Where Two or Three Are Gathered

Today will be the day. I’m sure of it. These are my first thoughts as I wake up. I take a moment before getting out of bed to stay in that space of gratitude. Been following a lot of spiritual accounts on IG lately to keep myself motivated. Its been two years since I began incubating my business, vision boarding, writing down affirmations, research. I look over at my nightstand. My entire business plan is in that little 5x7 black book perched precariously on the edge. I take it everywhere with me. I never know when I might be inspired by something, have an idea that I think, no, BELIEVE will set me apart from the competition, might read something that I want to incorporate into my business model or be in conversation where something is said that solves a problem I’ve been pondering or have a dream that needs recording. “Write it down, make it plain.” That’s scripture , Habakkuk 2:2. You never know today because people just ignore crediting a source. I don’t understand that because.. damn, you have heard of Google, right?

Anyway, I’ve been working on launching this “modern media company” for a minute. Creating a digital platform where tech meets content, targeted to contemporary women of color. Our portrayal in mainstream media leaves a lot to be desired. Not to mention, the people green lighting and developing our stories don’t always get the nuance right. I want to change the narrative, create a company where we control the pipeline from creation through distribution. Early on, I got a lot of pushback from potential investors… too capital intensive, too late to enter that market, your target audience isn’t big enough, etc, etc. Fact is, none of that is true. So, I’m focused on bootstrapping. Not for the faint of heart I might add which is why I continue to believe that something has got to give. Releasing “the how” and just believing.

I’m scheduled to meet up with my tribe of girlfriends this afternoon for brunch. Its our monthly gathering we call our Accountability Group. These chicks don’t play either. You know the saying “you’re the average of the the 5 people closest to you”? Well, my circle is tight. We stay encouraging each other although lately I’ve been feeling like I’m the weakest link. Courtney has her own 7 figure consulting business which she grew from nothing. I mean..nothing. ok, maybe not nothing but she did begin with just an idea. Ashlie is a Brand Ambassador for a conglomerate specializing in luxury goods, a job she manifested on her vision board. Facts. Nikkaia has created a lane for herself as an Influencer all while juggling a full-time job with an agency. Who knew you could make real money taking selfies and telling people what you wear, eat, and how you spend your time?? We all benefit from the freebies she receives daily. So win/win. Olivia is on the partner track as an Entertainment Attorney at a major firm, her client list is jaw dropping. And my former college roommate Aliyah is now the CEO of her own hair care company. A company that just received distribution at a big box retailer. Boss moves!! We’re all out here living our dreams. When I get together with these women I’m constantly inspired to stay the course. I’ve been told to stay close to the people who feel like sunlight and thats a perfect description for these women .

Before I hop in the shower, I reach for my notebook. Need to review my goals from last month’s brunch and be prepared to check off what I’ve accomplished. Fifteen minutes later, its not looking good. I’m looking at my notes 1) create one new show to add to the library 2) find a freelancer off one of the online marketplaces to takeover my social media postings 3) Follow up with the (long!) list of content creators that responded to my post for collaborators 4) Focus group ( I use that term very lightly) to see how the site I have up currently test with my potential audience. 5) RAISE, RECEIVE, MANIFEST $20,000. Outside of #1 and #5 I’ve made some progress. Truth be told I’ve added the last one to my list every month for the past 2 months. I was making some progress with funding and then hit a dry spell. My savings is getting low and I promised myself I would not deplete it. But I believe in my business and I’ve worked so hard to get it to this point. I just can’t…. I stop myself. Stop. Low point…redirect. I say out loud “I have worked my plan, I know what I’m doing, I have experience to execute this plan. This is just the journey”. I jot down “Be careful of the language you use when speaking over your life”.

Later, as I enter the restaurant I see that I’m the last to arrive. “Hey Ladies…whats good?” I say as I slide into the empty chair, looking around to take in the ambiance. We take turns hosting the monthly gathering and the host picks up the check. Its Ashlie’s turn this month and she always picks a high-end restaurant so we are looking forward to a great meal and drinks. I’m faking it before I make it but Ashlie rolls like that and has the money to back it up. I love my friends and I cannot wait until my business is acquired by a huge network. I will treat my friends to an all-expense paid trip to…wherever the hell we want to go.

My fantasy is interrupted by Courtney who starts off with “lets get the business out of the way before you guys have too many French 75’s “. Its our cocktail of choice this month and we’re serious about it. Each of us take a turn sharing what’s going on professionally. We celebrate the wins and discuss any challenges we might be facing, with each of us offering up advice, suggestions or resources that might help. When its my turn I bring out my black notebook. Aliyah gives me a side eye, as only a black girl can do “Girl, seriously? When are you going to start taking notes on your iPad or at least your phone? They all laugh. “It may seem outdated to you” I say “but I keep telling you guys, when I received it last year as a Secret Santa gift it just felt right. Black Girl Magic about to be manifested”. “I know that’s right” says Olivia. “Keep going Sis” says Ashlie. I go through the list, noting all their suggestions and advice. It dawns on me that these women are my true friends, brought together through a series of small serendipities. Not only do they keep me motivated but they possess skills that have helped me shape my dream. I feel blessed. I take the next few moments to review my plan out loud, making note of where I think I need to focus over the next six months. We believe in doing the work but also embrace putting it out there in the universe, hence speaking it into existence. Our forever motto is “align, not hustle”.

As we wrap up brunch…cocktails and all, we are enjoying each other’s company. We’ve moved on from business to our usual chitchat, relationships and politics to the latest tv series to binge. I’ve kept my book on my lap because someone is always dropping some gem I want to remember. As I excuse myself to go to the ladies room, I’m unaware that my book has fallen to the floor.

As I exit the ladies room, I see the ladies are waiting for me at the maitre’d station. Ashlie has taken care of the check and we all move towards the door. As we stand outside saying our goodbyes, an elegantly dressed, older black woman approaches us from inside the restaurant. “Excuse me” she says, “ I couldn’t help overhearing your conversation. It reminded me so much of my friends and I, back in the day. Sisterhood. Its something so special.” “Oh” she says turning to me, holding out my little black book, “ You dropped this… and today” she says with a smile “…you get to check off #5”. I see tucked in my little black book, like a bookmark, is her card.