Black EnterpriseMoney » Black Enterprise http://www.blackenterprise.com Your #1 Resource for Black Entrepreneurs, Professionals and Small Businesses Sat, 26 May 2012 00:39:20 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1 5 Things to Think About Before Investing in Art http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/5-things-to-think-about-before-investing-in-art/ http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/5-things-to-think-about-before-investing-in-art/#comments Mon, 21 May 2012 21:00:00 +0000 Amber McKynzie http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=195936

Isolde Brielmaier

Born to Austrian and Ugandan parents in Seattle, Isolde Brielmaier always had a strong understanding of various cultures. First falling in love with dance and attending a public school where the arts were heavily integrated into the everyday curriculum, she got the artistic bug early. “I danced very seriously through my early 20s,” Brielmaier says, “and always tried to balance that with being a good student.” But while attending high school in Germany, the long-term performer decided she no longer had an interest in pursuing dance full-time. Instead, she chose to become a full-time student of history and sociology at New York’s Columbia University and spent her spare time at the Dance Theater of Harlem and Alvin Ailey’s dance studio. However, it was her courses in art history that would become a major component in her life and career.

Curating small exhibitions in the SoHo section of New York, Brielmaier was eventually asked to teach at Vassar University. What was supposed to be a one-time thing turned into a five-year career as a visiting professor. In the past, Brielmaier advised athletes and entertainers in purchasing contemporary art, but she now operates as the as the chief curator of SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design). Today she also curates international art exhibitions in the SCAD community and beyond. BlackEnterprise.com sat down with the art guru who broke down the top five things to consider when looking to break into the world of art.

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Support What You Love: Black Culture
Understanding the importance of artistic expression in the Black community, Brielmaier describes the No. 1 way people of color to invest in and give back to the arts is by supporting the culture. “[SCAD] does a lot of outreach not only to our own students, but to the broader community living in classes that might not have full-blown art programs and access to the kind of work we have,” she says. “We have the Walter O. Evans [collection]; it’s one of the top African-American art collections in the country. I’ve come in on my weekends to take students through. You’re building little art enthusiasts in a way.”

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Don’t Just Buy, Give Back

Noting that museums are not the only place where art lives, Brielmaier explains the importance of understanding the impact of art institutions, and the to support both monetarily and physically—just as anyone would do with their alma mater. “Institutions are not getting the financial support that they were getting [before] the economy [was] really rough,” she says. “And by that, I mean support our cultural institutions. If you have the means and the time, join a board, and if not, go to an institution and inquire if they have a young contemporaries group or a young collectors group. It’s a great way to meet people; to build a community in the arts; and really get in on the backend and see behind-the-scenes. I think is key. It’s a great way to start moving into other realms of art if you’re interested in investing.”

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Get to Know Experts in the Art World

Driving home the relevance of getting involved with an institution or art group, Brielmaier reiterates the need to know an institution and the benefits offered when doing so. “When you’re just starting out, joining a museum or a young collectors group is one of the best ways to go: A) You get invited to all their events, including their exhibitions and all of their openings and B) You’re also in the mix with people of like mind where information starts getting exchanged,” she says. “You also get to go to events and exhibitions where artists attend. You can work with an art advisor or art consultant, and they can open up their Rolodex and take you to galleries and set up appointments and they will assist you with successfully purchasing the work. And they’ll buy the work for you with your money.”

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Only Buy What You Love

There’s a big difference between a piece that’s worth $400 and $40,000 besides the price, but that can be hard to determine for a novice. That’s why Brielmaier stresses the importance of being knowledgeable about what you’re buying and why. “If you spend a lot of time collecting, it’s really nice if you like the work,” she says. “That’s hard for [people] in business to wrap their head around because they want to know, ‘Well, what’s the return on the dollar here,’ and oftentimes if you’re talking about a blue chip artist like an Andy Warhol, you don’t know, especially with some of these younger contemporary artists.” Brielmaier suggests researching an artist from exhibition history to where he/she went to school before making a purchase. But ultimately, “Go with what you like. It has to have that appeal to you, particularly because it’s going on your wall.”

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Know a Bad Investment When You See One

Brielmaier notes that it would be hard for any one person to say one art purchase is worse than another because all purchases are not based on ROI (return on investment). “I don’t want to say what’s a bad investment,” she says, “but what I would not recommend is jumping blindly into something, particularly if you’re talking about purchasing a work that’s very valuable.” Hesitant to ever tell anybody what not to buy, Brielmaier continues, “If it’s $400, to some people that’s a lot of [money] but when you start getting into really high [numbers] ask around. Look at the work, don’t just look at that work by the artist but look at the range of work to see if there’s some kind of continuity. And think about buying from a reputable gallery or someone who’s reputable—it could be an individual—but someone who has a history and relationship and has a reputation. Cover as many bases as you can before you take the plunge.”

]]> http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/5-things-to-think-about-before-investing-in-art/feed/ 1 Decoded: 7 Celebrities Who Went From Fat to (Financially) Fit http://www.blackenterprise.com/money/decoded-7-celebrities-who-went-from-fat-to-financially-fit/ http://www.blackenterprise.com/money/decoded-7-celebrities-who-went-from-fat-to-financially-fit/#comments Fri, 18 May 2012 18:00:12 +0000 Shydel James http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=196145 The entertainment world has become one big fit club. In an industry where image is everything—and a size 6 is considered overweight—celebs seem more inclined than ever to drop the calories and pick up the dumbbells in an attempt to achieve the body of their dreams. There’s also an ever-growing list of famous folks who are turning their battle of the bulge into big business, tapping into the $20 billion weight loss industry by signing lucrative deals to plug high profile diets and penning books that chronicle their journey to get in shape. But going from tubby to toned doesn’t always guarantee more success in Hollywood. Blackenterprise.com decodes the surprising affect dramatic weight loss has had on the careers of some of the biggest stars in the business. For better or for worse, these seven entertainers prove that in Hollywood, size really does matter. —Shydel James JENNIFER HUDSON In 2007, on the eve of her historic Oscar win for her work in the hit big screen musical, Dreamgirls, Hudson told The New York Times, “I would never want to be smaller than an 8, and even that’s too small.” Three years later, after giving birth to her first child, the American Idol-alum ate those words when she signed a seven-figure deal to become the spokesperson for Weight Watchers. Her dramatic 80-pound weight loss boosted her net worth to $18 million, gave her priceless visibility in numerous television ads, and landed the size 4 singer/actress a coveted spot on People’s 100 “Most Beautiful” list. JANET JACKSON Best known for her record-breaking music career and killer dance moves, the superstar entertainer, who’s worth an estimated $150 million, is also a self-proclaimed emotional eater, who’s endured a three-decade struggle with body image issues. In 2006, the 5’4” multiplatinum singer tipped the scales at 180 pounds and was reportedly ordered to lose 20 pounds by her record company or else they wouldn’t release her then-upcoming album. In 2011, Jackson turned her weight loss woes into publishing gold when she penned True You: A Journey to Finding and Loving Yourself, a self-help book based on her personal experiences with weight loss, which topped the New York Times bestsellers list. The book, in addition to her decision to team up with the popular food delivery program, Nutrisystem, has kept the attention off her waning album sales and on her newly toned figure. STAR JONES In 2003, after having ballooned to a morbidly obese 307 pounds during her stint as co-host of The View, Jones quietly underwent gastric bypass surgery and over the next three years, lost a whopping 160 pounds. Instead of celebrating her physical transformation, fans turned on her for lying about how she’d lost the weight (she said she slimmed down by doing Pilates and portion control). With a new body and plunging approval ratings, the once outspoken fan favorite was fired from The View in 2006. And in 2008, her short-lived legal talk show was axed after just six months. It was only after she went on a tour of contrition, which included a high profile pit stop on Oprah to finally reveal how she’d lost the weight, did Jones see a renewed interest and resurgence in her career, which included a headline-making appearance on Celebrity Apprentice, and the bestselling fiction novel, Satan’s Sisters, which will be made into a television show. MO’NIQUE Long before she became an Oscar winner for her visceral performance in Precious, the Maryland native’s claim to fame was a raunchy standup act, in which she praised her pleasantly plump supporters and blasted “skinny bitches.” In fact, her outspoken, big-is-beautiful campaign spawned a full figure clothing line, a New York Times bestseller, Skinny Women are Evil, a lead role in the film Phat Girlz and a $13 million fortune. But these days, the funny girl, whose self-titled talk show was put on indefinite hiatus last July, is singing a different tune. Mo’Nique is currently using her free time to get it in at the gym—even tweeting motivational words with pictures and videos of her workouts as she fights to reach her 180-pound goal weight. BIG BOY Kurt “Big Boy” Alexander is one of the biggest names in radio. The popular multi-award winning Los Angeles-based disc jokey gained notoriety in the 90’s for playing up his 500-pound size in ads all over Los Angeles. In 2003, he underwent a gastric reduction surgery, and lost over 250-pounds. Now a former shell of himself (Alexander weighs in at about 195-pounds), he continues to add on to his $12 million net worth with his multi-year syndication deal with ABC radio, multiple film and television roles and a recent development deal with VH1. JORDIN SPARKS In the five years since she became the youngest American Idol winner in history at the age of 17, Sparks has conquered film (she stars opposite Whitney Houston in this summer’s Sparkle); music (she sang the National Anthem at the Super Bowl in 2008); stage (she starred on Broadway in In the Heights); and even launched a successful clothing line and fragrance. But in 2011, Sparks sent tongues wagging and dominated headlines when she tweeted a picture of herself in a two-piece, flaunting her slimmed down body. Thirty pounds lighter, the 22-year-old officially debuted her bikini body that same year on the cover of People magazine. Today, the slimmed down songbird’s net worth is estimated at $8.5 million. RAVEN-SYMONÉ Thanks to the sales of her five albums, contributions to The Cheetah Girls soundtracks and her long running family sitcom, That’s so Raven—for which she took home $35,000 an episode—the once-voluptuous Disney queen managed to build a $400 million merchandising empire. In 2011, Symoné returned to television 35 pounds thinner in the ABC sitcom, State of Georgia. The show was cancelled after one season due to poor ratings, but the multi-talented mogul bounced back quickly. Symoné is showing off her newly svelte figure eight nights a week on Broadway in the musical Sister Act. ]]> http://www.blackenterprise.com/money/decoded-7-celebrities-who-went-from-fat-to-financially-fit/feed/ 3 Black Blogger Month: Looking Fly on a Dime, The Savvy Shopper http://www.blackenterprise.com/money/black-blogger-month-looking-fly-on-a-dime/ http://www.blackenterprise.com/money/black-blogger-month-looking-fly-on-a-dime/#comments Fri, 18 May 2012 16:00:05 +0000 Starrene Rhett http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=194835

Patrice J. Williams, founder of Looking Fly On a Dime (Image: Nasilele Holland)

When Patrice J. Williams began working at a popular fashion magazine in New York City, she quickly realized that image was everything. However, she refused to break the bank just to keep up with the latest trends. Eventually, the New Jersey native found a solution by diving head first into her passion for thrift shopping. She got so good at finding excellent deals and top-notch pieces at bargain prices that others began to take notice. But it wasn’t until getting laid off in 2009 that Williams founded Looking Fly On a Dime, where she shares her shopping tips and strategies for helping women look chic on a budget.

Like most blogs, most of Williams’ was in print form but eventually she began video blogging her thrifty adventures, which demonstrated how much of a pro she was and that her on-camera personality was relatable to the everyday woman. In fact, it was these elements that caught the attention of talk show host Nate Berkus, who has invited Williams on his eponymous show several times as his “thrifting guru,” and landed her a permanent spot on New York City’s WPIX 11 News as the Savvy Shopper. As part of Black Blogger Month, BlackEnterprise.com caught up with the princess of thrift shopping to chat about how she turned her passion for fashion into a TV friendly brand.

I started blogging because…

I wanted a creative outlet. I was laid off from my job at a magazine and I wanted to make sure I had a daily or at least weekly project that I was working on. It was actually a late night conversation with a friend that got my wheels turning. She told me I was great at finding awesome clothes at a cheap price and she suggested I start an online show, telling viewers how to find the best deals. I wasn’t really interested in doing a show, but I thought starting a blog would be a great outlet. I wanted to create a space that was all mine, something that I had total control over. It was only natural that I focus on affordable fashion. Working in the fashion industry meant I was constantly surrounded by well-dressed women. I didn’t have the budget to mimic their style but I created my own equally fly wardrobe by shopping at thrift stores.

Looking Fly On a Dime stands out because…

My primary focus is thrift shopping. Budget blogging is nothing new, especially since the economy tanked but my niche is thrifting. Since I have such a specialized focus, I’m the go-to girl for all things thrifty. Even though I’ve been thrifting for a decade, it’s chic all of a sudden so people want to know how to thrift and I help them along the way.

People trust my brand because…

I live my brand. I don’t blog about the joys of thrifting and then spend all my cash at Bergdorf. Also, when I’m putting together content for my readers or YouTube viewers, I talk to them the same way I chat with my girlfriends. I don’t have a phony blogging “personality,” this is just me and people who connect with my brand feel my authenticity. In a sea of style blogs, readers love finding those who are genuine.

The biggest mistake I ever made in business was…

I didn’t do my research before deciding upon a blog name. Initially my site was called Living Fly on a Dime. It wasn’t until a year in to blogging that I got a friendly email from a site with a similar name that told me I was infringing upon their trademark. I picked my site name without even thinking there could be future legal issues. Luckily, I was able to change my name to Looking Fly on a Dime, which was still similar to the former name and the change didn’t confuse readers or affect the brand.

What I learned from that was…

The importance of doing research—extensive research—before starting any major project. I was in such a rush to start my own site that I just decided upon a name without thinking of any legal issues. But now I know that I’d rather delay starting a project instead of staring and having a project delayed at the hands of others, just because I didn’t do the necessary work ahead of time.

Click here to continue reading and to watch Williams speak on her blog’s evolution…

I realized blogging was a business when…

I had to consult an attorney for legal issues (i.e. the trademark). It’s all fun and games until you get a cease and desist letter. The other site owner was protecting their business—and rightfully so—and I had to learn the ways to protect a growing business. I also realized blogging was a major business when I saw other bloggers securing book deals, signing with agencies and pulling in major dollars.

What I’ve learned about branding in the digital space is…

To use technology to your benefit, don’t let technology use you. Social networks can be a time drain but when used properly, they’re advantageous to your business. You just have to choose the ones that are most beneficial for you. My site is heavily visual and readers love seeing my “thrift store scores” or beautiful secondhand pieces that cost a few dollars, so posting photos and captions on Facebook has helped grow that community to 3000+ likes.

YouTube is also another major branding tool. When I created a YouTube account, I had no idea that the managing editor from WPIX-TV in NYC would find me and offer me a job as their first Savvy Shopper reporter. Instead of being overwhelmed by the copious amount of networking sites, I’m strategic with my use of them. With a single click of a button, people can share a post or image and that increases brand reach.

Transitioning to TV has been…

Surprisingly seamless. Luckily I’ve worked with teams who like what I have to offer and don’t want to change anything about me. When The Nate Berkus Show came calling last year, it was my first time on television but it felt so natural and comfortable. They continued to invite me back throughout the season. I’m generally a shy person, but I don’t think about the millions of people watching me, I just focus on having a one-on-one conversation, whether I’m talking to a host or directly in the camera.

The transition to being the WPIX Savvy Shopper reporter was even more seamless. The managing editor found my YouTube channel and liked my style. The station is all about letting individual personalities shine versus having a stiff reporter feel. I was thrown in to the position head first without any television background but I write and produce all of my segments. It’s been a great learning experience and I always embrace a new challenge.

The best piece of business advice I ever got was…

I don’t remember who told me this, but they said “compete with yourself.” It’s so easy to get caught up in what other people are doing that you lose your focus. It’s also a major energy drain. When I see other people succeeding, I know it doesn’t limit my success or make me look at them as someone I need to be threatened by. If anything I look at them as motivation and proof of what’s possible. I want to do bigger and better than I’ve done in the past, I’m my own competition.

I measure success by…

Inspiring people to understand that amazing style can be accomplished at any price tag. I grew up with little money and always remembered thinking my life would be so much better, I’d be more popular and pretty if I had the expensive jeans or latest clothes or a pair of LA Gear sneakers. Obviously my thinking changed as I got older and gained confidence. Also, working in the fashion industry had me surrounded by well-dressed women who had some of the nastiest personalities. If I can help other people to understand feeling good and looking good doesn’t come with a price tag attached, I’m successful.

Be sure to check out the rest of the digital thought leaders as they’re revealed each day by logging on to BlackEnterprise.com/BlackBloggerMonth.

Watch below as Williams reveals the Who, What, Where, When, Why and How of Looking Fly On a Dime’s success.

Video shot and edited by Brain Food Film. Shot on location at the 40/40 Club New York.

 

]]> http://www.blackenterprise.com/money/black-blogger-month-looking-fly-on-a-dime/feed/ 0 RuPaul Decoded: The Man, the Myth, The New Queen of All Media http://www.blackenterprise.com/money/rupaul-decoded-new-queen-of-all-media/ http://www.blackenterprise.com/money/rupaul-decoded-new-queen-of-all-media/#comments Tue, 15 May 2012 21:00:16 +0000 Sirita Wright http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=195737 "You can call me he. You can call me she. You can call me Regis and Kathie Lee; I don’t care! Just as long as you call me.” —RuPaul Born RuPaul Andre Charles, November 17, 1960, celebrity drag queen and entrepreneur RuPaul has worked with the likes of Diana Ross, Elton John, Spike Lee and countless other superstars. At 6’4”, she stands to be the most famous drag queen to walk the Earth. While others have certainly come before her, none have seemed to achieve the level of prosperity or success as RuPaul. With two television shows airing on LOGO—RuPaul’s Drag Race and RuPaul’s Drag U—and a rising social media empire, RuPaul is cashing in big time and just might be the next big media mogul. BlackEnterprise.com Decodes her rise to the top. Sashay! —Sirita Wright THE POWER OF SOUND & WORDS An international music star, RuPaul has released 10 albums over her career, including her most-talked about 1993 LP, Supermodel of the World, which reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart in 1994. RuPaul’s latest albums, Champion (2009) and Glamazon (2011), showed the “Kathie Lee” queen still has it, with both albums ranking in the top 20 of Billboard’s Top Electronic Albums chart—No. 12 (2010) and No. 11 (2011), respectively. And no less than two years after the release of her debut album, RuPaul published her autobiography, Lettin It All Hang Out: An Autobiography (1995), with Publishers Weekly saying, “Some of the most unforgettable women in the world... are men.” Continuing on her found talents as an author, she released her self-help book, Workin’ It! RuPaul’s Guide to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Style (2010). CHANGING THE CHANNEL Aside from her multiple TV (All My Children, Sister, Sister and Sabrina the Teenage Witch) and movie appearances (Spike Lee’s Crooklyn , To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything, The Brady Bunch Movie, A Very Brady Sequel and The Truth About Jane), RuPaul hosted her own VH1 talk show, The RuPaul Show, from 1996 to 1998. Nearly a decade later, LOGO premiered RuPaul’s Drag Race, a reality series that follows 13 contestants around to find “the next superstar drag queen of America.” Now in its fourth season, the show’s rating rose 50% from season three, causing the latest season of RuPaul’s Drag Race to become the highest-rated premiere to air on LOGO in network history. That success led two spin-off shows, RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked, which follows the behind-the-scenes cat-fights and drama between queens while the judges mull over their fate; and RuPaul’s Drag U, where drag “professors” transform the style of the everyday woman and help her unleash her “inner diva.” DIVA DOLLARS In 1995, RuPaul became the first spokesmodel and only drag queen for MAC Cosmetics’ VIVA Glam collection. A year later, she endorsed Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur via national print advertisements. In addition to her individual accomplishments, the fabulous queen’s successful show, RuPaul’s Drag Race, has acquired partnerships with some of today’s leading companies. During and after the show, the winner and contestants receive cruises sponsored by AlandChuck.travel; a lifetime supply of NYX Cosmetics; headlining the LOGO tour sponsored by ABSOLUT® Vodka and $100,000, the largest cash prize since the show’s inception. And having her foot in design, Ru launched a shoe line, RuPaul Drag Race Footwear by Iron Fist, on March 15 to accompany her highly-rated reality series and offer women shoes in all sizes. ALL HAIL THE QUEEN RuPaul’s popularity extends far beyond the LGBT community. Recognized worldwide for her pioneering spirit and self-love philosophy, she has received two GLAAD Media Awards in addition to a NewNowNext Award for Most Addictive Reality Star. She was also nominated for an MTV Video Music Award in 1993 for Best Dance Video for her single, “Supermodel.” RuPaul’s Drag Race was also nominated for a Critics Choice Award for Best New Reality Show. DIGITAL DIVA Deeply engaged in social media, RuPaul and her team use many avenues to reach beyond their general audience to keep them active and informed. With over 170,000 Twitter followers and over 570,000 fans on the Drag Race Facebook fan page, Ru interacts with her fans daily allowing them to participate in contests, watch episode previews and behind-the-scenes footage. And with Foursquare becoming as big as Twitter, RuPaul’s Drag Race and the go-to check in for social media have teamed up to create scavenger hunts and badges for Race fans to check in locations for their fans. With her hands all over the media world, Ru is also active in the app world, with the “Dragulator” app for the iPhone and Android where people can upload pictures of themselves and create a drag persona complete with name, hair, makeup and clothes. “You betta work!” ]]> http://www.blackenterprise.com/money/rupaul-decoded-new-queen-of-all-media/feed/ 0 Samuel L. Jackson Decoded: Hollywood’s Hardest Working Man http://www.blackenterprise.com/money/samuel-l-jackson-decoded/ http://www.blackenterprise.com/money/samuel-l-jackson-decoded/#comments Fri, 11 May 2012 19:30:44 +0000 Shydel James http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=195152 Last year, The Guinness Book of World Records named Samuel L. Jackson the highest-grossing actor of all time. The 63-year-old Washington, D.C. native has starred in over 100 films that have a combined box office gross of almost $8 billion. That’s quite a feat for a man who nearly squandered his talent and life away due to a serious drug and alcohol addiction. Since starting out in the theater in the ’70s as a student at Morehouse College, Jackson has managed to build an estimated net worth of $150 million by appearing in some of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters, like Captain America and Star Wars and low budget critical hits like Eve’s Bayou. The always earnest, off-the-cuff actor has made a fortune playing stern, authoritative characters. His latest role and box office score was as Nick Fury in The Avengers, which broke domestic box office records, pulling in $200.3 million opening weekend. With the May 18th release of his new neo-noir thriller The Samaritan sure to add more zeros to Jackson’s bank account, BlackEnterprise.com decodes the hardest working actor in Hollywood. —Shydel James ACTION JACKSON After 15 years doing Off Broadway productions and travelling tours, Jackson landed the part of crack addict Gator Purify in Spike Lee’s Jungle Fever. The role earned him a Best Supporting Actor award from the Cannes Film Festival, and opened the floodgates to a record-breaking film career. Having built up his cachet in Hollywood with an Oscar nominated turn in the cult classic Pulp Fiction ($212 million), Jackson began working non-stop, averaging four movies a year since 1994, including fail-proof franchises such as Die Hard ($430 million), Jurassic Park ($914 million) and the Star Wars prequel trilogy (over $2 billion). His 2000 remake of Shaft netted Jackson a $10 million payday. That same year, he took home $7 million for his work in M. Night Shyamalan's Unbreakable. In 2009, he signed a multi-million dollar deal with Marvel Studios to reprise the role of Nick Fury in nine movies. With The Avengers poised to cross the $1 billion mark and a sequel already in the works, Jackson is likely to achieve a career global box office tally of $10 billion. He also collects $300,000 in residuals every year from his films that air on television. KING OF THE STAGE In 2011, Jackson went back to his theatre roots by stepping into the shoes of Civil Rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. in a limited engagement of the hit Broadway play, The Mountaintop. The drama, which also starred Oscar nominee Angela Bassett, focuses on a string of fictional events that take place in a motel room the night before King was assassinated. Thanks to Jackson’s movie star drawing power and lauded performance (The New Yorker called his work “admirable, compelling”), the show played to sold out houses, extended its engagement by popular demand, and grossed over $10 million. In fact, with only 24 previews and 117 regular performances, the show managed to recoup its initial investment of $3.1 million, a rare accomplishment for a non-musical Broadway show. MUST BE THE VOICE Jackson has a successful side-career as a voice-over actor, playing an array of roles as varied as the ones he portrays on screen. In 2004, he lent his voice to The Incredibles, a big screen computer-animated film about a family of undercover superheroes that went on to gross $631 million and win two Academy Awards. He also graced the small screen in the recurring role of Gin Rummy in the comic strip turned animated series, The Boondocks, and voiced the antagonist in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, which is one of the best-selling PlayStation 2 video games of all time. Jackson recently tapped into the billion-dollar audiobook industry by signing on with “A-List Collection,” an Amazon-owned company that brings classic novels to life. He lent his rich baritone to a darkly humored version of A Rage in Harlem; provided the voice of God for the audiobook version of the Bible; and helped the mock bedtime story, Go The F**k to Sleep, become a viral sensation that debuted at No. 1 on the New York Times bestsellers list. ]]> http://www.blackenterprise.com/money/samuel-l-jackson-decoded/feed/ 25 Black Blogger Month: Double Saving Divas, Shopping with a Purpose http://www.blackenterprise.com/money/black-blogger-month-double-saving-divas/ http://www.blackenterprise.com/money/black-blogger-month-double-saving-divas/#comments Tue, 08 May 2012 16:00:57 +0000 Aliya Ewing http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=194086

Tai & Tarin Perry, co-founders of DoubleSavingDivas.com

For Chicago natives Tai and Tarin Perry, the gift of thrift was more of a necessity than a hobby. Born into a family of seven, the identical twins learned early how to make a dollar stretch. The sibling entrepreneurs recall begrudgingly helping their mother clip cereal promo coupons as children, until one day they realized all of clippings and codes had amounted to a free family trip to Disney World—only then did they see the benefits of saving and couponing.

Now at 32-years old, the twins have parlayed their long-standing knowledge into DoubleSavingDivas.com, a popular blog that offers up tips and tricks committed to helping others “Save without Compromise.” With over 44,000 unique visitors in monthly traffic, the Double Saving Divas have already captured the attention of daytime TV favorites Rachel Ray and Nate Berkus, as well as TLC’s Extreme Couponing. As BlackEnterprise.com’s Black Blogger Month continues, the Perry sisters share the importance of saving, branding in the digital world, and just what separates a business from a hobby.

We started blogging because…

We were already highly successful at saving money and our techniques have been proven reliable over time. We had this burning desire to help as many people as possible understand the value of money and ways that they can save money and live a fulfilled life while doing so. We knew that we had something to share. We noticed that other cultures were represented predominately in the media but there was no one that looked liked us. We knew that our culture needed a recognizably relatable voice. We know that sometimes others can hear from someone that looks just like them and say, “If they can do it I can, too.”

Saving is so important for people of color because…

Before anyone else can help us we need to first learn how to help ourselves. In helping ourselves the key is to have a new vision of what our money is and what it is to be used for. Once we realize this understanding we will no longer have to wait for someone to open up a door for us. We will be in position to open up our own doors and make our own way in this world. Learning how to save money in all areas of your life is a way that the playing field can be leveled for anyone.

The one thing we’ll always pay full price for is…

Peace of mind. Peace should always be pursued at any cost. It represents our emotional atmosphere. Inner contentment is an essential element for all humanity regardless of age, race, gender or social status.  Peace is priceless!

DoubleSavingDivas.com stands out from other blogs because…

We don’t just tell people where the coupons and the store deals are. We also show them how to incorporate their savings and techniques into every aspect of their lives. Also, our blog is unique because we are the only African American savvy saving identical twins in this space that we currently know of, doing what we do.

The biggest mistake we ever made in business was…

Not starting sooner.

What we learned from that was…

Once you have a vision don’t hesitate to take the necessary steps in making your vision into reality sooner rather than later. While working a 9-to-5 career, we had to take the necessary steps to incorporate our blogging into our already busy schedules. We couldn’t allow being a wife, mother, and career woman stop us from pursuing our passion in building our brand.

Click here to continue reading…


The biggest lesson we learned about branding in the digital space…

Was that people need a reason to remember you. You need to make yourself unforgettable. You are your brand so your brand needs to be credible. If your brand is not credible then you will be viewed as unreliable.

People trust our brand because…

Our viewership has always seen our transparency and honesty as a great benefit. From the beginning we have put ourselves out there. We tell about our successes as well as our failures in hopes that people would be benefited by both. Our strategies have been tried and have been proven to be successful over time. Our techniques are very doable and we strive to take complex concepts and make sure that anybody can put them to use.

Networking is important in the digital space because…

Technology has become our unlimited mouthpiece. Networking is a vast web and it helps to strengthen your brand. It links people and events from all over the world instantly. Aside from our blog and television appearances, we cast an international net with our expansive YouTube presence. We utilize Facebook and Twitter to connect with our viewership and colleagues on a daily basis.

The best piece of business advice we ever got was…

One of our husbands once told us, “The effort that you put into your vision separates whether or not you have a business or a hobby.”

How we measure success is…

When one of our followers tells us that they have become successful at saving and we changed their life.

The advice we have for anyone who wants to follow in our footsteps is…

Practice first. Ask yourself the hard questions: Do I know how to save money in all areas of my life? Take progressive steps. Don’t try to do so much at once. Build your brand slowly and methodically. People often make the mistake of doing too much up front and end up as a jack-of-all-trades and a master of none.

Next on the horizon for us is…

We are currently producing our own Internet based show titled, “Let’s Save Money.” In addition, there has been quite a bit of interest brought our way for us to entertain the idea of having our own reality show, talk show and even a book! We would love for this to be the next step for D$D!

Be sure to check out the rest of the digital thought leaders as they’re revealed each day by logging on to BlackEnterprise.com/BlackBloggerMonth.

]]> http://www.blackenterprise.com/money/black-blogger-month-double-saving-divas/feed/ 4 NBA Decoded: Does Social Media Make Athletes Worse Role Models? http://www.blackenterprise.com/money/nba-decoded-does-social-media-make-athletes-worse-role-models/ http://www.blackenterprise.com/money/nba-decoded-does-social-media-make-athletes-worse-role-models/#comments Mon, 07 May 2012 20:00:32 +0000 BlackEnterprise.com http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=194499

(Image: Getty)

By Alec Banks for HypeBeast

It was 1993 when Charles Barkley penned the infamous text for his now iconic Nike commercial where he proclaimed, “I am not a role model. I’m not paid to be a role model. I’m paid to wreak havoc on the basketball court. Parents should be role models. Just because I dunk a basketball, doesn’t mean I should raise your kids.” Clear, succinct and thought provoking, the words still hold weight in today’s contemporary athletic landscape, but for completely different reasons.

Nearly 20 years ago athletes did as they pleased, only entering the public news scope if an off the court/field dustup was so monumental that the nightly news couldn’t afford not to cover it. Today, thanks to the advancement in social media with tools like Facebook and Twitter, athletes have signed up for a 24 hour a day news conference—forgoing filters in exchange for fuel that they add to a nightly stew full of politics, scandal and pop culture oochie wally. Athletes want the ability to make millions while still being able to crack off-kilter and slightly offensive jokes without seeing the number of zeroes in their paycheck affected. Unfortunately, that’s not how it works. Athletes may not be role models, but they’re certainly digital lightning rods.

Twitter is a medium built around choosing one’s word wisely – given only 140 characters to make a group of followers laugh, cry or wax poetic over a group of words that create a brain boogaloo. But as history has shown us, it’s done more damage to an athlete’s career than it’s ever helped them stay “connected” with their fans – surely an excuse when a manager or coach asks a player why they’re even dedicating a nanosecond to social media exploits. From Rashard Mendenhall’s unfortunate comments about Osama bin Laden which occurred almost exactly a year ago, to former Chiefs running back Larry Johnson who was cut from the team after making inflammatory statements about then coach Todd Haley—Twitter proves that statements made regarding off-color subjects as well as more “relevant” sports-related chatter are always going to lead to more controversy than resolution. Sports are played with emotion – social media shouldn’t be treated in the same way. Steelers safety Ryan Clark went so far as to say that “social media is ruining the world.”

Click here to continue reading on HypeBeast…

]]> http://www.blackenterprise.com/money/nba-decoded-does-social-media-make-athletes-worse-role-models/feed/ 0 The Avengers Decoded: The Makings of a Marvelous Movie Franchise http://www.blackenterprise.com/money/the-avengers-decoded-the-makings-of-a-marvelous-movie-franchise/ http://www.blackenterprise.com/money/the-avengers-decoded-the-makings-of-a-marvelous-movie-franchise/#comments Mon, 07 May 2012 18:00:00 +0000 Anslem Samuel http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=194782 This past weekend Disney and Marvel Studios joined forces to release The Avengers, an all-star fan boy film based off the popular comic book series. While critics expected the film to do well, at the end of film’s opening weekend it not only secured the No. 1 spot but also broke domestic box office records, pulling in $200.3 million over the course of three days. The Avengers’ ticket sales eclipsed the previous record-holder, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, which opened with $169.2 million in summer 2011. The film’s success is not limited to US shores, as it opened internationally two weeks ago to the tune of $441.5 million across 52 global markets. As it stands at press time, The Avengers has grossed well over $642.8 million globally. BlackEnterprise.com takes a look at the “marvelous” success of the prequel films that led up to this record-breaking showing. —Anslem Samuel Rocque THE HULK (2003) Despite being panned by critics and fans alike, director Ang Lee’s telling of comic book anti-hero The Hulk pulled in over $62 million it’s opening weekend in June 2003. Starring Eric Bana as Bruce Banner/The Hulk, the film went on to earn $132,177,234 domestically and an additional $113,183,246 internationally, bringing it’s worldwide box office tally over $245 million. THE INCREDIBLE HULK (2008) With the original film considered a “flop” due to its bad reviews and muddled storyline, Marvel took five years of planning to reboot the franchise with a new star (Edward Norton) and director (Louis Leterrier). The end product saw slightly better results ($263 million worldwide) and reviews. IRON MAN (2008) The true tent pole of The Avengers franchise is the original Iron Man film, starring Robert Downey, Jr. as billionaire playboy Tony Starks/Iron Man. The film provided a resurgence of Downey’s career and fans’ hope for a superhero super-movie on the horizon. Also starring Terrence Howard, Iron Man made a whopping $318,412,101 domestically and an additional $266,762,121 internationally, bringing the film’s total haul to over $585 million. IRON MAN 2 (2010) Proving it was no fluke, Iron Man 2 opened with an impressive $128,122,480 its opening weekend in May 2010. When the dust settled, Downey and director Jon Favreau eclipsed their previous work, pulling in a worldwide box office draw of over $623 million. THOR (2011) While Iron man was living up to his name at the box office, The Avengers needed more than one star to be a success. Chris Hemsworth filled in nicely as the god of thunder Thor. The Kenneth Branagh-directed film opened strong with $65,723,338 its first weekend and went on to $181,030,624 domestically and an additional $268,295,994 in international ticket sales. The worldwide box office draw wound up at almost $450 million. CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER (2011) Rounding up the prequel films was director Joe Johnston’s Captain America: The First Avenger. Starring Chris Evans as the WWII super soldier who gets suspended in time, the film grossed $176,654,505 domestically and an additional $191,953,858 internationally, bringing the worldwide box office number to over $368 million. ]]> http://www.blackenterprise.com/money/the-avengers-decoded-the-makings-of-a-marvelous-movie-franchise/feed/ 1 10 Black NFL Rookies Who Cashed in Big on Draft Day http://www.blackenterprise.com/money/10-black-nfl-rookies-who-cashed-in-big-on-draft-day/ http://www.blackenterprise.com/money/10-black-nfl-rookies-who-cashed-in-big-on-draft-day/#comments Fri, 04 May 2012 20:00:43 +0000 Mia N. Hall http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=194374 While most students just hope to earn well above minimum wage out of college, NFL rookies usually cash in paychecks close to that of mega millions lottery ticket winner. The NFL is a $7-9 billion business, and with big money comes big contracts. Although, because of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement effective in 2011, rookies are not getting much less than their predecessors, new players are still earning large salaries before they even step foot on the field. For example, Cam Newton, the No. 1 draft pick in 2011, received $22 million. Though his salary is elephantine compared to his peers, Newton and the 2011 No. 2 pick combined did not equal the amount of Sam Bradford, who was the highest paid rookie in NFL history, signing with the St. Louis Rams for $78 million in 2010. Though a few of these players did not live up to their full potential, many are proving their worth on the field. Here is a glimpse of 10 of the highest contracts given to NFL rookies of color in recent years. —Mia Hall NDAMUKONG SUH Suh was the No. 2 pick in the 2010 NFL draft. A Defensive Tackle from Nebraska, this 6’7” powerhouse was recruited by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a five-year contract worth $63.5 million. He was guaranteed $40 million and had $8 million in incentives. GERALD MCCOY In 2010, McCoy was chosen as the No. 3 pick by Tampa Bay, as well. A defensive tackle from Oklahoma University, he was promised $63.5 million for five years with $35 million guaranteed. Though he had torn bicep injuries in his first two seasons, McCoy’s coaches are looking forward to him coming back and dominating next season. AARON CURRY This offensive linebacker from Wake Forest was given a six-year contract worth $60 million with $34 million guaranteed by the Seattle Seahawks. The No. 4 draft pick in 2009, he was the highest chosen linebacker since Lavar Arrington was chosen in 2000. In 2009, the only other person to get a higher guaranteed amount was Matthew Stafford at $41.9 million. Curry is currently signed to the Oakland Raiders, who he’s been with since 2011. JASON SMITH Smith was also in the 2009 draft and at the No. 2 pick, was given a $61 million contract with $33 million guaranteed. A tackle for the St. Louis Rams, Smith, also known as “Smooth,” won All-American honors in 2008 while a student at Baylor University. TYSON JACKSON Currently a defensive end for the Kansas City Chiefs, Jackson was chosen third in the first round of the 2009 draft. Hailing from Louisiana State, close to his hometown of New Orleans, he acquired a five-year contract worth $57 million with $31 million guaranteed. Earlier this year, Jackson, who has 124 tackles and two sacks since entering the league, saw his base salary increase from $2+ million to $8+ million, according to a league source. He proved himself on the field and is reaping the benefits. DARREN MCFADDEN A former Arkansas Razorback and SEC Offensive Player of the Year in 2007, McFadden was drafted to become a running back for the Oakland Raiders in 2008. He had a six-year contract worth $60 million, with $26 million guaranteed. The tenth of twelve children, McFadden has overcome a lot of controversy off the field, but, nonetheless, has continued to persevere. JAMARCUS RUSSELL Though he’s currently inactive, Russell received a large contract with the Oakland Raiders in 2007. Nailing a $61 million contract, with $32 million guaranteed, Russell was expected to bring the team victory but has been noted as one of the major disappointments in NFL history. He was released in 2009 because of low performance, including being the single qualifying quarterback with the least passing touchdowns or passing yards, in addition to significant weight gain. While his NFL career is in question there are rumors of Russell returning to the field as part of the Professional Indoor Football League with the Louisiana Swashbucklers. CALVIN JOHNSON A wide receiver for the Detroit Lions, Johnson reportedly signed a rookie contract worth $64 million, with $27.2 million fully guaranteed. Johnson, also known as “Megatron,” was chosen second in the 2007 draft from Georgia Tech. Not only did he win the most votes to be on the Madden 13 video game cover, he also recently signed an eight year deal with the Lions which is said to be valued at over $130 million, with $60 million guaranteed, making him the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL History. MARIO WILLIAMS Currently a defensive end for the Buffalo Bills, Williams originally had a six-year contract worth $54 million with the Houston Texans. Williams had $26.5 million guaranteed and $8.1 million in incentives. The No. 1 pick in the 2006 draft, Williams played at North Carolina State and was a two-time Pro Bowl selection (2008, 2009). REGGIE BUSH Super Bowl champion, Heisman trophy winner, and formerly one of the most popular of the New Orleans Saints, Bush, who was the No. 2 in the 2006 draft, was given a six-year deal as a rookie. Coming from the University of Southern California, Bush was given a $52.5 million dollar agreement with $25.74 million in guaranteed money. Currently a running back for the Miami Dolphins under a two-year contract worth $10 million, Bush continues to have success and thrive in his football career. ]]> http://www.blackenterprise.com/money/10-black-nfl-rookies-who-cashed-in-big-on-draft-day/feed/ 9 Decoded: The World Without Tiger Woods http://www.blackenterprise.com/money/decoded-the-world-without-tiger-woods/ http://www.blackenterprise.com/money/decoded-the-world-without-tiger-woods/#comments Thu, 03 May 2012 15:53:36 +0000 Anslem Samuel http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=194304 Brazilian Ogilvy recently conceptualized a unique ad campaign for Forbes called The World Without… The print ads take a look at some of the world’s richest and most influential people and, well, images the world without them, resulting in some interesting (and sometimes humorous) domino effect stats. The public figures featured range from Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg to Donald Trump. Also included was golf pro Tiger Woods, who saw his brand tarnished by a series of sex scandals. Here’s a snap shot of The World Without… Tiger Woods. A World Without...Tiger Woods would mean $50 million less for the Tiger Woods Foundation Children A World Without...Tiger Woods would mean 18 less holes in one. A World Without...Tiger Woods would mean one less celebrity Buddhist in the world. A World Without... Tiger Woods would mean 27 less world records. A World Without... Tiger Woods would mean four less wax statues in museums. A World Without... Tiger Woods would mean 121 less women saying they slept with him. Click here to read more from The World Without... campaign. ]]> http://www.blackenterprise.com/money/decoded-the-world-without-tiger-woods/feed/ 0