Prescriptions to make you feel good again
By Janelle WilliamsBlack Enterprise
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Two years ago, Sheraun Britton-Parris struggled with self-doubt. After she quit her marketing job to launch an inspirational T-shirt line, insecurities prolonged her path to entrepreneurship. But short, simple, repetitive phrases gave Britton-Parris the strength to persevere.
"The messages on my shirts are the very messages I used to combat the negative chitchat in the back of my mind that was stopping me from pursuing my goals," says Britton-Parris, founder and CEO of The Possibili-Tees Inc. (www.thepossi bilitees.com). "We all need encouragement in some form or fashion. If we don't give it to ourselves then who is going to give it to us?"
Britton-Parris' T-shirts, which generated more than $2,500 in revenues this year, promote success, self-empowerment, and self-esteem for women. The messages include "Destined for Success," "Success is My Birthright," and "Greatness is in Me!"
More Americans are seeking "psychological sustenance," according to a 2004 Marketdata Enterprises Inc. study on the $8 billion self-improvement market. Motivational products represent the largest segment, constituting 55% of sales in 2003.
"There is no let-up in demand for products and programs that will allow Americans, especially affluent female baby boomers, to make more money, lose weight, improve their relationships, improve business skills, cope better with stress, or obtain a quick dose of motivation," says Marketdata Research Director John LaRosa.
Nationally recognized motivational speaker Rene Godefroy says inspirational messages go a long way in changing attitudes and behavior. "When we saturate our mind and brain with positive, inspirational messages, it helps us see hope and transforms our thinking and actions. Inspiration is like oxygen for the soul."
Inspirational products don't stop at T-shirts. From books to screensavers, the resources available are abundant.
Take a look at our top picks:
Books
100 Words of Wisdom for Women: A 31-Day Exercise in Empowerment (BookSurge Publishing; $16.95)
The Impossible Will Take a Little While: A Citizen's Guide to Hope in a Time of Fear (Basic Books; $15.95)
Greeting Cards
Maya Angelou's Life Mosaic collection features 104 greeting cards and four stationery designs with words of encouragement and inspiration.
Websites
www.dailyOM.com offers free daily quotes to registered users.
www.moodflow.com allows you to choose from 15 mood-inspiring screensaver images.
www.inspiringmessages.org designs inspirational Internet banner advertisements to be featured on mainstream Websites.
Calendars
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: 2006 Daily Boxed Calendar is based on Stephen Covey's No. 1 best-selling book.
The Purpose Driven Life: 2006 Wall Calendar is based on Rick Warren's best-selling book.
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