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THE FABULOUSFEMALE Ordinary WomenCELEBRATINGDoingExtraordinaryWORKS!INSIDE THIS ISSUEA Daughter’s Journey to Uplift Mothersand FamiliesTurning Pain into Power to InspireGenerationsBreaking Barriers and Building Legaciesfor Mothers EverywhereUpcoming: Females Are Fabulous – “BeAlive and Financially Thrive in 2025!”HOLIDAY EDITIONMAGAZINEDesiree CocroftDesiree Cocroft
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!Desiree CocroftA Daughter’s Journey to Uplift Mothers and FamiliesDamilola AremuTurning Pain into Power to Inspire GenerationsNailah StarksBreaking Barriers and Building Legacies for Mothers EverywhereWhat 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!i12911161723Wake Up, Fabulous Females andWalk In Your Fabulousity! Playbook24Fabulous Female In The Community!25
Welcome to our Holiday edition of TheFabulous Female! Although this magazine wasfive years in the making, I’ve learned thateverything happens in its own 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
Desiree CocroftA DAUGHTER’S JOURNEY TO UPLIFT MOTHERS AND FAMILIESesiree Cocroft’s journey beganwhen she discovered herpassion for facilitating change at just 17. As a teen mentor, she ledsmall and large group discussions ontopics like healthy relationships, self-esteem, and decision-making,realizing early on that helping peopletransform their lives was her geniuszone. Over the years, she’s honed thistalent into a powerful mission toinspire individuals and organizationsto reach their full potential.Armed with an MBA, Desiree initiallyworked with nonprofits, advisingyouth and college students, whilesimultaneously co-founding theSignature Dance Company, which hasnow flourished for 20 years. Her workas a life and leadership executivecoach allows her to help leadersembrace personal growth and achievestrategic goals. Through DestinationLife, her coaching and consulting firm,Desiree equips high-impactprofessionals to maximize theirinfluence and income while cultivatinginner resilience. Her influence extendsto over 30,000 leaders trained globallyand more than 5,000 young womenimpacted through dance and life skills.Building a Legacy of Leadershipand Impact2
The inspiration behind her work comes from deeply personal experiences,including being bullied in middle school. This challenging time fueled herdesire to help others feel empowered and confident. Dance became her outletand growth catalyst, allowing her to combine creativity, leadership, andpersonal development in her work today. She takes pride in fosteringtransformation, whether it’s watching a young girl blossom through theSignature Dance Company or helping a high-achieving woman step into herpower through Destination Life.Turning Challenges into InspirationDesiree’s businesses addressa significant challenge: thelack of personal andleadership development forprofessionals. This gap oftenperpetuates toxic workplacecultures and unfulfilled lives.By focusing on creative,high-achieving leaders, shehelps them do the innerwork needed to reach theirgoals, creating a ripple effectof productivity andfulfillment in theirorganizations.Addressing Gaps inPersonal and LeadershipDevelopment3
Launching her businessesrequired a resourcefulapproach. For Signature DanceCompany, she leaned oncommunity support, securinglocal grants and contributionsfrom friends and family.Destination Life was built fromher personal income,reinvesting profits to grow thebusiness. She credits herfinancial confidence tomaintaining a full-time jobwhile nurturing her businesses—a decision that providedstability as she built a strongfoundation.Resourceful Beginnings,Grounded in StabilityCONTACT MEDesiree CocroftHELLO@DESIREECOCROFT.COMDesiree Cocroft, MBA, PCCDesiree CocroftDesiree Coaching Experience Signature Dance Company (SDC)info@signaturedancecompany.org414-213-96404
MORE INFORMATIONDESIREE FINDS IMMENSE JOY INSEEING HER CLIENTS EVOLVE.CELEBRATINGWatching leaders overcomeself-doubt and embraceclarity and confidence isprofoundly rewarding. Shealso cherishes the legacy ofthe Signature DanceCompany, where young girlsshe once mentored nowreturn as leaders andvolunteers, continuing thecycle of empowerment.TRANSFORMATIONSANDEMPOWERMENT5
SCALING FOR AGLOBAL IMPACTLooking ahead, Desiree envisionsscaling her impact with digital toolsand resources to support womenleaders globally.Her online program, IDENTITY SHIFT,is expanding to help senior leadersbuild resilience and influence. For Signature Dance Company, she’s focused onenhancing workshops and performances to inspirethe next generation of bold leaders. She also plans tocreate more digital products and books, making lifeand leadership coaching accessible to even moreprofessionals.6
Lessons from the JourneyReflecting on her journey, Desiree shares that understanding thebalance between purpose and practicality was a game-changer.Holding a full-time job while running a business taught her toembrace financial habits that laid the groundwork for success. Her advice to women starting out is,“Build your business around the lifeyou want, stay focused, and investwisely in what aligns with your goals.Surround yourself with supportivewomen, and trust that every twist andturn in your journey has something toteach.”Make Bold Your DefaultDesiree lives by the mantra, “Make boldyour default.” A simple yet powerfulreminder to approach life with courage,clarity, and decisiveness, inspiringothers to do the same.7
Testimonial8
DR. JOANN AJAYI-SCOTTTHE “ORIGINAL FABULOUS FEMALE”FEMALES ARE FABULOUS“Be Alive & Financially Thrive!”2025Friday, January 17 – Monday, January 20, 2025RetreatFabulous?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!9
10FEMALES ARE FABULOUS2025DR. JOANN AJAYI-SCOTTTHE “ORIGINAL FABULOUS FEMALE”Friday, January 17 – Monday, January 20, 2025“Be Alive &Financially Thrive!”RetreatJoin the movement.Let’s chat!Scan the QR code
DAMILOLADAMILOLAAREMUAREMUTurning Paininto Power toInspireGenerationsDamilola Aremu is a womanof resilience and purpose,carving out her path withpassion and determination. As a freelance Virtual Assistant, she dedicates herself to helpingbusy CEOs, professionals, and entrepreneurs streamline theirworkflows and achieve their goals. Alongside this, she runs TheEyewear Store, an online eyewear store offering stylish andfunctional eyewear that meets diverse customer needs.Her journey in business began during a challenging period as amedical student, where financial difficulties became the catalystfor her creativity and drive. For Damilola, business was not justabout earning a living but creating stability while pursuing herdreams. Her mission is clear: empower others to thrive, unlockpotential, and build a legacy of value and impact.11
Damilola’s Virtual Assistantbusiness tackles some of the mostpressing challenges professionalsface: time management, taskoverload, and operationalinefficiencies. By stepping in as atrusted support system, she handlescrucial but time-consuming taskslike email management,appointment scheduling, andcontent creation, among others. Herpersonalized approach ensures eachclient’s unique needs are met,enabling them to focus on personaland business growth to achievestrategic goals. With clearcommunication and proactiveproblem-solving, Damilola creates astress-free and productiveenvironment for her clients.The foundation of her ventures lies in resilience and ambition. Whenfinancial setbacks disrupted her studies as a medical student, shesought sustainable solutions. Becoming a Virtual Assistant was a naturalchoice, allowing her to combine her organizational skills and digitalknowledge with the flexibility to work remotely. Through thisexperience, she honed her ability to prioritize tasks, manage timeeffectively, and deliver results—a skillset she now channels intosupporting her clients and running her business.Solving Real Problems for ProfessionalsRESILIENCE AND AMBITION as the Foundationeunicearemu2019@gmail.comDamilola AremuCONTACT ME12
Resourceful Beginningsand Global ConnectionsStarting her business requiredresourcefulness. With little more than herpersonal savings to cover internet access,Damilola invested time in learning andrefining her skills through free andaffordable resources. Strategic networkingon social media helped her connect withclients and peers, allowing her to build asolid foundation for her brand.The work itself brings her immensefulfillment. She cherishes the opportunityto connect with clients across the globe,learning from their diverse cultures whilemaking a tangible difference in their lives.The flexibility of remote work also enablesher to balance her professional growthwith personal commitments, including herongoing medical education. To Damilola,helping a brand go global from thousandsof kilometers away is not just rewardingbut a testament to the possibilities of herjourney.Expanding HorizonsLooking ahead, Damilola envisionsexpanding her business into a full-fledgedVirtual Assistant agency, assembling ateam of skilled professionals to take onlarger projects and offer even greatervalue. She is also exploring advanced toolsand software to enhance efficiency andsupport her clients in more strategic ways.As part of her commitment to continuousimprovement, she is investing in herdevelopment, focusing on digitalmarketing and project management skillsthat will allow her to offer even moreimpactful solutions.13
Her advice to other women is asheartfelt as it is practical: Pray andtrust the process. Start small,celebrate every win, and focus oncreating value. Believe in yourunique journey, embrace yourstrengths, and surround yourselfwith supportive people who upliftyou. In her words,Personal Milestones and Faithas Her AnchorHer greatest achievements are deeply personal, from overcomingfinancial setbacks to purchasing her first laptop—a small step thatbecame the foundation of her business. Continuing medical schoolafter a challenging period and inspiring others through her journeyare milestones she holds dear.For Damilola, faith is at the heart of everything. Proverbs 3:5 remindsher to trust in God’s plan, Philippians 4:13 assures her of the strengthto overcome challenges, and Jeremiah 29:11 reassures her of a futurefilled with hope and purpose. These verses guide her daily,motivating her to stay focused and faithful as she pursues herdreams.Advice for Women: Believe in Yourself“Hey Black female, youare capable of achievingamazing things. I amrooting for you!”14
Testimonial15I had the privilege of working with Damilola Aremu atEnski, and I can confidently say she’s one of the mosthardworking and reliable individuals I’ve ever met.She started out as an assistant, but it didn’t take longfor her to prove she was more than that. Damilolahad this knack for spotting problems before anyoneelse did and solving them quietly without making afuss. It wasn’t just her ability to handle tasksefficiently; it was the way she owned her role, makingsure everything ran smoothly behind the scenes.Her contributions weren’t just about checking off to-dos; they made a real impact on Enski’s growth.Whether it was streamlining processes or jumpinginto uncharted territory when the team neededsupport, she was always ready to step up. Hercommitment and resilience were inspiring.Damilola is not just a great assistant; she’s the kind ofperson you want in your corner; someone whogenuinely cares about the success of the people andprojects she supports. -Dann O.
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!16
Growing up as the eldest daughter of a currently incarceratedwoman, the responsibility of advocacy and protection for her threeyounger siblings naturally fell on her shoulders. The year 2010marked a turning point in her life when her father passed away andher mother was incarcerated. Her siblings were sent to live withtheir aunt and uncle in a less-than-favorable environment, but theblessing was that they stayed together.BREAKINGBREAKINGBARRIERSBARRIERSAND BUILDINGAND BUILDINGLEGACIESLEGACIESFORFORMOTHERSMOTHERSEVERYWHEREEVERYWHERENAILAH NAILAH STARKSSTARKSNailah’s entrepreneurial spirit emerged quite early. From selling poemsand phone cases to working at a snowball stand in high school and a fast-food restaurant at 16, she sought every opportunity to support her siblings.Leaving for college at Dillard University, this hustle continued as shemanaged a blog, Praying Girl, and a charm bracelet business, N&NCharms, all while navigating the new challenges of motherhood with hernewborn son.Entrepreneurial Spirit Rooted in Responsibility17
The Birth of aMission: The MommyDearestFoundationThe Birth of aMission: The MommyDearestFoundationA pivotal moment came with the Boss on Campus Pitch Competition, fundedby the Boss Network. Initially, she missed the registration deadline but wasoffered a chance when a spot opened. Determined to make the most of theopportunity, she envisioned something bigger than a hobby. After muchreflection and prayer, the idea for The Mommy Dearest Foundation (TMDF)was born—a name and mission deeply rooted in her personal journey andchallenges.The inspiration for TMDF is profoundly personal. Nailah’s goal is to ensure nochild grows up motherless and no mother feels helpless. She reflects on theimpact of her mother’s absence, the challenges of young motherhood, andthe times she and her son faced homelessness and walked miles daily todaycare, work, and school. These experiences solidified her resolve to createan organization that would alleviate such burdens for others.18
TMDF tackles key challenges: maintaining connections betweenincarcerated mothers and their children and supporting mothers incaring for their families. Through initiatives like keeping funds oninmates' accounts for communication, hosting community events,and providing new baby bundles, TMDF addresses critical gaps withcompassion and purpose.TMDF: Addressing Critical ChallengesThe $5,000 grant received notonly established the foundationbut also brought mentorshipfrom Dr. JoAnn Ajayi-Scott,which Nailah considers aninvaluable asset. Despite thechallenges of balancing full-timework, motherhood, and leading anonprofit, she continues to buildon her vision, planning to expandTMDF into a comprehensivesupport hub for mothers.Building a LegacyDespite ChallengesDedicated to providingresources for everystage of motherhood.19
www.mommydearestfoundation.orginfo@mommydearestfoundation.orgThe most rewarding part of her work iswitnessing TMDF's impact on families.Testimonials and pictures frommothers they’ve helped serve asconstant reminders of the foundation’spurpose and the lives it touches.Looking ahead, she focuses on teambuilding and laying a solid foundationfor an organization that will servegenerations.Transforming Lives,One Family at a TimeThe Mommy Dearest Foundation The Mommy Dearest FoundationthemommydearestfdnThe Mommy Dearest Foundation20
She emphasizes the importance of managing time effectively andunderstanding donor engagement. Her achievements, including theinitial grant and the ongoing work of TMDF, serve as a testament toher dedication and faith-driven mission.A Faith-Driven MissionHer mantra, fuels her determination.She believes her work is adivine calling, anassignment that she iscommitted to fulfilling. Heradvice to women startingin business or finance is toseek God’s guidance, find amentor, and share yourstory. Sharing her journeyhas been transformative,opening doors toconnections and supportshe could never haveanticipated."No Child Motherless,No Mother Helpless,"For Nailah, this isn’t just about runningan organization; she is answering a callto make a lasting difference in the livesof mothers and children.Answering a Divine Call21
Testimonial"We are so thankful to have beenintroduced to TMDF. From the initialintroduction, they were warm,welcoming, and willing to help withouthesitation. TMDF went out of theirway to assist Caitlin in getting babyessentials for her new baby. Thisfoundation is a much-neededresource for mothers in theircommunity. Thank you TMDF for allthat you do."-Tyreal B.22
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 today23
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 PLAYBOOK24
In The Community!Fabulous FemaleWWW.THEMACLIFECOACH.COM25