Meet Zollyann Howell | Author, Entrepreneur, Speaker

We are thrilled to be connecting with Zollyann Howell again. Zollyann is an Author, Entrepreneur, Speaker and is also a content partner. Content partners help Voyage in so many ways from spreading the word about the work that we do, sponsoring our mission and collaborating with us on content like this. Check out our conversation with Zollyann below.

Zollyann, it’s been too long since we last connected. Thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts with our community again. Some readers might have missed our prior conversations, so maybe you can kick things off for us with a quick intro?
Well, I’m Zollyann Howell, a mother, Educator and Founder of Books by Zee a platform that was created to help motivate and inspire women to change their mindset and go after a their dreams using affirmation books and journals. Books By Zee is one of the First Black Own Book Company that provides affirmation books series and journals for both kids and adults and has had a major impact in Social Emotional Learning in classrooms across NYC and NJ.

I’m also a Fashion Boutique Owner of a Brand call BAE & CO. and a 4x Amazon Best Selling Author who is passionate about giving back. I’m fortunate enough to have to ability to operate a Virtual Library program called Zee’s Virtual Library where children all across the country receive free book boxes. I’ve been able to donate over 1000 books and over 100 book boxes to families across the country using proceeds from sales at my fashion brand BAE & CO. and through donations from my Non-profit organization BAE & CO. Gives Back.

It’s interesting answering the question “What do I do?” Most times I want to answer, “whatever I put mind to do, I’m able to accomplish” whether I’m successful at it or not. I always try and take a risk. Operating with that mindset has allowed me to not only live with intention but to also discover things that I’m good at or not so good it.

My passion lives within helping others and I strives everyday to ensure that I’m making a difference in my roles to help serve my communities.

How do you come up with Business Ideas? What are you working on now?
Coming up with new and creative ways to fulfill my passion and generate additional income has always been my favorite activity.

I pay close attention to my life because I feel as though life is always speaking to me. With my circle, my circumstances, my opportunities, with everything. And I write everything down! Writing things down has been key in not only helping me come up with new and innovative ideas but it has also helped me be intentional with planning and making those new ideas a reality.
Get a notebook, a journal, a notepad, anything. And Write Everything Down! When you’re on your lunch break at work if you work a 9-5, write down those thoughts and ideas that comes to your mind. If you’re laying in bed in the middle of the night and a thought or idea comes to mind, Write it Down! If you’re sitting at the airport or beach and a thought or ideas comes to mind, Write it down!
However, it just doesn’t stop there, writing things down is just the beginning. Finding time to reflect and review the things you’ve written down is key! While reviewing those things be intentional and plan strategic action steps to get them accomplished! Stay consistent and committed and you’ll be surprise about what you can produce or accomplish by doing those simple steps.

There are several new projects that I’m currently working on. One of those projects includes a new Black Owned Wine Bar and Micro Boutique called Just Sip Bish that provides a curated Vineyard experience to wine lovers in the urban community. Readers can connect with us online at www.justsipbish.com or follow us on Instagram @justsipbish.

What’s your most satisfying entrepreneur moment so far?
Oh My! Most satisfying? There’s so many moments and opportunities that I’ve been able to experience as an entrepreneur that has been career defining and wholesome. Being an entrepreneur has opened doors for me that has surpassed my wildest dreams. My top three moments include
1. Getting the opportunity to do a TEDx Talk
2. Meeting Pinky Cole of Slutty Vegan and being able to participate in her newest project called American Sesh.
3. Having 4 books all at once on the Amazon Best Seller’s list in various categories.
I am truly grateful for all the connections and opportunities that I’ve been blessed with and I’m definitely looking forward to all that about to come in 2023!

Is there something that is simply non-negotiable for you as an Entrepreneur?
I’ve learned so much over the past few years as an entrepreneur and somehow on this journey I have not only been able to grow in my spirituality but I’ve also been able to learn and grow as a business professional.

Being passionate, honest, authentic and making sure things are done correctly and legally are my top non-negotiables.

Being an entrepreneur is never easy. So those challenging moments will come. And trust me I’ve had a few, but knowing what’s important to me and having those values helps to keep me grounded and also helps to motivate me and pushes me when obstacles are thrown my way.

You have a lot of roles as a mom, educator, and entrepreneur. How do you take care of your mental health?
Sometimes I honestly don’t know how I’ve been able to successfully allow all of these different roles to coexist. Having systems and routines as well as flexibility is important. We always hear the word self-care and self-love and those two words are my foundation for allowing me to thrive in all of my various roles. Selfcare and self love looks a bit different for everyone I’m sure. For me self care is purging. Purging is a must. Being able to let go of things, spiritual things, emotional things, tangible things, people, etc. is extremely important. Letting go has allowed me to find things that I forgot I had. Like my confidence, my worth and the love for myself.

Having more love for myself has allowed me to operate from a place of peace and happiness because because I was now making sure that I took care of myself. Then I was able to project those things into the people around me like my kids and my businesses because I was now at the center of all of that and then I was able to recognize when I wasn’t my best to be able to reflect or work on certain things and to give myself grace.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/bossbabemove
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100054485405970
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zollyann-howell-8b86a522a
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/zoll_inreallife
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGQgfnKG3iWybWuPxk4meJw/featured

Image Credits
RTW Photography