I don’t think there is any woman on this planet that does not have to work at being confident on a daily basis. Who wakes up feeling like the most confident woman in the world every morning? I know I don’t! Especially in this society when there are a million creams to make you look younger, and all kinds of quick fix products to achieve the perfect body. In other words constant reminders that you can look better!
The truth is it takes work to be comfortable in your own skin. It takes work and effort to be okay with being you. Everyday you should always give yourself a pep talk. A daily does of positivity to feed your soul. That’s not to be over confident or arrogant. It’s to remind yourself that God makes awesome creations, and you being one of them!
Looking to plan the wedding or event of your dreams? How about taking a trip to an exotic place or somewhere beautiful across the world? Lucky for you the doctor is in, and she can make all of your event and destination dreams a reality!
Mother, motivational speaker, entrepreneur, Dr. La Shawn Denise Witt is a woman making moves! As owner of Divine Diva Events, a very successful event and travel service, Dr. La Shawn is committed to creating memorable moments for her clients. All executed with a touch of elegance and diva style.
Even with all that she has on her plate, Dr. La Shawn is also a committed educator with over eighteen years experience in the field. She is a role model in a variety of ways. Showing us women, especially us single moms, that sky’s the limit if you put in the hard work and truly believe in yourself!
Definition of Success:
Success is when you can stand on a foundation and build something of your own. Success is when you can stand confidently and know that you gave something your all and you persevered. Success is when your brand speaks for yourself. Hard work, determination and prayer are very important to achieving your goals. Sacrifices of investment into growing your brand is very important. That can be finding a mentor, investing in professional development or surveying what is out there. Once you have invested in your brand and assessed your needs – success comes.
Healthy self esteem:
I continue to practice self care. I do my best to eat healthy, exercise and take care of myself. I believe these things are essential to ensuring that you have a healthy sense of your self esteem. I stand in the mirror daily and repeat declarations to myself. If I am my number 1 fan than I can continue to operate in high self esteem.
Dating advice:
Dating advice is always a hard one. We live in a time where there are so many differences in the way that singles perceive dating. Date yourself first, get to know who you are, what you like and what you don’t like. Enjoy doing you- this is when you will meet people who are like minded and will be great matches for you in this dating life. We as single women should not ever settle for less. Always believe that there is a special someone out there for you who will value you and compliment the woman that you are.
What’s in the Future?
Expanding into travel has been one of my greatest joys. I am looking into expanding internationally and offering planning services globally.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve always been a fan of red lipstick. I have several red lipsticks in my makeup bag as we speak. It’s always been one of my favorite colors to wear. Why do I love it so?
It is a bold color that will always draw attention to your lips when you wear it.
It comes in a variety of shades that you can always find the perfect color to match your skintone. Us ladies of color know the importance of that.
You don’t have to wait for a special occasion to wear it. Wear as you please.
It’s a classic and sassy color that will never go out of style!
So don’t be afraid to take out your favorite shade of red, and wear it fearlessly!
I once heard this motivational speaker say on the radio that if someone is not laughing at your dreams then your dreams aren’t big enough! The truth is not everyone can handle your dreams. Sometimes people can be intimidated by you having the desire to go beyond where you are and having visions bigger than they can see. Don’t limit yourself because other people have limited themselves. You don’t have to fall victim to that same mentality. So remember if they are laughing that’s a great sign that your dreams are in fact big enough!
You’re beautiful, smart, amazing, and worthy of greatness. Tell yourself these words everyday. Wait for someone else to tell you if you want to, or you can choose to be your own biggest fan. Makeup can make you look beautiful. So can that new black dress and new fancy hairdo. However, if you don’t feel beautiful on the inside everything else is just exactly what I said…..things that make you look beautiful. You have to feel beautiful from within first. That is where it starts. Loving yourself completely and knowing your worth is the beginning of true beauty. Everything you put on the outside will just help enhance the inner pretty that lies within.
We all have experienced heartbreak from a man at one time or another. It happens to the best of us. It’s all part of that emotional thing called love. It’s super easy for us women to become bitter after a bad breakup. The lies, the hurt, the pain that an unhealthy relationship can bring. It can be very discouraging to try love ever again!
In the past after getting out of terrible relationships it took me a while to bounce back. It was hard to trust again after being betrayed and mistreated. I felt that every guy was a dog, and good men no longer existed. I was having a conversation with a guy that I was interested in, and he said to me “Why are you even trying to date? I can’t get to know you with this brick wall you have up. ” Needless to say that didn’t work out!
He was right with what he said. I couldn’t even see the wall l had built around myself, but as a man he could easily. To me it was about trying to protect myself from lying cheating no good men. In reality I was hindering myself from allowing a good, kind, honest man from coming into my life.
I learned that I can date smarter. I don’t have to be quick to trust every guy right away, but still allow myself to open up when I feel it’s right. I was holding on to what men I’ve dated in the past had done, and allowing it to prevent me from finding the love I deserve. I realized that being bitter wasn’t healthy. It was a huge hinderance. I learned that instead of being hurt and bitter to learn, grow, and be better!
Lipstick and Bras is all about female empowerment. I Support the Girls does exactly that! This Nonprofit is a true example of how powerful we can be as women when we support, uplift, and look out for one another. I’m very excited to feature this amazing organization and spread the word about the very important work they do!
History and Mission:
I Support the Girls’ founder, Dana Marlowe, lost some weight and needed new bras. While being fitted at a local Soma boutique, she wondered aloud what she should do with her old bras. The saleswoman said, “Homeless women need bras.” Lightbulb moment.
Dana Marlowe-Founder of I Support the Girls Photography by D. LAG Photography
Dana went home and posted on Facebook, asking family and friends to send her bras and menstrual hygiene products which would be donated to a local shelter. Products poured in and an initial collection of over 7,000 products was donated.
Dana didn’t stop there, knowing how great the need was across the country. Dana established the global nonprofit I Support The Girls (ISTG) in order to help girls and women experiencing homelessness maintain their dignity.
I Support the Girls impact on the women and girls they serve:
In just 4 short years, ISTG has collected and distributed over 4.7 million products, helping over 410,000 girls and women maintain their dignity at 830 global social service organizations. Our model is to establish affiliates (52 in U.S., 4 globally) and work according to our motto: “Collect locally, donate locally.” This means that donors are having a direct impact on the lives of people in their community. Or as Felicia, a woman experiencing homelessness in Washington D.C. told Dana when she came to a shelter to choose new bras: “When someone believes I’m worth something, I start to feel as though I’m worth something, too.”
Photography by D. LAG Photography
How you can support:
Providing essentials not only helps girls and women maintain their dignity. It empowers them by enabling them to stand tall and live their lives without worrying about an ill-fitting bra or their period causing financial or physical burdens.
Financial donations allow ISTG to expand its efforts and help more people experiencing homelessness. Product donations can be brought to your local affiliate and they will be distributed to those needing it in your community.Readers are encouraged to start a drive or collection, host an event, volunteer or raise awareness by inviting our staff to come speak at your company, corporate or other event.
What’s in the future ?
More affiliates, more products collected and distributed, more girls and women maintaining their dignity and feeling empowered. Additionally, ISTG will be expanding its advocacy efforts to – advocate for the rights of people experiencing homelessness – push for schools and public buildings to carry menstrual hygiene products that can be taken for free- campaign for the elimination of the tampon tax across the U.S. Women who are experiencing homelessness often need to choose between tampons or a hot meal.
The tax further hinders their ability to even consider purchasing a box of tampons. Please add your voice and become a strong advocate for women’s dignity and empowerment!
