Showbiz Secret # 1

Rewriting the Script: Empowering Women of Color Through Mentorship in Showbiz

Hey there, beautiful souls! Welcome to this brand new thing I’m trying which is BLOGGING! This is the start of a new series from the No Conformity Brand called “The Showbiz Mindset” which I have plans to grow in more ways than just this blog so stay tuned in for that 👀!

Today I want to delve into the power of mentorship for women of color in the entertainment industry. As a fellow sister who's strutted her way up from the ground floor to mid/senior level then started her own company, I know firsthand the highs and lows of this exhilarating industry. So, hold on to your attention span, grab the popcorn and let's dive into the magic of mentorship! 🪄✨

The Significance of Mentorship

Picture this: a dazzling universe where experienced professionals beam their wisdom directly into your brain and you get everything you need to be the career professional you’ve dreamed of. That's mentorship, darling!

🤣Kidding, mentorship is a totally different experience for everyone who goes through it because we’re all different people and so are our mentors. Now what I will say is that, it's a lifeline for women of color in the entertainment industry, a safe space where we can learn, grow, and lead the industry together. Mentors offer guidance, support, experience and the occasional sprinkle of stardust to light our path to success. Mentorship is needed at all levels of your career, it doesn’t just stop once you get your foot in the door of the big building with the big name.

I think the most significant things I’ve gained from mentorship is confirmation that I’m not alone in the things that I’m experiencing because they too have lived a lot of the same experiences just in a different time. Another great thing about mentorship is when your mentor tells you what they would do differently if they could, I feel like that’s the constructive feedback mentee’s need to not just reach the same level as their mentor but surpass it if they can! That’s that stardust I was talking about earlier that can illuminate a path of success! 🌠🌟

Peer to Peer Mentorship

Now, let's talk about the huge benefit and value of peer to peer mentorship! Connecting with fierce, like-minded women who share similar goal and are on the same journey is pure magic. Through peer to peer mentorship, we can uplift one another, share our stories, and exchange insight about how we overcame difficult experiences. Nothing is more encouraging that finding your tribe of like minded peers who are just as motivated and understand how hard it can get out here. Together, we can create a network of peers that provides a strong foundation for growth, collaboration, and empowerment.

Career Slump Dumps

At various stages of a career, professionals may experience slumps or feel stagnant. I know when I hit that phase of my career I was really thrown for a loop. When you’ve worked so hard all your life to keep rising to the next level and you hit a point of slow progression it can really put us in a funk. A lot of us who have worked our butts off since high school to continue to achieve and climb up the ladder of success can feel lost when we don’t feel like we’re growing or progressing.

During those mid/senior level career slumps mentors can offer fresh perspectives, help you challenge those limiting beliefs, and inspire or guide us to embrace new opportunities. Mentorship can be instrumental in helping individuals navigate these periods, providing guidance on redefining goals, reevaluating strategies, and finding new avenues for growth. I know being an entrepreneur it feels like I have no one coaching or developing me, but when you have a strong connection with your mentor that’s not something you have to worry about. I have always wanted someone who just saw my value and wanted me without and selfish motivation. I know if I ever get the change to become a mentor that’s they kind of mentor I want to be to others.

Maximizing the Benefits of Mentorship

To make the most of a mentorship relationship, it's essential to be proactive and engaged. Here are some tips:

✅Set Clear Goals: Figure out what you really want to happen next in your career. Define your objectives and communicate them with your mentor. This clarity will help guide the mentorship process and ensure both of y’all are on the same page.

✅ Be Open and Vulnerable: I know it’s scary putting yourself out there, but if you feel comfortable enough and have a good bond with your mentor let that wall down. Share your challenges, fears, and aspirations with your mentor. This openness fosters trust and allows for meaningful discussions that leads to personal and professional growth.

✅Seek Guidance and Act on Feedback: Actively seek advice and guidance from your mentor. Be clear about what you want so your mentor can help you make it happen. Be receptive to constructive criticism and be willing to implement changes that align with your goals.

✅Show Gratitude and Reciprocate: Express gratitude for your mentor's time and wisdom ALWAYS. Look for opportunities to reciprocate the support, such as sharing your own expertise, offering your skills to help them grow or introducing your mentor to valuable connections within your network.

Closing Thoughts 💭

Mentorship holds immense value for everyone but especially women of color in the entertainment industry, offering support, guidance, and empowerment. Whether through formal mentorship programs or peer to peer relationships, the insights and experiences shared by mentors can help navigate challenges and propel careers forward. By embracing mentorship, addressing mid/senior level career slumps, and actively engaging in the mentorship process, we all can unlock their full potential and thrive in the entertainment industry.

Remember, mentorship is a two-way street, where both mentor and mentee benefit from the relationship. Together, we can create a supportive and inclusive environment that paves the way for future generations of women of color in the entertainment industry.

If you’re ready for mentorship your can apply to Next Gem Femme HERE: https://www.femmeitforward.com/nextgemfemme they are currently accepting 2023 applications!