Cake Diva

- Porsha Kimble
I had a discussion with her to find out, how and why Cake Diva came in to existence. Porsha was laid off from work a few years ago from her full time job, but was teaching cake decorating, but was not taking it seriously; not until finding out she would not receive unemployment. She had to do something, especially with no family with her in the same location.
Because of that desire to do something that could pay the bills, Porsha honed in on her skills. Teaching cake decorating and baking for all occasions would support her needs. Baking cakes, cookies, pies, cupcakes and just about anything this Cake Diva can do.
I had to see if she could really uphold the name of Cake Diva. Porsha provided to me a cake sample tray. There was an arrangement of flavors; White Chocolate, Wedding White, Butter, Amaretto, Champagne, Raspberry Vanilla, Irish Cream, Red velvet, Mexican Chocolate and Butter Cream icing to sample with each piece of cake. All of the samples were really good; the cake was moist and my taste buds could tell me each flavor. It really was hard to choose a favorite. But if I just had to choose, it would be the Wedding White, Butter, Amaretto, Champagne and Red Velvet. The butter cream icing, oh my, I could just spoon a mouthful of it, yes it was that good.
February 2011, Porsha applied for “The Next Great Baker” on TLC. Three months later she was contacted to submit photos of her cakes. Shortly after that, she received a set of 26 questions that would need to be responded to in a video. Porsha submitted her video and less than 24 hours later TLC wanted more. The second video was submitted and TLC responded that she may be up for a trip to NYC to interview in person. About three weeks, later it was confirmed and TLC arranged for Porsha to go to NYC to do an interview in person and to do a cake challenge.
Porsha flew in on a Wednesday and Thursday morning it was on! She got to go to the new facility that the Cake Boss built. Her interview was over an hour long. She had to frost a double layered six inch cake that was filled, and create a butter cream rose, a bottom border and write a word or a name on the cake and had ten minutes to do so.
Just when she began the challenge, one of the characters from the show, Frankie, came and stood by her, commenting on her cake skills during the challenge. She completed the challenge, with two minutes to spare and completed two roses and did a top and bottom border.
Porsha says, that was an amazing experience of TV at its finest and the art facility was amazing! Porsha also had the opportunity to meet five out of the twenty-four contestants and go to Carlos Bakery. She says they are not as crazy about cupcakes like we are in Texas.
A week later TLC contacted her that she didn’t make the show. Even though she did not make the show, she felt blessed to have tried out for something for the first time and make it that far. Out of thousands of people in the US, she made it to the last 25 contestants to be on the show.
When you need a cake for your next occasion, I highly recommend Cake Diva located in Grand Prairie, Texas.
open source video, online video platform, video streaming, video solutions
Innovative Styles

- Kimberly Beal
Kimberly Beal, a Dallas native, is a 38 yr old mother of a young princess and is also the owner of Kim’s Innovative Styles. Kim’s Innovative Styles is located in Desoto, Texas.
Kim has always been a “fashionista” since her high school days where she enrolled in cosmetology. In 1991 after receiving her license, Beal pursued her dream as an entrepreneur.
Kim’s Innovative Styles became an independent salon that offers hair care and other beauty services.
Beal, chose this business because she was passionate about hair care and had a strong passion in enhancing other women’s beauty. Even though Kim is the owner/stylist, she found that she was being dictated on how she should care for her clients hair, which was one of her beginning mistakes. However, since then, Kim has allowed her skills to outweigh any dictation giving by the client.
Kim, who consistently attends continuing education classes to maintain knowledge of hair care and style, knows what is best for healthy and stylish hair.
When you are ready for an innovative style, call Kim and tell her LaVida sent you!!
Hours of Operation
Tuesday and Friday: 6:00am to 1:00pm
Wednesday and Thursday: 8:00am to 7:00pm
Saturday: 5:30am to 1:00pm
Phone: 214- 288- 4438
Gift Certificates
Give the gift of styles by purchasing a gift certificate for any service offered by Kim’s Innovative Styles.
Delactables’ for Your Tastebuds

- Meatball Madness
Soulful and savory are words that can define the food that is prepared by DeShon’s Catering. DeShon’s Catering is your one stop for great food and service. BPW had an opportunity to interview Shonna Brown who is the Director of Marketing & Sales for DeShon’s Catering and Squared Marketing. Please read interview below.
BPW: Please share with us why you chose to go in business for yourself?
Deshon’s Celebrity Catering: My Mother, my role-model, has owned and operated her business for over 20 years and still counting.
BPW: Please explain what your business is?
Deshon’s Celebrity Catering: Spicy, sassy, soulful, sophisticated, cajun-style comfort foods that warms everyone’s spirits who tastes any of our dishes.
BPW: Why did you choose the business that you are in?
Deshon’s Celebrity Catering: Recession proof—everyone loves to eat, especially great food.
BPW: What was the first mistake you made in your business? If any.
Deshon’s Celebrity Catering: Not being very specific and detailed on contracts with all clients. We now believe that every aspect of the event has to be covered in black and white to prevent any misunderstandings.
BPW: How long have you been in business?
Deshon’s Celebrity Catering: 5 ½ years and still counting
If you are needing a caterer for your next event I highly and personally recommend www.DeShonsCatering.com . I have had an opportunity to taste the food and observe their professionalism and customer service at an event I attended. Therefore, I can promise you will be pleased. Please contact them today for your next event and tell them LaVida sent you!
open source video, online video platform, video streaming, video solutions
You also can contact them at:
Facebook: DeShons Catering
Twitter: DeShons Catering
Myspace: DeShons Caterin
Phone: 817~681~5879
Specializing in Fun & Big Exposure

Dana Williams
Black Professional Women Moderator: Please share with us why you chose to go in business for yourself?
DNW Enterprises: Initially I went in business for myself as a way of earning some extra money while I was working full time. At the time, I wasn’t earning enough money at my job to make ends meet and as a single mom, it wasn’t feasible for me to go out and get a second job. So I began my own home business in 2002.
Black Professional Women Moderator: Please explain what your business is?
DNW Enterprises: Well I have several websites and over the years have tried many types of business ventures including selling beauty products, discount medical cards, legal plans…you name it, I’ve probably done it. After doing some soul searching, I decided to build my business around what I am truly passionate about. This is really important! So now I have combined my two passions—travel and internet marketing with my administrative skills into my business. DNW Enterprises is a marketing and travel management company that provides internet marketing services to small businesses who want to get more exposure online for their business. I also coordinate travel arrangements for groups, clubs, and organizations providing complete travel itineraries at all-inclusive resorts and on cruises.
Black Professional Women Moderator: Why did you choose the business that you are in?
DNW Enterprises: I chose this business because I’m good at it and I love it. I was able to combine my two passions with my administrative skills into a business. I’m doing what I’ve always wanted to do.
Black Professional Women Moderator: As a mother, how do you keep the balance between motherhood and professional business owner?
DNW Enterprises: It’s hard! I won’t lie about that, but I am constantly working to create a balance between the two. One good thing is that my son is old enough now that he can help me do some things in my business so we spend that time together and he understands that after the work is done, we can go have fun. 
Black Professional Women Moderator: How long have you been in business?
DNW Enterprises: I started my business in 2002, so it will be 8 years this October.
Business Contact Information:
DNW Enterprises
http://www.DnwEnterprises.com
Phone: 1-866-280-1535
Fullfilling Dreams, Providing Excellence
Black Professional Women Moderator: Please share with us why you chose to go in business for yourself?
Unique Una Consultant: I decided that is was much more to life than doing what I have been doing. I wanted more time to share with my family, as well as, time for myself. In other words, having control of my destiny of success.
Black Professional Women Moderator: Please explain what your business is?
Unique Una Consultant: Our mission at Unique Una~Consultant is to make a difference in the lives of others. We accept projects in business consulting that are honorable and worthy of our best efforts on behalf of our clients and the greater good. We hold our clients and ourselves to the highest standards of excellence and personal integrity, honesty, and morality. Being a provider of excellence includes qualities of high standards, hard work, independence and the burning desire to help people fulfill their dreams. Unique Una~Consultant provides services which includes strategic planning, business plans, general consulting, cash flow projects, budgets and forecasts, financing alternatives and credit solutions.
Black Professional Women Moderator: Why did you choose the business that you are in?
Unique Una Consultant: I chose the consulting business because I love sharing information while helping others conquer their business ventures. Being able to paint the vivid picture that any business can become successful with adequate planning and knowledge can happen. After all, dreams do come true.
Black Professional Women Moderator: How long have you been in business?
Unique Una Consultant: I have been in business over 10 years, as a matter of fact, my business desires begun when I was a young teen by teaching piano lessons and from that point I always knew that working for self will allow me to accomplish my dreams much easier.
Black Professional Women Moderator: What was the first mistake you made in your business, if you made any?
Unique Una Consultant: The first mistake I made in business what hiring and becoming in partnership with family and friends. Remember, you are in business to ensure that you will gain you desires of being your own boss, therefore, other situations or matters can become distracters. Distracters you always want to eliminate.
Black Professional Women Moderator: How well do you think your business will do?
Unique Una Consultant: First of all, one must develop the mindset that my business will be successful no matter what, from that point you are able to move forward and create ideas along while providing excellent and quality service at all times. Remember it’s not about you, it’s about your clients and customers. Therefore, if you have already painted that vivid picture of SUCCESS you will be just that “SUCCESSFUL” so to answer the question , my business shall be the number one consulting business “Provider Of Excellence” my business motto.
Black Professional Women Moderator: What advice would you give to a new business owner?
Unique Una Consultant: My advice to business owner is to always put clients or customers first, and already have your mindset developed before stepping outside the box. Success is already your destiny; it’s up to you if you want it.
Business Name: Unique Una Consultant
Type: Business Consulting
Address: P.O. Box 901 Hampton, GA. 30228
Phone #: 770-990-0695
Website: www.unaconsultant.com
Unique Una Consultant: Our mission at Unique Una~Consultant is to make a difference in the lives of others. We accept projects in business consulting that are honorable and worthy of our best efforts on behalf of our clients and the greater good. We hold our clients and ourselves to the highest standards of excellence and personal integrity, honesty, and morality. Being a provider of excellence includes qualities of high standards, hard work, independence and the burning desire to help people fulfill their dreams. Unique Una~Consultant provides services which includes strategic planning, business plans, general consulting, cash flow projects, budgets and forecasts, financing alternatives and credit solutions.
Unique Una Consultant: I chose the consulting business because I love sharing information while helping others conquer their business ventures. Being able to paint the vivid picture that any business can become successful with adequate planning and knowledge can happen. After all, dreams do come true.
Black Professional Women Moderator: How long have you been in business?
Unique Una Consultant: I have been in business over 10 years, as a matter of fact, my business desires begun when I was a young teen by teaching piano lessons and from that point I always knew that working for self will allow me to accomplish my dreams much easier.
Black Professional Women Moderator: What was the first mistake you made in your business, if you made any?
Unique Una Consultant: The first mistake I made in business what hiring and becoming in partnership with family and friends. Remember, you are in business to ensure that you will gain you desires of being your own boss, therefore, other situations or matters can become distracters. Distracters you always want to eliminate.
Black Professional Women Moderator: How well do you think your business will do?
Unique Una Consultant: First of all, one must develop the mindset that my business will be successful no matter what, from that point you are able to move forward and create ideas along while providing excellent and quality service at all times. Remember it’s not about you, it’s about your clients and customers. Therefore, if you have already painted that vivid picture of SUCCESS you will be just that “SUCCESSFUL” so to answer the question , my business shall be the number one consulting business “Provider Of Excellence” my business motto.
Black Professional Women Moderator: What advice would you give to a new business owner?
Unique Una Consultant: My advice to business owner is to always put clients or customers first, and already have your mindset developed before stepping outside the box. Success is already your destiny; it’s up to you if you want it.
Business Name: Unique Una Consultant
Type: Business Consulting
Address: P.O. Box 901 Hampton, GA. 30228
Phone #: 770-990-0695
Website: www.unaconsultant.com
Etiquette: Manners do Matter

Sandra Parks
Black Professional Women Moderator: Please share with us why you chose to go in business for yourself?
The Sandra Parks School of Etiquette:When I became a single parent I still wanted to be in the home with children as I was when I was married so it wasn’t hard to figure out that the only way that would be possible is to go into business for myself. I have always had a love for the youth; teaching them proper behavior skills, table manners, and grooming. So The Sandra Parks School of Etiquette was already in existance it simply needed a formal name.
Black Professional Women Moderator: Please explain what your business is?
The Sandra Parks School of Etiquette:: The Sandra Parks School of Etiquette is a school for all. It initially started out as my love for youth. However grew into a business that was fit for adults as well. Since I’ve given my school a formal name in 2007 I have had just as much adult business as business for the youth!
Black Professional Women Moderator: Why did you choose the business that you are in?
The Sandra Parks School of Etiquette:: Again The Sandra Parks School of Etiquette was designed with the youth in mind. There is just such a great need for this right now. As we go and about into our communities we see things that we know are not good behaviors and I believe that it all goes back to just plain ole good manners. If our youth are lacking basic manners and social skills then you have a generation of lost children. The Sandra Parks School of Etiquette is here to reach the mass to change this. We are touching one child at a time.
Black Professional Women Moderator: What was the first mistake you made in your business? If any.
The Sandra Parks School of Etiquette: My biggest mistake was thinking that I was going to have banker hours. Oh no….You work all day every day when you own your own business.
Black Professional Women Moderator: As a mother, how do you keep the balance between motherhood and professional business owner?
The Sandra Parks School of Etiquette:: OMG its hard. I’m busy daily, 7 days a week. When you work for yourself you don’t have weekends off. I have a daughter that is in the military that I still must be active in her life, I have a 18 year old Senior that I’m constantly doing something with, and then a 13 year old that plays every sport that the school offers. Not to mention sorority and church activities. So you must have some good time management skills. I’ve even taken a class in this area to simply help me with my scheduling. With that being said I live by my calendar. Even my children know that they must put their activities on my calendar.
Black Professional Women Moderator: How long have you been in business?
The Sandra Parks School of Etiquette:: I have been in business formally for 4 years. However I’ve been doing this for over a decade.
Black Professional Women Moderator: What advice would you give to a new business owner?
The Sandra Parks School of Etiquette: I would tell any and everyone that is interested in starting thier own business to take on the Old Famous Nike Slogan and that “Just Do It” it really is that simple.
Business information
The Sandra Parks School of Etiquette
8000 Coit Road Ste 300-433
Plano, TX 75025
O: 972.838.0106
F: 469.742.0675
Womanprenuer X’s Three

Shellye L. Lyons: On the one hand, I chose to go into business for myself to establish a stream of income for my family and I wanted to be more available to them. I liked the idea of having some flexibility without having to “answer” to anyone else. On the other hand, I saw a need, and as a service oriented person and having the spiritual gift of encouragement, I wanted to establish something that would allow me to be a blessing to others. Through my businesses I am able to serve others and also give people an opportunity to learn about their gifts and talents so they can also share what God has blessed them with as well. It’s an ongoing cycle that I hope will just keep getting bigger and bigger!
Shellye L. Lyons: PLS3 provides specialized business support services to small to medium business owners at an affordable cost. NBWEN provides a network of like-minded women in business for spiritual, personal and professional support and development from each other. Websites $199, a spinoff of PLS3, offers affordable, quality websites to business owners who are tired of being overcharged for web hosting and design fees.
Shellye L. Lyons: I realized a need in the small- to medium-sized business community for affordable business support services and I felt God gave me my experience to help others. Through PLS3, I have been able to offer a solution to provide quality services for a reduced cost and an alternative to hiring temporary or seasonal employees for special projects or during fulltime employee absences. As I continued to assist others throughout the years, I felt a need to encourage other women to take charge and do the same. I created NBWEN so that women and businesses that cater to them could network with one another, share ideas, and be of help to one another for each stage of their business.
Shellye L. Lyons: Whew! I made MANY mistakes in the beginning stages of the business. But what I remember most is that I allowed myself to be taken advantage of with regard to pricing. I was in such a hurry to just get out there and “get it” that I underestimated my worth. I mean, to the point of charging one fee, but after all the effort I put into project, I ended up making pennies on the dollar! If I remember correctly, I think I probably made about $15K in my initial year of providing services on a full time basis, but after expenses, my net profit was about $5000 for the ENTIRE year!! But I got better and by the next year, I believe I made a net profit of over $15K and that was with little to no effort with regard to really selling and marketing the business. Not bad for the second year!
to a new business owner?
Shellye L. Lyons: Take your time and match your passion with your business. Find a niche, a need, and learn to serve others because it comes back to you. Always try to look for win-win situations in business and don’t underestimate your worth.
Shellye L. Lyons: PLS3 was established in October 1999 so this past October made 10 years! I worked part time while working a full time job until 2005. At that point, PLS3 had gotten enough projects to warrant me going full time. NBWEN came in 2005 and Websites $199 just got off the ground in 2009. I’m always reorganizing and figuring out ways to make the businesses better so who know what I’ll come up with next!!
Shellye L. Lyons: To be honest with you, this is still quite the challenge! My husband gets on me about this a lot. Sometimes, I’ll be so focused on working on business matters that I don’t pay as much attention to my children as I should. I have two that have left the nest and my two youngest children, 15 and 9, are so independent that sometimes I forget, they still need my guidance and support, especially my daughter who will be 16 this month! So I’m working on this. I try to work on business matters during the day while they’re at school and then after they go to bed. That way, if they need me, I’m available and I can focus my attention on them.
Chocolates on My Pillow

- Tisha Littlejohn
Black Professional Women Moderator: Please share with us why you chose to go in business for yourself?
Chocolates on My Pillow: I’ve always had an entrepreneur spirit. As a child I operated a candy store on my front porch and in college I ran various businesses – nail technician, jewelry sales person, and typist/graphic designer. After college I found a place for myself in the corporate world but always knew I would own my own business one day. I was very comfortable in my last position, it was exciting and challenging, but after having my daughter I knew I had to move on. My life had changed, I wanted to spend more time with her and I also wanted her to see me as the person I was meant to be.
Black Professional Women Moderator: Please explain what your business is?
Chocolates on My Pillow: We help busy individuals and small businesses improve their productivity. Most wish they had an extra set of hands and Chocolates on MY Pillow provide just that. We offer personal assistance when you need it. This included concierge services like arranging travel; errand running services like dry cleaning pick up; and virtual business support which enables the small business owner to work more on their business than in their business.
Black Professional Women Moderator: Why did you choose the business that you are in?
Chocolates on My Pillow: As a full time mother and full time career professional, I realized that I had more things to do than I had time for. While researching my options, I quickly realized that I was not alone and that “personal assistance when you need it” was in demand. It was then that I came up with the idea of offering personal assistance to those who need help with their “to do” list. I take pride in the fact that Chocolates on MY Pillow is helping our clients achieve the quality of life they deserve.
Black Professional Women Moderator: What was the first mistake you made in your business? If any.
Chocolates on My Pillow: Expecting that everyone would understand the value of our service. I quickly discovered that educating was very necessary.
Black Professional Women Moderator: As a mother, how do you keep the balance between motherhood and professional business owner?
Chocolates on My Pillow: I include my daughter; she goes on appointments with me when feasible, and she is often in my office with me while I’m working, drawing her pictures or practicing her letters. Even if I’m busy and she requests my time, I stop what I’m doing if just for 5 minutes.
Black Professional Women Moderator: How long have you been in business?
Chocolates on My Pillow: 4 years
Black Professional Women Moderator: What advice would you give to a new business owner?
Chocolates on My Pillow: Develop a well thought out business plan and be prepared for setbacks. And most important, make sure you really enjoy the business decide to start.
Chocolates on My Pillow ,Tisha Littlejohn, Owner
Type: Personal Assistance
Phone:800.883.3713
Website:www.chocolatesOMP.com
Home Beautiful Decor

Home Beautiful Decor
BPW Moderator:
Why did you choose to go in business for yourself?
Home Beautiful Decor: There are many factors that I weighed when I made the decision to start my home decor/furniture business. Ultimately, I wanted to be a part of the American dream to own something of my own. My dad since I was in college always stressed the importance of being my own boss. Work hard and smart for yourself and to not let someone else profit off all your hard work, ideas and talent and that Women and African Americans have the opportunity to own something and succeed and to not be afraid to recognize your dream and work towards it. Now, that I have realized my dream as an entrepreneur and have a great customer base I always have people asking me how to get started with their own dreams of owning their own business and I am always willing to provide whatever information that I can.
BPW Moderator: Please explain what your business is?
Home Beautiful Decor: We sell many different brands of home/office furnishings and decorative items. We carry the big brands (Ashley Furniture, Coaster Fine Furniture, Aico Furniture, Steve Silver and many more). Most of the furniture that we sell is not carried on the floor we either order the merchandise or pick it up from the warehouse once you have made your selection. We are able to save you 25%-50% due to this fact. Furniture orders can be paid for with cash, credit/debit card. We also offer a 6 Month Layaway Plan. Our most popular option is our lease to own program that is up to 12 Months or 90 Days Same as Cash. The Lease to own does not require a credit check. We look at other information to approve your account.
BPW Moderator: Why did you choose the business that you are in?
Home Beautiful Decor: I chose decor because I have always loved beautiful decorative things in a home. They seemed to complete your home and give it your finishing touch. Just moving a few items around in a room can give it a whole new look and feel. So, we were doing well with the furniture accents and it just migrated over to complete furniture lines.
BPW Moderator: What was the first mistake you made in your business if any made?
Home Beautiful Decor: We have been in business going on 5 years and there are no major mistakes to date to talk about. We have even been voted #1 furniture store in Mesquite. However, I did find out that there are always less expensive ways to do something. You can find ways to advertise within a specified budget or you have the ability to negotiate a lot of things that you need for your business. Do not do something that you are not completely comfortable with and you are worried about the outcome and how that move may affect your business. Always try to do a pro and cons list before giving an answer.
BPW Moderator: What advice would you give to a new business owner?
Home Beautiful Decor: Make sure that you have thoroughly researched your new business venture, make sure that your credit is in order, make sure you have money available for those rainy days and treat everyone with respect and courtesy and no matter what be honest with your customers.
BPW Moderator: As a mother of two children how do you keep the balance between motherhood, wife and professional business owner?
Home Beautiful Decor: At first it was very hard to draw the line between business and home life. I did not seem to have a balance. It seemed as if I was always working very late. Then I would get home and burn the midnight oil and it seemed as if I was not making a lot of headway even though all I did was think and do things to build/grow the business. My kids used to tell me a lot “Mom you are always working and we do not get to have any fun.” I finally sat down and had a talk with myself. How can I keep business and home separated? I put pen to paper and came up with ways to work smarter and more efficiently to handle pretty much everything at the job and not bring work home. Now, my husband is happier, too!
Business Name: Home Beautiful Decor
Type: Furniture Retail
Address: 502 W Kearney Street #200, Mesquite TX 75149
Phone #: 972-288-0705
Website: www.homebeautifuldecor.com









