A Conversation On Vulnerability

How does being vulnerable make you feel? To kick off week 10 of mentorship, our Mentees engaged in a conversation around vulnerability led by Jasmine, our Co-founder & Executive Director. The discussion on vulnerability was sparked after Jasmine shared an experience she had in a women’s group. Each Mentee then shared a time where they were vulnerable with another person. We talked through how it made them feel and if it was a positive or negative experience. In sharing these experiences, the Mentees were able to see their differences as well as their commonalities.

One mentee shared that consent should always be at the center of vulnerability. If you feel uncomfortable, you can limit what you choose to share. It’s important that our mentees are aware of and respect consent with one other in what they choose to share during group discussions.

Following our group conversation on vulnerability, we separated into mini groups to connect and continue the discussion. Starting a conversation can aid in learning something new about another person, and discover how their lived experiences have impacted them.

Photo Credit: Mariah

Podcasting 101 | Xochitl Carmona

This Saturday, the mentees went through a podcasting intensive to learn all of the ends and outs of podcasting. Xochitl of Werk Mija shared what it takes to make a successful podcast. Xochitl shared that your podcast should be centered around getting leads to your business, recognition, and message. The mentees shared their favorite podcasts and how they connect to the importance of why people have podcasts.

Xochitl explained what a niche is and how it is important to have one to make your podcast stand out. They wrapped the podcast workshop up by going through the logistics of where and how to record as well as how to market their podcast. The mentees then partenered up and applied their skills to creating a welcome episode where each mentee chose the role of either host or guest. It was great to share and hear the epsiodes that they created. Some of our Mentees will be developing podcasts for their businesses. We look forward to sharing more about that soon.

Creating A Brand | Part 2

Photo Credit: Saffron

Today at the Firehouse, the mentees went through the building blocks of creating their brands. First, they picked Jasmine's brain by asking brand and business questions. The mentees asked questions about creating their pricing, how to build a business culture, and where to find different vendors for their products. Afterward, they began working on their logos and websites. Some of our mentees have business concepts and were partnered with other mentees to collaborate and brainstorm ideas for creating their business. Next week our Mentees will take their branding and begin building their websites!

Photo Credit: Saffron

Art Therapy With Dana Harris

Photo Credit: Saffron

In mentorship on Saturday, the mentees relaxed with a bit of painting. Dana Harris, who has been painting for years, taught them that art can be therapeutic. She explained how art and painting can help with anxiety and calm nerves. She then guided them through painting beautiful cherry blossom trees. Dana also has a business of her own, Paint On Purpose, where she teaches art to people of all ages! Everyone had a blast creating and relaxing.

After their art session, our mentees moved on to website building with Lu’Cretia. In a previous workshop, they learned about website design and the different aspects of it. This time, they put that knowledge into action. Our mentees are at the beginning process of creating their own brands, so learning these steps of building a website are very important.

Photo Credit: Saffron

Art Meets Website Design

On Monday we welcomed Heather from Art Cures All to lead a workshop on collage art. Our mentees got to design their collage from magazines, as well as take a sneak peek of Heather’s artwork. Each table was set up with a stack of magazines, a pair of scissors, glue sticks, and finishing glue. It was exciting to see each person flip through pages and pages of magazines to find their favorite designs and photos to add to their collages.

Afterwards, Lu'Cretia, our Creative Project Manager, took over to lead a workshop on website design using Squarespace. We love that we can provide our mentees with this skill set as it will benefit them in the future. Lu'Cretia went over the basics of designing a website, what goes into designing one, and showed some amazing examples from some of our past mentees…Amanda Leon Calligraphy and Makeup By Mariah. Although designing a website is a process, we cannot wait to see what are mentees create!

Photo Credit: Mariah