Creating A Brand | Part 3

Creating a brand is a very lengthy process. Colors, fonts, websites, logos, pictures, products, and so much more all need to be in tip-top-shape to launch your brand. Our mentees have accomplished so much over the past few weeks as they have developed their brands. On Wednesday our Mentees partnered up to continue editing and finalizing their websites.

Jasmine, our Co-founder & Executive Director, and Sandra, our Mentorship Coordinator, guided our Mentees through designing their websites. After working on designing, we transitioned into photoshoot planning. We want to make sure that our mentees have portfolios and product photos to add to each of their websites.

Planning a photoshoot is an important part of creating your branding and website. Products, models, staging equipment, photography equipment, outfits, hair, and makeup must be planned and each group should be prepared with a short list for their photos. Today we discussed the date, time, and details to ensure that everything will be set up correctly.

Our mentees get the experience of real-world scenarios and knowledge that will be useful for those who are planning to start a photography business. Stay tuned to see how the photo shoot went!

Photo Credit: Mariah

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