With Love, Gia: Finding Joy in the Hustle

Photo Courtesy of Gia Peppers

It is incredibly hard to build a solid career in today’s society. With opinions weighing heavier than facts one must find creative ways to attract a genuine audience. It is no surprise millennials today care about one thing, authenticity. As a millennial, it is important to us that those we admire (up close and from afar) are not held to a standard of perfection but one of grace. To us (millennials), self-care is held to the same standard as hustle. Meet our answer, Gia Peppers, the one who finds joy in the hustle. If the category is black, brilliant and beautiful, Gia is the boss babe we’re all rooting for. As a woman of color in the media industry Gia continues to make space through her secret sauce of style and sisterhood. In this article, she talks candidly with PYNK about her story which is exemplary of her name which means, God is gracious.

Gia, you have IT. You embody what the industry calls the “IT factor”: charisma, beauty and intelligence. You check all the boxes and we are here for it. As a journalist, on-air personality and more you are constantly in unfamiliar spaces (for the first time). What affirms Gia in the most insecure moments?

I always remember to BREATHE; (if there is a moment of insecurity) that means that I have not allowed myself to be present in the moment and that overthinking has led me to feel insecure. If there is a feeling of anxiety or being out of place - I’ll say a quick prayer of “Lord use me” or affirm myself in “what's for you is for you.” Romans 8:28 always centers me to remind me of exactly what the scripture says and that is “all things work together”. 

Photo Courtesy of Gia Peppers

We often hear that success is merely when preparation meets opportunity. However, at PYNK we believe in defining ourselves for ourselves. What does success mean to you?

I look to Dr. Maya Angelou for this one. I truly believe that success is objective. As Dr. Angelou said “success is liking yourself, liking what you do and liking how you do it.” Success starts to shift in your life depending on the stages personally and professionally. For me, success right now is doing all the things that need to be done on my to-do list. Success is keeping up with my family and showing up for my friends (in their most important moments). Honestly, success is ever evolving. A blanket statement of success would be to live a life that I love; intentionally curated through hard work and patience, steeped in self-love. 

Success is also checking in with self. I must highlight in this moment, Cheslie Kryst. On the outside she had it all, professional success, beauty and degrees. We would often connect and embrace each time we crossed paths, I always admired her. Her suicide brought about the unimaginable because I really took a hard look within myself (mentally, spiritually, emotionally, professionally and more). Her passing affirmed my thought process of when it’s all said and done - the accomplishments don’t matter if I am not fulfilled within myself. Because of this, I have learned to give myself grace; “If I don’t got it, I don’t give it.” 

As a faith-filled millennial and a media mogul (in-the-making) what validation do you provide yourself to fully show up as Gia and not take imposter syndrome with you in such big moments in your professional career? 

I learned early on that if point A is what’s for you is for you then point A.1 is whatever room you walk in, you’re meant to be there. Is it an insult to God, your gifts, talents and all that you are to walk into any room as if you don’t deserve to be there. So when I feel imposter syndrome I get still and remind myself, if it’s for me it will find its way to me. 

Photo Courtesy of Gia Peppers

For those media industry hopefuls, what are three non-negotiable tips you wish you would’ve known before the hustle started? 

Figure out what stories you want to tell. (We all get so used to being different people and finding our way in the industry that we lose our voice in the work.) Remind yourself of why you started. What happened in your life that made you say I can tell that story better? Or I love this craft so much I’m going to learn it for myself. 

Closed mouths don’t get fed. I’m big on letting people know when I want to be a part of things. There is no excuse for anyone who states they want to succeed in a media-based industry to not have evidence of said craft in an internet age. 

The opportunities will come; Be mindful of your integrity on the way up. Always remember that this is a person-to-person relationship based business. Be kind and have a sense of humanity in how you move in this industry. 

Self-care is a major key for women in power, where does Gia carve out the time to stop and refill? 

I love being in church; on Sundays I can be found in church (no matter the city). It always fills my spirit. I meditate (oftentimes, on a scripture verse) and then journal. I’m big on spa days and trips to Jamaica by myself. I’m big on binge days, too. I learned to listen to my mind, body and spirit when it says, “I don’t have anything and I’m tired”. Family time is essential so if I haven’t seen them in six weeks, I hop on a plane to DC. It’s really important to know that  there are different kinds of self-care. 

For those feeling unworthy or burnt out from the grind, what love bite can you share to encourage them?
Acknowledge it and give yourself time to realign to the vision which is you. When you feel burnt out, stop to rest, celebrate and reflect on the work you’ve done so far. Whenever you can, remind yourself to rest and do not back down on that non-negotiable time.

Avery "Ms. Artistry'' Watson the Bronx Visionary

Being in the entertainment industry isn’t for the weak. Many think they have what it takes but they’re not built for it though. Most people fail to realize their gifts are not only rapping or singing. Many of us have to realize that God called us to do different tasks in order to elevate us. There are so many other jobs within this industry. Some might not be well versed on how to pursue a career in this entertainment industry so let’s shine a light on music publicists. These individuals are the OG curators of the messaging behind the culture. They tell us what to buy, who to listen to, and what’s fly to wear while fixing clients' mishaps. It’s no secret that Black women are innovative beings, we know how to make something out of nothing. There are plenty of fly publicists out there this is just one I’m just giving her just due to recognition; This woman’s name is Avery Watson. CEO of Multi Artistry Ent and she provides PR and Digital marketing services.

Avery "Ms. Artistry" Watson is from the boogie down the Bronx aka The BX, New York. The same place that birthed Ms. Cardi B and many of our favorite Hip- Hop icons and celebrities. Some would think that she had it easy being, but nothing was handed to Avery. Getting into this field was an arduous feat it took years of interning and furnishing meaningful relationships to get where she is today. She’s interned at RCA Records, MBK Entertainment, Bad Boy Records, and ASCAP. In the midst of working for these prestigious organizations, she was making use of her Media communications degree by blogging for A3C Music Festival in Atlanta and started to shoot and edit videos for various media sites such as ThatsEnuff.com, BET Digital, Domineer Media Group, and more. Some scoff at the idea of working for someone for free but if it’s your dream and they have the power to put you in the right position. What’s stopping you? She then landed her role as the Executive Assistant to the VP of Operations of Bad Boy Ent in 2014.

We’ve done so many things that aren’t conducive nor beneficial to our goals. She’s given me the good, bad, and ugly side of being a publicist. Things that I wouldn’t have been privy to had I not asked. This is why I felt compelled to tell Ms. Watson’s story. Black publicists aren’t held in the same regard as White publicists. Each industry has sexism and racism but there are financial ramifications. Let me explain this fully, Watson was paid to champion certain clients where she hasn’t been compensated a competitive wage like her constituents Louis Vuitton is one of the most sought-after designer items. Many have no problem shelling out the cash to obtain this item. However, when it comes to publicity many can’t fathom paying consultation fees or any fees for that matter. My take on why people are apprehensive at first is because it’s not tangible like the bag. With the bag, it’s instant gratification versus something that’s going to take time to work towards. Which prompted me to question Watson on her views: “PR is a feeling, people might forget the things you do, but they don’t how you made them feel.” quoting her favorite poet Maya Angelou, which is true publicists are the brands right hand.

Publicists play gatekeepers for their clients to keep them away from a lot of nonsense. Think of your favorite brand or celebrity who was embroiled in a scandal, the first statement is where’s the publicist? Why? It’s because they’re special beings who keep brands in a positive light at all times. This can have an adverse effect on your mental because here it is you’re expected to perform at a high level without the same resources as your counterparts. Not only that if you don’t rise to the occasion there are legal, emotional, and financial ramifications. The brands are oblivious to everything that’s being orchestrated as well. Many don’t realize what goes on behind closed doors. Like volatile environments where it’s very cliquish. In addition to people not honoring their obligations which is disheartening.

The industry Watson’s in is small and it’s synonymous with professional sports. The competitiveness and achievements attained release a high more powerful than drugs. Which is why they’re in this field. Yet, Watson remains undeterred with plenty of achievements under her belt in such a short time span. She was approached by Roc Nation personally to handle the career of Florida rapper Bobby Fishscale. In addition to the emerging acts of the NYC Drill scene for rapper Ron Suno, the late ODB's son Young Dirty Bastard, Journey G’z, and fallen star Raja Rose.Thus, he suffered from mental illness and passed away at the top of 2020. It was very rough for my agency "Multi Artistry Ent" and we had our company recovery moments and moments of emotional healing through his passing. Watson is still able to get it done despite the opposition that’s thrown her way. Her main objective is to even the playing field. Especially for minority women because they face the most hurdles.

Avery MsArtistry Watson accepted an offer to speak at the first-ever Ted Talks in the Bronx, NY on May 6th, 2022. Being a prominent week called "Bronx Week" she was chosen as a thought leader as a Bronx native. TEDx will be a presentation-style motivating speech to discuss her lessons as a Publicist and the use of dance in the community.

Follow her journey and support!

How Beyoncé Inspired Attorney to Leave 9-5 and Tap Into Inner Creative

It’s not every day you hear that a person quits their career as an attorney to pursue a career as a creative entrepreneur. For Kiara Imani Williams, she used a viral opportunity from Beyoncé to exit her 9-5 and utilize her additional creative projects. Now Kiara has launched with two other partners LikeU Cards, a Black-owned and created card game that aims to combat cancel culture, one deck at a time!

Kiara, as I read your story I am in awe that you decided to walk away from a successful law career to follow your heart. Speak a bit about that? 

I believe that life is too short not to go after what you want. I didn’t want to climb the corporate ladder only to get to the top and realize I was on top of a building I wanted nothing to do with. So I got off the ladder. The scariest part of leaving was deciding to leave. I dreaded telling people in fear of how they’d react. I walked away from a great salary and a great title, but I felt like God was calling me to something different. Once I left, I felt like a huge burden I didn’t even realize I was carrying was lifted. I felt free. 

As a creative, you are now inspiring many to leave a lasting legacy. What was the inspiration behind creating such an impactful game?

It’s extremely important to me that everything I create has a purpose that’s bigger than me. I created LikeU Cards with my co-founders, Michael Henderson and Brian Taylor, because we wanted to create a fun way for people to create meaningful connections. I think a lot of people go through life with other people, but they're not actually talking about anything real or vulnerable. We don’t share our fears, or insecurities, or desires. Our game gives people permission to really get to know other people, and allows people to see others through the lens of their humanity instead of their labels. 

Whether you agree or not, you are indeed an influencer. As an influencer, what does it mean to be a champion for good? 

It’s so funny you say that. I don’t see myself as an influencer. But I am very mindful of what I choose to share. I’m not perfect by any means, but I try my best to filter everything I say and do through my values - emotional honesty, vulnerability, integrity, kindness, inclusion, play. There’s a lot of vice in the world, and to the extent that I can avoid it, I don’t want to be a part of that.

You are also set to add author to your list of black excellence. Talk to our PYNK audience about your upcoming book, Therapy Isn't Just For White People. What was the inspiration in addition to what is your hope for anyone who picks up your book?

In the black community, there’s often a negative stigma attached to therapy and other mental health care practices. We were taught to be strong, and to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders without complaint. As someone who has always struggled with anxiety, I want to change that. Therapy Isn’t Just For White People is a memoir detailing my journey to understand the racial trauma experienced by many Black people in America and the underlying effect it has on Black mental health. 

How has therapy personally affected your life for the better?

I tried therapy for the first time in my late twenties at the suggestion of a good friend. I was skeptical. I didn’t know then that going to therapy would be a life changing experience. Therapy helped me deconstruct what I’d been taught about the world and rebuild my own personal worldview. As kids, we’re taught how to see and interact with the world, but as adults, we have the opportunity to decide for ourselves. Going to therapy has helped me find peace and better manage my anxiety. 

What is your advice for young women who are looking to add a creative element in their current flow of work?
I believe God has given all of us the ability to create. It’s what makes us most like God. Creativity is a muscle. The more you use it, the easier it gets. You don’t have to overthink it. Let it flow. Let the garden grow wild. The most important part is getting it out of your body and into the world. Then you can go back and prune and perfect whatever it is you’ve created. 

LikeU Cards now available online AND at Target.

8 Ways to Build Your Credit Like a Boss With ‘Luxurious Credit’

The average credit card debt in most households is $15,706 as of August 2015―and it’s currently increasing. Although this is quite discerning and intimidating, it shouldn’t stray you away from getting a credit card, it should encourage you to do more research on how to prevent future debt. Not everyone with a credit card is in debt, but everyone should learn how to avoid it and recover from it, which is why PYNK has some useful inside information on the do’s and don’ts of credit card expensing courtesy of Luxurious Credit.

Luxurious Credit is the go-to celebrity and personal debt repair company founded by Arnita Johnson. As a mother and a woman, Arnita is on a mission to inform her fellow ladies on the ins and outs of achieving your best credit score. Focusing on restoring your credit score, Arnita has made it her mission to empower and engage other women to invest in their selves and take control of their credit status. For more than eigth years, Arnita’s goal has been to inspire women and men across the world to be more knowledgeable about their credit score and realize that good credit is obtainable and maintainable.

Arnita and her team have rigorously trained to teach consumer rights and consumer law to their clients, where credit and debt collection is concerned. Arnita has made it her responsibility to educate and create a more financially stable outlet for her clients and guide them towards a debt free path. Whether you are thinking about investing in a credit card, trying to restore your credit, or maintaining your credit score; check out 8 simple tips that will help contribute to your luxurious credit journey curated by Arnita Johnson.

1.    What is the best advice that you have for people in their 20’s trying to build their credit?

The best advice we have for young adults in their 20’s is to cultivate self-discipline and spend responsibly. I know you’re young and often times, at this age, you want the latest and the greatest of everything and you want it now, lol. But the latest and the greatest can have you drowning in a whole lot of debt that you can’t get out of, which will cost you big time later on at a time in your life when you’ll really need to depend on your credit the most. So don’t take on any more credit than you can afford to pay back. Make an honest, realistic assessment of your current expenses versus the income that you have coming in so that you’ll know what you can and cannot afford to spend. This will save you thousands of dollars and countless headaches in the future – guaranteed!

2.    When is the right time to get a credit card?

You really want to begin establishing credit as early as possible but not before your finances can support it and you’re mature enough to use them wisely.

3.    Is having more than one credit card an automatic “don’t” for maintaining good credit?

Absolutely not! In fact, you would, ideally, want to have at least 3 credit cards (or revolving lines of credit which includes cards such as retail and department store cards) and eventually, you want to add a mixture of credit types as well (such as an auto and/or personal loan). But again, never take on more than you can actually handle.

4.    For people who are skeptical about getting their first credit card, is there an easier way for them to build their credit without the commitment of getting a card?

Other than retail and department store accounts, no there really isn’t. Revolving accounts such as credit cards are extremely critical to building a good credit history. You could always piggy back – as an Authorized User – off of someone else, such as a parent, sibling, or spouse with established credit, good payment history, and low credit card balances on their credit card(s). But this will only take you so far. Creditors still want to see accounts in which you’ve established as the sole person responsible for making payments on time.

5.    Most credit cards have a minimum monthly payment, what is the best way to increase your credit score while paying off your card at an affordable rate?

The best way to increase your score while paying your card off is to pay your balance down to at least 30% or less of the credit limit. The more you pay the better. But here’s where it gets tricky. You don’t want to pay it off. Doing so can actually cause your score to drop. Once your balance is down to about $10 and has reported to your credit report, use it again, but as soon as you can, pay it back down. Continue in this cycle, paying every single month, on time and your score will increase significantly within a 6-month time period.

6.    For new credit card holders, what are some of the most important things to remember when using and paying off their cards?

As mentioned above, the most important thing to remember is to keep your balances down to less than 30% of the credit limit but not completely off to $0. People are under the impression that paying cards completely off increases the score but it can actually drop it. We’ve seen this time and time again. Activity is key, so it’s important to use your cards. However, you just don’t want to use more than you can pay back with your next check and/or the check after. So paying it completely off shows no activity. But using it, paying it “down”, and continuing in this cycle will exhibit the activity in which, both creditors AND the scoring algorithm, is looking for. It’s also critical to make your payments on time, each and every single month―even early, if possible. Late payments are devastating to the credit score!

7.    For more seasoned card users, what is the easiest way to manage more than one credit card?

The easiest way to manage more than one credit card is to first, keep your purchase amounts minimal. This way you’re not racking up large balances on multiple cards, making it more difficult to repay. Secondly, choose a date that’s convenient for making payments but that falls before the due date for each card. This way, when your payments are due, you can pay them all at the same time in an effort not to accidentally forget, becoming unnecessarily delinquent on one or the other. And finally, cut your interest in half. If you really want to save, then you can make your credit card payments twice per month, rather than once per month, thus cutting the interest owed in half. For example, if you’re paying $50/mo., then why not pay $25 bi-weekly to reduce the amount owed in interest.

8.    What are some useful tools that you use that help you manage your money and your spending habits?

One of the best tools to use for money management and budgeting is www.Mint.com. It’s free and easy to use. It’s highly recommended and it can be implemented immediately to begin managing your money more responsibly.

#PGOTD: MEET MIEKA JOI REESE

Three words to describe yourself?

Grateful
Loyal 
Mom


What has been the most Important part of your business journey?
The failures, the lost, you do honestly learn from each one! When every wrong decision comes out of your pockets you start making the right ones lol.


If you could change anything about how business is done in your industry what would it be?

I would want it to be based on talent and NOT popularity, people could love your brand but not support until they see someone “popular” support, just like people can have a subpar product but see a certain celebrity with and that makes it “hot”

What tips do you have for others who struggle with productivity in the workplace?
Keep going, it might sound corny but it will be an uphill battle at times and plenty of times you want to quit, DON’T


Who's one woman in your field that you admire?

Rihanna, she embodies the fearlessness I want all young black girls to fight for, society can easily force you into thinking you have to be like everyone else, you have to keep your individuality

What’s your superpower?

The way I handle pain, heartbreak and disappointment, what I turn that in to!

#PGOTD: MEET AMANDA BOOZ

Meet #PYNKGirl of the day - Amanda Booz

@AmandaBooz

1.    Three words to describe yourself and why? 

Outgoing, professional, & motivated. 

I would describe myself as I’m outgoing because of the vibrant and joyful personality that I possess. Every day that I’m afforded another opportunity to rise is a blessing and because of that blessing, I choose to bring happiness in all the spaces that I’m in. Having fun, making other people smile, and laugh is the type of energy I strive to share on a daily. My professional character trait stems from the fact that I take my work very seriously. When it comes to my career as an on-air talent, I grind tirelessly to be a knowledgeable, respectful and confident communicator. Lastly, I describe myself as motivated because if you can sum up my life, my career and everything I’ve accomplished it would all be fueled by motivation. Being driven and self-motivated has gotten me to where I am today and having that will only breed more success for me in the future and I hold onto to that. The desires I have to reach my potential inspires me to always take it to the next level and beyond.  

2.    What has been the most important part of your business Journey? 

Understanding my worth, being patient and learning the politics.  

When you understand your worth and what you bring to the table you have to be patient because others who may not get it at first need to understand your worth and how much of an asset you truly are. Patients, because all great things take time. Henry Hartman coined one of my favorite quotes “Success always comes when preparation meets opportunity” and a lot of the time the opportunities that your heart desire and that you rightfully deserve do just that … they take time! Learning the politics of the business was also vital for me because I would always know what I’m up against no matter what the situation was. Being politically savvy in the media industry is key! 

3.    If you could change anything about how business is done in your industry what would that be? 

I would have to say putting the right people in power to make decisions that bring positive change. Also valuing quality over quantity. These days everything is about numbers over the quality of work that someone can produce.  Quality work will always last longer! I'm also a strong believer in you get what you pay for. 

4.    What tips do you have for others who struggle with productivity in the workplace?

Be honest with yourself, work smarter and Never give up. When you're honest with yourself you will have a more realistic outcome. After my shows, I often watch and review my work to see how I can get better and grow stronger every time. No matter what praises I receive I'm always real with myself and learn from the things I need to develop and enhance.  Working smarter will allow you to find joy in what is that you’re doing plus it gives you the ability to be accurate and efficient. You will be more in control when you play it smart and it helps to also relieve anxiety and stress.  My final tip is to never to give up. There were plenty of times where I didn’t get gigs that I really wanted and often felt discouraged but I realized that meant that job wasn't for me and in knowing that it forced me to work harder which led me to be in bigger spaces with more opportunities. 

5.    Who’s one woman in your field that you admire. 

There are so many women in my field and others that I admire but if I had to choose just one I would say Oprah ‘The G.O.A.T’  Winfrey! She is everything! 

6.    What’s your superpower. 

My super would have to be my poker face because I will never let anyone know when I’m rattled. The main focus is to remind focused and keep my composer especially as an on-air talent when at any given moment anything can happen and in those times you have to keep things cool, calm and collected. 

Money Moves with Princess Lomax ~ 6 Highly Effective Strategies For Making 6 Figures As A Nurse

Number 1 best selling Amazon book 6 Highly Effective Strategies For Making 6 Figures As A Nurse was written by Nurse Practitioner, serial entrepreneur and bonafide hustler, Princess Lomax. Princess has owned several businesses while becoming a nurse and has amassed a ton of real life experience that she conveys in her book. This quick read is appealing to anyone in the healthcare business that wants to take their career to the next level. Intrigued by her background and business savvy, we decided to sit down with Princess and learn a little bit more about her journey as a best selling author.

What made you decide to write a how to/tips book?

Starting my career as a nurse, I was faced with a lot of challenges like trying to figure out which area to work in that would provide me with the greatest compensation and ways to make additional money. Because this was a trial and error time for me, I decided to put it in writing for all the new nurses that I’ve been blessed to mentor over the years. 

 What were some of the challenges you faced in the book publishing process? 

Initially I started to self publish, however after speaking with a friend, I was convinced to use a female black owned publishing company which probably wasn’t the best thing to do. 

What has the feedback been from those who’ve read the book?

I’m grateful and blessed that 90% of the feedback has been phenomenal. New as well as novice nurses have provided feedback that the book was extremely helpful and provided them information for furthering their education in the nursing field. 

What advice can you give to other budding serial entrepreneurs?

The advice I would give other budding serial entrepreneurs is keep God first and never stop believing in you. Never give up on your hopes and dreams and with hard work and dedication, your goals will become accomplishments added to your memoirs.

What’s next from Princess Lomax?

There are so many things next for Princess Lomax, but to keep things short and sweet, there is a Doctoral degree, a Wellness Spa, Brunch and or Sports Bar, and reality TV in the near future with Princess Lomax’s name on it. 

Women Who Inspire Us ~ Know Her Story

As we know many worlds have been turned upside down. No one knows when life will, if ever, return to what we considered normal creating a platform that maps out ways that people can still engage and connect is imperative for human socialization. By placing these inspiring women on a platform to tell our community its ok and we can do this together provides an ultimate relief – spiritually and mentally.

Women who inspire us – are often celebrated and admired. It’s now time to “know her story.” The creation of an inspirational series featuring African American women sharing their story on success, determination, and life lessons we can all relate to.

Delux Magazine kicks off this live series with beauty trailblazer and founder of Camille Rose, Janell Stephens.