Relationship building is one of the most important things you can do in your life. Your relationships can be the fund sourcing you need to start up your entrepreneurial endeavors. It can be the very thing that can elevate your personal brand or take your career to new heights.
Teneshia Jackson Warner is a true example of this after using the power of partnership to help jumpstart her career trajectory. Before becoming the CEO and Chief Creative Officer of Egami Consulting Group, Teneshia left her corporate job to pursue a career she was passionate about and would let her feel fulfilled each day. 
She told Essence.com, “You have to give in order to get. To discover my next career move, I offered my services for no charge.”
After a brief encounter with Russell Simmons, she persistently contacted his office for 30 days until she ran into him again to pitch herself for an opportunity to learn from him. From there, she created her first partnership that helped the trajectory of her career. “Essentially the offer that I made him was a partnership. It was a mutually beneficial win for both parties. What was in it for Russell is that he got an individual who had 5 years of corporate experience to work for him. For me I got the opportunity to learn the entertainment industry, urban culture and urban marketing, and I really never had that experience before,” she shared.
Teneshia’s partnership with Russell helped her gain the necessary knowledge and expertise for marketing to a multicultural audience, which lead her to launching her own company. The Egami Group is a multicultural agency that connects brands to diverse audiences. Teneshia's company partners with general market agencies who lack the expertise for connecting with multicultural audiences, celebrities and online influencers. Teneisha has played a hand in making partnerships a reality for her business ventures and her clients. "What partnership means to me is when two partners come together and they identify a win-win solution. They really come together to see what each wants, what each can bring to the table and what is the intersect point where you both can support each other. I call it a win-win-win model. That’s where every partner and every party at the table has a winning solution," she shared.
[Tweet "True partnership is when two brands come together and they identify a win-win solution"]
In the midst of putting the final touches on her fourth annual Dream Project Symposium, Teneshia sat down to share her tips for understanding the power of partnership:
DON'T COME TO THE TABLE THINKING ONLY OF YOURSELF
I think coming to the table completely focused on what’s in it for you is mistake number one. When you come to the table and it’s about your agenda, your objectives and what you desire is not the right approach. You really can’t find what the win-win is unless you are really seeking to understand what is the partner’s goal, what is the partner’s objective and what is a win for that partner. You have to listen and understand the need of the individual and entity that you partner with. You and the partner can make an assessment on whether this will work for you and their goals and their vision.
KNOW WHO YOU ARE IN THE EQUATION
Once a partnership is in place, you need to know when to give and when to push. For example, certain things for the sake of the partnership you may be more flexible, you may be more willing to give. You may be in a place where you are proving yourself in a partnership, and it’s not the time for you to show up negotiating as if you are the strongest asset at the table. You need to know who you are in the equation. Have a true assessment and not an ego assessment. Know if you are pushing too much to the point where you are about to break the partnership or ruin the whole deal. You don’t want to be perceived as a hard person to work with and not a collaborative partner.
BE AUTHENTIC IN THE PARTNERSHIPS YOU CHOOSE
You can’t go into a partnership based on something that is not true to you. For example, you are a celebrity getting ready to go into a hair care deal. In order for that to be really authentic, you need to use those hair care products. You need to be passionate about those hair care products. Consumers are savvy and they can understand when it’s a real authentic partnership or when it’s someone who will just take a check.
BE SELECTIVE
Depending on the partnership, nowadays they feel like marriages. Be very selective in what types of partnerships you get in and be selective in knowing if this is right for me in the long term.
[Tweet "Partnerships can feel like marriages, so be selective!"]
ALWAYS SEEK TOOLS, RESOURCES & INSPIRATION
Conferences, symposiums and networking events are great ways to build relationships and learn the necessary skills to develop partnerships, just like The Dream Project.
In its fourth year, The Dream Project was created to support professionals in being able to take their business projects to the next level. “I think going into an information resource setting, you will have the opportunity to hear from iconic entrepreneurs like Magic Johnson, Jennifer Fleiss of Rent the Runway, Miss Robbie of OWN. You get a lot of nuggets and wisdom on what did they do right and what did they do wrong,” she shared. The symposium took place on April 21 and 22, and offered attendees the chance to hear from digital experts, Millennial CEOs, as well as a session of powerful women who shared their secrets to success. “They can utilize The Dream Project as a resource and a tool. They can walk away and immediately to apply the things that they learned to their brand or small business," Teneisha added.
Ultimately you have to know who you are, what you stand and where your brand aligns when seeking a partnership. "I think the big thing you can do is to become extremely self aware. Know your skills, your value and what you are bringing to the table. In order to form that partnership, you have to know what it is you can offer the other person. Do the work to understand your value, so that you can clearly articulate that when you are pitching yourself," Teneisha advised.
If you are ready to attract a bigger audience, and don't have a huge marketing budget, the right partnerships can be key to elevating your brand and taking it to the next level. By partnering with companies and brands who are targeting the same audience, you’ll be able to create a bigger brand presence and awareness for your content, products and services.
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It's easy for couples to fall into a routine, going through the motions and letting their connection sit on autopilot. While comfort is natural in a long-term relationship, it’s important to remember: that what you don’t nurture, eventually fades. So, why not make 2025 the year you reset your relationship? Here’s how to start the year with a renewed bond, reigniting the spark that brought you together.
Step 1: Schedule Your Reset Meeting
The first step to hitting the reset button is a State of the Union meeting with your partner. This is your chance to take a pulse on the relationship, discuss what's working, and identify areas that need attention. It’s all about creating space to reflect, without distractions.
Grab a pen and paper (or open a shared note on your phone) and come prepared to share your top 2-3 desires for your relationship.
What do you both want to feel more of in 2025? Maybe it’s feeling more appreciated, or perhaps you want to reignite the passion you had when you first started dating. Whatever it is, get clear about it, and make sure both of you are on the same page.
This isn’t just about listing your own wants, it’s also about discussing ways to nurture each other’s needs. Relationship goals should be focused on fostering deeper intimacy, trust, and mutual respect. Use this time to check in, not only with each other but with your individual feelings and expectations. Set the foundation for a fulfilling year ahead.
Alistair Berg/Getty ImagesStep 2: Set A Date (Or Multiple!)
Having the meeting is only the first step. Now, it’s time to take action. One of the simplest ways to breathe new life into a relationship is by reintroducing consistent, intentional time spent together. For many couples, life gets busy, and date nights fall by the wayside. But dating doesn’t stop when you say "I do"—in fact, it’s even more essential.
During your reset meeting, lock in a regular date night that works for both of your schedules. This could be a weekly dinner date or an every-other-week adventure—whatever keeps things fresh. The goal is consistency. It’s easy to push date nights aside when life gets hectic, but if you set a specific date each week or month, you’re making your relationship a priority.
If you’re unsure what to do for your date nights, don’t worry! The key is creating new experiences together. This is what sparks excitement and brings you closer as a couple. Whether it’s cooking a new recipe together, trying a dance class, or exploring a nearby town, it’s about creating shared memories that build your connection.
Getty ImagesStep 3: Find an Accountability Partner
Just like you might have a personal trainer to help you crush your fitness goals, an accountability partner for your relationship can do wonders for keeping both of you on track. Consider hiring a marriage coach or therapist—someone who can meet you where you are and guide you in strengthening your relationship.
When selecting a professional, it’s important to choose someone who truly wants the best for your marriage and can provide actionable advice.
Don’t be afraid to set high standards for your relationship, and seek guidance on how to keep it thriving for the long haul. In your reset meeting, discuss your commitment to growth, and be honest about areas where you may need support.
Marriage isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it endeavor—it’s an ongoing process. Regular check-ins with a professional can help keep your relationship in tip-top shape and “divorce-proof” by addressing issues before they become insurmountable.
DMP/ Getty ImagesStep 4: Try Something New Together
Stale routines can easily make a relationship feel monotonous. Spice things up by trying something new! Couples that explore new activities and create new memories together have stronger, more fulfilling bonds.
My husband and I host one of the top luxury marriage retreats, A Weekend For Love, designed to help couples experience new things together. From couples' workshops to outdoor adventures, the retreat provides a platform to rediscover each other and reconnect on a deeper level.
The element of surprise can reignite your connection. It’s exciting, fresh, and shows your partner that you’re committed to growing together. This doesn’t have to be a huge commitment—it could be as simple as trying a new hobby or planning an impromptu weekend getaway.
Your Relationship Should Be A Priority
As you start the year with personal goals in mind, don’t forget the importance of nurturing your relationship. It’s easy to get caught up in work, fitness, and family obligations, but your bond with your partner deserves to be at the top of your list. Resetting your relationship offers an opportunity to reignite that spark and remind each other why you fell in love in the first place.
In 2025, make a commitment to prioritize your partnership, to nurture it daily, and to invest in its growth. Take time to celebrate each other’s victories, support one another’s dreams, and build a foundation of love and respect. When you start the year with a clear focus on your relationship, you’re setting it up for success.
So, before you start mapping out your new workout plan or work goals, do yourself a favor: put your relationship at the top of that list. Your love story deserves a fresh start, too.
Happy New Year, and here’s to a love-filled 2025!
Couples, if you are ready to do the work and invest in your relationship register for A Weekend For Love: Heart Retreat Feb 21-23, 2025.
Featured image by zamrznutitonovi/Getty Images
However, to my surprise, I received an email that read: “It’s with great excitement that we announce your film, Super High: A Period Piece, has been selected for the 24th Anchorage International Film Festival.” After looking at the flight distance from Atlanta to Anchorage—a solid 10 hours one way— I’d decided this would be one I wouldn’t attend.
That was until there was a follow-up email that shared that the festival was sponsoring two excursions for filmmakers: A Northern Lights Tour and A Glacier Hike.
With that, I knew I had to make the trip to the 49th state! I flew Delta, which offered the shortest layovers—just 50 minutes each way. For a more comfortable flight on the longer legs that were about six hours between my layover city and Anchorage, I upgraded to first class with an in-app discount for $256 (the regular price of a first-class ticket runs about $2,100), which was so worth it for additional space and service for the six-hour trek.
Courtesy of Bianca Lambert
"So What’s Alaska Like? Did You Have To Wear a Snowsuit? What’s the Food Like?"
These are among the major questions I’ve gotten. Anchorage reminds me less of a bustling major city and more of a small town with an easygoing feel. When I arrived, they’d just had snow a few days before, so it was cold, and the streets were slick. So, I was so happy I’d invested in a pair of snow boots. For my first few days, the locals said it was warm. Warm to them being 20s at night and mid-30s during the day.
However, by the time I left, fresh snow was on the ground, and temps were well into the single digits—and it felt like it. Oh, the sun doesn’t rise until 10:30 a.m., and it sets around 4 p.m. That was among the most challenging things to experience because I felt like I never really woke up. So, between the lack of sun and the four-hour time difference, I felt tired the whole time I was there.
As for food, I didn’t explore a ton because I was so cold. But I found two gems! First was Whiskey and Ramen. If you enjoy ramen and exceptional service, this is a must-visit. I’d make a trip back just for their Wagyu ramen and their special take on an old fashion!
And, for coffee, I thoroughly enjoyed That Feeling Co. The coffee was great, and being surrounded by plants helped to perk up my spirits.
The Northern Lights
Iceland is one of the most popular places to see the Northern Lights, so I was very excited to know that Alaska also gets to see the Aurora Borealis light show. Typically, many people visit Fairbanks to see them, but there are tours offered in Anchorage too! When prepping for the late-night tour, we’d heard that the night we were heading out to see the lights, the cloud coverage likely meant we wouldn’t be able to see them. Bummer. I know. So, we could sit the tour out or still try. But, in my mind, I was like, why would I come all the way to Alaska not to try?
So, at about 9:30 p.m., we piled into vans and headed out to chase the Northern Lights. We traveled about an hour and a half from Anchorage, and when we stepped out of the van, it was cold and pitch black. And unfortunately, after a couple of hours in the cold, those clouds in the sky never parted for us. I know that when we see the posts of people who do get to see Mother Nature do her thing, we don’t have all of the context of the science, which is Aurora Borealis.
Sometimes, the weather just doesn’t do what we earthlings would like, which can lead to disappointment. However, our guide did give a recommendation. When you book a trip to see the lights, give yourself four to five days to see them. Don’t bank on one day because, at the end of the day, this is science.
Courtesy of Bianca Lambert
Now, On to the Glacier!
Just six hours after returning from the Northern Lights tour, we were up for the glacier tour because they were back-to-back! I was exhausted and so excited. If someone had told me I’d hike on a glacier, I would have given them a mean side-eye. I mean, where on earth does one climb a glacier? Let me share a few destinations with you, just in case you want to plan an icy adventure: Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Chile, Argentina, and Alaska.
Aside from the fact the Matanuska Glacier is 22,000 years old, it’s the largest glacier accessible by car in the United States—27 miles long and four miles wide, making it one of the easier ones to see IRL. As a girlie with generalized anxiety disorder, I get anxious about doing this kind of thing because I know that to see these world wonders is usually a mountainous trek.
This one was two hours long, one-way, up snow-capped, windy, mountainous terrain. However, my therapist always reminds me to push myself to do what scares me (as long as it’s for a reason, of course). I held my breath for the journey there and back! And white-knuckled it from time to time, too.
Courtesy of Bianca Lambert
Once we got there, we were surrounded by fresh, fluffy snow, and it was COLD! In the negative cold. I was thankful, I’d over-prepared. If you even go on a glacier tour, I recommend a few things: Balaclava, heavy-weight gloves, cashmere socks, snow boots, and lots of layers.
Here’s what I wore. My first layer was Ann Taylor leggings and a Wolford Turtleneck. Then, I layered a cashmere turtleneck and cashmere joggers. A COACH down vest, which I’d recommend anyone own just for winter, in general, because it’s SO warm! For my feet, I wore Ann Taylor cashmere socks (I love these because they’re affordable and so warm) and Adidas Adifom Superstar Winter Boot and topped all of that with a Brandon Blackwood ankle-length parka. I know BB is known for his accessories, but the brand’s outwear is truly amazing and worth the investment. After two hours on the ice, I felt great!
If you’re open to adventure travel, I highly recommend putting a glacier tour on your list of things to do. There are a few reasons. First, standing on an ice age-old massive piece of glacier was my 2024 version of touching some grass. I was reminded that I’m a speck on this spinning rock and need to spend more time grounded in that fact as I move through the world. I looked to the sky and thought of how proud my ancestors would be, even though I know they’d be telling me to get my butt home and off a dog on a glacier!
Secondly, I gained an ever-large appreciation for Mother Nature as I learned that glaciers are the world's largest reservoir of freshwater, containing around 69% of the world's freshwater. Again, another fact that helped me gain perspective. Lastly, it’s just fun and stunningly beautiful!
After this, I’m looking forward to my next cold-weather adventure! Iceland and Argentina are at the top of the list!
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Featured image courtesy of Bianca Lambert