UMM... Who's next? Ben Johnson

Thu, 20 Aug 2020 22:55:49 GMT

There are two things you can expect from Ben Johnson, a great laugh and some positive motivation. These two factors, combined with his mental health advocacy and faith, make him an easily relatable influencer.

Ben Johnson describes himself as a young, black, (I’ll add gifted), and god-fearing family man. He pushes himself, and others, to follow their dreams and is determined to reach every goal he sets. Although he has been through many obstacles at a young age, he still proclaims, “I was put here to inspire.”

And inspires, he does. Ben is the owner of Benreelphotography. His vision for Benreelphotohraphy is to be globally famous for his photos and to branch into videography.

IFPE: What were your thoughts at the moment you brought Benreelphotohraphy to life?

Johnson: I just wanted to step out on faith and work more on my potential in life. I wanted to start being an entrepreneur.

IFPE: What gave you that final push to pursue photography as a business?

Johnson: I’d have to say I had several pushes. Some from myself, God, friends, and my family.

IFPE: I know that hustling and managing a business has its challenges and its rewards. What’s your perspective on adversity when dealing with personal and business life?

Johnson: Personally, I’ve dealt with serious mental health issues and the passing of my mother within the past eight years. On the business side, sometimes networking and finding resources can be challenging. Yet, I handle adversity by asking myself questions and applying the information I learn to my processes.

IFPE: I think self-reflection is a biggie, in general. Plus, life is always easier when you have a great support system,

especially when with the loss of a loved one. Who are the supporters that have given you that nudge to keep going?

Johnson: God! My family, myself, and the following I have on social media.

IFPE: Man, I know everyone you mentioned is proud of you. Now, you need to manifest some investors and mentors! And while I’m on that topic, tell your future investors and supporters about some of your proud moments?

Johnson: My proudest moment thus far is actually being continuously booked for my work! Also, establishing my brand, like getting my logo, website, and merchandise out. I know my mom would be proud of me.

IFPE: I’m sure you will continue to make her proud. Forever and always. One of my most significant pieces of advice is never to discount your wins. Sometimes we are so focused on what we’re not doing that we don’t fully appreciate everything we are doing. So, keep it up! Write it down and reflect on it!

IFPE: It's Manifestation time! Where do you see Benreelphotography in a year?

Johnson: I see Benreelphotohraphy going global! It will be my primary source of income, covering all of my overhead.

IFPE: That will be a fantastic feeling, to solely work your purpose to provide for yourself! What words of advice do you have for anyone else with a vision for starting a business?

Johnson: Always bet on yourself and step out on faith. Have a plan, and the budget will fall together!

Get Connected with Benreelphotography.

Twitter - @Benreelphoto
Instagram - @Benreelphotography
Facebook - @Benreelphotography
Email - michben11@gmail.com

Use your magic! You can find out more information about Benreelphotohraphy by visiting their social media pages. And don’t forget to like their Facebook page for their latest promotions!

There are infinite possibilities when you have infinite faith.

Hilary Moore

UMM... Who's next? TaSkeika Brown

Wed, 27 May 2020 16:53:10 GMT

Focus is a must-have quality when living this #entrepreneurlife. TaSheika Brown is one focused woman. She fashionably reaches her milestones while reminding others to stay on top of theirs. I have personally been motivated by the way she maneuvers through expansion.

TaSheika is a mother of four amazing children, the wife of her best friend, and the owner of an online women’s boutique, Unmatched Beauty, LLC. She specializes in selling essential and feminine pieces, as well as, shoes and accessories. Her aim is to sell items that inspire women to embrace their differences and love their beauty.

IFPE: Please tell us how UMB came to life?

Brown: As a child, I was always interested in fashion and have wanted to own some type of business. I’ve worked in retail and customer service for the majority of my life, and I have loved that “type” of work. The idea of UMB started in 2013. However, due to so many obstacles at that time, I gave up, which I regret so much!

IFPE: I understand, but everything happens for a reason and UMB is here! I am very happy that you pushed through your obstacles and held on to your dream. What pushed you to pursue owning a boutique?

Brown: I wanted to start a boutique where women could shop for everyday items and also feminine pieces. I also wanted to start a boutique so that I could provide women with items that just make them feel beautiful in their own skin. I love girly things, but I also love really chill items because I’m a mother. There are plenty of days when I want to just be comfortable and cute. I feel as women we have that in common when it comes to fashion, the need to feel good and comfortable in what we wear.

IFPE: Cute and comfortable is always a plus! I have a few of your items on my wishlist right now!

via GIPHY

IFPE: I want to get into focus. How do you maintain your focus on your business goals while balancing family life?

Brown: My greatest challenge as a business owner is time management. I have moments where I still struggle with this. Trying to balance being a mom, a wife, working a full-time job, and running a business is a really big challenge. I am currently working on ways to give my family more of my time.

IFPE: Yes, living in the present and taking in those moments with our families is very important. And I do get that struggle. It’s easy for the time to mesh together even when we want to keep it separate.

Brown: True, one thing I do is immediately drop what I’m doing and pull out my phone when I get an idea. I am working on finding balance because I am so passionate about what I do. I am a work in progress!

IFPE: We all are! And I do the same thing. You have to write, type, or text your ideas when they surface because they could disappear in a second! So, let’s hear about some great things that are happening with UMB.

Brown: So far, my proudest moment has been when I received my very first order from a customer outside of the state of Georgia. I will never forget this moment! I was so driven after giving birth a few months ago. I set a lot of goals during my pregnancy. The number one goal I set for myself was to expand my audience. This continues to be my biggest goal. I truly believe that you limit, not only yourself but your business when you focus on just the local market. This was my greatest mistake when I initially launched my boutique. I limited myself. I was afraid of the unknown. I was afraid of doing too much. Stepping outside of the box and investing more into my ideas has truly helped my business grow more this year.

IFPE: Wow. Sometimes we unknowingly create limits for ourselves. But you assessed and addressed the situation, and figured out what would work for you and your business! Has there been anyone in particular that gave you that extra push when you needed it?

Brown: My biggest supporter would definitely have to be my best friend, Shauntavia. Of course, I have support from my mom and my husband, but it’s just something about the way she has supported me and her energy. She has always supported me in EVERYTHING that I do, especially in my business. I have never received bad energy from her when I talk about my business and its growth no matter what she is going through. She’s so encouraging and just open to hearing my crazy thoughts. I just really appreciate and value her friendship.

IFPE: It's Manifestation time. Where do you see UMB in a year?

Brown: I definitely see UMB being a very profitable business with a high percentage of customer loyalty. I see UMB outgrowing my current residence and owning a showroom in a nice location. I honestly see my business as being my primary source of income, which makes me so nervous, yet, excited to think about it.

IFPE: You have every right to be excited about your physical boutique. I’m excited for you! Hold on to your vision. What words of advice do you have for anyone else with a vision for owning a boutique or business?

Brown: My advice is to just go for it! Do your research and think of the ways that you want to set yourself apart because this is a very saturated market. There is room for everyone. Don’t get discouraged when the sales don’t come. Re-evaluate what you’re doing and just keep pushing!

Get Connected with Unmatched Beauty.
Website - umbboutique.com
Instagram - @umb_boutique
Facebook - @umbboutique
Email - help@umbboutique.com

Use your magic! You can find out more information about Unmatched Beauty by visiting their website or social media pages. And don’t forget to take advantage of their current promotion! The details are below.

There are infinite possibilities when you have infinite faith.
Hilary Moore

DIARY OF FAITH - Using My Magic

UMM... Who's next? Ben Johnson

UMM... Who's next? TaSkeika Brown