Meet Kendra James

Kendra James is the Founder & CEO of The Finance Femme, a premier financial consulting firm for women entrepreneurs.  Kendra integrates her corporate experience, extensive entrepreneurial knowledge, and business finance acumen to help a myriad of women run their businesses with the confidence of having a full time CFO.

 

Kendra started her love of Business Finance while attending Clemson University, where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Corporate Finance and a minor in Accounting.  Upon graduating she moved to NYC where she began her career in finance.  She spent 10+ years climbing the corporate ladder, working for companies like GE managing over 2 billion in sales and 200 million in expenses.  She spent thousands of hours inside, or preparing for, Executive Boardroom meetings.  During that time,Kendra realized her passion was in helping small business owners and that is when she created The Finance Femme and her signature service The Boardroom Experience™.  The Finance Femme reaches many entrepreneurs via Social Media and a growing email subscriber list.  With over 11,000 active social media followers, many entrepreneurs follow to learn more about everything from funding their start-up to managing their cash flow.  Additionally, Kendra has expanded her business to mentor other small businesses in the finance, accounting and tax space – assisting with everything from brand building to client acquisition & retention.

Industry Professional Michelby Whitehead

Michelby began her career in PR as an undergrad at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, LA. Her first “proud moment in PR” was media training a client for the Oprah Winfrey talk show. Since becoming a full-time entrepreneur in 2013 she has gotten clients visibility via BET, Ebony, Tom Joyner Morning Show, and FOX Atlanta just to name a few. She has also worked with celebrities like Kenya Moore, Next Top Model ‘s Alasia Ballard, and former NFL player Jay Barnett as well as authors, speakers, and business owners.

Writing has always been Michelby’s favorite pastime and her greatest gift. She iscurrently a writer for Madame Noire and has had work published via Essence and Black & Married With Kids. She is also former editor at CocoaFab and Yandy Smith’s Everything Girls Love.   

The Louisiana native plans to launch her own blog in 2018 as well as a series of books.

Connect with Michelby

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Branding Conversations Industry Professional Shelby Smith

“Living in black and white makes it hard to dream in color”

Intelligence, Drive, and Passion…these are the principles that make a fearless leader. Raised in Fort Worth, TX Shelby Smith is no stranger to hard work and dedication. Starting off in the entertainment industry as a dancer, choreographer, writer and production manager for many years, Shelby began her life in entertainment at 5 years old. From training with world renowned Debbie Allen and becoming a part of the trakk team of 97.9 the beat’s Dance Club 21, she has served her time as a blooming talent. Upon serving as an assistant creative arts director for 619 Productions in Dallas, TX she realized that the most important part of entertainment industry is the ability to connect vision to strategy. She began her career as a strategist with 101 entertainment and promotions in 2009 later joining Ball N Chained Entertainment in 2010 amongst many others.

Shelby currently holds a degree from the Prairie View A&M University with a specialization in marketing and mass media communication. With six marketing technology certifications underneath her belt she has found the key between technology and marketing that allows for creative innovation in non-traditional avenues.

As a marketing, sales, public relations and digital media professional in vast arenas, she directs all phases of both the creative and technical elements of marketing initiatives including data mining, brand creation, print/web collateral development, lead generation, channel partner cultivation, customer segmentation/profiling, as well as CRM and acquisition strategies. Being a firm believer in teamwork and innovation, she believes it is truly important to work in a strong culture with determined creative minds. Over the passed 10 years she has:

•Increased revenue in the first quarter by 857% in clientele base, achieved during a period of overall decline in the print industry with using Salesforce and its connecting systems.
•Led marketing campaign (comprised of SEO/ SEM strategies, media and PR initiatives) of many industries newly launched digital media division.

•Developed and executed SEO strategy that achieved and sustained top rankings on Google, Yahoo, Bing, Bing Local and Yelp (organic and non- paid results) for key product search terms. •Overseen the creation of new company advertisement and rebranded 100+ products/services to cement a cohesive corporate identity and support new company direction.

Many of her clients can be found on or with BET, ESPN, CW33, Netflix, FOX, 97.9 the Beat, Nike advertisements, HBO, Sony Pictures, JC Penny and many more. There’s no use of living in black and white when your dreams are vivid.

 

 

Branding Conversations Industry Professional Zerlene Rodgers

Zerlene Rogers, no novice to the high demands of the hair care industry. This 17 year veteran hair artist has been published in local and worldwide publications such as: Hype Hair, Heart & Soul, and Southern Dallas magazine. Currently styling everyone from mothers to celebrities. As a child, she always had a passion and love for hair. She would imagine herself as a famous hairstylist. At the age of 13, Zerlene had a full clientele in her mother’s kitchen. Practically working for free just so she could have her hands in hair. By the age of 15, Zerlene became a shampoo tech at local salon called The Bronze Lady. There she would learn the ends and outs of the hair business, as well as what it means to be a stylist from Angela Allen and Tracy Blunt. She would later learn her worth from Monika Hodges.

Zerlene believes in giving honor where honor is due.The lessons these ladies blessed her with made such an impact in her life and shaped Zerlene into the phenomenal hairstylist and powerhouse she is today!

Zerlene has accomplished a great deal in her career; she has owned her own salon, Shea’s Beauty Salon at the age of 26. She has worked as an educator for Farouk Systems when she was 28. Zerlene is certified in multiple product lines, has worked with stage and film/tv productions, music videos, in addition to countless photographers. Zerlene is IMDb credit for her work as head hairstylist on Carter High the movie, and key hairstylist for Born Again Virgin. She is the founder of Zerlene Rogers Beauty&Brains and the owner of Ironic Collection.

In 2010, Zerlene relocated her family from Dayton, Ohio to the Dallas Fort Worth in, Texas market where she is currently building a brand for her artistry. She is a stylist to Celebrities and the list is still growing. Just to name a few, Zerlene has worked with the Queen of Radio DeDe McGuire from K104 DeDe in the morning radio show; Vivica Fox, Pastor Cora Jakes-Coleman, Ebony Steele, David Banner, and so many others.

As a professional woman and educator working in film/tv and print, Zerlene utilizes her skills to create beautiful praise worthy multi-cultural hairstyles. She is humble and grateful for where she is today and excited about what her future holds!

Connect with Zerlene.

Website

Facebook

Instagram

 

New Feature “Client Space”

We recognize what we need to enhance in our business and we are making it smoother for our clients. We have created a #clientportal or as we call it CLIENT SPACE that has your files, #design process, important documents, and finished work. The new feature will be available for all clients, but mainly for our startup business clients or rebranding clients. Simply go to http://www.kimberlyannsdesigns.com and click on the CLIENT SPACE button at the top left corner. You will then be able to login with your username and password that you received in a welcome email from us. You will have access to folders that store your documents and other useful information. We will also add videos, pdfs, and other files for you to keep and view at any time. And most importantly, we will be able to add notes about projects. This means no more endless emails!

Enjoy and know that we are strive to be better at communicating with our clients.

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Enroll In KAD Academy

KAD Academy (Kimberly Ann’s Designs) provides the best range of online courses and in person design/branding courses. Whether you want to improve your Photoshop skills, get into Graphic Design or learn how to brand like a pro, we have the course for you that will enhance your CV and your career.​

 If you don’t have the time to attend our 6-8 week courses or want to learn at your own pace, KAD One on One Learning is ideal for you. A great value, efficient way to learn, you can start straight away from the comfort of your own home or right at your desk. We will make arrangements to work around your schedule and meet face to face one on one learning.

 Our courses provide in-depth knowledge about the subject – that’s our speciality. With 10 years experience in working in the design industry, our material is relevant to how the application is used in the workplace. We use real-life examples to ensure you receive the best, most up to date, eLearning available.

To enroll or learn more visit www.kadacademy.org. Also, follow us on Instagram and also join our FACEBOOK group.

11 Years in Business

Celebrating 11 #years in business and we wanted to #thankyou for your support with a #freebrandmakeover. The winner will receive a #custom #logo, #business card design, #eflyer design, and our first #brandingkit.
The rules to enter are very simple.
1⃣ Go to www.kimberlyannsdesigns.com
2⃣ Enter your #email in the #popup #box.
3⃣ Winner announced on June 1, 2017.

Branding Conversations with Industry Professionals

Branding Conversations with Industry Professionals was a huge success. Dallas Industry Professionals shared first hand knowledge on how they’ve built their brands. Thanks to all who participated. You are greatly appreciated.

Coming to a city near. Visit our site to stay up to date. www.kimberlyannsdesigns.com

Contracts Are Always Needed

 

It might be enticing to close a deal with a firm handshake or just by word of mouth. Being  a business owner is already a challenge handling day-to-day issues such as replying to emails, attending meetings, and giving your employees their duties. You just don’t have time to do much more in a day’s time.

However, an important key factor for running a business is to have proper documentation for your business and solid legal protection in case something arise. Below are three common legal contracts/agreements you should draw up for your business. There are many websites and legal professional that you can seek to customize your contract for your needs.

1.Partnership Agreement

When you are starting or running a business with someone else, you need some kind of agreement in writing. It can be with your best friend, spouse, or even your parents; you still need it. By having a partnership agreement from the start, it  can be a helpful to determine the expected issues that come up during the course of running a business.

The partnership agreement should contain the following:

• Define who provides what:Discuss what you and your partner will be bringing to the table in terms of labor, time, cash, property, customers, etc. Who plans on working on the business full-time, part-time or just acting as a silent partner?
• Define who gets paid what:Outline how profits will be distributed. Will each partner be paid a salary for his or her role in the business? How much? What about any extra profits for the year?
• Define how decisions get made:What type of decisions require unanimous votes, and what type of daily decisions can be made by a single partner? Discuss these matters upfront and decide what decision-making structure will let your business run the most effectively while making sure that no one feels left behind.
• Define what happens to ownership interests:Decide what happens if/when someone dies, retires, goes bankrupt or just wants out. Maybe add in a non-compete clause to protect against a partner leaving, taking your customers and setting up a competing business.

2. Non-Disclosure Agreement/Confidentiality Agreement

Whenever you’ll be sharing your company’s proprietary information with somebody, you should ask them to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). This is key in doing business today and for me. I speak with lots of clients that share their ideas with me and who I share my ideas with.  There are times during meetings that we tend share secrets and information that should not be shared with others. Make sure to have a NDA on hand when you will be having meetings.

You can download a nondisclosure agreement template from this site by clicking HERE.

3. Independent Contractor Agreements

By being in the graphic design industry, outsourcing to independent contractors is a great way to get some added help. I outsource things such as bookkeeping and other vital task to make my business run successfully. It is great to have an independent contractor agreement. It should explicitly define the relationship between you and the worker. Make it clear that you intend the worker to be an independent contractor who is responsible for his or her own taxes. Be upfront with what you expect.

It is important to invest time when researching these 3 agreements. Make sure that each states clearly what the contract/agreement includes. Talk to an attorney if you have any questions at all or just want a professional set of eyes to review a contract. You and Your business is worth the investment.

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BENEFIT OF COCONUT OIL FOR MY BEAUTY REGIMEN

Coconut oil is a do-it- all ingredient. As you may already know coconut oil is great for cooking, but also is also beneficial outside of the kitchen. It can be used to moisturize your skin, remove makeup, and also for your hair. There are so many benefits to incorporating coconut oil into your daily routine. Below are a few beauty uses that I have added to my daily routine.

 

Under-eye cream

The skin under your eyes is thin and delicate, making it prone to fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles. Using coconut is an inexpensive way to get rid of these issues. Just rub a pinch in between fingers to warm it up before patting it underneath your eyes.

Lip Balm

It is wintertime and we all experience-chapped lips. But chapped lips don’t stand a chance against ultra-hydrating coconut oil. Scoop some into a small container and throw it in your handbag so you can dab it on with your finger throughout the day.

Makeup Remover

A teaspoon of coconut oil can take off makeup with ease. Massage a drop of warmed, liquefied coconut oil directly onto skin and watch as makeup dissolves away, then rinse with warm water. You can make your own coconut oil makeup remover wipes.

1. Melt 1 teaspoon of coconut oil per round cotton pad in a microwave-safe container.
2. Then, lay the cotton pads in an even layer and let them soak up the oil overnight.
3. Store them in the same container or in a plastic bag.

Hair Growth & Hot Oil Treatment

Coconut oil is great for hair growth and leaves your hair healthy and full of shine. I shampoo my hair to get rid of the dirt and build up. Next I towel dry it. I apply the warm liquid coconut oil to my hair, which I place inside a bottle. Leave it in my hair for about 30 minutes and sat under the dryer. After the time is up, I rinse it out and style my hair. The coconut oil leaves my hair feeling moisturized and soft. I have begun to use this regimen once a week.

Scar Tissue and Acne Scar Remover

Due to have acne scars and other scars on my body, I have added a coconut oil regimen to my daily routine. This is the most important use of coconut oil for me because I was a victim of a drive by and was shot in my legs. I have scars that I would like to reduce, so I am trying all that I can to get rid of the scaring. I have heard many great reviews from using coconut oil. I use it at least 3 times a daily and after I get out of the shower. Here is how I use it.

1. Warm 1 teaspoon of extra virgin coconut oil in the microwave. You can also just add it as to you hands and apply.
2. Apply the warm oil to the affected area and gently massage using circular motion over the affected area.
3. Repeat several times daily until you get the desired results.

I also, use it on my black spots that were left from blackheads.

Stay tuned, as I will be giving you an update on the benefit of using coconut oil.

Kimberly Ann 

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