2020 Optimal Living Magazine Christian Women in Business Issue

THE PUBLISHER’S PERSPECTIVE
FIRST CLASS DREAMS REALLY
DO COME TRUE…
Twenty years ago, I had the
honor and privilege of meeting
Mr. Earl G. Graves, Sr. He is an
American entrepreneur, businessman,
philanthropist, family man, and an
advocate of African-American business
growth, longevity and prosperity. He is a
graduate of Morgan State University, and
yes, he is founder of the legendary Black
Enterprise Magazine and chairman of
the media company Earl G. Graves, Ltd. I
learned everything I know about the life cycle
of starting and producing magazines from the
fruits of his labor, as an Editorial intern during
the summer of 2000.
Walking through the doors of Black
Enterprise Magazine for the first time was
a “first class” dream come true and an
experience that I will cherish forever. With
every encounter I made with him, I was
encouraged to use my natural born gifts
to encourage other people to do greater
things. I didn’t know that I wanted to create,
edit and publish magazines until I walked
through those doors. All I could think was,
“Wow, I could have all this one day?”
Mr. Graves and his staff only chose 6 interns
out of 600 applicants that year, so I was
really surprised and honored to be chosen.
And, I made sure to show my appreciation
by going above and beyond the call of
duty to complete my assignments. This
man ran a tight ship in his offices and it
showed through every single issue of Black
Enterprise presented to the world.
I could probably write a book about all the
lessons learned that summer. Yet, the biggest
thing I learned was the power of networking
with people and businesses of like mind and
vision. If you aspire to be great, impact the
world with your vision, talent and ideas, you
must position yourself to collaborate and
exchange ideas with people who seek to do
things in excellence. With that said, I hope
to see you at our next Christian Women in
Business Expo & Brunch weekend. Stay tuned
for more information @ wifey101prayerbrunch.
eventbrite.com. Hope to see you there!
Excited to serve,
Tanisha Hopson Shaw
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
Walk in His Peace!
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