Meet Elayne Fluker of Support is Sexy in Stone Mountain

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elayne Fluker.

Elayne, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have worked in media as a writer, editor and producer for 20+ years with some of the industry’s largest outlets — Essence, Martha Stewart, People, Conde Nast and more. In 2014, I left my career and decided to become a full-time entrepreneur. At the time, the business I had was an online video platform for women of color called ChicRebellion.TV, which featured original series executive produced by me and syndicated content. By 2016, two years into my entrepreneurial journey, I felt alone and uncertain about how to grow my business, and, although I had started listening to podcasts for inspiration, I didn’t feel like I heard enough stories about women entrepreneurs, the challenges they face and how they overcome those challenges.

So on July 4, 2016, I launched the Support is Sexy podcast, which features the stories of diverse women entrepreneurs around the world who share their entrepreneurial journeys — where they started, when they struggled and how they still made it happen! The phrase “support is sexy” comes from a personal mantra of mine that I used to remind myself and other women that having it all doesn’t mean doing it all alone and that knowing how to ask for support is a superpower. To date, I have recorded more than 730 episodes of the Support is Sexy podcast and interviewed more than 450 women entrepreneurs around the world. The podcast has more than 750,000 downloads, reaches listeners in 130 countries.

Beyond the podcast, I know have an online community of thousands of women across multiple platforms who show up to support each other, which brings me so much joy. Next year, I will release my first book with HarperCollins to support those women in knowing how to ask for support to achieve their dreams. And I recently filmed the pilot episode for my own TV show — “The Elayne Fluker Show” — which will highlight dynamic women of color entrepreneurs. “The Elayne Fluker Show’ will air on local television here in Atlanta and be available globally online.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Even though asking for support is the entire premise of my business, I still have to remind myself to do so as well. Entrepreneurship is a daily roller coaster — up and down emotionally, physically, sometimes spiritually. I have learned that it’s important to have the right people and the right habits in your life to help bring you back to the center. One of the key resources for me has been having a business coach that I’ve worked with for nearly three years now. She’s not only a fellow entrepreneur, but she also has a background in therapy and psychology, so she helps address some of the internal issues that come up in entrepreneurship. As far as habits: daily exercising, journaling, a gratitude practice and meditation have been pillars of stability for me. When all else seems to fail, I know I can depend on those things to help me clear my mind, find balance and gain perspective.

We’d love to hear more about Support is Sexy.
I facilitate powerful conversations and create spaces for women to share their stories. As host of the Support is Sexy podcast, which has more than 750,000 downloads and reaches listeners in 130 countries, I’m most proud that I have had the unique opportunity of interviewing and sharing the stories of more than 450 diverse women entrepreneurs around the world. I’ve also traveled the world and interviewed women entrepreneurs in-person in Morocco, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Spain and Bulgaria. The podcast stands as a reminder to women about the power of embracing support and collaborating, which is what the “support is sexy” message is all about.

My upcoming book will be an extension of that message — as is my TV show, “The Elayne Fluker Show.” By focusing on the journeys of women of color entrepreneurs, especially, “The Elayne Fluker Show” highlights a segment of women entrepreneurs who are the fastest growing in the country yet often the most underserved. I want to make sure the stories of women of color entrepreneurs are heard, and that these women have access to the tools, resources and support they need to be successful in their businesses and a vital part of the economy. Programming like this currently doesn’t exist for this audience on television. As a creative and someone who is passionate about creating spaces for women to share their stories, I feel it is my duty to create it. As Gandhi said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Seneca said, “luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” I strongly believe in visualizing what you hope to experience in your life, setting your intentions, doing the work and operating as if it is already so as much as possible. In my experience, this allows you to manifest your own luck. When the opportunities arise, you will be prepared, aware and open to receiving.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://elaynefluker.com/
• Phone: (908) 955-9422
• Email: elayne@elaynefluker.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elaynefluker/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elaynefluker
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/elaynefluker
• Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elaynefluker/

Image Credit:
Tamara Fleming Photography
Kayla White
Tari Linnear
Erin Bach

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