Today we’d like to introduce you to Trenice J. Brinkley.
Hi Trenice, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I first got into the publishing world while in high school in 1995 as a magazine editor for Teen Times Today Magazine, a publication started by teens for teens. After graduating high school and leaving the magazine, I was trying to figure life out. I tried several businesses before I realized my passion was in helping others grow their businesses and then I eventually found my way back home to publishing.
I am a graduate of the University of South Alabama and University of North Alabama, in addition to currently completing a specialized MPS at Georgetown University. I am also a member of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc.
Today, I am a two-time author writing under the pseudonym Chi Meechieono and Founder/CEO of Pretty Powherful Consulting (formally Girlfriends In Business) and the Co-founder of Two Queens Media which produces the Black Excellence publication Soigne’+Swank Magazine ™. My firm specializes in Business Infrastructure Solutions that help companies to identify, communicate, and assess their need for systems and processes. The goal is to ultimately reduce the potential risk of project failures by implementing strategic solutions to solve the most complex problems and ultimately improve the company’s bottom line.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
No, this journey has not been easy at all. I have tried many businesses over the years, yet I refused to give up. I built a business while teaching high school, while also being a wife and mother of two. It forced me to give up teaching at times to pour into my dream. Today, as a retired teacher, I am remarried with a total of four children and successfully managing many businesses.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Known as The Systems Doctor, I provide solutions to solve complex problems and improve financial bottom lines. I help companies and service-based business owners to streamline their systems and processes.
In 2020 when the pandemic hit, my people were rioting because of police brutality and it was just so much negativity happening. My high school classmate and friend Lynnecia S. Eley, and now turned business partner, and I decided to build something to change the narrative of our culture AND Soigne’+Swank MagazineTM was born. Soigne’+Swank MagazineTM is a digital publication that curates black excellence in business, entertainment, lifestyle, careers, and fashion. Dedicated to honoring our ancestors and inspiring the black culture, this magazine is committed to sharing and highlighting powerful thought-provoking stories, journeys of failure to success, and empowering all things black excellence around the world. Our bi-monthly features will inspire the culture to shine at any level and transcend beyond any barrier.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
The art of networking is alive and well and has been good to my businesses over the years. Everyone needs to realize that networking is about building relationships and nurturing them. Pictures with celebrities or at events are great but networking should be done with a purpose. When networking, make sure you have your elevator pitch together. The last thing you want to be is unprepared for your next big opportunity.
You never know who you’re going to meet on your way to the top. When looking for a mentor, make sure that person is in the field you desire to grow, build, and make your career in. Seek a mentor who speaks life into your passions. Success is never fast, but always worth it.
Also, continue to be mindful of how you treat people on your way to the top, because you may see them when you get there and need them.
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@prettypowherfulsociety.com
- Websites: www.prettypowherfulconsulting.com & www.soigneswankmagazine.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prettypowherfulconsulting & https://www.instagram.com/soigneswankmagazine/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/powerherup
What to check out next:
Aleasha Bahr is a sales & marketing strategist known for showing introverts and ambiverts the Secret Art of Subtle Selling. She personally sold millions in revenue while discovering introverts are usually top sales people – as soon as they stop trying to act like extroverts. We’ve partnered with her to produce Introverted Entrepreneur Success Stories. Check out episode 1 below:
