Wednesday 31 December 2014

2014 END OF YEAR MESSAGE

As 2014 is swiftly drawing to an end I thought it only fitting to put out this final post for the year. I would really like to thank ALL those who have worked in partnership, volunteered or helped to develop 2inspire Network and 2inspire Academy in one way or another. 

I am extremely grateful to have connected with some amazing people this year and truly humbled by the support which has led to an array of possibilities for 2015.  


I must say I have been encouraged and truly inspired by many to keep going, develop myself and to build on my vision. If there is one thing that I have learnt this year is that regardless of what you are going through the best thing you can do for yourself and those around you is make the most of yourself and strive to reach your full potential. This mindset not only keeps you focused but inspires, motivates and empowers those around you.  


It is sad how there is so much undeveloped, wasted potential in this world, granted in some cases it is because the resources and opportunities are not available, but for many of us it is because of insecurity, self-doubt, fear and other negative phrophecies about what we are and are not capable of that holds us back.


Anything worth doing is not easy, if you want to develop your potential and succeed at being all you can be, keep your eyes on the prize and press on, it won't be easy but it will be worthwhile.


So on that note I would just like to add: Remember, circumstances can be over come with determination and faith, don't dwell on the bad, focus on the good. Life is too short to be any thing but happy. Bull doze your way into 2015 with a pledge to make the best of yourself and see what will manifest.


Wishing you all a magnificent New Year and the ability to rise to the top in whatever you endeavour to do.





Monday 8 December 2014

2inspire Network Business Profile Interview: Yvonne Omini, Life Coach of Love, Life, Inspire

Yvonne Omini is on a mission to transform lives through Coaching, Speaking and a hosting a talk show, as her ultimate dream is to be the Next Oprah. She believes that through the media she will be able to make a bigger difference in peoples life's as she will a have a wider audience. Her mission is to empower, inspire and transform lives. She currently runs a company called Love, Life, Inspire that delivers coaching sessions and training. Find out more about Yvonne and her business in the interview below:



1/ Please tell us what is a typical business day for you?

No day is the same as it’s either filled with a coaching session, admin work, research of how to make my business better, running mini workshops and going to networking events among other things.


2/ What made you start the business and what steps did you take to start operating as a business?

I started my business, because I was so passionate about helping people and knowing I was in control of creating the life I wanted rather than living someone else’s dreams;  so a coaching and speaking business was the best way for me to start. As I knew I could make a massive contribution and I would be so happy changing lives every day because I believe we’re all called to make a difference with our lives and gifts.

I joined a programme called NEA which stands for New Enterprise Allowance; they are an organisation that helps people start their businesses. So they assisted me with a business plan and how to get started in business, so I could confidently start my business. Apart from the NEA’s assistance I also read lots of books on personal development and attended numerous business events, where I had the opportunity to network with a variety of people.



3/ What would you say has been your greatest accomplishment in the business world to date?

My greatest accomplishment to date would be knowing that  my first ever coaching clients really changing their lives and going for what they want has paid off as the testimonies I’ve heard from them months later has been incredible and so rewarding to know that my coaching has been effective.



Goal setting exercise with young parents 


4/ What has been your biggest challenge in business so far?

My biggest challenge in my business has been getting myself out there in the coaching industry.



5/What are your future plans for the business?

As I recently went on a course and qualified as an NLP Master Practitioner, I’m changing my business so I’m actually going through a business make over. This is really exciting as I have so many plans for my business as I’m now a qualified Master Hypnotist which allows my work to be more effective with my future clients.
The plans I have for my business is to expand my coaching and speaking business around the world, publish my first quotes book next year and work on my presenting skills as my dream is to have a TV Show that makes a massive difference like Oprah did. As I am determined to make my dreams come true.

6/If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?

If I had to do it again, I would not doubt myself as much as I used to as it cost me a lot of emotional stress.

7/ What’s the best compliment you could receive in business?

The best compliment I have received in my business is having the opportunity to share my documentary on ITV as a young mum. That was totally an incredible experience.


8) Why is it so important to inspire young women in particular to follow their dreams?

It is very important to inspire young women to follow their dreams especially because women need to know that they can achieve their dreams regardless of how they started. For me starting out my early adulthood as a teenage mother to two children, I felt like my life was over because of the choices I had made.
But then as I started to do work on myself, mingle with like-minded people.
So it’s very important for me to show young women that there are still great women who exist that can really show them what to aspire to, rather than thinking they need to take their clothes off to make music, they can be themselves and let their talent shine through them.

9/ What advice would you give to somebody who wants to start a business in your industry?

I would tell someone to make sure that they love what they do and to just go for it because they have what it takes to be a success too.

10/What or who inspires you in business and why?

I am inspired by people who even though they didn’t have a great start in life they don’t allow it to keep them defeated from achieving their dreams. They just keep on going like two men I am inspired by go by the name of Miles Hilton Barber who is a blind man who flew a plane from London to Sydney blind and another man called Nick Vujicic who doesn’t have any arms or legs but he still motivates people. People like this keep me going especially when I’m doubting myself as they show me that anything can be achieved, no matter what.

11/What is your favourite inspirational quote?

 “Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...It's about learning to dance in the rain.”
― Vivian Greene

Right now I’m on a journey to raise money for a course called NLP Master Practitioner which I recently qualified in as a Master Practitioner Of NLP, Hypnosis and Time Line Therapy. As I wasn’t able to raise the money by Friday 14th November I was fortunate enough to be given a space as the organisation could see that I was determined to change my life and truly make a difference with the new skills I would learn.
I am still raising money as I still need to raise the remaining balance of £1715 and I know I can do it as I am determined to show people that you don’t have to have everything to go for what you want you want as I made a decision on September 4th to really go for what I wanted despite starting my own business and the obstacles that were in front of me. I never gave up as I know that with these new skills I’ll be able to really excel and really make a real difference to serve people.


Here is the link to my gofund me page:
 http://www.gofundme.com/e2thww

Contact details:

Twitter: @lovelifeinspire
Email:Yvonneomini17@gmail.com

Thursday 20 November 2014

GET AN INTRODUCTORY OFFER OF 50% OFF SPACE HIRE AT 02 WORKSHOP, TOTTENHAM COURT ROAD

02 Workshop, a space created just for small businesses, based in Tottenham Court Road in London.

  They have space available to hire for everyday business needs at affordable prices with additional benefits such as free WiFi, Coffee, Tea 
and Water availabe.

Opening hours:
Weekdays: 9am -6pm
Saturdays: 11am-7pm
Sundays: 11am-5pm


Seminar Room

Hotdesking Space

Boardroom

Work Booths
Interested in getting 50% off any of the spaces available for hire? Quote promotional code 2inspire in your email to info@2inspirenetwork.com and we will forward it to the 02 Workshop Manager.


About Workshop

Introducing Workshop, our space created just for small businesses, where you can get away from it all, get together and meet like-minded people.

Think of Workshop as your office away from the office, but with lots of great extras that make getting things done easier and more fun. We’re talking spaces for brainstorming or getting a little quiet time, resident tech experts and regular events to build skills and network.

Whether you’re playing host to clients, catching up with your team or simply need some room to think, Workshop has a variety of spaces to fit the bill, with a top-notch London location that won’t blow the budget.

Workshop adds value to your business not just through tech, but by giving you access to the tools that small businesses need. We host regular events on everything from HR and finance to marketing and social media, plus it’s a great place to connect with people who have the skills you need. If we know someone who can help out with your project we’ll introduce you, and if we don’t we’ll spread the word.


02 Workshop is hosting a number of events for business owners in December.

WORKSHOP EVENTS IN DECEMBER
DiSC profiling - how psychology can help improve your business performance - with Nick Moore
When:  Thursday 5th December 2014
Time:   6pm - 9pm

An estimated 40 million people have been tested using DiSC profiling which determines your preferred behaviour patterns. Business Coach and Psychologist, Nick Moore will give an overview into how DiSC profiling can:
  • help you understand your own behaviour and those in your team
  • show you why you find people frustrating who don’t behave like you
  • teach you how to communicate and work more effectively with everyone

Once you have registered for the event please click here : ps://www.tonyrobbins.com/ue/disc-profile.php and complete the free DiSC profile. 

You will receive a 15 page report which you should print out and bring along to the event.



Becoming an EMPLOYER - the good, the bad and the ugly - with First Stop HR
When:  Thursday 18th December 2014
Time:    6pm - 9pm
Employees play a very crucial role in the growth and overall success of your business but what do you need to do to make this happens?
Becoming an employer; the good, the bad and the ugly is a workshop that has been carefully designed to provide you with information, guidance, hints, tips and trick for:
  • Developing your recruitment strategy
  • Getting employment ready
  • Getting the best from your employees
PROMOTION
Autumn All Day Hotdesking
Where:     WORKSHOP - 229 Tottenham Court Road, W1T 7QG
When:      October 15th - December 24th 2014
Time:       9:00am - 6:00pm
Price:       £10+VAT
Includes:  WIFI, printer and free tea and coffee
How:         Drop in to book your hotdesking session




Monday 17 November 2014

2inspire Network Profile Interview: Doreen Thompson-Addo, Programme Manager at the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust

Doreen Thompson-Addo is the Programme Manager at the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust, she has worked at the trust for 4 years and has the responsibility of managing a team that delivers community, youth, school and graduate programmes across London.
Doreen started her career in New York City, spending a year on the Mountbatten Internship programme and working for a leading events management company.  For the past 10 years she has worked in the charity sector as a Project Manager with a focus on volunteer management, corporate social responsibility and youth talent development. She has had the privilege of delivering projects and workshops in countries such as Cuba, Greece, Italy and Turkey and has worked with a variety of companies including Disney, L'Oreal, JP Morgan and the BBC.
Outside of work she continues to mentor young people, provides advice to 2 start-up charities and also works for the family business (events decorations).  Below is an interveiw that gives insight on Doreen, her work at the Trust and her inspirations.


1/ Please tell us what is a typical working day for you?

As Programme Manager at the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust my role involves managing a variety of exciting projects that transform the lives of young people and the wider community. Managing projects means that no 2 days are ever the same but a typical day may include catching up with my team to find out how they are progressing with meeting project targets, responding to important emails and phone calls, communicating any good news and case studies on our social media platform and giving presentations in schools and the wider community about the work of the Trust.

2/ What would you say has been your greatest accomplishment at work to date?

One of my greatest accomplishments was developing the Social Enterprise arm of the Hammersmith and Fulham Volunteer Centre called Works 4 U (where I was employed from 2004 to 2010). The organisation wanted to encourage more corporate businesses to volunteer in the communities where they work and so I spent 2 years building relationships with corporate employers and developing a scheme where their employees can donate their time and skills to their local community. Today, Works 4 U is a thriving Social Enterprise with clients such as Disney, Coca Cola, Starbucks, Ikea and L’Oreal.

3/ What has been your biggest challenge at work so far?

The Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust is a charity and our income is generated from a number of different sources. The funding environment for many charities is a big challenge and it is important that we continue to think creatively and innovatively about how income is generated and spent. Like any business, financial management is very important and we want to continue to make sure that we generate income so that we can continue to support young people across the country to achieve their goals and aspirations. However, I always see challenges as an opportunity to learn something new and to think of creative ways in which a solution can be found.

4/What are your future plans for the Trust?

We are very ambitious at the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust and over the next few years we want to see continued growth in the work we do for young people as well as the wider community. We also want to see more people using the Stephen Lawrence Centre in Deptford where we have excellent facilities. As we are a national charity it is also our goal to reach out to young people beyond London and maybe even the world!



5/If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?

I would have had a professional mentor at a young age. I did not have a mentor in school or university but it is important to have a role model in your life who can help you achieve your career aspirations. Even if you don’t know what you want to do as a career, having a role model/mentor can really help you to navigate the many opportunities that are out there.

6/ What’s the best compliment you could receive at work?

I am very happy when someone tells me that a project or event that I have managed has had a positive impact in their life. For me it really is about making a difference in the lives of people and if I can achieve that then it’s a great compliment.

7/ Why is it so important to inspire young women in particular to follow their dreams?

We have all been blessed with natural gifts and abilities and women should have the opportunity to use the skills and talents that they have, as they have so much to offer. Many women still feel that they cannot achieve their dreams for a number of different reasons and it’s important that we can encourage them and lead them to fulfil their goals and ambitions. This does not mean that following your dreams will be easy, but it is about saying that if you have a dream as a woman you shouldn’t feel that it cannot be achieved.

8/ What advice would you give to somebody who wants to work in your field?
Working in the Charity/Voluntary sector can be very rewarding and many people say they get high levels of work satisfaction working for a charity.  One piece of advice I would give to someone interested in working in the field of Project Management (other than finding a mentor – which I talked about earlier) is to gain some volunteering/work experience.  I got my first job in the sector because I had volunteered as a Youth Worker in my local church for 2 years.  During my time as  a volunteer I learnt about fundraising, organising youth activities, managing teams, developing proposals and partnership working.  This helped me to get my first job in the charity sector as a Youth Project Officer. There are lots of volunteering opportunities out there, ranging from ones where you don’t need much experience to ones where specific skill are needed. A good website to go to for volunteering opportunities is www.do-it.org.uk

9/What or who inspires you, and why?

I am inspired by businesses who not only operate for profit but also have a goal of making a difference in society. Corporate Social Responsibility is becoming more important in business and I look up to business leaders who incorporate social responsibility in their daily operations. There are many businesses today tackling important issues around education, health and poverty and that really does inspire me.


10/What is your favourite inspirational quote?
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step” - Lao Tzu . I love this quote because many times we dream of journeys we want to take, be it a career journey, relationship journey or personal journey. There are all sorts of excuses and reasons we can give for not starting the journey but if you just start by taking that first step, who knows where it could lead you!


Find out more about the work of the Stephen Lawrence Trust:

Website:www.stephenlawrence.org.uk
Facebook:www.facebook.com/stephenlawrencecharitabletrust
Twitter: www.twitter.com/S_LawrenceTrust


Friday 14 November 2014

Sponsored Post: How to Attract The Man You Want & Desire With Ease!

Let me ask you this question? Do you hold a secret belief that all Mr. Right's have been snapped up and put on lock down?  Do you think that because of your age, size and other stuff you won't attract that Mr. Right you really want, and you have to settle for what is left? Some days you truly believe that you are wearing  'Mr Right' repellent and a neon sign on your head that says "losers and jerks date me!"
If you want this to stop then join me on 20th November for my evening event on
 

Where you will discover the things that are getting in there way of being the attraction magnet that you really are....
This event will be a fun and easy introduction to get you from being "date-shy" to showing up as your own silver screen siren....
Discover how famine-thinking has you attracted to losers, liars, jerks and assholes, and what you need to do to attract your Mr Right with ease.
 
This evening will help you:
  •  Easily change your dating pattern.
  • Turn up your seductive energy.
  • Know how to get the man you want to cross a crowded room for you.
  • How to get past the first date to keep him wanting to see more of you and a lot more!

You don't want to miss this evening so book your place today!

Love, Unbridled Joy and Brilliance,

signature3
Sensuality Discovery Specialist
W:www.LillianOgbogoh.com
E:Lillian@Lillianogbogoh.com
T:+44(0) 7966 621 301

Wednesday 29 October 2014

2Inspire Network Interview: Writer, Filmmaker and Poet Lauren Kaye

Lauren Kaye is a Writer above all else, she writes poetry, scripts and about food. She studied Hospitality and Food Catering at college before moving onto Media at university. During and post her studies of a BA in Media & TV Production she wrote, directed and produced over 30 productions. She still freelances as a Filmmaker to this day. In 2008 while she was still a student she founded Infiniti Promotions which hosts events throughout the year. In 2010 she set up her food blog Deevah's Cravings to get back to writing about the food industry as it is one of her first loves. She has written and performed poetry since she was 7 years old and is currently writing her soon to be released book of poetry.




Please tell us what is a typical business day for you?
I get asked that question a lot by people as they find it fascinating that I am self-employed working in creative industries. I am a Filmmaker, I run a multi-service Events company called Infiniti Promotions and I am a Writer (Poet, Author, Screenwriter). Therefore, any day is based on the project at that time. If I am putting on a promotion event which is most likely to be my Infiniti Reels Film Club or Poetic Justice Showcase, then I will most likely be venue scouting, contract writing, budget writing, holding auditions for acts, going through film submissions, holding a team meeting, video or photo editing, promoting at events or on the streets, booking and hiring freelancer’s.

If I am working on a film project I will most likely be spending the day doing pre-production work which is not as glamorous as it sounds as it is full of written work, research, phone calls, meetings and emails. Auditions are fun for the most part but hands-on production is where I find my joy but it often takes months of pre-production depending on the budget and the project itself. It is long hours either way. Film production and event production do not differ too much, which is probably why I find it so easy to bounce between the two, as stressful as it can get.

With regards to my poetry performances and writing, poetry events are mostly held in the evening typically on a Thursday, Wednesday or Sunday however, on Saturdays hours vary depending on the job. I love performing. I get to say what’s on my mind, share my creativity, make people laugh, cry (especially at weddings) or blush. Much of my poetry is “edu-taining” and thought provoking. I am self-publishing more than one book right now so that is dominating my day to day work at the moment. Like most entrepreneurs and creative freelancers, I practically work 24/7 with no average set-hours unless I was on a film set. I typically work all through the night no matter what I am doing, as in literally till the sun rises. I am one of those people who wish there were extra hours in the day and I would clone myself if I could.

What made you start the business and what steps did you take to start operating as a business?
When starting Infiniti Promotions, I was a university student living in my own apartment, who really wanted to make quick money on the side to live better than I was while benefiting socially and professionally from it. For me the most appealing option was to become an Event/Club Promoter and get cash in hand. I tried to work directly with Night Clubs and independent Promoter’s to be a part of their team for just some part-time work and the experience but that wasn’t working out. It’s a very closed crowd where many Promoter’s do not want to share the attention, credibility or money for that matter.

I then decided to put on a rave myself but it flopped, which I blame on my approach to not taking it seriously enough. I was excited, naïve and driven so it was devastating and embarrassing for me to say the least but it made me extremely determined to try again with a more business mind set. I thought of an appropriate company name, there was no one but the Infiniti car manufacturer’s that I knew of carrying that name at the time- not even BT Infinity had come out yet. I wrote an informal business plan, brought the idea to two of my closet friends who I could trust to work with and bring my vision to life and moved forward from there. Raves turned into poetry & music events, which branched out into charity fundraisers and film clubs. Promotion events is a high risk industry as you are not  guaranteed an income that exceeds your expenses let alone efforts, so I added extra services in order for more money to be generated and so that the brand can stand strong.

I have been making films independently since I was 19. I did a summer course at New York Film Academy and came back much more aware of the industry than before which prompted me to build my profile so I started entering film competitions and gaining work experience with production companies. When I was 20 I started my first business as a Wedding Videographer. I began directing Music Videos for up and coming Artists as well as Music students which was good practice, attended high profile film festivals and began freelancing. Since leaving university I have been working on my professional short and feature films under my production company in development. I love business and I plan to be a mogul to be reckoned with in the future.

What would you say has been your greatest accomplishment in the business world to date?
Nothing can top the feeling of your first sold out product or event which I have experienced. When I launched my poetry & music event series Poetic Justice, not only did it sell out on the first night but it was what I continue to describe as a “night of perfection.” I had wanted to organise and host my own poetry event long before I knew I wanted to become a Promoter. I was always a Poet. I have been writing poetry since I was 7 years old. I have been performing since my early teens but kept that to myself. Till this day I only like to perform to strangers but doing this event gave me the nerve to invite my friends (I still prefer not to perform infront of family). I killed it! So to speak, my great line-up of underground Poets and Musicians killed it, the vibe was perfect, my friends and new contacts were telling me how proud they were of me. It also meant a lot because I did not have my team to help me for that event, I had to organise everything by myself and prove to them that my vision still had value regardless of previous losses. The whole experience gave me more confidence as a Performer, Host and Event Organiser.  

My favourite accomplishment to date is my custom poetry greeting cards that I launched via my Infiniti Promotions. The brand was always going to include merchandise and I long had it in mind to have greeting cards be a part of that as I am obsessed with them, so it was only fitting to incorporate my poetry into it. The handmade, custom written cards that I have made so far have had an overwhelming response of emotion. The way that I have touched people with my words, the wonderful, priceless feedback that I get is why I do what I do. Few things make me happier.

I was exceptionally proud of myself when I made a commercial for Emporio Armani back in 2008. That was actually an international competition set by the fashion brand for independent filmmakers to compete at the chance of having their ad broadcasted on television and winning €8-10k. I was a media student at the time working on several other freelance projects as well as my coursework. I had no budget what so ever to make my ad but I made it work with my determination, ideas and gift of the gab so that one always makes me feel good about myself and my portfolio.

What has been your biggest challenge in business so far?

Raising funds for such an expensive industry and I mean that in regard to both film and promotion events. In the early days I really impressed myself and audiences who did not know better, with making a micro budget look lavish. Time Management is problematic to say the least when you do what I do. Another challenge that would probably always provoke me is finding creative people who are both talented and professional. Ego’s come before professionalism in the world of creative minds far too often.


What are your future plans for the business?
I am expanding the retail sector of Infiniti Promotions. The promotion events will continue although in a different direction than before so all changes are currently in development. Publishing in general is my current way forward for business in all aspects of what I do and this will include my books and greeting cards. I am all about synergy and developing my brand. A poetry book from me has been high in demand for a while now and I am happy to say that I am finally self-publishing my debut collection of poems, while starting an online crowdfunding campaign. More details can be found on my poetry blog LK Knows Her Writes.

If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?
Plenty of things. I would start my business at a later date. I’d still freelance early but would post-pone starting Infiniti Promotions because I did allow its full-time demands to consume my life, affect my school work and jeopardise parts of my film career when that should have been my only focus at that age. I do wish that I enjoyed my youth more and was not so set on chasing paper and trying to prove myself to family, friends or professional peers. I think only people who have a tremendous amount of financial struggles or the few young people who live on their own would understand that kind of pressure.

I would most certainly not underestimate the extent of sexism and racism in business. Prejudice is apparent in a social setting but in business it’s just ridiculous and in the nightlife of Club Promotions there is no PC, for the most part it is blatant. Other than the common issue of money, the battles I faced as a Black person and as a young female were unbelievable. There were many incidences I was not prepared for but it is the reality that we live in and should not be sugar coated or ignored. The Promotions world is hands down a butch industry and the film/entertainment industry of course is male dominated too. I thought it didn’t matter at first since there are many women doing it who have paved the way for me but no-no-no. Thank-goodness that I’m tough otherwise I would not be able to handle it. Bottom line, I would be more aware, sceptical and less trusting of people I work with or share things with not matter how close we are, because as truth has it not everyone wishes you well.

What’s the best compliment you could receive in business?
That you are good at what you do. Having regular customers is also a silent compliment within itself that speaks volumes.

Why is it so important to inspire young women in particular to follow their dreams?
I take the empowerment of women very seriously. Most self-esteem issues start at a young age and most of us have had experiences of being told things like “You can’t…” or “A young woman should….” Females of any age are constantly being put down and it’s disgusting, we must fight against that everyday to change this mind-set and break this barrier. Regardless of what country or culture that they are from that tells them otherwise. I also think that it is more important to inspire young women today than 10 years ago because evidently we have relapsed. What was once a progressive movement with significant change has significantly back-tracked in recent years, this is even in regard to the Western World. So much so that last year new quotas were introduced in the UK to make sure that a woman is to be a part of the board of a company that is of a particular size.

Generally, women earn at least 23% less than men in the corporate world, while working at the same level or job role as their male counterpart. In India and China it is still common to abort female foetuses and they largely consider girls to be of little to no worth. This day in age is also one of the worst times of underground sex trafficking of under-aged girls. Bear in mind that this is not just referring to developing countries but America, Poland, Italy, France and England. Although these are corrupt, international trades of organised crime, truth has it that lack of encouragement and inspiration within girls and young women does lead to low self-esteem, dropping out of school, under-aged pregnancies, unhealthy relationships, promiscuous behaviour and prostitution. It is common and unfortunate but it can be helped. Installing confidence and encouragement to young women is imperative. We must tell our girls and women that “You have worth!” Once you have life you have purpose, do something with it and don’t let anyone tell you different.

On a less political yet debatable note, we all know that females often look each other as competition hence why jealously and bitchiness often follows suit with our behaviour towards one another and it’s embarrassing. There’s really no need. Not that my words are going to change the world but it’ll make some of us check ourselves. Not everyone is going to like each other or appreciate someone’s work and if you don’t then just leave each other alone and move on. However, when you do appreciate what another woman is working with or you admire their goals and dreams do not put them down about it, discourage them, try to tarnish or take away what they are doing. Encourage them! Praise and collaborate or be quiet is how I see it.    

I don’t feel that we need to keep proving that women can achieve their dreams, can do it as good as, if not better than our male counter parts or what have you because it has been proved numerous times before and for centuries (fact). There has already been and you can very well be; a female Astronaut, a female President or Prime Minister, Film Producer, Fashion Designer, Graphic Designer, Editor In Chief, Song Writer, Plumber, Mechanic, Soldier, Architect, Judge, Hotel Owner etc. Even more so, you can be a mother, wife and business woman. As a matter of fact, ‘Mumpreneurs’ are a big part of what is holding up today’s economy in UK and USA by contributing £7.4 billion to the British economy alone. If you don’t believe me do your research.

What advice would you give to somebody who wants to start a business in your industry?
Self-confidence and research is key. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes just be willing to learn from them. In fact, I have a poem called ‘Lead the Way’ that gives plenty good advice on this, furthermore one of my up and coming books goes into this much deeper. Look out for it on my blog. Convenience is expensive so be prepared to make some great sacrifices to get what you want. Film and events are incredibly time consuming and often go into late night hours and weekends so be aware that it will effect and overlap into your social life. It’s all about balance.

Being an entrepreneur or freelancing for a living is never easy but it can be a lot of fun and incredibly rewarding. Have a side hustle because while you are chasing your passion you will be broke and you won’t enjoy it. Either start your business part-time while paying your bills with a full-time job or go into your business full-time while you manage a part-time job.


What or who inspires you in business and why?
It’s very seldom that I have one answer for questions such as these so I’ll put it like this; my biggest inspirations in business are Donald Trump, Hugh Hefner, Kimora Lee Simmons, Russell Simmons, Diddy, Richard Branson, Tyler Perry and of course Oprah Winfrey. This is obviously a diverse, distinct group of people but what they all have in common is that they are innovators who have put themselves above everyone else in their field because they knew or came to know how to develop their brand, branch out into ‘the unknown,’ knock down barriers, sustain longevity and become a profitable, relevant, mogul force to be reckoned with.

The people who inspire me creatively, which in turn effects some of my business decisions are; Spike Lee, Maya Angelou, Steven Spielberg, Terry McMillian, Natalie Stewart, Hype Williams, Chris, Diane Martel, Brett Ratner, Dave Myers, Shonda Rhimes, Ed Libby, Jennifer Saunders, John Singleton, Quentin Tarantino and F. Gary Gray. These people are at the top of their game with what they do, I admire and respect their work immensely. I would be lying if I said that their work does not inspire me or that I would not want my creativity to emulate the creative genius of theirs. There are others but I’ll need more time to think and that will take up too much print space.

What are your favourite inspirational quotes?
It’s not the load it’s how you carry it.
Entrepreneurship is spending a few years of your life living the way that most people won’t to spend the rest of your life living the way that most people can’t.
Tough times don’t last, tough people do.
The biggest enemy to creativity is self-doubt.


www.infinitipromotions.co.uk
LKsamuels@infinitipromotions.co.uk
@LK_ReelDeevah, @Infiniti_Pro

Thursday 23 October 2014

Spotlight on Post Natal Depression - Short Film "Am I Not A Mother?"

HONA AFRICA is a boutique production company that saw the need to elevate awareness on the often misdiagnosed and misunderstood condition of Post Natal Depression, particularly in the African community. The focus of the film is on Zimbabwean mothers who have suffered from the stigma of having this condition. The aim of the film is to share the stories of these women and to inspire others to speak up and seek support. Please watch, share and leave your thoughts and comments.

Monday 13 October 2014

Please vote for 2inspire Academy to win funding to motivate and inspire young people in Schools

Please vote for 2inspire Academy to get funding to deliver an inspirational and motivational programme titled “Anything is possible” to young people in schools. It is a tour of  secondary schools with a panel of young role models who achieved great things with their life despite adversity. The panel will discuss what they have been through and how they made it. We would particularly like to target years 11, 12 & 13 just before the revision period (study leave) starts at schools so that it will help to motivate the young people to make the best use of this time. 


Please spread the word and show your support by casting your vote on the link below:

Background information on 2inspire Academy:

The 2inspire Academy is a personal development and life skills programme for young men and women aged 16-30 that is run by a committee of young people. It was set up in March 2013 and was formed to help young people focus on what's important for them now and in the future, providing them with access to positive opportunities and role models.

With increasingly limited options, young people have been unable to find genuine opportunities to support their progression and more and more young people are becoming demoralised and disenfranchised. They therefore decided to come together to be part of the solution for their current and future generations and take responsibility for their own development and that of their peers.


Since Their formation they have been able to achieve their aims and objectives by engaging with a range of philanthropic inspirational people and organisations, who share their core values and have helped them to support their growth and development. They have managed to provide them with the necessary advice, guidance, knowledge, education, experience, wisdom and resources to support the development of their various projects with little or no budget at all. Organisations that have supported them to date include Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust, Birbeck University, Westfield Shopping Centre (Stratford), Novotel hotel (Greenwich) and Think big 02.

Academy Projects:

1)Inspire the Youth Summer programme (August 2013):

A range of training and development workshops which were selected and co-ordinated by the Academy steering group and held at the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust in Lewisham over a 2 week period. Workshops covered entrepreneurship, music, filming, employability skills,motivation.

2)Young, gifted & talented (October 2013/June 2014):

Musical showcases which were held at the Fashion Meets Music shop in Westfield Shopping Centre in Stratford and at the Novotel hotel in Greenwich in June 2014 . These events aimed to raise awareness of the 2inspire Academy and the amazing performers who were under the age of 30 and are aspiring artists actively pursuing a career in music. The event has proved to be a great opportunity for them to get exposure and provides a positive platform for expression for the young people.




3)Ready, Set, Go:Prepare for success(August 2014):


Birkbeck, University of London hosted the 2inspire Academy event 'Ready, Set, Go', funded by Think Big with 02. The workshop was a great opportunity for freshers and students, to start the academic year with insight that motivated and inspired attendees.  The event was designed to give students a headstart and support young people with their career aspirations, while ensuring that they develop the necessary life-skills to excel whilst at university.It included
  •        A panel discussion with a panel of successful university students who have made university work for them.
  •         A presentation and Q & A session with representatives from top organisations, highlighting: tips and advice on employability after university, additional activities that companies look out for, advice on writing a winning graduate application/CV.
  •          A 'Preparation for Higher Education'session for attendees.
  •          A session that looked at managing your student finances run by MyBnk, titled "Uni Dosh".
                               

4)Project “ I AM” which is targeted towards young parents. The project was devised to meet the needs of this group to ensure they address some of the issues they face and work towards positive goals for their families. The project will produce results in attendees life's in areas such as Family, Relationships, Health, Finance, Safety, Leisure, Work and More .

 Please spread the word and show your support by casting your vote on the link below:http://www.skiptongrg.co.uk/apply-for-funding/whos-applying/london/2inspire-academy/