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2020 was many things, but for these bodacious powerhouse bosses, it was a year of discovering their divine favor in Marketplace ministry.

Whether they are out launching marketplace innovations, owning and operating several McDonald’s franchises, or becoming amazing best-selling authors, meet Sheen’s 10 trailblazing women to watch in the marketplace ministry.

These praying boss babes are guaranteed to have us all on the edge of our seats. Find out why and their words of wisdom for those engaging in the marketplace ministry in 2021.

photo courtesy of Sonia White

  1. Sonia R. White

A health education graduate of the University of Houston, US Air Force Veteran, author, and philanthropist, Sonia R. White founded Smart Men in Leadership Excellence – S.M.I.L.E  Foundation Inc. to transform the lives of young minority men in STEM education and mentoring. (Smilementor.org). She represents +20 years’ experience in the Healthcare industry, focusing on radiology science, and continues to do more in improving community laws against diabetes, obesity, stroke, and COVID-19 among other health concerns.

As part of her philanthropy works, Sonia has engaged in many volunteer activities meriting multiple awards such as the Volunteer Life Time Achievement Award from former President Barack Obama. Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee also recognized Sonia for her humanitarian works. Motivated by the desire to do even more, she is creating a mentoring software program live Match Mentor, LLC, under the slogan “Your One-Stop Mentor Shop,” which will be a mentoring platform to elevate and educate students and professionals. 

photo courtesy of Smith Foundation

  1. Mya Smith-Edmonds

She is a McDonald’s franchise owner of 7 McDonald’s Restaurants. She’s a Real Estate Investor, Author, Public Speaker, and a Co-Founder/Vice President of THE SMITH FOUNDATION, INC. The Smith Foundation, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization that was Established to reach, uplift, support, enhance the lives of, others and empower all people to reach their full potential. Motivated by the sole purpose to maximize the power of helping people and support communities in need by creating a platform for people to experience the joy of serving. From food drives to scholarships Mya Smith- Edmonds truly shies as VP of the Smith Foundation. To learn more, click here.

Mya’s keys to success in 2021

Keep God First in EVERYTHING, BELIEVE in Your Dreams, Stay FOCUSED Doing THE WORK, NEVER QUIT – Before Your Blessings Come and Be a GIVER!

YOU WILL RECEIVE THE BLESSING, IF YOU REMAIN STANDING, AFTER THE TRIALS.

Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

photo by Trishiar Williams- Poetic Pix

  1. Pamela D Smith

Highly dedicated, intuitive, and empowerment-driven, Pamela D. Smith is a leading inspirational speaker, consultant, literary evangelist, and multi-published author. An advocate expert in helping women heal, share, and release by walking clients through her signature Coaching with a twist methodology Pamela is certainly one to watch in 2021! (Trust us on this).  Keep your eyes and notification on for her very next move. To learn more about Pamela, click here.

photo by Better than Amazing Productions

  1. Shenequwa Nicole

Shenequwa Nicole, founder of Endless Investments Inc. a financial firm dedicated to helping business owners and nine to fivers transition early retirement by wealth mapping and legacy building.

Providing clear obtainable guided steps has led Endless Investment clients to financial security and creating a wealth portfolio formulated to surpass retirement and endow from generation to generation.

photo by Charles Sosocity Gbadebo

  1. Media Maven, Dr. Catrina 

A Louisiana native making a global impact as an entertainment executive & visionary who is known as “The Whisperer” and “The Negotiator” in the industry. As the Chief Creative Officer of Puissance Maison Productions, I lead a collective of creatives, producers, and strategists based across the globe. The group includes experts on music, arts, hospitality, festivals, publishing, film, and television. As President and Co-Creator of PullCorp Media & Business Consulting Group (PMG), I oversee a variety of public relations and business development efforts for our clientele. PMG is a full-service publicity boutique specializing in executive and talent visibility; television and film media pitches; red carpet premieres; and special events. Click here for more information.

Business advice for entrepreneurs in 2021: In today’s industry, individuals can encounter many challenges in pursuing a career in entertainment. The primary question I often hear is, “How do I stand out?” I share one of my favorite mantras in response to this question. “I am not looking for the IT FACTOR, I am SHE and SHE is ME!” Being exactly who you were created to be is your superpower and it will resonate with the right audience. In addition to being authentic, one must be confident and have faith in their abilities.

photo courtesy of Touch Of Pizzazz Salon

  1. DeNeka Dove Charles of  Touch of Pizzazz Salon

Houston’s most celebrated natural hair salon and hair enthusiast DeNeka Dove Charles owner of Touch of Pizzazz Salon has been coined the go-to queen for all things natural hair!  Educating both online and in-salon the importance of understanding the true nature of kinks, curls, wavy hair textures, and locs.

Tips for business owners: Adding a touch of pizzazz even in business isn’t meant to change you but enhance you, “Where just a touch is enough!”

photo by 7Trophy

  1. Vanessa Lampkin

Vanessa Lampkin is the Founder/CEO of VC Strategic Solutions is an outsourcing company specializing in Small Business Development, Back Office Strategic Solutions, Workforce Development, Human Resource, and Safety Management. We have over 20 plus years in providing creative solutions to small business owners.  Whether we are coaching small business owners on business formation, developing marketing plans, creating and implementing strategic planning for B2B and B2C, B2G contracting, minority certifications, bookkeeping, and payroll, or building contractor relationships, VC Strategic Solutions aims to go above and beyond to deliver exceptional results.

Advice for business owners: My advice to female entrepreneurs is to analyze themselves. It’s important to know what your strengths and weaknesses are so that you can focus on being intentional and strategic in those areas.

photo by Gatehouse Publishing

  1. Yolanda Ford, Founder, Miracles R Real Outreach, Inc.

Miracles R Real Outreach a 501c3 driven to give hope to the hopeless by providing financial assistance and basic care essentials. What began as a vision inspired by the Holy Spirit to love, empower, and inspire individuals and families who feel forgotten, unloved, or in need has grown to a ministry growing social impact enterprise of love, prayer, and needed assistance.

photo by Topsys Photography

  1. Kristen Fenrick 

Kristen Fenrick is the Founder and CEO of Klearly Kristen, Inc. a global fashion and accessories brand, and the Founder of Daughters of Eden International Ministries. As an elite executive sales professional, teacher, trainer, coach, and as a woman of faith, Kristen helps women to find their authentic voice. By helping women tap into the healing power of God’s word and letting go of the emotional baggage from their past, Kristen helps women to forge their new terrain with boldness, confidence, and success.

You can find Kristen on social media at @kristenfenrick on IG, FB, and Twitter and on her official website. where you can find highlights and tips on how to elevate your life and to shop the brand! You can also find Kristen this spring, on her inspiring television show, EnStyle with Klearly Kristen, which will debut on Church Space TV.

photo by M. Denise Simmons Productions

  1. Audrey Brooks

Audrey Brooks is a Board-Certified Christian Counselor, a Pastor, Author, and Master Life Coach. She empowers individuals to release the past, resist stagnation, and arise from spiritual desolate places by igniting a passion for the purpose and provoking forward progress by generating growth. It is through her personal struggle to let go of the past that she purposely works to help individuals release the hurts of the past.

With over 35 years’ experience in leadership and a purpose-filled passion to inspire and ignite forward movement, Audrey empowers leaders to shift from past to purpose. Audrey travels around the country bringing awareness to the psychological price of entrepreneurship and provides needed support and strategies to help leaders overcome mental health issues impacting the successful manifestation of God’s vision.

Advice for business owners: Remember the vision must first come from God, therefore we must go before Him and allow Him to direct our path. It is then that you pray for wisdom, plan with purpose, and pursue with patience and perseverance.  As you begin to work on your plan, seek a support community, seek understanding through education, remain steadfast, and never give up.

Connect with a coach to help strategically and purposely work your plan. Most importantly “never give up on the vision God has given you.” Always plan your work and work your plan!

Proverbs 21:5 in the New Living Translation says: “Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.” 

photo courtesy of She Boss Talk

  1. Shanté‌ Roddy, Founder & CEO She Boss Talk 

An advocate, entrepreneur, teacher, philanthropist, and master networker and owner of She Boss Talk; a media marketing company, network, and movement amplifying the influence and impact of female leaders, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. Daily Shante leads an online community of over 25,000 black women in business; facilitating several initiatives and events to bring us together, break barriers, create opportunities for collaboration and success. Learn more here.

Featured Image by Charles Sosocity Gbadebo