Is AI Right for Your Business? Insights from Laurel Robbins of Bold Peak Marketing

Imagine: you’re juggling a growing business, trying to stand out in a noisy market, and someone tells you, “AI can help!” If your first thought is, “Great…but how?”—this feature is for you.

Today, we’re spotlighting Laurel Robbins, the founder of Bold Peak AI Marketing, who pivoted from running a successful hiking-adventure company to embracing AI. By leveraging tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney, Laurel discovered that AI doesn’t just save time—it enhances creativity, boosts authenticity, and helps women entrepreneurs (especially those over 40) thrive in a tech-driven era often dominated by younger voices.

Meet Laurel Robbins

Laurel Robbins is no stranger to entrepreneurship. She’s spent almost 15 years running Monkeys and Mountains, a hiking-adventure company, before turning her focus to AI about two years ago. Today, her venture Bold Peak AI Marketing demystifies AI for fellow business owners who want practical, results-driven solutions without drowning in tech jargon. Below, Laurel shares her journey, the challenges she’s noticed among women entrepreneurs, and how to make AI work for you—even if you’re not a “tech person.”

The Interview

Q1: Laurel, for those who aren't familiar with your work, tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey in the world of AI and entrepreneurship.

Laurel Robbins: I’ve been an entrepreneur for almost 15 years, running Monkeys and Mountains, a hiking-adventure company. But about two years ago, I started experimenting with AI—and I was blown away by how much time it saved me and how it helped me improve. At first, I used AI to write social media posts, improve newsletters, and refine my website copy. What used to take hours now took minutes, all while keeping my brand’s unique voice intact.

Then I started playing around with Midjourney for visuals and even dipped my toe into e-commerce. While that particular venture didn’t take off as I’d hoped, the lessons were invaluable. For many entrepreneurs, especially some women, AI can feel intimidating. I get it—I was skeptical at first, too. But I quickly realized AI isn’t about replacing creativity; it’s about enhancing it. Now, with BoldPeak AI Marketing, I help others embrace AI as a co-creation tool so they can work smarter, not harder.

Q2: You've carved a unique path by focusing on empowering women entrepreneurs over 40 with AI. What inspired you to specialize in this area, and what experiences led you to where you are today?

Laurel Robbins: A lot of the AI conversation I saw was dominated by young men who are obsessed with the technology itself—but for me, it was never about the tech. It was about results. Could AI help me be more productive? Save time? Get better outcomes in my business? That’s what mattered.

As I started using AI and seeing the benefits firsthand, I figured I couldn’t be the only one who felt this way. And sure enough, when I started talking to other women entrepreneurs over 40, I heard the same things over and over: “I know AI is important, but I don’t have time to figure it out,” and “I tried AI, but it sounded too robotic.” They weren’t excited about AI—they were running businesses and needed practical, no-fluff solutions that felt natural and aligned with their brand.

That’s when I realized my approach was unique. I don’t believe in using AI to replace creativity—I use it to leverage your genius zone, turning your expertise into something scalable. Whether it’s breaking down a big idea into actionable steps or refining your messaging so it feels like you, my goal is to make AI work for you, not the other way around.

Q3: You mentioned a gap you noticed with women over 40 feeling left out of the AI revolution. Can you elaborate on the specific challenges and what you believe this demographic faces in adopting AI, and how can these challenges be overcome?

Laurel Robbins: One of the biggest challenges women entrepreneurs over 40 face with AI is simply where to start. They’re busy running businesses, juggling responsibilities, and AI feels like yet another thing to learn—one that comes with a steep (and tech-heavy) learning curve. Then there’s the intimidation factor. So much of the AI conversation is driven by tech enthusiasts who focus on the technology itself rather than its practical applications.

Many women worry that using AI means sacrificing authenticity or that it won’t sound like them. Others assume it’s only useful for big corporations with massive data sets, not small businesses.

The best way to overcome these challenges? Start small.

Pick one task that eats up too much time—whether it’s writing social media posts or drafting a newsletter—and let AI help. Refine the output, build confidence, and see how much time it saves. Once that one task feels easier, use that extra time to explore the next AI-powered solution. Small, consistent wins turn AI from something intimidating into something empowering.

Q4: What's one actionable piece of advice you'd give to women entrepreneurs over 40 who feel intimidated or overwhelmed by the prospect of incorporating AI into their businesses?

Laurel Robbins: In addition to the starting-small tip mentioned above, make AI work for you. One of the best ways to do this is by creating a CustomGPT tailored to your business. Upload your brand voice, goals, products, services, and values, then have it tackle a specific task—like writing your newsletter.

When you see how quickly it drafts an email that actually sounds like you, it’s a game-changer. And since regularly emailing your list moves the needle for so many businesses, this one small step can have a big impact. Once you’ve mastered one AI-powered task, you’ll be amazed at how easily you can build from there.

Q5: You've emphasized the importance of maintaining a personal touch while using AI. How can businesses strike a balance between automation and authenticity in their marketing efforts?

Laurel Robbins: Striking the right balance between automation and authenticity comes down to using AI as a tool to enhance—not replace—your unique voice. That’s why CustomGPTs are so powerful. You can train them with everything that matters—your brand voice, values, specific details about your business, even funny insider stories—so that when it generates content, it actually feels like you.

But authenticity isn’t just about consistency—it’s also about human moments. That’s why mixing in spontaneous, off-the-cuff posts is key. Sharing personal stories, behind-the-scenes glimpses, or unfiltered thoughts keeps your brand real and relatable. AI helps maintain a steady presence, but those unscripted moments? That’s what truly connects with your audience.

Q6: Can you share an example of a time when you helped a woman-owned business successfully implement AI, and what were the tangible results?

Laurel Robbins: One of my favorite success stories is helping a woman entrepreneur in an industry where women are the minority create her first CustomGPT. She was new to AI but wanted a way to stand out. We built a GPT tailored to her niche, and within a week, it ranked #6 in the GPT Store—a huge win considering the competition.

The impact? Over 100 users in the first week, leading to 30 new sign-ups for her membership. It was a level of visibility she never would have achieved through traditional SEO alone. She was thrilled, and it was a perfect example of how AI can open doors that might otherwise be out of reach.

Q7: Many small businesses operate on tight budgets. What are some affordable AI tools or strategies that can make a significant difference for them?

Laurel Robbins: For small businesses on a tight budget, AI doesn’t have to be expensive to be effective. One of the best investments is the ChatGPT Pro plan for just $20/month, which allows you to create CustomGPTs—tailored AI assistants that save time, streamline work, and even attract new customers. It’s the best $20 a month you’ll ever spend.

Here are 3 must-have CustomGPTs every small business owner should create:

1. Private CustomGPT: Your Personal AI Business Coach – Get instant brainstorming, strategy insights, and content feedback, saving you thousands on coaching or consulting.

2. Internal CustomGPT: Streamline Your Team’s Work – Automate tasks like onboarding clients and employees, drafting social media posts, or writing newsletters, freeing up hours every week.

3. Public CustomGPT: Attract Leads & Build Awareness – Publish a valuable GPT in the GPT Store or embed it on your website to serve as a lead magnet and resource for potential clients. It’s amazing that for just $20/month, these AI-powered tools can save time, boost productivity, and grow your business.

Q8: Looking ahead, what emerging trends in AI marketing should women entrepreneurs be paying attention to, and how can they prepare for the future?

Laurel Robbins: AI marketing is evolving fast, and the key for women entrepreneurs is to focus on practical, results-driven trends—not just the hype. Here are three game-changers to watch:

1. Custom AI Assistants for Branding & Engagement – More businesses are using CustomGPTs to create brand-aligned AI tools for content, customer engagement, and lead generation. Entrepreneurs who develop their own AI assistants now will gain a competitive edge as AI-powered interactions become the norm.

2. AI-Powered Personalization – Consumers expect content tailored to them. AI makes it easier than ever to create hyper-personalized emails, social media posts, and offers—helping small businesses compete with big brands. Now’s the time to experiment with AI-driven marketing automation that speaks directly to your audience.

3. The Rise of AI Marketplaces – The GPT Store and other AI marketplaces are growing fast. Businesses that create valuable AI tools and publish them publicly can generate brand awareness, attract leads, and even monetize their expertise. Entrepreneurs should consider how they can position themselves as early adopters in this space.

How to Prepare? Start small. Experiment with CustomGPTs, refine your AI-generated content to keep it authentic, and stay curious. AI isn’t here to replace human creativity—it’s here to amplify it. The businesses that embrace it now will be the ones leading the future.

Q9: What's your ultimate vision for the future of women entrepreneurship in the age of AI, and what role do you see BoldPeak playing in that future?

Laurel Robbins: I want to see more women entrepreneurs not just succeeding but doing it with greater ease, confidence, and balance. Too often, success comes at the cost of burnout—AI has the power to change that. By automating time-consuming tasks and enhancing creativity, women can focus on what they do best while scaling their businesses in a way that feels sustainable and fulfilling.

I also believe that some women approach AI differently than men. While much of the AI conversation is about speed and automation, women tend to prioritize connection, storytelling, and strategy—using AI as a tool to enhance their expertise rather than replace human touch.

I’m excited to see how women continue to apply AI in innovative ways that go beyond traditional tech-driven narratives. At BoldPeak Marketing, our role is to make AI accessible, practical, and results-driven for women entrepreneurs. By helping them leverage AI to amplify their genius zone, simplify the overwhelm, and turn big ideas into actionable strategies, we’re paving the way for a future where women don’t just compete—they lead.

Q10: Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise. Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Laurel Robbins: Want to see a CustomGPT in action? Try our Fast-Track Entrepreneur AI Goals Coach—a free tool designed to help entrepreneurs set and achieve their goals faster. Plus, it’s a great way to experience a CustomGPT firsthand, giving you ideas on how to create your own. Start fast-tracking your goals today!

Check it out here.

Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs

  1. Time-Saving Superpower

    • AI tools like ChatGPT Pro and Midjourney can drastically reduce the time spent on repetitive tasks, freeing you up for higher-level strategy.

  2. Authenticity Over Automation

    • Don’t lose your brand’s voice. Train AI models on your unique style, values, and story, then review the output to ensure it remains genuine.

  3. Start Small, Scale Big

    • Identify one task that’s eating up your workday—like writing newsletters—and let AI handle it. Once you’re comfortable, expand to other tasks.

  4. CustomGPTs as a Game-Changer

    • From private brainstorming to public lead generation, creating CustomGPTs can streamline processes, build brand awareness, and attract new customers.

  5. Women Over 40: Embrace the Opportunity

    • Don’t let tech jargon intimidate you. Practical steps, small wins, and a focus on results make AI approachable and empowering.

Laurel Robbins’ journey proves that AI isn’t some soulless, tech-driven force—it’s a tool that can amplify an entrepreneur’s creativity, brand authenticity, and impact. By starting small, focusing on real business outcomes, and infusing AI with your brand’s unique personality, you can scale your business without sacrificing that personal touch.

Whether you’re eyeing CustomGPTs, dabbling in Midjourney, or simply curious about AI’s future, Laurel’s experience shows how entrepreneurs can navigate the tech landscape on their own terms. After all, success isn’t just about working harder; with AI in your toolkit, you can work smarter, too.

Read More
Event Coverage Urban Freedom Event Coverage Urban Freedom

Ladies of MMW & Founder Ashley Graham "Midsummers Night Dream, The Fashion Experience"

Lead by founder Ashley Graham Sunday in Baltimore at a beautiful waterfront venue, was a night Summers are made of. Sunday night was the @LadiesofMMW (Models Most Wanted) Fashion Experience "Midsummers Night Dream". From floral concepts to fantasy grit the runway was Haute couture meets wearability. When we say the designers and models came through its an understatement! ⁣


Many times it is hard for any fashion show to pull off items you marvel at yet can wear at the same time. So imagine our surprise when the entire audience starts begging to know the name of the designer before the set is finished. Paired with her partner who matches her peaceful yet ambitious vibe Demira Hamilton founder of @Nulanguage Fashion line & 2019 Baltimore's Best Designer. ⁣

Led by founder Ashley Graham Sunday in Baltimore at a beautiful waterfront venue, was a night Summers are made of. Sunday night was the Ladies of MMW (Models Most Wanted) Fashion Experience "Midsummer Night Dream". From floral concepts to fantasy grit the runway was Haute couture meets wearability. When we say the designers and models came through its an understatement!

 

Ashley Graham- Founder of “Ladies of MMW Models”

 

Many times it is hard for any fashion show to pull off items you marvel at yet can wear at the same time. So imagine our surprise when the entire audience starts begging to know the name of the designer before the set is finished. Paired with her partner who matches her peaceful yet ambitious vibe Demira Hamilton founder of Nulanguage Fashion line & 2019 Baltimore's Best Designer.

Ladies of MMW Models

A lot of you probably remember the pair from Issue 3 "Creatives in Business" which detailed about Ashley's career, relationship & balance of being an entrepreneur with a heart to provide the community what it deserves in quality experiences.


Ashley also revealed while taking our breath away that this 7th annual show will be the last for small hiatus. Among her many other entrepreneurial and professional hats she has consistently given the city of Baltimore a Fashion experience year after year. Not to mention a documentary release, calendar, & double fashion shows last year. There is no doubt we will be in great anticipation of what she cooks up for the return.

If you thought the Fashion show was it for the night, completely wrong. Hosted by Nova Gray & BubblyTV the night felt like a family reunion with people you may have just met. The vibes were a forever mood, to say the least. Vendors like Vintage Thrivals, NoirJai & more!

Towards the end of the show, the weather took a turn of high winds, lighting & heavy clouds. Did we leave? When I say the show grabbed our attention the crowd remained & in the heat, the wind felt like a gift and the lighting seemed a part of an amazing show. I can honestly say this has been the best event of the summer! Keep an eye on Ashley and how the Ladies of MMW continue to provide more than events but experiences.

Entertainer Nova Gray & Bubbly TV Baltimore

A Night Well Done! Founder Ashley Graham

Each year Ashley Graham & Ladies of MMW bring a new element to the table with the MMW Fashion show experience. Find out from the founder how such an inspiring organization & event is brought to life

  • How long in advance do you plan each Fashion show?
    ”This year I began in January, only because I did 2 Shows last year that included a calendar release of our Models which took an immense amount of planning.

  • When choosing a venue do you pick the venue first or have the idea in your mind of how you want it to go and then pick the venue?

    It can differ depending on how the opportunity presents itself. For example in a previous year I used a venue that used to be a huge staple in the Baltimore community “HammerJacks”. This year the event was held at a place I had been to 3 years ago. When I came back to view it along with the concept of “Midsummer’s Night Dream”, I put together the visuals in my head and felt we had the space for this year!

  • I noticed with each show you bring on collaborators be it the host, designers, etc. What do you look for when considering a collaboration?

    My goal is to provide opportunities to others as it has been done for me. For example this year we began the vendor process offering a couple of free spaces for businesses that needed it and giving support.

    I also prefer to reach out to those who have been along the journey with us and where I can see their passion and organization. We have had the same DJ (DJ Dnyce) for all 7 years. In previous years we had the same host until his unfortunate passing last year.

  • Do all of your models walk in the Fashion show that you have signed up for or a select group?

    The opening of the show had all of our MMW models, give them the chance to walk the runway with their MMW brothers and sisters. As the show progresses the designers also pick their models as well as those we have that are seasoned models when presenting the fashion pieces of other designers.

Now, we know when it comes to women we ALL have an opinion. Lol

  • How do you manage so many women, schedules and knowing when to practice and who is committed?

    We have about 33 models that range from 20-41, so it is no easy task. However we operate as a family, we don’t always all agree but have one mission in mind and that keeps things aligned. Of course being a family people can forget the business side of things. That a model is to professionally represent as well the client. So when I pull the reins in some may not like it in the moment but the commitment is always there and we continue to grow together.

  • What is next for Ladies of MMW Models

    This 7th show will be the last show for a bit of time. I have been consistent in our Fashion Shows to not only provide fashion and opportunities but an event experience. I love it and thrive from it. I also recognize that it is time to focus the balance on building my family, my relationship with my partner and me the woman Ashley.

    By all means Ladies of MMW will be still in full force with its moving parts and I look forward to the next amazing show when our fashion experiences return!

Be sure to follow Ashley Graham & the “Ladies of MMW” for opportunities to support, see new designers & stay in the know for the next “Experience” from such a beautiful organization @LadiesofMMWModels

MMW 7th annual Fashion Show being runway #beautifulnightmare styled by @runwaydiva623 #mmwmodels @caitlan.co @autumnheart14 @thesunflowergoddesss #photographer @roygphotography

Glam Team & MUA @hairweavekilla_kei @tlynnprofessional@fashiontofigure @doubleroyaltyhair

Read More
2019 Guest Features Urban Freedom 2019 Guest Features Urban Freedom

Keion Henderson: Finding New Life in Uncertain Places

Finding New Life in Uncertain Places: World Leader Keion Henderson

Growing up in the church can be a good experience, but this was a tug of war with Keion Henderson. He had a turbulent period during his formative years and never knew that the presiding pastor was actually his father, who in turn never acknowledged him. Today, many of our entrepreneurs have family baggage that has kept them stuck. Not minding his background, Keion trusted God and his pain was turned into a divine mandate. He went from being an entrepreneur to a Pastor. Once again, he was at a crossroad when the church authorities where he was serving promised to promote him, but in a twist of fate, he was fired. Several years later, Keion Henderson now has one of the largest churches; The Lighthouse Church.

You stated you feel your highest moment of promotion felt like taking a low turn … Why?

My lowest moment came with the promise of my highest promotion. I was asked to move to Houston, Texas to succeed an outgoing Pastor. To my surprise, three months before the transition, I was fired on the spot and in public. I had no idea that God had smuggled a deliverance into that dilemma. The Lighthouse Church was birthed out of that proverbial abortion of destiny and here we are now with opportunities to minister around the world when just nine years ago we couldn’t even speak in a local congregation.

The moment prior to things changing for us dates back to a one bedroom apartment that my wife and I lived in. The problem was at the time, we had two daughters and they were sleeping on the couch with no bedroom. I remember looking at my daughters sweating on that leather couch and deciding that I had to do better for my family. Something snapped in me that day and motivated me to get my children off of the couch and into comfort.


How did you stay faith-based and motivated in the midst of rejection?

I believe that staying motivated is an inside job. I believe that most people lack consistent motivation because they look for it to come from a source that is outside of them. The problem with depending on an outside source is it has to be available when you need to be motivated. The blessing of being motivated intrinsically is that you can reach for it whenever you need it. I believe having a great deal of knowledge also keeps you motivated; so you have to be well read. Lastly, I think surrounding yourself with people who are light years ahead of you is important. This is dangerous because it can be both motivating and depressing. But if you manage the distance properly, it can definitely pull you into destiny.

I often tell people I’m not just a preacher, although I am that. I am an entrepreneur who got called to preach. Business is in my blood. It’s what I graduated from college in, and it is the way we (my wife and I) construct all of our ministries.



Nobody handles being fired well, but how did you handle being fired on the spot, especially when trying to follow God’s purpose?

The story of how I was fired is one of those situations that you would have had to see to believe. After resigning from a local church that I had built and organized in Fort Wayne, Indiana, I received the call to come to Houston, Texas to succeed a retiring pastor at a pretty substantial size church. I have to be honest; I had my doubts. I grew up in Gary, Indiana and moving to a big city like Houston was frightening. To add insult to injury, the day I was scheduled to move to Houston was the same day that one of the most massive hurricanes in Houston’s history (Hurricane Ike) would hit the city. I thought the storm was a sign that I should just stay where I was. I now know that all storms are not bad.

Everything was going according to plan. Until that fateful Sunday morning when the Pastor stood up in front of the congregation and announced that he would no longer be retiring and I would no longer be succeeding him. As you can imagine, shock-waves went through my system with a force, unlike any earthquake that has ever shaken the earth. What I didn’t know is that being fired on the spot was God’s way of getting me to the spot He had already planned for me.


How do you manage the thin line between keeping God's Vision as a pastor and what you learned about business in college?

There is no line to manage. That’s what I had to learn. If there is a line, it is man-made. God found Peter with a fishing business when He called him. God knew I was an entrepreneur at heart when He called me. He knew I had a business degree when He assigned me. Therefore, I believe He intended for me to use and merge all of my interests and gifts for His glory. I don’t manage lines, I manage time.



We read that time ago you also went through not being publicly accepted by your father who was also a pastor. These life traumas can create stagnancy or fear of disappointment. How do you internally address those issues in order to transform your life?

I didn’t have to transform my life. No doubt I did experience a great deal of pain, but I didn’t have to transform my life because I didn’t allow His absence to translate my story for me. I basically decided to make something of myself with or without his help. Sure, I would have loved to have his presence in my life. I pursued his approval. But my arrival and your arrival at destiny should never be predicated on who was absent or present. Growth is an inside job and you’re the only one qualified for the position. I used the trauma as fuel and fire.

Read More
2019 Guest Features Urban Freedom 2019 Guest Features Urban Freedom

Theresa Siaw: Mourning to New Day Starting Again

Theresa Siaw lost her partner in life & son’s father about a decade ago, and it changed her career and life path forever. In his honor, Theresa decided she wanted to honor his legacy as a medical clinic doctor and philanthropist. Through the pain of her loss, she vowed to help keep his clinics, OMNI Healthcare, open and continue to serve the disenfranchised communities they are located in. She became the Director of Business Development and helped expand the clinic and its mission to multiple new locations and hospitals. Through OMNI she went on to open the OMNI Medical Student Training Program, which helps international medical students prepare and secure residency programs in the states. Throughout this journey, Theresa faced multitudes of backlash for being a black female entrepreneur despite her efforts to help the community. She never let any of it stand in her way to pursue and reach her goals.

One of the ways Theresa stays positive is knowing that her goals are to help people and no amount of negative backlash was going to prevent her from providing a much-needed service to the members of her community.

Surrounding herself with a strong support system and committed team of employees has also helped her stay positive in the face of personal and business adversity.

Struggling with the decision of whether to give up or keep pushing forward, things changed and resulted in tangible results her community and former clinic patients rallied around her and uplifted her to remember why she was doing this in the first place. The support of the people she was trying to help and seeing how much her mission mattered to them gave her the final push to stay committed and execute her mission.

Currently, OMNI Healthcare operates nine clinics and is in close to a dozen different hospitals. They are much more than a health clinic but offer a safe haven to those in need and provide help with a multitude of task such as filling out forms, paying bills and helping find housing at no cost to those in the community that need assistance due to elder age, lack of speaking the language or any other reason. OMNI Student Medical Training Program has placed over 100 students in residency positions.

How long after your husband death did you decide that you must continue the legacy?

There was a grieving period, but I knew almost immediately that I wanted to carry on his legacy. I saw how much the community meant to him, and him to them. I wanted to carry that on. It was important to me to make sure that his kind-hearted nature never left the community just because he is no longer with us.


Were you already in the medical field?

My degree is in marketing, but I had worked in one facet or another for OMNI Healthcare for many years before I became the Director of Business Development and went on to create the OMNI Medical Student Training Program.


Was it hard internally to pick up where he left off? Or were you already aware of how

things were running business wise?

It was hard to pick up where he left off in the sense that he was such a big presence, he was a man who could not be replaced. Luckily, on the business side, I was already pretty well versed and knowledgeable on the run of the show in the office. The hardest part to pick up where he left off was his community service. He did so much for the community, it was a lot to figure out where to even begin, being half as helpful and charitable as he was. I was determined to do so.


What was the process of balancing grief internally while making business progress

externally?

Trying to process grief is hard enough on its own, let alone trying to get back into the swing of things with work, especially when taking on a bigger role to help fill the gaps.

While there is grief going on, businesses don’t stop because of it. The most important part of finding a balance is…

Theresa Siaw is a social entrepreneur currently directing Omni Healthcare, a multi-location health clinic for the underserved. She also runs Omni Medical Student Training, which helps students who have trained at foreign medical schools prepare for residencies in the United States. It is her passion for improving not just physical health but also the whole life of the community.

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

Instagram: @theresasiaw

Twitter: @TheresaSiaw

https://www.theresasiaw.com

Read More
2019 Guest Features Urban Freedom 2019 Guest Features Urban Freedom

Kenneth Watson: The Road to Transformation- Attorney to Lifestyle Disruption

Drawn in by well designed "Dine" events, dynamic food pairings and visuals that would send an appetite into overdrive. Esquire Meals caught the attention of our lifestyle editor beyond his exquisite presentation, although undeniable. Lead by an entrepreneur who has a moral compass to create meals that cater to our taste buds, yet fueling our nutritional needs.

Founder Kenneth Watson Jr. went from a driven attorney to a social impact leader changing our taste buds and nutritional awareness.

Sitting down with Kenneth he explained his direction into law as a journey that felt like it was "suppose" to happen. All the while Esquire meals had begun without him even knowing it.  While in law school Kenneth used the idea of meal prep to stay in line with a student budget as we all would. However, he ensured he had meals which gave him the energy a driven law student would need. This lead to other students purchasing from him as well.

Still focused on being a lawyer he saw Esquire meals as a way to fund his original goal by all means necessary. Creating an Instagram page to see if others would be interested. To his surprise, they were! Esquire meals was born as a consistent form of supplemental income.

Kenneth didn't originally see the full potential Esquire meals had due to tunnel vision to become an attorney. Without a tunnel vision, it would be impossible for anyone to accomplish such a professional dream as an attorney. With major focus, Kenneth passed the bar exam and was on his way to the journey he designed.

Born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina with two parents who are career professionals, he was given a great example of hard work and the outcomes of work over entitlement. Along his journey, unsure if law was his purpose he moved to live with his godparents initially for summer; for what would be life-changing growth.

While living with his godparents he was reintroduced to an entirely new way of living. His godparents also entrepreneurs, added a to major piece to his growth as a man that he didn't even know was missing. Showing him ways to eat not only healthy but to eat with purpose preventing health risks before they arise. Leading by example on how to manage a company, employees and quality.  Growing up loving Soul food you can see how Kenneth infuses both upbringings in his business. Nutritional food that feeds the soul.

After many twists and turns as an attorney, his inner compass was pulling him out of the dream he created. Inspired by his ability to seek purpose over self-design. He accomplished his goal, became an attorney. Most would think their journey is finished. After making a decision to leave a law firm which showed him the ugly side of law, as well as the benefits of proper business structure.

Kenneth made another life decision in one weekend. "I will not be returning to work on Monday." Unsure as to the next steps but trusting his gut that he could not work anywhere that diminished his integrity. Throwing all of his passion and eclectic skills into Esquire Meals. As we can see today he made a decision that will positively affect generations ongoing.

When you look at your life and future legacy, describe what you feel your Purpose is?

My purpose is to do good and be good while feeling good. My greatest asset to my life and my future legacy is being unapologetically me. I dream big and jump fearlessly because I know no matter what happens in life, my purpose will make any dream a reality.

What is Esquire Meals?

Esquire Meals is a gourmet health-conscious meal prep company based on the outskirts of Baltimore, Maryland. Whatever goes into your body should have a purpose and Kenneth believes that food can be a catalyst to good health, quick recovery and in extension, success.

Cooking, delivering and of course, eating the food the same day it was prepared is a perfect way to remain consistent with your nutritional goals. With a personal belief that life should be experienced and enjoyed, Kenneth adds culinary excitement for food enthusiasts who would not just want to stuff their guts but equally enjoy every bit of the dinning.

“Dine dinner series” as a nice way to connect innovators as well as strengthen community bonds through private themed dinner events.

What is the relationship between food, good health, and success?

What we eat either fuels us or begins to tear down our own bodies. Many in our community are taught to not pay attention to what we eat and then pay for it later with prescription medicines. Heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and other issues that are even apart of generational illness. By taking small steps we can prepare for our future health, in turn, this allows us to be as healthy as can be to take care of our families, home and career.

For one to go from being an attorney to a Social Impact founder would certainly be described as the height of passion for a niche. Kenneth Watson helps in no small measure by ensuring that disenfranchised communities and entrepreneurs are able to eat healthily.

A man with a big personality, contagious smile, and a mind that is always on the go. We have many many entrepreneurs but Kenneth stands out with his humble passion to truly be the person he speaks of. Personal conviction to deliver quality and standards that allows us to trust that "Esquire Meals" is here to disrupt meal preparation and events as we know it. Be sure to look out for upcoming collaborations and contact him to share your thoughts.

Esquire Meals

Founder: Kenneth Watson Jr

www.esquiremeals.com

info@esquiremeals.com

203.927.0099

Read More
2019 Guest Features Urban Freedom 2019 Guest Features Urban Freedom

Lauryn Williams: Olympic Star to Financial Leader

Many have the impression that they can’t perform excellently in areas beyond what they are used to, and therefore would rather remain in their comfort zone than venturing out. However, Lauryn took an exception to that norm. Not only was she an Olympic track and field Medalist but equally went on to become a bobsled Olympian. She pushed past certain barriers before she was able to excel in the field of finance. In doing so, she was able to assist other athletes and fellow students on how to manage their debt.

Lauryn is a good example of how one should trust their instincts.

Lauryn Williams an Olympic Medalist, but also Founder of Worth Winning Financial. Highly experienced in discussing the effects of student loans. We can’t forget to mention her five-star rated podcast "Worth Listening". Lauryn empowers people in need to plan for financial success.



How did your own life experience transition you from being an Olympic star to becoming a financial expert?

I saw gaps in the information I was looking for as an athlete and the information I actually needed. I wasn't sure what a financial adviser did and I also didn't know there were different types of financial advisers. I was busy and wanted to make good decisions but with the help of an expert. I asked friends what they were doing to be responsible with their money and seldom got a clear answer. These were the gaps I wanted to fill and what led me to financial planning as a career.


Before anyone publicly knows our new route of passion and purpose feel it internally. Did you have any apprehension when letting others know publicly about your transition?

I did not have apprehension but I was met with a sort of shock and even subtle disappointment by many who only saw me as an athlete. I got to follow up questions like "what aren't you coaching?" This led to me feeling a little less confident because I saw that people were doubting me before I even got going.

How did you begin the process?

I went to a conference for young financial planners that specifically aim to help young professionals. There is a conference for just about everything nowadays and getting to be in the same space with like-minded people and to have the opportunity to do some fact-finding about best ways to proceed is very important when beginning a new venture.



When thinking about moments that standout, what was your greatest moment when starting and your lowest moment?

My greatest would probably be getting my first client to say yes without questioning my fees. Rejection is apart of the process when starting something new however it is incredibly painful in the beginning because….

Twitter: @worth_winning

Instagram: @worthwinning

http://worth-winning.com/

Read More
2019 Guest Features Urban Freedom 2019 Guest Features Urban Freedom

Digital Advertising Consulting: "Making sure your Business is Never Lost in the Digital Shuffle"  

"Digital Advertising Consulting" is working on the fine art of building a business "echo" through search optimization…

"Making sure your Business is Never Lost in the Digital Shuffle"   

"Digital Advertising Consulting"



A new generation of business owners has lead to a fresh face on a traditional landscape called the "advertising agency".



Almost every business presently must rely on multiple forms of brand representation. From your actual product and/or service, to your website platform, social media & more. With so many moving parts it becomes vitally important to maintain a consistent brand presence.




With that said, "Digital Advertising Consulting" is working on the fine art of building a business "echo" through search optimization. After all the work goes into making your product or service ready the last thing you want is for nobody to know about it. Especially if you are a brick & mortar location. If you are a digital brand this is one of your lifelines.




It can be challenging to syndicate your business listing, show up in local search or global and keep an eye on all of your reviews at once. That is the amazing part "Digital Advertising Consulting" takes care of. Something that seems so small but can be very essential to your digital footprint.




Washington, D.C. based agency "Digital Advertising Consulting" comes into mention as we review marketing services fresh into 2019. With so many new players in the game of advertising or consulting we love the fact that CEO Hal Rogers comes to the table with three decades of experience in technology and business. Along with additional layers to his team including Creative director Kurt Fischer from initial research through concept development to distribution. Meghan Schwartz in client Services, knowing the needs of charities and non-governmental agencies. Kevin Scrimgeour Digital Marketing, a tech-savvy strategic marketing leader who delivers growth. Last but not least Cathleen Hughes in Social Media, she digs deep to uncover your customers’ needs and connects them to your brand.


This team has been put together to provide businesses with a full team to help create what only imaginations can see.  


Here at Urban Freedom Magazine, a business with the clients' needs at the heart of it is exactly the businesses we like to support. Be sure to shoot us a message about how your service with "Digital Advertising Consulting" has been. Keep an eye out, who knows, we may just do some work together in the future.



Based in Washington, D.C.

Read More