Portraits and Mentoring with Pauleanna Reid
I recently had the opportunity to shoot some new promo photos for the best-selling author, speaker, and brand strategist, Pauleanna Reid. This is the third time I’ve worked with her and each time Pauleanna brings new ideas, impeccable style, and lots of creativity. The best part of working with such an innovative person is that she always has a clear vision, which naturally helps me create photos that fit right in with her brand.
“Vibrant images are extremely important to my brand because before I open my mouth, I am sending a message through how I present myself. I enjoy telling stories through my confidence and personal style.”
In this particular shoot, Pauleanna wanted to portray the side of her that’s dedicated to developing and supporting other women through mentorship. Pauleanna is the co-founder of a popular mentoring program called New Girl on the Block. She works with women (and men) to help them reach their full potential. What I love most about Pauleanna’s character is that she is quite selfless in the sense that she is always eager to help by sharing her struggles and her many successes with others.
Today, I am so excited that she’s agreed to share some information about her program on the blog. In this interview, she shares a bit about her journey to becoming a mentor and a bit about how mentors helped her along the way.
What is the New Girl on the Block Mentorship Program all about?
New Girl On The Block is a mentorship program but way sicker than your average. My team works with women in transition. Perhaps you are a recent graduate, new business owner, or you are going through a career transition or quarter life crisis, we are your cheerleaders, sisterfriends and the mentors who will construct your new normal. My business partner Safia Bartholomew and I currently have a class of 15-20 students ranging from 15 to 45. We assist in the areas of ballsy career strategies, life planning and personal style. Our success rate is 99%. We don’t just nail goals, we smash them.
How has mentorship assisted you in your business?
Mentors have been a part of my life since 2009; my early twenties. My first mentors are women you may even know; Shannae Ingleton and Shannon Boodram. They believed in me during a time when I barely believed in myself. I owe them everything for helping me build a voice, platform and the confidence to fight for my dreams.
What is the best part about being a mentor?
The best part about being a mentor is watching my girls (and guys) grow right before my eyes.
I recently opened the doors to a girl who is 19. Single mother who has a history of drugs, alcohol, homelessness and prostitution. Heavy stuff. But what I love about her the most is that she raised her hand and has expressed she wants help. She wants to change her life and out of all the people in the world, she believed I can help her achieve her goals. It’s an honor. Nothing can beat this feeling. I take my role very seriously.
How can potential mentees contact you to join the New Girl on the Block Mentorship Program?
Well, I am pretty accessible via email or all social media networks. I am seeking to connect with dreamers, believers, doers and thinkers.
Thanks so much for sharing with us, Pauleanna! For more information, be sure to check out pauleannereid.com. Want to see how this shoot went down? Watch some behind the scenes footage from Pauleanna’s shoot by clicking here.
Photography: Samantha Clarke // Makeup: Samora Smallwood // Hair: Makeba Lindsay
