Hiiiii! My name is Abigail and weather affects my mood. (And the room says, “Hi Abigail” LOL!) ​

What is a mastermind group?
A mastermind group is a peer-to-peer mentoring group used to help members solve their problems with input and advice from the other group members. The concept was coined in 1925 by author Napoleon Hill in his book The Law of Success, and described in more detail in his 1937 book Think and Grow Rich.

My personal experience of being in a mastermind group has enriched my life in so many ways. Let me share my experience with you:)

How did I find my mastermind group?
My mastermind group was developed from knowing these ladies from a networking group in which we are all members. The networking group we are in meets once a month (pre-covid).
However, we were yearning for more support more often, so we created a weekly mastermind group aside from the monthly networking meeting.
The wonderful thing about coming from the same networking group is knowing that we all had similar mindsets so we knew that was a great foundation.

How many people should a mastermind have?
Through research, it says the ideal size of a mastermind group tends to have 4-8 members. It says less than four, the energy level can drop and more than eight, you’ll probably run out of time. My group currently has 7 members.

How does your mastermind work?
Being that there are seven various personalities, we do have strategies in place to make the most out of our meetings.
Here’s a jist of how someone sharing will form their thoughts:

1) What goals were/weren’t accomplished (yet) from last week.
2) What they plan to work on/accomplish this week.
3) Let us know how we can serve/support them.
(Examples of support: Taking a survey to help their business, supporting a post on their page, keeping an eye out if we hear about a job that will suit them, praying for a family member)

*Support comes in all types of ways and sometimes a goal for the week may not be business oriented. It may be decluttering a bedroom to feel more peaceful. The purpose is to support, whatever that looks like.)

How my mastermind has benefited me:
I’ve been a part of this particular mastermind for 5 years. I can think of SO MANY ways they have supported me, but the moment that comes to mind is when my uncle unexpectedly passed away. It threw my family and me for a loop. My mastermind, along with other AMAZING people planned out a food schedule to supply us with a meal every night. Y’all, I DIDNT HAVE TO COOK FOR A MONTH.
Let that sink in.
As all of your energy is going into planning the celebration of someone’s life, thinking about what to cook is not even on the radar. Food was cooked, ordered and delivered, or brought to us. I’m filled with emotion and such gratitude as I type this.

This is one of the many reasons why the support of a mastermind is a blessing. And I could talk for DAYS about how my business has flourished having people to regularly bounce ideas off of and most importantly, knowing what I say or any ideas I have will never leave the group. It’s the loyalty for me.

I asked my mastermind group to give me a few benefits they get from being in a mastermind.
Take a look:
- Accountability
- Community support
- Helps me stay focused
- Soundboard for ideas
- New perspectives
- Brainstorming
- Feedback
They had more lol but I don’t want to keep you long.

Create or join a mastermind group:
Since the pandemic, we have transitioned to virtual and it still works very well. The wonderful thing about today’s world is that everything is virtual!! Yes, the people in this particular mastermind group happen to be local, but it is very doable to create a group with people from all over the world!

“We may not have it all together, but together we have it all!”
- Women’s Prosperity Network

Let me know below if you are a part of a mastermind group or if you are interested in becoming a part
of one!

Until next time:)
Xoxo,
ABnormally AB

Have you ever thought about starting a blog? Do you need a creative outlet and you think blogging could be for you? Or you know someone who could benefit from hearing experiences from someone who has done it for a couple years? You have to read this!

Let’s get into it.

#10: Do not let an audience be your driving force. 
I’m pretty sure there are a few blogs that I had to be my own audience for. I don’t even think my mom got around to commenting on it or giving it one like so I could have some sort of engagement lol!
Here’s the thing though, it’s not that my work wasn’t good, it’s just that I’m writing in a world where the attention span of adults is 8 seconds or less and it takes A LOT to keep people’s attention. 

Example:
You know that text you read? You responded to it in your head, but not actually in
real life? Lol. Yeah, your intention was good, but you left somebody hanging lol.
Friends, family, and subscribers may say in their heads, ”Oh, that’s got to be a good read. Let me save the link and come back to it.” Unfortunately, they don’t always find their way back.
The intention was there, but you end up being left with a blog you worked hard on without any engagement.

I say all this to say, you have to enjoy blogging and not solely do it for the
recognition of others. Your determination and end goals have to be stronger than the
disappointment, aggravation, and frustration that will introduce themselves to you from time to time in your journey.

9) Access. Make it easy!
The easier you make it to access and share your blog, the more people will come and tell a friend! It’s no secret that this world wants everything to come quick and easy. It can’t all be that way, but access to your blog can:) Make your blog links and website easy to find and access.

#8: You have to be a sharing person.
Do you know how to share? (Real question. I know many adults that still struggle with this lol.)
Your subscribers come to your blog to receive something. What are you providing for them? Are you providing knowledge, details on where your outfits come from; how you released 50+ pounds in a healthy and pleasurable way? Whichever one it is, you have to be willing to continuously provide your audience with what they’re coming to your platform for.

​#7: Proof reading is a MUST!
I get my blogs proof read as much as possible before posting. Two pair of eyes are better than one. I’ve seen big time bloggers have quite a few grammatical errors. To keep things profesh (professional), I’d suggest getting your blog posts proof read before they go live. Besides your own personal pleasure of keeping things professional, companies that browse your work will be impressed. (I hope I spelled everything right in the post lol)

​#6) Make sure it sparks joy (In my Marie Kondo voice)
In the words of Marie Kondo, “If an item doesn't ‘spark joy’ when it's touched, the person
should thank it for being a part of his life, and then donate or trash it.”
She’s referring to items, but this same motto can be used for blogging. Do you enjoy it? Does it spark joy? If it does, keep at it, if it doesn’t, find another way to share your gifts with the world. (Find another way, don't give up.)

#5) Consistency.
We all know what this word means. However, it’s easier said than done. Try your best to be consistent. If you fall off, don’t be hard on yourself and do your best to get that consistency going again. Be kind to yourself.
​
​#4: ​Planning/scheduling is key.
Planning ahead of time always helps and relieves many people’s habits of procrastination.
Create a schedule for yourself to help keep your creation process smooth.
Example:
Saturdays: Write blogs.
Sundays: Get them edited/proof read.
Mondays: Create marketing: email blasts, social media posts, IG graphics.
Wednesday: Post!

#3: Marketing strategy
There are lots of people I talk to and through conversation they happened to say “my blog.” If they didn’t say that, I would’ve never known they had a blog! Marketing is very very…did I say very important? Very important.
You can drop GEMS, but if no one knows about it, those gems sit there unused by people that could’ve benefited from your work. Shamelessly promote yourself and your work. Blast it on all your platforms and be excited when doing so!
​Your excitement will transfer to others.​

#2: Automation
Listen, if you want to work smart and not hard, automate as much as you can. Manual work takes time and we all know how precious our time is. Automate as much as you can.

#1: Know your “why.”
I know we hear that a lot now, but it’s very significant. If your reason for starting a blog is to just get free things, reality check: I haven’t received one free thing in my 2 years of blogging. How’s that for total transparency lol. My reason for starting this blog was bigger than just receiving things.
​ Now, do I want to partner with likeminded companies soon and get paid to do it,
ABSOLUTELY. However, that didn’t show up in the first 2 years for me. So it really tested
whether or not I was in this thang to just “get” or in it to “give” as well.

WHEW!
There’s a lot more I’ve learned in this two-year blogging journey that I’m continuing, but I’ll save that for another time. If this has been helpful to you, leave a comment below and let me know which lesson resonated with you most.

Hey, remember these words if you want to start a blog:
“You don’t
have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” – Zig Ziglar.
​
Now let me go back, read this and make sure I’m taking all my own advice. Byeeeee!
Xoxo,
ABnormally Ab

​This blog post is simple, yet very imperative. I am here to offer some advice as well as continue to practice what I teach and put some action behind it.
​
Today’s public service announcement is a reminder to:
SUPPORT YOUR FRIENDS!
As simple as it sounds, sometimes we forget (self included) to show love to those close to us.

Before going any further, I want to take time to thank YOU (I see you smiling) for your continued support for me and "The ABnormal Life."

We are approaching our two year Blog-i-versary soon. (Freaks out for 2 secs!)

 I am SO grateful this platform has connected me to phenomenal people like you. Your engagement and kind words keep me uplifted and pushing towards continued greatness.
 
Now, there are various ways to support our friends.
​Knowing that everyone’s situation is different, I’ve offered different ways for you to support your friends for whatever season you are in. 

If monetary support doesn’t align with the season you’re in at the moment, know that there are others ways to support and your friends should be just as grateful for that support as well.
 
Now,
I’d like to show support and shine a super bright light on a black owned company I recently had the pleasure of supporting.
​
If you’ve been following me for a while, you might remember a series I started called the “Pay It Forward” Series.
 It was a series I created to introduce, bring awareness, and give exposure to amazing people and their brands. I’d love to re-awaken that series starting today!

Today’s “Pay It Forward” Episode is shining a light on:
“Carefree and Black Diaries”

"​Carefree and Black Diaries is a podcast that discusses everything from culture, politics, music, and education. But with a dash of hood on the rocks. Just a Black Girl navigating this thing called life and documenting it along the way."

It is hosted by my incredibly talented friend, Shaakira White. (https://www.instagram.com/shaakirawhite/ )
 
I recently had the opportunity to accompany her as well as another amazing woman, Diamond Rollins. (https://www.instagram.com/diamondalicia_/ )
 
Our podcast episode was just realeased yesterday! (I’m excited!)
Our discussion is from a content creator's perspective about working with brands, the changing landscape in influencing, and learning how we’ve been navigating these uncertain times as creative entrepreneurs.
I really enjoyed our discussion. There were a lot of laughs and a few golden nuggets that you don’t want to miss out on. :)

​You can visually watch the discussion or listen to the audio.
YouTube link:
https://youtu.be/Jq8UsoXahj4
Audio link:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/carefree-and-black-diaries/id1378049208
 
Be sure to follow Carefree and Black Diaries on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carefreeandblackdiaries/
​
Shaakira, thank you for creating a safe space for black women. Your hard work does not go unnoticed. You are making an incredible impact with your knowledge and your voice. I support you 100%!
​
Well, that’s it for today's “Pay It Forward” episode. Please enjoy the podcast and leave comments.
 
If you have a small business and would like to be highlighted in a “Pay It Forward” episode, email me at: [email protected]
 
As always, remember to be completely and uniquely YOU!​
Xoxo,
ABnormally AB

​I’ve tried for years to deflect the stereotype “angry black woman” from being associated with me.

I am a dark skinned woman with big thick hair and a dominant personality. Unfortunately, in this world, before I even open my mouth, people develop a pre-conceived notion about me.
I have no idea who coined this phrase, but I do know in the black community, we’ve altered various things about ourselves to not be “that angry black woman.”

​We’ve done things like heightening the tone of our voice to sound more “pleasant” in others’ eyes, wearing our hair straighter to be seen as more professional, changing our names so we can make it to an in-person interview, and smiling way more than we probably would like to. And those are just scratching the surface.

I joined an Instagram live with Paola Mathe, founder of Fan Djanm and another young lady. They were talking about the stereotype “angry black woman.”

Listening to their beautiful exchange through conversation had me thinking.
With all that is going on in the world, our black lives brutally being taken away and numbers rising like a score at an Olympic basketball game, leaves me disgusted.

​Disgusted, sad, scared, and rightfully so, VERY ANGRY.

I’m angry for reasons like Breonna Taylor’s killers, who burst into her apartment, shot her eight times,
and STILL haven’t been put six feet under…I mean arrested.

I am angry because I have had the hardest time going to sleep this past week because of what happened to her. That could’ve been me. I look forward and value my sleep time, but that hasn’t come so easily lately.

You know I could go on and name countless other incidents that have taken black lives that could have been PREVENTED, but I said that to say;
I AM AN ANGRY BLACK WOMAN.

What is happening is UNACCEPTABLE.
 Please believe I will continue to do everything I can to save my people.

​I am angry right now because justice needs to be served.

But please know, on a regular, black women should not automatically be seen as angry.

Yes, we have strong demeanors, because what we’ve been through is so deeply rooted, but we are not angry by nature. Just because our demanding presence and Maya Angelou-like voices may intimidate you doesn’t give you the right to call us angry. Learn how to accept it and adjust.

I will not dim my light to make those around me feel more comfortable. (work in progress.)

What I’m saying is, there will be no more conforming to what others think is right. Because we are dying no matter what. Educated or not, rich or in poverty, they are killing us.

I said that to say, BE UNIQUELY AND COMPLETELY your authentic self and the world around you will learn to adjust.
And if you can’t find a job because of your name, don’t worry, I’ll hire you soon. It’s coming:)

Thank you for reading and here are a few tips:

If you're black: Be your authentic self. It is beautiful and don’t ever let someone convince you otherwise.
If you’re white: Be mindful of what you say. Don’t be afraid of us. Yes, we are very powerful beings, and graciously, all we’re asking for is equal chances in life.

“Be the change you wish to see in this world.”
​- Mohandas Gandhi

Check out this Instagram video:
www.instagram.com/p/CBOVSZCAsyw/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The "Ahmaud Arbery Run Challenge" took place last Friday, May 8th, on his birthday. People in various places walked/jogged/ran 2.23 miles in his honor. Search #runwithmaud to see everyone who participated.
Xoxo,
​Abnormally Ab

I want you to take a moment and reminisce back to when you were in your pre-teens/teens and were on punishment. Your parents took your phone and TV away and didn’t allow you to hang out with your friends for any extracurricular activities. Yes, you were pissed off at first…
BUT
After getting over being mad, you found yourself reading a book, cleaning your room, and writing in your diary/journal as therapy. After your punishment had been lifted, yes, you missed your phone and friends; but you surprisingly ended up being grateful for that “me” time to create, spend time with self and pick back up on hobbies you hadn’t done in a while.
That’s exactly how I feel about this quarantine time! I feel like it’s a grateful punishment.

​I think I consider myself an extroverted introvert. So yes, I miss people, but it is nice not having to decide between working some more or going to happy hour with friends. That decision is being made for us right now!
 
While we are in this time of isolation, let’s use it to our advantage.
We are all creators in our various lanes. Whether you’re a makeup artist (practice highlight/contouring), an interior designer (creating new color palettes), or a lawyer (Working on writing/speaking skills), we can all work on perfecting our craft. Specifically, in my field of content creation, if you’re like me, at times you are the photographer, director, editor, AND model.
You do a lot yourself.
Because of that, this is a great time to dive in and cultivate a bunch of content. This blog came from having time and thinking,
“How I can be of service and help fellow creators like myself?”  

Here are three golden tips for creating during this time:

1. Exercise regularly.
(Outside if weather permits) I know you might not have expected this to be one of the tips, but exercising gets your endorphins flowing which reduces stress, works off anxiety and feelings of depression, and boosts self-esteem. It’s a daily mindset booster! Oh and while you’re doing that, that Vitamin D from the sun is seeping inside you and supporting your immune system. It’s a great way to start a day of creating.

2. Brainstorm.
Take a moment to flesh out ideas so you can create new concepts, and solve problems. Usually brainstorming happens within groups, but with social distancing, if not on Zoom, we can’t gather together. I know you’re capable of coming up with lots of million dollar ideas.  

3. Work hard now. Play later.  
Listen, when we are released from social distancing and are able to be around our friends and family again, I am going to be the life of every party! Lol. In order to do that, I am working hard now and creating as much as I can, so I can have more than enough content to schedule out and last for a while. I don’t want to feel like, “Omg, I can’t hang out because I have to catch up on…”
So, I am working now, so I can play and be fully present with my family and friends soon.
 
 
That’s all I have for now. If this helped, encouraged or resonated with you, let me know in the comments! I look forward to seeing all of your amazing content in the future that I know you’re working hard on now!
 
Xoxo,
ABnormally AB

Phenomenal education, unmatchable marching bands, step shows, tailgating, laughter, lifelong memories, oh and did I say phenomenal education?!
You may be familiar with an HBCU, but if you’re not, HBCU’s are Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

​They are institutions of higher education that were established before the Civil Rights Act of 1964 with the intention of offering accredited, high-quality education to African American students across the United States. These schools do, however, admit students of all races.
​ (Do unto others as you’d have them do unto you.)​

In 2017, there were said to be 107 HBCU’s in the United States.

​Why did I choose an HBCU?
I grew up living fairly close to an HBCU. Close enough that I could hear the marching band practice at night. I attended games as a child with family members and was involved in quite a few programs that took place on their campus.

Since a child, I’ve always wanted to attend an HBCU. As I got older, actually understanding the concept and learning more about them, I realized being educated with my people, and mostly by my people, would be an unforgettable experience. I knew I could go to another college and have the other more common experience of a Predominantly White Institution (PWI) for grad school; but I knew from the get go, I wanted the experience of going to an HBCU for undergrad.

​Now, indulge me as I share a couple of my great HBCU experiences.

​#1: African American Humanities Class
Taking African American Humanities my freshmen year was LIFE CHANGING.
One of my favorite professors, Dr. White, changed a lot of students’ perspectives (or mindsets), including mine within that class.
 I remember one day my whole class and I walked out of the classroom in awe from the correct information we learned about our culture. It was like a film had just been taken off of our eyes and we could see clearly and didn’t need glasses anymore.
We all finished that class with even more pride in our heritage, being proud of who we are and the experiences we’ve overcome.  

​Very appreciative.
 
Here’s another quick example of why I love HBCU’s.

​#2: Science Class
 In science, I was taught about Henrietta Lacks.
Henrietta Lacks was an African-American woman that made one of the greatest medical contributions ever. Her cells became the first immortal human cell line – the cells reproduce infinitely in a lab. (mind blown)
I had no idea how big of a deal that was until the movie about her came out and I was familiar with the story, however my friend that attended a non HBCU or PWI wasn’t familiar with her story at all.
 
Very Appreciative.