This...I...Do...For...Me: Over 50, Black and Fabulous!

Episode 48 With Michelle Wedderburn Waters

Michelle Wedderburn-Waters, Founder of Afro Expats, Casa Elm and the YouTube Channel host of Michelle For Afro Expats, is a native of Toronto, Canada (of Jamaican descent), and spent her growing up years in Connecticut!  She has four brothers and both of her parents are still living.  She was educated at Central Connecticut State University, where she studied Business Management.  Michelle shared that the values that her family passed down were mainly centered around maintaining family relationships.  She was often the one organizing family events and ensuring that everyone stayed in touch with each other.  Upon researching where to relocate, Michelle and her husband looked at a number of countries as possibilities, especially Italy.  Michelle had by this time travelled numerous times throughout Mexico and, spent time with friends in San Miguel de Allende (SMA).  Michelle's husband was very open to relocating to another country, but was very skeptical about Mexico.  The typical imagery of Mexico being dangerous and one-dimensional came to mind like it does for so many people.  Michelle shared that many times people don't understand just how big the country of Mexico is and how diverse it is.  Michelle convinced her husband to visit, and it was on!  From this new experience in Mexico, Michelle and family answered a casting call for HGTV's House Hunters International.  When describing SMA, Michelle paints a very vibrant and welcoming environment.  She shared that it has a wonderful arts and cultural scene, the food is amazing (there are over 350 restaurants in SMA), and the Mexican people are amazingly friendly and loving  They are also eager to get to know you, and often language exchanges occur as a result of these newly formed friendships..  It is common after having had a conversation with a Mexican in SMA to be quickly invited to their home to partake in a meal and to get to know the rest of the family.  Michelle has been an entrepreneur for the majority of her working life, and when she arrived in SMA, Michelle knew that she would develop some new business ventures.  She noticed that friends and colleagues were always asking her questions about tips on moving abroad, and although Michelle did not see the business potential in these inquiries, her husband pointed out that other people could benefit from her expertise and business acumen. As a result, she created Afro Expats which is a compilation of a well designed website, relocation coaching and a thriving YouTube channel.  Because Michelle is always searching for new vistas, she has continued to develop other businesses centered around SMA.  She now hosts Relocation Tours that give prospective residents of Mexico and San Miguel, specifically a front row view of life in this area.  Some of the offerings on a Relocation Tour include visiting the neighborhoods of SMA, viewing properties with a real estate agent (both rental and those for purchase), day trips to surrounding areas, learning about a variety of medical and health plans, entertainment and the restaurant and arts scene.  By the time the tour is over, many have fallen in love with SMA and begin making plans to exit their home country and move there.  I asked Michelle what is it like being a woman age 50+ still creating, and she emphasized that she like so many in this age cohort are still stoking their creative juices.  LIFE IS NOT OVER!  Older women are ripe for all kinds of new endeavors. If you would like to have a Discovery Call with Michelle about a move to Mexico and San Miguel de Allende especially, she can be at reached casaelm.com; on YouTube as Michelle for Afro Expats; on Facebook as Afro Expats' Lifestyle Community in Mexico on Instagram as Afro_Expats.

Episode 47 With Deidre Proctor

Deidre Proctor has spent many years as a certified business, clarity and accountability coach, along with being the CEO of Deidre Proctor & Associates, LLC.  Deidre has always maintained a passion for helping others to achieve their goals.  As a highly sought after coach with a strong bent for helping women, Deidre shared that the biggest part of her coaching program for women is helping them get past their fears.  She says, it not enough to identify your desire or goal (although gaining clarity in this area is important), but you must take action.  Fear causes paralysis and it shows up in different forms – procrastination, remembering the negative comments of others, etc.  One of Deidre's greatest talents is creating and developing processes for women entrepreneurs. The Systematic Success Strategy is what she uses when working with this co-hort.  Also, Deidre and her husband David Proctor have co-founded Amazing Retreats International, LLC.  One of the most popular events that has emerged from her and her husband's partnership is the "Breathe Retreat." This endeavor began in 2015. According to Deidre, this retreat is where you can truly see the growth of women.  She told the story where an attendee shared with her that she almost did not attend the retreat because she felt so guilty about leaving her husband and son for the weekend.  Although many people might respond "what's the big deal, surely they can survive one weekend without you", Deidre recognized what a huge step this was for this woman and how she grew from the content of the retreat and how she worked through her fear.  Additionally, Deidre is also the founder and CEO of "Share Your Genius" (SYG).  This group is comprised of over 1.5 thousand women not aimed at merely getting something from the group, but the beauty of this group is that every member has a gift/talent and are now is in the position to give and share their gifts and talents.  The group also has a cadre of subject matter experts known at SYG (Share Your Genus) Certified Experts in a wide variety of skill and practice areas.  Certain days are reserved for certain topics.  For instance on 2/24/22, the day allowed for SYG Experts with strong knowledge in interior decorating, gardening and image enhancement to share with the larger group.  There are a myriad of topics (too many to list here). Deidre shared a quote from Pastor Myles Munroe that is so profound – "The wealthiest place on the planet is just down the road.  It is the cemetery.  There lie buried companies that were never started, inventions that were never made, bestselling books that were not written and masterpieces that were never painted.  In the cemetery is buried the greatest treasures of untapped potential."  This quote alone is what keeps Deidre motivated to help women grow.  She states that she is just not her happiest unless she is helping someone else.  Deidre's work has had a far-reaching impact as exemplified by the recognition she has received from the following publications – Heart and Soul Magazine, Glamher Magazine, Voyage Dallas Magazine, The North Dallas Gazette – just to name a few.  If you would like to reach out to Deidre to learn more about the phenomenal work that she is engaged in, she can be reached on deidreproctor.com; on Facebook as Deidre Proctor; on Instagram as coachdeidreproctor.

Episode 46 With Toni Denise Carthan

Toni Denise Carthan was born and raised in Los Angeles California, and is the mother of three loving adult sons. Her fondest memory growing up was how those in the neighborhood took the time to look after each other. "Everyone was family" says Toni. She learned early in life about diversity and culture; she had a number of Mexican friends who she grew ultra close to, and she remains friends with then even to this day. Toni shares with us the principles that she was reared with the Golden Rule "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." From the time that I heard Toni speak at the Exodus Summit, a three day conference focusing on assisting Black women to move abroad, take a sabbatical or become a digital nomad back in the fall of 2021, I knew her story needed to be heard as there are so many Black women age 50+ who would like to retire abroad and become an expatriate (aka expat). Toni says her move to first Tulum (a short stay), then Merida (considered to be the second safest city in North America) and now in Playa del Carmen was the spark she needed to experience God's plan for her life on a higher plane. Toni stresses that the growth that she has experienced centers around her ability to try a new thing and whether or not it succeeds, she feels good that she has grown tremendously from the process. Living abroad has taught her to take one day at a time and to know that she doesn't have to have it all figured out in advance. By the way, Toni would like you to know that she lives a good life in Playa del Carmen on her Social Security. It can be done! She relies heavily on God's guidance, and this gives her the confidence to move forward in His will. Toni also has a consulting practice entitled Rise Up & Bloom Coaching, which has the mission of helping women, especially Black women to move abroad. A consultation with her helps you to identify the nuts and bolts of what it take to move to another country. She works with her clients around identifying a location, how to secure housing, understanding the Mexican Residency/Visa process (both temporary and permanent) and money management despite the lower cost of living in Mexico. Toni stresses that the biggest growth area will be around your mind shift and understanding the Mexican economy. Additionally, Toni is a jazz singer, who has had a few gigs in Mexico at cantinas, especially. She plans on getting her voice in further shape so that she can share the music that she loves – the music of Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Carmen McCrae, etc. When I asked Toni how does she see herself growing from this point, she shared that she must buckle down to finish a book that she has been writing. Stay tuned for more on this. If you would like to connect with Toni, you can find her on her YouTube channel (Rise Up & Bloom), on Instragram (mstonidenise), on Facebook (Rise Up & Bloom Coaching).

Episode 45 With Marcia Jones

Marcia's mission as Founder at Urban Connoisseurs is to affect sustainable growth in the wine community by increasing awareness of the number of American winemakers of African descent in the United States. She is also dedicated to creating opportunities for the next generation to seriously consider careers in the wine industry. Marcia increases the public's awareness of Black winemakers through her well designed Winemakers Club. You choose the membership, the club will select the wines and deliver them directly to your door. The club model has also been instrumental in helping Black winemakers pivot during the difficult COVID-19 and variant periods. When these winemakers could not hold tastings or other events that increased their brand recognition, many of them turned to creating wine clubs as a way to keep their businesses solvent. When I asked Marcia to share how she developed her interest in wine and developing a strong coalition of Black winemakers, she reminisced about having attended a wine tasting where the maker invited she and her sisters into his home, provided a divine meal and shared his vision for creating wines for consumers. She noted that what stood out about the experience was the emphasis placed on hospitality. The winemaker didn't just provide a sampling of a variety of wines, but spent a great deal of time making she and her sister feel extremely comfortable in his home by creating a top notch experience, inclusive of dinner. Another way Marcia is working to make Black winemakers more visible is through the making of a documentary entitled "Journey Between the Vines: The Black Winemakers' Story" and the writing of a book about this illustrious group of creators. The book will highlight the history and present day African Americans in the wine industry. Additionally, Marcia is hosting the second annual Wine Makers Summit, which will take place Friday, February 18, 2022 and Saturday, February 19, 2022. The Summit's sessions, which are all virtual, will address some of the following topics: Climate Change, Smoke Taint, Fires and How Harvest Has Been Affected; The Pandemic and How It Has Affected, Revenue, Online Sales, Wine Club Marketing and the Tasting Room The Shift: Building Your Wine Club The Bright Side of Being a Winemaker, and Why We Are Still Here Toast to the Bubbles: Who is Making What and Why Guests will also have an opportunity to visit winemakers' online booths. This event, like so many that Marcia has created, is centered around a strong value system that as outlined in Marcia's written material does the following: Supports those who produce the best quality wine grapes and wine possible; Support those winemakers who lead in protecting the environment and conserving natural resources for future generations; Maintain long-term relationships with winemakers; Support the economic and social well-being of winemakers, their employees and families; Respect for all who have traveled this challenging road, whether in success or failure; Honor the American winemakers of African descent and their entrepreneurial spirit; Research and educate as well as monitor and evaluate existing practices to improve the community and its growth Marcia has also created Women and Wine Celebrate to be held in Seattle, Washington. Stay tuned for more information about this dining/wine experience via her website urbanconnoisseurs.com Marcia has also created a scholarship fund through The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) to attract students who have an entrepreneurial leaning. These students are mentored and educated about the wine industry – all of this is geared toward ensuring the there are future generations of winemakers of African descent. To learn more about the phenomenal work that Marcia is engaged in, or if you would like to contribute to the scholarship fund, along with registering for the International Winemakers Summit, you can connect with her on urbanconnoisseurs.com, Instagram and Facebook (all under Urban Connoisseurs) and Marcia Jones on LinkedIn.

Episode 44 WIth Tinesha Matthews

Tinesha is a native North Carolinian, who resides in Charlotte. She, along with her brother, were raised by a loving and giving mother, who instilled a strong work ethic in her children. Tinesha finds humor in her growing up years as she and her mom had their typical mother-daughter disagreements, but despite these occasional rifts, the love and respect was always present. When I asked Tinesha to share with us her journey from darkness to light, the key component of her healing was that she was acutely aware of feeling out of sync and off-centered. This manifested in her feeling as if she was living in a dark hole that had no outlet. She also shared that when she admitted to her mother that she wanted to commit suicide, her mom's response was "o.k. if you do that you know nothing will have changed." This was food for thought, and as a result, Tinesha and her mother made arrangements to seek help in an in-patient facility. According to Tinesha, everything about the facility including unhealthy and uncaring staff, along with the program's methodologies for moving past the darkness was totally without what she needed to grow. She wanted out. She ultimately connected to a program that provided group sessions, and it was not long before she found herself challenging the words and sentiments of the other group members. When a group member made statements about life events, Tinesha would readily ask questions of them that often made them totally uncomfortable. In one instance, a group member was so angry by her comments, that he did not return to the group for two weeks. However, upon his return, he admitted to Tinesha that although his initial reaction was one of hurt and anger, when he thoroughly processed her words, he accepted that she was correct in her assessment. This and other stories like it were early signs that Tinesha had a gift for therapeutic/healing work! Tinesha is a huge proponent of the importance of mental health, which encompasses self-care, self-actualization, self-love and all the healthy ways in which Black women can love on themselves. As a natural hair care specialist, Tinesha's client base is comprised of Black women, who like in so many salon settings use the time with their hair stylist to process problems in relationships, self-esteem, career and a myriad of other areas. Tinesha is quickly becoming known in the self-care space as a mindset coach and self-love advocate. She stresses the importance of recognizing that healing is a lifestyle. According to Tinesha "it is paramount that in order to get and stay healthy, you must place a high premium on continual healing because old beliefs that serve to minimize our glory, our uniqueness and our growth will rear up in ways that if you don't stay on top of it, will cause you to revert back to old and unhealthy thinking." After having heard Tinesha speak at the Black Women Travel Jubilee about boundaries, I shared with her that I didn't ever remember being taught the function of boundaries when I was growing up. As a matter of fact, I told her that I don't think I began to really understand that I didn't have them until my late 20s. According to Tinesha, boundaries are critical to a healthy functioning. She goes into greater detail about in this episode as to how this plays out. If you would like to reach out to Tinesha she can be found on the following social media platforms Facebook as Tinesha Matthews; on Instagram @tinesha.matthews; website: www.tineshamatthews.com Additionally, Tinesha has a wonderful Facebook Group entitled Tiny Change Agency.