessly: The Activist Mother, The Business-Partner Wife, The Student and The Educator… Giovanni has currently picked up the mantle and is working on several projects in Memphis, including Memphis TEEN SUMMIT, a live series based on BET’s popular nineties TV Show that launched the career of Ananda. MTS is also part of an effort of supporting and welcoming the Cutting Edge Youth Summit , a project she’s been involved with for several years, to Memphis (February, 2015) And at the same damn time she has partnered to organize a push to bring FREE Yoga classes to under-served areas in and around Memphis through the Memphis Urban Yoga Initiative… Oh did I mention, she’s a YOGI! Yazzz! That too!
Yeah!!! She is the GioD an amazing, magical womb warrior!
Doing it with #AbundantFaith and #winning because #theUniverseIsHerHomegirl
Watch as Giovanni answers the 7 Questions I ask Everybody and we totally NERD out about Office Supplies!
Connect with Giovanni @
Web: www.zenzilesway.com
Email: ZenzilesWay@Gmail.com
Phone : (318) 936-9453 or(318) ZEN-ZILE
Faceboook: www.facebook.com/ZenzilesWayConsulting
Twitter: @ZenzilesWay
Academia: education4socialjustice.tumblr.com
Collaboration: scoopdivas.blackopalmedia.net
“Cause they’re so Sin.fully delicious…”
Inspired by the Women’s Empowerment Brunch (July 2014) that was the culmination of the 3rd Annual Naturals City Weekend , I found my self in possession of a 6 page blog piece…
And well ain’t nobody got time for that!
So instead I decided to do a vlog/blog series titled #WomensEmpowerment WINSday, where I sit down with women that I find inspiring and share a bit of their magic with you. (go to www.youtube.com/purplehairandconvers for full episodes)
In the the first installment of Women’s Empowerment WINSday I am joined by the beauty.full and talented Natalie Lewis of Sinsational Berries. Sinsational Berries provided the #sinfulsweettreatstation for brunch, as well as, a seat at the #coolkidstable.
(Some of the Sweet Treats from the Sweet Treat Station @ #NITC3 photo by Sinsational Berries)
After more than a couple of weeks of hectic schedules, Natalie and I are finally about to sit and chat a spell…When you are running your own business it’s not always easy… And Natalie does all the work herself (She has done 800 berries by herself before!!!)
We meet up at a quaint coffee shop in the University District (Avenue Coffee). The weather was good, the atmosphere cozy, and staff welcoming as we set up in a little corner and talk like old friends (which we totally could be because we know like a bunch of the same people).
(the #coolkidstable photos by Natalie 1st row: Kim Brown, KImagineThat, me, Naudia James, 2nd row: Andrea Johnson, Bubble Bistro, Treena Woody, #FitNation, face of NITC3, Brandy McCarley, #FitandFlyDiva #FitFlyFitness, bottom left: Dana James Mwangi, Cheers Creative/Branding Guru)
I have been in awe of Natalie and her Sinational Berries since #NITC3. I’m not a big sweets person and strawberries are not in my top 5 gotta have fruits, but when I saw her creations… I was compelled! Compelled, I tell ya! I began following her and sharing her work on FB and reposting on IG. I’m so glad she didn’t think I was a weird snacky stalker or sum’n 🙂 .
(Sweet Treat Station @ NITC3 photos by Sinsational Berries)
As I was saying awed!!! Her handmade sweet treats were meticulously crafted and so beauty.full I almost didn’t want to eat them… almost… But I did! And I felt an explosion of flavor rush my senses. Sweet, but not overly so. Juicy (I might’ve had a couple of infused berries, maybe <—- oh infused means they’re spirited). And I could taste the berries,like they weren’t fruit masquerading in layers of candy…
As I followed Sinsational Berries, I was so continually impressed with both the quality and volume of business she was doing I had to interview her and find out more about the woman behind the business. Like does she have Oompa-Loompas in her employ? Maybe a couple of Keebler Elves? I mean for real though, 800 hand-dipped berries!!!
(Those 800 berries, photo by Sinsational Berries)
Natalie, is as sweet as her berries. Meeting up with her was such a joy— she was warm, honest, open, smiling that 1000 watt smile, and dressed in purple (a woman after my own heart). She’s the type of person that you are instantly happy to see and be in the presence of.
But she didn’t start out making berries or even knowing that she would be in the berry-making business, although growing up she always knew she wanted to own her own business. Natalie’s dad owned a tire shop, so she was exposed to Entrepreneurship at an early age). Natalie attended and graduated from University of Memphis with a degree in Corporate Management (great if you manage Oompla Loompas, Elves, or you know humans)… And went on to work in Corporate America, but when her daughter was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes she quickly reevaluated her priorites and baby girl came first.
Natalie, the mom, worked hard to balance work and home life, but sometimes work doesn’t always understand the demands of home and eventually Natalie decided to leave stop working for someebody else and take her talents home.
(Her girls!!! Aren’t they cutifull! Styled and photographed by Natalie) #SinationalTuTus #BlingyConverse
Why berries? Natalie started off as a consumer, but after supporting a business that didn’t appreciate or seemed entitled but unappreciative, she thought to herself “Why keep giving my money to someone who doesn’t seem to care?” And then as I picture a light bulb going off over her head, she said to herelf “I think I can do this.” She used the business acumen she acquired in college, added in branding/marketing, and taught herself the intricate process of hand-made and decorated confections.
I would say the rest is history, but truly it is history in the making. The doors to Sinsational Berries opened in 2009 and went full-time in 2012 (and by Sinsational Berries I mean Natalie, yes she is an army of one). In just a few short years, she has established herself as a professional and well-liked business woman, amassing an impressive list of clients. Her customized berries, make her a much sought after Sweet Treat Designer for everything from baby & bridal showers to corporate-sponsored events. In addition, to providing the sweets for the 3rd Annual Naturals In The City Women’s Empowerment Brunch, Natalie lists Xfinity (formerly Comcast Cable), CarMax, and Status Nail Bar among the businesses that she’s provided with her Sinsational Berries.
(#workwerkwerqWURK photos by Sinsational Berries)
Mom, Wife, successful Entrepreneur are just a few of the titles that Natalie holds and that’s a lot, but she also goes above and beyond to give of herself through community service and charitable contributions. Some of her work includes Juvenile Diabetes Fund, Hands of Love, and Austism Awareness.
Natalie Lewis, is truly the Sensation behind Sinsational Berries!
You can connect with Natalie/Sinsational Berries and place your order
on the web: www.sinsationalberries.com
by phone:(901) 216-5495
email: sinsationalberries@gmail.com
or on social networks
facebook: www.facebook.com/SinsationalBerries
twitter: twitter.com/SinBerries
instagram: instagram.com/sinsationalberries
pinterest: www.pinterest.com/sinberries/sinsational-berries/
“Cause they’re so Sin.fully delicious…”
Inspired by the Women’s Empowerment Brunch (July 2014) that was the culmination of the 3rd Annual Naturals City Weekend , I found my self in possession of a 6 page blog piece…
And well ain’t nobody got time for that!
So instead I decided to do a vlog/blog series titled #WomensEmpowerment WINSday, where I sit down with women that I find inspiring and share a bit of their magic with you. (go to www.youtube.com/purplehairandconvers for full episodes)
In the the first installment of Women’s Empowerment WINSday I am joined by the beauty.full and talented Natalie Lewis of Sinsational Berries. Sinsational Berries provided the #sinfulsweettreatstation for brunch, as well as, a seat at the #coolkidstable.
(Some of the Sweet Treats from the Sweet Treat Station @ #NITC3 photo by Sinsational Berries)
After more than a couple of weeks of hectic schedules, Natalie and I are finally about to sit and chat a spell…When you are running your own business it’s not always easy… And Natalie does all the work herself (She has done 800 berries by herself before!!!)
We meet up at a quaint coffee shop in the University District (Avenue Coffee). The weather was good, the atmosphere cozy, and staff welcoming as we set up in a little corner and talk like old friends (which we totally could be because we know like a bunch of the same people).
(the #coolkidstable photos by Natalie 1st row: Kim Brown, KImagineThat, me, Naudia James, 2nd row: Andrea Johnson, Bubble Bistro, Treena Woody, #FitNation, face of NITC3, Brandy McCarley, #FitandFlyDiva #FitFlyFitness, bottom left: Dana James Mwangi, Cheers Creative/Branding Guru)
I have been in awe of Natalie and her Sinational Berries since #NITC3. I’m not a big sweets person and strawberries are not in my top 5 gotta have fruits, but when I saw her creations… I was compelled! Compelled, I tell ya! I began following her and sharing her work on FB and reposting on IG. I’m so glad she didn’t think I was a weird snacky stalker or sum’n 🙂 .
(Sweet Treat Station @ NITC3 photos by Sinsational Berries)
As I was saying awed!!! Her handmade sweet treats were meticulously crafted and so beauty.full I almost didn’t want to eat them… almost… But I did! And I felt an explosion of flavor rush my senses. Sweet, but not overly so. Juicy (I might’ve had a couple of infused berries, maybe <— oh infused means they’re spirited). And I could taste the berries,like they weren’t fruit masquerading in layers of candy…
As I followed Sinsational Berries, I was so continually impressed with both the quality and volume of business she was doing I had to interview her and find out more about the woman behind the business. Like does she have Oompa-Loompas in her employ? Maybe a couple of Keebler Elves? I mean for real though, 800 hand-dipped berries!!!
(Those 800 berries, photo by Sinsational Berries)
Natalie, is as sweet as her berries. Meeting up with her was such a joy– she was warm, honest, open, smiling that 1000 watt smile, and dressed in purple (a woman after my own heart). She’s the type of person that you are instantly happy to see and be in the presence of.
But she didn’t start out making berries or even knowing that she would be in the berry-making business, although growing up she always knew she wanted to own her own business. Natalie’s dad owned a tire shop, so she was exposed to Entrepreneurship at an early age). Natalie attended and graduated from University of Memphis with a degree in Corporate Management (great if you manage Oompla Loompas, Elves, or you know humans)… And went on to work in Corporate America, but when her daughter was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes she quickly reevaluated her priorites and baby girl came first.
Natalie, the mom, worked hard to balance work and home life, but sometimes work doesn’t always understand the demands of home and eventually Natalie decided to leave stop working for someebody else and take her talents home.
(Her girls!!! Aren’t they cutifull! Styled and photographed by Natalie) #SinationalTuTus #BlingyConverse
Why berries? Natalie started off as a consumer, but after supporting a business that didn’t appreciate or seemed entitled but unappreciative, she thought to herself “Why keep giving my money to someone who doesn’t seem to care?” And then as I picture a light bulb going off over her head, she said to herelf “I think I can do this.” She used the business acumen she acquired in college, added in branding/marketing, and taught herself the intricate process of hand-made and decorated confections.
I would say the rest is history, but truly it is history in the making. The doors to Sinsational Berries opened in 2009 and went full-time in 2012 (and by Sinsational Berries I mean Natalie, yes she is an army of one). In just a few short years, she has established herself as a professional and well-liked business woman, amassing an impressive list of clients. Her customized berries, make her a much sought after Sweet Treat Designer for everything from baby & bridal showers to corporate-sponsored events. In addition, to providing the sweets for the 3rd Annual Naturals In The City Women’s Empowerment Brunch, Natalie lists Xfinity (formerly Comcast Cable), CarMax, and Status Nail Bar among the businesses that she’s provided with her Sinsational Berries.
(#workwerkwerqWURK photos by Sinsational Berries)
Mom, Wife, successful Entrepreneur are just a few of the titles that Natalie holds and that’s a lot, but she also goes above and beyond to give of herself through community service and charitable contributions. Some of her work includes Juvenile Diabetes Fund, Hands of Love, and Austism Awareness.
Natalie Lewis, is truly the Sensation behind Sinsational Berries!
You can connect with Natalie/Sinsational Berries and place your order
on the web: www.sinsationalberries.com
by phone:(901) 216-5495
email: sinsationalberries@gmail.com
or on social networks
facebook: www.facebook.com/SinsationalBerries
twitter: twitter.com/SinBerries
instagram: instagram.com/sinsationalberries
pinterest: www.pinterest.com/sinberries/sinsational-berries/
Sweet Potato Baby
A million watts of star power! Yazzz! After fawning and gushing all weekend over the beauty.full and talented Aryen (pronounced Ah- Rye-Uhn) and her delectable delicacies, I was finally able to steal her away for a few minutes and this is what happened 🙂
purplehairandconverse.com
https://www.facebook.com/sweetpotatobaby
https://www.facebook.com/chefaryen
twitter @SweetPotatoBC
twitter @onegreatcook
#Day7 @fitflyfitness #30daydetox & a little care package from the one and only @danajamesmwangi #herbaldetoxsoak sample from @bubblebistro and #deadseasalts… +light reading #Omagazine #breakthrough Yazzzzz! I think I have detoxed to my soul !!! #fitandfly #insideandout #fitflyfitness #bubblebistro #cheerscreative #browngirlsbuildingbrands #coolpeopleplacesthings #purplehairandconverse
Yazzzz The @fitandflydiva @fitflyfitness at #NITC3 #anaturalaffair Don’t just get fit for summer, get fit for life! Out with the old, in with the new! #30DayDetox #HappyWINSday #fitandflydiva #fitaandflyfitness #sitinthebleechersorjointhegame #browngirlsbuildingbrands #coolpeopleplacesthings #purplehairandconverse
Happy WINSday!!! #thiscouldbeyou #quitplaying @sinsationalberries are available so that your any day can feel special! If you missed #NITC3 and the AWESOMENESS that was the #WomenEmpowermentBrunch you can still get a piece. Order your berries! They are Sinsational! #browngirlsbuildingbrands #SinsationalBerries #NITC3 #anaturalaffair #coolpeopleplacesthings #purplehairandconverse
Roll Call!!! It’s day two and NATURALS in THE CITY is about to go all the way in!!!
Get ready! Get ready! Get Ready!
Photos, Interviews, Live Tweets, Updates, Live Blogging… It’s all happening
YOU can get the full schedule of events here»>http://www.naturalsinthecity.com/expo-schedule/ (it can be downloaded to your iPhone or Android)
I’ll be there with my purple hair and converse sharing with you all the #coolpeopleplacesthings!
And keeping you posted all weekend long about the GREATness that is the 3rd Annual NATURALS in THE CITY Hair and Wellness EXPO hosted by A Natural Affair Beauty Lounge.
Stay Connected via Social Networks all weekend long »>
Facebook: 3rd Annual Naturals In The City Hair and Wellness Expo | A Natural Affair Beauty Lounge
Instagram: @naturalsinthecity | http://www.instagram.com/naturalsinthecity
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/anaturalaffair
#anaturalaffair #NITC3 #purplehairandconverse
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