When you gather seven of Charlottes most successful business men in one room, knowledge just flows.

These men shared their business strategies as they apply to hostess Lu Ann Barry’s seven step, 360 degree approach to success.

Having met half the men on the panel before and seeing their success grow through the years I knew there would be some powerful messages.

1. KNOWLEDGE:

Knowledge is Wealth. DJ Chuck T did not attend college. He gained all his knowledge from life experience.

Ryan Jor El did not get his degree in fashion. However his on job training gave him more knowledge than a book ever could. Fashion became a launching pad for all his other endeavors.

Sport E Odie echoed a belief I’ve always had. After graduating, kids are too young and immature to decide what they want to do in life. Leading to so many people not doing what they have a degree for.

He said “Failure makes you learn”. Losing money is the best way to ensure you never repeat that mistake.

Sport E stresses the importance of holding on to your knowledge

2. RESOURCES:

Terry Budget, a highly decorated military veteran, spent a lot of time reading. Books are a main resource in his career.

After losing everything not once, but twice, he’s now very successful. With his speaking engagements bringing in $10,000 an hour, he still focuses on those with nothing. Playing a game of chess with a prisoner, sharing his insight and encouragement.

He told us we have to change the way we think in order to change the way we live.

“If you can stand to lose it all you can stand to have it all”.

His words have become a valuable resource to me.

When George Acheampong talks, I listen! This is the second opportunity I’ve had to hear him speak. And his words have changed me in many ways. He has taught me the importance of teachability. Willingness to learn. And accept change.

“Behave your way into a certain skill set”.

3. TEAM:

Your team doesn’t have to be physical. It can be virtual. Not even from the same city.

Learn to utilize your Team. Know when to let a member go.

Sport E Odie said “Keep the ones that watched you build. The ones that see something in you not just what you see in them”

Curtis Walls told us he’s not always the biggest guy in the room. But always the one to command respect.

So much of what he said during this discussion has stuck with me.

He said we need to ask of our team “What is their why?”

What is their energy level? How are they acting and moving?

“A team is only as great as their leader’

Lonnie Davis feels teamwork is essential in his real estate business. They need to ask questions. Share ideas.

“Closed mouths don’t get fed”

4. NETWORK:

Our network is not the same as our team. Associate with what you do.

Curtis Walls told us if people see you casually in that space then they will take you seriously when you start to build on it.

Ryan Jor El knows one of the most important parts of networking is getting your brand noticed.

“It doesn’t have to be perfect it just has to be out there. People can’t critic what they don’t see”

Sport E Odie drove the point home.

“Until they see your actions, no one will take you seriously.”

5. PACKAGING:

How we package ourselves, our brand, is major. The panel pointed out that the average person has to see something seven times before they take notice.

“Your marketing isn’t working unless people are seeing it” said Sport E Odie. Sometimes you have to go back to the old school way. Print up flyers. Make T-shirt’s. Pound the pavement and get your brand out there.

With social media being the main source or marketing, you’re brand has to stand out from the masses.

DJ Chuck T believes in Dressing the part. Image is everything. Be known for doing something well.

George Acheampong said “Be authentic in your moves.” Things go wrong when you try to be something you’re not.

6. BALANCE:

The panel all agreed you have to find the balance between your personal and professional life in order to succeed.

Lonnie Davis learned balance after recently taking up boxing. It physically and mentally prepared him for his success in business.

“You’ve got to take a lot of hits. Get beat up. Only then can you succeed”

DJ Chuck believes balance is different for everyone. “Face the fact but keep the faith.”

Your intent must align with your goals.

Ryan and Sport agreed on learning to say “No”.

Sometimes it’s ok to turn things down. Sport stressed the importance of Praying on your No’s after a ‘No’ almost cost him a lucrative deal.

A No can be important and imperative.

7. EVALUATE AND REEVALUATE:

Terry believes in going after purpose. And purpose will get you paid.

It’s not enough to just go after money. Share with others. He has seen the inmates grow as he’s worked with them. He’s shown them what’s possible and built their confidence.

Many of the men have rebranded. Grown. Merged. And it’s made them even more successful.

George believes in evaluating your timing. You can’t see every angle when you’re in the middle. Sometimes it’s best to zoom out and look at the full picture.

A 360 degree view.

https://www.spicelabmedia.com/

http://curtiswalls.com/Network-links

https://georgeacheampong.lpages.co/ig-landing-page/

http://www.djchuckt.com/events.html

https://www.terrybudget.com/

http://sporteodie.com/

https://linktr.ee/ryan_jorel

http://www.iamlonniedavis.com/

Time for my top ten picks for Dad!

1. Don’t buy him another boring tie. Buy him a luxurious tie from Ike Behar Charlotte.

Leonard Gresham will help you pick out the perfect tie for your perfect dad!

https://ikebehar.com/

2. A tie alone does not make an outfit. So pick a Ryan Jor El pocket square to complete the look.

Each pattern is hand picked by the Fashion Connoisseur himself. The key is to compliment not match.

http://ryanjorel.com/

3. So you’ve given Dad a fancy tie and fabulous pocket square but he doesn’t quite know how to make it work. No problem. Once again it’s Ryan Jor El to the rescue.

His book Fashion & Fatherhood will have Dad looking dapper in no time!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0692725032/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_6px.Cb83FWTJ8

4. If dressing up just isn’t Dad’s thing then head to Banana Republic for some comfy and casual outfits.

Throw out the old jeans and torn T-shirt’s and head over to BR on Rea Road and let Beth Scrimgeour make him the most stylish dad in the block.

https://likeshop.me/bananarepublicmens?utm_campaign=IG+Link+in+Bio+Links&utm_medium=bitly&utm_source=Instagram

5. Now that his closest is set it’s time to add some accessories.

L. Howard Artisry in Leather makes unique bags for all occasions. No two bags are the same and Dad will stand out whether it’s for work or travel.

https://lhowardleather.com/

6. We’re all responsible for over half the wrinkles on our dads precious faces. So help him take better care of the face you love with Beauty Counters Men’s line!

Stacy Rovner can help find the perfect products to put that glow back on his face

https://www.beautycounter.com/stacyrovner

7. Good Ol Dad is looking pretty good. He needs to smell as good as he looks.

Michael Kors has some incredible colognes. Extreme Rush is my favorite. The Ladies at South Park Mall’s MK store will find the perfect scent for him.

https://www.michaelkors.com/trend/michaels-world/_/R-cat3880001?ecid=MKZ_US_En_IG_Bio_MKWorld_121918

8. He’s looking good and smelling good so he deserves a night out with the guys.

Tailored Smoke Cigar Lounge offers the perfect gentleman’s evening.

http://tailoredsmoke.com/

9. Give dad some family fun time he will never forget.

Mr. Stumpy’s Axe Throwing In Tega Cay is a fun time for all ages. Combined with Mr. Putty’s Fun Park there’s something for every age from 2 to 102. The golf course is even wheelchair accessible!! The owner Rob is so welcoming and makes each trip memorable.

https://www.mrstumpys19hole.com/book-online

10. After the shopping and fun it’s time to let dad make a pig of himself.

Tell dad to put the grill away and take him to The Improper Pig. The menu provides so many options to give dads grilling a run for its money.

https://theimproperpig.com/

Once a year we get to pay our Father’s back for everything he’s done for us. Give him things he’s never get for himself. And show him how much he is loved!

Jazz is one of my favorite genres of music. I listen with my eyes closed so I can hear each instrument clearly.

So when the opportunity to meet Jazz percussionist Alfred Sergel came up I made time to sit down for a conversation.

Prior to our meeting I listened to a lot of his music. I was hooked.

He came from a musical family. After destroying his mothers pots and pans he was eventually given a drum set.

The rest was history. He started taking music in school and had private lessons from seventh grade until graduation.

He continued his music education at Florida State.

For years he’s traveled and performed with Grammy and Dove Award winners. He started the Alfred Sergel IVtet and even started his own booking company for musicians.

But somewhere along the line he decided to focus on developing his music and his career as an artist. And now it is time to promote an incredible, talented musician…himself.

By the time you read this his new single ‘Y Closed’ will be out. A pathway to the September 6 release of his album ‘Sleepless Journey’.

Musicians have deep emotional bonds with the notes they write and sing. So I was expecting a dark, brooding explanation behind some of his titles.

But that’s not the case.

Das Ditch was written after watching a group of huge Russian men digging a trench to his work shop behind his house.

He picked up on the rhythms of speech, movement and sounds. Listening to the song I envision these strong men. At first talking back and forth as I listen to the cymbals and the faint snare drum. As each shovel of soil is dug the bass beats heavier and deeper. And the story of the digging of that ditch is told in the form of music.

The same happened with ‘Y Closed’ which was written after he went to the local YMCA to workout and found it closed. Get it??? Y Closed!!!

I picture him taking the bottled up energy from his thwarted workout and creating this catchy tune in his car in the way home.

This lead to a surprising answer to one of my questions.

I had assumed he developed the beats first then added the melodies. But Alfred works in reverse.

Artist gain inspiration from many sources. His comes from Phil Collins, his families banter before starting their day, and just living life.

Like his music, life can start out dark and slow and crescendo into a happy, upbeat outro.

He wants his audience to participate. To leave the worries of their day behind. Tap their feet. Sing along. And leave a more upbeat person.

Check out his YouTube videos. And get his music on Spotify. Or catch a local performance. You will walk away inspired. And perhaps humming his music that’s stuck in your head.

Musicians are a special breed. And Alfred Sergel walks to the beat of his own drum. Literally!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6fDZWgkSd29Fy1AGQKFgbQ

https://www.alsergel.com/

What do you do on a rainy Saturday after a particularly rough week?

You text your blogging bestie and have her meet you at Target!!!

Our Target adventures are more than shopping sprees. They’re therapy. Inspiration. And full of much needed laughter.

Reagan, of Reagan In My Own World, and I took it back to basics. Where we originally met.

Target clothing department.

We both love fashion and each have our own style. So we enjoy sharing with our readers what we both loved!

Handbags are always my favorite. I’ve been craving a round bag and found plenty during our trip!

And we both were immediately drawn to this unique bag.

Fanny packs are also on my radar lately. This powder pink one with gold hardware caught my eye.

As a lover of leopard prints I fell in love with this scarf and headband in this spring pastel version.

No shopping trip is complete without a visit to the shoe department.

Yellow is huge this season. Wedges are trending. And my beloved leopard print makes an appearance in this department as well.

I was intrigued by this chunky pearlescent necklace that I dubbed ‘The Wilma Flinstone’.

Denim gets a splash of color with this acid washed pink jacket.

And I loved the pop of color with the stripes on the sides of these comfy joggers.

Again with the yellow! I picture this over several different colors to ad dimension to an outfit.

And finally, a toned down piece among all my bright picks. This easy casual muted grey outfit by their newest line Prologue.

Reagan and I left inspired and refreshed. Ready to face another week.

Check out her blog and see her favorites!

https://www.reaganinmyownworld.com/blog/old-friends-new-finds-same-target

I met photographer Don Porter when I first hit the fashion scene in Charlotte a few years back.

Pretty much everything I know about the world of fashion shows I learned from him.

So when he asked me to attend a photo shoot at his studio I was ready. Eager to learn more from my knowledgeable teacher.

Then he told me who the designer was. Humble Connor. And I was on cloud nine.

I had met her briefly last year. But I’ve been a fan for several years after seeing her designs on the runway at Charlotte Fashion Week.

I’m drawn to her dramatic, oversized sleeves and her ruching fabrics.

She asked if I’d like to try on one of her pieces. I’ve never been so excited to put on an article of clothing in my life!!!

The feeling of wearing something that will be on the runway soon is a feeling I cannot even describe.

The first piece was an all black outfit. Pairing her own violin against the puffy black sleeves was striking. And the model, Erica Miller, was a good sport, posing on a ladder despite her fear of heights.

The second look was this sea of tulle paired with the most gorgeous satin pants. First photographed with the denim jacket I tried on then without.

We finished up outside at a construction site with my favorite outfit of the day.

The asymmetrical cut of this suit and the colors blew me away. And I would rock this ensemble in any situation.

I got to know the designer and realized her heart and personality were just as amazing as her designs. And I can’t wait to see more.

Getting to watch Don in action was also an experience. I normally see him perched at the end of a runway. He’s a very talented photographer.

Spending the day with two of my favorites in the fashion world was truly Humbling.

https://www.humbleconnor.net/

https://donporterphotography.com/

https://instagram.com/ericachrimiller?utm_source=ig_profile_share&igshid=aq0rvd0on43x

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone.

I just wanted to write a short little blog about True Love.

When I was around 9-10, Love’s Baby Soft perfume was very popular.

My mom refused to buy it for me. All of my classmates wore it. And my whole ballet class smelled like the sweet baby powder scent that I wanted so bad.

Our ballet class had Secret Santa that year. I hoped and wished to be able to open my gift and find a box of the much coveted scent.

But while all the other girls opened their tiny rectangular boxes and squealed in delight at their new bottle, I looked at my box. Not wanting to open it. It was much too big to be a bottle of perfume.

The teacher finally persuaded me to open it.

It wasn’t a bottle of perfume… It was a whole gift set of Love’s Baby Soft products!!!

My mom wasn’t very pleased, but I was ecstatic!!! I’ll never forget that feeling.

It remained one of my favorite Christmas memories. Until this year.

My 9 year old Grand Diva spent her money at Santa’s Workshop on gifts for her family.

When I was her age I had just started collecting all things Japanese. I also wished for my beloved perfume.

When I opened my gift it was two things from my childhood that I loved the most. A Japanese fan and my favorite scent.

From a sweet little girl who knew nothing of my 9 year old self.

Yet she has my genes. My Diva genes. And she just knew.

One day she will understand my confused look.

She will understand why I said “But how did you know?”

And one day she will understand the tears of joy I shed that Christmas.

And she too, will have memories of True Love.

Reasons Brown is not your everyday designer.

We all know the type. They talk a big game about getting their designs out there but they never really do anything to make it happen.

That’s not how his brand works. Lootswaay Clothing refers to ‘Money is the Persuasion’. And he’s constantly and tirelessly hyping his work.

But he’s not just a designer. He’s also a musician. And plays basketball for Bluefield State College In West Virginia.

He doesn’t identify with any one in general. He hates to be put into a box. When I asked if he had to do only one he couldn’t choose. Because without all three he wouldn’t be ‘Reasons’.

“You have to protect your energy” he told me. “Learn as much as you can along the way”.

Music lets him express himself. And basketball fuels his energy. While designing is his way to get his point across.

Pay Me… That’s his mission statement. Pay me for my time. My work. My dream.

So many of us have gifts and talents and don’t know our worth.

Reasons Brown knows his worth. And he makes sure everyone knows it.

I recently channeled him during a meeting with a brand. I could hear his voice in my head telling me to know my worth. To get paid.

And it worked.

I met him for a reason. We both believe in living according to ‘God’s Timing’. Our mutual friend, rapper IV Montana, knew we would click. He knew we needed each other’s influence.

He believes we are our own competition. He also believes that if he isn’t meant to succeed then he will be the inspiration for the one who does.

His streetwear style is favored by men and women alike.

He felt accomplished and motivated the first time he spotted someone wearing one of his pieces.

If you look closely you will notice the number 25 on many of his pieces.

This is paying homage to a fellow basketball player that passed away.

He has started a fund in his memory. And each time he takes to the stage to perform or each time he sells a piece from his collection a portion of what he earns goes into that fund.

He told me it’s important to be consistent. “Be who you say you are”.

It’s rare to meet such a humble and selfless person in today’s world.

To know him is to know his worth more than money.

He gives us so many ‘Reasons’ to be thankful.

https://www.lootswaayclothing.com/