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This Founder Makes $25,000 A Month Through Her Multiple Income Streams
Money Talks is an xoNecole series where we talk candidly to real women about how they spend money, their relationship with money, and how they get it.
Schelo D. Collier is the founder of Black Women Invest, a membership organization created specifically to help her community create wealth and discover more about investing. Through the company’s retreats, panels, helpful online content, and more, she helps many women with varied goals and backgrounds grow their income and knowledge on investing. And unlike the plethora of “coaches” on the gram, she has the background to prove it.
Finance has been part of Schelo’s life for years. Before starting Black Women Invest, she was working diligently in her “dream job,” where she helped thousands of investors build their real estate portfolios. And by 24, she had already purchased her first investment property. However, the tides turned when she unexpectedly lost her job and was forced to find another path. Throughout this journey, she began to build a community of like-minded women with a focus on investing.
This small online group is now a member-based community of over 14,000 women. In our conversation, she walked me through a little bit about what propelled this journey and what important insights she’s picked up along the way. For Schelo, her goal has always been to inform her community that to build wealth, saving money is important, but investing is crucial.
Tell me a little bit about yourself. When did you become interested in investing?
Man, how far do you want me to go back?
Let’s start at the beginning.
Well, I had an interest in finance and investing since I was a kid, but I didn’t know the term for it. The interest just kinda sparked from being first-generation Haitian-American. We never needed things; God always provided for our family. But I will say, I was very mindful that there were certain things I didn’t get that I desired. That’s how it began. Also, my parents were big on teaching us money habits. So in middle school, they paid me $1 a week. You know in those days, that’s big money! But I remember at some point realizing it wasn’t enough for the things I wanted to do. So I started to buy chips and candy at the store, which was 25 cents at the time, and sell it to my classmates. That became my thing. Like, every week, my goal was to double my money.
I went on to go to a technical high school where I studied finance and went to college and studied finance as well. The route I was on, I was on track to become a financial advisor. But at the time, I felt like financial advisors were specifically focused on finding wealthier clients. My goal has always been to help my people, Black women, and immigrant families, get into investing and create real wealth. I ended up getting a mentor in college who worked at a big bank, and he had a really large pile of clients. They were all in real estate. So I decided I wanted to get into it, and that’s how the journey started.
"The route I was on, I was on track to become a financial advisor. But at the time, I felt like financial advisors were specifically focused on finding wealthier clients. My goal has always been to help my people, Black women, and immigrant families, get into investing and create real wealth."
It seems like you've always had a hustler spirit. But have you always been good with money? Walk me through that journey.
I wasn’t good at budgeting, but I’ve always been good at making money. There’s a benefit in that. But then the negative for people like me is that you spend too quickly. I had that mindset for quite some time. I’ve just always worked and felt like, “I’ll make it back.” Like in college, I had a job at the mall but I’d use my paycheck in the mall. It was a routine every two weeks. I’d get my check and then use it in Forever 21 (laughs).
What other unhealthy habits or mindsets about money did you have to unlearn to truly prosper?
Well, after I was doing that mall routine over and over, a good friend of mine called and asked what I was up to one day. I told her I was shopping, and she was like “Again?” When I answered her, she said: “the spirit of poverty is on us.” That still sticks with me. I think that was my wake-up call. I wasn’t saving money correctly, and even friends were able to see that. Around that time is when I started taking investing and budgeting more seriously. But it’s still a struggle for me, honestly.
I can tell just from your tone that it was a process. What’s the lowest you’ve ever felt when it comes to your finances?
Hearing that question takes me back to 2017. I had started investing, and I had a negative balance of $5. And I couldn't figure out how to cover the overdraft fees. So I had a few hours before I got charged. And I'm texting my younger sister, hey, can you send me some cash so I don’t have to deal with the fee? And she sent me $7. I actually took a screenshot of the Cash App just to remind myself of where I was. I look back at that now, and I can laugh. But, in the moment, I knew I never wanted to be in that place again. It still happened, but little by little, my mindset started to shift from pivotal moments like this.
I love your honesty. Because let’s be real, we’ve all been there. Plus, things have clearly changed now. Actually, would you mind sharing what your finances are like today? How much do you make in a year?
Let’s do the math. *pulls out calculator*
I average around $25,000 a month. But, I mean, it fluctuates. Wow, I don’t think I’ve ever said that publicly.
Well, thanks for sharing. We love a full-circle moment. I want to get more into the investment realm, though. Can you tell me about the first one you made and what the process taught you?
Again, I started in real estate, but the first investment I made was in my education. I took a $25,000 class, and that lesson taught me so much. I was in the investment space, so I learned about flipping, wholesaling, contracts, etc. The investment class opened the area to work at a firm because I was so full of knowledge. The first deal I did was with a developer. We also worked in wholesaling with a few people. Within two months, we closed on over $100,000 in profit.
"I started in real estate, but the first investment I made was in my education. I took a $25,000 class, and that lesson taught me so much. I was in the investment space, so I learned about flipping, wholesaling, contracts, etc. The investment class opened the area to work at a firm because I was so full of knowledge."
How important is investing to you today? How do you invest?
Investing is so important because I do not want to work for every dollar I earn. The goals I have require me to be intentional about where every dollar is multiplied! Traditional ways I invest are through index funds; these are simple and offer diversity to investors. I also invest in real estate through REITs and in startups.
You clearly have a lot going on. What are your savings goals, and what does retirement look like to you?
Financial independence is my ultimate motivator for my savings. I’m currently saving to own real estate internationally. This summer, I’ll be viewing properties in three different countries, and I’ve invited the Black Women Invest Community to join me and search for opportunities together. I’m currently pursuing an early retirement. This would grant me the freedom to travel the world, connect with loved ones on my own terms, and pursue passions that ignite my soul, such as theological studies. I can see myself living by the ocean with the sound of waves as a constant companion, no alarm clocks, no rush in the world, just the space to pursue what is important to me.
First, that sounds amazing. Second, you brought up Black Women Invest, so we have to dig in. When it comes to structuring your business, what are your streams of revenue and how did you go about establishing them? What was the intention behind having multiple ways to make money?
When I first started my business, I was only really exposed to one stream of income: selling courses online. I did this for some time, and it worked. But it was always capped by my time and ability to sell. Things shifted when I became extra intentional about answering my community's needs. Some of my streams of business income include revenue from our international real estate trips, our national chapter membership, partnership deals, and course sales.
I think everyone should have more than one way to earn money in their business. You never know if an industry will change and cause a product of yours to become irrelevant overnight. Having other options your community can come to you for builds trust and reputation and it allows you to target different needs within one community.
Finally, please tell me more about your past event in California. What was the experience like for attendees, and what can we expect from future events?
The Black Women Invest Conference was an empowering atmosphere surrounded by financially savvy women. It was a three-day retreat-styled conference at a cozy winery in Temecula, California, and it extended beyond investment education. Attendees gained actionable strategies for stock and real estate investing, dived into business development ideas, and connected with financial experts through panel discussions and breakout sessions.
But the heart of our experiences lies in community. Guests can always expect to build lasting connections with like-minded Black women as they share goals, celebrate successes, and forge a supportive network that will propel you on your wealth-building journey. We strive for our events to be filled with inspiration, education, and authentic sisterhood.
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Feature image by @investwithschelo/ Instagram
Kirby Carroll grew up in VA but now calls Atlanta, GA home. She has a passion for creating content and helping brands grow through storytelling and public relations. When not immersed in work, you can find her sipping a mimosa at brunch or bingeing a new TV drama on Netflix. Keep up with her on social media at @askKirbyCarroll.
How This New Bond Repair Line Transformed One Mother's Postpartum Shedding Into The Ultimate Curl Comeback
This article is in partnership with SheaMoisture
For Crystal Obasanya, her wash day woes came shortly after her son did. The beauty and lifestyle content creator had been natural for years, but during postpartum, she quickly learned about one reality many mothers can relate to experiencing: postpartum hair loss. “Sis had thinning hair. Sis had split ends,” she shared about her hair changes in a Reel via xoNecole.
Over a year into her postpartum journey, Crystal explained she also had dry, brittle hair, noting that keeping it hydrated before pregnancy had already been “a task.” The 4C natural recalled going from thick hair during pregnancy to a thin hairline due to postpartum shedding as “devastating.” When it came to strengthening and revitalizing her hair, the new SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection was just the thing she needed to elevate her damaged coils to revive and thrive status and get them poppin' again.
SheaMoisture is providing us with the cheat code for transforming dry and damaged strands into thriving and deeply nourished crowns. By unveiling their 4-step hair system, the SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection is equipping you with the tools to reverse signs of hair damage caused by protective styling, heat, and color and is uniquely formulated for Type 3 and 4 hair textures.
The haircare system revives damaged natural hair by repairing and rebuilding broken hair bonds through a game-changing combination of HydroPlex Technology and AminoBlend Complex, a unique blend of fortifying amino acids formulated specifically for curly and coily hair. Scientifically proven to reduce breakage by 84% and make your hair six times stronger (vs. non-conditioning shampoo), the collection infuses your hair with the nourishment it craves and the strength it deserves.
All five products of the SheaMoisture Bond Collection are infused with natural strengthening ingredients like Amla Oil and fair-trade shea butter. The collection consists of the 4-step breakage-fighting Bond Repair system, as well as the Bonding Oil.
“When trying it out, I quickly noticed that my hair felt revived and renewed, and my curls were so hydrated,” Crystal said while using the Amla-infused Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner. “I also felt my hair strands were stronger.” So much so that the influencer felt brave enough to get her hair braided shortly thereafter. “I can definitely say that I will be keeping it in my hair wash routine,” she added in the caption of her Reel about her positive experience using the products.
SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection is making bond-building a key player in your wash day routines and the purveyor of life for thirsty manes. Because who doesn't want stronger, shinier, happier hair?
Step One: Bond Repair Collection Shampoo
Rejuvenate your hair with SheaMoisture Bond Repair Shampoo, your go-to solution for luscious locks. Packed with hella hydration power, this shampoo adds moisture by 60% while removing buildup without stripping your strands. This shampoo gently cleanses impurities while significantly enhancing shine, smoothness, and softness.
The Bond Repair Collection Shampoo is the first step in the 4-step Bond Repair system, all of which are powered by the uniquely formulated AminoBlend, and HydroPlex, SheaMoisture’s technology that rebuilds hair strength at its core.
Step Two: Bond Repair Collection Conditioner
Tailored to repair styling damage, this creamy conditioner locks in 12x more moisture than standard non-conditioning shampoos, boosting damaged hair strength by 1.5x with significantly less breakage. The creamy SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection Conditioner deeply hydrates, enhances manageability, and leaves your hair looking healthier and shinier.
Step Three: Bond Repair Collection Masque
This Ultra Moisturizing reparative masque is a moisture-rich game-changer for those dealing with the aftermath of hair damage caused by styling. The SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection Masque delivers 13 times more moisture compared to non-conditioning shampoos, ensuring your hair feels nourished and soft. Designed to repair and rejuvenate, this masque significantly strengthens damaged hair — making it twice as strong while reducing breakage.
Step Four: Bond Repair Collection Leave-In Conditioner
Elevate your curl game with SheaMoisture’s Bond Repair Collection Leave-In Conditioner. Lightweight and hydrating, the Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner provides 12x more moisture than non-conditioning shampoos and tames frizz with 24-hour humidity control. Designed to define curls and coils, the leave-in conditioner enhances softness and shine allowing you to detangle effortlessly.
Bonding Oil
The SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection Bonding Oil is a multitasking all-in-one formula that acts as a heat protectant and provides the hair with moisture, strength, shine, damage protection, and intense nourishment. This lightweight oil not only offers 24-hour frizz and humidity control but also fortifies your tresses, making them up to 5 times stronger with significantly less breakage.
Featured image courtesy
2024 BET Awards: From Megan Thee Stallion To Victoria Monét, The Women Were The Moment
We know that women have been running the music industry for a while, and the 2024 BET Awards showcased that perfectly through its many performances. But before we get into the performances, we must first acknowledge our sister, the beloved actress Taraji P. Henson, who hosted the award show and looked good doing it. While she isn't a musical artist, she did, however, open her set, rapping her own version of Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us."
Megan Thee Stallion set the tone by opening the show, performing a melody of songs from her new self-titled album. Victoria Monét had everyone singing along to "On My Mama" and gasping for air with her sultry performance of "Alright." She also took home two awards: BET Her and Video of the Year. Sexyy Red instantly had everyone on their feet when she performed "U My Everything" and "Get It Sexy." GloRilla performed her popular anthem "Yeah Glo!," her most recent hit "TGIF," and Megan joined her onstage to rap their song "Wanna Be" together.
Keke PalmerPhoto by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET
Latto took us to church with "Sunday Service" and showed out with "Big Mama." Five-year-old VanVan and eight-year-old Heiress Harris gave the cutest performance of their song "Be You." Ice Spice performed her viral hit "Think You The Shit (Fart). The legendary Lauryn Hill sang a melody of her hits from "Lost Ones" to Fugees' "Fu-Gee-La" with Wyclef Jean and her son YG Marley joined her to give a riveting performance of "Praise Jah In The Morning." Tyla took us to Africa with her recent single "Jump," featuring Skillibeng and Gunna, and she also walked away with two awards. She won Best New Artist and Best International Act.
Sexyy Red
Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images
But that's not all. While Usher was being honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, he received a primarily female tribute. This included Coco Jones, Marsha Ambrosius, Teyana Taylor, Chloe Bailey, Keke Palmer, Victoria Monét, Tinashe, Summer Walker, and Latto. Check out each performance below.
Megan Thee Stallion Performs "Boa," "Hiss" And "Where Them Girls At"
Victoria Monét Performs "On My Mama" And "Alright"
GloRilla Performs "Yeah Glo!" "TGIF," And "Wanna Be!"
Tyla, Gunna & Skillibeng Perform "Jump"
Latto Performs "Sunday Service" And "Big Mama"
Sexyy Red Performs "Get It Sexyy" And "U My Everything"
Ice Spice Performs "Think You The Shit (Fart)"
VanVan And Heiress Perform "Be You"
Lauryn Hill And Son YG Marley Perform "Praise Jah In The Moonlight"
Teyana Taylor, Victoria Monét, Coco Jones, Chloe Bailey, Keke Palmer And More Honor Usher
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Feature image by Kevin Winter/Getty Images