We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Janice Robinson-Celeste a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Janice, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
This is a topic that deserves more discussion. The first time I truly felt confident in my abilities, skills, and talents was after a conversation with a high-ranking politician. I realized that I communicated more effectively than he did and that he wasn’t necessarily smarter than me. That moment of clarity gave me the confidence to keep moving forward, though I still face moments of self-doubt from time to time.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am Janice Robinson-Celeste, Publisher & CEO of Successful Black Parenting Magazine, a groundbreaking platform dedicated to empowering Black families and parents raising Black children. Our mission is to provide actionable resources, advice, and representation that celebrate the unique joys and challenges of Black parenting.
What makes Successful Black Parenting Magazine special is our focus on culturally relevant content that resonates deeply with our audience. From practical parenting tips to discussions on navigating societal challenges, we’re here to inform, inspire, and support families on their parenting journey. We don’t tell you how to parent, we give you the information and the best practices and you take from it what resonates with you as a mom, dad, or guardian.
One of the most exciting aspects of our work is creating spaces for meaningful engagement. Our syndicated BACKtalk Podcast is a prime example of this. It’s a space where we amplify Black voices and explore vital topics such as mental health, neurodiversity, technology, and more. Featuring expert guests and advocates, each episode fosters real conversations that inspire action and community building. If you haven’t tuned in yet, BACKtalk by Successful Black Parenting is a must-listen for parents seeking empowering and thought-provoking discussions.
We’re also thrilled to announce two major initiatives:
The National Black Parenting Conference (NBPC) – Taking place online February 7-8, 2025, this event will bring together experts, advocates, and parents to explore topics like self-care, raising neurodiverse children, and breaking cycles of parenting trauma. It’s an incredible opportunity to learn, connect, and grow with a supportive community.
The Black Parenting Academy – This new online learning platform offers courses, workshops, and resources tailored to the needs of Black families. From managing technology to creating safe spaces for kids, the Academy is designed to equip parents with the tools they need to thrive.
Through these initiatives, Successful Black Parenting continues to expand its reach and impact, ensuring that Black families everywhere have the support and resources they deserve. I’m incredibly proud of our work and look forward to continuing to uplift our community.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey were resilience, the ability to communicate effectively, and strategic networking. These traits and skills not only helped me navigate challenges but also allowed me to build meaningful connections and establish credibility in my field.
Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks and adapt to challenges has been crucial. Life and business often throw curveballs, but resilience enables you to learn from failures and keep pushing forward. To develop resilience, I recommend embracing a growth mindset, seeking support from mentors, and practicing self-care to maintain mental and emotional strength.
Effective Communication: Whether it’s articulating ideas, presenting yourself confidently, or building relationships, communication is key. For me, this skill has been invaluable in connecting with people and advocating for my work. To improve communication, focus on active listening, refining your public speaking skills, and tailoring your message to your audience.
Strategic Networking: Building relationships with the right people has opened doors I couldn’t have imagined. By surrounding myself with individuals who challenge and inspire me, I’ve grown both personally and professionally. To network effectively, I advise attending industry events, joining online communities, and being intentional about offering value to others in your network.
For those early in their journey, my advice is to take deliberate steps to position yourself as an authority in your field. Share your knowledge, create opportunities to showcase your expertise, and don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. Confidence comes with practice, and the more you engage with others in your industry, the more you’ll grow. And remember, every conversation, collaboration, and connection is a step forward on your journey.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
We are always looking for meaningful partnerships and collaborations to expand the reach and impact of Successful Black Parenting Magazine. As a platform dedicated to empowering Black families and parents raising Black children, we welcome collaborations with individuals, organizations, and brands that share our mission of creating positive, actionable resources for families.
Who We’re Looking to Collaborate With:
1) Black-Owned Brands and Businesses:
We are eager to partner with brands that cater to families, children, and parents, including those in industries like toys, clothing, baby products, educational tools, and health and wellness. Collaborations could include sponsored content, product reviews, giveaways, and more.
2) Media and Corporate Partners:
We’re open to partnerships with media outlets, corporations, and organizations committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion to co-create content, sponsor events, or promote educational initiatives.
3) Celebrities and Public Figures:
We’re eager to work with celebrities and public figures who are passionate about uplifting Black families. Collaborations could include interviews, cover stories, event appearances, or using their platform to amplify Successful Black Parenting’s mission.
4) Nonprofits and Advocacy Groups:
Organizations focused on family support, child development, education, and racial equity can partner with us to develop joint campaigns or amplify their work through our platform.
5) Experts and Thought Leaders:
We invite educators, child development specialists, mental health professionals, and advocates to contribute content, participate in events like the National Black Parenting Conference, or teach courses through the Black Parenting Academy.
6) Influencers and Creators:
Parenting influencers, lifestyle bloggers, and digital creators who align with our mission are welcome to collaborate on campaigns that amplify Black parenting stories and resources.
How to Connect With Us:
If you’re interested in partnering with us, we’d love to hear from you! You can reach out to me, Janice Robinson-Celeste, directly at [email protected] or visit our website at SuccessfulBlackParenting.com. Let’s work together to create impactful content, resources, and events that uplift and support Black families everywhere.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://SuccessfulBlackParenting.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/successfulblackparenting
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlackParenting1
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/successful-black-parenting
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SuccessfulBlackParenting
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.