Posts

race gender discrimination

Makeup in the workplace, can your boss tell you what to wear?

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Makeup in the workplace, can your boss tell you what to wear? Or how you should dress or groom yourself while in the office or your job? Yes, they can!

race gender discrimination, makeup in the workplace

Emily Jane Perkins , a third-year law student at Northern Illinois University College of Law in Dekalb, Illinois, and a contributor to The National Law Review, relates the case of a casino employee who filed a sexual discrimination lawsuit against her employer, Harrah’s Casino, and lost.

“Harrah’s adopted an appearance policy entitled the “Personal Best” program, where bartenders were required to be ‘well groomed, appealing to the eye, firm and body-toned, and be comfortable with maintaining this look while wearing the specified uniform,’” she explains.

Different makeup in the workplace policies by gender

In this case, only females, but not male employees were required to have their hair “teased, curled or styled,” and to wear stockings, nail polish, and makeup that included lip color.

But one of their female employees, Darlene Jespersen, never wore makeup and she did not comply with this appearance policy. She complained that the policy stated a different requirement for men and women, and was an unequal burden for female employees.

The court did not agree with her assessment and determined that “women as a group did not suffer from the policy and was therefore permissible.”

Did not suffer? There were probably no men in that court! Long hours of manicure, curling and coloring your hair, and taking care of your skin and makeup, dieting and hitting the gym are not only time and money burdens on women but also an unnecessary requirement that –in my view–, “sexualizes” the image of women at work.

The Jespersen v. Harrah’s Operation Co., where the Ninth Circuit upheld a Title VII challenge to an employer’s “grooming and appearance” code continues to receive attention in the legal and non-legal press and generated renewed interest among practitioners on the issue of gender and appearance in the workplace.

Does your employer have an appearance policy? Tell us about it and let us know how this policy affects you and your co-workers, or what your co-workers really feel about it!

We are also looking for contributors to talk about appearance in the workplace. Please contact Susana@latinasinbusiness.us/ if you have a blog related to this topic and would like to share your content with us.

Latina celebrities

Four Latina celebrities but who is the smartest business woman?

/3 Comments/in , , /by

Latina celebrities are building style empires at a staggering rate, including clothing lines, fragrances, lingerie and sporting clothes. Their empires are in the multimillion level; they are starting lasting trends and becoming top influencers in the way women dress, look and smell.

Latina celebrities

Latina celebrities

However, who of these four Latina celebrities is the best entrepreneur? Investing, branding and philanthropy are just some of the ways they are managing their multimillion dollar enterprises.

We follow them, we adore them, and we admire them. They make us proud –most of the time– because we see them as major achievers of our own tribe: smart Latinas. Each has conquered the Hollywood world of fame and glitter in her own right; however, each has also managed their earnings and ventures in a different way.

Jennifer Lopez_280x425 Latina celebrities

Jennifer Lopez

Who of these four Latina celebrities is the best entrepreneur? In my view, entrepreneurship encompasses several aspects of a person’s influence in the world. Producing wealth through creative talent is an important part of who we are as entrepreneurs but wise branding, productive investing, and strong corporate responsibility are also crucial components in being a successful entrepreneur.

Jennifer Lopez  (Jlo’s net worth: $300 million)

Jennifer Lopez launched and promoted her scent Glowing in 2012.  She began designing in 2001, starting with the brand Sweetface Fashion but she has also launched a line of clothing and accessories for Kohl’s department stores that includes dresses, sportswear, handbags and jewelry. According to Forbes, the “actress, singer, dancer, fashion designer, and television producer has a net worth of $300 million. Her career has spanned more than two decades and today she is one of Hollywood’s biggest A-list celebrities.

Lopez’s style and empire have influenced the world. Her  fragrance line has become the most successful line in the world, with record-breaking sales exceeding $2 billion. Lopez has contributed to a number of charitable organizations including Amnesty International, and March of Dimes, among others.

 

Eva Longoria 280x425 Latina celebrities

Eva Longoria

Eva Longoria  (Longoria’s net worth is $35 million)

Longoria, our Latina “desperate housewife,” enrolled the support of the brand L’Oreal to design her line of scent, a bold move since the actress is allergic to most fragrances. An American television and film actress who has a net worth of $35 million dollars, according to Forbes, she was born in 1975 in Corpus Christi, Texas.  She was known for her role as Isabella in The Young and the Restless (CBS) and as Gabrielle Solis on  Desperate Housewives (ABC).

Her commitment to Latino causes and giving back to the community earned her the Philanthropist of the Year award by The Hollywood Reporter. She has fundraised for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and founded Eva’s Heroes, a charity which helps developmentally disabled children in 2006. She is also the national spokesperson for PADRES Contra El Cancer. She is heavily involved in the Friends of the American Latino Museum and the US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

 

Sofia Vergara  (Vergara’s net worth is $70 million)

Sofia Vergara, the Colombian born actress, model and spokeswoman has an estimated net worth of $70 million, according to Forbes. Born in 1972 in Barranquilla, Colombia, she is probably most famous for her role as Gloria Delgado-Pritchett on the show Modern Family (ABC).

Sofia Vergara_280x425 Latina celebrities

Sofia Vergara

LatinWe (Latin World Entertainment Holdings Inc.) is a multiservice talent management, marketing, production, endorsement and licensing firm where Hollywood producers go to search for Latino talents. The company, founded by Sofía Vergara and former music promoter Luis Balaguer, has estimated  revenues close to $30 million, mostly based on Vergara’s marketing as an actress and celebrity.

However, she also has deigned a line of clothes, under the slogan “Work what you got” aimed at women who want to feel safe and sexy. The line is sold at Kmart stores, to be accessible to her fans at very reasonable prices.

 

 

Salma Hayek (Networth $85M)

Salma Hayek, Mexican actress Latina celebrities

Salma Hayek

“The 48-year-old original Mexicana beauty has been making a name lately in the business and philanthropy world with her skin-care line Nuance with mass drugstore CVS, which pulls from her own ancestry to come up with beauty ingredients like Tepezcohuite, a tree famed for its restorative properties. She also has partnered with Beyoncé Knowles in launching Chime for Change, which aims to empower women and girls globally. As a Hollywood pioneer and mom of 6-year-old Valentina, Salma continues to inspire year after year,” says Cosmopolitan for Latinas.

And Refinery29 mentions that “Salma’s not your typical Hollywood actress. In 2000, she founded film production company Ventanarosa, through which she produced and starred in Frida, which brought in two Oscars. She went on to executive produce Ugly Betty, the American version of Colombian telenovela Yo soy Betty, la fea, sign a development deal with ABC, and even create her own line of cosmetics and skincare products, Nuance, inspired by her grandmother’s homemade concoctions.

“Besides being our favorite guest character on 30 Rock, Hayek has worked tirelessly with UNICEF to stop the spread of tetanus to children, and she’s made contributions to prevent violence against women and discrimination, netting a stack of awards for her assistance.

“On top of being an A-list activist actress and business woman, Salma also co-founded and helped create recipes for Cooler Cleanse, sold at Juice Generation shops all throughout New York City. Looks like she was waaay into juicing before the rest of us.”

So in your view, which of these Latina celebrities is the smartest business woman and why? Are branding, design, influence, charitable work and community responsibility important features of a smart business woman?

 

 

 

Feature Tia Evans Younique2

Race to Start your Younique in Mexico with Tia Evans (free gift!)

/2 Comments/in , , /by
Tia Evans, independent agent for Younique

Tia Evans, independent agent for Younique

Would you like to receive a magnificent free gift from Younique beauty products? Hola! My name is Tia Evans. I am a 34-year-old full-time mom, wife, and double business owner from Texas. I have worked in the oil and gas industry most of my career and exactly one year ago I was introduced to Younique Cosmetics by a good friend of mine.

For those who are unfamiliar with this name, Younique cosmetics is a two and a half-year old cosmetics direct sales company that has been pronounced as the fastest growing direct sales enterprise to date, selling over 15,000 sets of our famous 3D fiber lash mascara per day in over five countries. Soon to add one more, Mexico!

What I liked the most from this brand was the growing variety of natural based skin care and cosmetics products.  I bought several of the items, fell in love with them, and decided to start my own Younique Business journey.

Younique natural eyelashes effect

Younique natural eyelashes effect

However, not only I liked the products. Younique was offering me another opportunity, which I have not found in any of their competitors. Their mission is to “Uplift, Motivate, Validate and Empower” women all over the country; it has done just that for me. I have reached my fourth promotion in the company within a year’s time, which has made me consider this opportunity as my full-time stay-at-home income in the next year.Feature Tia Evans Younique2

It cost me $99 to join and when that beautiful, leather, Younique Embossed Makeup Case arrived at my door and I was ready to hit the road.  If you are thinking of looking for an opportunity that will help you grow not only financially but also develop your leadership skills, I encourage you to contact me and follow my many social media outlets to see what we are all about.

natural based skin care and cosmetic products A Younique opportunity for all US Latinas!

From now until May 5, you have the opportunity to join one of the fastest growing beauty company in the world, and launch your home business in Mexico, just one of many countries to come!

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for anyone involved in the Race to Start Program.  All of us women are leaders with Younique; you too can make a difference in your family income and furthermore, achieve self-growth. That’s what I’ve gain, since that Leather Case hit my doorstep.  I look forward to meeting and speaking to anyone who is interested in taking the Latina Younique Journey with me.

I will send a free Younique gift -an eye shadow pigment (valued at $12.50 each)- as seen on the cover picture to the first 15 Latinas who contact me on this site by signing below or on the LatinasinBusiness.us Facebook page. Hurry, leave your name, email, phone and address on the contact form below before May 5th and I will send you your free gift right away!

 

IG: Instagram.com/youniqueviatia

Younique natual-based products

Younique natual-based products

Twitter: twitter.com/youniqueviatia

FB: facebook.com/youniqueviatia

Website: www.youniqueviatia.com

YouTube: youtube.com/c/tiaevansyouniqueviatia

Google+:  https://www.google.com/+TiaEvansYouniqueviatia

WordPress: youniqueviatia.wordpress.com

Tumblr: tumblr.com/youniqueviatia.com

[contact-form-7 404 "Not Found"]
Disclaimer: All claims made by the advertiser Younique independent agent in this article are true and accurate and she does not hold LatinasinBusiness.us, its employees and management responsible in any way for lack of accuracy or third-party claims, legal action(s) or judgments against her personally regarding her business, and/or her products or services.
Your voice asset brand

Your voice an asset that talks about your brand

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Your voice asset brand

Ask people their opinion of their voice and most will respond along a spectrum that includes harsh self-assessments such as “I don’t like it” or “I can’t stand it.”

Entrepreneurs can spend considerable amounts of time working on how they look and the way they work and think. But most have not given any serious thought to how they sound and if any changes may be needed to improve their business prospects.

And people judge others — in some cases very harshly — based upon how they sound. As Jayne Latz, president of Corporate Speech Solutions, told KPCC’s AirTalk, “People are absolutely judged by how they sound.” Latz stressed that just as professionals must learn how to dress for success, they should learn to use their voice for the best outcome.

In March, University of Glasgow researchers Phil McAleer and Pascal Belin, along with Princeton University researcher Alexander Todorov, published a study after testing how the sound of people’s voices affected those listening to the communication: They concluded, “On hearing a novel voice, listeners readily form personality impressions of that speaker. Accurate or not, these impressions are known to affect subsequent interactions.”

And a 2012 study by Quantified Impressions found that the sound of a person’s voice is twice as important as what the individual is saying. This means that no matter how well crafted the message, the wrong sound could kill a deal.

As Irv Shapiro, CEO at Ifbyphone, a voice-based marketing automation company, wrote in Marketing Profs in February, “in today’s digital world, the roles that the human voice and the phone call play in marketing and sales success have never been bigger. Calls have re-emerged as the most effective channel for generating high-quality leads and closing business.”

Entrepreneurs should be concerned by voices that are rough, raspy, weak, strained or breathy. Listeners consider these qualities unappealing and they may have an adverse effect.

Some argue that in the age of social media, face-to-face interaction is less critical and the sound of a voice less important. But the reality is that social media and other Internet-based applications are merely tools that may be ultimately leveraged for the purpose of arranging face-to-face or telephone meetings.

“Nothing will replace face-to-face,” Joyce McKee, CEO of Let’s Talk Trade Shows, contended in a 2012 publication of Meeting Professionals International. “Yes, social media can augment it but … dots are connected on the trade show floor. Inspiration is born on the trade show floor.”

Given that so much entrepreneurial energy is spent communicating on the phone or face-to-face, it seems logical that entrepreneurs spend an appropriate amount of time to analyze their voice. Joseph Love, creator of Sing for Success, told me in an interview that he believes that “every businessperson should record their voice to find trouble spots.”

Love encourages entrepreneurs with voice deficiencies to seek the assistance of a voice professional. While some issues are physical or health related, voice coaches can in many cases provide quick and affordable remedies such as exercises and other strategies to improve the sound.

At a minimum that entrepreneurs should record their voice, listen for trouble spots and look for insights online, he suggested.

Based upon the importance that voice plays in business transactions, entrepreneurs should find it in their best interest to analyze their voice to ensure it works for them as an asset — and isn’t a liability.

Milagros Clothing Design

Milagros Clothing Design caters glamour to Latinas

/0 Comments/in , , /by

 

Fashion designer Nadine Machado

Fashion designer Nadine Machado

The Latino woman is known for her dedication to improve her image and for looking beautiful at all times. We bring this natural inclination from our Latin American roots and, in many cases, passed down from our mothers and grandmothers.

That is the case of Nadine Machado, a Latina clothing designer who has named her business Milagros Clothing Design. The name Milagros serves as a tribute to Nadine’s grandmother Milagros, a woman who embraced her own individuality and feminine grace. Nadine strives to communicate this very essence through her design.

Nadine started her fashion path making clothing for her dolls as a child. She used this passion when she continued with a degree in pattern making and design at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology.

Milagros Clothing Design is a fashion company with the style musings of the Milagros Clothing DesignMilagros Clothing Designeveryday woman in mind. Company president and lead designer Nadine Machado draws on her extensive experience in all avenues of fashion to create looks that are accessible, sassy, sophisticated and feminine with an urban flair.

Milagros attire is made with the finest quality fabrics, chosen to give garments a unique appearance that reflect Nadine’s own individual personality and devotion to fashion as a craft.

Her professional career took her to produce gowns; work on the runway fashion shows Gabriella Zanzani’s Couture; and production development of scarves for Elizabeth Gillet. Nadine uses this diverse experience to deliver attainable glamour for her own clientele.

Milagros Clothing Design Milagros Clothing Design

Casa Latina cover

Casa Latina Expo and BlogHer Bootcamp in NYC

/0 Comments/in , , , /by
Marlene Pratt, founder Casa Latina

Marlene Pratt, founder Casa Latina

Nora Diaz-Bretherton, founder Casa Latina

Nora Diaz-Bretherton, founder Casa Latina

Casa Latina, the premiere bilingual home-and-lifestyle brand will gather again thousands of visitors at their second annual Casa Latina Home Expo in NYC  November 15th for a day of expert advice on home buying, DIY/decor/crafts, bi-cultural parenting, home health and home safety. This year’s message is based on Casa Latina’s Improve Your Home, Improve Your Life (MejoraTu Casa, MejoraTu Vida) mission.

Nora Diaz Bretherton and Marlene Pratt, founders of Casa Latina, were excited with the response their initiative had last year and expect to duplicate attendance this time. “Last year we were testing the waters and we had great attendance. This year, we want to share our excitement with the Latino community to create an annual tradition with the expo,” Nora said.

Under the slogan, “The First Expo Addressing Hispanic Living from a Holistic Home Perspective,” the expo promises a great deal of activities for Latino families, from how-to clinics for easy repairs around the house to cooking classes, and from a Kids’ Zone that promises to entertain the little ones to a BlogHer business boot camp that will provide the opportunity for bloggers to interact with brands.BlogHer Boot Camp

“Contrary to other types of home expos that are more sales-oriented, we want to provide activities and solutions that not only are useful but also are designed with a Latino cultural engagement in mind,” Nora said.

Marlene, on the other hand, believes a home can look like a million bucks without actually spending the million bucks. With more than a decade of interior design and architectural experience and a degree in design from the Fashion Institute of Technology, she specializes in designing spaces that are safe, comfortable, and stylish, spaces for everyday life where families can spend time together.

This year, the expo also includes an interactive Blogger Lounge in partnership with BlogHer that will provide an opportunity for bloggers to interact with the event’s talent and brands.

Admission is free to the public but organizers are asking attendants to pre-register and participate in opportunities for gift cards and giveaways from great brands. So don’t miss this opportunity to find ideas for your home and your family!

For additional information, please visit www.casalatina.com or call Nora Diaz-Breterton at 917.518.3950.

 Casa Latina Flyer

 

Did you like this story? Would you like to be featured on LatinasInBusiness.us with a FREE PROMO? Contact Susana@latinasinbusiness.us/ and tell me about your business, products or cause! (Limited time offer.)

SIGN UP NOW AND RECEIVE YOUR OFFICIAL BADGE TO OUR LIBizus COMMUNITY!

[contact-form-7 404 "Not Found"]

Belkyis Hair Salon and Spa

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Women walking the streets of Washington Heights and the Bronx in New York or Providence in Rhode Island will find a variety of options to take themselves to a real treat:  Dominican hair salons.

Dominican hair salons

What is the mystery surrounding the attraction of Latinas as well as Anglo and African-American women to these natural beauty and relationship building sanctuaries?

I have a friend, Carmen, who travels one hour at least once a month to treat her hair at Belkyis Hair Salon and Spa in New Brunswick, New Jersey. She is from Chile and has curly long hair; and nobody other than one of Belkyis’ hair stylists –Paola, Yokaira or Sonia –would touch her hair. “They know how to cut my hair and keep the curls manageable,” Carmen said.

I have never been to one of these beauty parlors myself but Dominican salons have gained an excellent reputation for using non-traditional styling methods, natural products and healthy treatments that leave women craving for more. Well, non-traditional here, in the USA!

Dominican salons promote natural products commonly used in their country of origin such as avocado, coconut or almond oils, milk, honey or other vegetable source such as maracuya (passion fruit), rosemary or wheat germ that replace harsh chemical conditioning treatments. Straightening methods are also usually kinder to the hair than flat ironing or chemical relaxers.

Washing, drying and brushing might include huge curlers as part of the scenery, and so might be “wraps” –wrapping your long hair around your head to make it straight, sometimes overnight; all are methods to keep hair beautiful even in the hottest and most humid conditions.

Belkyis Salon and Spa-New-Brunswick

Belkyis Salon and Spa-New-Brunswick

The secret is that Dominicans know hair just because they descend from a mix of races –European, Indigenous, and African– that produces all kinds of hairs –curly, kinky, or textured–and treating those different hairs takes more than technique, it also takes patience and working with the clients until they are happy!

Knowing my friend Carmen, I know she also goes for the social fun of the salon. La “peluquería” o “salón de belleza” is a big part of the culture, where relationships are built, chitchatting is mandatory and bilingualism is optional. At Dominican hair salons, familiarity is part of the service and getting to know a client and her preferences only increases good business. A client is never a one-time deal. If treatment is needed, they are encouraged to come back once the hair has recovered its natural health and energy. Then it is colored, permed or whatever needs to be done.

There are over 3,500 Dominican beauty salons in the New York metropolitan area, while there are increasing numbers in New Jersey, Connecticut and Florida –including South Florida (Miami-Ft. Lauderdale-West Palm Beach) and Central Florida (greater Orlando) with one of the largest Dominican populations in the state. Providence, RI boasts the largest Dominican population in the country and beauty salons are also following this ever growing population.

Pelo!Pelo!, by filmmaker Tracy Grant and Ona Diaz-Santin, hair stylist and co-producer, is a new documentary focusing on Dominican hair salons featuring their owners in different parts of the country. The film profiles Dominican immigrant women opening beauty salons, and digs into their stories in the Dominican Republic: why they left their country of origin and what inspired them to open a business once in the USA, defying all economic odds and creating jobs and security for themselves, their families and for the community to which they belong.

 

LATINAS IN THE WORKFORCE

Dress for Success helps women achieve their goals

/0 Comments/in , /by

The mission of Dress for Success© is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

dress for success dress for interview

Founded in New York City in 1997, Dress for Success is an international not-for-profit organization offering services designed to help our clients find jobs and remain employed. Each Dress for Success client receives one suit when she has a job interview and can return for a second suit or separates when she finds work.

Since 1997, the organization has served more than 700,000 women around the world. Each year we reach nearly 70,000 women in the United States, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Mexico, Poland, Portugal, Ireland, France, Luxembourg and the West Indies. All Dress for Success organizations are not-for-profit entities, with Dress for Success Worldwide and its U.S. affiliates having 501(c)(3) charitable status and those outside the U.S. operating as registered charities. Clothing donations and financial contributions made to its affiliates within the U.S. are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Find out more how to apply visit their website: Dress for Success