For Colored Gurls: Can you tell us a little about what you do?
Bessie Winn-Afeku: I’m a photographer and a Creative Activist.

FCG: How did you get started in this particular area?
Bessie: I have always been a supporter of the arts and have always had a passion for “social good.” It was not until recently that I found a way to marry my love for the arts and social good together. I combined my skill as an artist/photographer with my purpose to inspire and empower.

FCG: What is one thing you would say contributed to your achievements?
Bessie: One thing that contributed to my achievements is being and staying committed to the reason I believe I was ‘sent here’ and that is to share the good and spark social change.

FCG: Who and what motivates you to keep moving ahead?
Bessie: People in general inspire me to move ahead. Watching people triumph against all odds and succeed inspires me. Seeing people use their natural gifts and abilities to change the way people see the world and other people for good inspires me.

FCG: What tips do you have for women who are on their journeys to success?
Bessie: Stay focused on your goal. Keep the main thing *the main thing.* Believe in your mission, and don’t let others deter you from it — no matter how convincing they may be.

For more information about Bessie and her projects, visit her online at BessieAkuba.com.

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Ready to get on the path to living your most Fabulous life? Learn more about how my book can help you learn to do just that! 

Jamie Fleming-Dixon

Jamie Fleming-Dixon is the founder and author of ForColoredGurls.com. Her intention is to empower readers, inspire them to live their most fabulous lives and to motivate them to reach for their dreams and goals. This is done through motivational articles and quotes, interviews with women from all walks of life, posts on topics that affect every area of women's lives and more. For more info about Jamie and FCG, email her at info@forcoloredgurls.com.

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Happy Black History Month! There are hundreds of Black women, past and present, who have inspired us to do amazing things. So, here are a few quotes from a few of these women that will motivate you:

“I really don’t think life is about the I-could-have-beens. Life is only about the I-tried-to-do. I don’t mind failure, but I can’t imagine that I’d forgive myself if I didn’t try.”
- Nikki Giovanni

“Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us.”
- Wilma Rudolph

 ”All great achievements require time.”
- Maya Angelou

“No person has the right to rain on your dreams.”
- Marian Wright Edelman

 ”We are all gifted. That is our inheritance.”
- Ethel Waters

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you  have within you the strength, the patience and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”
- Harriet Tubman

“I have crossed over on the backs of Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Fannie Lou Hamer and Madam C.J. Walker. Because of them I can now live the dream. I am the seed of the free, and I know it. I intend to bear great fruit.”
- Oprah Winfrey

Have a fantastic week, and live your most Fabulous life™!

Jamie Fleming-Dixon

Jamie Fleming-Dixon is the founder and author of ForColoredGurls.com. Her intention is to empower readers, inspire them to live their most fabulous lives and to motivate them to reach for their dreams and goals. This is done through motivational articles and quotes, interviews with women from all walks of life, posts on topics that affect every area of women's lives and more. For more info about Jamie and FCG, email her at info@forcoloredgurls.com.

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No matter how motivated and positive we feel most of the time, we all have those moments when we feel discouraged and just down. Fortunately, there are ways to deal with this. Here are a few strategies I use when I’m feeling discouraged and unmotivated that you can use too:

Be proud of what you have done. So, you’ve hit a roadblock, and you can’t seem to think about anything else. Well, you have accomplished some other goals, right? Celebrate the things you have done, and focus on what you can do better next time.

Don’t compare yourself to other people. Speaking from my own experience, this is one of the worst things you can do. Instead of wasting time trying to figure out how she did it, put that energy toward improving yourself and making your own dreams come true. Stay focused on doing you, stay in your lane, and walk in the unique purpose God has laid out for you.

Remember why you set the goal in the first place. After you’ve been working toward something for a long time, and things aren’t happening exactly the way you want, it can be easy to forget the reason you set the goal, which can cause you to want to give up. So, remembering the WHY can help you keep moving forward.

Remember that it’s not really about you. Your purpose and mission in life is so much bigger than you; it’s about the legacy you’re leaving on this earth and the people you’re serving. When you’re feeling down, think about all the people you’re helping and the ways you are touching their lives.

What are some ways you stay motivated and encouraged? Please share below by leaving a comment! : )

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Ready to get on the path to living your most Fabulous life? Learn more about how my book can help you learn to do just that! 

[Photo Credit]

Jamie Fleming-Dixon

Jamie Fleming-Dixon is the founder and author of ForColoredGurls.com. Her intention is to empower readers, inspire them to live their most fabulous lives and to motivate them to reach for their dreams and goals. This is done through motivational articles and quotes, interviews with women from all walks of life, posts on topics that affect every area of women's lives and more. For more info about Jamie and FCG, email her at info@forcoloredgurls.com.

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For Colored Gurls: Can you tell us about what you do?
Lisa Nicole Bell:  I create socially conscious media that ignites positive change. Our projects take on many forms: books, films, television programs, live events and occasional private consulting. Our goal is to address global and national social issues using media to educate, entertain and mobilize. I spend a lot of time reading and exploring various topics and then constructing ways to address the issues and raise awareness. Apart from company activities, I speak, write and work in front of the camera.

FCG: How did you get started in this particular area?
Lisa Nicole: While earning a Business Law degree in college, I worked in the entertainment industry. I started my first business during that time and crossed over into the personal development field. I realized that there was an opportunity for me to integrate my skills and passions with a societal need. That birthed the current group of brands we manage.

FCG: What is one thing you would say contributed to your achievements?
Lisa Nicole: Learning. I am committed to learning and growing daily. I surround myself with wise people and read every day.

FCG: Who and what motivates you to keep moving ahead?
Lisa Nicole: The people I impact motivate me. Hearing positive feedback and seeing the amazing things people achieve as a result of my work is humbling and inspiring. Freedom motivates me. I love being free to use my time to make the world better and live well.

FCG: What tips do you have for women who are their journeys to success?
Lisa Nicole:

• –  Learn to manage time effectively. Your calendar should be a reflection of your value system. Sometimes, you spend your time; other times, you invest it. Know the difference, and choose wisely.
• – Be willing to fail and get back up. Failure is essential to success. The soomer you get over any inhibitions and fear, the sooner you can create success.
• – Read/listen to books on personal development and your industry of choice daily. Learning is essential to growth and success.
• – Take action daily. No matter how small, every action counts. You eat an elephant one bite at a time.

For more information about Lisa Nicole and her ventures, visit her online at lisanicolebell.com. 

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Ready to get on the path to living your most Fabulous life? Learn more about how my book can help you learn to do just that! 

Jamie Fleming-Dixon

Jamie Fleming-Dixon is the founder and author of ForColoredGurls.com. Her intention is to empower readers, inspire them to live their most fabulous lives and to motivate them to reach for their dreams and goals. This is done through motivational articles and quotes, interviews with women from all walks of life, posts on topics that affect every area of women's lives and more. For more info about Jamie and FCG, email her at info@forcoloredgurls.com.

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Yesterday, my pastor spoke about, in a nutshell, having a positive mindset and having faith, no matter what. There were a few things that really stuck out to me:

1. In spite of your circumstances, you must trust God. Even if the situation seems impossible to resolve, trust Him anyway!
2. Negative faith is just like positive faith.
3. If you believe it (whether it’s positive or negative), it’s subject to come to pass.
4. Don’t allow your circumstances to determine your faith; allow your faith to determine your circumstances.

Over the last week or so, I’d been dealing with some things, which caused me to waver in my faith, so this message was so on time for me. This week, I’m determined to only think and speak positively because I know God’s got it, no matter what it looks like. And when I feel myself starting to think negatively, I will say something to stop the thought in its track, whether it’s saying, “STOP!” or replacing the thought with an affirmation. And I encourage you to do the same.

Also, here are a few scriptures that may help you with strengthening your faith and staying positive:

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
1 Peter 5:7

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Phillippians 4:6-7

“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Isaiah 40:31

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5-6

Have a Fantastic Week, and live your most Fabulous life™! : )

Jamie Fleming-Dixon

Jamie Fleming-Dixon is the founder and author of ForColoredGurls.com. Her intention is to empower readers, inspire them to live their most fabulous lives and to motivate them to reach for their dreams and goals. This is done through motivational articles and quotes, interviews with women from all walks of life, posts on topics that affect every area of women's lives and more. For more info about Jamie and FCG, email her at info@forcoloredgurls.com.

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- Anais Nin

Jamie Fleming-Dixon

Jamie Fleming-Dixon is the founder and author of ForColoredGurls.com. Her intention is to empower readers, inspire them to live their most fabulous lives and to motivate them to reach for their dreams and goals. This is done through motivational articles and quotes, interviews with women from all walks of life, posts on topics that affect every area of women's lives and more. For more info about Jamie and FCG, email her at info@forcoloredgurls.com.

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Cheryl Wood, award-winning author, speaker, coach & founder of WEPP (Women Entrepreneurs Partnering for Profit)

For Colored Gurls: What event/occurrence in your life made you pursue your dreams?
Cheryl Wood: It was my daily race against the clock that made me pursue my dreams. I was tired of watching life pass me by. My life had become one big rush for the things that were least important to me. I was constantly in rush mode for a paycheck, which didn’t nurture my spirit, didn’t allow me to make an impact on the lives of others and didn’t allow me to be the quality mom I desired to be. I finally woke up and realized that I only get to live life once, so I had better make it amazing!

FCG: What were some of the struggles you faced and how did you keep the faith?
Cheryl: The biggest struggle of all was my own fear — fear that I would put in a lot of hard work and nothing would change, fear that people would not see the value in what I had to offer, fear of making drastic mistakes along my journey of pursuing my dream. Fear is powerful and holds a lot of people back from pursuing their dreams. Until you learn how to embrace your fear, you will never be able to face any of the other struggles that come along with pursuing your dream. I was able to keep the faith by surrounding myself with others who celebrated who I was and the unique gifts I had to offer, reading inspirational books and constantly repeating positive affirmations on a daily basis.

FCG: Why do you think having a dream and pursuing it is important?
Cheryl: Each of us, at some point in our lives, want to know what we are truly capable of, what impact we can have on the lives of others and how we can reach our full potential. Having a dream and pursuing it is a big part of what makes life an experience. It allows us to discover who we really are, our unique gifts and talents and our purpose in life. Without having a dream and pursuing it, life is just a routine.

FCG: What inspires you to keep moving forward?
Cheryl: Having a positive impact on the lives of other women and moms inspires me to keep moving forward. To have a woman approach me after a speaking engagement and pour out her heart in appreciation for one thing I might have said that changed her thinking or to receive a personal email from a woman who read my book or attended one of my workshops who expresses that she never had the courage to pursue her dreams until she saw me doing it is priceless and keeps me intently focused on my purpose.

FCG: What are some tips you have for a woman who is afraid to pursue her dreams?
Cheryl: The most important tips I can share are: (i) Start somewhere. Take baby steps towards pursuing your dreams. The slow and small steps will lead to more drastic changes that will positively affect your life and your sense of purpose; (ii) Don’t allow fear to paralyze you. It’s okay to feel fear… but do it anyway. Fear accompanies many of the things we do in life — starting a new job, becoming a mother for the first time — but we do it anyway. Develop the same mentality when it comes to pursuing your dreams; and (iii) Write down what you want to accomplish. Your wishes become goals when you write them down. It becomes real versus just a daydream.

For more information about Cheryl, visit her online at CherylWoodEmpowers.com. Also, check her out on Twitter.

Jamie Fleming-Dixon

Jamie Fleming-Dixon is the founder and author of ForColoredGurls.com. Her intention is to empower readers, inspire them to live their most fabulous lives and to motivate them to reach for their dreams and goals. This is done through motivational articles and quotes, interviews with women from all walks of life, posts on topics that affect every area of women's lives and more. For more info about Jamie and FCG, email her at info@forcoloredgurls.com.

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As you all know, I love affirmations, especially the ones that focus on abundance — who doesn’t want more of that? If you do, here are 10 awesome abundance affirmations:

Wealth is pouring into my life!

I am a money magnet!

I am easily, openly and freely accepting abundance now!

I am richly blessed!

I open to the flow of abundance in all areas of my life!

Thank you, God, for my great abundance! 

I HAVE unlimited abundance!

Money comes to me easily and effortlessly!

My prosperity is unlimited!

God provides me with more than enough abundance in my life! 

Want more? Click here and here.

Have a Fantastic week, and live your most Fabulous life™!

Jamie Fleming-Dixon

Jamie Fleming-Dixon is the founder and author of ForColoredGurls.com. Her intention is to empower readers, inspire them to live their most fabulous lives and to motivate them to reach for their dreams and goals. This is done through motivational articles and quotes, interviews with women from all walks of life, posts on topics that affect every area of women's lives and more. For more info about Jamie and FCG, email her at info@forcoloredgurls.com.

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Akilah Richards, Founder of The Life Design Agency

For Colored Gurls: What event/occurrence in your life made you pursue your dreams?
Akilah Richards: The birth of my first daughter, but I went back to a 9-5 about a year after her birth. Five months after my second daughter was born, I went into entrepreneurship full time.

FCG: What were some of the struggles you faced, and how did you keep the faith?
Akilah: I’m stubborn — that’s the first thing. Also, I found it very useful to seek out others who were self-employed for more than three years.

FCG: Why do you think having a dream and pursuing it is important?
Akilah: Because if we don’t create a deliberate design for our own lives, we’ll flit about, helping others build their companies and grow their legacies and not have anything substantive to feel proud of and to pass on.

FCG: What inspires you to keep moving forward?
Akilah: My daughters, but also my knowledge of our history. So many people set the groundwork for us to have the opportunity to make our own way. I refuse to squander that, and I also refuse to lead an average life.

FCG: What are some tips you have for a woman who is afraid to pursue her dreams?
Akilah: Seek out a community of women who are doing what you want to do. Immerse yourself in the knowledge they offer, and use that to build your muscles. Be a resource to them as much as you can. Once you get strong enough, back up a bit, and tune in to your own needs,  your own intrinsic knowledge and ultimately, your own gifts.

For more information about Akilah and The Life Design Agency, visit her website; be sure to check her out on Facebook and Twitter. Also, be sure to check out her latest project, The Mast(H)erMind™ Experience.

Jamie Fleming-Dixon

Jamie Fleming-Dixon is the founder and author of ForColoredGurls.com. Her intention is to empower readers, inspire them to live their most fabulous lives and to motivate them to reach for their dreams and goals. This is done through motivational articles and quotes, interviews with women from all walks of life, posts on topics that affect every area of women's lives and more. For more info about Jamie and FCG, email her at info@forcoloredgurls.com.

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Sharmetra Pittman, a Life Empowerment Consultant, is the CEO of G.O.A.L. (Getting Optimistic About Life) Model Agency, a place for women to receive empowerment, encouragement, inspiration and motivation. She created the organization to serve as a resource for women ages 18 and up.

She is on a journey to create her own lane in the Universe and is dedicated to being transparent so that others may learn from her past choices in order to understand her present life and become motivated and inspired to create their own futures.

With the G.O.A.L. Model Agency, you will find information to help you Get Optimistic About Life such as:

• – Positive Affirmations
• – Motivating Stories
• –  Tools and strategies to help you get empowered and inspired

For more information about the G.O.A.L. Model Agency and Sharmetra, visit the website, goalmodelagency.org.

Jamie Fleming-Dixon

Jamie Fleming-Dixon is the founder and author of ForColoredGurls.com. Her intention is to empower readers, inspire them to live their most fabulous lives and to motivate them to reach for their dreams and goals. This is done through motivational articles and quotes, interviews with women from all walks of life, posts on topics that affect every area of women's lives and more. For more info about Jamie and FCG, email her at info@forcoloredgurls.com.

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