Greetings, Reader,
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I've always believed in the power of transparency, especially during times when words fail to capture the vastness of emotions within us. Today, I find myself reaching out to you, not as a guide or mentor, but as a fellow traveler on this unpredictable journey called life.
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First, I'd like to sincerely apologize for the sudden pause in our Women's Small Business Month series, “The Unstoppable Rise of Women Entrepreneurs: Past, Present & Future.” It was never my intention to leave you in anticipation without any prior notice.
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​What caused the pause?

Life, as we all know, is filled with unexpected turns. At the time of this message, I am navigating the grief of the sudden loss of two dear souls in my life, a childhood friend and my beloved cousin, Dr. Tamika A. Pollins.
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Tamika was a beacon of light, a dedicated leader in her community, a staunch advocate for education, and a fierce champion for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. A woman with a deep commitment to empowering and celebrating other women.

For years, Tamika had been meticulously planning a Day of Empowerment event for women. After various delays, including a global pandemic that halted the world, she was ecstatic about having finally solidified her plans. We had recently begun promoting this event, which was scheduled for November 4, 2023, in NJ. Her excitement was palpable, especially after a heartwarming conversation with our Aunt Pricilla, where she expressed pride in having two "Dr. Pollins" on the same stage. You see, I was honored to have been selected as Tamika's keynote speaker.

The theme of this event, which was near and dear to Tamika's heart, was "Say YES to Yourself!" This theme was a culmination of countless candid conversations we'd shared over the years. It was intended to be a sanctuary where women, especially those in leadership roles, who have been conditioned to take care of everyone else and put themselves last, would be reminded, encouraged, and given guidance on how to prioritize their well-being—mentally, emotionally, financially, and health-wise.
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But, life has its own designs, and we often find ourselves mere spectators to its unpredictability. With the loss of Tamika, the world has been robbed of a champion, a beautiful soul who was dedicated to lifting others. Her spirit, her passion, and her commitment to empowerment are irreplaceable.
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​The Undeniable Urgency of NOW!​
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In the wake of such a profound loss, I'm reminded even more acutely of the urgency of NOW. For every woman leader, and every entrepreneur reading this, the call has never been clearer. It's not just about building businesses, but about building legacies, making an impact, and truly living out our purpose. Every hesitation, every delay might mean a missed opportunity, a dream deferred, or a purpose unfulfilled. Especially in a world that changes in the blink of an eye, we cannot afford to wait. Our dreams, our ambitions, our impact, and the difference we wish to make – NOW is the time, for NOW is all we truly have.​
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​The Series Will Continue​
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Quite frankly, navigating this profound grief has reminded me of the delicate balance between our daily responsibilities and the raw, human need for reflection, self-love, and healing.
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Rest assured that our series, "The Unstoppable Rise of Women Entrepreneurs: Past, Present & Future," will continue soon, as I'm committed to sharing, empowering, and walking this journey alongside each one of you. Together, we'll keep building, growing, and honoring the legacies of those who've paved the way, and those like Tamika, whose spirit will forever be a guiding light.
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​Thank you!​
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I want to thank you, from the very core of my heart, for your patience, grace, and understanding, and for holding space with/for my family and me during this challenging time. Let me assure you that I value our journey together. Your unwavering support means more to me than I can express in mere words.
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With Soul-Deep Love and Appreciation,

304 S. Jones Blvd #3086, Las Vegas, NV 89107
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