Support is Sexy

Latest Episodes:

16: Taking Inspired Action, Showing True Grit and Paving a Way with J.J. Gray Shoes Creator Jessica Perdomo Jul 25, 2016

Show notes

Shoe designer Jessica Perdomo is not only an example of resilience and determination ("I can't tell you how many stores I got kicked out of," she says), she is also an example of someone who is not afraid to take inspired action. Or maybe, at times, she is afraid, but she does it anyway, and this makes her courageous as hell!

Jessica is the founder of the incredibly gorgeous footwear line, J.J. Gray, which features riding boots and oxfords made exclusively by a family of third generation artisans in the south of Spain. She launched the line with just $800 in 2014 (just enough to cover legal fees for her business), and has since received coveted mentions in fashion biz powerhouse publications, such as Vogue and Footwear News. Raised without many resources by her Dominican grandparents in Queens after her mother passed away, Jessica started working at age 13, and hasn't stopped since. But it's the story of the shoe -- both at the early start of her career and as the spark that ignited her business -- that has been pivotal in her journey.

What I love most about Jessica from the moment I first spoke with her is her grit and authenticity, not only in how she is building her business, but in how she is clearly creating a space for herself and for other young people who may have grown up in tough situations and never been exposed to the possibilities of entrepreneurship. Jessica says she plans to change that. I believe her. I believe you will, too.

On this episode, you'll learn:

Thoughts become things.Your past does not define your future.The importance of heeding the signs the universe sends your way.Why it's a good idea to test your market -- even if you start with family and friends."If you can't control your emotions, you can't control your money." (Jessica's favorite quote from Warren Buffet.)Know when you're onto something, and take inspired action!How getting press coverage doesn't necessarily move the needle for your business.How trunk shows and boldly knocking on doors (even when not invited) can be crucial to your business as a designer.

Thank you for listening! And hey, if you love it, click here to leave us a Rating & Review on iTunes!

Show notes, links, contacts and resources for this episode may be found at http://elaynefluker.com/podcast/

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15: Being Brave, Hustling with Heart and Sipping Cocktails with Oprah from Bestselling Author Michelle Burford Jul 22, 2016

Show notes

For Michelle Burford, a New York Times bestselling ghostwriter and collaborator, the journey from growing up in a tight-knit family in Phoenix, Arizona, to a small magazine publishing company in Colorado Springs, to walking the halls of Essence, to sipping cocktails with Oprah was all a result of something her mother taught her: Be excellent, and never cut corners.

In this epic (and I mean epic) episode, choc full of "aha moments" and powerful insights about life and the publishing industry, Michelle shares the winding course she took to doing the work she now loves and is passionate about—which is capturing the compelling life stories of celebrities and public figures like Gabrielle Douglas, Michelle Knight and Amy Purdy, and turning them into top-selling books. Listen to this episode to hear how Michelle embodies hustle, heart, grace and not being afraid to let folks see you sweat!

On this episode you'll learn:

Why, everyday, you should push yourself to do one brave thing.The importance of doing a good job on what's right in front of you.How to make powerful, authentic connections.Why sometimes it's about knowing what is not working and that what you are doing is notHow your peers can be your best mentors.What you should do when you have the wind at your back.Learn how to capture your magic.Stop playing it cool and let them see you sweat.Don't be afraid to take a second look at things.Even when you don't know the answer, know that the answer is NOT "I don't know."

Show notes, links, contacts and resources for this episode may be found at http://elaynefluker.com/podcast/

Thank you for listening! And hey, if you love it, click here to leave us a Rating & Review on iTunes!

FOLLOW SUPPORT IS SEXY

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | MASTERMIND

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14: From Skincare Lines to Sex Coaching: Connie DaSilva on Creating Products That Empower Women Jul 21, 2016

Show notes

Connie DaSilva is all about making women feel good inside and out. In 2012, after frustrations with not being able to find the perfect plant-based skincare products and an impromptu brainstorming session with her closest friends, Connie launched her natural skincare line, Whole Clarity (which, by the way, has the best natural deodorant and a coconut pulling oil that I swear by). Now, the homemade line is a frequent top seller on Amazon. This summer, Connie launched her latest venture, Headgame Pro, which is a sexy new coaching program that helps women master their game (and fully embrace their sexual confidence) in bed and beyond!

In this episode, along with insightful tips on how to launch your beauty products and sell successfully on Amazon, Connie shares her own experiences as a headgame pro and a sensual masseuse – so, if you're listening to this on speaker around little ones, maybe put your earbuds in. :)

On this episode you'll learn:

Share your ideas with the world and the support will show upWhen you have ideas, write them down, and share them powerfullyMaking the most out of selling on Amazon.com – what you need to know and what Connie wishes she knewDon't ask why something is happening, ask, "How am I going to make it work?"Ask empowering questionsIf people are getting your ideas, consider how you're presenting them.

Show notes, links, contacts and resources for this episode may be found at http://elaynefluker.com/podcast/

Thank you for listening! And hey, if you love it, click here to leave us a Rating & Review on iTunes!

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13: Tips on What You Need to Know Before Meeting With Investors from Jennifer Love Jul 20, 2016

Show notes

Jennifer Love is the CEO of One More Woman -- a fast-track, high-performance, educational and advisory community helping women entrepreneurs take the stress out of the money equation so they can effectively raise, make, manage and give money. As a serial entrepreneur with 17 years of experience, Jennifer has consulted with and helped companies raise more than $100 million, including one client that have landed a deal worth $600,000 on the hit TV show Shark Tank. Her ongoing mission? To help increase the number women entrepreneurs in the world create and effectively manage businesses that have at least $1 million in revenue or more in a year. How? By helping 20 million women over the next 10 years to get access to capital, learn how to scale their businesses, and know how to confidently walk into any room of potential investors--no matter who's in that room--and own it while knowing their self worth.

Jennifer also talks the importance of owning your gift and your purpose -- that thing that keeps calling you or presenting itself to you. For her, it was about the need for her to step up and support women on their entrepreneurial journey. Listen to this episode for more great insight from Jennifer on embracing your power, and getting support for your business.

On this episode you'll learn:

How to handle it when investors cross the line (insults, sexual harassment and more).Why it's one thing to believe you can do it or what you're pitching, but it's another to fully feel it.The strategy of using "Yes, and..." when faced with questions from investors about your business.Why, as women, we underestimate our abilities, and we need to say, "Yes, I can do this," more often.How to turn what others see as failure into a lesson that helps get you where you want to go.How to find inspiration in unexpected places.

Show notes, links, contacts and resources for this episode may be found at http://elaynefluker.com/podcast/

Thank you for listening! And hey, if you love it, click here to leave us a Rating & Review on iTunes!

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12: Making the Tough Choice Between the Business You Want and the Life You Lead with Tanya Alvarez Jul 19, 2016

Show notes

By age 25, Tanya Alvarez's first business, Blink Ads, generated more than $1 million in revenue within the first year, and she was already thinking about launching her next ventures. She went on to successfully launch two other companies – Spokesmoms and La Cosmopolatina -- but even with that success, the Miami native, who had already worked at four startups by then, said that comparison mode made her think she still hadn't done enough, and she began to consider how much time and commitment it would take to continue to grow her businesses, and whether or not she wanted to sacrifice her personal life to achieve that.

In this conversation, Tanya openly shares how she made tough decisions, and walked away from her businesses, to create the life she wanted, how she set aside ego to truly see what kind of business would fuel her. Now Tanya is committed to helping other entrepreneurs reach their highest through her new company OwnersUp, which is an online accountability platform for entrepreneurs.

And guess what, Tanya schooled me on the importance of having a support network even for your dating life, people who hold you accountable for swiping right when your default (and fear) would usually cause you to swipe left. *Mind blown

On this episode you'll learn:

Knowing whether you're driven by what you want or by egoWhy you should always test things out before you use technologyThe power of niching down and serving your audience in ways others are notThinking of ways to have big impact by starting smallThe importance of higher listeningHow comparison mode can skew your judgmentThe benefits of looking for someone you can partner withWhy you need champions and someone to encourage you out of your comfort zoneShow notes, links, contacts and resources for this episode may be found at http://elaynefluker.com/podcast/

Thank you for listening! And hey, if you love it, please leave us a review and share with your friends!

[Music: "Someone Else's Memories" by Revolution Void]

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11: Product Launches, Crowdfunding and Kickstarter Tips with Cheryl Gentry Jul 18, 2016

Show notes

Cheryl Gentry and her event management company, Glow Media -- which has been in business for 18 years strong -- has planned conferences, events and summits around the world with some of the most prestigious clients. But during a recent event, as her team scrambled to work around glitch-y apps they were using to get things organized, Cheryl had an epiphany: there needed to be one tool that allowed planners to access and sync everything they needed, especially on the day of the event when things are the most hectic. On that day, Cheryl's new event management product, OnSite Planner, was born – sort of!

Always practical, resourceful and thorough, Cheryl did her research on the market and decided to raise funds for the development of the tool via Kickstarter – and that's where the fun began…sort of. :)

Here, Cheryl shares the honest ins and outs of crowdfunding, how to crush it on Kickstarter and the ways she's scaling her business.

On the episode you'll learn:

Top 3 tips for a successful Kickstarter campaignWhat works and what doesn't when it comes to crowdfundingWhy launching a new product could be an important extension of your businessThe importance of enrolling people in your vision and your missionThe difference between PR and event management

Show notes, links, contacts and resources for this episode may be found at http://elaynefluker.com/podcast/

Thank you for listening! And hey, if you love it, please leave us a review and share with your friends!

[Music: "Someone Else's Memories" by Revolution Void]

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10: The Future of Mobile and the Power of Choosing to Show Up with Sian Morson Jul 15, 2016

Show notes

Sian Morson is a tech superstar, and yet one of the most grounded people you'll ever meet. Sian is founder of the tech company Kollective mobile, which develops apps and web sites for brands. She speaks and lectures at major technology conferences, such as SXSW, she has been featured in Forbes, Wall Street Journal, Ebony and on NPR, and she has been named one of the top women in tech to follow on Twitter. In 2014, Sian launched her latest app, called Cast Beauty, which recommends personalized beauty products based on the weather and your skin and hair type. She's all about supporting other women, especially in her field, and making sure we have a space at the table when it comes to the future of technology.

On the episode you'll learn:

The importance of travel and exploration – personally and in your businessChanges in the mobile tech industry.3 Tips for launching a successful app.When it may be best to fire your clientsWhat being in business teaches you about patternsShow notes, links, contacts and resources for this episode may be found at http://elaynefluker.com/podcast/

Thank you for listening! And hey, if you love it, please leave us a review and share with your friends!

[Music: "Someone Else's Memories" by Revolution Void]

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9: Vision Boards, Saying Yes and Letting Go with Barbara Biziou Jul 14, 2016

Show notes

Say "yes." Spiritual teacher Barbara Biziou has taught me, and thousands of her students around the world (Donna Karan and Gabby Bernstein among them), many things over the years, but one of the most powerful for me is embracing the possibility of "yes." Barbara says we, as creative women looking for experiences, say it far too little.

Barbara is a student of global culture and rituals who uses "practical spirituality" to support you in creating an extraordinary life. I met her in 2010 during a time I said "yes" when, after a dinner in NYC, I agreed to walk a friend of mine to one of her events. I had never heard of her – or vision board workshops – but after standing there and hearing what it was all about, I said "yes," even though I didn't know exactly what it was. I've been creating vision boards with Barbara every year ever since – for my personal life and for my business.

On the episode you'll learn:

While you reap what you sow, it won't grow overnight.Vision boards are not magic.The power of rituals, language and speaking in the present with "I am..."Why you should write down your goals. Write. It. Down.The importance of deciding what you commit to being, giving and doing.How, when you are worried about that big contract, project or opportunity, Barbara's mantra will help set you at ease.

Show notes, links, contacts and resources for this episode may be found at http://elaynefluker.com/podcast/

Thank you for listening! And hey, if you love it, please leave us a review and share with your friends!

[Music: "Someone Else's Memories" by Revolution Void]

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8: Your Passion vs. Your Gifts with Karen Taylor Bass Jul 13, 2016

Show notes

Karen Taylor Bass is a small business coach who has nearly three decades of experience in strategic public relations, branding and marketing. She has helped gain national press for celebrity clients like Jill Scott and D'Angelo at the starts of their careers and for her personal clients. Karen also has been featured as a PR expert on Dr. Oz, CNN and BET, and in Entrepreneur, Essence and NY Daily News.

More than that, Karen is beautifully honest about where she is in her entrepreneurial journey, and the bumps on the road (and on the head), that she encountered to get here. You'll be inspired by her clarity, and moved by her infectious energy!

On the episode you'll learn:

Why life is like a basketball game—and the changes represent different quartersHow having a coach pushes you to dream bigger and can change your lifeThe important difference between your passion and your giftWhy the goal is quality of clients over quantityThe importance of reinventing yourself – especially for mompreneursWhy boundaries. Matter.

Show notes, links, contacts and resources for this episode may be found at http://elaynefluker.com/podcast/

Thank you for listening! And hey, if you love it, please leave us a review and share with your friends!

[Music: "Someone Else's Memories" by Revolution Void]

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7: Amanda Miller Littlejohn on Discovering Your Gift and Packaging Your Genius Jul 12, 2016

Show notes

When Amanda Miller Littlejohn was on maternity leave from her journalism job after the birth of her first son in 2008, she was told that she and several other writers were being laid off. Instead of panicking, she decided that this was the perfect opportunity for her to strike on her own and create her own business. The first step was to determine what she was good at, how she could package it, and how to offer it as a service. Her PR agency was born.

Today her business has evolved to her coaching individuals on personal branding, and helping them discover their own gifts and package their genius.

On this episode, you'll learn:

How to find your clients and reach out to themDetermining the needs of your clients and making an emotional connectionHow to package your genius3 Tips for building your personal brandGetting clear on who you are and what you want to be known forWhen it may be time to shift your messageThe importance of taking a moment to stop and celebrate your selfHaving the audacity to follow your dreamsEnjoy, and thank you for listening! And hey, if you love it, please leave us a review!

Show notes, links, contacts and resources for this episode may be found at http://elaynefluker.com/podcast/

[Music: "Someone Else's Memories" by Revolution Void]

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