You read that right! For three solid years, I serve as a rideshare driver. 

Let me create the WHY for you. I've always believed in having what some call a "side hustle." In my opinion, it's resume and/or skill building! The added bonus is money, money, MONEY. 

Yes, I work a full-time job. Actually, in a field that getting overtime is very common. So, I am sure someone is sipping their tea... PONDERING why become a rideshare driver? Well, At my full-time, I am required to punch the clock already  for  8 hrs per day. For my own mental space, I refuse to overdue it! As a driver, I set my own hours! 

So, I brought the idea up to my husband. If you know my personality... you would chuckle when I reminisce on how the story went. It was something like... Baby, I would like to sign up to be a rideshare driver! During that season in MY professional life, I was not willing to commit to overtime. Therefore, I was like... either I can climb some poles or signup! LOL, clearly I was joking. Before anyone get any ideas. We laughed but he was not feeling it... either option of a gig for that matter. 

Two weeks later, I circled back! It was important for me to get his approval (yeah.. I said it) on the matter because that is apart of teamwork. And let's be honest, I am a woman talking about driving strangers around in my car. Agreement was, I signup.. give it two weeks of driving and we go from there. I thought, BET!! 

After getting approved by the companies to drive, that first week I drove daily after work for 2  hours and made BANK. HOT DOG!! 

Soon after, my husband learned that I was onto something. Before you knew it... I was not only a driver but referred others to signup... which after they met the requirements was money in the bank for me! Oh, one of my referrals was the Mista. 

Over those three years, I met such knowledgeable people! Of course, there were a few interesting characters. But I wasn't judging. 

Just a few memorable moments as a driver:

• During the Clinton campaign, I was out driving. Picked up two lively ladies! Over a chat, on the way to their location one said YES we are going to see the First Lady.! I was uninformed at that moment that; Mrs. Hilary Clinton AND Mrs. Michelle Obama were in town. They explained further about and its free entry. You guessed it! I dropped the ladies off, told them I will see them in there. I parked my car and just minutes later, I was in the building!! 
• Another rider was enroute to the Carolina Panthers game. Strange enough, my husband was attending that game. Through conversation, I mentioned that to my rider. Next thing you know, the rider had a extra ticket... left it on my dashboard and said go join your husband. Oh, what a nice gesture. However, I am not into Football but he still insisted on leaving the ticket. 
• Early in my rideshare driving career, I took a gamble.!  Disclaimer: I read vibes well for the most part. I picked up this driver from a very prominent area. He was in town on business but wanted to treat himself to some grooming. He asked, could he pay me to serve as his personal driver for the night? If reading between the lines, he was suggesting, off the app. His reason, I am unsure. I can assume, he did not want his movements tracked. Or perhaps he was traveling via his work credit card. Nonetheless, I agreed. Of course, after getting my husband onboard on my whereabouts. Lets just say, I took him two places that night. Then circled back the following morning to drop him off at the airport. The pay was so decent, I did not drive for two days! 
• Then the amount of riders that would confide in me was touching. One rider, we actually were going through a similar scenario in our personal life... JUST different roles. Of course, I did not mention that to him, I just drove as he utilized his therapy session. 
• And the amount of authorRN readers I gained during this gig! My children's book, Wednesday Just Got Better, the day Leland dialed 9-1-1 made it to Asia on a missionary trip.
• Ha, that morning... after the last Presidential election... each one of passengers, all races seemed to be very much in shock on the outcome. They voiced it! However, I agreed with many but remained silent on my personal views. What can I say, I try not to talk politics at work!  I might appear too "passionate" on my thoughts. 

These are just a few highlights to share. 

I never truly faced any major hiccups other than one female rider was upset because I refused to go against the rideshare/airport policy to pick her up outside the designated area. Or about the time I was driving a DRUNK couple on the late LATE night. Then they began to have a verbal dispute, the guy got out of the car... he was so over her! LOL. 

Many of the times I was driving, my husband was too! But it was easy money. During our driving tender, on New Years Eve... we would turn our apps off close into the new year. Then venture off to our meeting spot and bring the new year in together. After about 15 mins, we'd app back on and get that surge money!! 

As a rideshare driver (oh and I was a passenger as well,) those earnings paid many bills. And trips!! OMG, one time... we traveled to the mountains for a getaway. The entire journey and activities were funded by our earnings from that week! 

If it was working for your bag and networking efforts, why stop?
Well, that last year, my ability to rideshare drive was limited due to adjustments I was faced with. I lessened my drive time from about 5 days a week for 2 years straight. To about once a week, to keep my credentials.

My final drive was Jan. 19, 2020... that morning. Which was my birthday! I only drove for about 3 hours, which that was all it took to meet my financial goal for the day.

I had been saying, there was a shift on the rise. At that moment, I did not know exactly what that shift would entail.

Well, let's just say.... adulting #5001 took over in February. Then the world reset in March 2020, for lack of other words. Between the virus recklessness and the rioting, I can honestly say... I understood the vibe of a shift on the rise. 

Do I miss driving? Hands down, YES!! The earnings, no doubt. But the opportunity to service to those whom use rideshare as their only means of transportation. To those who've drunk the bar out but has the common sense to call for a ride vs getting behind the wheel. And the sights in the City I never knew exist til becoming a driver is simply unforgettable.

Would I update my credentials to drive again? That part, I'm uncertain. After every shift, I would sanitize my car. With COVID 19 on the loose, I refuse to put myself or others at risk in the event I did not take a moment to sanitize the vehicle after every ride. 

On the flip side, I left in good standings so all I would have to do is first re-install the apps, submit my updated documents and I should be good to go. I mean, we should never say NEVER, right? 

​




 

​I'm so rooting for this mother/daughter in business duo! Speaking of which, the mother and I grew up in the same community and we were schoolmates. This is just one more reason to sow into their business!  

Take a look at their site, we have options!! 

• Black Confetti

• Black Cacao Strawberry

• Black Honey Bourbon

Immediately, Black Confetti spoke to me and landed right in my cart! My order was JUST placed and I'm already pulling out my teapot.

Are you a tea drinker? Let's sip some Black Tea Hive, distantly...  together!  
​
Shop: https://www.blkteahive.com/ 

Oh, click here to follow them on IG. 

Happy Sipping, 
Rayn

Before I talk "dirty" to you let's define manifest. Alexa, define manifest... in sum she defines it as being clear or obvious to the eye or mind. I can roll with that!
That being said, I am inviting you to take this piece and properly apply it to your goals. But here and now... this chat is going to cover making your house a home... homeowner or renter alike!
Just to get you up to speed... I do not feel homeownership is for everyone and certainly something to bark upon in your own timing, not because of the current interest rate or because that is what your peers are doing. Nor do I feel making your house a home requires homeownership!
Yet, I've been a homeowner for 12 years this month... YIKES! Every May I make a conscious effort to reflect on the moment I decided to start the process to purchase a home. 

• I had challenging credit that HAD to be addressed before sashaying up into ANY bank... talking about I would like to buy a house
• The decision on if I wanted to stay in the Carolina's or move to Texas, which was on the table for years after undergrad
• Did I want to purchase preexisting or build? Reside in the City or commute? 
• The layout of the home
• The "must-halves" and the ok... I'll adjust moments. 

Fast forward to years of residing in the same home. Annually, I pour into our home around the month of May. Sometimes I am silent about it and other times I share, check my archives. But what I have learned from this course is that I require the vision in order to do the work! Meaning, for me to manifest it... I have to write it down and speak it to life. Ha, even cut a picture out of the magazine or catalog then use a stickpin to hang it up on the wall in the master closet. A space I visit at least 3 times/day! Somethings have taken years to accomplish before unpinning it from the wall "of vision." Other projects not so long. 
Currently, I have two projects ahead of me... don't tell my husband. Joking, he already knows. One may be pinned for a bit! The cost is not in the budget, new living room flooring. My cashapp is $MrsNewson if you feel it in your heart of hearts to contribute... lol. Then fresh decor in the master bathroom which includes the below new shower curtain I already purchased. What, we grown! Of course, that bathroom will get done sooner. Just deciding on accents and such. 
Why do I feel homeownership is not for everyone? Not too much of cost or how one could save. Because let's be honest... if you have a home loan... you're still paying the bank! My position is more on does owning a home fit your future goals? Such as:

• Purchasing singled vs married
• Family size, if it's growing or not
• Staying in the home long-term or not
• IF you move, would you rent it out or not? 

I'm sharing my current pinning w/you because seeing it has truly worked for me. It's been years since I created a vision board. However, that has not stopped me from a single vision cutout and pinning it accordingly. Excuse me while I grab my scissors. 

I'm back! I encourage you to breath life into something within your control. It could be big or small. Happy manifesting to you! 

This is for the mature audience ONLY!! Now that we've gotten that out of the way, let's chat!

First know, in many cultures... a woman wearing waist beads are private but common to many women. They can serve as a symbol of;

• purity
• weight tracker
• new beginnings
• femininity (womanhood)
• sensuality
• and for some fashion.

Don't just take my word for it, do your research. And set your own intentions for your strands. They are not limited to one particular shaped woman. Sis, embrace your thickness or thinness for that matter!
​A strand of beads dancing to the rhythm of your body movement is straight girl power!
~ Rayn Newson, author

Personal Story: I've been wearing waist beads for over a year. Yes, I am married but this was a installment for pure self-adornment.

Years ago, my sister and I took a sister's trip to the beach. Then is when I 1st mentioned my interest in waist beads. If you know my sister and I, when we get together... you already know, that night our hotel room became an activity center. Together we made our 1st strand of beads. I still have mine til this day! Then I was gifted a gold plated waist bead, wore that strand day-in, day-out. Then one day, it popped. In that moment, I questioned my "love handles" and thought.... perhaps I need to lose weight before diving back in for another one. That toxic thinking did not last long!

Fast forward to January 2019, I purchased some waist beads as a birthday gift for thyself. Being a woman that encourage others to embrace themselves, no matter what their challenges might be.

I knew eventually I'd publicly advocate this experience to women. In doing so, I added another Queen to my team to create ALL my strands listed in the collection. 

How can you "Get Waist Bead" WAISTED?

Simple, click here to view the collection & place your order.

** ALL PURCHASES AND INQUIRES ARE CONFIDENTIAL **

Frequently Asked Questions: 

What age is too young for waist beads? 
If under 18 yrs old, please consult your parent. 

How to measure for your strand? 
Best result, standing straight... measure against your bare skin in the area that you want the strand to sit. DO NOT hold your stomach in during the measuring process.

Is this a one time tie, waist bead?
No, current stock are ALL suitable for daily removal. 

Can I sleep/bathe in my strands? Yes

Adjusting to daily wear, was it hard? 
The first few weeks it felt like something uninvited was on my body. I adjusted. Applying lotion under your strands will help too!

Ordered the wrong size, what can I do? 
I encourage you to follow the provided chart. FIRST, contact me. If needed, your local bead shop can re-position the closure for you. Speaking from experience.

Exercising, dancing, intimacy are okay with my strands on? 
At your own discretion

What type of cord is used? 
Plastic fishing line

Since we've been ordered to "Shelter in Place," look at the commercials via television, social media platforms & your very own email. Are the heavy hitters no longer selling products and/or stopped offering their digital or online services... NOPE! They've gotten innovative w/their availability/marketing techniques which suits customers, raises the possibility for them to gain new customers and keeps them "relevant" for once things reset.
Enough about them, let's address you! In my opinion, NO! Do not be embarrassed to market your product or services a.k.a gem in the middle of a pandemic. Keep your clients engaged. Grab the attention of those who overlooked your "gem" before, perhaps your craft was not of interest to them in the past. Take a note out of the name-brand companies playbook, stay relevant to the consumers.
Facing a major uncertainty such as this unprecedented matter... people will still spend money. Depending on what your craft is... it could be a service that your prospective consumer has been seeking but just haven't had the time to register or partake. Same with your product. 
The world is being still! Shoot your shot! However, while on this journey do not;

• Be aggressive 
• Price gouge
• Be misleading
• Overwhelm the consumer 

 
On the flip side;

• Show compassion & Transparency
• Track your inventory 
• Offer specials 
• Connect w/the consumer

These flowers are for you, go be a rockstar!
No need to be idle, someone is clicking and swiping away!
SEEKING exactly what you're offering! 

​This has definitely been a year of the AWAKENING for me on several levels. However, I'll narrow this particular blog post down to my "natural hair" journey. 

Before I touch on a recent reckoning, let me share a timeline of this path. Spring 2014 I went to my stylist and said BIG CHOP it! Returned home to my husband looking like WHAT! Leading up to the chop, I had already stop falling for the creamy crack. Also, knew when I big chopped... my plan was to eventually get dreads or sister locs. Yet, I wanted to first explore my hair in its natural state... afro, braided (without extensions), twists, blow outs, wet and curly (which many of us know that to be a wash-n-go) and so much more before committing to either dreads or sister locs. I even documented many of these stages early on via Tumblr. Sister locs had my attention over dreads. Reasons being, 1) I thought it would visually be a easier transition. Then 2, I thought sister locs would be more ideal for me in terms of maintenance. Point 1 (mainly) and 2, I quickly checked myself!

Fast forward, almost two years ago I landed a local stylist to loc my hair. She and I connected via social media and ended up being from the same city, Cleveland, OH (Carolina living). After continued research, I opted for dreads by way of finger coils. The stylist and I jokingly called them dread-lets for a longtime. One visit, she messed around and showed me how to re-twist my hair... hot dog! Basically, she was relocating and that "hike" to her new location was not suitable for me. 

Anywho, moving into my recent awakening... OH, I Love the skin I am in! Living consciously, my natural hair journey has taught me a lot about my surroundings and myself. Ha, the amount of comments (and gestures) made by individuals goes to show how society trained "us" to think your expectations matter to the next being. And has limited "us" from being transparent or simply recognizing the beauty of one other without all the bells and whistles. Oh how I thank our higher power for VISION. I see beauty in the craziest things. I witness "ugly" in some of the most "prima-donna" attempts. 

Question, does the way I wear my hair make me a better person or friend, (in the power words of India Arie). 

Now loc'd, pass the dread-lets stage... I am loudly reminded that I am not my hair, I am NOT your expectations, no. I may add an exotic "wash-out" hair color (green, pink, purple or blue) over the weekend. I invite my platinum pieces to the huddle! May go weeks without re-twisting my crown or re-twist often. Ha, or even rock a hair scarf while others rock their hair accessory of choice. Saying this to say, when you wake up in the morning, unwilling to please your surroundings. But be pleasing to yourself... the morning hits different! Ha, morning world. 

R.Newson
#authorRN

This event served as my OFFICIAL book launch celebration for Gem Launching: One Nugget AT A Time... or "gems" for short. 

I figure since my 3rd book, Wednesday Just Got Better, the day Leland dialed 9-1-1 was published less than a year ago.... why not finesse this release a bit. Then how fitting is it that women are celebrated in the month of March! What a way to kick this project off! 

Saturday was EVERYTHING! The turnout was just as expected. I reserved seating for 12 ladies, in attendance were 9 which included myself. We followed an agenda which is a must for me when hosting an event no judging please.. There were so many highlighting moments shared at the table. However, those intimate chats will not be echoed in this post due to keeping somethings sacred. Yet, I will say... every woman added their reflections, we applauded when accomplishments were exchanged. Some of the entrepreneurs gained new customers. Not to mention, some plugs on what is yet to come were released into the universe. Connections were made with hopes that they flourish then you and I one day witness their partnerships. We closed with archiving the occasion with photos, laughs and perhaps one more visit to the bakery counter..  

As the host, bringing ladies together that were connected to me then for them to establish their own relationships with each other was my grandest take away. But with so many more to follow. 

Under this project... "gems" I seek to gather more small groups to mirror this event in efforts to empower, encourage, guide others (where needed) with applying self-marketing tools and provide "how-to's" when a product or service is being launched.

* Remember, Gem Launching: One Nugget AT A Time is a guide for a entrepreneur (man or woman) or visionary in their own right. The tools shared in this book has been implemented and proven to be solid steps to launching followed by self-marketing your gem. 

If you have 5+ like-minded individuals that you think can benefit from this 2.5 hour session please email me at raynnewson@hotmail.com and make your subject: buzz session. 

By the way, what name, title, product or service would you write on this nametag?  

Kindly, I encourage your to Like. Comment and/or Share. 

About last night, I really should have stopped by my neighborhood Harris Teeter after work. However, after one of those days...  on my "9 to 5" I opted to head directly home to sit on my patio and prop my feet while enjoying the vitamin d. 

After relaxing and gathering my thoughts, I made a mental note on the items needed for dinner. During that time, I decided to separate my loose change (which was stored in my Travel Fund bank, see past blog) so that I can purchase a gas gift card towards my upcoming trip. Side story: I have a great friend that suggested to me years ago... save all loose change and when you're vacation planning use said change for gift cards and such towards the trip.  Needless to say, three or fours years later... that has been a success! 

Moving back the story, finally at Harris Teeter I approached the gift card  area so that I can get that purchase out of the way. However, each line was long so I decided to collect the items listed on my mental note. Then gave it a go, approaching the checkout area. Luckily, a cashier was standing there waiting to service the next customer.  I immediately shared with him: I have a gift card that I will be paying for with mostly change but it has been separated.  Also  shared with him: I'd like to pay for my groceries separately. That is simply so that I can have a receipt reflecting the gift card payment for my records. The service worker understood and began the first transaction.

Meanwhile, a female walked up..  he stopped counting. She asked him, did I leave my cellphone here? His response: it's been taken to the service counter. The lady thanked him and walked off to retrieve her cell. He restarted his count while I waited and apologized for the change. Soon after, the same customer returns but this time with her cellphone in hand.  She greets me, I greet  her... she says to the service worker and I: I would like to pay for "that".  The service worker and I both had the face of confusion. I rephrased her comment saying: You would like to pay for my gas card? Her response: YES, whatever it is. The service worker and I both were surprised. The lady insisted on completing the transaction, I thanked  her...  still in amazement and she walked away.

Folks, when I tell you..  I was so grateful. Never in a million years would I think something of this caliber would happened to me. I am a giver so to be on the receiving end of paying it forward AT THE STORE.... I was blown away! In that moment, that the lady offered..  I was  thankful but internally I wanted to hug her. 

After that transaction, I proceeded to pay for my groceries  (while still in awe) and headed to the car. I even looked about to see if this lady happened to have been in the parking lot.

I am sharing this to say...  it's good people in the world. First I wanted to question WHY ME. Then I had to check myself..  it is not for me to question, or her interest to know IF I had the funds  or not. But for whatever reason... she chose ME!! That said, I owe it to her to pay it forward this week or in the very near future. 

I hope this inspires you to 1)believe in others and 2) pay it forward.

Look at you, all grown up!! Ready to take on college life. Seeing all the post via social media of the parents, seeing their young adults off to college took me back!

Picture this, by my senior year of high school I received acceptance letters to: Wright State University (Ohio), Tri-C (Ohio), Cleveland State University (Ohio) Mountain State University (WVa) and Bethune Cookman (FL). After looking at the tuition cost and the grants received, I truly felt Bethune Cookman was the school for ME!! However, my mother was not in favor. Of course, she knew it would have been a great choice. Yet, her concern was her babygirl being so far away. At the time, I could not understand why she would allow me to apply if she had concern. In my day, you don't ask questions on your parents decision(s)… you adjust. That said, Mountain State University became my home Fall 1999.

Going away to college was so much more than JUST attending college. It was a life experience. It taught me how to balance my educational and social desires. My classes, for the most part were Monday through Thursday and done by 2:15 pm at the latest. While in college, I made the Dean's List 3 times. I failed (and had to repeat) 1 course. My least favorite courses were Public Speaking and Math. The matters on public speaking, not because I did not like the course... I was afraid to speak infront of the class. I will never forget, I did a presentation on my 1st love. Throughout the presentation, I had tears running down my eyes. Not because our relationship ended just months before college started. But because I was so darn nervous. LOL, I laugh at this now but it's still a battle that I am trying to overcome. Then there was Math.... YIKES. Luckily, I did not fail. I requested "one on one" help from the professor to gain a better understanding. Strange enough, it was a Torts class (if I recall correctly) that I failed. Attended daily. However, the professor graded based on the mid-term and final exam grade. Yours Truly had test anxiety so... yeah.

My first two years, I interned in the student admissions office. YES, I knew when the refund checks were ready before the student body... lol. Also, held a catering position during special events on campus. Later, I had a few odd n' in jobs off campus: at the mall, fast food restaurants and a known clothing store. It's funny, the joys of share riding TODAY. While I was in college, we had no one's Lyft, Uber or the like. NO city bus... barely had a taxi service. Yet, I made it through.

Fortunately, by my second year of college I had my own car. A forest green Neon with the personalized tag: WANT LOTZ or was it WANTZ LOTS... corny. Yet it was all mine. At this point, I was living in an apartment, off college campus but not too far. Still maintaining my studies, a social life, now a "sorority girl", attending church and traveling. Boy, those were the days!

Fast forward to my senior year, I opt'd to transfer all my studies online and relocate to the city I was raise, Cleveland, Ohio to serve as an intern at a law office which housed 7 attorney's. After completion of my intern, final paper and final exam I returned to Mountain State University to walk with my graduating class, earning my Associate of Science Degree in Paralegal Studies and Bachelor of Science Degree in Legal Studies.

Did I face adversities? YES! A couple shared above. Then there's...

Financial: Early on... between the meal plan that was REQUIRED if you stayed on campus and the tuition, my mother was strapped.

Attending a Private School: When I became interested in becoming an Alpha Kappa Alpha Woman like my mom... there were no (fraternities or) sororities on the yard. Let's just say, West Virginia State saw a lot of me.

Car Accident: Yep, I traveled a lot as a young adult via train, bus, plane and/or road trips. One time, I was traveling back to school from a visit home and fell asleep on I-77. I give it ALL to God that I walked away with only a aching body and broke glasses. The car on the other hand, DONE. The contents inside the car... finished. Till this day, I refuse to start a distant travel late in the day or without the proper amount of rest. Even still, I can't pass Parkersburg without reliving the moment in my mind.

Debt: After totaling my car, my credit went downhill because of all the charge cards that I PRAY you say no to... I had. I did not have reliable transportation to work, due to the reasons shared. And, vehicle totaled and all.. I was still expected to make the payments. You're smart, you know how that ended.

I'm sharing this "college bound" piece to perhaps save someone from self-doubt of any sort. Trust, you will face some hard times. But give it your best, ask for help when needed. Seek space when and if a situation becomes toxic. And those who know me personally will tell you, I will be quick to say college is not for everyone and that's okay. Be okay with your decision, after you have given all you've got... GIVE MORE!! Don't just give up!

Anywho, years later... I obtained my Master's Degree in Criminal Justice Administration. Am I done with college, can't say for sure. Yet, I can say w/out a doubt.. I am not done learning.

I hope this piece gets your through your first semester and on to the next. You got this, I am rooting for you.

Ha, by the way... I did make it to Bethune Cookman's campus one year during Spring Break. My friends and I went to Daytona Beach. And then came trips to New Jersey, Philly, Massachusetts, Virginia, Texas, local get-aways… yeah, I enjoyed my college years. And not to mention, friends for a lifetime!