We get to the heart and soul of entrepreneurs,
connect them with resources to grow their businesses and teach them how to balance work, life and play! 
Happy Black History Month and MWBE Monday on Tuesday to our Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. Community Family!

We hope that everyone is safe, healthy, “surviving” and “thriving” through the snow that keeps coming and coming. Let’s all continue to do our best to remain safe. Slooooooow down.
Hurricanes, storms, the global pandemic and so much more led to many minority and women owned businesses (MWBEs) to fail in 2020. However, many MWBEs did quite well last year.
Thanks to and congratulations to everyone who did what they could to keep MWBEs open last year and this year! You are true VIP’s!
Some MWBEs:
  • Generated new business turning their business into a virtual business
  • Took on part-time jobs to supplement their revenues
  • Temporarily went on unemployment and received the extra “pandemic unemployment”
  • Tapped into their networks to “repivot” their companies
  • Collaborated and or subcontracted with Prime Contractors and or other MWBE to capitalize on government, non-profit and corporate contracting opportunities.
  • Received grants and loan.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH

This week we continue celebrating Black History Month! Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc.’s co-founders Kecia Palmer-Cousins and Kevin Cousins are proud African Americans who are truly appreciative of all the historic achievements and accomplishments of African Americans past, present and future. We “are” because of “them”!   We are “imagineers” helping entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life!

Even though many MWBEs may not have reached their targeted revenues, they found a way somehow to keep the doors of their business open. They “tapped into their power within” to become resilient and to persevere through last year’s numerous obstacles with a little bit of help from family, friends, clients, grants, loans, etc.

Many tapped into the network to turn contacts into contracts. Networking is a socioeconomic business activity by which businesspeople and entrepreneurs meet to form business relationships and to recognize, create, or act upon business opportunities, share information and seek potential partners for ventures.

When life knocks you down, get up! Believe that you can, and you will! Don’t embrace that you are a failure. Everyone can be a success! Don’t let others define or label you!

OPRAH WINFREY – THE MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMAN IN THE WORLD

One of Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc.’s CEO Kecia Palmer-Cousins’ favorite quotes regarding failure is from the phenomenal Ms. Oprah Winfrey!
Kecia loves her some Oprah Winfrey!

Oprah Gail Winfrey (born Oprah Gail Winfrey; January 29, 1954) is an American talk show host, television producer, actress, author, and philanthropist. She is best known for her talk show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, broadcast from Chicago, which was the highest-rated television program of its kind in history and ran in national syndication for 25 years from 1986 to 2011. Dubbed the "Queen of All Media", she was the richest African American of the 20th century and North America's first black multi-billionaire, and she has been ranked the greatest black philanthropist in American history. By 2007, she was sometimes ranked as the most influential woman in the world.

Click below to read more about this wonderful black billionaire:
 
Kecia has been inspired by Oprah Winfrey for years. One of Kecia’s favorite Mother’s Day gifts was from her husband Kevin and two young sons, Kendall and Kyle. A solo mom get-away. A ticket to Oprah’s Live Your Best Life Ever Weekend in NY back in 2010. It was a life changing experience! 
It was Mother’s Day weekend. The best of both worlds. Networking during the day with Oprah’s circle of influencers, hundreds of women and entrepreneurs and spending late evenings at home with Kevin and the boys. Kecia didn’t mind the daily Metro North daily commute to the Jacob Javits Center and the venues around Manhattan that weekend as she attended the “Living Your Best Life Ever weekend” on a budget. Hotel room not included. LOL!

Kecia’s friends and family came through for her that weekend….like her hairdresser and make-up artist Monica Parker-Milligan, owner of Diva Designs, who gave her the fastest make-over for the first networking event that Friday evening. It takes a village! Monica has been one of Kecia’s favorite make-up artists for over 21 years. Monica also worked her make-up magic with Kecia for her photo used on her first professional business card. Kecia confidently floated through the room and gained gems of wisdom from Oprah’s circle of influencers like the brilliant Political Strategist Donna Brazile.
Donna Lease Brazile is an American political strategist, campaign manager and political analyst who served twice as acting Chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). She is currently a Fox News contributor, and was previously a CNN contributor until her resignation in October 2016, after leaking CNN's debate questions to Hillary Clinton's campaign in the 2016 United States presidential election.
Oprah opened and closed each day with an inspiring appearance. It was also the 10th year anniversary of “O Magazine. Attendees spent the day up close and personal with Oprah’s team of experts that appeared regularly on her show. Kecia had fun networking and chatting with other Oprah Circle of Friends such as Suzy Orman and Reggie Wells (Oprah’s make-up artist for 21 years). Even though she didn’t get to meet Oprah personally that weekend, she get to meet Oprah’s maker-up artist and receive from make-up tips.
The weekend ended with a “Walk” from The Intrepid to Times Square.   It was fun, productive and engaging being part of Oprah’s world for a weekend! And yes, Kecia made it back home on Sunday to enjoy Mother’s Day with her family.
THE BUSINESS COUNCIL OF
NEW YORK STATE, INC. HIGHLIGHTS

Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. as the February 16th Business of the Day.
The Business Council of New York State, Inc. (BCNYS) is the leading business organization in New York State, representing the interests of large and small firms throughout the state. Their membership is made up of roughly 2,400 member companies, local chambers of commerce and professional and trade associations. Their mission is to create economic growth, good jobs and strong communities across New York State.

Black business owners have been disproportionately affected economically by this pandemic. To date, almost half of Black-owned businesses have shuttered. In an effort to support these businesses, and to show our support for the Black community, The Business Council of New York State has launched 28 Businesses for 28 Days, a Black History Month initiative that will highlight a different Black-owned business each day of the month of February.

On February 16th, Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. was highlighted as the business of the day by The Business Council of New York State, Inc.! Special thank you to Patrick Bailey and Melvin Norris of The Business Council of New York State, Inc. for this opportunity! We truly appreciate it and the referrals that we received from this opportunity!
Over the past 20 years, Aero-Ba-Soul has transformed from a wellness company for full-figured people to a wellness company for Minority Women Business Enterprises (MWBE's), connecting them with resources to grow their businesses. Their project managers, engineers and M/WBE consultants get to the heart and soul of entrepreneurs, teaching them how to balance work, life and play. Aero-Ba-Soul focuses on; providing Business Management Consulting Services, partnering with community organizations to help MWBEs with procurement opportunities, assist with RFPs, provide life coaching services, provide professional development training and work with small business associations and community boards.

Click here to check out the previous featured businesses.

A few years ago, Marsha Gordon, President & CEO of The Business Council of Westchester, invited Kecia, who is also a member of The Business Council of Westchester, to attend an annual networking event with her in Albany hosted by The Business Council of New York State.  The BCYNY, BCW and The Hudson Valley Chamber of Commerce, have all been great resources for networking opportunities for the Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. team. Marketing, mentoring and networking are some of the keys to open doors of access and opportunities for referrals and revenue generating opportunities.
Join us in leaving a comment or like on the BCNYS’s Facebook page regarding The Aero-Ba-Soul team’s recognition February 16th of being highlighted as the “business of the day”. We thank our Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. community for making us feel like the business of the day every day.  We hope that you consider connecting with The Business Council of New York State for opportunities for your business! You’ll be glad that you did!
BLACK BUSINESS LEADERS OF DISTINCTION
The Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. team proudly congratulates, Shontell Smith, for being highlighted that same week as the “Black Business Leader of Distinction” by The New York State Business Council. Shontell is the Chief of Staff and Majority Counsel to the Senate Democratic Majority Conference. A well-deserved recognition for her over decade long dedication and commitment to public service, energy and beautiful spirit! The MWBE Community thanks you for your service!
"To me, Black History Month represents an opportunity for all, not just African Americans or Black Americans, to learn about and appreciate the numerous contributions of African Americans in America. Specifically, it is a time to talk about African Americans whose stories we do not know. This year, in the context of the Black Lives Matter movement and anti-racism protests, Black History Month is more important than ever. We must take the time to understand those who came before us and the struggles many African Americans face today, so we can improve the conditions for the future generations of tomorrow."

Chief of Staff and Majority Counsel I Senate Democratic Majority Conference Shantell Smith is an attorney at the NYS Senate who has worked in public service for over a decade. She is currently the Chief of Staff and Majority Counsel to the Senate Democratic Majority Conference. She is responsible for managing the legal, finance, press and public policy departments for the conference. Previously, she was the Director of Counsel and Finance for the NYS Senate Democratic Conference. She received her undergraduate degree in Political Science from Siena College and a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Maryland, Francis King Carey School of law in 2007. She then worked as a law clerk for the Honorable Michael E. Loney for the Anne Arundel Circuit court in Maryland. Upon completion of her clerkship, she returned to Albany NY, went to work for the NYS Senate as the Floor Counsel for the Democratic Conference, and was later promoted to the Floor and Policy Development Counsel.

Shantell Smith is a first generation American born and raised in Albany, New York. Her mother was born in Guyana, South America and her father was born in Jamaica, West Indies.

Black business owners have been disproportionately affected economically by this pandemic. To date, almost half of Black-owned businesses have shuttered. In an effort to support these businesses, and to show our support for the Black community, The Business Council has launched 28 Businesses for 28 Days, a Black History Month initiative that will highlight a different Black-owned business each day of the month of February.
LAWRENCE OTIS GRAHAM

Lawrence Otis Graham, lawyer and bestselling author who exposed prejudice, dies at 59
Ryan Santistevan, Rockland/Westchester Journal News 11 hrs ago
© David McKay Wilson/The Journal News

Lawrence Graham, attorney and author, at the Westchester County Association breakfast in Tarrytown.
Lawrence Otis Graham, a well-known lawyer, authority on workplace diversity, author, activist and longtime Westchester resident has died at the age of 59. The Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc team was honored to be in his presence on many occasions throughout the years as he courageously spoke up about the need for change regarding workplace diversity, spoke out against racism, written etc. He was brilliant, bold, sensitive, an active “activist”, attorney and most of all a great family man. He will be truly missed.

Noted lawyer, author and activist Lawrence Otis Graham of Chappaqua died Feb. 19, 2021. He was 59.

Graham was a lifelong Westchester County resident, graduating from White Plains High School, and a prominent one.

His public service locally included serving on the board of the Red Cross of Westchester, the Westchester Holocaust Commission, the SUNY Purchase College Foundation and the Westchester County Police Board.

A bestselling author, his 14 books include "A Member of the Club: Reflections on Life in a Racially Polarized World." Among the essays therein is the famous story of his undercover experience working as a busboy at the Greenwich Country Club — when the graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School was 30 and had taken a leave of absence from his midtown law firm to write a book.

Graham was a frequent news commentator on issues of politics, race and class.

"His writing particularly struck a chord as he described growing up Black, well educated, articulate and accomplished, and still facing prejudice and racism in this society," said Westchester County Executive George Latimer in a tribute on Facebook. "I met him when he and his wife Pam - a talented and successful executive in her own right - lived in White Plains and I was going door-to-door running for re-election as a County Legislator. I walked away from that front door meeting knowing I had just met an impressive man... and he was that and more over the 25+ years of our friendship."

Graham was 'of counsel' at one of the region's top law firms, Cuddy & Feder LLP. The law firm posted this statement:

Larry was a consummate intellectual, deeply engaged in the community and always present in the world around him. As our colleague, his candor, insight, and unwavering commitment to the highest levels of professionalism and ethics touched us profoundly and reminded us of the privilege we as attorneys have in service to others.

Larry’s enthusiastic and energetic community efforts were rooted in his belief that one must give back and make a difference in the lives of people. His talents were highly sought after as a board member at several universities and philanthropic organizations, as a police board commissioner and a commentator on Channel 12. Larry’s intelligence, vision and sensitivity resonated particularly in his dedication to telling the story of uniquely human experiences and the search for equity for all people.

Larry was particularly attuned to the history and future of Cuddy & Feder. Larry grew up in White Plains, knew the Feder and Cuddy families as a teenager and enjoyed a long connection with our firm. He was an advisor to many, friend to all, and a special part of who we are today. Larry will be sorely missed, and his presence remains in our hearts as we move forward together. We send our condolences and caring support to Larry’s wife, Pamela Thomas Graham, his children and his extended family and friends.

Visitation will be from noon to 5 p.m. Friday at Lee's Funeral Home, 160 Fisher Ave. in White Plains.

Donations may be sent in his memory to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, online or by mail to the Contribution Receipt Center, PO Box 98097, Washington, DC 20090.
Kecia and Kevin met Lawrence met briefly on January 9, 1999 while they attended a book signing in Westchester featuring the great actors, writers, activists, directors, and philanthropists, husband and wife, Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee. Kecia was raised in Mt. Vernon on Washington Street around the corner from where Ossie’s mom lived.
In 2006, Kecia had her “Oprah moment” and honor of moderating a Memoir Panel, at the Harlem Book Fair, featuring Lawrence and other fellow prominent male authors. Lawrence discussed his book “The Senator and The Socialite”. She was in journalism and literary heaven, moderating a panel discussion live on CSPAN discussing black male authors and the biographies and or autobiographies that they published. It was extra-special for Kecia to speak with him after the panel discussion and thank him for all that he had done to speak out against racism and also
for writing such rich, historical books about our black culture.  He was truly a treasure. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his family and loved ones.
JULY 22, 2006 | PART OF HARLEM BOOK FAIR
Biography and Memoir Panel
Participants talked about research into black culture, biography and memoir. Among the topics they addressed were the focus of their writing, the importance of black history, and the process of writing biography and memoir. They also answered questions from the audience.
The panel discussion on “Biography and Memoir” was held by the 8th annual Harlem Book Fair at the New York Public Library’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.
This is the true story of America's first black dynasty. The years after the Civil War represented an astonishing moment of opportunity for African-Americans. The rush to build a racially democratic society from the ruins of slavery is never more evident than in the personal history of Blanche Kelso Bruce and his heirs. Born a slave in 1841, Bruce became a local Mississippi sheriff, developed a growing Republican power base, amassed a real-estate fortune, and became the first black to serve a full Senate term. He married Josephine Wilson, the daughter of a wealthy black Philadelphia doctor. Together they broke racial barriers as a socialite couple in 1880s Washington, D.C.
By befriending President Ulysses S. Grant, abolitionist Frederick Douglass, and a cadre of liberal black and white Republicans, Bruce spent six years in the U.S. Senate, then gained appointments under four presidents (Garfield, Arthur, Harrison, and McKinley), culminating with a top Treasury post, which placed his name on all U.S. currency.

During Reconstruction, the Bruce family entertained lavishly in their two Washington town houses and acquired an 800-acre plantation, homes in four states, and a fortune that allowed their son and grandchildren to attend Phillips Exeter Academy and Harvard University, beginning in 1896.

The Senator's legacy would continue with his son, Roscoe, who became both a protégé of Booker T. Washington and a superintendent of Washington, D.C.'s segregated schools. When the family moved to New York in the 1920s and formed an alliance with John D. Rockefeller Jr., the Bruces became an enviable force in Harlem society. Their public battle to get their grandson admitted into Harvard University's segregated dormitories elicited the support of people like W. E. B. Du Bois and Franklin D. Roosevelt, and broke brave new ground for blacks of their day. But in the end, the Bruce dynasty's wealth and stature would disappear when the Senator's grandson landed in prison following a sensational trial and his Radcliffe-educated granddaughter married a black Hollywood actor who passed for white.

By drawing on Senate records, historic documents, and the personal letters of Senator Bruce, Josephine, their colleagues, friends, children, and grandchildren, author Lawrence Otis Graham weaves a riveting social history that spans 120 years. From Mississippi to Washington, D.C., to New York, The Senator and the Socialite provides a fascinating look into the history of race and class in America.
Thanks for letting us share a bit of Black History with you in today’s MWBE Mondays “on Tuesday”. African Americans have and continue to contribute to the history of the United States and to the world! Our stories and legacy are rich! Teaching and acknowledging our diverse Black History benefits everyone.
MWBE MONDAY RESOURCES

Below are some networks and resources that Minority Women Owned Business Enterprises and small business owners can connect with to help them get through these challenging times. We’ve got your back!
Many minority and women business enterprise entrepreneurs use their local, County and State Agencies to stay current and tap into potential resources and procurement opportunities for their businesses and their communities. Getting MWBE Certified and procuring government contracts can help MWBEs build their businesses! Grants and loans are also parts of MWBEs portfolios to grow their businesses.
Emma Johnson Single Mother Grant

Every month, Johnson gives out $500 cash to one single mom, no strings attached. The 2021 Kickass Single Mom Stimulus Grant has one goal: Give a hand to single moms struggling with money, health, stress, child care, illness and loneliness. Qualifications are simple: 1. You’re a single mom. 2. You need the money right now. Click here to learn more.
Equity & Diversity Networking Event

February 24, 2021, 8:00 - 9:00am
Turn contacts into contracts!

Sign up today and learn how to maximize networking opportunities into relationship building, referrals, revenue generating opportunities, and good old paying it forward opportunities which are good for the “soul”! See you there! Kecia is a proud Board Member of The Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce and its Equity & Diversity Committee.

The networking event is early. However, please note that many business owners attend networking events either before business hours and or after business hours so they can conduct the business of their business during business hours. You can do it! 
SOBRO- PPP LOAN 2nd ROUND

South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation (SoBro), founded in 1972, is a not-for-profit based in the Bronx. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life in the Bronx by strengthening and creating innovative economic, housing, educational and career development programs for youth and adults.
Conveniently located on 555 Bergen Avenue, 3rd Floor, Bronx, NY 10455 (right off 149th and 3rd Avenue, the 2 and 5 train).
Join us for a Webinar on PPP Loan 2nd round

Monday February 22nd - from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
FIRST DRAW
  • Certain existing PPP borrowers can request to modify their First Draw
  • PPP loans will cover additional expenses, including operations expenditures, property damage costs, supplier costs, and worker protection expenditures; and
SECOND DRAW
A borrower is generally eligible for a Second Draw PPP Loan if the borrower:
  • Previously received a First Draw PPP Loan and will or has used the full amount only for authorized uses;
  • Has no more than 300 employees;
  • Can demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in gross receipts between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020.
Apply with Newtek
We are partnering with Newtek.
Apply to the PPP 2nd round
Apply With Spring Bank
Paycheck Protection Program Second Draw Loans
SoBro Economic Development Team Present
MAKING ECONOMIC IMPACT

Tuesday February 23rd - at 3pm
Learn about: Contactless payments and digital upgrades to your business

Special Guest: Fiserv+

Fiserv enables money movement for thousands of financial institutions and millions of people and businesses
Join us for a PANEL Discussion on PPP
ACCESSING THE
PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM

Monday February 24th - at 10:00 AM
TRAINING FOR YOUR EMPLOYEES
All trainings are taught online by Lehman College's School of Continuing and Professional Studies with a live instructor on specific dates/times. To learn more and apply, call 888-727-4692 or visit nyc.gov/trainingemployees
Training for Your Employees, a new program from the NYC Department of Small Business Services, provides no-cost, online training to help business owners and employees located in NYC.
Have a safe and great week! Stay connected with us so you stay connected! Follow us on our social media! We will get through the year end of 2021 together! We thank each and everyone of you for your continued support and business!

Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc! We help MWBEs focus on the health and wellness of their business! Let’s get it done, in 2021!

We are here for you! Just give us a call at 914.737.7237 or schedule a consultation with us at www.aerobasoul.com. You’ll be glad that you did!
Happy Black History Month! Special shout out to our parents, family and friends for your continued love and support to us!

Sincerely,
Kecia and Kevin
Contact Kecia with questions about
starting or growing your business!

At Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. we bring dreams to life with heart and soul! Like a trusted friend and confidante, our personal project managers tap into their vivid imaginations, hearts and souls to analyze clients’ projects, processes and people training. Stop suffering in silence! Rent our brainpower and we will connect you with the resources and technical assistance to address your needs and build your business.

Entrepreneurs and non-profits constantly juggle projects and their own self-care. Breathe! We can relate! We are small business owners who have survived and thrived by collaborating with a “think tank” of other socially conscious businesses/community partners! Our work life balance trainers help clients project manage their busy lives and get to the heart and soul of their business and their life! We help clients execute well so they can escape back to what makes them feel great! Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc….the ”just ask us” therapists! You talk, we listen. We share, we collaborate, You breathe!

Our services include:
  • Business Management Consulting Services
  • Life Coaching
  • MWBE Consulting/Prepare NYC/NYS MWBE Certification Applications
  • Public Speaking
  • Project Management
  • Training
  • Career Preparation
  • Customer Service
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Leadership
  • Networking
Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc.,
a Certified NYC & NYS Minority Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE)
Kecia Palmer-Cousins, MBA

Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc.

Office: 914.737.7237
Cell: 914.512.4373

Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc.