Spoken Word & Mini Photoshoot

To wrap up week 10 our mentees had a conversation about the spoken word, and mental health, and even wrote some of their own poetry! Marquan came in to lead this discussion which began with an introduction, followed by a fun activity where each person suggested a word to write about. After the words were written down, everyone grabbed their sheets of paper and pens to begin writing for 2 minutes. Each person then switched papers with the person to their left. The papers flowed in a circle and every person in the group added to each story.

Marquan played two videos from spoken word artists for our mentees to discuss. Our goal is to always create a safe space for our mentees to share so it was heartwarming to hear them open up about how the videos made them feel.

Our Mentees spent the remainder of the afternoon having a mini photoshoot led by Jasmine, our Co-founder, and ED. We stepped outside to get some cool shots in the beautiful weather. Once the photos were taken, we returned inside to cool off and continue getting all the shots we needed. Each group used their props to stage the products to get the perfect picture. We can’t wait to see how all the photos from the day turn out! It is exciting to see how far each group has come as they wrap up designing their brands.

Photo Credit: Mariah

Creating A Brand | Part 3

Creating a brand is a very lengthy process. Colors, fonts, websites, logos, pictures, products, and so much more all need to be in tip-top-shape to launch your brand. Our mentees have accomplished so much over the past few weeks as they have developed their brands. On Wednesday our Mentees partnered up to continue editing and finalizing their websites.

Jasmine, our Co-founder & Executive Director, and Sandra, our Mentorship Coordinator, guided our Mentees through designing their websites. After working on designing, we transitioned into photoshoot planning. We want to make sure that our mentees have portfolios and product photos to add to each of their websites.

Planning a photoshoot is an important part of creating your branding and website. Products, models, staging equipment, photography equipment, outfits, hair, and makeup must be planned and each group should be prepared with a short list for their photos. Today we discussed the date, time, and details to ensure that everything will be set up correctly.

Our mentees get the experience of real-world scenarios and knowledge that will be useful for those who are planning to start a photography business. Stay tuned to see how the photo shoot went!

Photo Credit: Mariah

A Conversation On Vulnerability

How does being vulnerable make you feel? To kick off week 10 of mentorship, our Mentees engaged in a conversation around vulnerability led by Jasmine, our Co-founder & Executive Director. The discussion on vulnerability was sparked after Jasmine shared an experience she had in a women’s group. Each Mentee then shared a time where they were vulnerable with another person. We talked through how it made them feel and if it was a positive or negative experience. In sharing these experiences, the Mentees were able to see their differences as well as their commonalities.

One mentee shared that consent should always be at the center of vulnerability. If you feel uncomfortable, you can limit what you choose to share. It’s important that our mentees are aware of and respect consent with one other in what they choose to share during group discussions.

Following our group conversation on vulnerability, we separated into mini groups to connect and continue the discussion. Starting a conversation can aid in learning something new about another person, and discover how their lived experiences have impacted them.

Photo Credit: Mariah

Podcasting 101 | Xochitl Carmona

This Saturday, the mentees went through a podcasting intensive to learn all of the ends and outs of podcasting. Xochitl of Werk Mija shared what it takes to make a successful podcast. Xochitl shared that your podcast should be centered around getting leads to your business, recognition, and message. The mentees shared their favorite podcasts and how they connect to the importance of why people have podcasts.

Xochitl explained what a niche is and how it is important to have one to make your podcast stand out. They wrapped the podcast workshop up by going through the logistics of where and how to record as well as how to market their podcast. The mentees then partenered up and applied their skills to creating a welcome episode where each mentee chose the role of either host or guest. It was great to share and hear the epsiodes that they created. Some of our Mentees will be developing podcasts for their businesses. We look forward to sharing more about that soon.

Creative Aspects Of Website Design

This week in mentorship, we started with a 10 minute meditation session to give our mentees time to pause from the busyness of their day before continuing to work on their branding and websites. Most of our Mentees shared that it was their first time meditating and they enjoyed the time to pause.

Afterwards, our mentees partnered up to continue their work on their brand boards. Using the fonts, colors, logos, and other branding elements from their brand boards, the Mentees selected and began to personalize their website templates. We can’t wait to see the finished product!