With March being Women’s History Month, I could not think of a better time to honor and celebrate some of the women who have positively impacted my life. My business dealings are primarily with and about women, so this subject is near and dear to my heart. When I think about what it means to be a phenomenal woman, I think about a woman who uses her gifts, talents, and resources to uplift and inspire. I think about a woman who opens doors for others. I think about a woman who is passionate about service—someone who is relational as opposed to transactional. I think about women who make a difference.

When I think about what it means to be a phenomenal woman, I think about Cynt Marshall who overcame a tumultuous and abusive childhood and became the first Black female CEO in NBA history in 2018. Cynt and I happened to be at many of the same events before we were introduced. When I got the opportunity to talk to her and learn about her story, I was truly inspired. Cynt uses her resources to create opportunities for others. Watching her has taught me the power of overcoming adversity. Her generosity, authenticity, and perseverance—her service in action—make her the epitome of a phenomenal woman.

When I think about what it means to be a phenomenal woman, I think about Kimberly Bizor-Tolbert, the Deputy City Manager for the city of Dallas, Texas. Kimberly and I met at a women’s empowerment event and struck up a conversation after admiring each other’s hair. (Queens see queens…right sis?!) Since I met Kim, I have witnessed her provide so much support to other women in business. Kim’s unwavering support is one of the many things that I admire and appreciate about her. It is one of the many things that make her a phenomenal woman.

When I think about what it means to be a phenomenal woman, I think about Alexandria Barlowe who has been my writing coach for nearly seven years now. Alex has helped me deliver multiple best-selling books. When I am unsure of what direction to go with a project, she encourages me and provides me with insightful guidance. Alex pushes me to find heartfelt ways to convey my message to my readers. She encourages me to write with intention and authenticity. Her impact on my projects has been nothing short of phenomenal.

When I think about what it means to be a phenomenal woman, I think about Patricia Bailey, the owner and founder of She Ages Well, a skincare solution for dry and aging skin. Patricia is also an Alzheimer’s Caregiving Consultant who provides solutions to families of Alzheimer’s patients. I was introduced to Pat through the Creative Director of Cheryl Magazine. Pat and I bonded over our loss of a loved one to Alzheimer’s disease; she lost her mother, and I lost my grandmother. After learning about the loss of my grandmother, Pat encouraged me to take part in the Health & Aging Brain Study (formerly known as the Black Alzheimer’s Brain Study). Taking part in this study provided me with life-saving information about my personal health. Pat’s work and research are helping to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease which is undoubtedly phenomenal.

Each of these women have provided love, sisterhood, and support to keep me going when I needed it most, and my relationships with them have advanced my business and my brand. They supported my non-profit organization, my books, my events, and my personal wellbeing. They check on me and my family. They have opened doors for me and created opportunities that I didn’t even know were possible. That’s the power of phenomenal women supporting and uplifting each other.

I have been blessed to meet and work with so many phenomenal women—the ones I mentioned here are just a few. Who are the phenomenal women in your life? Take this opportunity to give them their flowers. And be sure to give yourself some flowers while you are at it, Sis. You are also a woman… phenomenally. Continue to be!