Power Bank Archives - The Coleture

July 3, 2023July 3, 2023

The Coleture of Feedforward: Launching an Economic Development Intensive for Black Youth

Promoting economic development and empowerment among marginalized communities is essential for creating a more inclusive and equitable society. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by Black youth, as well as their potential in shaping their communities, The Coleture Real Estate Brokerage is curating a summer intensive that will begin in the summer of 2024. This program is being launched specifically aimed at fostering wealth creation, financial and credit literacy and empowerment within this demographic. This article highlights the significance and impact of such initiatives and explores the key components of The Coleture of Feedforward, which is customized for young Black adults.

Nurturing Entrepreneurial Skills

The Coleture of Feedforward program places a strong emphasis on cultivating entrepreneurial skills among the young participants, affectionately referred to as The Coleture Kids. Through tailored workshops, mentoring, and practical activities, the initiative equips youth with the knowledge and tools necessary to develop innovative business ideas and navigate the entrepreneurial landscape. By fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, the program encourages the youth to overcome barriers, create economic opportunities, and contribute to the growth of their respective communities.

Strengthening Financial Literacy

In addition to an entrepreneurial mindset, a crucial aspect of economic development is building financial literacy amongst marginalized young people. The Coleture of Feedforward incorporates modules specifically designed to address the unique financial challenges faced by this demographic. Participants will learn about personal finance– managing money and making informed financial decisions, wealth-building strategies, particularly via real estate, and financial planning. By instilling Black youth with financial knowledge, the program enables them to make wise economic decisions, break cycles of poverty, build generational wealth and contribute to overall community prosperity.

Promoting Representation and Diversity

One of the most important ingredients in The Coleture of Feedforward is representation. Representation matters, and the summer program actively promotes representation and diversity. The Coleture Kids are exposed to successful Black entrepreneurs, industry professionals, and role models who share their experiences and insights. This exposure helps break down barriers and inspires Black youth to pursue careers in various industries, fostering a more diverse and inclusive economic landscape.

Encouraging Community Investment

The Coleture of Feedforward program emphasizes the importance of community investment, engagement and social responsibility. Participants are encouraged to identify and address local challenges through community projects and initiatives. As a unit, we will select one project to commence during our session. By working together to tackle issues the participants often face, The Coleture Kids will develop a sense of ownership and pride in their communities. This fosters a spirit of civic responsibility and promotes the idea that economic development goes hand-in-hand with community development.

Networking and Mentorship Opportunities

A final component to the intensive is the acknowledgement that networking and mentorship play vital roles in success. The Coleture of Feedforward will facilitate networking and mentoring opportunities by connecting participants with experienced professionals and entrepreneurs. Mentors provide guidance, support, and advice, helping youth navigate their educational and professional paths. These connections will enable participants to build valuable relationships, gain insights, and access resources that contribute to their long-term economic growth and success.

The Coleture of Feedforward is a Crucial Step in Economic Growth

All in all, the launch of a summer economic development program specifically tailored for Black youth represents a crucial step towards empowering and uplifting this demographic. By equipping participants with entrepreneurial skills, financial literacy, diverse role models, community investment opportunities, and meaningful mentorship connections, this program lays the foundation for Black youth to thrive economically and create lasting change. As The Coleture Kids embark on their journeys, armed with knowledge, support, and resources, including a brand new computer, they will have the potential to drive economic development, break down barriers, be and inspire future generations of Black entrepreneurs and leaders.

More information and details about the program will be available in the coming months.

Finally, it is important to note that a portion of all real estate sales proceeds will go towards The Coleture of Feedforward Summer Intensive. If you have direct knowledge of anyone who can benefit from this program or you would like to be involved with this project, please send The Coleture Real Estate Brokerage an email at info@tcreb.com. Thank you.

This article originally appeared on www.TCREB.com.

October 30, 2021October 30, 2021

Business Building in 2021 and Beyond

We Want the World

Business Building in 2021 and Beyond. Image of books, computer, business cards and tools.

Business Building in 2021. My, how things have changed. Or maybe they haven’t. Maybe 2020 simply aroused sky-high motivation levels in many of us. Honestly, I’m not even sure if 2020 was the motivating factor. For me, it was just my time. I set a goal to be more intentional this year, and that is absolutely what I have been doing. Though there is still work to be done, I have made strides that even I did not see coming. When I think about building a business, I am thinking about longevity and generational wealth. Those are the thoughts that keep me going into the “beyond.”

Everyone is not meant to be a boss.

Be honest with yourself. Are you sure you want to be a business owner? It sounds very cool to say that you own a company, but the reality is, everyone cannot be a boss. Some do not possess the skill or knowhow, others do not have the interest. All of that is okay. But everyone has the capacity to be better equipped and maximize their earning potential, regardless of their respective fields or professions. For the employee, your leverage is your knowledge. Don’t you want to earn more?

Most people tell you to start your own business, but few rarely tell you how.

I always knew that owning my own businesses was the path for me. The thought of asking for permission to not come to work or have to explain why I need to leave early makes me cringe. I crave freedom, but freedom comes at its own cost. Just call me Trial & Error. When I first got into real estate, for example, I had no clue how to actually get started. Real estate school does nothing to prepare you to run a real estate business. Real estate school is for the real estate test. Period.

When business building, one of the first things I do is take to the internet.

Reading is fundamental. I read– and I don’t just read internet articles, I also buy books. But you also have to be able to comprehend what it is you are reading. Sometimes, that can be challenging, because there is an automatic learning curve when venturing into new territory.

During my discovery phase, I research, and look into other people and companies doing similar work. My goal here is to see what they are doing, what I like/dislike about their business models, while identifying potential competitors. (This also helps me decide if this is a business I sincerely want to get into). In real estate, it’s like doing market research and preparing a comparative analysis.

Now, I’m not suggesting you do things in the exact same manner that I have. In fact, that is why we are here. “There is more than one way to skin a cat.” I am pointing out to you that I have made countless mistakes, many that cost me a pretty penny. For example–and I don’t know about you, but I frequently hear people telling others to “get their LLC.” Do you know how many LLCs exist and that’s it? Who has money to give away to the government?

Rarely do I hear those same people including in those conversations the steps necessary to correctly establish your business entity. What’s the real difference between an S-corp and a C-corp? It’s kind of like having a wedding versus having a marriage. The wedding is what everyone is telling you to have. And although weddings are nice, your wedding will not sustain your marriage.

Stay focused on Business Building in 2021 and beyond.

It can be easy to get discouraged when you are first starting out. You see some people thriving at something you want to do, and you do not even really know where to start. Stay focused.

I know a lot of people who are business owners. When you think about it, who doesn’t? However, when starting my first company, I felt there were few people I could turn to for guidance. But that never stopped me from trying. I got snippets of information here and there, and I put it all to good use. Although some detail was left out of shared information, I was still better off than I was when I didn’t know anything. Stay focused.

No one is going to give you the entire blueprint for your business for free.

Unless you have been living under a rock with absolutely no cell phone reception whatsoever, I’m sure you have heard of the latest wave, the app called Club House. I have been on Club House for a little while now, and I must say, there is ample opportunity on there. Many people have been able to monetize and scale their businesses, others have been able to connect with people who can point them in the right direction– I mean, it is truly something that can help catapult your profession or business, if used properly.

The greatest thing about Club House is that there are a ton of people on there providing you with information. Some are truthful, honest, and really wanting to create a pathway for others. Some are imposters, there to feed egos and grow their Instagram followings. Like anything else on the internet, all information isn’t good information. Be mindful of that and choose your actions wisely. Still, Club House is a wonderful starting point because you can find loads of people providing value FOR FREE.

Create the framework for your business right the first time.

When it comes to owning a business, investing in yourself is without question. Time, knowledge, and money are the basic ingredients to get your business up and running. If you are just getting started, figuring out exactly what you need to do to get started successfully can be a daunting task. While I struggled to figure things out for myself, I took notes. It made me realize that I should document some of my experiences, so that I may have that knowledge to pass on.

To that end, I am currently developing a course to provide you with a step-by-step guide for the successful foundation in which to build your business. The Business Building in 2022 and Beyond Course will clearly lay out how to start your business from A-Z. Though some of the startup information will directly correlate to Louisiana laws and customs, I recommend that you check directly with your secretary of state’s office to ensure you abide by your local practices. Still, the information included will assist you with any business anywhere in the US.

No matter what direction you choose, understand that mistakes will happen. The goal is to minimize how costly those mistakes will be. Learn some of my Dos and Don’ts in detail. In the Business Building in 2022 and Beyond Course, we will discuss business structures/entities, tax deferment opportunities, establishing business credit, real estate (of course), empowerment, and more. The course will be rolling out next year, so be sure to subscribe to and follow The Coleture, so you will be amongst the first to receive the anticipated launch date.

We are officially in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year. Where are you with your goal implementation? Drop us a comment below.

January 31, 2021January 31, 2021

The Birth of a Blogger

The Birth of a Blogger. On January 31st (a few short years ago), the greatest gift given to my parents arrived. Jolandra, their firstborn child– a symbol of their love and the definition of God’s love in physical form. I know this because I am a mother. And I never really knew love until I became a parent.

I once placed so much stock into other people, as if I was unfamiliar with love. I just cared so much about people calling me on my birthday and “making me feel important,” as if that somehow determined my self-worth. (Let us all pause and thank the Good Lord for growth). Now, the things that make me happiest are those intangibles, like good health, my relationship with God, my beautiful family, our experiences…and the list goes on. Realizing that is, in and of itself, a gift!

Introspection is a major component to success.

Over the course of the last few years, I’ve grown so much more as a person. It’s almost unfathomable that there’s still so much room for change. I don’t know. I guess I always thought that people this age had life figured out…and that although change is constant, you are overall who you are meant to be. I thought when I got here, I would be finished/established/complete. In reality, this is only the beginning!

Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.
George Bernard Shaw

In an effort to be more intentional this year, I am revisiting the things that make me happy. Writing is one of them. I began writing poetry at the age of 8, as a way of coping with the untimely passing of my paternal grandmother. Eventually, I wrote for my school newspaper in middle school. I also began writing movie scripts in high school. In college, I wrote lots of poems and did some creative writing, but my professional path veered in a different direction or two.

A wise person always has more than one stream of income.

It took me a while to understand that multiple streams of income are a necessity. It’s something my father, a master of many trades, often preached. But I was shielded from the need for this, which was largely due to his (and my mother’s) hard work. Don’t get me wrong, the lessons of diligence was one of repetition. My work ethic rivals many of the hardest working people you know. However, somewhere down the line, the concept of multiple income streams was lost in translation. You know how it is when you have a “good job.”

I allowed myself to become comfortable working for someone else.

As everyday life consumed me, my dreams shifted and my personal goals seemed further and further from reach. Little did I know, the shakeup that was a-coming. The company I had been investing my blood, sweat, tears, and ideas into informed me that they were selling the entire operation to another company. It was right before Christmas 2017, and I would be out of a job in a couple of weeks! Can you imagine? I mean, I literally had an infant and a brand new house. I never took maternity leave, so I worked up until the day I went into labor. I was physically in meetings mere days after delivering my son. It was a devastating blow on so many levels.

That’s when I felt my world crashing down. How could this happen to me?? I had built genuine relationships and loved working for this company. I felt like the wind had been kicked out of me. And then I remembered: At least a year prior to losing my job, I prayed to God asking that this be my last time working for someone else.

Be careful what you ask for. You just might get it.

Ultimately, as tough as this situation was for me financially, and even emotionally, I thank God for it. I was comfortable, and He saw fit to unbench me. This reminded me that there is no such thing as job security, and if I had been investing in myself the way that I should have been, my finances would not have been so harshly impacted by the abrupt loss of employment. (This is why we should pay more attention to the lessons our parents try to teach us).

Now, my life looks totally different. The day that I lost my job, I was awakened… and though I struggled in the immediate years that followed, I am so grateful for every ounce of it. Because of that sequence of events, I experience life in a different capacity.

Being a Real Estate Agent can be a financial rollercoaster ride! So many factors come into play when it comes to people buying/selling property. What’s going on in politics? How is that affecting the federal interest rates? Meanwhile, those bills could care less what is going on with politics or people, including you. But, I know that I can attain financial freedom. I know that I can help educate others about building wealth through property ownership. It is an even greater accomplishment when we complete those goals together.

I have suffered some losses, but I am winning.

During this season of growth, several people I have given to and poured so much into have abandoned me. I have felt discarded and disregarded, unworthy of their praise/not important enough for them to reciprocate that love. I shed many tears for those losses because they do hurt, but I actively move through those feelings. You know why? Because the times shared with those people have served their purpose. I have taken my power back. It is no longer about them. This birth and rebirth is all about me.

Repeat after me: This year, I will be kinder to myself and love myself more.

I am prepared to make cutthroat decisions about who remains a part of the “in-circle” of my life. That means, people who only take and request things from you should not have unlimited access, if any access at all. Why should they, if they can add no value? I have felt used up by some people, and wallowing in hurt feelings about it is only draining to me. They could care less. So neither will I. (More on this topic to come).

I will do things that genuinely make ME happy and fulfilled. 2021 is my year of Renaissance- the year of Jolandra. Each year, we should strive to make it better than the last. 2020 threw some curveballs none of us could have anticipated, but at the very least, it positively showed us that we need to strive for total wellness. No one else is going to do that work for us. Today is the day I have been reimagined, revitalized, and born again. Today, my self-published eBook called Understanding Creative Financing in Real Estate has been released! Today is the birth of all the possibilities. Today, is The Birth of a Blogger. Happy Birthday to me!

What are some of your goals for 2021? Long term or short term, share them in the comments below.

May 5, 2020December 18, 2020

Surviving Mother’s Day Motherless

“A mother’s love is a more tangible version of God’s love for us.”
Me

Most major holidays are a time of reverence and reflection. They all seem to have a central theme: thoughtfulness. Mother’s Day, a day set aside to honor and show appreciation for the mother(s) in your life, is no different. Oftentimes, the intense concentration on gift-giving overshadows the day’s actual intent—simply to say “thank you.” The closer we approach the date, the more we see people rush ordering gifts, with some struggling to decide what to buy for their moms. Some people are unable to purchase any gifts at all. Although that can be a difficult feeling, we have to remember that it is a blessing to have a living mother to celebrate in the first place.

A great-grandmother, grandmother, and grandchild. — Great-Grandmother, Grandmother, Granddaughter.

The simplest gesture for your mother on Mother’s Day will be big enough to warm ten thousand souls.

For many of us, Mother’s Day will look drastically different this year, compared to years passed. Still, there are some of us whose Mother’s Days have already forever changed. Many people find it very hard to celebrate a day where the woman they would honor is no longer physically present. Surviving Mother’s Day Motherless requires the support of loved ones.

Little Girl visiting her Grandmother's grave site on Mother's Day — Visiting her paternal grandmother’s resting place on Mother’s Day.

When a child loses its mother, it is the hope that her love will see him/her through survival.

My mother was diagnosed with cancer in 2015, and it was devastating. As if that wasn’t enough, my father, too, was diagnosed with cancer a few months later. We had to face some realities we didn’t want to, including the unimaginable– considering life without my parents.

Is there really any way to prepare someone to survive being motherless?

It is not lost on me how much of a blessing it is to still have both my parents. Which makes me even more sympathetic to those unable to fully embrace Mother’s Day as they once could. Remind those who have lost to reflect on all the love and lessons their moms left behind. Continue to celebrate the memories.

Surviving Mother's Day Motherless: My husband as an infant with his late mother.

Loved ones must really show up to support the grieving.

My father lost his mother when I was eight years old. I didn’t fully understand at the time, but I was watching my dad learn to live his life without his mother. He was different, never again to be the same man. My family stepped up in support of him and his loss. He always had a great relationship with my maternal grandmother, but their bond grew stronger.

Note: My paternal grandmother’s passing marked the first time I truly understood the feeling of loss. In fact, I wrote my very first poem, called “I’ll Fly Away,” shortly thereafter. Ever since then, I began to channel my feelings into my writing. And although my memories of my grandmother are fading, I am thankful for the little things I can remember, like her baking me my own little pound cakes and her homemade ice cream. But most importantly, I am eternally appreciative for the man she raised in my father.

Surviving Mother's Day Motherless:
My late paternal grandmother standing by a car. — My late paternal grandmother.

Anyway, I try to keep in mind ways in which we can strengthen and enrich the lives of those around us, especially those of us experiencing grief. So although we get excited about celebrating our mothers, let’s remember to make an effort of compassion to those who have lost theirs. Here are some supportive gift options you may want to consider:

Give the gift of flowers

Flowers can be a great option to gift someone who has lost their mother. You could gift her favorite flowers to her child. Or, you can place flowers on the late mother’s grave. If you choose to order flowers, try supporting a local florist in your area. Many are delivering right now.

Snow crab legs, Dungeness crab legs, and crawfish.

Find out her favorite meal or dessert

Cook one of her favorite dishes as a gift. (Or, if you’re anything like me, place an order). It could be a wonderful new memory created, by her loved ones being able to enjoy her favorite meal. It could also give the feeling of closeness to the departed mom on this Mother’s Day.

Write a sentiment

If you knew the mother personally, write something from the heart to be read aloud. If you did not know her, try writing out a quote and/or prayer for healing, peace, and sympathy. This is a gift that requires no money, only time, vulnerability, and love.

Creating fun, filtered memories with my little people.

Collect memories through pictures

Create a photo collage to help lift the spirits of those she left behind. Reminiscing via old pictures and sharing those memories with others, even virtually, can be very uplifting.

Two women having brunch. — Sisters brunching together.

Host a Mother’s Day Brunch

Organizing a Mother’s Day gathering, (keeping social distancing in mind or virtually), honors all the mothers in your life, both past and present. You can each speak on a memory of the deceased. Once everyone has spoken, release balloons, butterflies, or birds at a pre-selected location. This will ceremoniously commemorate her transition from this life into the next.

a plam tree — Palm Trees signify righteousness, freedom, and resurrection.

Plant a tree or garden in her honor

You can gift the grief-stricken with a plant or tree to be planted in their yard. Creating a physical designation would be the perfect way to have a nearby place to feel close to their mom and to communicate with her.

There is nothing we can do to take the pain away from the loss of a loved one, but we can try to ease it. The easiest way for the motherless to survive all major holidays, are directly derived from the support of family and friends. Remember these key ingredients on Mother’s Day and beyond: Vulnerability. Humility. Kindness. Thoughtfulness. You may one day find yourself on the other side of these gifting suggestions, praying for others to hold you at your weakest. If we do a better job of putting others first, the happiness we incite can be just as contagious as the Coronavirus. Let’s continue to uplift one another regularly. Happy Mother’s Day!

If you have some creative ideas on how to support those experiencing loss during Mother’s Day, or you just want to share a story, please comment down below.

March 25, 2020March 25, 2020

20 of the Most Hilarious Coronavirus Memes I Could Find

The Coronavirus has taken over life as we know it. Every time you turn on the TV, or social media, we are inundated with COVID-19 talk. Stores are closed, restaurants are pickup or delivery only, and in New Orleans, curfew is at 5pm. With the constant reminder of the presence of COVID-19, even as we are all on house arrest, it’s simply a conversation you cannot escape.

Well, you know how the old saying goes: If you can’t beat them, join them.

The internet, or “innanet” as it’s more affectionately known, proves to be unrivaled in the comedic department. We may not have the actual cure for the Coronavirus yet, but I am happy to fulfill a prescription of laughter. Here are 20 of the most hilarious Coronavirus memes I could find, to help you get through your day.

The Quarantine Memes

Happy Birthday, anyway, March and April Babies!

Coronavirus Memes — Okay, this last one almost took me out.

Although there are things that we do need to pay attention to, the amount of coverage on COVID-19 is relentless. The nonstop articles, breaking news, and general conversations about the Coronavirus can become triggers for those of us who may suffer from more fragile mental states. Let’s remember that our loved ones who may suffer from depression, PTSD, anxiety and other mental sensitivities could use a little more compassion right now.

Share a meme, share a smile.

You may not be able to give out hugs, but an encouraging text or an unexpected letter in the mail can go a long way. There are also uplifting tips found in the Powerbank section of The Coleture. Whatever you choose to do, be kind and be considerate. Let’s make the most of our current state of affairs, and let’s do it with a little laughter. Be healthy and stay safe.

What’s your Quarantine Super Power?

If you need more information on the Coronavirus, please be sure you are getting it from trusted news sources, such as The CDC.

July 4, 2019May 8, 2020

5 Tips For When You’re Feeling Low

Feeling a little down every now and then is simply a part of life. There can be no happiness without sadness. But sometimes, we need a little push to improve our moods and combat the blues. Here are 5 tips for when you’re feeling low.

Redirect that sad energy into something constructive.

Begin a new project. Complete a meaningful task. Distracting yourself from wallowing in those sad feelings can definitely be a real pick-me-up, especially if you have made progress on something important or that you’ve been meaning to do.

Do something thoughtful for someone else and/or help someone in need.

A good deed always warms the heart. When you can genuinely brighten someone else’s day, that sincere happiness can instantly become contagious.

Reach out to a trusted friend, relative, or mentor.

Having a confidant in your time of need can be crucial to keeping you balanced/sane. If you feel your person cannot be of help to you, do not be afraid to reach out to a therapist.

Blast some music and sing to the top of your lungs!

A good scream never hurt anyone. Ask my two year old. He does it all the time.

Write, paint, or color.

Everyone needs an expressive hobby. Even if you suck at coloring, painting, or writing, do one of them anyway. You can get your feelings out both quickly and inexpensively. You can even write a stranger. If you need a response, you can always write in to me anonymously, and I would be glad to provide an encouraging word, should you need it. Head over to the Contact tab, leave your questions/comments and then refer to Ask The Coleture for a response or the Power Bank to recharge yourself.

Bonus: Partake in the smoking/inhaling of some cannibus sativa (if it is legal and you are of age).

*Note: Not recommended for those struggling with sobriety).*

I guarantee you that if you do at least one of the things off this list, you will experience a more positive mood change.

***if your problems are more severe and you find yourself contemplating suicide, please contact someone who can better assist your needs:

National Suicide Prevention Hotline-1-800-273-8255

Crisis Text Line-Text HOME to 741-741

New Orleans-504-777-3273

Atlanta-1-800-715-4225