Open Letter to a Mother: Why a “Black Girls Rock” T-Shirt is OK

Tonight the 10th anniversary celebration of Black Girls Rock awards will debut on BET at 7 p.m. CDT. In honor of the ceremony I revisit an article I wrote for the November 2014 issue of B-Metro magazine. 

black girls rock tee

You see an African-American girl bouncing through the aisles of your local supermarket donning a T-shirt that reads “Black Girls Rock,” and you’re offended. You want to approach her parents and ask how they would feel if your daughter wore a shirt declaring “White Girls Rock.” But you decide against it.

You believe that if your daughter did wear a “White Girls Rock” T-shirt, both she and you would be declared racists and you don’t think that’s fair. You think it’s a double standard.

You’re right. And double standards suck.

But you know what else sucks?

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How to Dress Like a Fashion Blogger

dress like a fashion blogger

In my next writing life, I want to be a fashion blogger.

As the founder of See Jane Write, I’m around fashion bloggers often and oh, how I admire my chic and stylish blogging cohorts. One thing they’ve taught me, however, is that you can dress like a fashion blogger even if you’re not one. It all starts with a mindset shift. For my latest piece for StyleBlueprint Birmingham I had a talk with five of Birmingham’s top style bloggers about the best advice they’d offer aspiring fashionistas. Read the wardrobe wisdom from Jeniese Hosey of The Jenesaisquoi, Alexis Barton of Same Chic Different Day, Bertha Hidalgo of Chic in Academia, Rachel Tindall of To Hell in a Handbag, and Christina Renteria of PinkLux. 

Javacia’s April Goals

 

april 2016 goals

Can you believe it’s April?! Can you believe the second quarter of the year is already here?!

As usual, I’m setting goals for the month, but since we’re here at the start of a new quarter, I thought I’d set some 90-Day goals as well.

My Goals for April

Revamp and relaunch Lady Blogger to Boss Lady. This is my signature e-course designed to help you build your best blog, build buzz for that blog, and turn that blog into a business  without relying on ads or sponsored posts. If you’re interested, click here to get on the Lady Blogger VIP List to receive course announcements and discounts.

Host a member’s only writing workshop. If you’re an official See Jane Write member you’ll get details soon.

Do Jillian Michaels’ 30-Day Shred. The last time I did Jillian Michaels’ 30-Day Shred for 30 days straight I went down a dress size. Can I get an encore?

Looking ahead, here are some goals I have for the next 90 days.

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See Jane Write founder makes Southern Living list of Innovators Changing the South

innovators changing the south

Yesterday I got so many Facebook notifications my phone nearly died.

Yesterday Southern Living magazine released its list of Innovators Changing the South, a list that included people like Reese Witherspoon, Dolly Parton, and Brene Brown. A list that also included — ME!

Thanks to the work I do through See Jane Write, I made the list. I jumped up and down and skipped through my house until I was out of breath. And I think I typed the words “Thank you” 200 times as congratulatory messages from friends came pouring through on Facebook and through texts.

Now I know you might be wondering, “How did Javacia make it onto a list that includes famous people?” And I should be mad at you for being such a hater, but instead I’m going to let you in on a secret.

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I Took a Break From Periscope and Almost Broke My Business

periscope pic

From March 1 to March 7, I didn’t use Periscope. I didn’t do any Periscope broadcasts and I didn’t watch any.

If Periscope is not your jam, a seven-day fast from this social media platform means nothing to you. But Periscope is my jam, my jelly, and my bread and butter. I LOVE PERISCOPE.

And that’s my problem. I was watching and/or listening to Periscope broadcasts ALL THE TIME – in the morning as I got ready for work, in the evening when I took walks through my neighborhood, while I was cooking, while I was driving, while I was painting my nails and waiting for them to dry.

The people I follow on Periscope are fellow bloggers and content creators. They’re female entrepreneurs who are slaying the game and I am eager to learn all their tricks of the trade.

But I was so obsessed with Periscope that I was barely spending time in prayer and reading Scripture.

So essentially I gave up Periscope for Jesus.

And I didn’t even miss it. Or so I thought.

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