Do you have a favorite dialogue, lyric, quote or affirmation? Please share with us below.

Monique Rivarde | Founder and President of BFAM, Inc.

Joshua 1:9 says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous, for the LORD your GOD is with you wherever you go.” This is the last Bible verse that my son Bobby Tillman read the night he was murdered November 7, 2010. This Bible verse has been etched in my soul from the moment I found out that Bobby read it before his murder. Starting my own business, which is an organization named BFAM, Inc. (Bobby Tillman’s Family) honoring my son, I had to be strong and courageous and take risks that a person who has never felt the pain I felt the night my son was murdered would take. My initial goal when starting the organization was to bring awareness to bullying since my son was randomly chosen to be beaten to death. However, as my organization began to form and GOD became the foundation of the organization, I knew that my organizations focus had to change from bullying to self-worth. Read more>>

Maniga McClendon | CEO, Micro Influencer & HBCU Grad

My favorite quote / affirmation would definitely have to be ” Manifestation plus hard work equals success.” I have this written on a sticky note, which is hanging on the mirror in my bathroom and it’s a quote/affirmation that constantly motivates me. I like this quote so much because a lot of people talk about manifesting the things that they want in life , which I agree with, but you also have to put in the hard work, the time, and the effort. In my opinion, when you speak things into the universe and the universe sees that you are putting in the work , it’ll respond with the results that you were hoping for (SUCCESS). Read more>>

Dedra Hemphill | Boutique Owner | Designer

One of my favorite quotes is “Buy the ticket, take the ride” from Hunter S. Thompson. This quote accurately describes the final thought I have before deciding to pursue something significant or life altering that scares me, and as I look back over the years, it seems I’ve unofficially adopted the quote as my life’s motto. At the end of the day, the choices are simple: I can either get bogged down by all the ‘what ifs’ and obstacles that are sure to come; or I can live fully, pursuing the things that I’m most passionate about. Whether the situation works out the way I planned isn’t really the point. It’s everything gained from the experience that counts. That’s the win. Besides, I don’t think anything noteworthy ever got done with the mindset of “buy the ticket, but only take the ride if it’s perfectly smooth.” Read more>>

Barbara Joseph | Coachbarbaraj

My favorite affirmation is “God only does upgrades”. What it means to me that, God will upgrade you. If you had one, God will give you two and so on and so on. Its a great reminder that things will only get better. It makes it easier to move on and let go of things and people because, the next thing, the next person will be better. Read more>>

Lulu Fall | Singer, Award-Winning Songwriter, Broadway/TV Actor, Abstract Painter

I have many affirmations and beliefs, but my favorite affirmation would have to be: BE HERE NOW. Not only do I have anxiety, the arts industry is designed to have you constantly thinking about the future: the next project, the next audition, the next gig, etc. This affirmation allows me to stay grounded, focused and clear. This business is both beautiful and ruthless–if you don’t have a strong sense of who you are, where you are and what your focus is, it is very easy for the industry to sweep you up, making you lose yourself. Arts industry aside, the affirmation “Be Here Now” allows me to remain calm and clear. Especially in the midst of the pandemic, where it’s safe to say that just about everyone’s mental and emotional states have been compromised in some way, this affirmation helps to stay in the moment, stay grateful, and ultimately take all things one step at a time. Read more>>

Jasmyn Thomas | Visual Stylist, Jewelry Creator, & Business Owner

“However long the night, the dawn will break” is a simple African proverb that has stuck with me for years. It’s such a comforting reminder to persevere through the “dark hours,” any unfavorable circumstances or whenever feelings of sadness/anger/disappointment come about. Regardless of what you’re going through, it’s not permanent. Don’t let it overstay its welcome and consume you. Read more>>

Maya Table | Director

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. And a prayer that I say when I have meetings, have to lead or during speaking engagements is “Lord increase as I decrease”. Both of these affirmations help me to immediately take pressure off of myself and undo any anxiety. Read more>>

Christian Nicole | Intuitive Life Coach & Spiritual Teacher

My favorite quote is from the Bible, Romans 12:2 “Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind” and what it means to me is liberation from any seemingly limited situation and Freedom from undesired circumstances. It means that we have the power within us to change our lives and our world by simply shifting our minds. If we practice and implement the discipline to believe whole heartedly in a desired idea, we will experience it in life and that is law. It’s such a comforting idea for me. Read more>>

Emmanuel “Showtime” Malette | Actor and Dancer

“Work ethic may get you in the door, but it is God’s grace that will provide you a seat at the table.” That’s a quote I came up with a few years ago that I now try to live by. The opportunities that I have received in my career were all grand displays of God’s goodness. When I worked on a solo film with Oscar Nominated/Emmy Winning David Darg, I did not work toward getting that opportunity, God gave it to me. It just fell it my lap. I am one of the hardest workers in the room and I believe that work ethic is an important part of success. But it wasn’t necessarily my “work” that got me that opportunity. It was God’s grace and I am thankful for that. Read more>>

Miah Giavonni | Storyteller + Creative Producer

I saw a tweet a few months back by my good sis, Elaine Welteroth. She said, “Be patient with yourself. Nothing blooms all year.” It simply reminds me of life’s reality. Change is inevitable and we will always be transitioning into new. And sometimes that means shutting everything down to reconnect with or love on the inner and most challenging parts of ourselves (or our businesses). To be completely transparent: this is the season I’m serving at this moment. I’m learning to be more patient and obedient as I lean into knowing what my mind, body and spirit needs. At this time, I need stillness, reflection and rest. It doesn’t mean I’ve quit nor does it mean I’ll be behind. I believe it means that in order for me to plan properly and continue producing great work, I must be content, graceful and gentle throughout this period. Before I even truly know what’s next. Read more>>

Lindsay Rayna | Beauty Expert & Curator of Rayna Beauty Co LLC

My favorite quote comes from Victor Hugo, a French poet, novelist, and dramatist of the Romantic movement. He said, “There’s no force on earth that can stop an idea whose time has come.” This is one of those quotes that almost seemed to unlock a new door in my brain. I’ve embraced the fact that my time has finally come. Read more>>

Shameka Burrell | CEO/ Managing Accountant

One of my favorite affirmation is Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthen me. This mean that in everything I do, I do it for Christ and through Christ. Owning my own business comes with a lot of ups and downs. This scripture helps me when I feel the stress of it all or feel like giving up. I am reminded of the strength I have to keep going through Christ. Read more>>

Richard A. Worthy | Filmmaker

My favorite quote is by Leotyne Price: “The ultimate of being successful is giving yourself the time to do whatever it is that you want to do.” I like that she connects success with time because I believe that as we grow and evolve our respect and appreciation for time enhances. Her words are a reminder that the term “timeless” is rooted in a spirit of success. In my eyes, success is an arrival to a place where everything you HAVE to do is what you LOVE to do. Read more>>

Ngo Okechukwu | Designer, Writer, Artist

My favorite quote is – Only the wise man, only he whose thoughts are controlled and purified, makes the winds and the storms of the soul obey him by James Allen. But I would recite it to myself as, Only the wise woman, only she whose thoughts are controlled and purified, makes the winds and the storms of the soul obey her. -What it means for me is to take control and purify your mind so that your outer world will also be purified and then you become the alchemist of your own life. Just imagine if the whole world did this, it would be a beautiful site to see. -I like that it’s a way of reminding me that I’m in control of every part of my journey. Read more>>

Octavian Canty | Choreographer & Dancer

I believe in my dreams. Believe in yourself and all that you are. What this mean to me is: Taking steps actively towards reaching your dream and even with challenges on the way, you know you’ll get there in the end. It can be difficult and there may be moments of doubt. But deep down, it’s the belief in yourself that will keep you working towards your dreams. Who you are and who you will become is 100% down to you. The reality is you are in full control of your life. So you are the only one who can achieve your dreams. No one else will do them for you. So believe you can achieve those dreams and you will. Once you believe, your mindset will be set to succeed hence it will actively be focused on finding opportunities. You will see challenges as opportunities to learn, attract different ways of moving towards your dream and notice more options on what you can do to move forward. Read more>>

Claire Schlumberger | Tea Sommelier & Owner of Clair Thé

My favorite quote is from Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh: “Smile to the cloud in your tea”. Those few words incapsulate all that tea is to me: a product from a specific terroir, reflecting the soil, climate, seasons and the skilled artisans applying ancestral crafts. Each cup of tea contains the five elements of nature and helps us remember to be mindful and enjoy the beauty of nature and life. Drinking tea is a nurturing experience that allows me to slow down and take the time to connect to my senses and to everything around me. Taking the time to share tea with family, friends and coworkers can become a ritual that is a source of joy, relaxation and well-being. Read more>>