She Gets It Done: Meet SwagHer Magazine CEO, Francheska Felder
Tell us a little bit about you, your business and where you are from?
I am the award-winning CEO of SwagHer Magazine, an empowerment and lifestyle publication that doubles as a public relations boutique for intentional Black women who like to keep it real. My clients have been featured on Roland Martin Unfiltered, Great Day Washington, The Portia Show, and 21Ninety.
I’m originally from McComb, MS, but I reside in Upper Marlboro, MD. I come from the poorest state in the country from teen parents, so I’ve had a lot to learn and explore, and I’m still doing that. Seeing the women in my family struggle fuels my desire to liberate myself and other Black women. My personal growth often dictates the direction of the magazine.
How do you prepare (mentally, physically, spiritually) to achieve your goals?
I pray, plan, and host pep talks with myself. I don’t always write my goals out, but sometimes I do and create vision boards. Even when I do not write them down, I like to break things down step by step and tackle each one. I don’t share my goals with many people because they may seem too lofty or impossible to some. I also strongly believe in the power of affirmations.
What do you do when challenges and obstacles interrupt your plans?
I used to get really upset and be ready to give up, but after 14 years in business, I’ve learned to take a step back, re-strategize and/or adapt.
Tell us about an accomplishment that you’re especially proud of and why.
I’m most proud of our recent collaboration with Jobbio to produce our job board exclusively for Black women. This is significant because some major companies are listed, and job seekers know they want to diversify their workforce. After all, they chose to advertise with us.
Who are your role models or mentors in the business world, and how have they influenced you?
I love the story of Ms. Cathay Hughes’s perseverance and Rihanna’s ability to be herself as a businesswoman. However, honestly, I have not had many mentors, and I feel like my story is so unique that I don’t particularly identify with anyone.
How important is networking to you, and what strategies do you use to build connections?
Networking is essential; it brings about more opportunities. I don’t have any fundamental strategies other than attending networking events and meeting people online. Still, both are challenges within themselves because, though I’ve been told my presence commands attention, I can be introverted and being online can drain me. However, I know that the more I talk about SwagHer Magazine, the more people know it.
Where can we our readers find you online?
IG @swaghermagazine/ @fancyswagher
Website https://swagheronline.com
