Today we’d like to introduce you to Zollyann Howell.
Hi Zollyann, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
The Annual Mindset was birth because I decided to follow my dreams and write a short book called “Your Mindset is LIT AF” during a pandemic and somehow it turned into a group of women hopping on zoom to goal plan, get inspiration and make connections. And three years later, we hosted the 3rd Annual Mindset Mixer in person in my hometown of Brooklyn, NY.
Every year I host this event, I’m never concerned about everything being perfect. My only concerned is bringing a group of women together and breathing life into the room and creating the most value possible for each women in that room.
That Annual Mindset Mixer is a Networking Event that is all aspiring entrepreneurs and established entrepreneurs ok’ing together in a room to have a good time, building real and genuine relationships, connect with like-minded individuals and enjoy some good eats and drinks.
The event was all around amazing and I was extremely grateful that the women left feeling full from the entire experience and was able to build meaningful connections and relationships. The stories shared, the dreams that were activated and the resources that were given out in the room made the event one to remember.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Smooth? Definitely not! As we know event planning itself is never as easy as the finish product may look. Hosting the event on zoom did allow for women from all over the county the opportunity to join us but it came with challenges. Loosing internet connection, guest not being able to log on and access link, and so many other things. Having the event in person for the first time this year was amazing but challenging as well. Despite months of planning to prevent any hiccups, the actually day of the event we dealt with photographers canceling on us an hour before the event, vendors and decor arriving hours late to setup, guests arriving to the event venue and nothing was ready to welcome them. We had guests step in to help setup and family members and friends coming together to do what they can to ensure that the event was a success. Despite the challenges, it’s important to have an amazing support team of people behind you and consumers that have so much trust in you as a person and brand, so when you do have moments where you fall short, they help pick you up and support you instead of leaving you to fail.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The Mindset Mixer has been virtual for the past two years and some amazing things has happened just from those zooms! Women left empowered. Women build friendships and new partnerships and collaboration. 2023 was the very first time we hosting it in person, which is why I wanted to kick it off in my hometown in Brooklyn, NY.
The event was sold out and featured some inspiring and intriguing girl bosses from places such as Atlanta, Connecticut, Upstate New York, North Carolina, New Jersey, etc.
Our guest speakers included diverse female entrepreneurs of all ages from different backgrounds.
A 17-Year Motivational Speaker and Salon Owner from Brooklyn, NY – Jamila Small https://linktr.ee/
An Author and Serial Entrepreneur- Danella Sparks https://instagram.com/
A Financial Guru and Speaker- Nishaea Richardson Nishaea Richardson, Financial Coach https://
And Crowned Miss Classy Plus Size America, Owner of De’Jour Couture Boutique- Ieshia Brown-Lumpkin https://www.
The guests in the room were also featured some of the most inspiring girl bosses across the country like Stacia Greene, who is a Luxury Event Planner and Brand Consultant https://linktr.ee/
Angela Hickman- Owner of Angie Delightful Bites https://instagram.com/
The Vending Queen Coach- Camelia Frink https://payhip.com/
Lauren Nelson and Crystal Thomas, Two Amazing Female Educators and Hosts of the Teachers Lounge Podcast that discuss conversations around navigating the world of education as black women in the urban setting. Teachers Lounge Podcast can be found at https://open.spotify.com/
And of course the Mindset Mixer was sponsored by Bk Blossom Beauty and Wellness Spa owned by Josette Fleury https://www.
Our VIP guests were able to enjoy luxury spa services such as hand and back massages while being served a glass of champagne throughout the event.
The wasn’t even the best part! The event was photographed by one of the best female photographers from NYC, Tabitha – Owner of Tabby Snapped https://www.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Next year we are kicking the event off in Atlanta, Georgia and we are overly excited to team up with sponsors, vendors, speakers, and other diverse businesses in Atlanta that is in alignment with my brand and vision.
It is going to be amazing and one for the books for sure. I would highly recommend anyone interested in attending the event purchase their early bird tickets from now so that they don’t miss out on the experience in ATL.
You can learn more about the event at https://www.booksbyzee.com/
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.booksbyzee.com/pages/mindsetmixer
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/booksbyzee/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100054485405970
Image Credits
Tabby Snapped @tabbysnapped
