She is inspiring (Arlice Nichole)
Happy Monday,
When I first stepped onto the lovely blogging scene just a few months ago I decided to reach out to certain bloggers to introduce myself and ask for advice. Lets just say that I only got a few responses. LOL. But its all good because the universe puts the “right” people in your life at the “right” time. Arlice Nichole has supported me from day one. It started with her leaving comments, then we exchanged emails, now I feel like we are friends. She is a sweetheart and one of the most driven women I know.
Keep up the amazing work Arlice!
Peace & Love,
Ally
She-blogs: What was your inspiration for your blog “A Woman’$ Worth”?
Arlice: I’ve found that many African Americans don’t grow-up learning basic money management skills. As a result many graduate college or enter adulthood unarmed with the skills needed for a healthy financial life, and in debt. That’s why A Woman’$ Worth was created. It’s a girl’s guide to keeping her finances fit and fabulous. It provides information on savings, budgeting, getting out of debt and more. I’m also a girly girl, so you will find the occasional fabulous deal or steal there too. I don’t believe in total deprivation.
She-blogs: Can you tell me what you think the five most important steps a woman should take to start making better financial decisions?
Arlice:
1. Begin building an emergency savings account as soon as possible. The current economy is reason enough. Start small if you need to and build over time.
2. Embrace the budget. When implemented and used consistently, it truly is a great tool.
3. Pay down debt. If you think in terms of progress, you will stay motivated and committed to paying it down.
4. Because total deprivation leads to failure, establish and contribute a small amount of money to a “me” account. This is for the occasional pair of fabulous shoes, a bangin bag, or anything you like to treat yourself to every blue moon.
5. Pay yourself first by contributing to a retirement fund with each pay. Not everyone can start with the recommended 10 percent. So start with what you can, even if it’s just $10 then progressively contribute more over time.
She-blogs: Were you always interested in being a writer and did you go to school for it?
Arlice: Yes! I have wanted to be a writer since the age of seven. When I was nine, I created a neighborhood magazine for my friends out of notebook paper and torn out advertisements called The Girl Tymes. I was also on the newspaper staff throughout junior high and high school, and I entered college as a broadcast journalism major leaving with a BA in English from Kent State University.
She-blogs: Why do you love what you do?
Arlice: Writing is like air for me. I love nothing more than providing information, inspiration, and motivation for women. If I could not write I think what makes me feel so alive would die.
She-blogs: Do you have tips for someone who may want to become a writer and start their own blog?
Arlice: Yes! Choose a topic you love and will love today, tomorrow and the next day. It’s very hard to write and keep a blog that covers something you have no passion for. Also, learn everything you can about your topic and audience. It could lead to bigger and better things in the future. If you want to write and blog professionally, get yourself known. One book I highly recommend is Get Known before the Book Deal by Christina Katz. It provides great tips and strategies that help you build your platform and put your name out there.
She-blogs: Who else do you write for?
Arlice: I write for Clutch Magazine on beauty and personal finance topics as well as Lavish Magazine on style news and fashion trends. I was also just invited to be a guest blogger for The Creating Wealth Blog.
She-blogs: Are there any other job fields you would like to explore in the future?
Arlice: Definitely! I’m very interested in being part of an editorial team for a major woman’s magazine.
She-blogs: How old are your children and how do you balance being a mompreneur?
Arlice: I have four beautiful kids. Autumn, 9, Jalen, 6, Nia Skye, almost 2 and Aryn, 3 months. My husband and I make a great team and thank goodness for daycare.
She-blogs: Name one place that you have never been that you want to travel to and why?
Arlice: London. I studied a lot of British lit in college and many of the stories and poems took place there and all over Europe. So a trip to London for me would be like going back into history. I’m a history buff anyway and have always been fascinated with everything about London. I want to visit Westminster Abbey, The Tower of London, and The River Thames as well as indulge in the modern side of British life.
She-blogs: What is your mantra on life?
Arlice: It’s not your aptitude but your attitude that determines your altitude in life.
She-blogs: Who inspires you?
Arlice: Women who are empowered and want to empower others. Love it!
She-blogs: When was the last time you laughed so hard you couldn’t breath?
Arlice: Ok, I frequent bookstore cafes quite often. One day I was at Barnes & Noble and found a brand new magazine for women that spoke to me and I squealed with glee! I picked it up and immediately started reading the cover while walking toward the escalator to go upstairs. With latte in hand, while walking, and still reading the magazine’s cover, I tried to go up the down escalator. Losing my balance the magazine flew out of my hand and my latte splashed everywhere. LOL
She-blogs: What do you do to stay balanced?
Arlice: I make sure I get my “me” time. Bookstore cafes are my favorite places. I get peppermint flavored latte or mocha, a pastry, grab a bunch of magazines, find a cushy chair, kick off my shoes and just read and relax for a few hours. Sometimes I take my journal with me and write in it.
She-blogs: What do you like the most about the way you look?
Arlice: My mother passed away when I was seven, so I love that I have her apple cheeks that pop-up when I smile. They’re a fond reminder of her.
