BEAUTY AND FASHION
* Start small: "A start is a start. Remember to accept and work with what you have and create the best version of you and your talent that you can right now. A spoonful is all you need to start."
* Be honest: "If you understand yourself 100%, including what you can and cannot carry, you'll produce great work. And, be honest with your support team and let them know where you need help."
* Trust your uniqueness: "Believe you are creative and listen to your heart. Creativity shows up in so many ways, so don't be afraid to try things that fall out of your wheelhouse."
* Live life: "Try new creative outlets to help nurture your personal spirit. Read books, watch movies, draw, write poetry, dance, sing, laugh or listen. Find the joy in living by nourishing your soul."
Unafraid to use her words to send a message, activist and apparel designer Kalilah Wright bottles authentic and unapologetic phrases about being Black in every clear canister from her company Mess in a Bottle. Printed proudly across the front of her tops, declarations like, "A Black Woman Created This" and "There are Those
Who Will Change History, And Those Who Will Be Sad They Didn't Try" give a voice to the voiceless and allow people to express themselves without having to say anything at all.
"My messages are about love, life, career and current events - they are depictions of my life and things going on around me as a Black woman in the Black community," said Wright. "I want people to be able to walk past each other and stand in solidarity with each other, that's why I chose apparel." Like her clothing, Wright offers no-nonsense insight for others striving for Black success.
* Find your authenticity: "Success looks different for everyone, so march to the beat of your own drum - people will listen."
* Embrace the courage to keep going: "Fear can handicap you but only if you let it; always be moving forward."
* Utilize the tools you have: "Resources and money don't have to be abundant but be resourceful and budget concise every step of the way."
* Stay business minded: "Keep focused on business first and know that if the business succeeds, then you will have another platform from which you can speak your truth."
Holliday and Wright credit much of their success to strong Black female mentorship. With guidance and support, Black voices can rise up. Both Holliday, a middle child of seven with four sisters plus a mom always telling her to "go for it" and Wright, mentored by savvy businesswoman Cici Gunn, understand that being part of