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Message THE FABULOUSFEMALE INSIDE THIS ISSUEBuilding a Legacy ofEmpowerment with TheBOSS NetworkBreaking Barriers: AJourney of Resilienceand Empowerment inBusinessWalking in Purpose,Building Legacy: TheEmpowered Journey ofRhonda HollinsUpcoming: 36thAnniversary Scholarshipand Awards GalaMAGAZINEOrdinary WomenOrdinary WomenCELEBRATINGCELEBRATINGDoingDoingExtraordinaryExtraordinaryWORKS!WORKS!FINANCIAL LITERACY MONTH EDITIONCameka SmithBUILDING A LEGACY OF EMPOWERMENT WITH THE BOSS NETWORK
Table of CONTENTSInsider InformationDr. JoAnn Ajayi-ScottiiDiscover the mission of Dr. JoAnn Ajayi-Scott, publisher of The FabulousFemale Magazine, dedicated to empowering readers through exclusiveinsights, success stories, and practical tools for growth in all areas of life.The “Original Fabulous Female”, and how she helps fabulous females becomelegendary!Cameka SmithBuilding a Legacy of Empowerment with The BOSS NetworkMargie RamseyBreaking Barriers: A Journey of Resilience and Empowerment in BusinessDr. Rhonda HollinsWalking in Purpose, Building Legacy: The Empowered Journey of Rhonda HollinsWhat Makes You Fabulous?Upcoming: Females Are Fabulous – “Be Alive and Financially Thrive in 2025!”Don’t Talk About It, Be About it!What does this statement mean to you?Be Your Own Bank!i121214192228Wake Up, Fabulous Females andWalk In Your Fabulousity! Playbook29Fabulous Female In The Community!30Table of CONTENTSInsider InformationDr. JoAnn Ajayi-ScottiiDiscover the mission of Dr. JoAnn Ajayi-Scott, publisher of The FabulousFemale Magazine, dedicated to empowering readers through exclusiveinsights, success stories, and practical tools for growth in all areas of life.The “Original Fabulous Female”, and how she helps fabulous females becomelegendary!What Makes You Fabulous?Upcoming: Females Are Fabulous – “Be Alive and Financially Thrive in 2025!”Don’t Talk About It, Be About it!What does this statement mean to you?Be Your Own Bank!i12Wake Up, Fabulous Females andWalk In Your Fabulousity! PlaybookFabulous Female In The Community!
Welcome to our Financial Literacy Monthedition of The Fabulous Female! Althoughthis magazine was five years in the making,I’ve learned that everything happens in itsown time.This magazine is designed to provideFabulous Females with tools, resources, andstrategies to leverage their finances, connectwith other Fabulous Females, and sharestories of triumph as they navigate theirbusiness, finances, and life.Dr. JoAnn Ajayi-Scott, PublisherI N S I D E R InformationThis issue explores how women give back intheir industry through their business and howthey impact others lives in the process. Thatmakes this magazine unique—we spotlight'ordinary women doing extraordinary work'and showcase them to the world through ourcirculation of over 250,000 people across allsocial platforms, websites, and onlinepresence. So, grab a cup of coffee, tea, yourfavorite drink, or water, and sit back, relax,learn, connect, and LEVERAGE!Join the movementof Fabulousity andconnect with me toshare your journey.Scan the QR code to get started!JAS Enterprise | P.O. Box 17063, Jacksonvillle, Florida 32247 | femalesarefabulous.com | info@femalesarefabulous.comii
She became the original Fabulous Female inJune 2012. Her two daughters worked with heron the first annual Females Are FabulousEmpowerment Conference. This conferencewas created to celebrate the girls who hadparticipated in the programs, events, andmentoring sessions during the school year,and to recognize the professional andbusiness women who contributed asphilanthropists by giving their time, talent,and treasure (money) to support Essence ofa Lady, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizationfounded by Dr. JoAnn Ajayi-Scott.THE “ORIGINALFABULOUS FEMALE”DR. JOANN AJAYI-SCOTTHELPS FABULOUS FEMALESBECOME LEGENDARY!read moreDR. JOANN AJAYI-SCOTTDR. JOANN AJAYI-SCOTTFabulous is not just how you look on the outside, fabulous is synonymouswith extraordinary. Fabulous Females are ordinary women doingextraordinary works in their community, business and life!As Dr. Ajayi-Scott ensured that all girls,parents, and philanthropists receivedtheir awards and recognition, her twodaughters came on stage andsurprised her with the first-ever'Fabulous Female' award.Her love for the award birthed theinitiative of awarding the 'FabulousFemale' title to professionals andbusinesswomen who went above andbeyond in supporting Essence of aLady’s mentoring programs during theschool year.From there, she created the FemalesAre Fabulous Empowerment Seriesand, ultimately, the Fabulous FemalePhenomenon!Now, Dr. JoAnn Ajayi-Scott is launchingthe Females Are Fabulous Movement.She is on a mission to bring 1,000business and C-Suite women togetherto help each other transform theirfinancial well-being by 2025.She is bringing together 10 women whowill share how they overcame the oddsto leverage their finances, buildgenerational wealth, and inspire othersto do the same!1
Building a Legacy of Empowermentwith The BOSS NetworkCameka Smith’s journey into entrepreneurship wasn’tjust a career move, it was a calling. As a womannavigating the complex world of business andleadership, she quickly recognized the challenges thatwomen, particularly women of color, face whenstriving to build their careers or launch businesses.The lack of mentorship, community, and tailoredresources was evident, and instead of waiting for asolution, she created one.CamekaSmithA Calling to Empower Women2
The BOSS Network was born out of Cameka’spassion for empowering women to take chargeof their careers, establish thriving businesses,and create lasting legacies.THE BIRTH OF THE BOSS NETWORKFor her, networking isn’t just about making connections butabout cultivating a community where women uplift, inspire,and push each other toward success. Over the years, she haswitnessed the remarkable impact of her work, as The BOSSNetwork has helped countless women secure funding, launchand scale their businesses, and gain the confidence they needto thrive. Her mission remains clear: to equip women with theknowledge and resources necessary to transform theirdreams into reality.3
Reflecting on what motivated her to found The BOSS Network, Camekashares that her desire stemmed from her own professionalexperiences. Having grown up surrounded by strong women, sheadmired their resilience but also noticed the systemic barrierspreventing them from accessing the same opportunities as their malecounterparts. These disparities became even more apparent as sheembarked on her own career path. She saw talented, hardworkingwomen struggling to gain the necessary funding, connections, andvisibility to elevate their businesses.The Inspiration Behind The BOSS NetworkThrough that transition, she realized that success was more abouthaving the right people in your corner than just working hard. Thisrevelation reinforced her determination to create a space wherewomen could share knowledge, build relationships, and receive thesupport they needed to break barriers and build sustainablebusinesses. The BOSS Network became a platform to address thesepressing issues, ensuring that women, especially Black women, haveaccess to tools and connections that empower them to succeed.Her definingmomentcame whenshe steppedaway fromcorporatelife. 4
One of the biggest obstacles women of color face in business issecuring funding. Studies highlight that Black women receive lessthan 1% of venture capital funding, a stark reality that can stiflegrowth and innovation. To combat this, The BOSS Network haspartnered with major corporations to provide grants and fundingopportunities for women entrepreneurs. The introduction ofinitiatives like the BOSS Impact Fund has allowed them to investdirectly in women-owned businesses, ensuring that financial supportis not just an aspiration but a tangible reality.ADDRESSING THE CHALLENGESWomen Face in BusinessAt its core, The BOSS Network is tackling three majorchallenges: lack of funding, limited mentorship, and theneed for greater visibility.Bridging the Funding GapBeyond financial aid, The BOSS Network is filling the mentorship gap.Many women possess brilliant ideas but lack the guidance totransform them into successful ventures. Through events, workshops,and digital resources, Cameka and her team provide businesseducation, coaching, and industry insights. By fostering a strongcommunity of professionals, they are bridging the gap betweenambition and execution.Filling the Mentorship Gap5
Visibility is another key challenge. Too often, the contributions ofBlack women in business are overlooked or undervalued. The BOSSNetwork is committed to changing this narrative by amplifyingwomen’s voices, sharing their success stories, and positioning themas leaders in their industries. Through media partnerships,networking events, and platforms that showcase women’sachievements, they are ensuring that these trailblazers receive therecognition they deserve.Amplifying Women’s VisibilityLike any successful entrepreneur,Cameka had to navigate thecomplexities of securing initialfunding and resources to buildher vision. Leveraging hercorporate background, shefocused on building a strongcommunity and curating valuableevents, which, in turn, attractedsponsorships and strategicpartnerships. Early funding camethrough brand collaborations,grants, and reinvesting revenueback into the business became akey strategy for sustainablegrowth. By prioritizingrelationships, visibility, andimpact, The BOSS Networkevolved into a nationallyrecognized platform empoweringwomen entrepreneurs across thecountry.Navigating Initial Challenges and Growth6
For Cameka, the most rewarding aspect of her work iswitnessing the tangible impact The BOSS Network has onwomen’s lives and businesses. Every time she sees a womansecure funding, gain confidence, or successfully grow herbusiness, she is reminded of why she embarked on thisjourney. Her passion lies in connecting with ambitiouswomen, hearing their stories, and knowing that The BOSSNetwork is instrumental in creating real opportunities.The Rewarding Impact of The BOSS Network7
For Cameka, the most rewarding aspect of her work iswitnessing the tangible impact The BOSS Network hason women’s lives and businesses. Every time she sees awoman secure funding, gain confidence, orsuccessfully grow her business, she is reminded of whyshe embarked on this journey. Her passion lies inconnecting with ambitious women, hearing theirstories, and knowing that The BOSS Network isinstrumental in creating real opportunities.8The Future of The BOSS NetworkLooking ahead, the future of The BOSS Network is one of expansionand greater impact. Cameka is focused on scaling the BOSS ImpactFund to provide even more financial support to Black womenentrepreneurs. She is also working on enhancing mentorshipprograms, expanding digital resources, and forging new partnershipsto create additional opportunities for women within the network.Additionally, the introduction of business training and acceleratorprograms is on the horizon, ensuring that women not only startbusinesses but also scale and sustain them successfully. Her ultimategoal is to continue breaking barriers and equipping women with thenecessary tools, funding, and support to build legacies that endure.
9A KEY LESSON IN Financial LiteracyWhen asked about the biggest lesson she has learned in business,Cameka emphasizes the importance of financial literacy. She reflectson how, early in her journey, she focused primarily on generatingrevenue but later realized that managing money wisely is just ascrucial as earning it. Prioritizing budgeting, strategic investments,and building multiple revenue streams have been key factors in TheBOSS Network’s long-term stability. She now advocates for financialeducation as an essential pillar of entrepreneurship, helping womenunderstand that money is a tool that, when used wisely, fuels growthand legacy building.Among her many achievements, Cameka isparticularly proud of establishing The BOSS Networkas a nationally recognized platform that hasinfluenced thousands of women entrepreneurs.Receiving the Joe Biden Lifetime Achievement Awardand launching the Voices of Strength: Pathways toSuccess report were significant milestones thatvalidated her work in empowering Black women inbusiness. As she looks ahead, she remains committedto expanding funding opportunities, increasingmentorship initiatives, and forming partnershipsthat drive meaningful change.Milestones and Achievements
When you empower a woman,you empower a community.10Through it all, one quote continues to fuel Cameka’s mission:A Powerful Mission That Fuels ChangeThis belief is at the heart of everything she does. She understandsthat the impact of empowering women extends far beyondindividuals—it strengthens families, uplifts communities, andreshapes industries. With The BOSS Network, Cameka Smith is notjust building businesses; she is building a movement of fearless,ambitious women determined to leave their mark on the world.To every woman just starting theirjourney in business and finance,my advice is:“Nevergive up on you!”
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Fabulous?What extraordinary work have you done in yourcommunity, business, or life?With all these accomplishments, is your money workingfor you, or are you working more, making more, but stillliving an average life?What Makes You The Females are Fabulous phenomenon is looking tohelp 1000 seasoned C-Suite and business women “Be Alive and Financially Thrive in 2025!” Dr. JoAnn Ajayi-Scott has over 35 years ofexperience mentoring and empowering women inwealth building, monetization, and moneyacceleration! She and 9 other money and wealthexperts will come together for 12 months toprovide tools, strategies, and resources toempower 1,000 women to 'Be Your Own Bank,''Protect Your Family' in a crisis, and 'Establish aLegacy of Generational Wealth.'This journey starts at the 'Be Alive and FinanciallyThrive in 2025!' Retreat in January and ends at the'Females Are Fabulous Empowerment Conference'in December 2025!Join the movement.Let’s chat!12
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Breaking Barriers: AJourney of Resilience andEmpowerment in BusinessMARGIERAMSEYWith over 35 years ofexperience in the financialindustry, spanning roles inAccounts Receivable/Payable,Mortgage Processing, Closing,and Appraisal/MortgageUnderwriting, Margie decidedit was time to take charge ofher own future. Inspired bythe desire to be her own bossand leverage her expertisewithout restrictions, sheembarked on a journey thatwould allow her to createopportunities not only forherself but also for otherBlack businesswomen.14
Margie’s motivation was clear: to build something that granted herthe freedom to operate on her terms while making a meaningfulimpact. As she stepped into the world of business ownership, sherecognized the need for accessible legal assistance, notary services,and travel-related resources. Identifying these challenges, she set outto provide solutions that would ease the burdens many businessowners face.Building a Business with PurposeFunding the ventureentirely out of her ownpocket, Margiedemonstrated thepower of self-investment and beliefin one’s vision. Whilethe initial stages werechallenging, herdetermination neverwavered. The mostrewarding aspect ofher journey? Theability to connect withand uplift Blackbusinesswomen,providing them withopportunities andsupport to thrive.15
Looking ahead, she is actively working on strategic partnerships withother businesses to expand her reach and amplify her services. Sheunderstands that growth and sustainability in business requirecollaboration, and she is committed to forging alliances that willstrengthen her offerings.The Power of Collaboration"Changing my mindsetabout money was themost important step tosuccessfully running mybusiness and securingfunding,"One of the biggest lessons she has learned throughout herjourney is the importance of mindset.she shares. This shift inperspective allowed her tonavigate financial challengeswith resilience and foresight.16
Notable Achievements and LegacyAmong her most notableachievements is earning theBronze level as a travel expertand dedicating over threedecades to working alongsideher sister, Dr. JoAnn Ajayi-Scott, as Co-Founder ofEssence of a Lady, Inc. Theseaccomplishments are atestament to her dedication,perseverance, andunwavering commitment toexcellence.Do your research, plan, andDo your research, plan, andprepare for your journey.prepare for your journey.Stay focused on you. WithStay focused on you. Withthe right knowledge,the right knowledge,preparation, andpreparation, anddetermination, success isdetermination, success iswithin reach.within reach.Margie’s advice to aspiringwomen entrepreneurs is: 17
Faith, Hard Work, and Breaking BarriersAs she continues to breakbarriers and create newopportunities, her guidingmantra remains:"Nothing isimpossiblewith God onyour side!"It is this faith, coupled withhard work and strategicaction, that propels herforward in her mission toempower and uplift others.Margie’s story serves as aninspiration to all women looking tostep into the world of business andfinance. It is a reminder that withresilience, vision, and a commitmentto growth, possibilities are trulyendless.18
BE YOUR OWNBANK!This may sound unrealistic or even impossible, but wouldn’t it be wonderful tonever have to worry about whether your credit score, monthly income, or racewill determine if you get a loan? Unexpected emergencies can happen to youor your family at any time, hence the phrase, “Life Happens!”This is why the concept of "Be Your Own Bank"resonates with so many people today. Everyday,hardworking individuals—especially C-Suite andbusinesswomen aged 30 and up—are makinglong-term financial decisions to protect theirfamilies from societal judgments aroundqualifying for loans. They do this by saving andinvesting in themselves, building cash value toborrow from their own savings. They can accessfunds for a down payment on a house, car, orbusiness; cover repair costs; or even send achild off to college!Scan to complete and beinterviewed for thisyear’s activities!19
EDIFICATION: GET YOURFLOWERS WHILE YOU ARE ALIVE!Dr. JoAnn Ajayi-Scott. Affectionately known as Dr. Scott, she has spent over 35years on a mission to educate, mentor, and empower women to achieve optimalhealth and wealth as parents, professionals, and businesswomen in this ever-changing world. She is the Founder and CEO of Essence of a Lady, Inc., asustainable 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.Dr. Scott created a network of over 400 philanthropists, later called theEssence Ladies (E’Ladies) Network, who contributed their time, talent, andtreasure to further the vision of empowering women and youth, especiallygirls, to achieve maximum health and wealth. Through the "Each One, Teach One" concept, Dr. Scott partnered with over sixschool districts in three states to educate, mentor, and empower more than1,000 girls through mentoring programs, workshops, field trips, and specialevents. Additionally, she collaborated with national, state, and local communityleaders, including Mentor and Susan Taylor’s National CARES MentoringMovement, to recruit mentors. She also worked with other nonprofits andbusinesses, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters and Communities In Schools, toprovide support for youth programs.20
To learn more about Dr. Scott, click link below:Iconic Trailblazers - Top 5Most Influential BusinessLeaders Making an Impactin 2024Local school districts and community organizations provided programlocations, in-kind donations, and sponsorships to support the studentsselected for participation. With these combined efforts, Essence of a Ladyfurthered its mission to educate, mentor, and empower youth throughadult philanthropy for 20 years, from January 2004 to June 2024, touchingthousands of lives and awarding over $40,000 in scholarships between2011 and 2024.Dr. Scott has received numerous awards and recognition for her relentlessefforts to "Be The Change" she wishes to see in the world. Her most recenthonors include gracing the cover of an international magazine forexecutives, publishing an article, becoming an author, and receiving theInternational Women Alliance Ministries (IWAM) Unstoppable Award,which will be presented in October 2024!WE WOULD LOVE TO FEATURE YOU!Share your journey to success for a chance tobe highlighted in the Fabulous Femalemagazine, speak at our upcoming retreat, orbe honored at our awards gala. Don't missthe opportunity to place your brand in frontof Fabulous Females nationwide! Scan theQR code to set up an appointment.21
DR. RHONDAHOLLINSWalking in Purpose, Building Legacy: TheEmpowered Journey of Rhonda HollinsRhonda Hollins’ story is one thatbeautifully weaves faith, family,and financial literacy into alegacy-driven mission thatcontinues to impact lives acrossgenerations. From a young age,Rhonda was surrounded bywomen who embodied strengthand generosity. Both hergrandmothers and her motherwere active in theircommunities, giving of theirtime, talents, and knowledge.These women weren’t justfamily, they were her firstmentors modeling a life rootedin service, faith, andempowerment.Rhonda’s early exposure to entrepreneurship came throughcreativity. Taught by her mother to sew, she soon began designing,crocheting, and crafting fashion pieces, which she would market andsell. This initial foray into business planted the seed that would growinto a thriving entrepreneurial spirit.The Spark of Entrepreneurship Through Creativity22
A SHIFT IN DREAMS: From Fashion to Financial EmpowermentThough she started college studying Apparel Design with dreams ofbecoming a fashion designer, life experiences opened new doors, onesthat led her into business, finance, real estate, and insurance. Rhondabegan to understand that wealth was more than money, it wasknowledge, strategy, and the ability to create impact.The turning point camewhen she met her husband,Dr. David Hollins, Sr., alicensed financial advisorand certified retirementspecialist in 2006. Together,they founded HollinsFinancial Group, LLC andmade it their mission toempower individuals andfamilies with financialstrategies that supportwealth-building and legacyplanning. Rhondatransitioned from hercorporate administrativerole in 2009 to fully embraceher calling alongside herhusband.A Partnership inPurpose: BuildingHollins Financial Group23
Appliedknowledge ispower.The biggest challengeRhonda and her teamseek to solve is onethat affects countlesscommunities, lack offinancial educationand a disempoweringmoney mindset. Thereare many ways toearn, save, grow, andprotect your money,but you have to dosomething with whatyou learn. In herwords,24
She also continues to educate others on the Cash Flow Quadrants,highlighting how strategic positioning can legally reduce taxburdens and increase financial control.Her journey hasn’t been without lessons though, Rhonda candidlyreflects on how she wishes she had started sooner. I only knew toget an education and find a good job but later I learned there’sanother way. She recalls joining her first network marketingcompany in the late ’80s, observing successful people andrealizing she could do it too.With a unique blend of personal stories and practical education, theHollins’ approach to financial literacy is both relatable andtransformational. They emphasize the importance of estate planning,not only as a financial tool but as an act of love for one’s family. “Wework too hard not to protect what we acquire,” Rhonda says.Financial Literacy with Love and Legacy in MindThe road ahead for Rhonda isboth innovative and inspiring.She’s currently collaboratingwith a technology companythat’s launched the world’s firstintegrated virtual conferencingplatform, a one-source solutionthat equips business owners andentrepreneurs with tools tobrand themselves while earningfinancial incentives.25
Building WealthTogether: A Family andCommunity MissionOne of her proudest achievements is working side-by-side with herhusband to teach families how to build wealth and leave a legacy.Together, they previously opened an office and financialempowerment school, sharing knowledge and offering businessopportunities. Both Rhonda and Dr. Hollins hold doctorate degrees inleadership, earned from Juliana King University in recognition of theircommunity efforts.26
Rhonda draws strength from her faith and her favorite quotes, onethat continues to guide her is from Dr. Myles Munroe - Guided by Faith and PurposeYYou must decide if you are going to rob the worldou must decide if you are going to rob the worldor bless it with the rich, valuable, potent,or bless it with the rich, valuable, potent,untapped resources locked away within you.untapped resources locked away within you.She adds her own daily reminder:Your smile is your logo, yourpersonality is your businesscard, and the way you makeothers feel is your trademark. “Don’t work alone, find a mentor and be willing to change.Start early. Seek financial literacy and education becauseit’s not taught in schools. Be mindful of the habits andprogramming you pass down. Handling your assetsmeans being accountable, planning for legacy, and beingintentional.”To women just starting out, Rhonda offers this advice:Rhonda Hollins stands as a beacon of wisdom, faith, and purpose – aFabulous Female who’s not only building wealth, but changing thenarrative for future generations.27
What does thisstatement mean to you?It means don’t just sit aroundand watch things happen—make them happen!eladies.bizIn the business world, it means don’t just have abusiness—get your business in front of yourtarget audience by marketing and promoting itfrequently. As a Fabulous Female, you have thebenefit of an online presence at eLadies.Biz,where women buy, sell, and connect! Get yourcomplimentary business listing today28
To learn more about securing your future,borrowing from yourself, and achievingfinancial freedom, connect with Dr. JoAnn byscanning the QR code and get your playbookon Amazon.DOWNLOAD THE PLAYBOOK29
In The Community!Fabulous Female30