Category: Awareness

Year 3

Published on by Kadi2 Comments

Hello Passionista!

Today is a very special day… It’s my blogaversary !!!!

Three years ago, I stopped talking about my desires to be a blogger and actually became one. This journey has not always been easy but I am grateful for every moment. There has been some moments when I felt like blogging was not for me. I felt like my blog was not getting the response it needed in order for me to consider myself a blogger. But I continue to push through my mini anxiety attacks and focused on my desire to use this as a creative space to share with others.

Why did I start Passion Locked?

I have always been an opinionated and talkative girl. Sometime its a blessing, sometimes its a curse. For years I followed different blogs like Lauren Conrad and A Belle in Brooklyn and they gave me the desire to one day start my own blog. But I felt like I needed to be older and more established before I could start a blog. At the top of 2016, I made a goal to stop talking about what I want and go after each and every thing I want for myself. So, Passion Locked was created… I have always been a creative person, full of opinions, and big ideas. I wanted to create a space where I can share all of my creativity with the world. Passion Locked is my vault of creativity- everything from skincare and beauty (product) reviews, tips and routines to the DIY projects I share. It is my desire to use my creative space to connect with others just like me and build a community of ” Passionistas”

5 tips to starting a Blog

Now that I have been working on this passion project of mine for a few years, I’d like to offer some tips to anyone thinking about starting a blog.

  1. Don’t Second Guest Yourself. Just Do It!
  2. Set Content Calendars to follow each month
  3. Stay true to why you started
  4. Collaboration over Competition
  5. Keep it FUN!

What’s in store for Passion Locked?

I am just getting warmed up y’all. So, I hope you keep tuning in every week for new content. I want to grow Passion Locked into a creative brand as an offset to other business ventures I wish to pursue in Marketing, Brand Management and Event Planning. I’d also like to collaborate with more blogger and Passionista’s for passion projects, features and guest posts.

Thank you to all my subscribers and supporters for being apart of this journey with me!!!

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Networking in Atlanta

Published on by KadiLeave a comment

Hi Passionista-

I have been attending some really dope networking events and mixers lately. So I thought it would be a great idea to share recaps and key takeaways from each event on my blog. If you don’t already know, I currently live in Atlanta, GA. And as I take this journey to grow my side hustle into a business I NEED to networking. Last year, networking and going to events were a struggle for me. I would scroll through Eventbrite or Facebook and see so many events that I wanted to attend but failed to actually go because I had no one to go with me. Now, I am putting that fear behind me and getting out of the house more. I must say, I have connected with some really DOPE young moguls who are making things happen.

It’s always good to connect with like minded people for inspiration and business connections. This weekend I met at least 5 people I want to stay in contact with to work with on either a event or business collaboration. So if you are in the Atlanta area, I want to encourage you to GET OUT AND NETWORK. Follow me on IG for upcoming events (on my IG story).

January 5th: LEVEL UP: Caught Between A Dream and A Job

This event was hosted by Young Entrepreneurs of Atlanta, featuring some dope panelist that shared their business startup stories and advice for living in your purpose.

Some of the panelist were:

Pinky Cole -Owner of Atlanta’s NEWEST restaurant, Slutty Vegan (Plant-based, Black- Owned Burger Joint) | IG: @pinky907

Tiara Johnson,The Dream Coach and Owner of TLJ Agency for Brand Management and Public Relations | IG: @tljagency

Erica Dias, Owner of The B Firm PR and Creator of Table of 20 | IG: @fashion101ed

A few of the key life hacks and gems I took from the panel discussions:

#1 Stay FOCUSED; Focus on what YOU really want and keep you focus on making it happen | Just do it!

#2 Be a good person! Stay mindful of who you are and how you treat others. You will not be successful when you are trying to break others downs. Treat people how you want to be treated.

#3 Your character is important. When you’re starting a business, networking and working with other people, you need to be likable and a pleasure to work with to keep a steady flow of business and partnerships. If you are a negative and nasty person, people are not going to want to continue to work with you. You can be the result of your own failure.

Young Entrepreneurs of Atlanta Foundation

http://www.yeafoundationinc.org

IG: @ye_atlfoundation

January 11th: Ask me what I do Networking Event

I love a turn up after work happy hour/ open bar event. The Ask me what I do Networking Event hosted by My Networking Appeal ( IG: @mynetworkingappeal) was not you ordinary networking event. Of course there was food, a DJ and free drinks, but this event also featured a DOPE Photo Booth from Moment in time rentals and a cool networking game throughout the event. Upon arrival everyone received a email for the “Networking Game”. Everyone was challenged to meet 5 people working a 9-5 and have a business, 3 people that’s ready to quit their job for their business and 3 people with a dope elevator pitch, etc. To keep the game going there was about 2 to 3 rounds of this game.

I thought the networking game was a really good idea to encourage people to talk to someone that they didn’t know. Because I will be honest, when I arrived I scanned the room and jetted over to the people I knew as soon as I spotted them. That’s not really NETWORKING. But I was thinking if stick with them, I might be introduced to someone else they may know that I don’t- or I could introduce them to someone I knew that they may not of known before the event. That’s how I tend to make connections. But the networking game encouraged people to go up to one another and just start talking. My shyness got the best of me until a Real Estate Agent just walked up to me handing me her card and asking me my name and what do I do? Of course that sparked a healthy conversation that lead to meeting a bartender and stylist. That’s what networking is all about.

January 12th: Glitter and Goals Vision Board Party

Last year, I connected with TLJ Little League (IG: @tljlittleleague) as a mentor for young girls in the Atlanta area. We meet once a quarter to mentor girls from 4th grade to 12th grade. ” Girls with dreams, become Women with Vision”. As I am walking in my purpose and living my dreams I want to always be able to reach back and instill that into our young, brilliant, beautiful females. Back in October, I got the chance to host a self care session with the girls- teaching them how to make DIY face mask and body scrubs. I think I enjoyed playing “beauty” just as much as the girls did. It warmed my heart to see them participating and engaging in the session. This weekend we had the 1st event of the year that was had a major turn out. This time we had more girls (all ages) attend and we even have more mentors now. The program is rapidly growing and I cannot wait to see what’s in store next.

January 12th is National Vision Board Day, so you know exactly what we did… MADE VISION BOARDS. We started by giving each girl a paper butterfly and asking them to write down their DREAM. “What do you want to be when you grow up?” With their DREAM in mind the girls started on their vision boards and setting goals for what they need to do to make their dreams come true. Kids are so creative and innovative, I was surprised by the level on context some of the girls gave when explaining the finished project. Everyone made such creative vision boards with great ideas and goals to put behind their dreams. I love listening to youth speak passionately about their future.

BLOGMAS Day 23 | What I use to blog!

Published on by KadiLeave a comment

Hello Passionista-

Everytime I meet a blogger, the conversation always results to blogging tips resources and equipment. I’m not one of those people who doesn’t like to share information. I like to find out what other bloggers are using to blog and post videos, as well as share my resources and tips. We can all learn from one another. There are a few blogger and influencer groups on Facebook that I’ve found to be very helpful. It was another blogger that I met online that really encouraged me to move from 1 post a week to 3 posts a week. There was an instant increase of traffic on not just my website but my social media accounts too.

Blogmas has been a blessing because I feel like I’m getting new traffic on both my social media accounts and my website. I want to keep you all coming back to Passion Locked and build a online community of moguls that want to learn, grow and support each other. I’m now in an intense planning mode for 2019. I want to get better at preparing content and finding new innovative ways to bring readers to my lil ol’ blog.

Today I want to share with you the equipment I used to blog. Although I’ve been blogging for almost 3 years now, I still consider myself a starter blogger… lol ! I say that because I started blogging as a hobby and its still a hobby. Don’t get me wrong, it’s hard work but I’m not getting paid for it…YET!!! I plan to grow my blog and brand to another level next year .

Most of the things I use to blog are really cheap, but they work and get the job done for me. The most important things are my Macbook and iPhone. I take all my pictures on my iPhone, edit them on my iPhone as well. Over time I hope to invest in a camera and better blogging equipment.

Here is what I use to take blog pictures

CamKix Wireless Bluetooth Camera Shutter Remote Control for Smartphones

Camera Phone Tripod+ Universal Tripod Smartphone Mount for Apple, iPhone Samsung and Other Brands Smartphones+Carrying Bag

Amzdeal Photo Light Box Portable Photography Tent Small Foldabel Shooting Tent with LED Light 9.4X9.4 Inch

<img src=”https://s7.orientaltrading.com/is/image/OrientalTrading/PDP_VIEWER_IMAGE/better-than-paper-sup—/sup-gold-shimmer-bulletin-board-roll~13820697&#8243; alt=”Better Than Paper® Gold Shimmer Bulletin Board Roll” width=”223″ height=”223″/>

Glitter Poster Board

New editions that you have not seen on my blog yet, but soon will is…

Julius Studio Photo Video Studio 10 ft. Wide Cross Bar 7.4 ft. Tall Background Stand Backdrop Support System Kit with Carry Bag

Julius Studio 6 ft X 9 ft White Photo Video Photography Studio Fabric Backdrop Background Screen

J

BLOGMAS Day 13| Girlboss Code + Digital Marketing

Published on by KadiLeave a comment

Hello Passionista

So last night I attended the really amazing FREE workshop at General Assembly at Ponce City Market (Atlanta,GA).

General Assembly hosts a variety of courses and workshops. They often host free workshops and panels that are every interactive and informative. I think I’ve attended maybe 4 workshops so far. Each workshop I’ve attended, I’ve have been able to take away something available and apply it to my career and side hustles. This event was a panel driven workshop titled, Girlboss code + digital marketing: A chat with social influencers, shakers and movers.

Most of my subscribers know that I am a full time project manager and a side hustling blogger, microinfluencer, and event planner. As I continue to grow, my goal is start my own creative business. So, I love FREE events that I can attend to teach me something new and network with some dope people.

Question of the Day: What does it take to be an entrepreneur?

(Tell me in the comment section below)

There was so much valuable knowledge and information shared in this workshop. It felt like a chip off my shoulder to hear the start up journeys of young successful entrepreneurs and influencers …  from quieting your day job to lessons learned from mistakes. I left this workshop feeling a part of a community of girl bosses and inspired to keep pushing. The panel discussion were really a sense of insurance for me, that I am on the right track and I am making the right moves and IT IS  going to happen for me and I WILL  be all that I can be.

The panelist shared their best advise that no one told them, but they learned:

  • Have confidence in yourself. #selflove is a BIG DEAL!
  • Be more kind to yourself.
  • Get Enough Sleep!
  • Learn your customer based, streamline your business and stay in your lane.
  • Recognize when you’ve made it.
  • Look back at your experience, all the answer are there.

Key takeaways from the Panelist to the audience:

  • Brand just means reputation and social media just means communication in this day and age
  • Start where you are with what you have
  • Have a support network or community
  • Share your wins with your friends
  • Build a Team!!!!!
  • Don’t be a afraid of the word “NO”

THE PANEL

BLOGMAS DAY 7 | Random Act of Kindness

Published on by KadiLeave a comment

Hello Passionista, 

A few weeks ago, my friends and I  got together to celebrate one of our dear friends birthday and party with a purpose. The birthday guy requested we all bring items to make blessings in a bag. This was such a great idea and it warmed my heart. My friends are truly amazing!

We gathered most of the basic essentials …. likes bottled waters, cereal bars, fruit snacks, socks, tissues, toilets, over the counter medicine, and first aid items for the blessing bags. 

As we partied and mingled, we also each made a blessing bag to put in our cars to bless a person in need. 

So, I road around for at least 2 weeks with my blessing bag in my car. I honestly almost forgot about it. It wasn’t until I was at a red light on my way home and saw a man standing in the cold holding a cardboard sign. My first thought was, “It’s cold outside! Do I have a blanket in my truck to give him to keep warm?” Of course, I didn’t. But it dawned on me that I had the blessing bag I made with my friends at the Party with a Purpose kickback. I reached behind my seat and pulled the blessing bag from the pocket behind my seat and rolled down my window to give the man the bag. He smiled at me and said, “Thank you! God bless you.” In that moment my heart was full and I wished I had more to offer him in that moment. It was then I realized how important it is to keep things like blessing bags handy. You never know when you might come across someone in need and want to help them. This motivated me to start keeping blessing bags in my car for the next time I come across someone in need. 

Blessing bags are easy to make and has the potential to make a huge difference to someone in need. Please be prepare to lend a helping hand at every moment possible, you never know when if could be you that needs the help from another stranger. 

Guest Blogger Tiara Johnson | It Is Your Dream !

Published on by KadiLeave a comment

Hello Passionista, 

Last year, I met Tiara through an friend I was planning a event with. On top of her grace and sweet smile, I found her to be very encouraging, inspirational, and resourceful. Since meeting her, we have worked on several projects together and supported each others hustle. I wish I had as much energy and passion as Tiara, but she is always encouraging me to keep pushing, planning, and praying.

Tiara is a dream coach and her 21-day dream challenge is a kickstart to putting your dreams and plan into action. Tiara has recently released a dream planner titled,  Dreams & Deadlines 

Welcome Guest Blogger, Dream Coach and Business Mogul , Tiara Johnson

I have always been passionate on making my dreams come true, I have always known the importance of doing whatever you put your mind to. I am Tiara LaRae Johnson and I go by the Dream Coach, I help people execute their dreams through building personal brands, increasing client exposure, and activating God’s plan for their life! I started my first business in 7thgrade and I started my first job at 14 years old, I have always been very determined and a hard worker. In college I discovered Public Relations and that I could really go into a field where I can build solid foundations to people in business.  What keeps me going is I have a goal to build one million dreamers, and every dream activated brings me new energy and new joy. My business has changed my life in every way, I was able to step down from my job, plan events for thousands of people , and speak in front of audiences and empower them to live their dreams. I have a long way to go, but I am grateful that I can live my dreams and empower other to live theirs. You can do anything you put your mind to ! 

The Versatile Blogger Award

Published on by Kadi1 Comment

Hello Passionista, 

I was recently nominated for The Versatile Blogger Award by the creator of Joyful Tiny Living. Thank you Susan, I like your blog! After your read this post be sure to stop by Joyful Tiny Living to read about Susan’s RV lifestyle. 


I have been blogging since December 2015, and I think this is the 2nd social blog award I have been blessed with. I love them, so lets keep them coming. I don’t claim to be the best blogger in the world cause everyday I am learning and trying new things when it comes to prepping blogs, getting ideas, editing and sharing.


Okay! So the rules for the Versatile Blogger Award are:

  • Thank the person who nominated you for the award.
  • Include a link to their blog. 
  • Select and nominate 15 other blogs/bloggers that you’ve recently discovered or follow regularly.
  • Tell the person who nominated you 7 things about yourself. 

7 Things About Khadijah:

  1. I am a Event Planner. I started planning tea parties with my Grandmother and enjoyed the process of putting an event together. As life starts to settle in on me, I am surrounded by family and friends that needs help planning birthdays, dinners, showers, engagements, weddings, etc. So I started my own little hustle. 
  2. I have always been crafty and creative. I learned how to sew as a little girl. I like making quilts and knitting. My talent also allows me to make the best decor and gifts for family and friends when it time to celebrate just about everything. 
  3. My favorite food is Hot Wings. I also love and eat plenty of Pizza Rolls, Pasta, and Red Velvet Cake. 
  4. I am a proud product junkie. I love skincare products, beauty stuff, travel size items, makeup and lip gloss and cute stationary. When I’m in a store and see something i like I can’t help myself. I have a storage shelve full of products I haven’t used yet or maybe used once or twice in my home. 
  5. I really enjoy traveling and hope to travel a lot more in my lifetime. This world is full of some many beautiful place and things and I want to see as much of it as I can while on this earth. So far, I have traveled to Australia, France, Mexico and Israel, and about 25 states.
  6. I always prefer tea (hot or cold) over coffee. Something about coffee don’t ever settle well with my stomach. 
  7. My favorite artists are.. first and foremost BEYOND of course, then Tevin Campbell, Ella Mai and Cardi B. 

My Nominees are:

  1. Faithnturtles.com @faithnturtules 
  2. Jennyinneverland.com @jennyinneverland
  3. Ellduclos.blog @BGbloggers
  4. PlentyofThreads.com @plentyofthreads
  5. Whenlydiasmiles.wordpress.com @LydiaMarumo
  6. MakeupbyEden.com @makeupbyeden
  7. PrettyLittleBloggerx.wordpress.com @StephMon
  8. Mummytodex.com @mummytodex
  9. Goldenmemos.blogspot.com @goldenmemos
  10. Luluspov.com @luluspov
  11. Zoeyhoko16.wordpress.com @purrrple_poison
  12. TheChristianBloggHana.com @DKumapley 
  13. Ritas-digest.com @ritapitababita
  14. bit.ly/lifesajewel @lifesajewel
  15. Soldieries.co.uk @aaliyahkellyy