Empowered Flower Girl

Get Noticed: No-cost tools to promote your program

Posted on May 18, 2016 by empoweredflowergirl

For many do gooders (especially social entrepreneurs, nonprofit directors and coaches), modesty and meekness are exalted virtues. But for those of you who want to expand your impact in the community and ultimately the world – silence isn’t golden.

There is no glory in your program being a best kept secret. After all, keeping secrets is rude.

Over the years, my company Empowered Flower Girl has garnered the attention of news writers and producers, bloggers and other journalists.

Why? Because we make a conscious effort to reach out to them.

I suggest you do the same to promote your program, especially if you offer services or products that make a difference for people.

But I’m not a PR person, you say.

Even if you have no clue how to contact a reporter, you can still gain coverage for your program or even your expertise.

How, you ask? HARO (Help A Reporter Out). I recommend anyone who runs a program – and doesn’t yet have a marketing and media relations team – to sign up for HARO. It’s FREE.

You’ll get daily inquiries from reporters and producers from a variety of media outlets.

Still not convinced you have what it takes? Contact me and ask about Empowered Flower Girl’s Unknown to Renowned media and community outreach program.

Rasheda Kamaria is a mentor turned social entrepreneur on a mission to transform the way young people relate to one another. She is a communications professional and founder/chief empowering officer for Empowered Flower Girl. A survivor of bullying, Rasheda was featured in the May 2011 issue of Cosmopolitan magazine in the article “Being Bullied Changed My Life.” Visit empoweredflowergirl.com.

Prom Season Savings: Frugal fashionistas, we’ve got you covered

Posted on May 9, 2016May 9, 2016 by empoweredflowergirl

Nonprofits coast to coast are offering free dresses, accessories and in some cases hair and makeup services, to young ladies attending prom. With expenses (including promposals) ranging from $733 to nearly $1,500 – according to a recent survey from Visa – prom can be a huge expense, especially for lower-income families.

But many organizations and local businesses are helping families save money by collecting gently worn and even new dresses and accessories. No need to dip into college savings funds to look fab for prom.

Check out these groups offering free prom attire for girls (and even boys):

Paying for prom shouldn't involve dipping into college funds! — **Paying for prom shouldn’t involve dipping into college funds! Get a dress for FREE.**

Nationwide

New York

Detroit

Denver

San Diego

Need additional cost-cutting tips for prom? Check out the article, “8 Ways to Save Cash on a Prom Dress,” from Metro Parent magazine.

How to eff up your summer in 5 simple steps

Posted on May 4, 2016May 4, 2016 by empoweredflowergirl

By Rasheda Kamaria

Don't be these girls, grounded and miserable for the summer. — **Don’t be like these girls, grounded and miserable for the summer.**

School’s almost out for the summer and Empowered Flower Girl wants you to make the most of it. But countless media reports have shown that some of you will mess it up even before it begins. From posting inappropriate pics to starting drama online, there are some surefire ways to have an effed up summer break. Don’t be that kid.

5. Cyberstalk your ex. As tempting as it may be to check your ex’s Instagram daily for new likes and comments from admirers, you should probably focus on something else – like yourself. Spare yourself the heartache.

4.Get in a Twitter fight with a celebrity. We all love to voice our opinions about celebrities who do crazy things, have wardrobe malfunctions or make fashion missteps. But resist getting into a battle with a famous person – especially Beyonce. The Beehive stings.

3.Put your BFF on blast via Facebook. Sure, best friends can disappoint us or even do jerky things from time to time. But, there is a better way to bring this to their attention rather than posting a shady status update. Pick up the phone, send an email or IM him or her and ask for your old friend back!

2.Post incriminating pics on Instagram. This is one of the best ways to kiss your potential summer internship or college acceptance good-bye. Even if everyone else is doing it, DO NOT post pics of drug or alcohol use, private parts or illegal activity online.

1.Do something productive. I know. This doesn’t follow the format of the other tips because you actually SHOULD engage in productive activities. Volunteer for a worthy cause, get a summer job or learn a new skill. Keeping yourself occupied will keep you out of trouble and give you a confidence boost.

You’re welcome.

Life After Bullying

Posted on May 3, 2016May 12, 2016 by empoweredflowergirl

Growing up, I was creative, social, mature and kind. Those were the adjectives I preferred to use to describe myself. But a group of kids in my class had a few other monikers in mind for me – weird, nerd, wannbe, Oreo and teacher’s pet.

I was teased, bullied and harassed almost daily from seventh to eighth grade.

In 2011 – five years ago this month – Cosmopolitan magazine published my story in the article “Being Bullied Changed My Life.” The article focused on women who were bullied as teens – before the digital age – and how the constant taunting impacted their lives both negatively and positively.

I shared my journey from excluded to empowered and the steps I took to overcome the drama.

After the story was published, I received emails and instant messages commending me for my courage. Empowered Flower Girl even gained 100+ Facebook fans/followers as a result.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to have shared my story publicly and encourage any who has overcome a challenge, obstacle or hardship to do the same. You never know whose life you might change or even save as a result.

April is National Card/Letter Writing Month

Posted on April 13, 2016April 13, 2016 by empoweredflowergirl

As a fourth grader, I recall the excitement I felt when our teacher announced that we were starting a penpal program with a sister school on the other side of town. The anticipation of receiving a letter each week was exciting. Equally as exciting was writing the letter to my penpal.

Fastforward to the 21st century and it seems electronic communication has replaced pen and paper as a more modern and effective way to keep in touch. These days, text messages, emails and tweets keep us informed of news and happenings in the world and in the lives of our friends and family.

But this month, Americans are encouraged to communicate the old-fashioned way.

April is National Card and Letter Writing Month (NCLWM), an annual observance sponsored by the US Postal Service, of course!

“Sure, email and texting is quick and convenient, and Facebook has photos and videos, but nothing beats the thrill and excitement of opening your mailbox and finding a personal letter addressed to you,” U.S. Postal Service Judicial Officer William Campbell said last year during a dedication ceremony for the NCLWM Forever stamp.

So for one day, put away those smartphones and tablets and put the ink to the paper and write a note to someone special in your life.

Hope for Detroit showcases inspiring Detroiters

Posted on March 7, 2016 by empoweredflowergirl

I was honored to be invited last month to appear on the Hope for Detroit show, hosted by Eddie P. and produced by Work Life Entertainment. The community news program is filmed in the Detroit Trade Market and highlights Detroiters on a mission to transform the community and those who give back through their profession and passion.

Check out the interview:

HOPE FOR DETROIT WITH RASHEDA WILLIAMS from Work Life Entertainment on Vimeo.

Networking event encourages professionals, parents to consider mentoring

Posted on January 19, 2016January 19, 2016 by empoweredflowergirl

January is National Mentoring Month and the need for positive role models for youth throughout the Detroit area and beyond is great. According to Mentor, the national mentoring partnership, 1 out of 3 children will grow up without a mentor.

Empowered Flower Girl, a social enterprise on a mission to transform the way young people relate to one another, is encouraging anyone with a desire to affect positive change to consider mentoring.

Since 2011, the company has observed National Mentoring Month (NMM) by supporting mentoring organizations and encouraging women, men, entrepreneurs, professionals, stay-at-home parents and everyday people to consider becoming a mentor.

“Sometimes people underestimate themselves and think that they’re not successful enough or cool enough to have an impact,” said Empowered Flower Girl Founder and long-time mentor Rasheda Kamaria. “But all it takes is a big heart and a little time to make a difference in a young person’s life.”

On Feb. 10, Empowered Flower Girl, in partnership with the Emerging Leaders group at the Skyline Club, will host “Be Inspired to Mentor” – a networking event for current and aspiring mentors or anyone interested in making a difference for youth. The event will be held 6-7:30 p.m. at the Skyline Club, 2000 Town Center in Southfield, Michigan.

Representatives from several organizations, including Detroit-based Alternatives for Girls and Mentoring Youth Network will share information about their programs and need for volunteers.

Admission is $15 per guest (21 and older) and includes a brief program, appetizers, drink ticket and giveaways. RSVP is required. Call 248-350-9898 to RSVP. Visit www.empoweredflowergirl.com for more information.

Empowering, inspiring events

Posted on January 7, 2016October 22, 2018 by empoweredflowergirl

Join Empowered Flower Girl in attending and celebrating these events and observances:

Bullying Prevention Month
Observed the entire month of October
DETAILS: Founded in 2006 by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center, the campaign is observed during the month of October and unites communities nationwide to educate and raise awareness of bullying prevention.

Community Conversation on Bullying
Oct. 26, 2018 [Waterford, Michigan]
DETAILS: Defeat the Label will host its 3rd annual Community Conversation on Bullying. The event brings together members of the community including representatives from the fields of education, medical, legal and mental health with the goal of supplying the information and tools necessary to engage educators, parents and students to be proactive in their anti-bullying efforts within their own communities. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased on Eventbrite. Empowered Flower Girl’s Rasheda Kamaria will be among the workshop presenters facilitating “Mentoring Girls & Inspiring Sisterhood: In the Age of Bad Girls, Housewives and Frenemies.”

Beautiful Me University
Nov. 10, 2018 [Detroit, Michigan]
DETAILS: Me, Myself & I Teens will host hands-on workshops, discussions and an afternoon of empowerment for girls 12-19. Attendees will receive a workbook and certificate of completion (Beautiful Degree of Me). Empowered Flower Girl will facilitate the Social Secrets: What Teens Should Know workshop. Register for FREE at mmiteens.com/bmu2018.

Bullying Prevention, Relationship-Building Workshop Grants Available

Posted on October 14, 2015 by empoweredflowergirl

In an effort to prevent bullying, cyberbullying, drama and relational aggression, Empowered Flower Girl is awarding a total of $500 in grants to organizations interested in hosting workshops. Schools, community/faith-based organization and other nonprofits based in Southeastern Michigan are eligible.

Apply through Oct. 21 for a Fall 2015 grant.

From workshops combating teasing, cyberbullying and cliques, to programs encouraging goal-setting and self-esteem, Empowered Flower Girl helps schools and organizations address critical social issues.

For more information, visit www.empoweredflowergirl.com or email rkamaria@empoweredflowergirl.com.

“Ultimately, we believe that if students are equipped with the skills to peacefully and effectively problem solve as well as have the capacity for empathy, then they are less likely to be offenders of bullying, hazing or other disruptive behaviors.” – Rasheda Kamaria, Empowered Flower Girl Chief Empowering Officer