National Business Women's Week 2020
See the 8 phenomenal women we spotlighted in 2020 for
National Business Women's Week!
Style expert and entrepreneur, Tanjuria Willis has wrestled with the concept of the word, expert, and how it has been defined or described over the years. Her journey to both becoming and embracing being considered a fashion expert is, to say the least, unconventional.
With over three decades of going against the grain as an Electrical Engineering, Technologist, Magazine Publisher, Personal Stylist, Fashion Show Curator and Producer, Entrepreneur, real-life, in-the-trenches business experience, and most importantly wife and mother, she now understands the journey, for some, is asymmetrical.
In 2002 and with nothing more than belief and determination, Willis (nee Anderson) created Connect Magazine, a lifestyle publication with distribution in Metro Atlanta and via mail subscription. Along the way, she was recognized and received several awards by organizations such as the Atlanta Tribune Magazine and Atlanta Business League to name a few. The Engineer, now Publisher
successfully operated Connect Magazine until 2010.
In 2010, Tanjuria decided to take a break from entrepreneurship to focus on herself.
She married and in 2013 had a daughter.
In 2014, she developed eKlozet Luxury Consignment, with the vision of helping and affording women the ability to define and develop their style to feel good both inside and out. An earth friendly, sustainable fashion company was born.
One of her proudest moments was watching her client win an Emmy Award while wearing a look that she styled from clothing purchased from eKlozet Luxury Consignment.
Mrs. Willis is currently utilizing her technology expertise to develop an app which will make it easier for people to develop, evolve and refine their (fashion) essence utilizing the clothing already in their closets.
Tanjuria partners with organizations that provide support for domestic violence and human trafficking to donate clothing and other services.
When she is not helping others, she loves spending time travelling, listening to Chicago Style House Music, and spending time with her husband, Greg and daughter, Greer. @eklozet @stylebytanjuria
I am Valencia Breedlove, I am a native Atlanta, and I have been a DeKalb County resident for 20 plus years.
I received my bachelor’s degree from Savannah State University, where I majored in criminal justice and minored in political science. I received my master’s degree in public administration from Walden University in 2007.
Currently, I serve as a Program Administrator with the DeKalb County Juvenile Court, where I work with juveniles. The goal is to help the participants make positive personal changes in their lives and in their communities.
I have a consulting company Valencia Breedlove LLC, where I train and consult families through life skills and understanding the child. I have a motto “the movement is knowing we cannot move alone but together we can move mountains”.
Lavanda Michelle Elrod is the first born child of Michael and Ann Blassingame. She was born on July 2, 1978 in Ashville NC. She is a 1997 graduate of James L. Mann High School in Greenville, SC and currently resides in Simpsonville, SC
She is a respected soror of the Epsilon Epsilon Chapter of the Gamma Phi Delta Sorority Inc. Michelle is on the Greenville County Commission of Human Relations and a Proud member of The National Council Of Negro Women, Inc.
She is the co-owner of 3S Photography, 360 Consulting and 360 Coaching. With all that she still manages to balance her time as a devoted wife, mother and mentor to her family and friends. Married for over nineteen years and counting to her best friend and loving husband Rico Elrod; together they have conquered and successfully raised three handsome young men; Ricaro, Javin, Rico, and their one and only beautiful daughter Kayla.
In 2019, Michelle unknowingly gave birth to what has now become her passion and purpose in life. She’s always had a love for photography, crafting and children, but this was a different type of love, a love birthed from the trauma and pain that she endured from the hands of her abuser(s) at a very young age.
Michelle has now dedicated herself towards Advocating and fighting against Childhood Sexual Abuse. Throughout her fight she has founded her very own non-profit organization called #NOTAVICTIM and is also Co-Director and Co-Facilitator of Speak Out! Your Voice Has Power and Healing Hearts Ministerial Sessions.
Michelle’s mission is to see that every woman and child have a voice.
To know what Tina Fears and Stage Ready Productions has accomplished in its short, 15-year history, is a physical manifestation of Stage Ready’s commitment to excelling and exceeding the expected in the event production and entertainment industry. With just one hundred dollars and a dream that would not quit, Tina Fears took her “what ifs” and turned them into “what nows”.
Since 2005, Stage Ready (SR) has offered top-notch production management and delivered cutting-edge and memorable performance experiences for entertainers on stages across the world via diverse platforms and levels of influence. From award shows to trade shows, to beauty and lifestyle brands Tina combines her project management expertise with her natural creativity to bring her clients visions to life.
Stage Ready has not limited its services to live events as (SR) is currently assisting brands with digital event strategies and
campaigns as they pivot during this global pandemic. Tina Fears is a multi-hyphenate dreamer who will "Find a way or make one." As a female founder and Black business owner, she is a firm believer in paying it forward and taking leaps by faith. Stage Ready's mission includes creating space for people to not only work for you but beside you to grow as a community.
Tina Fears is also a television and film actor who is currently in production on the NatGeo series Genius: Aretha where she is cast as Clara Ward. You can connect with Tina @TinaFears on all social platforms or at www.tinafears.com
Tina Fears
IG: @TinaFears
Dr. Margie Gill is a licensed psychotherapist and clinical supervisor for mental health professionals. Dr. Gill has provided humanitarian aid for over 35 years. She received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Georgia Gwinnett College and master’s degree in Clinical Counseling Psychology from Brenau University. Dr. Gill obtained her doctorate in Counseling at the University of Georgia. Dr. Gill is the Executive Director for Tabitha’s House, Inc, a nonprofit organization that provides direct-care services, resources, and awareness and prevention workshops to combat human trafficking. Dr. Gill also serves on the Georgia Statewide Human Trafficking Taskforce Workgroup 7 and Workgroup 9. She is also the Vice-Chair for the DeKalb County Juvenile Court Mental Health Court - Journey Program Advisory Board.
Dr. Gill is also Co-Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leader, faculty, and Assistant Clinic Director at Brenau University. She has completed research projects focusing on
topics that range from sex trafficking, self-identity, African American populations, attachment, trauma, family structure, achievement, juvenile delinquency, adverse childhood experiences, mass incarceration, and gang affiliation. Dr. Gill is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS), Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor (CPCS), and Certified in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Additionally, Dr. Gill serves on several boards in various capacities spanning across international borders.
In this capacity, she assists in developing schools and conducts research in Nicaragua, Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania. In the midst of all of these responsibilities, Dr. Gill is a wife and mother. She and Alton have been married for 26 years. Dr. Gill is the mother of 3 children, all known as A.G. , and has 17 fish and 2 dogs, Rocko and Savage.
UnWined is the brainchild of owner and founder Nicole Anderson. Nicole’s love for wine has grown over the years. As a young millennial, she always searched for brands that resonated with her and her friends. “I remember walking up and down the aisles in a store staring at the labels but never feeling drawn to anything” Nicole reflects.
Her appreciation for wine grew as she decided one day to craft her own wine from home. After several trials and errors, she began to dabble in flavored wine and shared her creations with friends and family.
As a marketer by trade with 10+ years under her belt, Nicole’s wheels began to spin on how she could finally develop a brand that represents each experience where woman find pleasure and tranquility in a bottle of wine. Thus the creation of UnWined was born.
Why We Wine - UnWined is a boutique wine collection designed for the women of today.
Each of our wines are carefully curated to enhance those moments where wine is a subtle release. As women of the 21st century, we tend to wear many hats from 9 to 5 warriors, mothers to the future generation and courageous entrepreneurs looking to change the world. UnWined is the brand that speaks to those women and their everyday experiences.
Indulge. Relax. Unwined
Nicole Anderson, Owner
Christian Taylor, owner Christian Taylor Marketing, is a native of Warrior, Alabama. She started her passion for the art of Marketing when she was just 13 years young. The most important thing you need to know about her is that she is a hard worker.
At 13, Christian started her first job as an assistant for a non-profit business called Dress For Success. Her primary focus was defining the store’s image by rearranging clothing and shoes to appease the customer’s better judgment.
At 15, she fell into a Marketing & Sales role, specifically working for the top brand Foot Locker. This job catapulted her desire to market and get involved in events, wear branded items, and tell stories of those brands repeatedly.
Fast-forwarding to now, for the past nine years, she worked solely at a prominent production company in Atlanta, Ga, as the head of Marketing, Media, and Design.
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Her knowledge of the company's brand and her willingness to learn and grow has helped curate her career into something extraordinary - brand engagement.
Though Marketing was far from what I imagined myself doing for the rest of my life (I wanted to be a ballerina and a chemist, lol), she can't deny the deep feeling that she was called to do. She’s a story-teller and a good one at that. This is the reason why she started Christian Taylor Marketing.
Christian Taylor Marketing
P: 205.903.5207
E: CTaylor@marketingbychristian.com
Find me on FB/IG/LinkedIn/Tiktok: @marketingbychristian
Patrina King, Leading Authority in Business Golf. Patrina King is an award-winning Author and Founder of Golf Women Mean Business, LLC.
Patrina understands that being successful is not always a straight process.
She decided against choosing any of the 36 opportunities to play collegiate golf and completed undergraduate and graduate studies without any extracurricular activities in order to focus on getting her career started.
Patrina is a current member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Women’s Solidarity Society, a society within The National Center for Civil and Human Rights and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc. MECCA Chapter.
She is also the Founder of Women’s Golf Day in Georgia and has been featured on various television and radio shows.
However, the epitome of Patrina’s efforts to educate professionals come in her workshops and speeches which aim to “humanize” business golf for those who are hesitant to give the sport a try.
Patrina believes the best way to serve the people is by taking an informative and realistic approach to everyday activities and issues.
Golf Women Mean Business
Business Golf Training & Education for Professionals
Telephone: 678-861-4183
Website https://www.golfwomenmeanbusiness.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/golfwomenmeanbusiness
Twitter https://twitter.com/GolfWomenMB
Alpha Gamma Chapter (Atlanta, GA)
The Alpha Gamma Chapter is Georgia's graduate chapter located in the metro-Atlanta area in the South Atlantic Region.
A registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
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