Otaymah Bonds
Mixi Avenue Article
December 15, 2013
Sharron
Stephens Is a Woman Helping Women by Mixing It Up on the Avenue
One can only imagine just how gut wrenching and frustrating
it could be to not be able to feed your own children. Or, to watch helplessly as one of your loved
ones dies from one of the worst diseases known to man, HIV/AIDS. Sharron Stephens can relate to both of these
instances, unfortunately. These
circumstances, and the injustices facing women everywhere is what pushed
Stephens to create the company Mixi Avenue.
“What If I
Don’t Make It To 51?!”
Stephens was not unlike the average woman before launching
Mixi Avenue. She procrastinated in
starting her own business. Telling
herself and her family that she would start her own business as time went
by. More specifically after she reached
the age of 51. Why the age of 51 you may
ask? Because like most Mothers who are
busy trying to balance having children, a career, and a healthy marriage. Sharron was just plain tired and having to
juggle such an active life was difficult.
She did what most women do: She
left herself and all of her dreams and aspirations out of the daily picture.
Stephens’ Mother, Janice, was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS after
having contracted it from a boyfriend.
Mother Janice absolutely loved all things fashion; specifically scarves,
jewelry, and accessories. But there was
something Mother Janice loved more than anything. Her only child Sharron. Mother Janice continually pushed Sharron to
think of herself and to start her own business.
To this prodding Sharron continually replied, “When I get 51 I’ll start
by own business!” But it wasn’t until a
chilly night when Stephens jolted awake that realized her mistake and her
calling. “What if I don’t make it to
51?!” Sharron asked herself after just burying her Mother. And remembering one of their last
conversations where her Mother stated just how much she didn’t want to
die. How important it was that she feel
as though she finish what she was put on this Earth to do. Sharron realized that she had not a moment to
spare or to waste. She utilized the
grief that she felt and the will to make sure that not only her ambitions, but
Mother Janice’s live on.
December 8, 2013 marked the launch of one of the most
important philanthropic efforts the Metropolitan Detroit area has seen in
decades. Mixi Avenue, created and owned
by Sharron Stephens, officially began at the Southfield Civic Center in Room 221,
26000 Evergreen Road, Southfield, Michigan 48076 at 3pm. This marks the beginning of an [international]
relationship between women in the United States and women in Uganda, West
Africa (Ghana), the Philippines, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, and the
good ole’ US of A.
What EXACTLY
IS Mixi Avenue?
Essentially Mixi Avenue is an online store that was started
by Stephens’ non- profit umbrella company, Be The Link. Mixi Avenue effectively mixes it up on the
Avenue, as the name denotes, by making natural and organic products accessible. It is like a one stop natural shop. Mixi Avenue is not unlike an all natural
Sephora. If you need shea butter Mixi
has it. If you need Moringa oil, Almond
oil, Vitamin E, WHATEVER your needs may be, Mixi has it! Mixi strives to, and makes it much easier for
the new entrepreneur or products mixer and/or maker to find ONE place to get
ALL of the supplies they may need.
Making sure that each product is of the highest quality and comes by the
safest and most humanitarian means.
Mixi Avenue helps women from co-ops (such as Global Mamas,
Beads for Life, J Edwards International) in underdeveloped areas and
countries. By supplying products from
Uganda, Ghana, the Philippines, etc, Mixi Ave. helps women who would otherwise
be unable to find employment or feed their children do just that. Mixi strives to empower women by allowing
them the freedom to be themselves and utilize their talents and initiative to
not only feed their families. But, to
reach the world! Thus impacting their
countries GDP and GNP, and impacting the world economy.
Mixi Advice
for New Businesses and Beauty
Sharron Stephens is a great example for the world of women
to know that it’s never too late to follow your dreams! As for those who are looking to start a new
business Stephens suggests that you remember that listening to yourself and
remembering your own dreams can be the most empowering thing that you do; for
both your family AND yourself. She
stresses the importance of doing your research, taking your time and building a
good business foundation- a business plan, testing out your products on your
specific demographic. But most of all
START!
Mixi It Up
For the Holidays/Where to Buy Mixi Avenue Products
Mixi Avenue contact and purchasing information is:
MixiAvenue.com
And you can follow Mixi Avenue and find out the latest
happenings about Mixi Avenue and Mixi products at MixiAvenue on Twitter, and
MixiAvenue on Instagram and Facebook. Or
feel free to book a pamper party! Remember, there’s nothing like some all
natural in someone’s holiday stocking! ;)
This is Otaymah, the Venus Baby: All things beauty, fashion,
and academia. Let me hip you to the straight
up happenings!
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