The New Normal Ain’t Normal

Showing up for ourselves, our businesses, and our communities—then building the streams to sustain us

The world keeps calling this “the new normal,” but let’s be honest—ain’t nothing normal about it. Prices climbed, timelines shifted, and the quiet corners we used to hide in got a little too comfortable. This moment is asking something different of us as Black women: to step up, step out, and show up—for ourselves, our businesses, and our communities. Not with perfection, but with purpose.

Step Out of the Quiet Corners

There’s a time for stillness and a time for standing up. We’ve been coached to shrink: “Don’t take up space. Don’t be too much.” But our ideas, our art, our businesses, our healing? They need oxygen.

What stepping out looks like:

• Press “publish” on that blog, reel, or product page—imperfect and in motion.

• Replace “I’m not ready” with “I’m growing as I go.”

• Speak life, always. Your words have meaning, and trust me, you will have what you say. (This is something I myself am working on.)

Affirmation: I release smallness. I honor my gifts by sharing them.

Show Up for Yourself First (So You Can Show Up for Others)

We are the well. If we’re empty, the village thirsts.

• Soul-care over performative hustle. Quiet mornings, water, prayer, walking, journaling—whatever keeps you grounded.

• Boundaries are business strategy. Office hours. Response times. “No” without a paragraph of justification.

• Skill sharpening is self-love. Learn the tool, take the mini-course, join the room.

Affirmation: My rest nourishes my brilliance. My boundaries protect my legacy.

Show Up for Your Business—Publicly and Consistently

Visibility builds trust. Consistency builds receipts.

• Simple content rhythm (3x/week): teach one tip, tell one story, make one ask.

• Social proof: screenshots, reviews, BTS videos, “before/after” posts.

• Email > algorithms: own your audience with a weekly love note.

Affirmation: I plant daily seeds; I harvest in due season.

Show Up for Community—Because We Rise in Circles

We are powerful alone, unshakeable together.

• Host a micro-workshop on Zoom.

• Collaborate with a sister brand for a bundle.

• Mentor a young creative once a month.

• Buy Black, hire Black, feature Black.

Affirmation: When I lift my sister, I rise too.

Creating Our Own Opportunities (and Income Streams) in a Not-So-Normal Economy

Multiple streams don’t mean doing everything. They mean stacking what you do well.

1) Digital Products (low lift, high margin)

Journals, workbooks, coloring pages, checklists, templates, ebooklets, mini-courses.Starter move: Turn your most-asked question into a 10-page guide and sell it.

2) Print-on-Demand Merch

T-shirts, mugs, beach towels, calendars—one design, many products.Starter move: Build a “collection” look so items cross-sell naturally.

3) AI-Assisted Creative Services

Podcast intro scripts, brand affirmations, YouTube descriptions, lyric polishing, cover art prompts.Starter move: Package 3 quick wins as a “Creative Jumpstart” service.

4) Teaching & Workshops

Live or recorded classes (Suno music, Canva, animation, writing).Starter move: Offer a 60-minute paid workshop with a downloadable checklist.

5) Memberships & Communities

Private Facebook/Skool group with monthly themes, challenges, and office hours.Starter move: Founders tier at a friendly price; include monthly co-working.

6) Licensing & Collabs

License your art, music, or affirmations for journals, ads, or apps.Starter move: Create a one-page licensing sheet with samples and terms.

7) Affiliate & Partner Income

Share tools you already use (editing apps, printers, marketplaces).Starter move: Write one tutorial per month featuring an affiliate link.

8) Speaking & Consulting

Panels, keynotes, and strategy sessions rooted in your journey.Starter move: Publish a speaker page with topics and a booking form.

Reminder: Choose two streams to build now. Stabilize, then add a third. Depth beats dabbling.

A Gentle 30-Day Plan to Move From Quiet to Consistent

Week 1 – Clarity & OfferDefine your core promise in one sentence. Choose two income streams. Outline one signature offer and one digital product.

Week 2 – Visibility & PipelinePublish 3 posts (teach/story/ask). Add one simple lead magnet to your site. Email your list once (value + soft CTA).

Week 3 – Product & ProofFinish your digital product and upload it. Collect 3 testimonials (voice notes count!). Record a 2-minute video explaining your offer.

Week 4 – Launch LightAnnounce your offer and product for 7 days. Host a 30-minute live Q&A. Document results, refine, and schedule next month.

Closing Word

The new normal ain’t normal—and that’s our cue. We are creators, culture carriers, and solution builders. When we step out of the quiet corners and show up—daily, imperfectly, together—we don’t just survive uncertainty. We design what’s next. Speak life over your gifts, your goals, and your community, and then take the next faithful step.

Mantra: Do what makes you happy. Do what brings you joy. Do what keeps you grounded.

Let’s Glow Together

You’re part of my circle, and I’m so glad you’re here. As we step boldly into this season, I want to share a piece of my own journey with you—my new Suno song, “Glow On.” It’s a reminder to shine, to keep showing up, and to let your light lead the way.

👉 Listen to Glow On here: https://youtu.be/5qtYpFWD9Zk?si=vYLGn_2s0ui_KPyp

Please drop a comment to let me know how it speaks to you. Let’s glow on—together.

Christine (Teena)