As we continue to bring you creative, inspirational essentials that celebrate our beauty and culture, Mahogany also caught up with feature contributor and best-selling author Dr. Cheryl Polote-Williamson to find out what motivates her, who empowers her, and how she celebrates her Blackness.
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What was your inspiration for starting your affirmation brand?
Years ago, when I was going through a shift in life, I realized that the lessons and blessings during my walk toward purpose would be significant and vital in helping other women create a space for themselves to dream, believe, and excel in their purpose too. Out of a love for women and a desire to see them win and soar, both personally and professionally, a mission was formed. That mission has developed into best-selling books, film projects, a quarterly women’s empowerment magazine, an affirmation brand, workshops, and coaching programs. When you understand the power of mindset, visioning, and affirmations, you don’t gatekeep—you pour. I pour through everything I produce. My goal has always been to keep the cups flowing and pour into women until they understand their dreams truly matter.

What do you hope Black women will feel when they read your books?
I hope Black women feel empowered, seen, heard, and loved. I want them to realize they have the power to live the life of their dreams through the words they speak over themselves and the action they put behind their vision. I want them to believe in the power of faith, purpose, and positioning to reach the summit of everything their hearts desire.

AFFIRMED: 365 Positive Thoughts and Actions…

How does it feel to receive support and encouragement from our community?
Every woman on earth needs support. What Hallmark Mahogany is doing to cultivate community and empower women is fanning the flames and passions of women globally to dream and believe that their voices and desires matter.

Working with Mahogany has been a dream come true for me and ignites the same feeling of being seen, heard, and loved by a community of leaders and women who know the value and power of my gifts and how I use them. Hallmark has been on my vision board for as long as I can remember. This is a 360-degree moment of experiencing the power of a vision board and speaking affirmations over my life. I am grateful.

Who in your life encourages and empowers you the most?
My positive vibe has attracted a tribe of six faith-filled women who encourage, uplift, and empower me moment by moment. You become the people you are surrounded by the most. I am cautious of the connections I make, the cups I pour into, and the ones I drink from. That has been the game-changer in all that I do and have become.

The Art of Influence

What advice would you give to a sister who wants to start her own business?
I give the following advice: Research the area of business that you want to go into; get a mentor who is already successful in that industry; seek out free help from the Small Business Administration; show up prepared; and be willing to do it afraid and alone. Be slow to hire and quick to fire; have a sound business plan; take advantage of all resources available through the federal government. And lastly, have faith that even if today it doesn’t blow up, the fire behind your idea will continue to produce heat until it ignites into your wildest dreams.

Here at Mahogany, we’re motivated by purpose, faith, and community to celebrate Blackness 24/7. How do you celebrate yours?
I intentionally find reasons to celebrate myself daily. So much so that I carry a bag of confetti with me to celebrate myself! When I wake up in my right state of mind, I celebrate. When I find a close parking spot near the entrance, I celebrate. When I receive checks in the mail, I celebrate. When my articles are published, I celebrate! When I see how God shows up for every vision I have, I celebrate.

Anything else you want readers to know about you and your business?
You deserve everything your heart desires. And that fact is non-negotiable. I teach women how to shift and master their mindsets to cultivate the life of their dreams. Through my coaching services, I encourage them to walk in their greatness and live the life they truly desire with purpose and on purpose. I help them create the vision, shift, and show up BOLD to receive it. I am ready to help more women make the shift—I am here to serve your purpose and to empower you to action. Let’s connect!