Episode 006: Community is Essential: Creating Healthy Femships

This week's guest is Natalie Dean, the Founder and Executive Director of Whine and Cheese. Natalie Dean is a communications professional and entrepreneur. For more than 15 years, she has built a successful public relations and communications career with extensive expertise working with domestic and global entities. In February 2011, Natalie founded Whine & Cheese, Inc. to provide refuge and resources for professional women seeking community.

 

For the last 10 years Whine and Cheese has been bonding & building community; creating space for Black women to whine about stress and cheese (smile) about blessings.  The organization is a thriving network, having launched more than 30 branches, or small groups of women, across the country. Through curated events, speaking engagements and intentional community building, Natalie upholds the mission of Whine & Cheese, which is to create an environment that inspires the development, support, and healing of Black women.

 

I love this organization for many reasons, but mainly because it connects women, not just in their zip and area code, to their tribe of like-hearted and like-minded women.  I'm so excited to chat with Natalie! You all are really truly in for a treat.

 

In today’s episode, we cover:

• Why community is essential
• Identifiers of purpose
• Protecting your vision
• Using discernment when working in partnership with others

Relevant links:

• Connect with Natalie on Instagram
• Visit https://foreverywhine.org/ for more info
• Find Your Tribe
• Natalie’s Squad: Whine & Cheese Tribe, Kelly C., Gwendolyn Young,
• Visit JateyaJones.com for more info
• Take a look at "Who gone check you boo" merch
• Connect with Jateya Instagram
• Connect with Jateya on Facebook:
• Connect with Jateya on LinkedIn

Notable Quotes:

[00:08:42] When you see that other people are really being blessed by what you created, then that's when you really need to tap into, Okay, how do I manifest this into something bigger and better that will serve other people?

[00:16:30] Asking for help does not mean you are incapable or unqualified. It's actually a sign of strength and self-awareness.

[00:18:58] When you're in community and the whole thing about playing on each other strengths and or weaknesses, is that you also then give someone else an opportunity to function in their purpose.  You are allowing them room to one, bless you and two, to do what they are put on earth to do.

[00:18:58] Failing does not always mean you're a failure. It never means you're a failure! Failing either means, to your point as you mentioned before, there's either more to learn before you reach that next level or in some way you need to course correct; but it doesn't mean that you are a failure or that your idea won't work.