::Houston Events/Giveaways with HLB Members:: #HLBNetwork

Join local Latina Blogger Sharon of the Bitchy Business Briefs THIS SATURDAY, February 6th!! American Heart Association - Houston will be at Macy's, Total Go RED Makeover from 2-4 pm inside Memorial City Mall located at 900 Gessner Road, Houston, Texas 77024. 

Bring your girlfriends and when you turn in your event passport you will be entered into a drawing for $250.00 Macy's gift card. 

#GoRedHouston #LatinasGoRed 

Follow Sharon:
Blog: http://www.thebitchybusinessbriefs.com/#!blank/cx97
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBiitchyBusinessBriefs
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SharonLeeZapata
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebitchybusinessbriefs/

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Myself and fellow co-founder of Houston Latina Bloggers, Jihane have been invited to speak on the Careers in Media: Print and Digital panel for Career Day on Saturday, February 13 at the George R. Brown Convention Center. I will be speaking about my experience as a writer/blogger who has also written for magazines and newspapers. 

As a blogger/writer I have great respect for everyone in the field and take so much pride in not only what I do but also teaching young Hispanics in our community how they too can reach their goals.

Students from 6th to the 12th grade can learn about what it takes to get into the print industry, how digital media is complimenting and transforming print media. What positions are available in these two fields and what you can do to be a part of it. 

Join us as we join many other local faces and voices of television and radio! It promises to be a great learning experience; see all the details at: www.hispanic-forum.org

::More about Jihane::

    {Jihane is on the far left in the dark blue shirt. Picture  by Alex Montoya of D'mont Photography} 

My name is Jihane. I am a British Latina, vegetarian(ish), mother of one, multicultural, tree hugger blogger. I blog about organic, natural, sustainable, cruelty-free and vegetarian topics and products, as well as the challenges of raising a vegetarian child in Texas. 

I moved to Houston 5 years ago all the way from Newcastle upon Tyne, England!  

I started blogging  back in 2011, during that time I was doing a Masters in Communications at the University of St Thomas and thought a blog would help me with my writing skills. Blogging, not only did help me become a better writer but it also helped me become better at networking, media pitching and PR. Soon enough I was part of Latism Houston Chapter and the Houston Association of Hispanic Media Professionals. 

I am now the proud co-founder of Houston Latina Bloggers; an idea that started after Connie, Ariana and I meet at Blog Elevated 3 years ago. We believe in the power of our voice, the voice of the modern, hard working, passionate and caring Latinas not only in Houston but around the world. It was this vision that drove us together and that continues to move us forward with this project. I look forward to working with all of you and finding out more about the Latinas that move Htown! 

Follow Jihane: 

Twitter & IG: @onixJihane  

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Onixjhealthyliving 

Blog: www.onixj.wordpress.com

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Our very own HLB Social Media Director will have her first ever workshop! It will be an Instagram 101 class which will have great content to help grow and promote your brand. Great for new bloggers or small business owners. The class will be February 20th and is $35.00, a perfect investment of long term results! You can RSVP HERE! 

Follow Ariana:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/a_shankasaurus/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/3twentysix

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/3twentysix/?fref=ts

Blog: http://www.3twentysix.com/

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::Giveaways::

If you follow Nikki a beautiful Latina and her blog over at Lipstick and Brunch, then you know she has a great giveaway on her right now! For all you looking to create some unique wall art with Minted. She has a perfectly crafted post over on her site, where you can learn more about her newest Valentine's Day giveaway. 

    {Photo Credit: Nikki of Lipstick and Brunch}

::More about Nicole::

My name is Nicole (most people call me Nikki) and I built a career working in women's and food magazines as a professional photographer and beauty writer. This blog is my curated space in the cyber-universe where you'll find my travels & foodie moments, frugal fashion finds that will make you look expensive, celebrity sightings and event coverage and my make-up obsession translated into beauty subscriptions, hauls and reviews. Be inspired. Live happily. Smile in the face of adversity. Be bold and never give up!

Follow Nicole:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lipstickandbrunch/?fref=ts

Blog: http://lipstickandbrunch.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lipstickandbrunch/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LipstickBrunch

::Houston Latina Bloggers::

CHI Espanol currently has a giveaway on their site and HLB members are helping promote it. 

This contest is only open to those within the USA. The link to register is: http://gvwy.io/cmbxpnx 

Deadline to register is Feb 19th!! You are your BFF will have the opportunity to win; Shampoo, Conditioner, hair spray, a CHI bag and styling iron.                                                                   

::Making Connections:: Networking Events and Conferences

{This is not a compensated post. All opinions expressed are my own.} 

Houston hosted for the first time ever one of the largest Latino conference and event organizers- Hispanicize. As they brought their three city networking tour to Houston in an effort to promote the April conference. And, Houston Latina Bloggers were present. As Social Media/Digital influencers and content creators, we attend these events all the time. I always hear from everyone, I made some great connections today or I met new people last night. So, you made the connections. Now, what? The following are some tips to convert those connections into lasting business relationships and help build your brand. 

{Picture from Hispanicize facebook page} 

1) Create a database- Thanks to my 8-5 job I have become a bit of an excel nerd. A simple spreadsheet with all your new contacts will go a long way. Now, you definitely want to do this after every event and don't get behind like this Momma did this year. I think since May I have about 300 business cards sitting on my desk waiting to be converted into tangible connections. Don't wait, do it now! Record people's names, phone number, email address and their blog or company/brand. You can pull from this database and filter it for easy access to everyone you need to stay in touch with. Nerdy. I know. 

2) Send an Email- I know that these days we can easily add people to our Facebook pages and LinkedIn, but then what? Sure that person can see your work and what you do. But, if you don't reach out to them and find out how you can work together or collaborate, then that person just becomes another FB friend. The true connection comes by sending your connections a personalized email, reminding them that it was great to meet them and maybe asking or offering to work with them in some way. Making that connection with people who are within your niche and that you would like to work with or learn from is very important. Otherwise, they are just a business card sitting on your desk. 

3) Interact- If you truly want to keep up with your new connections and create a circle of good networking contacts; then please don't forget that we are all human we love interaction and conversation. Not every day, you don't have to become the persons best friend, in some cases you do. But, every once in a while finding out how they are or what they are working on, is always a good start. You never know what you can learn from your new contacts or what event they might know of that you don't. Keeping in touch even in this day in age, is very important. I see people "like" or comment on my social media sites all the time, but unless I engage in real conversation with them, I have nothing. 

                                                   {Picture  from Hispanicize facebook page} 

Finally, when you go out to events and networking functions have fun, relax and enjoy everyone. My favorite part of these situations is just enjoying the moment and not worrying too much about whether or not the relationship will be built or if the person will help me gain anything. I simply talk to as many people as I can. Becuase I love to talk. I always ask about them and listen to them. I am myself and if the conversation leads to what I do, then I gladly explain who I am and what I do. 

                                                    {Picture from Hispanicize facebook page} 

Have you made great new connections lately? How have you followed up with those connections and do you keep a database? 

2015 My Year in Words-Blogging

"I know the plans I have for you,...plans to prosper...."

Those words have never meant more to me than now. I have been writing my blog for almost 9 years, every year I feel I have reached a new high. Reached new goals and achieved all that I can. Then a new year rolls in and the unexpected happens. New doors open and dreams come to light. As a writer, a doer and someone who just wants to thrive within this area of my life. 2015 was no exception. I achieved many new goals as a writer being published for the first time and being invited to speak at events. As well as re-opening the door to creating and establishing a larger group of local Latina's. Houston Latina Bloggers. With the help of yes, DOS amazing writers who have become great friends, supporters and co-workers. Jihane, Ariana and I finally established some reachable goals and have set them into motion for our group. 

2015 was a good one for Momma of Dos but for Houston Latina Bloggers, we closed off with a bang. At our first ever HLB networking event in September, an event a few years in the making. Thanks to Alicia the local shop owner over at Thinking Girls Boutique who just really believed in us and wrote us into her trusty calendar. Once it was scheduled I knew it was real. In a matter of weeks, we put our event together.  And today, thanks to many, our communities are now fully thriving. Seeing new bloggers emerge and knowing that your advice and pep-talks have helped lead the way. Is amazing.

In a matter of days a new year will begin leaving behind a year filled with life. Struggles, pains, growth and closed doors. No matter how many times I look back and think about those who never responded to my emails, never called when they said they would or just looked right over me; I also see all those who did and they have made my year an amazing one. Giving me new opportunities, letting me get my toes in the door and seeing what I am capable of. Seeking within me the strength and the wisdom learned over the years. Pushing me to rise above and do what is needed.

None of this is possible without, my family, my Husband who never quite understands the late nights and clickity-clack of my keyboard. But still he remains, he supports me and loves me just the same. My kids, who know that after my 8-5 job, I "wou-k" hours with no end on my computer at home. My true Latina Tribe and all the ladies on my side, who constantly cheer me on. Our HLB team is unique and we help each other achieve our vision. Genuinely. 

As for me and my world, I am the one with two kids, a full-time job outside the home and so much to give and prove to the world. A world that once told me I was too poor to reach goals, a world that once told me I was too brown to dream, a world that I blocked out for years so that I could run for the finish line. 2015 was  a good one. Lots was achieved, but I feel the real work will be done in 2016, only to be able to reach new levels of confidence, strength, and wisdom. 

In 2016 I want to be further inspired and motivated. I don't want to quit. I want to be further encouraged. I want to be able to say that I have come a long way but have finally reached that level of stability that I need to not just see my vision but be able to touch it with great clarity.

Are you ready for 2016? What do you want to achieve and dream up?

::Momma of Dos Blogging Workshop::

-Blogging Workshop-

Please join me as I create new ventures in 2016. I will be giving my first ever Blogging 101 workshop. If you are looking to begin your blogging journey or maybe want to learn more about how to take your current blog to the next level, please join us. 

You can contact me for more information; mommaofdos@gmail.com or our workshop hostess, Alicia of Thinking Girls Boutique- http://www.thinkinggirlsboutique.com/

And; if you are ready to begin your new blogging journey now, please visit Thinking Girls Boutique to sign up- scroll to the bottom where you can reserve and pay for your spot-

http://www.thinkinggirlsboutique.com/events/2016/1/9/begin-your-blogging-journey

:: 3 things to know Before attending a Conference:: #LATISM15

                               ::Momma Disclosure:: This is a compensated post. All statements are my true and honest opinion. 

                                                All pictures taken by:  Andy Ramirez  http://www.andyphotographer.com/

Last week, as you all may know, I attended LATISM. It's one of many conferences I have been to. You would think that I know what I am doing, right? Well, as I left DC Friday night the shoulda, coulda, woulda was starting to settle in. Thinking about the many more connections I could have made and how much more I should have prepared for the conference. Immediately made mental notes as to what I should do differently next time. Because, there are always other opportunities to make good connections. Here are ::three:: things I think are important to know, before you attend your next networking event or conference.

1) Review the agenda 

One thing I like to do is review the agenda before the event. It will give you information about times, location and what will be discussed. The amount of information can be overwhelming, but being prepared helps ease the stress. I try to remain on a single track and attended the sessions I know  will be interesting to me. But,  I also like to attended sessions a bit out of my scope and learn something new. Before you attend your next event, review the agenda. Know the times and where your sessions are located so you can plan accordingly and select topics not only that you know but those you can learn something new from.

2) Make a list of companies, brands or contacts you want to connect with at the event

Most events have group pages on Facebook where they disseminate information or list their sponsors on their websites. It is smart to review the list carefully. Know who you want to connect with and more importantly make sure that the brand fits your blog. I understand wanting to connect with big companies and brand names but at the the end of the day, if it doesn't fit your blog, the partnership really won't last. I was able to connect with a couple of personal blog contacts, I have followed certain blogs for years and wanted to meet some of the ladies behind those blogs. I did also make great new connections with brands who want to work with Latina's in Houston. Having a defined brand and knowing what you are seeking long-term is very important. Some brands knew me because of my time in the business. And, I connected with others because I knew exactly what I wanted to say to them. Being prepared is important, in all instances.

3) Relax and Enjoy

Being unprepared causes for a lot of missed time and running around. Which is why being organized and knowledgeable before the event is important. And, at the end of the day, yes, you gain valuable lessons, important contacts and great new partnerships. But, if you didn't have fun and enjoy your time, it becomes point less. You don't want to be burned out during an event or conference the frustration can show and you can miss a good opportunity to interact with others. If you want to have a good productive time at a conference you need balance. Know what you want to achieve and who you want to connect with but also have fun and relax. The real you is more authentic when you are having fun.

:: Houston Latina Bloggers Networking Event Recap ::

                   ::Momma Disclosure:: This is a compensated post. All statements are my true and honest opinion.::  

Cultivating a strong community and creating leaders has always been an important purpose for me. Creating a group that embodies this is the mission that we had in mind when we created Houston Latina Bloggers. Like all new ventures, I didn't know where this one would lead me. Two years after our initial formation, we finally came together and had our first networking event. Back in 2013 we were seeking a group that was relateable. We knew our community had many talented local Latina's but we lacked an organized group that would help us reach one another. 

Like others, we have strategized and probably deviated a bit from our initial reason for grouping, but I feel that our movement forward is going to allow for much more growth and generate much needed connections within our community.

This past weekend over 25 of us gathered in a near-by boutique, Thinking Girls Boutique and Studio, who's owner is a Latina writer herself. Alicia has not only created a very unique space with fantastic vendors and items but also a wonderful space for women of all walks of life to come together. Houston Latina Bloggers Networking event, came about for that same reason. Connecting all of our local bloggers and their expertise to local shops and small businesses wishing to tap into the social media side of their activities.

Thinking Girls Boutique and Studio

https://www.facebook.com/thinkinggirlsboutique?fref=ts

http://www.thinkinggirlsboutique.com/

https://instagram.com/thinking_girls_boutique/

http://queridopapa.tumblr.com/

{Photography Credit: Alejandro Montoya  of D'Mont Photography}

We had an extraordinary group of Sponsors: 

Pollo Tropical provided more than enough delicious food for all of our attendees to enjoy, and that they did. What better way to kick off new partnerships and friendship than over good traditional Latin cuisine. Everyone loves good food. Our local Pollo Tropical did an amazing job of filling our request, with a variety and large quantity of food. Being Latinos we know the importance of feasting and talking. All wise decisions are made with a full stomach, I think!  El arroz con frijoles negros made everyone feel like we were at an everyday family gathering. Adding to the great environment of our event, Pollo Tropical did a more than exceptional job with our early dinner that night.

Pollo Tropical 

‪#‎ChickenLover‬ #pollonation

http://pollotropical.com/

https://www.facebook.com/PolloTropical

https://twitter.com/Pollotropical

https://instagram.com/pollotropical/

https://plus.google.com/+pollotropical

Wildling Wine, provided the best quality of red wine. As the wine bottles opened, so did our conversations. I think it helped set the tone and mood of our afternoon. A friendly get together where we could share and learn about one another. I personally fell in love with the wine, very smooth and crisp. We enjoyed it so much, we were happy to take home the extra bottles, you know for further research and development. If you have not tried Wildling wine, you must! It was such a great pairing with our food.

Wildling Wine

#WildlingWine

https://www.facebook.com/WildlingWineUS?fref=ts

http://www.wildlingwine.com/

https://instagram.com/wildlingwine

Meanwhile Crumble and Co, blew our minds and our sweet tooth with her beautiful and delicate assortment of goodies. Angel, the owner is very creative and such a wonderful person to know.  Once you see one of her creations it is easy to see her passion for the confections. They were perfectly and uniquely created for our event, we fell in love! They do come with a warning: You can't just have one....

If you want to learn more about Houston Latina Bloggers follow us on social media or contact us directly. A website is in the works so stay tuned!

Email: houstonlatinabloggers@gmail.com

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/HTXLatinaBlog

Twitter:https://twitter.com/houtxblogueras

Instagram: https://instagram.com/houstonlatinabloggers/

And, since the event is still fresh on our minds I created a short worksheet for us to reach our goals after every good networking event: