Category: Outreach

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Blackout Tuesday 2020

Today I am highlighting several of the Black Owned Businesses that I’ve worked with this year, to bring more attention to the innovation and creativity of black people. Black people inspire, design and exude greatness each and everyday, but our genius is often overlooked. I invite you to learn more about the following companies and support them if you can.

www.mikesellseverything.com

In February of this year, I had the pleasure of setting up Mike Sells Everything, LLC (MSE), which is a Variety Store located in Kannapolis, NC. The owner, Michael Rivers is passionate about helping his community find quality merchandise at affordable prices. At this very moment you can find a Violin ready for purchase as well as Small Appliances and Toys for the kids. Mike believes in doing right by people and does his absolute best to accommodate everyone. Today’s special at MSE is the Crockpot pictured below. The original price is $79.99 but today’s price is $25.00. If you’re located near Kannapolis, NC, stop by MSE at 1905 N. Cannon Blvd. Kannapolis, NC 28083 and grab you one.

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www.kbeautycos.shop

Kyla Rivers, owner of K.Beauty, LLC has scaled and expanded her business into a beauty empire. Kyla started creating makeup at the age of 16 and has added Skincare and Bath and Beauty products to her offerings. Kyla is passionate about being successful and helping other young adults find their passion and launch businesses they  love! Shop K.Beauty. LLC!

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www.stylesbylanita.com

Lanita is the owner of Styles by Lanita which is a Hair & Clothing Boutique. Lanita can style you from head to toe and she offers custom T-shirts and Apparel. For Blackout Tuesday 2020, Lanita is offering $15.00 Roller Sets and Blowouts and $10.00 Boss Racerback Tanks

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www.baileyshaulingandlandscaping.com

Steve Bailey started his business in April of this year and he is your go to guy for all of your hauling and landscaping needs. Head over to Steve’s website, he’s open for business!

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Other business that I am currently working with include BBZ Lawncare and Maintenance, The Nina Symone Collection and The Glamm Cartel. Be on the lookout for these names coming soon!

Origins of Peace, LLC

I am Melissa Rivers, and I am the Owner & Creative Peace Designer at Origins of Peace, LLC. I use my passion for conflict resolution to help individuals over life challenges and design their next life chapter by starting businesses, adding income streams, expanding career paths, bouncing back after divorce and much more. My passion derives from my own challenges of cancer, job loss and divorce all within a six month time period. I love to encourage others and support them in their journey forward.

Additionally, I am a Corporate Consultant providing Continuous Improvement and Change Management Services to businesses. I invite you to check out my products page. Today I am offering my E-book, After This Crisis & my Upcycled Cosmetics Mini Bags for 50% off.

use code: blackout2020

I would love to help you design your Peace. For more information on my services or any of the business listed above, please feel free to contact me.

#blackoutday2020

Peace & Love,

Melissa

 

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North Carolina Voter Registration Information

Peace Family,

New week, same focus.

This week at Origins of Peace, LLC, we are focusing our intentions on providing residents of North Carolina with information about Voter Registration. I’ve created a spreadsheet with a direct link to the Board of Elections Website in all 100 counties in NC. You can directly access the Board of Elections Website, print a Voter Registration Form and send it to your local office.

I pray you find it useful. I pray that those who are not registered will register and vote!

NC Board of Elections all Counties.xlsx

Last week I mentioned the 8cantwait initiative. The purpose of this movement is to require your local government to reform policing strategies by:

  • banning chokeholds and strangleholds
  • requiring de-escalation
  • requiring a warning before shooting
  • exhausting all alternatives before shooting
  • having a duty to intervene
  • banning shooting at moving vehicles
  • requiring comprehensive reporting

I’ve emailed my mayor to demand change. I’m asking you to do the same. Visit www.8cantwait.org for more information

Have a great week.

 

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I had A Phonebook and He had a Shotgun

In my mid-twenties, struggling financially, I decided to get a part-time job to help make ends meet. I signed on to be a part-time delivery person who delivered telephone books. My instructions were to deliver the phonebook to local residents. If no one was home, the directive was to place the phonebook on the front porch.

My second day on the job, I arrived at a residence, got out of my car with phonebook and identification in hand. As I walked down the driveway to place the phonebook on the front porch, a white gentleman came around the house from the back yard with a shot gun in his hand. As I tried to identify myself and state my purpose for being at his home, he yelled obscenities at me, held up his shotgun and told me to get off of his property.

I retreated to my car, phonebook and identification in hand and I drove away crying.

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I will never forget my feelings from that day and I can’t help but think I was greeted in such a way because of the color of my skin. I was a small-framed, 24 year old single-mother to an infant baby girl. I had a phonebook and he had a shotgun.

At Origins of Peace, LLC, my mission is to create an all-inclusive space welcoming all who’ve experienced hardship, conflict and turmoil. My goal is to help you create a new way forward. We are founded on Romans 12:18 NIV – If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

In this season, I am focusing my intentions on promoting the health, safety and well-being of Black Americans. Our struggle is real and it deserves extra attention. My experience occurred over 20 years ago and to still live in a society were we are judged, disrespected and in many cases killed because of the color of our skin is awful and heartbreaking.

I am outraged over the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Sandra Bland, Philando Castile, Eric Garner, Oscar Grant, Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown and all the other murders that have occurred because of racism and police brutality. These people had families, careers, hopes and dreams. It’s terrible to have it all taken away simply because of someone else’s opinion of who they think you are.

There are so many changes that need to occur but let’s start with informed, intentional voting. Can we please demand more from our government leaders? We need healing, justice, and a progressive way forward.

There is an initiative called #8cantwait. were you can demand change right now.

1.Visit8cantwait.org

2. Find your city

3. Call your mayor

4. Demand change

8cantwait

Peace.

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Day 18: Psalm 46:1

Good Morning!

Today’s challenge to keeping your peace in the midst of this pandemic is a simple reminder that I am holding close to my heart. Psalm 46:1

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I can confidently say that God has shown up to 100% of the battles that I’ve faced in my life. His safety and power never run dry. His grace and mercy follow me each day.

Today I challenge you to believe with all your heart that God knows your name and that he is searching throughout the earth for people that aren’t afraid to profess his goodness. It’s a good time to remember every battle you’ve won and every blessing that you’ve received. That’s God.

Peace

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Day 15: Try A New Treat

IMG-1856A Facebook Friend posted a simple cookie  recipe and I couldn’t wait to make my own personal version of it.

  • Ingredients:
  • 1 cup Peanut Butter
  • 1 Egg (I used 2 cups of unsweetened applesauce)
  • 1  teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 1 cup Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips
  • 1/2 cup of Walnuts

Baking Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Spoon mixture into balls and place on a cookie sheet. Bake on 350 for 8-13 minutes.

Your challenge for today….try and new treat and Enjoy!

Peace,

Melissa

 

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Day 14: Find Someone To Thank

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Today’s challenge is to find someone to thank.

Think about your relationships. Is there anyone in particular that you miss having contact with. Is it time to pull out your pin and paper and compose a sweet note of adoration?

Handwritten notes go a long way. Get creative and bless someone with a hand written thank you note today!

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Day 10:Just Breathe

I think that I’m all caught up now and on schedule with the 30 Day “Keeping My Peace During COVID – 19 Challenge. Day 10 is brought to you by my grandbaby. She loves the Puppy Dog Pals and Tula’s Yoga Song is one of her favorites. So just as the puppy says, breathe in, breathe out….while practicing #socialdistancing of course.

Focused breathing is a proven method to reduce anxiety, sharpen your memory and improve your heart health. It’s a simple tool that you can use throughout your day to help you keep your peace!

 

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Day 5: Make Time For Rest

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As I scrolled through my Photo Gallery trying to find a picture of me actually resting, there wasn’t one. I made it all the way back to December 2019 before I found this picture. It doesn’t illustrate rest, it illustrates exhaustion.

Yes, I know, there are so many resources available right now to help you become the certified, master of all trades guru, I get it. I almost clicked on the free photography course offered by Cannon ( I still might), but today…I will make REST a priority and I challenge you to do the same.

You need rest to stay well.

You need rest to think clearly.

You need rest to be available for your family.

Get some rest.

Melissa

 

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Confidence is

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Being sure of yourself * Acknowledging your strengths & opportunities * Trusting qualified partners to help you make it work * Seeking opportunities to glean wisdom * Being open to continuous improvement

November has been an extremely busy and rewarding month for me. With renewed intention and focus, I am serious about seeing the fruits of my labor manifest.

It’s interesting because I was certainly struggling a few months ago. I couldn’t find the time, energy, focus or resources to strategically grow my business.

Things have definitely change.

I had a meeting with my team (me) and came to the realization that things would never manifest if I did not take the time and make the effort to accomplish my dreams.

What happened?

I realized that I needed a written, executable plan of action.

Why?

That’s simple. There is clarity in the written word and when you have clarity, you can move in confidence.

So, my top tip for turning up your confidence in your personal and professional life is to always have a written plan. PERIOD. Your plan serves as your blueprint to success.

Peace by Design

On Black Friday, I am releasing my newest course, Peace By Design. This course will help you get clear about what you want in all areas of your life. I am equipping you with the knowledge and understanding of what it means to set executable goals and to determine who you will need to become in order to achieve those goals. Along with the course, you will receive my signature Herbal Tea Collection which includes Peaceful, Focus & Rejuvenation to help you design your way to peace and clarity.

There will only be 10 bundles available for purchase with all three Herbal Tea Blends. You can make sure you receive your bundle by pre-ordering yours today for $97.00.

As an added bonus I am including a 30 minute one-on-one Consultation with me to help you develop your plan. https://www.paypal.me/originsofpeace

I’m excited about it and looking forward to sharing it with you!

Peace✌🏾

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Connectedness

One of my top 5 Strengths from Strengths Finder is Connectedness. This means I am certain that things happen for a reason.

It all started in April when @Shermikathelight posted on Instagram about an event that she would be speaking at in October. From that point forward I knew I had to be in attendance. Shermika and I were classmates in Grad. School. We both had aspirations of starting our own businesses after graduation. I watched on social media as Shermika started her company, going door to door marketing her business. I also had a social media front row seat when things took off for her. I watched in amazement as she nurtured her business into a powerful brand. I knew that in order to successfully and intentionally grow my business on my terms, I needed to gain some knowledge and insight from her. I did just that!

Just over a week ago, I jumped on a flight to Atlanta and I attended #werkprayslay. It was absolutely everything that I’ve never imagined. I mean never, ever. This Women’s Empowerment Conference was one for the books. The colors, the lighting, the details, the information, the vendors, the volunteers, the attendees, the speakers, the hostess, the D.J. and the fabulous visionary @Koereyelle made this a life changing event for me. Before I attended, I had no idea that this beautiful community of women business owners existed.

I have a solid plan for my business now. No more taking bits and pieces of information and trying to figure out how it all ties together. Some of the strategies discussed were, how to land Corporate and Government Contracts, how to Slay Procrastination, how to Change Your Mindset and Secure the Bag, how to Be Your Own Publicist, how to use Video to Slay Your Personal Brand, and so much more! I’m telling you, this ain’t even half of it.

As I said in my previous post, I had a chance to thank @ChefAhki for positively impacting my life after a cancer diagnosis. You can find that post by clicking here.

I can safely bet that I was one of the older women at the conference, but I didn’t feel left out. @Koereyelle and her team did a phenomenal job of making it a safe space to learn and be vulnerable. I even swagged and surfed for the first time ever! (that wasn’t a thing when I attended an HBCU)

Why am I telling you all of this??? Because it matters who you are connected to. My connection with @Shermikiathelight through social media exposed me to a whole new world of confident, brilliant and paid Sistas who are out here doing their thang! It matters who you follow and who you’re connected to.

If you are a female business owner, I highly recommend the @WerkPraySlay Conference. I’m sure planning has already begun for 2020. You definitely don’t want to miss it. I know that I won’t miss it!

One of the top traits of a person with Connectedness as a Strength is having confidence in their gifts, but knowing they do not have all the answers. As a reward for my humility, God made room for me in a place that I didn’t even know existed, and it is a place of overflowing resources!🤲🏾

I won a free Website Copy Audit by Word Stylitz to amplify the impact that I have on my ideal client. April Beverley of @baabwriting will definitely get me all the way together.🙌🏾This brilliant lady is out here commanding coins with the power of her words.

If you are a female business owner looking to connect with a like-minded Sista on the move, email me. I would love to join forces and hold one another accountable to do the #werk!