entrepreneur – JustAskMaia

Bitch you doing a good job.

Posted on October 25, 2021 by JustAskMaia

Hey y’all HEY!

What a week. I had the whole week planned out and that shit did NOT go accordingly. Yes business was AH-mazing and we even took an impromptu trip to the mountains. But BAYBEEEE! WHEW!

Fasten your seatbelt, you are about to hear the side of business ownership that most people will not tell you. Yea, you absolutely can be successful in your business, make a lot of money, look cute, have a happy family and STILL be losing your fucking mind.

This is why I am so transparent with my journey as a wife, mother, and successful business owner. People will have you think that once you have it all together life becomes effortless. That. Shit. Is. A. LIE! BRUH! I plan everything, not even in an obsessive way but very strategically. Meals, vacations, cleaning, school, work, you name it. I know it sounds like A lot to some people but as a mother of 10, wait, a PREGNANT mom of 10 trust me when I tell you, it is necessary. So, I understand that everyone does not function the same so I do allow myself to veer from the schedules to give a little spontaneity. HOWEVER, despite the fact that there was nothing planned for the week the trip to the mountains stressed me all the way out!

First I couldn’t find an air bnb that was close enough to stay so we booked two rooms at a hotel. Let me just say that hotels are so overpriced in comparison to air bnb. 🙄 Like most families, instead of packing, I just went shopping for everyone. No? Just me. 😐. So one of the days was dedicated to shopping for 10 children 😭. LOADS of money but okay, not a surprise. Then, I forgot to pack road food because 1. McRush has to be eating on the road because imma go to sleep as soon as the engine starts running 😂. So the food keeps him occupied. 🤷🏾 2. The children like snacks. Like, ALOT! This means more money spent. 😑 So okay, no biggie, we got it, right? The plan was to shop at a grocery store and cook while on our trip. So we get there and I’m like FUUUUUUCK DAT! I’m not cooking. I’m on vacation too. So we’re eating out. Yup, you guessed it. More money. 🤑 The rooms had two FULL sized beds. Who thee fuck shares a full sized bed? It was official. I was stressed. THIS is why I don’t do spontaneous. But okay. We get to the mountains pit stop and go to the restrooms. Leave and as soon as we get to our location, “mom, I have to pee” BRUH! Over all, the experience was fun and new. It was great for memories but baybee! Imma have to clone myself before I do that again because, I’M NOT!

So boom, we get back, still nothing on my schedule so imma chill out. Right? Wrong! I needed a nap, you know pregnancy kicking my ass. Nah, the RushBunch act like Daddy is golden and cannot be disturbed. Every five seconds somebody is calling my name, diaper change, tattling, whining. So I finally call dad like dude. Get your children! I finally get a moment of peace and 3 minutes in, a client calls with an emergency. Now I’m up until 1 am handling some last minute work. Where errybody at? Sleep.

I was livid. I wanted to cry. Okay, I did. I tried to be spontaneous and surprise the ingrates but no it was still mommy can I all the way there, through the trip, back, and at home. (I cried because it took me a lot to step out of my comfort zone of schedule a and when I did, I was miserable as fuck.)

The bottom line is, regardless of how much you plan, anticipate, or organize, life can get stressful. That is why I take solo vacations, pamper myself, and make sure I pour into me on a regular basis. Because sometimes in life, as a mom, you legit have to say #FDK and take the time to make YOU smile. Because baby, you deserve it! 🥂

Friiiiiiiiieeeeeends!

Posted on May 26, 2021May 26, 2021 by JustAskMaia

Hey y’all! Oh em gee! Its been so long. Why y’all let me go this long without talking to you?! 😜 I have so much to tell you! Like seriously.

Did I even tell you guys about Maia? 🤔

Shoot! Well, I am finally writing that book. Yes hunty! It is TIME. My business is booming, I’m traveling SOLO! Girl let me tell you, life is GOODT!

I just got back from a 4 day Vegas trip. 😍 I lost $325 though. Gambling is NOT for me but I had fun. I thought I would miss the children but I missed them less when I called McRush and they were yelling in the background 😂.

I took random naps. Had morning mimosas or shots ← Judge ya mama 🙄. I even snuck in a smoke 🤗 ← again…. ya mama.

I don’t have to tell you that this was a much needed trip. This is one of the reasons I am writing this book.

Self care is so important especially as a wife, mother and business owner. Free time in my house, especially with 10 children, is scarce around these parts.

I have a partnership with Dell, ADP, and was recently given the position as District Implementation Director with Black Wall Street. I have been recently published in a few magazines, guest host on a few podcasts and radio shows and I am so excited to share more in a couple of weeks.

For now I am just checking in and I Hope you are following me on social media for more. I really want you on this journey with me because I want you to live you best life too. You deserve it..

Insomnia! REALLY?! Guh!

Posted on October 7, 2020 by JustAskMaia

So with all that’s been going on with me, I have now developed a case of insomnia. Usually I welcome insomnia with open arms because I actually like to work through the still of the night. When the house is quiet, outside of McRush snoring, I can get so much accomplished which rejuvenates me to still wake up in the early morning hours because I be so damn proud of myself and I just be on GO for days! However, with a newborn that wakes every hour and a half I find myself stealing naps and mini rests every opportunity I get.

A couple weeks ago I got extremely sick. I had a 104+ temperature, chills, nausea, lethargy, a massive migraine, and a case of Gross Hematuria. I could not eat or even keep my eyes open for more than 10 minutes at a time. I literally slept an entire week away. I would check in with members of my team, mostly my assistant, to be sure business didn’t skip a beat. McRush took care of home like the pro that he is. The truth is, I thought I was going to die. My anxiety was so high that I thought my heart was going to bust through my chest. It was extremely hard to calm down especially not knowing what was going on. Because of all of this I lacked nourishment to be able to produce milk to feed my daughter and somehow whatever was going on caused me to have peripheral neuropathy in my hands. I’m having a hard time. I’m pushing through, but I am definitely having a hard time.

Its crazy because with all that’s going on in the world, no matter how sick I was, my biggest fear was having to go to the hospital and never coming home. Nah, imma thug it out. And did. Between my amazing doula and McRush, here I am.

I go in to get a triple renal scan soon but until then its mini meals and taking it easy for numb Nina, my nickname since I can’t feel my hands. Lol.

I said all that to say that I think its slightly unfair that I have insomnia now. Especially since Maia is sound asleep and I am just up. But, as always, I look at the bright side of things. I was able to do some research, even though I didn’t want to. I read a big portion of this book I have and I have been able to blog and update you guys.

I’ll keep you posted but until then, keep being great. 😊

People assume I’m a master multitasker but the truth is, I don’t multitask at all. Ever.

Posted on October 3, 2020 by JustAskMaia

I used to hear the saying that we all have the same 24 hours in a day and I remember thinking, that’s the dumbest thing I have ever heard. First of all, of course we do. Second, we all have different lives, issues, tasks, troubles. How can you assume that I can get done what you can get done based off the fact that everyone’s day is the same length. You don’t know me! (In my best Madea impression). Ah, but alas. There is this thing called growth. Many of you know I am a Philly native so the hustle and bustle of going from point A to point B then C and D is like music to my ears. As a matter of fact, I was one of those people who had 3 jobs at once regularly or I was in college with 2 jobs. I mean, where I’m from, if you only have one job and nothing else, you were considered lazy. I had my first son and still worked two jobs. I’ll be honest, I loved it! I was always so busy. I felt important. Hustling towards my goals. But really, I was spinning my wheels. I was always busy but never productive. Yeah, I worked all those jobs but most of my money was spent on transit to get to and from, bills that came despite the fact that I was almost never home, and take out because I never had time to cook. What was I really doing? I was mid twenties when that same “stupid” saying “we all have the same 24 hours in a day” started to make so much sense to me. Over the years, becoming a parent 11 times over, I realized there is no such thing as multi tasking. You’re either doing it or not. And if you are simultaneously doing two, or more, things at once then you are not giving nor achieving your best. Do you know how to combat the urge to multitask? Schedules. I say this so much and do you know what’s funny? Most people don’t know how to create a schedule much less abide by it. That’s why their productivity is well, unproductive. Most people would much rather feel busy than actually be productive but do you know why? They don’t realize the difference.
That’s what makes me so unique in the Business Consulting/Coaching world. I am able to build a successful business, help others build theirs, Homeschool my children, and love on my husband without losing myself or my mind.
As moms we are already hella busy let me help you make life run more simply.

Book your FREE Fit To Prosper and lets get productive. www.RushConsultingFirm.com

To beat their butts or not…..

Posted on July 3, 2017 by JustAskMaia

I’m not here for a debate so I will just jump right into it.

As a mother to 9, soon to be 10, children, I assure you that this is the most asked questioned we get. It is usually dressed up nicely by those who try to be politically correct or just plain nosey. “How do you get them to behave?’ or “What do you use?”

The answer in my head is, none of your dang business, but I play nice and smile and say “Love.”

Believe it or not children do respond well to it. Now, please do not be misinformed, they CAN get it but it doesn’t resort to that.

I have my days when I want to pull my hair out or simply state to my husband, ..”and we have NINE”. I get headaches and I fuss. Most times I put myself in time out which is usually the attempt to hide in my closet from the littles who have not yet learned my moods and patience level.

Every time, and I do mean every time, we are out in public we are approached with statements like, “I can’t even get my two children to behave, I cannot imagine having nine”. The truth is, if you cannot get your two children to behave then you probably should have stopped at one. I know, that was harsh but you are the parent.

As for me I am the most impatient person I know and I do not accept anything less than your best and that goes for my children as well. If they are wrong, I tell them they are wrong. If they are not doing their best, I tell them that too. If they are acting like a jerk, I let them know that as well. I am really bad at sugar coating things and that goes for my children as well. I pretty much treat my children like I treat my clients. I am not here to feed you fairytales about how wonderful you are and how great the world is. I am here to tell you the truth and prepare you for an even harsher truth called life.

So I suppose by now you are like, answer the question already! So, No. No I do not beat my children into submission otherwise my life would be much simpler. My children are very well behaved in public but let me tell you something, they are absolutely barbaric at home! I mean really, flipping through the house, jumping down the stairs, running around like loose weirdos, but in public, not a peep.

There really is no secret to it at all. Do I believe children should get their butt beat? Yup. I have seen some children that I just want to beat on site, old school with an extention cord but they are not mine so I digress and mind my business like I would like people to do about mine.

Again, I definitely have my days, especially trying to work on my businesses and homeschool whilst continuing to be a good wife and mother. It is tiring and oftentimes stressful. I recently spoke with someone about this issue I have about feeling like I was going to go crazy and she suggested I, get this, get organized!!! What, the nerve! But I took her advice and spent the last week in June creating a slew of schedules that I implemented starting July 1st. And although it is only the second of July, my life has never been so smooth sailing, even before the RushBunch. We stick to those schedules like my life depends on it (because I think it does). This is the second night where nine o’clock hit and all of my children are asleep. This feels like heaven! If I keep this up, this may not be the last Rush out of me yet [LIES].

I am so grateful for her and her wise words to me. Now I am like a child in a candy store; excited to get to bed before one a.m.

Caught in the middle.

Posted on June 20, 2017June 20, 2017 by JustAskMaia

There is a man that I look up to very much, yes someone outside of McRush. He is a very wise man and a very prosperous business owner, which is why I look up to him and have been even before Rush Consulting Firm was thought of. He keeps me on my toes with his creative ideas and desire to continue to move forward. He gave me some advice awhile back and I was hesitant yet equally as eager to take it. For those who know me or my Facebook page, I am very vocal when it comes to Reflections, whether it be for self accountability (which I blogged about and if you didn’t read it, you should) or for the injustices and/inequalities of Reflections. I am very unapologetic and dedicated to moving forward in what some would call the revolution, but I call Stand up.

This amazing man told me that I should clear my Facebook of things on my personal page that would be deemed as biased which in turn would potentially turn away clientele. I thought that he had a point and so I tediously went through my Facebook page and deleted all of my ‘controversial’ posts. I was compliant and I did not feel as sad about it as I would have thought. HOWEVER, moving forward as well as thinking back, I should have left it although I still agree that in general it was a very wise decision, just not for me.

Let’s think back first. Rush Consulting Firm, rather the intent for Rush Consulting Firm, was for the empowerment and building along with self sufficiency FOR Reflections not the general population. Yet going along with the general conception, I was quickly seen as an asset to ‘other’ communities rather than that of Reflections. Business is business and I rarely turn it down so I found myself oftentimes promoting to all as opposed to some which is where fine tuning my very public Facebook comes in.

Now let’s look at moving forward. The goal for Rush Consulting Firm still remains, in my heart, one of the biggest assets to Reflection’s community. Although it’s like pulling teeth, I will not lie, to get Reflections to support, I still have much confidence in my vision for my company. It is a matter of showing that Rush Consulting Firm is indeed an asset.

As I look through my Facebook feed, It really breaks my heart all of the stories I hear about police brutality towards Reflections. As a mother and wife I cannot take the pain of so many people lost at the hands of police. I want to yell and scream and cry and fight. Therefore I find myself here, knowing the advice is very good advice but do I post about it?

Let me say that I know posting means NOTHING! Nothing! You can post and cry, you can post and march but change will not come until we stand. I am so tired. Everyone is waiting for a leader, someone to follow, but that is what is wrong with the community of Reflections, we are not taught to lead ourselves. We are so busy fighting among one another; who is more black, is Jesus real, black on black crime vs police on black crime. We are literally fighting the injustices of our people, the injustices for our people, AND our own people. When will enough be enough? What is wrong with us?

I know the revolution isn’t for everyone, but are we really this naive as a people? I do not know about you but I will NOT die with my hands up and I will NOT die on my knees.

All power to the people.

-Rush

To entrepreneur or not…

Posted on February 28, 2017February 28, 2017 by JustAskMaia

I have known my entire life that I never wanted to work for someone besides myself. I also knew I was destined for, well, more. I couldn’t quite put my finger on that ‘more’ but I knew that I would know it when I seen it. At fifteen, I worked at Burger King and McDonald’s and Taco Bell. When I was seventeen I got a night job in the mail room at Corestates bank (which became First Union which became Wachovia which became Wells Fargo). I would get off at 7 am and rush down Center City to my second job, United way, and work from eight until two and then I would rush down to my first class, English, at Peirce College. My whole life has been about the hustle and bustle, which I never really minded being a city girl and all but there was nothing to show for my hard work, dedication, and drive except a very exhausted me.

In 2009 after the passing away of my daughter, Madison, I decided I needed to live! I started my company Rush Consulting Firm from literally nothing and I just kept pushing. Every time I wanted to quit I thought about the times I never quit on my bosses out of a sense of obligation. Every time I felt like I just couldn’t do it, I reminded myself of all the late nights and early mornings I pushed for companies who never even noticed my hard work. And every time I felt like a failure, I remember the courage it took to build what I have built.

I want to say that entrepreneurship is not for everyone, but I know that is not true. Even if you decide not to leave your full time job, I implore you to never give up on your dreams. Just a few minutes a day, a couple hours a week, a few weeks out the year will have you feeling more dedicated and refreshed to do more, be more, even in your everyday life. There is something amazing about giving a little bit of you to yourself that makes it all worthwhile, and if you can inspire someone along the way, even better.

I know what some of you may be thinking; Time. Let me tell you a little something about time. Time is your most valuable asset. Time is something you can choose to be generous with or selfish with. Time is something that is yours to do with as you please. Time is one of those things that you can never get back. So you can spend your life planning it or you can spend your life living it, but its your time to do with as you wish.

As a wife, mother, and serial entrepreneur, I can say that sometimes things will get hectic but for me, I choose not to make a fuss over time as long as I spend it the way I desire to. I have 9 children and I home school them all. That is in addition to running a seasonal toddler boutique where the items are made by hand, by me; I also run a successful Consulting Firm where I do everything from coaching to speaking, resumes to job placement, and, our specialty, helping people start the business they always wanted to. In addition, I host Meet and greets called Heels&Hustle where we bring together women who do, did, and want to start their business for the purpose of networking, collaborating, and mentoring. Trust me when I say that I know all about time management and that is why I believe, no, I KNOW you can do it too.

Entrepreneurship IS for everyone. Whether its full time, part time, seasonal, or weekends only, be sure to give it a go. There are people around you that believe in you and your vision and they are just waiting for the opportunity to support you. You can do it.

-Rush

I never knew.

Posted on October 23, 2016October 25, 2016 by JustAskMaia

Hello Gems!!!

It has been a couple of weeks since I posted and a little more than that since I had a rant but….here it goes.

Did you know that I was not light skinned or skin, or skint (smh). Apparently a few women whom deemed me unqualified to speak out for people, my people, because I am brown skinned and therefore I am somehow in a category that places me in a realm of privileged.

Now, I do not necessarily refute this but being an entrepreneur I have not had to endure this in the working world. A young lady posted about light skinned people basically carrying their privilege around with heads touted in the air proudly. I made the mistake of commenting on her post stating that we need to stop allowing the divide within our race and stand together. I gave an example of my cousin and the trauma she went through and ultimately spilling my own beans out of frustration and bewilderment as to how they just did not get it. Well, let me tell you, these ladies had a field day demeaning my complexion (or my thoughts of it) as well as my character, views, intelligence, etc. I looked on in amazement that the fact that I was speaking in unity and NOT dark skinned was an issue. I HONESTLY do not know how what I was saying was taken so far out of context in a matter of minutes. Now, I LOVE my extra dose of melanin people, their complexion is so very beautiful to me but these particular ladies attitude… straight horrible. I never one time demeaned anyone or their views, I was even agreeing with them but please do not get it twisted, I am still black. I was raised to not speak to people in a manner I did not want to be spoken to. This conversation had my heart beating so fast and my palms sweaty. Why do we scream out BLACK LIVES MATTER yet continue the divide within our own race? No. One. Else. Does. This. Not like we do. but we want equality and justice but we continue to rob, kill, and destroy one another. We cannot even respect ourselves to stand united. What are we going to do with equality? Yes I am aware it exists but don’t blame me for it. I did not Write a memo to God stating I will only go to earth if you make me…..smh.

So, I open up the dialogue for advice and conversation. I am posting the conversation below. But first this:

“You must use the dark skin slaves vs. the light skin slaves and the light skin slaves against the dark skin slaves” -Willie Lynch

post on facebook: ‘Okay so I’m still mad, how does a person deal with opression everyday and then still fix their mouth to say someone else’s opression doesn’t exist because it’s one form they don’t experience? I’m calling out all light skin people, do fucking better. If I catch you I will come for you, with all of the fury I have stored in this short fluffy body I swear!’ (I left the typos intentionally as to not tamper with her words)

My (along with everyone else’s reply. ( I will try to remove names because I do not want anyone confronting these ladies because they are still my sisters)

Me:

Maisha Rush

👀 the biggest problem, in my opinion, is how WE as black women choose to seperate our struggles! We are all black no matter what the complexion. We all have issues that we shouldn’t have to go through but intead of supportinng one another we try to demean one another in attempts to exemplify how our light skin isssues are bigger than our dark skin issues and vice versa. I watched as my dark skin cousin was constantly told that she was pretty for a dark skin girl girl. Meanwhile I was being rejected because I was so called light skin and proceeded to have a nasty attitude by thinking I was better than someone else. I have seen the problems from both spectrums and her problem was not bigger than my problems and my problems were not bigger than her problems, but collectively WE had a problem as black women. There is too much division. Smh it is time out for this, like literally, we are being killed in drones and here we sit sulking and complaining about complexion issues. #PettyMinds

Like · Reply · 2 · 11 hrs

Hide 51 Replies

Ebony Murphy-Root ‘Both sides’? Nah

Like · Reply · 5 · 11 hrs

Maisha Rush ????? My point exactly. You’re focusing on a statement I made that you do not agree with instead of seeing my point… smh. I digress. You’d rather be argumentative than objective. We have to do better.

Like · Reply · 1 · 11 hrs · Edited

Ebony Murphy-Root Maisha Rush So does racism go ‘both ways’ too?

Like · Reply · 5 · 11 hrs

Maisha Rush Nope. Black people aren’t racist, they are defensive.

Like · Reply · 1 · 11 hrs

Ebony Murphy-Root Maisha Rush BINGO

Like · Reply · 4 · 11 hrs

Maisha Rush We can only be biased in reference to the initial comment I made.

Like · Reply · 11 hrs

Ebony Murphy-Root Maisha Rush Same with dark-skinned black women.

Like · Reply · 5 · 11 hrs

Maisha Rush I get that. I cried with my cousin. Defended my cousin. FOUGHT for my cousin. I get it, hell, I almosted hated light skin people in the midst of it. It is sad. I love her melanin, even more than she did. Our relationship was cut off because she one day decided to hate me too, even still not loving herself. So yes, despite your opinion, I have seen the pain from both spectrums ( light vs dark).

Like · Reply · 1 · 11 hrs · Edited

Ebony Murphy-Root Maisha Rush There is no ‘both spectrums’.

And colorism is not the result of ‘low self esteem’ and ‘even still not loving yourself’. I can understand why she stopped talking to you though, if this is how you talked to her. Would you be friends with a white person who told you racism was a result of not loving yourself enough? Can you truly not hear how obtuse that sounds?

Unlike · Reply · 10 · 11 hrs

Maisha Rush What are you even talking about? I’ve never once mentioned how I spoke to my cousin all I did was uplift her and encourage her and tell her how beautiful she was and how she didn’t have to listen to the things that people were saying about her. I only speak now about knowing botj spectrums because I seen the pain that she went through and I know the pain that I went through and my bottom line is we are black women, we need to uplift and encourage and Inspire one another learn to be there for each other. I have no idea what you THINK you read but I impore you to re read. I never said one was better than the other or she should not feel the way she felt after suffering the name calling. I just reminded her. How beautiful she was. She will even tell you that. Tje reasom she atopped talking to me is because she could not see past the pain and she apologized to me for that. So please do not come for me because you misinterpreted what I said. All you had to do was ask for clarification instead of attacking my opinion.

Like · Reply · 2 · 11 hrs · Edited

Heather Lovechild *rolls eyes at folks who purposely miss the point*

Like · Reply · 7 · 11 hrs

Maisha Rush Furthermore it would. Seem you are being argumentative for the same reason. #JimCrow got us by the balls.

Like · Reply · 1 · 11 hrs

Heather Lovechild #you
#aint
#light

Unlike · Reply · 7 · 11 hrs

Kio Shaala Sapey I agree with you coming from a 3girl household with 3 extreme variations of skin tones. Thank good my mother called out every ignorant comment directed and it taught is to love our differences and embrance them.

❤

Unlike · Reply · 2 · 11 hrs

Ebony Murphy-Root Maisha Rush LOL I’ll take definition B

Unlike · Reply · 2 · 11 hrs

Maisha Rush @ Heather Lovechild I totally agree. However society says otherwise. I have been arguing about it all my life. But thanks for the verification.

Like · Reply · 2 · 11 hrs

Maisha Rush Getting tired of being told I am too light to know the real struggles but too dark to reap the privileges.

Like · Reply · 2 · 11 hrs

India Camille Viguerias Sigh lightskin privilege is a thing, it has nothing to do with being “division” just as much as talking about racism isn’t divisive. Being too light doesn’t bar you from jobs. It doesn’t make you a target for violence among other things. You will lose nothing by confronting your privilege to help our darkskinned sisters in their struggles. Light skinned people are told they think they are better because of their light skin, dark skinned women get compared to animals and insects and dehumanized completely the struggles aren’t the same. Just like it’s not the same when a black person calling a white person cracker as the white person say the n word.

Unlike · Reply · 14 · 10 hrs

Maisha Rush Thats what everyone thinks (referring to jobs) but plenty of my friends (purposely taking myself out of the equation for aforementioned reasons) who did not get a job because they were black. Regardless the complexion, you are still black. Thats what they see. The biggest division in the color scale is our own. But you are correct, affirmative action would pull the lightest brightest

Like · Reply · 1 · 10 hrs

India Camille Viguerias Again it’s been proven that if they believed you are mixed you are twice as likely to be hired then those who don’t come of as such. Your reply is Ill informed

Like · Reply · 6 · 10 hrs

Maisha Rush My reply can’t be ill informed when it is my experience and opinion…

Like · Reply · 1 · 10 hrs · Edited

Andrea Seals Erm pardon me for interrupting but uh Maisha.. you ain’t even light skint. 🤔

Unlike · Reply · 5 · 10 hrs

Maisha Rush Andrea Seals I am aware of that and have already stated and agreed. However I have not always been this tanned and I was speaking of my younger years. Thanks for the dig though…. smh

Like · Reply · 2 · 10 hrs

Andrea Seals I think we need to start remembering there is the third category of being brown skint.

😂 Not being dark isn’t automatically light. Seems to happen a lot lately.

Like · Reply · 8 · 10 hrs

Andrea Seals Not a dig I promise.

Unlike · Reply · 4 · 10 hrs

India Camille Viguerias Lmao opinion can be ill informed look at white people. They also voice from their opinions and experience, due to their privilege they are also more like to miss judge the severity of an issue.

Unlike · Reply · 9 · 10 hrs

Maisha Rush Good point India Camille Viguerias

Like · Reply · 2 · 10 hrs

Maisha Rush I promise I did not come on here to argue (or be reminded I am not light/dark) just voicing my opinion like everyone else.

Like · Reply · 2 · 10 hrs

India Camille Viguerias So duly noted

Like · Reply · 2 · 10 hrs

Ebony Murphy-Root Andrea Seals Yes, but there is being dark and ‘not dark’. Being ‘not dark’ is the privileged category for skin color.

Unlike · Reply · 6 · 10 hrs

Andrea Seals Definitely Eb. Dark skint here. Lately just too many folks love claiming light when it’s not true. Even looking at the 4 of us here, India is the only one actually light skinned. The rest of us would all be “dark” because people are too lazy to think otherwise. But you and I actually are, Maisha is somewhere in the middle. All relative.

Like · Reply · 5 · 10 hrs

Maisha Rush How bout we work together so its not a privilege category. It seems I am being attacked because I am brown skin and now know no struggle.. my initial comment was said to say we have to unite ourselves so we can stand together instead comments were made inside and outside of this post about how I was not light skinned to which I never said that I was. I believe that is a big problem because instead of unifying we are still dividing. But thats fine, maybe not you and me. But one day we will. Be blessed my loves.

Like · Reply · 1 · 10 hrs · Edited

Andrea Seals No ones attacking you for being brown. We don’t care, you’re brown. Just stating the right category lol. Have a nice day.

Like · Reply · 3 · 10 hrs

Rachel Chance Her problems are bigger than yours, when she is at an increased risk for abuse and discrimination. You’re being ignorant, stubborn, and obtuse.

It isn’t about separating struggles, but acknowledging the nuances of oppression.

Like · Reply · 8 · 10 hrs

Maisha Rush I have 9 children of every complexion and I will disagree because when I moved to a new neighborhood when I was younger I was beat up everyday for being lighter. My daughter used to Come home crying because people would tease her because she isn’t black. You beautifully melanates sisters don’t know my stories. Being gang raped and called white girl. Not being dateable by dark skin men because I cannot connect with the struggle. Light and brown skinned girls get it too.. When I said her problems were not bigger than mine and vice versa I meant in the realm of coming together and not pointing fingers at who has it worse but what we are going to do to make it better. Instead I got this. Name calling. Its time we understand one another. Grow from there. Unite from there. Thats all. That was all.

Like · Reply · 1 · 10 hrs · Edited

Andrea Seals Some folks do this shit on purpose to make themselves the victim. 😑 I don’t even bother anymore. Can see racism but colorism… no speaka da English.

Unlike · Reply · 12 · 10 hrs

Maisha Rush But do see it everyday. Every single day. I choose. Not to play victim, but fight and build and uplift. I take no pity and I offer none. Thats why I started my business to help black people have their own so we are not subject to scraps.

Like · Reply · 1 · 10 hrs

Rachel Chance Your exceptional experiences aren’t representative for the majority.

Like · Reply · 4 · 9 hrs

Rachel Chance No one is saying you can’t experience oppression. We’re saying dark skinned women have a bit harder, and the stats speak for themselves.

Unlike · Reply · 7 · 9 hrs

Maisha Rush Not a bit harder Rachel Chance a LOT harder. A whole lot harder. I never refuted that. All I was saying was instead of increasing the divide by pointing out who has it worse which ultimately results in conversations much like this thread, we bond toget…See More

Like · Reply · 1 · 9 hrs

Andrea Seals The marginalized are not the divisive ones. The ones who wanna keep their privilege, are. They don’t get to be comfortable at our expense. Interesting since the OP is doing her part, checking her privilege while calling out others then you come along trying to get her to stop doing the right thing? Ok den.

Unlike · Reply · 11 · 9 hrs

Maisha Rush I never did though. I understand you are angry at the injustices, but what did I do? Say we need to stand together as sisters and fight for one another? That was th only point I made. I speak at functions, I rally and protest. I have been in meetings with government officials, non government officials, travel speaking on the injustices but to you guys, because I am not dark skin, I am no better than the enemy? I did not ask to be born this complexion or this race. I can fight for US just like any other brown skin person can. Who says I never stopped someone from using their privilege? some of you made an assumption from my face and barely bothered to read my words. At no point was I creating a divide, calling people out of their name, or telling someone they were wrong.. it was unity all along but I guess I cannot call for unity.

Like · Reply · 1 · 9 hrs · Edited

Lacey So Heather Lovechild, I was about to say the same thing. She’s not even light skinned……

Like · Reply · 4 · 9 hrs

Andrea Seals Now you’re just making shit up LMAO stop calling us angry anytime we speak up. If anything, my comments are snarky at the most. Now you think we are calling you the enemy? You just wanna be the victim here while claiming you are above that mentality. I’m gonna go enjoy my Saturday, enjoy yours and cut the bullshit please. Stop using words like unity and division in these discussions when you ain’t about the former and the latter is gaslighting.

Like · Reply · 5 · 9 hrs

Maisha Rush Andrea Seals what did I make up? I never called *US* angry…again taking words out of context. I was talking to you directly about being angry about the injustices as we all are. You are making it to imply I am just calling black women angry and I wasn’t. Please do enjoy the rest of your day. I apologize my comment went left. It was never my intention.

Like · Reply · 1 · 9 hrs · Edited

Tisha Tyacke You sound like a poor white person who doesnt understand they have privilege too

Like · Reply · 5 · 9 hrs

Rachel Chance Pointing out colorism isn’t “increasing the divide.” The divide IS colorism. How is confronting the problem the issue to you?

When has pretending problems don’t exist ever been the solution? Dark skinned women are hurting, and they are rightfully angry… and we have people telling them they are the problem. Tuh. We all should be angry.

Unlike · Reply · 12 · 8 hrs · Edited

Maisha Rush Tiffani Dowell where did I go wrong?

Like · Reply · 1 · 5 hrs · Edited

Tisha Tyacke ^your very first sentence sis

Unlike · Reply · 4 · 5 hrs

Maisha Rush Thank you Tisha Tyacke not sarcastically either.

Like · Reply · 1 · 5 hrs

Tisha Tyacke No problem. It was problematic from jump. It definitely rubbed me the wrong way. We live and we learn 🙂

Unlike · Reply · 3 · 5 hrs

Andrea Seals

Heather Lovechild Makes a post about problematic light skints. Problematic light skint hops on with tears

Like · Reply · 12 · 11 hrs

Ebony Murphy-Root Always

Like · Reply · 3 · 11 hrs

Maisha Rush *but I’m not light skin*

Like · Reply · 10 hrs

Heather Lovechild Nah. You aren’t.

Like · Reply · 4 · 9 hrs

Tisha Tyacke Typical

Like · Reply · 3 · 9 hrs

Chantal Monique Come awn. My mom and sis are darker than me. My mom is black skinned. I know DAMN well/ my light skin was/is a privilege. I’ve suffered from discrimination and oppression- but not like them and not in that area. I KNOW- ignorant folk think I’m “safer”. I saw it. I saw their pain & it’s not my job to compare it to mine. My job it to be their voice. My job is to use my privilege.

I cannot understand why some light skinned folks wanna complain about “I got picked on for being light.”

My FAMILY- picked on me for being light. And SO?? So what?? What the hell?? How does that really hurt me/ besides hurt feels (as a little girl).

I feel like it’s a game of oppression olympics. Some of us have privileges that others do not. Just admit it – do what you can to help & hush about the woes – regarding being “lighter”

*ROLLS EYES*

Like · Reply · 4 · 6 hrs · Edited

Mae West Washington Not at all!!!

Like · Reply · 2 hrs

Write a reply…

Heather Lovechild Also, she ain’t light skint either. Lmao

Like · Reply · 5 · 11 hrs

Ebony Murphy-Root Not at all

Like · Reply · 4 · 11 hrs

Heather Lovechild When colorism is so firmly rooted that she attempted to convince folks she was light

Like · Reply · 1 · 8 hrs

Write a reply…

Sharon Wood Thorndike I am definitely aware of my “light skinned” privilege and try to always be mindful of that. I ALWAYS check assholes as well that ever DARE have some negative shit to say about my darker hued brothers and sisters!

Like · Reply · 6 · 9 hrs

Constance Johnson goodness. I’ve seen thin people tears and NOW light skin tears. I’m getting off before I see able people tears and white people tears

Like · Reply · 11 · 9 hrs

Heather Lovechild Man I saw the thin tears about an hour ago. I had to walk away from that

Like · Reply · 3 · 8 hrs

Constance Johnson so disgusting. no one wants to admit their privilege. always pointing fingers and we’re all one, and we all have problems, see i’m just like you, i don’t have privilege, i have to suffer too. just shut up! everyone has problems, but people have privileges too

Like · Reply · 6 · 8 hrs

Heather Lovechild Right. Girl I’s is tired

Like · Reply · 5 · 8 hrs

Write a reply…

Mae West Washington I see it to often dark get played to the left for light shit. The moms from fresh prince, how Paula Patton is glorified for being light, but Meagan good still have to prove herself. I’m light and I see how most dark skinned women a treated as if she isn’t as sexy or beautiful and I’ve always noticed it. I hate it I’m tired of it and as long as I breath air I will stand up for my dark skinned goddesses because y’all/they deserve it. Our race deserve it.

Like · Reply · 1 · 2 hrs

Shanythia Cook Marginalized people can still be bigots.

*End of post*

Sigh. I am so confused and this negative energy had my vibes all off. I was angry all day. I cannot even with some people, I wasn’t mad at the name calling, even though it was childish and showed lack and inability to have a grown conversation without attitude I was mad at the fact that they could not look past my complexion. Like you took an OPINION and turned it into ‘tear Maisha Down day’. But some will say I am again trying to play the victim but for those who know me I, that is not even in my DNA, like foreal, don’t touch me, don’t sympathize, nothing.

What are your thoughts? Do you think I spoke incorrectly or am I just expecting unity too soon, because THIS, this is not it.

*decided to leave the names, they may want the fame.

-Rush

Day two

Posted on September 21, 2016September 21, 2016 by JustAskMaia

Today was harder than yesterday. I had to sniff dinner for a slice of mental satisfaction. I am light headed but I think that is all in my mind because there have been plenty days where I have inadvertently eaten way less than these smoothies and celery. I will admit that I have had a bit more clarity- when I am not thinking of food. Oh my gosh, a whopper right now though! I would like to add that, even though I know your weight fluctuates on this challenge, I am still going to take pride in the fact that I lost three and a half pounds in one day. My detox tea I ordered from Amazon will be in tomorrow too, apparently I was supposed to have some on hand before starting but better late than never right.

I was able to come up with a few financial plans for myself and family. My goal is to help as many people as I can build a foundation of generational wealth, whether it be from starting your own company or investing/saving. I have decided to get back into multi level marketing, or mlm as some may know it. I had my eyes on this one venue but I have been introduced to something else so now I have to make a decision…or do I? I have no problem with multiple streams of income especially when I can afford the initial start up cost which for some companies can be astronomical. I will keep you posted as to which ones I am looking into and choose. I have no problem passing on information.

As far as homeschooling, today was pretty basic, I actually let Te’ teach the children their math essentials and number recognition. He seems to make it more fun than I do so I may have to start paying him for his services and hire him on Tuesdays. I have also come to realize that my children absorb knowledge better in the evenings. So, I will now be teaching them in the evenings after they have played out all of their energy. This also works in my favor because I have decided to give social media a rest for awhile so I can focus on good old fashion foot work. Yep, I am getting out and hitting businesses face to face. I am a little nervous because while this is nothing new to me, I have a direct goal to meet by November so I have to be more firm and not so passive which is hard for me because I am a big ol’ softy. You can pull on my heart strings with a sneeze.

I think that about covers it for today.

-Rush

Family vacation my FOOT!

Posted on September 3, 2016September 3, 2016 by JustAskMaia

So I have been off of here for a few days and there is so much that I would like to share with you guys, my thoughts, interactions, and goings-ons, that I am going to have to post a few blogs tonight just to catch up.

Let us start with this “family vacation” we have recently gone on……..

I do not even know where to start but let me first say that whoever came up with the term FAMILY vacation was obviously delusional in every aspect of the matter. At no point during our trip to Myrtle Beach did I feel or have the remote inkling that I was on vacation. There was nothing that I did that said vacation. I will admit though that everything said, family.

We were blessed to be able to get a room for a very reasonable rate that had a kitchenette in it. There was a pool right outside our door and the beach was like a 45 second walk. The customer service was awesome. The keep was exceptionally pleasant and I even messed up a plate and they did not charge me for it (mostly due to the fact that I was honest and brought it to their attention first). The best part is they were a family and couples only hotel which meant everyone was civilized and respectful of one another. The best part was they never one time turned their noses up or turned us down once they found out that we have 9 children; this is especially a rarity for us when we travel.

Now, the trip. While I felt very extended while away because i was not only doing the same everyday things that I do at home, I had to do them in tighter living quarters and if you know me you would know that I hate clutter and cluttered situations but I digress for the good of the trip. I still had to get up and cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I still taught school and created daily lessons, I still worked for one of my clients (which I will not do ever again), and I still had to pack, unpack, and clean. This has brought me to the sad conclusion that no matter where I am I will always be slave, er, I mean mom.

My children are spoiled to the max and I am okay with that sometimes; on vacation is NOT one of those times.

I am just whining. Although I still felt like the nanny-cook-housekeeper-slave, the smiles and enjoyment from my children makes it all worth it. We went to the beach that my children beg to go to all the time but when we get there, they remember that they are deathly afraid of the water. The laughter I get from that alone makes the trip worthwhile. Lol. Likewise with the pool. Sai almost drowned in 3 feet even though he is 4 foot 2 inches tall. I laughed so hard at his dramatics that I almost forgot to save him (so his brother jumped in to do it). I kept yelling stand up but he was too busy being dramatic. And before you flood me with the fact that it is possible for him to drown in three feet while being over four feet tall, yes, I am well aware of that but if you knew Sai you would totally see why it was funny.

In the end (and even some parts of during) I did thoroughly enjoy the trip <—— (notice I didn’t say vacation). It was fun plus I got to hit some cool Thrift Stores on the way home.

-Rush

	JustAskMaia on Friiiiiiiiieeeeeends!
	JustAskMaia on Rest
	JustAskMaia on Keep talking.
	Angel on Friiiiiiiiieeeeeends!
	Angel on Rest

	JustAskMaia on Friiiiiiiiieeeeeends!
	JustAskMaia on Rest
	JustAskMaia on Keep talking.
	Angel on Friiiiiiiiieeeeeends!
	Angel on Rest