Latest / Six-Figure Chicks / Special Edition Chicks Chat: Real Talk on Mentorship, Faith and Community
Transcript
- Mel C: Hey there, Mel C here with Six Figure Chicks, Her Right to Rise Nonprofit. And now I'm delighted to say Chicks Chat. So we are joined by a fellow Six Figure Chicks author Francine and our lovely Destiny Black. She is our first. One-on-one virtual mentorship, and we're gonna get into her story in just a second. I wanted to say that the power of storytelling goes far beyond the books, and this is a prime example of just that. So I was on Fox News Live last week while we were in New York City Times Square with authors and their billboards. We were talking about the amazing Six Figure Chicks and the nonprofit Her Right to Rise. And then Destiny She found me. I'm going to turn it over to you, Destiny, how you found me and how you found that interview. Destine Black: so I was watching the news, which I usually don't do, but I seen you and I heard your story and I was just so curious about you. So I ended up looking you up on the internet and finding out that you have a whole website. So I actually scheduled an interview because it was just so empowering to hear someone say a story that wasn't perfect but ended up being successful, Mel C: Yeah, and that's great because also another little fun fact about both of us, so Destiny doesn't like the news, doesn't watch it really. I rarely call people. so Destiny booked an appointment on my calendar to Zoom with me and no one came to the Zoom meeting. So I thought, hmm, there's a phone number. I'm gonna call her because this name does not sound familiar. And so Destiny, share with us what that was like when you first answered the phone. Destine Black: So it was so crazy for me because I didn't think that you were actually going to call or reach out. So when you said, hey, this is Mel C, I was like, she actually called. So we ended up just having an amazing conversation though, and it was so great to be able to talk to you just so quickly and actually have you honor the time that I had scheduled with you. And I was excited for it, but Hearing the story even, it's so funny how everything just kinda played out by coincidence, but it ended up being this beautiful day. Mel C: Destiny, why don't you share a little bit about you, your awesomeness, and even your books you have? Destine Black: Okay, so I am officially three years sober. And it has been a wild journey for me. I am in my twenties, but it's not the normal twenty-year-old story. So from being sober and just really stepping into my faith, I've been able to do so many things that I never thought I'd be able to do. starting with publishing my own books. So I have one published, but another one recently published called Stories Written in the Secret Place. And it is a faith-based story book, with poems and short stories. I've joined the choir, you know, I got back into school. So everything's just been so beautiful but so different than the life I used to live. So I'm blessed for that. Mel C: like me at 28 years old would not have been able to or thought she had enough confidence to, go online and research somebody I had no idea, but just saw in the news and was like, hmm, I'm gonna get on her calendar. I would not have been able to do that at that age. Francine, what about you? Francine: Well, for me, I was a different twenty-eight year old because I grew up so fast. By the time I was twenty-eight, I was married, two kids, a house and a dog. So my life was totally different. And I felt like I had been an adult since my early teens. And so I was on a faster pace. And just thinking about it now, I don't know how I did it all back then, but I can truly understand and listening to destiny, how my life may have been different if I had chosen another path because I got married so young. So that's the difference in the two stories. But just knowing that my confidence was not great, I relied a lot on my faith and what I believed in, even at that age, that I was gonna be okay, but wasn't really sure or confident about a whole lot of things. Mel C: were you raised in a a faith filled household, or is that something that you found on your own? Francine: It was a double-edged sword. My grandmother took me to church almost every Sunday. It was a requirement. and at home we didn't always go to church. We started out going to church when we were younger and then it kind of stopped. And then I with my grandmother, I continued to go to church. So I kind of had like two worlds that I was living in, trying to fit in. And sometimes not fitting in either one. because it was a lot of confusion about should I really be doing this or should I be doing that? So it was it was different, Mel C: Mm. Yeah. Francine: yeah. Mel C: my gosh. And destiny, so what about you? what's been your experience like growing up with or without God? Destine Black: so when I was growing up we were not forced to go to church and we really did not attend. Just a few services here and there. God is something well someone I ended up finding way later on in life and honestly I feel like that connection was being attempted to be built, but I continued to do things that just didn't ever lead me to staying in the church. So when I finally did get sober, feel like that was the first day we really started building our relationship and I started building my relationship with the church and with God as well. but it's not something that I grew up in. It's something that I found and it's been wonderful. Mel C: I feel so connected to both of your different stories because when I was growing up, a young girl, we did every Sunday, went to church, Francine: Mm-hmm, mm-hmm. Mel C: just checked the box. And then as I got older, probably around 10 or so, we stopped going to church. It just was something that just fell off. And I was like, okay, well. I get my Sunday mornings back. I get to sleep in or whatever it was. But Francine: Mm-hmm. Mel C: I had no idea how different my life would have been if I had been forced to go or stayed in that congregation. It's just interesting looking at it now, going, I hadn't thought about that And Francine, tell us about your congregation now and have you experienced the same thing in families now? Francine: Absolutely. It's so different now because as you said, it was almost mandatory that you go to church. It wasn't we we had one neighbor who, you know, was liked to party and he would party up until, you know, probably six in the morning, but he would get dressed and go to church. It was not if he wanted to, or if and I guess it was in his household and he was an adult, he was a father and had kids. They All got together and got in their car and they went to church. I don't care what he did the night before they were in church. And it was kind of the same thing with us, with my grandparents. It wasn't if you wanted to go, you were going. You didn't even question it. You just went. And you would stay all day. You would go and you would go Wednesday night. You would go to YPWW, you go Saturday, you would go Sunday. They would cook dinner at church. You stayed all day long. And it was what the families did. And you didn't question it. And so when my kids came along, they went to church and they didn't ask me if they were going. It was just, we just kept doing it. And now I see that my grandkids do it a little bit different. They they're not required to come to church. I don't make them come to church if they want to come to church. And sometimes I'll call them and ask them, you know, you want to come today and help me do something. But I noticed that. A lot of families now since COVID have not come back to the church. They when they got in the house, they kind of stopped doing it. We were in COVID three years almost going into four. And people just got out of the habit of doing certain things, and church was one of them. So many people did not come back to church. And they still are not back. They will watch it online. So that's different now because of technology. They'll watch it online, they'll give their offering, they might they'll come out on special occasions. And an example, we had Pastor's Appreciation Day last Sunday, and more people came out than have probably come the whole year. So it's totally different now. And people can get church online. You know, it used to be you could watch, you know, one televangelist here or there, but now everybody's online, everybody's on YouTube, every pastor. you can find a choir, you can do the whole. you know, three, four hours of disquiet if that's what you like. So it's a totally different area of church folks, you know, and they worship how they want to worship. Yeah, so it's totally different. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Mel C: Yeah, I love that. I love being able to have that flexibility for everyone. Destiny, you are on YouTube. You have a lot of videos. I've seen some of them posted online. what are your hopes in providing the videos on YouTube? Destine Black: my hopes are just that they reach exactly who needs to hear it, even if they're not used to listening to what I have to say. So since social media includes so many different people and you can reach a large variety, my videos have even reached Korea. They went to Jamaica, South America, Canada, the UK, Germany. So that's so amazing to just know that people I would never talk to have seen and commented on my videos and It's just a blessing because you never know how it will impact somebody else just to hear it, even if they don't like, they don't share, or they don't comment. It's just the fact that they did see it and hopefully they carry it with them. Mel C: what is your goal from doing those videos or having your YouTube channel grow? Do you want to do anything more with that? What's your future like? Destine Black: To be honest, I'm not sure what I want for it. I just know that I want to stay consistent with it. It was something that I really feel like the Lord placed on my heart and I feel like it was another step for courage. I am not a video girly. I'm not good with technology and I don't like posting myself out there like that. So I kind of fought with that a little bit, but then I ended up posting my first video and ever since then it's just been it's just been rolling and it's been growing. So I I don't wanna take the message away from anyone who does look forward to the videos where they watch them consistently, you know, just to kind of fall off. So I'm staying consistent and wherever it goes it goes. I won't stop it, but I don't know. Mel C: That is great. I feel like Francine Destiny is like your mini mate with all of those things. Francine: Yeah. Yes, absolutely. Yes. I've been doing YouTube's. wow. I did them when my whole background was almost black. You couldn't even probably see me in the video because I didn't have equipment, you know, I didn't know what I was doing. I just was like, I'm doing YouTube. Everybody's doing YouTube. We're gonna do YouTube. And you see the progression of how we've gotten to where we are now with technology and The one thing about YouTube, you gotta be consistent. So I encourage you, Destiny, just to keep going and don't stop. I will start and stop. I've been doing a little bit better the last year, but I will start and start. And if you can go, you can go all the way back to probably the early 2000s, and I'm on YouTube. but again, it was so grainy and and so unprofessional. But I kept doing it. I was like, I'm just gonna keep doing it. Some and people were, you know, responding back and talking to me. And like Destiny said, you never know who you're going to reach or who you're going to help today with just a word of encouragement. So we just keep doing what we're doing. So Destiny, I applaud you. Keep it going. And you know, the reward is knowing that you have something to share that will empower someone and make a difference in their life. Destine Black: Thank you. Mel C: Yeah. And that is again the power of storytelling on so many levels and layers of, you know, Francine, you've been doing this for decades. is there something that you would tell your younger self or maybe now destiny that you wish you would have known? And I think that was, you know, priceless of just keep doing it. Yes. Every day Francine: Mm-hmm. Mel C: or every other day, whatever your schedule is, stick to it because Francine: Mm-hmm. Mel C: Yeah, Francine, you and I both are like we do it when we can in between everything else. Francine: Right. Right. Yeah. Absolutely. And again, like I said, it has to be I'm always about the empowerment part, but I have to empower myself to make sure that I'm keeping on the path that I need to be on that God has ordained for me because we can get distracted with so many things 'cause Mel and I, you know, we're Mel, you're on a plane like four or five times a week. You know, I'm just like, not doing that this week. But you you just make that plan and you stick to it and and I'm all about just writing things down and having that schedule and being a little bit more disciplined. And I think that's the word for me, if I for my younger self to be more disciplined. because I wasn't, I was easily distracted and would go off and veer off into something else. but that's what I would say to myself. Just You know, stay on the path and keep doing what God has ordained for you to do. And then everything else is going to fall into place. Mel C: Yeah, I love that. And tell me a little bit about your boutique, your shop that's connected with your church. Francine: Absolutely love that we had the opportunity to it started out as a a way for the women to come to the church and to shop because a lot of the women, single women, single parents, with children, and of course, you know, they're just like anybody else. They want nice things, but it may not be in their budget. And I'm all, you know, about finance. I'm teaching budget. How do you save and how do you make things work, but I'm also of the mindset that you can have anything you want as long as you plan to have it. And we started out with Jess and my business partner and I, Veronica McMillan, with giving out bags to the ladies. And I'm not talking about junk. I'm talking Louis Vuitton, Coach, Prada. And in those bags, we would put toiletries, even cash, gift cards, whatever we thought a lady would like to have. that maybe she couldn't buy for herself because she did have children or or she was in the sandwich generation. She was taking care of her parents and the children. She just could not afford to go out and shop for that. So that's how it all got started. And the first year was just the handbags. And the next year, I believe it was a dinner where somebody donated gowns to us. And so we bought tiaras, dressed them in gowns, gave them dinner, had jazz musician, and it was just amazing. to see these ladies just light up. And so we at the church, we had a room set up here at the church where they could come in, bring their kids. We would take the kids to the nursery. They could shop for an hour. We would do a little order plate for them and some little sparkling water just to make them feel special. So it just blew up where we couldn't do it at the church anymore. And we were not reaching women outside of the church because other women didn't know about it. And so people started donating to us. And so we had to find a brick and mortar We found a place in Virginia Beach and that's where we are now. We've been there a year and a half and God has just truly blessed us. Nothing in our store is over $25. we have a new side, everything is brand new. Then we have a thrift side that is gently used, and I mean gently, no holes or anything. We don't want you to get something that you wouldn't want to, that I wouldn't wear. If I wouldn't wear it, I wouldn't put it in a boutique. And so women can come and shop now. And we've connected with so many community organizations where people now are sending ladies there who are going through job interviews or just needing something for work. They're now coming. And we have a special price for them around $20. And they can get an outfit, shoes, stockings, whatever they need for their interview or for their job. It's just a great place. Love it. Yes. Mel C: I love that. Yes, Giving power to anyone and everyone. Francine: Mm-hmm. Yes, absolutely. And the it's called the ladies' boutique and more because in that building, we're able to do more than just have them shop. We do educational classes, we do health and wellness. We have other nonprofits come in teaching them about whatever they want to learn about, about how they do healthy eating. We do vision boards, we do wine, women and wealth. It's just so many things that we can do in the building. And it's just been a blessing. Yes. So thank you for asking. Yes. Mel C: Yes. And yeah, of course. And you're hearing it first. We are going to have the Six Figure Chick Seven Cities book launch there next year. So, you know. Francine: Yes, yes, yes, Mel C: Okay, so let's turn it back to you, Miss Destiny. You mentioned when we were talking earlier of your three qualities of a good mentor fears God, loves people more than she judges, and has courage. what does that mean to you, Destiny, Destine Black: it actually means a lot because a lot of the times, especially I feel like for my generation, we can look up to people who don't hold those three qualities dear to their heart. And when you are picking someone that you want to almost kind of like not be them but go down the road they're going, they can lead you either to success or unsuccess. And by not having any courage, by not being honest, by not fearing God, the foundation that they might hold themselves up so like up on could be unstable and just be something unhealthy for you. But since you admire them so much, you don't realize that until it's way too late. And that's something that I kind of had to learn very early that who you keep around you is very important. because bad Francine: Mm-hmm. Destine Black: corrupts good character. So if you continue to hang out with people that you don't want to be like, you're not doing anything but setting yourself up for a future that you don't want. Mel C: That's a mic drop, for sure. Yeah. Francine, Francine: Yeah. Mel C: which one of those speak most to you? Francine: Think the people around you speaks volumes to me. Being from a large family, I grew up with a lot around a lot of people. And so I can't you carry what you know with you. And as I've gotten older, I found that I don't need as many people. My circle is tight and my circle is small. And they are only the people that are going to encourage me. People who are going to tell me the truth. I like truth tellers. And it's so important because anybody can tell you what you want to hear. But if they're not going to keep their promise, then I don't, that's not the person that I want to be around. And I spoke about that just recently about keeping your promise. I just did a video about keeping your promise. Your word is your bond. That's all you have. And my grandmother used to say that all the time. If you tell me you're going to do something, then you do it. And I'm the same way. If I say I'm gonna do it, I'm gonna do it. I'm break my neck to do it. And I wanna be around the same kind of people, not people just saying to me, yeah, I'm gonna be there. And then you turn around and it's just you all by yourself. And you that's not what you need. You need people around you that are gonna encourage you, but always gonna tell you the truth. And those are the kind of people that are most important in my life. And it's not always family, most of the time it's somebody else. Mel C: I feel that too. Like growing up in so many different areas, my friends felt like my family, because they were there. And they Francine: Mm, mm. Mel C: are not all still here because my life has changed. And so I can Francine: Right. Mel C: really connect with that. I would say for me, maybe courage, because I didn't really understand and accept that I had a lot of courage growing up. And Francine: Mm-hmm. Mel C: maybe you know, similar feelings with a lot of people that are younger or going through hard times, going, I can't do this or I can't push past this, roadblock of life or challenge. I don't have the tools or knowledge or experience to do that. And so of course, I'm speaking from my own self, I did not feel courageous, dropping out high school so I could work more or trying to recover from an accident because I thought I was an adult and I could go out and do all these adult things. all of these life lessons and roadblocks I went through, I thought, gosh, you are, not that smart. Nobody cares about you. just you have to get up and keep going. And that's all my mind was on. And now the Francine: Yeah. Mm-hmm. Mel C: talking to so many women, going, my gosh, I wasn't the only one. I wasn't stupid. I mattered. Francine: Right. Mm-mm. Yeah. And so that's so interesting that you say that because we talked about that before about, where you started does not necessarily mean where you're gonna end up. And so, but what where you started has made you into the woman that you are now. Because even when you didn't know that you had courage, you actually did because you kept going. You didn't quit. And I know you didn't quit because you're here. Because if you had quit, I would never have met either one of you. And so I don't know if you guys saw the Wizard of Oz the other night. It's been on television. And it kind of made Destine Black: Yeah. Francine: me think of that when I said that, that you have to have courage, you know, and you just sometimes you just you don't know that you have it, but you keep going and you don't quit. Mel C: Mm, I know. And thank goodness we didn't quit because yes, like you said, Francine: Yeah. Mel C: we would not all three be here right now. Francine: Mm mm. No, absolutely not. Yeah. Destine Black: wait. Mel C: You know, and so we're gonna Destine Black: I can kind of Mel C: flip the script and ask Destiny for some inspiration and guidance. destiny, like what do you want most? from the people around you, like your mentors. Destine Black: I really want them to do what they say they're going to do. So for me when you actually called and then you scheduled everything and actually came through on time without missing anything and communicated quickly, that was very important to me because like Francine was saying, a lot of people say they're going to do these things and then they never do it and it puts you Francine: Mm-hmm. Destine Black: up But then when they don't show up for you it's almost like, Well, I thought everyone was on the same page, but I guess not and you kinda have to do a U turn and go back. So when I look for mentors, I look for women very similar to the both of you who you do what you say you're gonna do because even Francine did exactly what she said she was gonna do. She hopped on here with us and she was on time, she's reliable, she's honest, faith based, and the both of you are just so inspiring though because just to hear you say It wasn't perfect for me because those Francine: Mm-hmm. Destine Black: are the stories that always get put everywhere where everyone they grew up in the perfect family, so they had the perfect life. But to hear from women who have two different stories, but you both had struggles and you're honest about them, you overcame them, and you're not reeked in shame about them because you're wearing them so beautifully, like you're wearing your story in six-figure chicks, you're wearing your story in your ministry. And it's like that's beautiful to see because sometimes you can see the exact opposite in so many places. So when I look for a mentor, that's exactly what I'm looking for. keeping your word, like she said, your word is your bond. So we don't have a strong bond if you can't be honest with me, like or we can't be honest with each other. So we already start off really strong, and that's what I love because how it starts is usually how it ends. So Francine: Okay. Mel C: I know. Now we got some big shoes to fill though. Goodness gracious. And it hasn't always Yeah. Destine Black: Hehehe Francine: I know, I know. I was like Mel C: I know, because I'm like, ooh, girl, if you had been talking to me a couple of years ago. I mean, Francine: Mm. Mel C: and we're not perfect or great on time all the time. Because Destine Black: Yeah. Mel C: yes, life gets in the way and or us as women, we take on so much because we think we can do Francine: Right. Mel C: so much or we want to make sure everyone's happy and taken care of. But then that can come back and affect us and our time. And you know, I wasn't always on time or responding within 24 hours. I make an effort now because I do know how important that is. And thank you, Destiny, for sharing that because that's gonna stick with me. You know, if I'm running late or if it's been, days since I talked to somebody and I said I would, you're gonna come in my mind go, okay, Mel, Francine: Mm-hmm. Mel C: you gotta pick up the phone right now. Francine: Right. Absolutely. Destine Black: Let's Francine: Yeah. Mel C: Yeah. All right, Francine, your turn. Francine: Yeah, I think for me it and just like I said before, it's just knowing that what you say to other people is important. And also we hear this all the time. How you make them feel. I want you to know that you're important to me. So I will do my best to be where I say I'm gonna be And I'll give an example of that. being in the ministry, a lot of times I don't feel like getting up and going to church. I just really don't. But I also know that somebody may show up who needed to be in the building on that particular day. And if I just stay home, then I've missed the assignment that God has sent for me to be a part of. And I may have lost someone to something that is devastating that I may never know about. But if I'm there and I'm where I'm supposed to be, whether there are two people in the church or 2000, then I know I've done what God has ordained for me to do. And that's so important. in my ministry, in my business and in my life, showing up being present. Mel C: Yes. And destiny, what does that mean to you? Destine Black: yes, 'cause even hearing that, I mean like just with the posting videos consistently, sometimes like she said, you don't wanna get up and you don't feel like posting anything. It's like I wanna take a relaxed day. But I kinda got a very similar feeling when I was like it's not I'm not gonna say not that important, but maybe I can miss a day. And I got that conviction like, but who is on the internet today who you might reach that really needed to hear what you were gonna say? Francine: Mm-hmm. Destine Black: And Francine: Exactly. Destine Black: Then been a loud voice in the back of my mind of just show up because like she said it could be nobody, but at least I know I was there. Or it can be two people or two thousand, but I know I was there, so I did everything that I possibly could do and that's where that's where it starts. It starts with me. Someone once told me it doesn't matter what everyone else does, don't follow them because what you do is what you're gonna be responsible for. And so I just keep that tucked away with me all the time because I don't want when I show back my record, I was irresponsible with a lot of things. I feel like I've already done that so much in my life, like bear this role of being an unresponsible, unreliable person. So now that I have an opportunity to shift gears, I want to be the best that I can be in this area, in this walk of my life. Mel C: I love that. I was gonna ask you what Francine: I know it's Mel C: advice would you give? And I'm like, you gave it. all of these young Francine: Right. Destine Black: That's the Mel C: women, in even women our age, like Destiny, Francine: Mm. Mel C: preached you preached to all of us of like, yes. Francine: Yes, absolutely. Yeah. Just yeah. Destine Black: Well thank you. I guess for one more piece of advice, it would just be don't let anyone tell you who you are. Find out who you Francine: Mm-hmm. Destine Black: are for yourself. I had a lot of people tell me you can't do this, you can't do that, and I've done it Francine: Mm-hmm. Destine Black: all. Go back to school, I go to a private university, full scholarship. You can't sing, I'm in the can't publish a book, I've published two. Don't let anyone Francine: Wow. Yeah. Okay. Destine Black: tell you what you can do because if you live up to what they think of you. you might never get anywhere. But if you just try to do everything that you feel like you can do or you just try and you even fail. When I first started the choir, I did not sound that good. And I am not no Francine: Mm-hmm. Destine Black: beyond. But the choir and I sound alright. So Francine: That's funny. Yeah. Mel C: my gosh, Francine, what would be one piece of advice from you? Francine: I believe she kind of, you know, nailed it. Just show up for yourself and be open to what has already been ordained for you. And people will hear me say that a lot because we sometimes will think, you know, I'm not ready or I'm not enough. Still that will creep back up, no matter how what you see now. It will be like, not sure if you should be doing that right now. But just know that whatever is in you is gonna come out of you. And if it has been ordained for you to do certain things, you're gonna do them. You might not do them when you're supposed to do them. But if you keep going on this journey, then it's gonna come out and you're gonna be successful in what you do and also be open to it. Because I know so many times we're and when we have that little Bit of doubt. We may put something on pause. But again, go back and think about where am I now? So I need to focus on what's happening right now. And then reflect on that. And then think about the refocus. Where do I want to go? What do I want to do? And then the last thing is make sure that you finish on purpose. And be open to that. And when I say open to it, open your mind, body, and spirit to what has already been ordained for you. Because we're all walking in that life that has already been set forth. And oftentimes we have hidden from it because we didn't think we were ready. But just know that if you walk in your purpose, again, everything is going to be all right. It's going to turn out good. Just be open to whatever is out there for you. Mel C: I love this. my cup is overflowing. My Francine: Yes. Mel C: I never had thought this would be happening just Francine: Mm-hmm. Mel C: a couple of years ago before we created Her Right to Rise, I said, yes, let's welcome women together and share our stories to empower others. And it kind of just stopped there. And then when this was born, sick Her Right to Rise. like it's time to give back to young women that are leading our country like you, Destiny. you are powerhouse, and I am so proud of you. Francine: Yeah. Mel C: I love that you are serving yourself and others in such an amazing way. and my my piece of advice would be, Follow in footsteps similar to destiny because she didn't just wait around for somebody to come to her. She had questions. When you are unsure of something that you're doing or a change in your life, and you're unsure how to navigate that new path, or if these people are right to be around, ask somebody else. And I guarantee you. they're gonna say yes, how can I help you? They're not gonna tell you no. Francine: Right, absolutely. Mel C: Right? Francine, if anyone comes to you and says, I need your help, can you please answer something or listen to me for a few minutes? What do you say? Francine: Sure. Absolutely. Right now. And it and it happens all the time. I can be at an event and somebody will pull me to the side and it was like, can I share something with you? sure. Or can you pray for me? People will do that to me. And I used to watch people do it to my grandmother. And I thought it was the weirdest thing. I'm like, why are these these people are weird? You know, but they were drawn to her, to her spirit. And so now I see as I'm older, it happens to me. And so I'm gonna stop right there. We're gonna talk. If we're in the middle of the grocery store, we're in the middle of the floor with the carts, you know, parallel to each other, just having that conversation. Cause sometimes the person may not be able to wait until you get home. They need it right now. And so I'm I'm open to that. And and it happens more times than I can tell you. Mel C: most definitely. Thank you, thank you. And as we wrap up, Destiny, Francine: So I'm like sure. Yes. Mm-hmm. Mel C: any other thoughts Destine Black: thank you to you both. I'm so blessed to have you two and I just feel so overwhelmed with joy that you even think about me half of the way that you do and that two amazing women were just introduced into my life in such a unique way. Thank you so much. Mel C: Thank you, thank you. And yes, so Francine: Mm. Mel C: this is the start of Her Ride to Rise virtual mentorships where we bring on a lovely young woman who applies to have some mentorship time with me and a fellow six figure chick author. And Francine, thank you for being the very first author to kick this off. Francine: Thank you for having me. it was my pleasure to be here. And it was such a great joy to meet Destiny. And I love her name because that says a lot about where she's going and and what she's gonna be capable of doing. Mel C: Mm-hmm. Watch out, world, big things. I can feel it. Francine: Yes, absolutely. Mel C: I challenge all of you to take an hour out of your month and mentor someone who is in need of hearing you and your experiences because together we rise, together we sure do change lives.