A few weeks ago I flew out of town on a business trip. A high powered person (who shall remain nameless) had flew me in town to find out the direction I was attempting to go in with my site and my business. He was very aware of some of the projects I was working on and my plans for expansion and he was very vocal that he wanted to invest. The truth of the matter is, right now I have the brand at a point where people are making millions of dollars in offers but my site is my baby and to accept some sort of an investment deal would mean that I would be giving up a piece of my baby that I worked so hard to nurture so that it could grow. I’m terrified.
Anyway, once all the business lingo was out of the way, we were hopped in a car to go to a night spot. While we were in the car he asked. “So what is your goal with this blogging thing”. I say “well I want to do something that’s never been done before. I want to expand in a way that no one would have ever thought and I want to be the Oprah of blogging. And when I say Oprah, I mean in the way that she created her own outlets. She produced her show through her own production company, created her own magazine that she was on the cover of each month, created her own network”. “HER OWN” being the key word.
He says “How do you think you got your following. What made you special”. I said “well to be honest I think it was the back story and the voice that attracted people to the site. The connection. The message from my story was that if I could do it with no money, no resources..than anyone could. Some young african american girl is out there going through the same thing that I was two years ago and they have a chance. They can create their own opportunity”.
He then says, “are you proud of yourself” and I looked away and was silent. He says “tell me, are you proud of yourself”. And my eyes started to water as I looked out the window. He turns my face and says “What’s wrong. Tell me”. He then says “It’s lonely isn’t it”. And I started crying. I said “All my life I wanted to be successful. I wanted them to be proud to see this. And they aren’t here”. He says “Your parents are here. they see you. They are living within you. They are proud”
He sat there with bright eyes and this huge smile and he seemed so proud. Someone that I’ve admired and would have never thought in a million years I’d be in that moment pouring my heart out to them. Suddenly I felt “Okay again” but there are days that I don’t. It hurts and it does become lonely when you can’t pick up the phone knowing that your mom or your dad will be on the other end to answer. It’s heartbreaking..
..but it motivates me to work harder. So i can win…
Hi, I'm Necole!
Damn you, Necole! Got me over here bawling again, lol!! The gentleman was right your parent’s are proud of you and so are all of your supporters. May you continue to be blessed.
I can so relate. My father is still alive, but we don’t talk very much. I lost my Mom last year. I have something HUGE happening tomorrow and I can’t sleep wishing i could tell her about it. *tears*
I had to fight a tear myself. Necole Necole Necole… You are a true meaning of what doesn’t kill you would only make you stronger. Your parents are smiling at you right now! Much Respect to you… May God keep Blessing You
ITA with the person, your parents are proud of u girl and u should be proud of yourself. as far as being terrified giving up part of your “baby” is only natural. just follow your heart and i wish you much success in expanding your biz.
How couldn’t they be proud of you? I definitely see what you’re doing and it gives me a push. I recently got laid off my gig and I feel like it’s the universe pushing me to take the leap of faith I may not have taken otherwise. I think I’m ready to give this blogging thing my full attention. You’ve taken the world by storm. It’s motivation for me.
Much respect. I look forward to seeing where your journey will take you.
Ok, I shed a tear. Necole, I’ve been a fan of your site from almost the beginning. You are an inspiration. Keep your head up & sttay focused. I know your parents are proud of you. The world is proud of you. I wish you continued success.
so motivational, girl. do it big or not all.
So many people are proud of what you have accomplished Necole. Granted, none could even begin to compare to the feeling of knowing they are proud, but surely you must know they are. You have a great business sense, and i know you will continue to build in the direction you see fit. Dont lose yourself, or the foundation that has gotten you this far! Be proud and know the best is yet to come!
That was very, very sweet. I hope you know yourself well enough to be proud of YOU. You should be.
Necole,
You are truly an inspiration. You will never be alone because there is always someone in the world who gets their inspiration and motivation from you – like me. The world is your family. There are so many women who have “babies” (dreams) and need women like you to help us raise (motivate) them. Thank you for being the woman you are. I wish you much more success, love and happiness. 🙂
Tiara
Aww Necole! You are moving us all to tears. I have been reading both your blogs for a while and I am pretty sure more than a few of us are rooting for you. Like you, I have lost both parents too and often wish I had a chance to trully make them proud too while they were here. But I am just thankful that I am hear on earth making an impact, and so are you girl.
I go through that every single day. My mom passed away 4 years ago and I feel like my personal cheerleader is gone and I’m so lost. All of my victories and things that I want to share with her I can’t….it’s heartbreaking and lonely. I envy all of my friends who can go to their moms and just talk and laugh, shop….let me go, I’m about to get teary eyed….
I keep telling myself to go to sleep, I have to wake up in a few hours and then I go “read one more blog entry, read one more blog entry”. I am so glad that I did. This one really resignated with me. Also know that your parents are VERY proud of you.
I am with Nix. lol I keep saying..Ok just one more, just one more. My a*s will be here reading all day! lol Loves this site!