During an interview Janet and I did a few months back, we were asked the question, “What would you consider your biggest failure, and how did you overcome it?” Now, this is a standard interview question; I’m sure we’ve all been asked this in some variation, and had our answers prepared to go on about our strength and resilience. But for some reason, today, my answer didn’t feel good enough, or real enough . All I could think about was me, and the times I had failed myself. It would be ingenuine, and literally just not true, of me to act like I go to school, run BB, and just have everything together. Lol, I don’t . There have been times where I failed to acknowledge my own potential, and because of it, I passed up on opportunities that could have been great for me. Or times where I acted against my own best interest, for the sake of temporary pleasures, and had to face the consequences because of it. Having things not work out for reasons outside of your control is tough, but feeling like you’re the reason for your own disappointment can be especially defeating. Setbacks are an unavoidable part of life, but what matters is how you respond. In a few of the events Janet and I have spoken at, we often end up talking about the cyclical nature of life- how our highs are followed by lows that teach us lessons before our next big high. As much as we may wish they weren't, the lows are inescapable, but you keep moving, and keep living, by not getting stuck there. Forgive yourself. This has been so important! I don’t know if it’s just me, but when I feel like I’ve ‘done wrong’, at the most random times the thought will pop in my mind and I can get very critical of myself. The sooner the past loses its grip on your present is when you can finally start acting and moving differently. When feelings of shame or guilt arise, try your best to detach from them. Opposed to feeding into them, counter them with the phrase: “I forgive myself for _____, but I’m thankful I now know better.” Find the lesson and use it, don’t make the misstep become your whole story. 2. Practice gratitude. Negative thinking has the power to consume you if you let it. Changing your perspective really does change your life. So, even when it feels like everything is going wrong, find just one thing that you can thank God for. It can be something as “simple” as being grateful for the air in your lungs or the shoes on your feet, but find something ! You’ll realize you have a lot more going for you than you thought when you choose to focus on what’s going right , compared to what isn’t. 3. Affirm yourself. Sometimes you just need to remember how powerful you truly are. Remind yourself of this as frequently as you need to. Speak life into the person that you are and watch how you blossom. It can be hard to do this, and believe it, without the results to back it up, but I’m telling you: they will follow. 4. Make a manageable start. At this point, it’s crucial to be honest with yourself. It’s highly unrealistic to realize one day that you want to make changes and expect to successfully do a whole 180 on whatever you’ve been doing up to this point. Old habits die hard . So instead, choose just one thing to start doing or stop doing and stick with it. The best way to rebuild your trust with yourself is by keeping the promises you make to yourself. The small changes will lead you to big results. Full transparency: BB has served as a source of my imposter syndrome, but it has also been my saving grace. Our content has been as helpful to me as I pray it has been to the women that view it. I’ve taken things away from posts we make, been inspired by the work we share, and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been listening to a speaker and it's been just what I needed to hear. Perfection has never been the goal, but fulfillment has; and that’s why we do this and why our message is so important. During times when I haven’t felt like I'm performing at my “best”, I’ve reduced myself to wondering what qualifies me to have an organization and this platform. And you know what- why not me? When external forces have placed limitations on what and who you can be or what you can accomplish, it is that much more important to have faith in yourself, and faith in your Creator. So the next time you’re faced with disappointment and not sure how to make your next move, I challenge you to follow these steps & ask yourself: why not me? When you show up for yourself, fully and authentically, you’re always at your best. You got this, BB Girls. You are worthy and capable of your wildest dreams. I can’t wait to see you all reach them. Love muchly, Founder & BBGirl, Jennifer 💖

Hey BBGirls! This is the prime season to apply for internships, externships, and fellowships. With many of these special opportunities being virtual, social media are what these companies are looking at more than ever. Although there are various business platforms such as RippleMatch, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter, the leading professional networking app is LinkedIn. LinkedIn is a way for you to manage and market your professional identity. I know you are thinking the initial download, sign up, and short profile should be enough to get you noticed, but here are some key steps to help boost your engagement and connections with your professional profile. Select an appropriate profile picture. No ladies, I’m not talking about the classical selfie with the good lighting and good angle. This small image is the first thing recruiters see when selecting your profile, and your chance to make a first good impression. I want this picture to be up-to-date, and what you look like on a daily basis. By daily basis, I mean what you would look like if the candidate wanted to see you for an interview the following day. You want your face to take up at least 60% of the frame for the profile picture. Many people may not know this, but you need to be the only person in your future picture, so candidates aren’t confused as to which person you are. Your picture is a small way to show your personal brand, so you want to dress in clothes you would wear to work, as well as provide a facial expression that is likable. A classic headshot from a photographer would be ideal, but to save money you can diy your headshot at home. This would need a clear white background, good, soft lighting, a phone stand, and a clear phone camera. Your headline should be more than a job title. Do not limit yourself to just your job title. Although your headline needs to be brief, say a little bit more about how you view your role, and why you love working there. For example if you’re a sales representative at your company, alert who is your highest social seller. For inspirational purposes, you can glance at other profile headlines that include the same interests as you. Make your summary your story. It’s astonishing how many people leave this essential section blank in their profile. Yes, you are telling your own story, but you should tell it in a way that ties into why you love doing what you’re doing. Yes you have an ample amount of skills that make you perfect for this job title, but why do those skills matter. and why did those skills shape you to be the business professional that you are today. Personally, it took me a very long time to draft my summary, but that’s okay. Just like your resume, you need to make a few drafts and run those drafts by people you know will help format your story. Don’t take too much advantage of buzzwords, rather take a skills assessment. I know it may seem like you’re making yourself come across as this huge networking business mogul because all of the buzzwords you’ve selected, but they’re meaningless. The terms ‘experienced’, ‘strategic’, ‘expert’, and ‘creative’ are all great qualities to have, but are these companies convinced you have them? The proper way to use these buzzwords is to demonstrate them in your profile. You can use them to describe yourself and how these words relate to you in a work setting. However, taking a skills assessment demonstrates the level of your skills and are shown on your profile. About 30% of LinkedIn users are more likely to be hired by displaying their skills assessment. Make connections with people you know or share interests with. As a Howard student, I am constantly making connections with other Howard students to build my networking platform. To take it a step further, I make connections with people that share my major and work in the fields of my major that graduated from Howard University. If you feel as though you’re not that good at networking here’s a simpler way to connect. you can sync your profile with your email address book, which gives LinkedIn the ability to suggest people you should connect with. Your LinkedIn profile does not have to be perfect in any way shape or form, but why not begin the necessary steps now to become an exceptional networker. Comment your LinkedIn profiles and let’s connect! Best, Someone who wants to be a bomb networker, BBGirl Angel🔌

Hey loves! It’s Februa(ry), which means it’s my birthday month!! Well, that and the month of chocolates, teddy bears, and love. This time is so exciting to spend with your significant other or your girls, but since we’re in a “panorama,” it might look a little different. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t celebrate, so listed below are some fun ideas whether you are single or in a relationship. ♡ Galentine’s Day Ideas ♥ Be your bestie’s Valentine. Just because you’re single doesn’t mean that you can’t have a valentine. For this celebration, ask your friend to be your galentine and exchange the traditional treats like roses, chocolates, and teddy bears. For an extra celebration, grab brunch with your girl and celebrate even more! ♥ Host a small soirée with your girls. This celebration is for the friend group that’s full of single baddies. This night should be filled with rosé, pink decorations, and laughs. Gather your favorite Valentine’s Day decor and decorate your house for an amazing girls’ night. You could even buy matching pink silk pajamas from Amazon Prime to top it off. (click the link to purchase) ♥ Valentine’s Day Brunch. This is for my BB girls who want to dress up and have a more fancy outing. Go out to brunch with your closest friends and drink mimosas ‘till you can’t anymore (safely of course). If you decide to celebrate Valentine’s Day this way, be sure to take pictures and tag us @beautyandbrainsorg on Instagram. ♥ Have a self care day. If you love your alone time, then “treat yoself”. Host a self care day by treating yourself to your favorite foods, activities, and overall self care. Some ideas are to binge your favorite show, get your nails done, or go to your favorite restaurant. Valentine’s Day Ideas ♥ Go on a date night. If you want a nice time in the city with your man, go out to a nice restaurant and enjoy each other’s company over dinner. If you want a more relaxed type of night, become a tourist and go somewhere you haven’t been. For example, go to a museum or another popular tourist spot. ♥ Have an intimate night at the house. This idea is for my homebodies who want to get cute but still stay away from crowds. Have a night at home filled with candles, roses, and good food. If you’re feeling extra fancy, then you could hire a personal chef. Turn on your favorite playlist, and you will have a wonderful romantic night. ♥ Picnic at the park. This celebration is for my Southern BB girls, but don’t worry the next one is for my girls in the North. Put together your favorite snacks and finger foods, and this relaxed Valentine’s day celebration could be really fun. Enjoy nature under the sun and cuddle up under your significant other. ♥ Movie night inside. This idea sounds really basic, but it can become really cute if you set it up nicely. Gather a bunch of pillows, blankets, and snacks. Set it up in front of your t.v., and watch your favorite movies together. This night could be one of tears from drama movies or laughter from comedic ones. The great thing about this date night is that it’s specifically catered to you. However you choose to spend the “day of love,” I hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day and month of Februa(ry). Until next time. Love, BB girl, Ry