I’m exhausted. Just completely exhausted. 182 I’m exhausted. 

Just completely exhausted.

182 Black people have been killed by police since the day that George Floyd was murdered. Since the start of Derek Chauvin’s trail, police killed an average of three people a day, which added up to 64 people killed by the police. There have been more killings, not less. 

Last night, the police murdered a child. A CHILD. And this is NOT the first child murdered by the police. This isn’t even the first child murdered by the police THIS YEAR. 

As the wife of a teacher, I can tell you that we cut funding to education all the time. So why are so many people still not onboard with cutting funding for the police? What do they need more money for? So they can continue to murder people? There are way too many police officers on payroll who do not know how to do their jobs. And there are way too many others that are helping to cover this information up (not well, obviously). 

We would never let educators be this terrible at their jobs. 

We would never let doctors be this bad at their jobs. 

Hell, most of you can’t even deal with a barista not making your order “right”. 

But cops killing innocent civilians is fine? We are just going to accept that as a county?

The average white/non-Black person is not doing enough. Do more. Do better. Because we’ve been doing our part but white supremacy can’t be dismantled without the involvement of white people.
This accurately sums up my weekend. How was yours? This accurately sums up my weekend. How was yours?
It’s been a challenge to find joy this week. But It’s been a challenge to find joy this week. But Black Joy has been my mission. Most of the people in my life have been overwhelmed and exhausted by constant grief, fear, and disrespect. Many of us have been reminded of the times we were pulled over by cops for driving while Black or the times we’ve feared for our parents, siblings, children, cousins, and other friends and family members. Sometimes it feels like we are all stuck in this cycle, doomed to witness and experience Black suffering and trauma forever. I have to constantly remind myself that times haven’t changed but we ARE changing things. We have to. And until those changes really take place permanently, I’m choosing Black Joy whenever I can. Because Black Joy is resistance. 

Here’s where I was able to find joy this week:

🤍 Interviewing @majorcreates + @tiffanydbrown_, two dynamic and talented  Black women for @heartandhustlepodcast.

🤍 Long chats with @studio404design about everything under the sun. 

🤍 The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and how unapologetically Black it is. 

🤍 Texting Marvel memes back and forth with @mmalikaj who is FINALLY obsessed with Marvel. My hard work has paid off! 👏🏽

🤍 Trying to recreate @eatatbento at home since we live in DC now. 

🤍 Reading The Gilded Ones. 

🤍 Knowing that @bohemianseoul is moving east! 

If you are Black, where did you find joy this week? If you aren’t Black, we’re you able to bring joy to a person who is Black this week or amplify a voice celebrating Black joy?
We receive hate, lies, injustice, and death. But We receive hate, lies, injustice, and death. 

But we deserve joy.

So many of us are reaching new levels of exhaustion because of the continued attacks on our community by those who are being paid to protect us. There are some days where our situation feels impossible. On those days, please take the time out to do one small thing that brings you joy. As Black people, we have to experience and carry so much trauma while living in this country. But we deserve joy. We deserve joy.
I’ve been spending every free moment chasing gor I’ve been spending every free moment chasing gorgeous blooms. I know they don’t last long so I’m trying to enjoy them as much as a can while they are here. It’s a great reminder to live in the moment and enjoy your life right now.
Lately I’ve been meditating, manifesting, and do Lately I’ve been meditating, manifesting, and doing a little bit of yoga before I even get out of bed. Yes, you heard that right, I do bed yoga. Doing these simple things before I leave the comfort of my bed have really been helping me feel like I can take on anything during the day. Do you do anything special in the morning that makes you feel more equipped to handle the day?
I’m so happy that the weather is consistently co I’m so happy that the weather is consistently cooperating and we can get out to explore more! I’m usually a homebody but being stuck inside this past winter has really made me appreciate every good weather day so much more than I ever have before. The best thing about being in a new city is that everything is new to me so even staying close to home feels like an adventure.
Drinking my way through Orlando with all the best Drinking my way through Orlando with all the best teas!🧋
Home is whenever I’m with you. 🤍🍵 @qreatec Home is whenever I’m with you. 🤍🍵 @qreatecoffee
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
    • Life
    • Travel
    • Well Read
    • Wellness
    • Business
    • Photography
  • Contact

Charismatic Concepts

  • Life
  • Travel
  • Well Read
  • Wellness
  • Business
  • Photography

Uncategorized · February 10, 2016

Women In Business | Megan + Cedar from Paper Goat Post

Too often in our society, people picture men in their heads when they hear words like, “boss”, “entrepreneur”, or “CEO”. Being a small business owner has put me in touch with so many successful female business owners and entrepreneurs that when I hear these words, I often picture a woman or I just don’t assume anything at all. Women are obviously just as capable as men when it comes to the business world and it is high time that women business owners and entrepreneurs are more visible in the media in our society. This is where the idea for Women in Business was born. Women in Business is a bi-monthly feature that highlights female entrepreneurs and business owners. Not only is it a fantastic opportunity to learn more about small businesses in various fields, but it is a great shopping guide for supporting small businesses.

An Interview with Megan + Cedar

Tell us a little bit about your business. What exactly do you do and how long have you been doing it?

We are twin sisters, Megan & Cedar, owners of Paper Goat Post. We opened the doors to our brick & mortar shop in Fall of 2015, in the city we now call home, Orlando, Florida . With over 20 years of event planning experience, ranging from million dollar grand openings to corporate events,  we have a solid foundation of industry experiences allowing us to take a leap and follow our dream of opening our first shop.

It always has been our dream to open a shop that combined all things we loved – paper, events and gifts. We truly believe there is something to celebrate every day! At Paper Goat Post, we strive to promote togetherness. We do this through the lost art of snail mail, gathering in celebration, and the thoughtful art of giving. Our goal is to ensure that whether you are attending or hosting a celebration, it’s filled with unique details to make the celebration truly one-of-a-kind. With our unique product/service mix we are able to do just that.

In our shop, we offer a curated collection of gifts and paper goods that are perfect for every occasion. You will also discover our balloon and gift wrap bar, where you can customize our three-foot  “Billy” balloons with tassels in assorted colors and styles, or leave with a perfectly wrapped parcel.  In the studio we specialize in paper and invitations, as well as offer services that range from creative design consultations to full service planning packages.

mnc with sign

What/who inspires you and your work?

When we travel, we shop and eat local, stumbling upon so many great local finds. There is something special about how a local shop reflects the feeling of each community. It’s these feelings that have become our main inspiration. We wanted to create a local shop that would provide our community with a unique place to shop for any celebration.

 

Do you use any apps or programs that help with marketing/social media? Which are your favorites?

Instagram is our happy place. It’s helped us grow our following & communicate our brand! Although Instagram is our favorite, you can find Paper Goat Post on Twitter & Facebook as well.

IMG_7363-2

How do you stay balanced with your career and personal life?

With a planner and prioritization! There’s always a way to fit in the things you find important. Keeping everything organized & prioritized in a planner ensures that nothing is missed. The reality is that some things can wait while you take time to have fun, relax or spend time with family and friends.

 

Do you have a favorite project or product you have worked on so far?

Some of our favorite projects to work on so far have been for the customers who are totally open to a completely custom design, especially the ones where I get to paint a one of a kind design for them.

IMG_7675

What is the one thing you could not run your business without?

Each other! Two people are better than one! We are lucky to have each other to help balance the work, bounce ideas off of each other, and support each other through owning a business. Opening a shop has been a dream for both of us and we couldn’t imagine doing it with out each other!

 

How do you define success as a business owner?

While a vital part of success is to make a profit and continue to grow as a business, the true definition of success for us is the feedback from our customers. Not only are our customers amazing, but they share their love for Paper Goat Post with friends, neighbors, families, and us as well. It is that feedback that is priceless and has helped us grow.

papergoatpost1

What has surprised you the most about being a small business owner?

We always knew Orlando had a growing sense of community, but the outpouring amount of support for local businesses, especially our neighbors in Ivanhoe Village, has been shocking! Everyone is really out to help each other grow and be successful.

 

What advice would you give to someone who is looking to become an entrepreneur?

Do your research and plan, but in the end just take the risk! Although we hit a few bumps in the road while developing Paper Goat Post, we didn’t let that stop us. We knew we had a strong plan with research to back it and some of those bumps were points where we had to decide if we should play it safe or take a risk. We always went with our gut. Although it’s scary, taking the risks have paid off in big ways for us!

papergoatpost2

What upcoming projects are you excited about?

We have a lot of fantastic projects that are in the works for 2016. One we are most excited for brings together other local brands for a unique educational party within a party! Stay tuned for more details!

papergoatpost

You can find Megan + Cedar here: Paper Goat Post | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram |

 

In: Uncategorized · Tagged: business, entrepreneur, entrepreneurship, interview, orlando, paper goat post, paper shop, small business, stationary, women in business

join the club

You’ll Also Love

Summer Bucket List
Women In Business: Nicole Logan of Dear Alice Company
Creative Spaces | Amber Burns
Next Post >

Women In Business | Jennifer of Naked Bar Soap Co.

Hi! I'm Charisma, a creative entrepreneur who loves to help others reach their full potential. I'm a photographer, a writer, and the owner of Kismet + Charisma, an online boutique that pairs minimalist, cozy, boho style with activism. In my little corner of the internet you'll find my latest travels, what I'm currently reading, how I practing Black joy as resistence, and how I'm finding hygge in my daily life. Pull up a chair, grab a cup of tea, and stay awhile.

join the club

Categories

  • Life
  • Travel
  • Well Read
  • Wellness
  • Business
  • Photography

Reader Favorites

  • Portraits | Jacob Tobia
  • 10 Reasons You Should Never Be Bored
  • The REAL Wizarding World: Greyfriars Kirkyard

trending now

  • Portraits | Jacob Tobia
  • 10 Reasons You Should Never Be Bored
  • The REAL Wizarding World: Greyfriars Kirkyard
  • The REAL Wizarding World: Victoria Street AKA Diagon Alley

instagram

Follow @charismaokeefe

I’m exhausted. Just completely exhausted. 182 I’m exhausted. 

Just completely exhausted.

182 Black people have been killed by police since the day that George Floyd was murdered. Since the start of Derek Chauvin’s trail, police killed an average of three people a day, which added up to 64 people killed by the police. There have been more killings, not less. 

Last night, the police murdered a child. A CHILD. And this is NOT the first child murdered by the police. This isn’t even the first child murdered by the police THIS YEAR. 

As the wife of a teacher, I can tell you that we cut funding to education all the time. So why are so many people still not onboard with cutting funding for the police? What do they need more money for? So they can continue to murder people? There are way too many police officers on payroll who do not know how to do their jobs. And there are way too many others that are helping to cover this information up (not well, obviously). 

We would never let educators be this terrible at their jobs. 

We would never let doctors be this bad at their jobs. 

Hell, most of you can’t even deal with a barista not making your order “right”. 

But cops killing innocent civilians is fine? We are just going to accept that as a county?

The average white/non-Black person is not doing enough. Do more. Do better. Because we’ve been doing our part but white supremacy can’t be dismantled without the involvement of white people.
This accurately sums up my weekend. How was yours? This accurately sums up my weekend. How was yours?
It’s been a challenge to find joy this week. But It’s been a challenge to find joy this week. But Black Joy has been my mission. Most of the people in my life have been overwhelmed and exhausted by constant grief, fear, and disrespect. Many of us have been reminded of the times we were pulled over by cops for driving while Black or the times we’ve feared for our parents, siblings, children, cousins, and other friends and family members. Sometimes it feels like we are all stuck in this cycle, doomed to witness and experience Black suffering and trauma forever. I have to constantly remind myself that times haven’t changed but we ARE changing things. We have to. And until those changes really take place permanently, I’m choosing Black Joy whenever I can. Because Black Joy is resistance. 

Here’s where I was able to find joy this week:

🤍 Interviewing @majorcreates + @tiffanydbrown_, two dynamic and talented  Black women for @heartandhustlepodcast.

🤍 Long chats with @studio404design about everything under the sun. 

🤍 The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and how unapologetically Black it is. 

🤍 Texting Marvel memes back and forth with @mmalikaj who is FINALLY obsessed with Marvel. My hard work has paid off! 👏🏽

🤍 Trying to recreate @eatatbento at home since we live in DC now. 

🤍 Reading The Gilded Ones. 

🤍 Knowing that @bohemianseoul is moving east! 

If you are Black, where did you find joy this week? If you aren’t Black, we’re you able to bring joy to a person who is Black this week or amplify a voice celebrating Black joy?
We receive hate, lies, injustice, and death. But We receive hate, lies, injustice, and death. 

But we deserve joy.

So many of us are reaching new levels of exhaustion because of the continued attacks on our community by those who are being paid to protect us. There are some days where our situation feels impossible. On those days, please take the time out to do one small thing that brings you joy. As Black people, we have to experience and carry so much trauma while living in this country. But we deserve joy. We deserve joy.
I’ve been spending every free moment chasing gor I’ve been spending every free moment chasing gorgeous blooms. I know they don’t last long so I’m trying to enjoy them as much as a can while they are here. It’s a great reminder to live in the moment and enjoy your life right now.
Lately I’ve been meditating, manifesting, and do Lately I’ve been meditating, manifesting, and doing a little bit of yoga before I even get out of bed. Yes, you heard that right, I do bed yoga. Doing these simple things before I leave the comfort of my bed have really been helping me feel like I can take on anything during the day. Do you do anything special in the morning that makes you feel more equipped to handle the day?
I’m so happy that the weather is consistently co I’m so happy that the weather is consistently cooperating and we can get out to explore more! I’m usually a homebody but being stuck inside this past winter has really made me appreciate every good weather day so much more than I ever have before. The best thing about being in a new city is that everything is new to me so even staying close to home feels like an adventure.
Drinking my way through Orlando with all the best Drinking my way through Orlando with all the best teas!🧋
Home is whenever I’m with you. 🤍🍵 @qreatec Home is whenever I’m with you. 🤍🍵 @qreatecoffee
Happy first day of spring! Most of the blooms aren Happy first day of spring! Most of the blooms aren’t out yet in the DC area but that didn’t stop us from spending every moment we could outside today. I am SO happy that winter is officially over and I can’t wait to twirl around under cherry blossoms in a few weeks.

Explore

  • About
  • Podcast
  • Services

join the club

On the Blog

  • Travel
  • Well Read
  • Photography
  • Business
  • About
  • Contact

Copyright © 2021 Charismatic Concepts · Theme by 17th Avenue